Simon called to Bet, “You can cool the alpha-male behavior, Beary. If either of them start crying, contract be damned!”

Bet's expression softened. He then sighed, “Sorry about this, Rarity, Sweetie Belle. We're not here to hurt you.”

Simon then walked nearby, no longer hanging out beside the wall. He then placed his hands behind his head, and grabbed onto what looked like another ghostly bone, this time a skull. He pulled it free, examining it for damage, before replacing it. “I must say, you've got a mean kick.”

Bet chuckled at both Simon's antics and at their astonished faces. “Don't worry about him, he's just... a little off in the head. Anyways, we've been dropped into your world somewhere in the Everfree Forest, and we really just wanted to see if we could find a civilization. You wouldn't happen to know one, would you?”

Their eyes were still showing their fear, though it had dulled significantly. Bet sighed again, “I hate doing this...” His eyes glowed the same blue as before, as he stared deep into Rarity's eyes. Her muscles unclenched, her eyes lost the scared look and she began to relax, much like Sweetie had done before. He then repeated the process with Sweetie, taking much less time.

“Now that you've calmed down... I think introductions are in order. I'm Bet, and he,” Bet pointed towards the necromancer, “Is Simon.”

Simon then not-so-quietly whispered towards the two trapped ponies, “Call him Beary.”

Bet switched back to Japanese, “Same as with SB?”

Simon nodded.

Bet then continued his explanation. “We're not here to hurt anyone, and we're trying to stay inconspicuous for as long as we can. Now, I'm going to let you go, as long as you promise not to scream, or fight, or anything and let us calmly discuss this. Do you agree?”

Both ponies nodded to the best of their ability.

Bet then nodded to Simon, who was taking some notes. At the nod, Simon then released the bone prison, and Bet had his vines and such retract and climb back into his pocket.

Immediately afterward, Rarity bucked Simon in the chest, back into the wall of the boutique.

Simon crashed harder into the wall this time, “Ow.”

He picked himself up again, “Not the worst I've been hit by a unicorn... but pretty close.” Bet gave him a curious look. “What? I had a life before you, ya' know.”

Bet only muttered, “If you can call it that...” He then addressed the sibling unicorns. “I think we'd best take this inside, yes?” At the three questioning looks, he added, “Don't worry, I'll fit. Probably.”

They went around to the back of the Boutique, and Bet grimaced at the small door. Simon's expression mirrored one of an 'Aha!' moment, before he creaked a little bit. He then shrunk down to the rough height of a toddler, however with saggy skin.

Bet then smacked him again, forcing him to revert to normal. “Don't do that, that's creepy. We're all lucky it didn't mess with your clothes like it could have.”

A small twinkle appeared in Rarity's eye, but it was gone before anyone could notice.

Simon huffed, “The carnival folks love that trick!” he said indignantly. He then continued, “So, how are we getting in?”

Bet chuckled, “You can crouch, and I can crawl. I think that will do it.”

Simon then added his two bits, “Or you can do what you've been doing all day... and grow the building.”

Rarity then kicked Simon again.

Bet chuckled once more at his misery, “Therapeutic, isn't it?”

Rarity smiled, “Quite.”

Simon then crouched low, normally this time, and walked through the doorway. He then stood in the work room that also functioned as the first floor, in a bit of a slouch. “Doubt you're gonna fit in here, Beary.”

Bet knelt down on one knee to see the rough height of the room. He then blanched, as he wouldn't be able to fit comfortably at all. “I hate doing this..” he muttered, glowing green hands touching. His entire form glowed, and his stature visibly shrunk down almost an entire foot; he was now roughly Simon's height.

Simon then had a sudden realization, “Oh for Reaper's sake, we've probably already been detected!”

Bet only muttered back, “Don't care at this point... ow. I don't like this form at all.”

Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle stood astonished at his sudden change in size. Bet followed Simon's example, crouching through the doorway and slouching in the work room.

Simon voiced his complaints, “Sure, I do it and people get freaked out, but he does it and it's Top o' the morning.”

Bet then grinned, “It's because I'm better at this than you. And that was pretty creepy, what you did back there.”

Rarity cleared her throat to gather their attention. “I do believe that we've began with a bit of a rough start. I say we re-do our introductions, yes?”

Simon summoned another bone prison with another gray-glowing finger snap, though it was more floaty and didn't damage anything.

Bet smacked him, and it was gone.

Bet nodded, “I agree. I'm Bet, and he's Simon. And we of course know your names, Rarity and little sister Sweetie Belle.”

Simon then added, “We're from the future. We're Pinkie's friends.”

Bet smacked Simon again, “No, we're not from the future. But we are recently friends of Pinkie.”

Simon glared at Bet, “And the truth is more belief, is it?”

Bet only sighed, “We'll cross- or in your case, burn- that bridge when we come to it. Until then, go with what I say.”

Simon then pointed at Rarity, while Sweetie was off coloring something. “Well, we're here, aren't we?”

Bet continued the explanation, “As I was saying... we've been dropped into the Everfree Forest somehow, no idea how we got here from our home... world? Universe? and We're kinda... looking around.”

The gleam in Rarity's eyes returned.

Simon held his hands up in surrender, “You're explaining the fur.”

Rarity let loose a flurry of questions relating to the fashions of our 'home' which of course, Simon couldn't care less (save for his off comments regarding the odd lack of bones in the designs) and Bet was left with answering what he could. Which wasn't much, as neither life had been really interested in Fashion more than the 'what works, works' function over form.

During the very one-sided conversation, Simon only explained a bit to, what end the end, would be himself. “Robes are quite stylish in winter, mostly. Unless the magi. But I won't complain.” His tone dissolved into muttered complaints. “Why couldn't I have lost a card game with one of them instead of the Jolly Green Giant here...”

Luckily for Bet, someone had come to his rescue during the torrent of questions. Opalescence had walked into the room, which gave Bet an excuse to 'pull a Simon' and distract himself from Rarity and go pet the kitty. “Hello there, Opal.”

The cat meowed in response.

Bet replied, “What do you mean how do I know your name?”

The cat appeared startled, before meowing again.

“Yes, I can understand you. Why?”

Opal meowed again.

“I suppose that makes sense, but... should I really tell her that? She might not take it well.”

Simon walked over to pet Opal, only to get clawed for his troubles. He then muttered darkly, “Use me as a scratching post, and we'll have words...”

Then Opal meowed once more.

“Alright, I'll say it.” Bet turned to Rarity, “Opal here doesn't like the food you give her – a bit too salty, and she wants more petting. And that you should be... well, give Sweetie more attention than you do.”

Rarity didn't know whether to facehoof or be offended. So she settled for a little bit of both. “I.. What do you mean give Sweetie more attention? She's my sister! Of course I give her lots of attention!”

Simon added his two bits again. “I wouldn't bother with the food and the petting. Cats are stubborn, and prideful... a lot like fashion models, from what I've heard.” He got another smack for his troubles. He then sighed, “Even when I'm trying to be genuinely helpful, I get smacked.”

Opal meowed again, and Bet translated. “You know what I'm talking about.”

Bet then spoke for himself, “I think you both do. But Opal, I don't think you should be so... I think blunt would fit best here. And Rarity, I know you take Sweetie for granted. It's as clear as day... at least to me. I can read others well.”

Simon then spoke up. “I can give her a vision of what-if." He then gave a message from his Fey, "And what happened prime directive-ing stay, Beary?”

Bet relayed an answer, “We'll keep the changes to a minimum. Don't worry, things shouldn't change too much. And keep practicing. Your grammar is horrible.” He then turned to Rarity, “Sorry for the secrecy, dear... That one made me feel older than I am.”

Simon then said, “Well, miss Rarity, It's been... interesting, but we really must be going...”

The gleam in Rarity's eyes returned, full blown. Simon then muttered, “Reaper, ease our passing...”

“You simply must let me make you some clothes! You must, you must you must! If for nothing else, than as an apology for the misunderstanding!” Rarity pleaded.

Bet couldn't take it and gave in. He had one condition, “Nothing frou-frou.” he then grabbed Simon before he could escape. “And him first.”

Later...

Bet and Simon stumbled out of the back door to the Boutique. They were wearing a rough equivalent to a tux, which was strange enough. The only thing that remained untouched was the now-fuller leather pack across their back.

Bet managed to voice his concern first. “...What happened?”

Simon then followed it up. “I'm not sure... but I think she gave me a repair kit of some sort. Think there's anything to that?”

“Probably the wall. Don't worry, I got it.”

His left hand glowed a red, and his right hand a dull brown. He cupped his hands over the cracked wall, and thanks to his magic the wall sealed itself back together, unblemished as if it never touched Simon's face.

Simon voiced his thanks, “I've been thinking. And I think the safest destination for our next stop would be the farm. We have no personal gauge to mark Twi, you're not fireproof either... though it is a trek. And since RD's in the clouds...”

And the moment the words left his lips, a scream was heard from above.

Simon sighed, and held out his arms in an effort to catch Rainbow.

And of course, he missed just enough that he broke her fall with his face and shoulders rather than his arms. He then let out an “ow.” which was followed up by a muffled “Normally, this wouldn't be too bad.”

Bet stifled a curse, “This is too soon!”

Rainbow Dash was coming to, unfortunately for our two mismatched heroes. “uwah?”

Simon then muttered, “Hey, he's the hero; I'm just the patsy.” He sat up as Bet stole Dash's attention.

Bet called to Dash, “You okay? That was a bit of a hard landing there.”

She stood on shaky legs, hearing a perverted chuckle in the back of her mind. Or maybe it was behind her? She shook her head again.

Simon then commented, “Rainbow Dash always dresses in style.”

Bet facepalmed, as Rainbow Dash turned to where she heard her name, but not before she bucked out behind her on some sort of instinct.

Her vision's blur dimmed as Simon came into view. She was, like the other ponies, struck speechless. He gripped the back of his head, pulling out his skull as he did before. “Ooh, bruising. Definite concussion. Congrats, you did better than Rarity.” He then replaced the skull.

Thinking quickly, with a glance toward Bet, he then looked up and pointed, “No way! It's Spitfire!”

Rainbow Dash and her naïve fan loyalty forced her to turn in the direction Simon pointed to. “Where, WHERE!?”

Simon then grabbed something from his pouch, and tossed it to the ground as he stood up. It exploded in a thick cloud of smoke. A twinge pointed him towards Bet's location, before they both ran like Nightmare Moon was on their heels, in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

Luckily enough, with Rainbow still a little loopy from the crash, and slowed with the smokebomb, they made it out of sight fast enough that Dash couldn't follow.

When the Acres were in sight, they both stopped to catch their breath. Simon, being almost dead, had an unnatural advantage in that aspect. “Out of curiosity, while you catch your breath, could you, say, survive a mule kick from... say, Diablo?”

At Bet's questioning look, he continued, “History: Fluttershy fainted, Pinkie was Pinkie, Rarity, need I say more, and Rainbow almost caved in my skull. So using that logic, either Big Mac or AJ is going to kick one – if not both – of us before we can get them to try reason.”

Bet then said “I could probably take a kick, but not necessarily unscathed. I'd heal, though.” He then had another thought. “Wait, unprepared or could I brace for it?”

Simon then said, “Probably unprepared, but an expected eventuality.” He then continued, “From prior knowledge, earth ponies are roughly as strong as the Northern Barbarians from 'home' or, rather, respectively. Special abilities currently unknown.”

Bet voiced his thoughts, “Probably something to do with the earth.” He then sighed, “Well, I know we're not ready for this, but are you ready to get mauled?”

Simon chuckled, “It's what I live for,” he said sarcastically. He then continued with, “You may be worrying here, but next stop is one of three beings I suspect can actually disintegrate me.”

Bet then said, “Then let's go.” and began his trek, Simon in tow.

As they walked, Simon had another thought. Scary, right? “Hey, Beary... not that I'm worried, but what happens if we and the fey don't leave? What if we just live here? No strife, no demons, or, at least adorable ones... sounds like a paradise for you. Heh, a death priest as a farmer.”

“You're a priest?”

“Just a title. What about you?”

“Hmm... I probably wouldn't mind. I'll miss my family back home, but... most of the world I knew were pricks, anyway. You?”

“Me? Uhm... well... I'm Death's hand among the living. Best I can hope for at this point is a pat on the head and oblivion.” He then shook his head, “Stupid Fey making me philosophical. Messing with my head, these two sets of memories are. The worst part is I can't actually remember his.”

Bet then said, “I can't help but feel we should be more aware of our surroundings.”

Simon questioned him, “Why do you say that?”

Bet stopped walking, looking around nearby. “Just a hunch.” They were surrounded by apple trees.

Simon paused, “...Ah, I see what you mean.” He shivered, “Great, can you feel that? It's a vein of life force going through the trees. I really shouldn't be this close.”

Bet deadpanned, “I know what it is, moron. I'm the one that gave you it's real name, though I should thank you for not using it.”

Simon continued his thought, “Think they know we're here yet?”

“Probably. But just to be sure...” He reached up and went to pluck an apple from one of the trees.

“Ya touch those apples, and I'll buck ya to Manehattan!”

“Eeyup.”

Simon muttered, “They're making the innuendo too easy...”

If AJ heard it, she hid her reaction well. “Now, State yer name and business and this here won't turn ugly.”

Bet took the initiative before Simon got them killed. “I'm Bet, and this is Simon.” He pointed to the waving, strange little (but still pretty huge) man. “And we're... currently unemployed. Why do you ask?” he added at the behest of his Fey.

Applejack was caught flatfooted, or, uhm, flathooved. “uhm, I.. what?”

Luckily for her, Mac knew the game. “She meant, why are ya here?”

Simon grinned, “Because I wanted a near-me experience for some reason.”

Bet then smacked Simon, yet again. “We're here looking to meet you two, actually. And perhaps Granny Smith and Apple Bloom too, if it's alright with you?”

Simon, taking a break from warily eying the trees, smacked Bet's forehead – he could barely reach, and most everywhere else wouldn't really be noticed - “Great, now we're spies. Good job, Beary.”

Applejack studied Simon with a wary eye, “What's wrong with him? And why's he lookin' at our apple trees funny?”

Bet apologized on Simon's behalf, “Sorry, he's recently had a pretty bad concussion.”

Simon then answered her question. “You want a list?” He ignored Bet's smack. “Your trees are overabundant with life. I am one who balances the beyond, the line between, or if you prefer, I serve the Gray Mare. Life veins, or Creator's Breath, zaps the strength of one such as myself, and if I use my Art, they'll have to call this place Sweet Crater Acres. So I'm a little nervous.” At Bet's look, he continued. “What? Lying to her isn't going to do anything.”

Bet then asked, “Gray Mare?”

“Long story.”

Applejack was more than a little startled by the revelation. Macintosh took it as you'd expect him to, gracefully with not even a full word answer.

Simon straightened himself out, and gave Applejack a glance. “Don't worry, as long as I'm not forced to do anything a regular pony wouldn't, we stay intact. Or, at least, we're not sent to the pasture in the sky. Which is a good thing, because last I thought about it I think I owe GM some money.” There was a bit of an inflection to sky letting AJ know he wasn't talking about pegasus land.

Bet sighed, “Since he's given you his backstory, I guess I'll give a bit of mine. I was raised as a Druid, one who is with nature, and... I can control the wind, the earth, and I can command plants and some animals. Also, I'm technically a lycanthrope.”

Simon commented, “He's basically you guys, as unicorns.”

Bet chuckled, “How oddly appropriate. Oh, and one more thing. Due to a card game from a long while ago, He's bound to me through some strange contract.”

Simon elaborated in his own unique way. “He says 'Jump!' I throw him, that kind of thing.” He got another smack for his troubles. “Say, now that introductions are halfway complete, can we move away from the scary trees of boom?”

AJ probably only agreed because of the Orchard. Mac was rather indifferent, but the glint in his eyes never left. Bet's Fey recognized it; Simon didn't. Or maybe he didn't care much enough to notice.

Simon decided to give more details on the 'last time' he played with the Creator's Breath, as they walked out of the orchard. “Let's just say... I was the only acolyte who thought playing with it was a good idea. Turns out, it wasn't. But I met Kali, so there's that.”

Bet voiced the group's confusion, “Who?”

Simon followed it up, “What?”

Bet then grinned triumphantly, “Exactly. ...wait-”

Simon cut him off, “So! Back to the walking away from the boom trees?”

At the strange looks from all three, he held his arms at his sides and walked slowly forward out of the orchard.

As they arrived at the house, Bet quickly tossed a few of the seeds in his pocket to the ground at Simon's feet, his hand glowing green. Not really paying attention, Simon didn't notice until the vines were in position to coil many times around his legs and waist. He only managed to utter a quick “Oh, ponyfeathers.” before he was trapped and gagged.

Bet then addressed Applejack, “It's so he doesn't get into trouble. Trust me on this one.” He then turned to Big Macintosh, “And I'd like to have a bit of a word with you. About something that the idiot over there and AJ shouldn't hear.”

The glint returned. His expression then hardened, but Bet cut him off before he could say anything. “Don't worry, the vines have held back an overprotective sister for a few moments; they can handle Simon. Especially because of the contract. And he can't scream while he's gagged.” He gave a small wink to Applejack. “So don't worry, she'll be safe.”

Mac reluctantly nodded, and started over towards the barn. Bet then followed.

Simon saw the gleam in Applejack's eyes. He gave his best unrepentant shrug, and raised his eyebrow as if to say, 'You know you want to. Bring. It. On.'

Applejack only smugly grinned.

With Bet and Mac...

Once they were far enough away that they wouldn't be easily overheard, Bet then spoke first. “Don't worry Macintosh, I won't tell her that you're actually as educated as Rarity or Twilight. Just don't beat around the bush, I really need to know this kind of stuff.”

Big Mac looked more than a little surprised, “How'd ya know?”

Bet grinned sheepishly, “To be honest? Lucky guess after observations and a bit of help from a friend.”

Mac sighed, then said, “Horseapples... Alright. Shoot.”

Bet considered his words carefully, trying not to offend. “I need to know what you know of pony anatomy, of all three types, and if there is anything beyond the wings/flight and magic that make the pegasi and unicorns uniquely gifted. I would also like to know if there's something that helps counterbalance the earth ponies that keeps them strong, while still lacking the ability to fly or use magic.”

The talk continued across many topics; what made the ponies unique, how the flight mechanics worked (or at least how Mac speculated and was taught) and more. Mac even explained weird anatomy, but he didn't know much beyond the basics.

Bet cleared his throat, then said to Mac, “Alright, that's an amazing help. But now I've got to ask the question I really don't want to, and this is the reason I had to ask you and not somepony else.” He then leaned in and whispered into his ear.

He then stood back up straight. He couldn't quite tell if Mac was blushing because of his red fur, but he was pretty sure he was.

Mac then calmed himself, and said with his accent returning strong, “Simon best not hear a word a' this.”

Bet then Pinkie-promised, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

Back with Simon...

Still trapped within the vines, he was bruised and beaten. He also had the dreaded feeling that he missed not only a jerkface moment, but also some important information. He tried to growl into his gag, but nothing came out. Bet was getting good at that.

And now, back with the hero and the best candidate for Giant Pony...

Mac finished the ever-awkward explanation. In the back of his mind, something commented that he was lucky that he didn't need to use visual aides.

Bet summarized it up in as few words as he could, “Blushing, heats, and exactly what I thought about reproduction? Yup. Thank you so much. Now we should never speak of this part of the conversation again. Agreed?”

Mac's reply, “Agreed.”

Bet then had a few last things to ask, “Alright, last few things. One, can ponies eat a large amount of sugar regularly with no ill side effects?” Mac shook his head. “So a few ill side effects?” He nodded this time. “Stomach ache?” Another nod. “Makes sense. We met Pinkie earlier today.” Mac then nodded in understanding, and sympathy.

“Okay, Two. What is-” He was cut off as his eyes glowed a hazy purple, writing appearing in the air over Mac's head in his vision. Can ponies be infused with special skills pertaining to their strengths? Oh, and can you hurry it up? AJ is running out of steam.

Bet chuckled, and at Mac's questioning look, he only said “Simon's getting bored. He wants me to ask; 'Can ponies be infused with special skills pertaining to their strengths?' which was, more or less, what I was going to.” Mac considered it, then shrugged.

“Don't really know,” he said. “But If I had to guess, I'd say so.”

Bet then muttered what would most likely be the first words from Simon's mouth. “That would explain so much...” His face stopped with the weird expression. He was sure he heard maniacal cackling in the back of his mind, but he wasn't crazy; Simon said so. “Alright, Three. Do you have any alcohol?”

Mac grinned.

Back with the still-getting-mangled Simon...

'I feel an urge to get hammered approaching. Am I missing something about booze?' Any further thought was removed by a final punch from the panting Applejack.

Spectral fingers then moved aside the gag just enough to say a few words. “Maybe you should take a little rest, hun.”

A new fire kindled in Applejack's eyes, “No one calls me that.” She then stood, prepared to resume the beatdown of Simon with a renewed vigor.

Simon couldn't keep his mouth shut. “Really? 'Cause I've heard a thing or two about you and-” Applejack's hoof cut him off, also removing the spectral fingers. The vines gripped tighter and the gag adjusted itself to a more effective position.

With Bet and Mac once more...

Bet then chuckled himself, “Just making sure. Make it yourself?” Mac nodded. “Anyone know about it?” He sheepishly nodded, “Granny Smith?” he nodded again. “Just her?”

Mac then finally spoke again, “Luckily. I'm sure happy Applejack or little Apple Bloom haven't found it yet.”

Bet then had a scary thought. “Don't let Pinkie find your stash. Burn it if you have to, but don't let Pinkie find it.” Mac's face reciprocated the scenario that passed through his mind. “Yeah, you can see why, can't you?”

Bet sighed. “Alright, now for my half of the deal... This is all we know of our own anatomy...”

The conversation continued, explaining fingers, toes, hair, eyes, and various anatomical things. Bet finally spoke lowly and lightly about human reproduction. Mac's blush was barely visible, but still there.

Bet grimaced. “Shall we never speak of this again?” Mac nodded. “Let's get back to the other two, Applejack should be tired of hurting Simon by now.”

They then walked back to the other two, Simon horribly mangled beyond most of all recognition, and Applejack a sweaty mess. Bet took immediate action, “Don't. Say. A Word.” He then roughly healed Simon and had the vines return to their place in his pocket, shrinking back into the seeds.

Simon, now that he was whole and not tied up, simply jumped up and brushed himself off. “Well, that was fun. We simply must do it again some time.”

That, of course, prodded Mac's overprotective brother button, so he simply kicked Simon twenty meters in the direction of the barn. “Yer lucky ah' held back.”

A gurgled moan was all that was heard from Simon. Bet then healed him... again... and contemplated adding a muzzle.

Simon then stood up, and thought before he spoke. “You have weird ideas about your sister, bro.” He pulled a salt crystal from one of his pockets, holding it up in his fingers before them. “Peace?” Mac gave him a wary glare, but accepted the crystal nonetheless.

“Why in Tarnation do you have a salt crystal in your pocket?” Applejack questioned, mostly recovered from the fevered relentless beating Simon had received at her hooves. It was taxing to hit him that many times. She was also a little frustrated that he was just as well as before; no broken anythings for her work.

Simon grinned, “Alright kiddies! A bit of mumbo-jumbo lesson from Big Brother Simon.” The other three shivered. “Salt is considered a spice in food, however in mysticism it's considered a purifying agent. Both for it's color, which is normally a shade of white, as well as it's properties when used in certain rituals and against some of the more... shall we say, mischievous spirits. White is often interpreted as pure in many different sects. However, if you separate the components, you get two rather nasty ingredients used in dark and battle magics respectively. Chloride is used in the Fey-” He was immediately silence from a crushing punch to his face from Bet.

“No. No Fey.”

He weekly responded, “Okay.” Then he stood up as if it didn't happen. “Never mind chloride. Sodium when added to garlic can be used to knock a pony off their hooves, or can trap a pony in a circle when mixed with cinnamon. Salt is also used in barrier magics. Lesson over.” He then added a little foot note at the end, “Oh, and it also tastes good in small bursts!”

The ponies were understandably confused. They then looked to Bet for confirmation. He nodded, “Most of it's true, anyways. I tend to ignore nearly all of what he says when he rants."

Apple Bloom opened the door to find the source of the ruckus outside. She saw Applejack and Big Mac, nothing out of the ordinary. She then looked up and saw Simon and Bet. Simon waved, and Apple Bloom waved back. She then walked back inside the house, towards the table. Halfway there, she realized something. The two things behind Applejack and Big Mac weren't ponies. And that they were bigger than Big Mac, the biggest pony she knew! So, she screamed.

Simon only commented, “I have that effect on others sometimes.” Bet then smacked him again, before tangling him in the vines once more.

Applejack called to Apple Bloom, “Don't worry, they're friends!” she finished under her breath, “Ah think...” As she talked, she broke the line of sight between Apple Bloom and Simon.

Simon adopted a new mantra, “Child present, no rude comments. Child present, no crude comments. Child present, no..” It wasn't as successful as it should be, but it still held.

Apple Bloom calmed after she heard her sister's words, and she blinked a few times in surprise, cocking her head. Applejack discreetly kicked Simon a few times.

Simon was lucky a gag wasn't part of the entanglement this time, as he introduced the two... humans. “I'm Simon, and the tall one is a shaved bear.” At this, Bet growled. “He donated his fur to help Fluttershy build a few dozen nests for the birds.” He got another slap for his troubles, and a gag to complete his new plantlife getup.

“I'm Bet, young Apple Bloom, and the crazy one with a big mouth that you're probably terrified of is Simon. And he's got a concussion.”

Simon then wriggled out of the gag again, somehow. “Don't forget the brain damage! The brain damage! The brain damage! The brain damage! The brain dam-” he was silenced by another small bit of violence.

Bet glared, “Stop playing around, Simon.” His expression softened, and he chuckled.

Apple Bloom took a deep breath, before assaulting him with another barrage of questions in a fashion not unlike Pinkie earlier that day. “Hi! My name's Apple Bloom, but ah guess ya already knew that, didn't ya? How'd you know that? Can ya read minds? Because ah don't think Applejack would tell ya. Hey! Maybe you're from the future! Wait, what are you anyway?”

As she gasped again to catch her breath, Bet cut her off. “In reverse order, we're humans. Kinda... We're not necessarily from the future. No, Applejack didn't tell us and I can maybe perhaps read minds.”

Simon interjected here, “But not fully. I've been working on that, but so far nothing really sticks.”

Bet then continued after more Simon mauling. “I can't say how I knew your name, mainly because it wasn't me who knew, and lastly, yes, I knew your name. Might I also ask, Who are you more afraid of, me or Simon?”

Apple Bloom thought on it a moment, before settling with “Definitely Simon.” The owner of the name mentioned hung his head in comical despair. Or rather, as much as he could while still being tied up. “Was it something I said?'

Applejack shook her head, before she walked inside with Apple Bloom and Big Mac. “Come on in, you two.”

Bet tried to decline, “Sorry, but we really need to get going.” Simon tried to escape and say something, but the spectral fingers didn't work this time.

Apple Bloom's bow flatted out a bit, her head drooped and her eyes shined as she pouted. “Aren't ya gonna stay for supper?”

Both Bet and Simon (who had caught only half the effect) broke down instantly; they immediately agreed.

They didn't know what they were in for.

They met Granny Smith, had an interesting chat, and from then on it was all a blur.

Later...

They suddenly 'came to' outside the house, much like what had happened at Rarity's Boutique.

Bet rubbed the side of his head, “Man... what happened? I just remember... apples. So many apples...”

Simon shared the bewildered look. “I've not heard of most of the treats... I think... I think...”

Bet quickly grabbed Simon's head in a firm grip, his hand glowing a dull green. “Gotta burn away the sugar, gotta burn away the sugar...”

Luckily, he managed to burn away a good deal of it. Unfortunately, the rest was rapidly absorbed into Simon's bloodstream, and so he was having a sugar rush for the first time in his new body. It wasn't a good thing.

Simon sped to the barn nearby, cackling madly as he went. Bet rushed after him, unable to keep up with him in the hyperactive state. Simon entered the barn, and the moment Bet was in front of the door, Simon sped out of it and towards an open field. Simon then screamed “IMMA PLANT A POTATO!” at the top of his lungs, before he tried exactly that. He dug with his empty hand into the ground as fast as he could, tossed in the potato and covered the little hole he'd dug and ran off... straight into a clothesline from Bet.

At first, Bet was confused. “...Where did you get the potato?”

Simon paused, “What potato?” he then blinked a few times, “Why's it so dark?”

Bet looked up. “Ah. It's dusk. We must have been there for a while...”

Simon sat up clumsily. “So, it's twilight then. Well, an hour or two won't hurt any... uurp...” Bet took three quick steps away.

“Bet you'll throw up.”

Simon was no longer looking ill. “Bet I wont.”

Bet grinned, it was working. “Will too.”

“Will not.”

“Will too.”

“Will not.”

“Will not what?”

“I don't know.”

Simon extended his arm, Bet pulled him up. “Come on, we need to get to Twilight's soon.”

Simon stopped him before he could walk off, “I believe I have a faster mode of travel.”

Bet's eyes narrowed. “It's not the carriage or the skeletal horses, is it?”

Simon grinned, “Nope! It's a new one! I call it... Return to the Grave!” He cackled madly after he named his spell. “Let's go!” Without waiting for a response, Simon grabbed Bet's wrist and disappeared. Bet, of course, followed against his will.

In a strange room...

A gray mass appeared and pooled onto the floor of the room. From it, Simon rose, Bet following close behind. They both looked a little ill. Simon coughed a bit, then muttered “Probably should have actually tested that one...”

He tipped, but Bet stopped him from falling on his face. Simon uttered his thanks. Bet then asked, “So, where are we?”

Simon couldn't help but chuckle and say, “I swear to drunk, I'm not Rathma...” He then steadied himself and took a look around. Turns out, it wasn't a room, per say. “Hmm... open balcony, telescope, pet bed... Not on the ground floor... which means... I'll have to rename the technique.”

Bet's Fey recognized where they were. “Ah, ponyfeathers. We're on Twilight's little observatory deck.”

Simon glanced towards what he assumed to be east, considering the rising moon. “Ah. It's officially night... whoo. Okay then, let's go meet our hostess.”

Considering that Bet was back to full height, the tiny doorway/window to the balcony could barely fit him. They both managed to make it to the stairs without any noise, hearing the signs of conversation. They walked a few steps down and went into another tiny hallway, this time to another set of stairs. “Hmm, I swear this was different...” Bet muttered under his breath. Simon heard him, and a voice in the back of his head agreed.

As they reached the end of the small hall and the end of the new steps, they clearly heard the tail end of an explanation from none other than Rainbow Dash. “And I swear, one of them was hitting on me!”

Bet grinned and winked at Simon; a bad sign. “Then why does he have the concussion?”

Rainbow Dash growled, “You!” She then flew towards Bet with a kick aimed at his face. Bet deftly dodged, causing Dash to hit Simon instead.

Bet grinned triumphantly, “See? Proof of point!”

Having rolled into a bit of an awkward position, Simon couldn't help but comment, “We really must stop meeting like this. She might get jealous.”

Simon was then quickly untangled from Rainbow Dash, and dragged floating to the center of the room by an aura of lavender. “You were the one hitting Rainbow Dash?!” Twilight shouted, astonished.

Simon put his hands up in defense, “No! She was hitting me! She just gave me another concussion!” He stupidly pulled out a spectral copy of his skull again, “See!” he shouted, pointing to another crack.

Bet acted quickly. His hand glowed green once more, and he tossed a seed behind Twilight as her concentration was on Simon. Rainbow Dash was still bewildered, but stood up. The vine grew and moved to tickle Twilight, causing her concentration to slip and thus causing Simon to fall onto the hard floor.

Rainbow Dash then tackled Bet, to little effect. He only stumbled forward a few steps; she obviously just wasn't going fast enough. However, this caused the vine to stop tickling Twilight as he turned to face Rainbow Dash instead.

Slightly out of breath, Twilight then picked up Simon with her Telekinesis and tied him to a table spread-eagle with some streamers and rope that was laying around. They were most likely left-overs from one of Pinkie's parties.

Simon was also most likely concussed... again. He managed to get out, “You know, if you ponies keep treating me like this... I might start to have thoughts. Just saying.”

Bet turned and laughed at him, “We know, we know. Love and tolerance, that sort of thing.”

Simon bit back an annoyed curse.

Bet jumped from the stairs to the floor, near where Simon had first been dropped. Simon then said, “Just to let you know, RD's about to knock you out. Figured you'd like the heads up.”

Rainbow Dash, as one would expect, flew as fast as she could and bucked as hard as she could to the back of Bet's skull. He swore he could see a rainbow flood the room, as he fell over onto his face. He let out a muffled, “Ow.”

Simon managed to say “ooh, pretty...” before Twilight finally thought to gag him.

Later...

Simon was humming to himself, a strange little song while waiting for his loudly snoring druid buddy to wake up. They were both being guarded by a drowsy Spike.

Simon soon afterwards was trying his best to mime to Spike to remove the gag; but his arms and legs were tied and he couldn't really move, so the message was probably never received. Either way, it would have probably been a fruitless effort.

Mostly because Spike was snoozing. And trying to outdo Bet.

Simon then turned internal in his search for a way out of his dilemma. After a few moments, he came across something. “Thing is... with contracts, you can get away with a lot depending on how you interpret them; verbal contracts even more so.” He listened to Bet's snoring once more. He then mumbled as clearly as he could into his gag, “If you snore again, you want me to wake you up.”

As if to spite him, Bet didn't snore for three rounds of Spike's snores. But then he did so again, and Simon took that as an initiative. The binding mostly-magical contract then granted Simon a small burst of his 'latent power' and so his left arm's bindings were snapped. He then untied his gag, and called over to Bet. “Hey. Beary. Wake up.”

As if an instinct, Bet roused with “Don't call me that.” Soon afterward, his mind caught up with his body. “Wow... That was a bit of a conversation.”

Simon shushed Bet. “The kid's asleep, be quiet.”

Bet muttered under his breath, “You're one to talk...”

Bet then took in his surroundings once again. He noticed Simon's left arm, “Wait. How did you get free?”

Simon emulated a shrug as best he could with one arm. “Boredom.” He then continued, “Oh. By the way, Twi's probably writing her letter as we speak.”

Bet grimaced, “Ah, well. Spike's asleep, so we have at least until morning. A day or two of she goes by way of normal mail. Maybe we even got lucky and she sent her letter earlier today and is expecting a reply tomorrow?”

Simon tutted him, “You're forgetting the express special. For five bits more, they get the fastest mailmare there is.”

Bet sighed, “And how do you know this?”

Simon grinned, and only said, “I have my ways.” His grin fell. “Unfortunately, she's not asked RD to deliver it, so far.”

Bet then asked, “And you know that because?”

Simon explained, “Because she's still up the stairs. And Spike's the only one who's been here for a while. They've been up there for at least fifteen minutes.”

Bet paused, “To be honest, I was half expecting you to point at RD flying somewhere over my head.”

He got back on track, “Alright, I think I have an id-”

Simon cut him off with a bit of a harsh whisper, “Be quiet! Here they come!” He then stuck his arm under what used to bind his hand, letting the gag fall back into place loosely.

Bet fell silent, and evened out his breathing; a good imitation of sleep was the result.

Twilight came down the stairs, followed by a flying Rainbow Dash, who then left the building. As soon as the door closed, Simon's face splint in a grin, and he started to sing “Ninety nine bottles of 'tox on the wall, Ninety nine bottles of 'tox!”

Bet nearly chuckled, knowing what his long-time companion was trying. He concentrated, and felt his mana flow. 'Perfect...' he thought, continuing the magic.

At the beginning of the second round of the song, Twilight re-tied the gag. He then showed that his arm was untied, as he undid the gag again and finished the next verse. Twilight then stomped up to him and tied them both back twice as tight as before, and checked the other bindings as well.

When he was out of Twilight's line of sight, Bet hastened the growing of the plant. Soon, there was a large daffodil growing out of a pocket on his tunic.

Simon gurgled the muffled fourth verse of the impromptu song before he was ignored, and Twilight turned around. To see a giant Daffodil now sticking out of the pocket of the taller one. She was flabbergasted.

Simon somehow got the gag off again, “He's just happy to see you.”

Even though Twilight wasn't very socially adept, she still understood the reference, and blushed a rosy red.

Bet groaned at Simon's joke, pulled the Daffodil out of his pocket as he stood up and simply snapped the ties around his wrists. He then glared at Simon, who sheepishly grinned.

Bet walked over to the table where Simon was tied up, and quickly untied him; practice with vines and rope allowing him to nimbly undo the knots.

Simon uttered a thanks, before Bet picked him up off the table and dropped him unceremoniously on the floor. He then bound and gagged him with his vines.

Twilight had been more confused than anything else during the whole of this; as the bigger one just untied the smaller one to tie him up again. Then, the bigger one sat on the floor and looked at her with a small grin as if nothing had happened. In fact, Spike was still asleep!

Rainbow Dash burst through the door, a little winded. She panted out, “They're all... on their way... here...”

Twilight could only utter a short word of thanks before Rainbow Dash looked up again and saw what had changed.

Dash charged up in front of the two, fully prepared to shout, but Bet cut her off. “Shh, Spike's still sleeping.”

It caught Dash off guard, but it didn't do much more to slow her down. She then angrily whispered, “Why are you here?! What did you mean by 'Rainbow Dash always dresses in style'?! How much do you know!? Are you a Spy?!”

Bet caught her off guard again, and answered her truthfully. “In order? Don't know, haven't decided yet. I don't know how his mind works, more than you'll ever imagine, and no. He's the one that would be the spy.”

Rainbow was about to continue, but the door opened. In came Fluttershy, who only went “eep!” before hiding behind Twilight.

Rainbow Dash sighed, “Look, it's late. If you tell me what all you know, we can all go to sleep. You don't want to see me when I'm mad.”

Simon wiggled out of his gag, “Not saying it.”

Bet then said, “Oh, don't mind us. Get as much sleep as you need!”

Dash had a questioning look, “You really think this is a good idea?”

Bet put his hand over his heart, “Promise. And breaking a promise is the easiest way to lose a friend.”

Simon grinned as his Fey explained what Bet was doing.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie popped out from one of the piles of books on the floor. She eerily said, “Forever!” before sinking back in, only to bounce back out and greet Bet. “Hi Teddy!”

Bet groaned, “Not you too...”

Pinkie then bounced towards them, as Simon performed a limited arm-pump. “Not me too what, Beary?”

Bet only groaned and hung his head. “At least you're not in the other mood.”

Rainbow Dash butted in, “Okay, What's going on here!?”

Simon quickly leaned in and whispered something into Bet's ear. Bet then sighed, and said, “Fine. But you owe me one.”

Simon nodded to it. Bet's hands glowed green once more and the vines trapping Simon climbed back into Bet's pocket again.

Music exploded from nowhere as Simon sprang up onto his feet and began to sing, “All you have to do is take a cup of flour, Add it to the mix...”

Pinkie then bounced somehow even more excitedly, “Ooh! I know this one!” She sang the next part, “Now just take a little something sweet, not sour, a bit of salt; just a pinch!”

They then sung together, “Baking these treats is such a cinch, add a teaspoon of vanilla!” they bounced around the others, who were stunned and frozen in their places. Bet's eye glowed as he gave Rarity a wink. Spike was still asleep, somehow. “Add a little more, and you count to four, and you never get your fill of!”

They both inhaled deeply before finishing. “Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes!”

Applejack walked in on the crescendo of the finale. Spike was still somehow blissfully asleep. 'Perhaps he's just a really heavy sleeper?' Bet wondered. He caught Applejack's eye and winked, his own glowing, like he had done with Rarity amongst the confusion that Simon and Pinkie had caused.

As the music died down from the song, Simon dashed to Fluttershy and lightly grasped her hooves to keep her attention. He then once more accomplished the inexplicable: he told his (and a great deal of Bet's) entire life-story in roughly the amount of time it would take to pronounce 'gesundheit.'

Fluttershy's eyes swirled, and then she sniffled. Simon quickly backed away, startled. She then shook her head, and, while looking quite distraught, glared at Simon. If he wasn't the target, Simon would have gushed over the adorableness of it all. However, since he was the target, he felt like melting into a quivering puddle of fear. Angry Fluttershy is scary.

She stalked over to him, her eyes hardening into The Stare. Simon swallowed hard as he realized (due to his Fey) what was going to happen. He was compelled to meet her eyes, and he instantly regretted it when he did. His mind immediately cleared; his breath stilled and his pace quickened. He could only dumbly stare into her eyes and listen to her commands.

She only said one thing, and it came out quiet and collected; yet as firm as any parent's scolding. “You shouldn't play with other pony's feelings.”

As she continued her Stare, Fluttershy saw a glimpse of something she really didn't understand and placed it in the back of her mind for later. As Simon gurgled something, she turned her Stare to Bet.

Bet simply smiled and met her gaze without even the slightest flinch. It startled Fluttershy from her Stare, and he then said, “It seems he was right. You've stumbled upon a lost power, Fluttershy.”

Bet afterward said to Simon, “I do believe we've overstayed our welcome.”

Simon paused a moment, then incoherently gurgled a positive response.

Twilight's eyes widened, before she started to dive through her books. She cried in frustration, “Where is that manual! I know I've heard that before! Rainbow Dash, help me find it!”

Rainbow Dash was confused, “Help you find what? You never told me the-” She was then jerked by Twilight's magic over towards the bookshelf.

Bet suddenly stood, and walked next to the slouching Simon. Chopping him in a junction on his neck brought the necromancer the rest of the way to the ground. Bet then commented, “Well, I believe the little guy has had quite the day; he's sleeping so soundly. I think it's best that we leave so I can return him to bed, wouldn't you say? Not to mention, I think Spike needs his own sleep.”

Simon forced a last thought to embed itself in his mind, 'you twice-skinned bastard, you've been holding out!'

With Twilight and Rainbow Dash looking through books, and Pinkie trying her best to help, the way to the door wasn't much blocked anymore. Fluttershy was still confused at what Bet had said, and both Rarity and Applejack moved away from the door.

Grabbing Simon's arm, Bet hauled him over his shoulder and climbed out the door. He took a few loud steps around the side of the tree and then jumped lightly onto the branches. He quietly climbed where he could find strong handholds, and found a place where it was hard to spot him from both inside the Library and from down below. Using his mana, Bet then grew the branches and leaves a bit to hide them further while Simon 'slept.'

Bet then sighed once more, sat Simon down against one of the larger branches and lay back against one himself. After rubbing his throat with a glowing green hand, he hummed a melody to a lullaby he'd thought he forgot, brought upon by the mirrored action of his Fey.

Soon he eventually drifted off to sleep, filled with dreams that he could only half remember. The ponies were none the wiser to the roost and had returned home, thinking heavily on what had happened.

Spike finally got the peace and quiet he was looking for, and met his own inner world with a soothing melody drifting through the forest in his dreams. Next Chapter: Nonconsensual Teleportation Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 7 Minutes