*From this point on, events from the show will be changed/altered. I know how boring it is to read an episode you’ve already seen hundreds of times, so I decide to add a little variety to them, as well as create new/ different dialogue.(Mostly because I’m too lazy to get the dialogue perfectly accurate, and would rather have something new and exciting.)*

Synth looked down at the list he’d written. The list contained pictures and short descriptions next to empty boxes that he’d check off when he’d gotten the item. He currently head twenty five plants he’d wanted to collect. Looking back at his journal, he checked once more if there were any he’d missed.

‘We’re going to be late, just take the whole journal with you,’ Shade said, for the tenth time.

“This is my only copy, I don’t want to lose it if something happens,” Synth said, closing the journal and starting to wrap up the scroll containing his list.

Synth put the list into his bag before walking to the door. He looked back at Vera, who’d been watching him get everything ready.

“Who are you talking to?” Vera asked.

“Myself. Now, do you know what to do while I’m gone?” Synth asked.

“I’m going to spend the weekend with Pinkie, but for today I’m going to stay a night with Applejack so she can get me to school tomorrow,” Vera recited.

“Good, remember, there’s still food in the fridge, in case of emergency, and I should be back by Sunday morning, otherwise… never mind,” Synth said, turning to leave. “See you later.”

“Bye mom,” Vera said sarcastically, watching him depart through the front door. Synth gave her a look before shutting the door.

Vera waited a second in case he decided he forgot something. After nothing happened, she went to the fridge to grab an apple. She devoured it quickly and then stepped outside. Looking up into the early sun’s rays, she could feel the freshness of the air as a soft breeze blew against her face.

“It really is Spring,” Vera said to herself as she started to walk forward.

Vera didn’t know where she was going, that was the magic of this trip. School wasn’t until another hour, leaving her a little while until she’d need to head in that direction. As she hummed a tune, she walked in step with her little song and enjoyed herself as she walked the empty streets.
------------

“Wait… the sign says you allow pets on the train,” Synth said, pointing at the sign.

“Sir, that’s not a pet,” The conductor said, his long stick keeping Lupin at bay.

“What’s your policy on bribes?” Synth asked, opening his baggy full of coins.
----------

Vera heard the chime as the school bell rang signaling the beginning of class. Walking from the swingset to the doors, she could see the faces of her tired schoolmates as they filed in. Vera did notice, however, that one pony was wide awake. She had a creamy coat with a red mane, a bow in her mane making her stick out.

Vera entered the classroom, wondering what they’d learn today. In Canterlot, the classes were a lot different, usually talking about different spells and how they help the town. Here, there were less unicorns so she presumed that was the reason they didn’t have those lessons.

“Good morning class,” Cheerilee said, walking to the board.

“Good morning,” The students replied, none too cheerful.

“Today we’re going to learn about Cutie Marks,”
------------

“No, I said Mount Bleakfall, in the Griffin kingdom. Not…”
------------

Vera stepped out of the schoolhouse. She looked out at all the colts and fillies walking to their guardians. Seeing the bowed filly once again, she noticed her approach Applejack, giving a big hug as they greeted each other. Curious, she walked over.

“Hey Vera, how was school?” Applejack asked, a smile on her face.

“It was okay,” Vera responded.

“Oh Vera, it’s nice to meet yah. My sister said you’d be spending the night,” The filly said, her smile cheerful and happy.

“Yeah, I didn’t know you were Applejack’s sister. What’s your name?” Vera asked.

“I’m Applebloom. Ah saw yah inside but I didn’t know who ya were,” Applebloom said.

“I saw you earlier, too,” Vera said.

“I was just heading home, my sister needed some help around the house,” Applebloom said.

“Sounds like fun, I’ll come too,” Vera said.

“Really? That ain’t my kind of fun, but if ya wanna help then why not?” Applebloom said.

“Just to keep things straight, you volunteered. I don’t want to hear no complaining,” Applejack said, leading them towards the barn.
-----------

‘About the guide…’ Shade asked.

“We saw nothing,” Synth said, pulling out the map.
-----------

“Well, here we are, home sweet home,” Applejack said, opening the door.

Vera looked inside, the walls and decoration reminding her of her old home. Pictures of their family as well as flower pots and old souvenirs on tables showed her just how much family meant to them. She started to feel a little homesick, her mother coming to mind.

As Vera walked further inside, she could feel a friendly vibe from the pair as they pulled out dusters and rags. Applebloom gave her a duster and smiled.

“I’m glad ya came to help, its gonna be a lot faster with the two o’ us,” Applebloom said.

“What about Applejack?” Vera asked, curious.

“She’s gonna be paintin’ the barn. It’s lookin’ a little brown,” Applebloom said.

“Okay, so where do we start?” Vera asked.

“Right here,” Applebloom said, dusting Vera’s face, causing her to sneeze.
-----------

“The map says right,” Synth said, the stubborn griffin looking at the map upside down.

“No, it’s goin’ left,” The griffin said, pointing in the opposite direction.

“Look, give me the map-,” Synth said, pulling the map.

“It’s my map, let go!” The griffin said, pulling back.

A rip sound echoed in the frozen tundra of the northern mountainous Griffin territory.
------------

Vera had just finished her side of the house, the shelves and bookcases looking brand new, as well as the floor looking squeaky clean. When she put the mop back, she noticed the picture on the wall with two mid aged ponies standing next to each other.

“Those were my folks,” Applebloom said, from behind her.

“What happened?” Vera asked, suspecting the answer.

“Applejack said that somethin’ happened. They aren’t around anymore,” Applebloom said, starting to look forlorn.

“It’s alright, at least you’ve still got Applejack,” Vera said.

“Yeah, yer right. Hey, why don’t we see if she needs any help?” Applebloom asked.

“Alright,” Vera said, walking with Applebloom outside.
-----------

“No, that’s a corner, it goes over here,” Synth said.

“I know what I’m doing, alright?” The griffin said, putting the corner piece in the middle.

“I know you mean good, but why don’t I just…” Synth reached out to fix the error.

“Oh no yer don’t,” The griffin said, raising his voice to stop him. Above, a crash of thunder sounded. The snow covered tops suddenly shook as Synth’s eyes widened. Grabbing most of the map pieces, he aimed for a cave nearby as the snow started to fall from the tops above.

“Run!” Synth shouted, as he ran for his life towards the cave. Lupin hopped at his side, following his lead. The griffin flew away, just in time to avoid the first crash of snowfall.

Synth entered the cave just in time and saw the entrance to his cave get covered in snow. The cave was still lit from the jewels in the cave walls glowing. Lupin barked at the jewels, his bark echoing across the cavern.
-----------

Vera dropped the paintbrush, standing back to look at her work. The new colored barn was a bright red, the color really sticking out from the house. Applejack stood next to her, sweat on her forehead as she smiled at her work.

“Thanks a bunch, Vera. Good to see yer a hard worker,” Applejack said, ruffling her mane.

“It’s no problem, I wanted to repay you for letting me sleep over,” Vera said.

“It’s no problem at all. By the way, did you know you got some o’ Synth’s vocabulary? Or is that just a Canterlot thing?” Applejack asked.

“Actually, the Canterlot accent is a lot different… I just like to learn big words, I guess,” Vera said.

“Well you sure could teach my sis a thing or two. She’s been slackin’ in her studies. But if ya like learning, ya could go o’er to Twilight’s. She’s got a lot o’ books,” Applejack said.

“Okay, I don’t have anything else to do. I’ll see you later,” Vera said, walking away.

“See ya, and thanks again for all yer help,” Applejack said.

Vera walked down the path. After Applebloom had left to go find Twist, she’d offered to help on the lower part of the barn. Applejack said she could handle it, but Vera could tell she was exhausted. Now, she wondered what Twilight could offer her in terms of knowledge or excitement.
------------

Synth looked at the jewels he held, the faint red and blue glows from the ruby and sapphire entered his eyes. Just looking at them, he could tell this cave hadn’t been mined. The jewels were literally everywhere. Synth had pulled a few down, Lupin snacking on one of them with his teeth. Apparently he also knew that they had energy, because he’d already eaten three emeralds.

Synth looked once again at the caved in entrance, his thoughts on how to escape the trap they’ve entered. If he wanted to, he could explore the cave system, but he wondered if there was even an exit further in. Otherwise, he was better off digging his way out. Wait… digging?

Synth activated his magic, the form of a Timberwolf appearing out of the magic glow. He looked up at Synth first, then at the little pup next to him.

“Dig us out, if you don’t mind,” Synth said, pointing to the snow pile. The Timberwolf looked at the pup a little longer before following the command.

‘Think I could have one of those gems?’ Shade asked quietly.

“I don’t see why not,” Synth said, letting Shade take hold.
------------

Vera watched as Twilight pulled the book off the shelf. She brought it over to Vera, a wide smile on her face. She turned it to a certain page before lowering it so Vera could see the contents. Vera held a smile of her own as she read the title.
The Mysteries of Magic

Twilight left the book down for her to read as she returned to her own book she’d been studying before Vera came.

“I hope you like it, there’s some really interesting things in there,” Twilight said.

Vera read articles on some of the most bizarre things she’s read in a while. Spells that caused hallucinations, others that made it rain constantly around a pony. There was even a spell that made ponies feel a certain emotion all the time. She couldn’t stop reading as some of the spells caused her to giggle, others left her with her jaw dropped as she wondered just who could pull those spells off.

Vera was reaching the end of the short book, and she’d stopped at something that made her pause. Looking to Twilight, she brought the book over for her to see.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, seeing her.

“I don’t understand what this means,” Vera said. Twilight read the page to herself.
Discharges:
Repercussions- Magical Discharge in the form of release. When a conjurer’s spell or similar spells are activated, the creation will stay active as long as magic resides in the owner. If the owner is incapacitated, the spell will continue to drain his magic supply until their magic hits critical levels. During this time, the caster is not in control of their spell. Often familiars take on a mind of their own.
Critical State- Magical Discharge in the form of power. If the caster is to receive a magical boost, the boost will maximize the magical supply of the caster, but will not exceed that limit. Instead, the power will be redirected to the surrounding area, often causing harm or damage.
Limit- Magical Discharge in the form of preservation. If the caster is to receive enormous amounts of energy, their mind may fail on them as their body takes in the energy. After this state, the caster will often not notice their power levels had increased. This type of discharge is often unstable and could cause mental problems with the caster, as well as damage to their body if Limit happens repeatedly….

Twilight looked to Vera, wondering how she could explain it. “These aren’t really spells, they’re more like… problems,” Twilight said.

“I know that, but why is it called Discharge? If magic is supposed to come out, then why do they need the pony to be getting more magic?” Vera asked.

“It’s a little hard to explain, but it’s sort of like… if you get a lot of bits, and you don’t know what to do with them. So, you start to just give them away or spend them on things you don’t really need. Instead of being happy with having a lot, your body just wants to get rid of the extra,” Twilight said, scratching her head, “Does that make sense?”

“Sort of,” Vera said, taking the book back and turning the page.

Vera continued reading the book, more magical failures and problems keeping her interested until she heard Twilight put down her book.

“Oh Spike, we need to get going before we’re late for the Cutsinera (I honestly don’t know how to spell this),” Twilight said, “Vera, did you want to come?”

“Okay,” Vera said. She’d heard about the party but it hadn’t interested her until now.

“Great let’s get going. We don’t want to be late,” Twilight said.

Vera followed Twilight and Spike to the direction of Sugarcube Corner. Twilight went to check on the preparations while Spike and her stayed in the party room. Vera approached the only pony in sight she knew. Rarity handed her a cup of punch as she approached. Vera accepted it and held it in her magic aura as she took quick sips of it.

“This punch is really good,” Vera said.

“Pinkie does make the best punch. I don’t know how she does it,” Rarity said casually.

“Is this everypony that’s coming?” Vera asked.

“Oh no, you and Spike came at just the right time. Most guests make it a tad late, but there are ponies like Twilight who come early. I was here to help with the décor, we don’t want Pinkie turning everything pink,” Rarity said.

“Okay,” Vera said, noticing some ponies just entering. The music started all of a sudden, the record player in the corner turning itself on.

“I must say that Filthy does have a good taste in music,” Rarity said.

“Filthy?” Vera asked.

“Why, Diamond Tiara’s father. Haven’t you heard of him? He’s made a fortune,” Rarity said.

“I guess that explains this party,” Vera said.

“Yes, he’s paid no expense for his filly,” Rarity said.

“There she is now,” Vera said. Entering the room, Diamond Tiara had Silver Spoon at her side as she struts inside. She had on a dress that covered most of her cutie mark, and Vera wondered why she would hide her mark after she’d just gotten it. She did have to admit though, it was colored nicely and looked well made.

“Do you like the dress? I worked all day on it,” Rarity said.

“You made the dress?” Vera asked.

“Her father paid handsomely,” Rarity said, giving her a wink.
------------

‘Lupin, no!’ Synth said.
-----------

“There’s Applebloom, I didn’t know she was coming to the party,” Vera said.

“Oh, why not? Everypony in town is coming,” Rarity said.

“I remember her being teased by Diamond Tiara earlier. I thought they might not be friends,” Vera said, remembering something from class.

“Oh, is it because she hasn’t gotten her Cutie Mark yet?” Rarity asked.

“I think so,” Vera said.

“You should explain to her the importance of patience. I mean, you don’t have a Cutie Mark and you aren’t overreacting,” Rarity said.

“When it comes, it comes,” Vera said.

“That’s the spirit, now go explain it to her,” Rarity said, “Applejack said she couldn’t, but maybe coming from one of her peers…” Rarity said.

Vera walked over to Applebloom, seeing her near the punch table. Vera approached and saw her go underneath the table. Walking up, Vera refilled her cup as she conversed with the table.

“What are you doing down there,” Vera asked.

“Shh, you’ll give away my cover,” Applebloom said.

“Is this about your Cutie Mark?” Vera asked.

“N-no, ah just needed to keep my head dry,” Applebloom said.

“We’re inside,” Vera said.

“Okay, ya got me. But can we talk about this another time. I really need to go,” Applebloom said.

“Alright, another time. Have you tried this punch? It’s amazing,” Vera asked.

“Not now,” Applebloom said, picking up the table and moving forward slightly.

Vera turned and walked back, seeing Rarity and Rainbow Dash were now conversing. She walked to them, Rainbow Dash’s smile in her direction.

“Hey, Rarity here tells me that Synth left for the week,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yeah,” Vera said.

“There’s been a prank I’ve been wanting to pull on him for a while now. Wanna get in on it?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I don’t know… what did he ever do to you?” Vera asked.

“That’s the point, we get him before he gets us. You can see it in his eye that he’s just waiting for a chance to pounce. I know how we can get a good reaction outta him,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright, I’m in,” Vera said.

“Okay listen, first we have to-,

“Howdy y’all, what’s all the whisperin’ about?” Applejack asked, walking over.

“Later,” Rainbow Dash whispered before turning to Applejack, “Nothing, just a litter chatter to pass the time,” Applejack said.

“Hey Vera, glad to see ya made it. If yer lookin’ for my sister she’s around here somewhere,” Applejack said.

“I’m sure Vera’s already had a ‘talk’ with her, haven’t you?” Rarity asked.

“Actually-,”

“A talk about what exactly?” Applejack asked, confused.

“Her Cutie Mark,” Vera said.

“I jus’ spoke with her and she seemed fine. I’m sure that’s all goin’ to soon. I mean, can you believe it Vera? She just goes on and on about that thing,” Applejack said.

Looking past Applejack, Vera noticed Applebloom was now wearing an outfit. It was pink and well… actually it looked like the table covers. Diamond Tiara was walking away from her, and Vera wondered what had happened.

Suddenly, Applebloom stumbled and Vera saw her hit her head on the record player. The sound in the room stopped as everypony turned to look at the cause. Applebloom was on the floor, her bare flank showing to everypony. Nearby, Diamond Tiara turned and grinned at the scene.

“Oh look everypony, a blank flank,” Diamond Tiara sneered. The crowd was silent as Diamond Tiara laughed with Silver Spoon.

“C’mon Applebloom,” Applejack responded, about to step forward. Rarity held her back, shaking her head.

“Hey, do you have a problem with blank flanks?” a voice called from somewhere in the silence.

“Who said that?” Diamond Tiara looked around the crowd.

“I said, do you have a problem with blank flanks?” The orange coated Pegasus came out from under a table. Next to her, a unicorn rose with a white coat. She had a light pink and purple mane. The Pegasus had a deep purple and had confidence as she walked out from the crowd to face Diamond Tiara.
“Go Scoots,” Rainbow Dash said, whispering loud enough that Vera heard.
“She’s just a blank flank,” Diamond Tiara said.
“No, she just hasn’t discovered her talent yet. She could grow up to be anything she wants to be. A lawyer, a doctor, even a scientist!” Sweetiebelle said.

“That’s my girl,” Rarity whispered loud enough that Vera heard.

“Why are you defending her? This is my party!” Diamond Tiara said.

“Because…” Scootaloo started. They both turned so everypony could see their flanks.

Applebloom gasped. “You’re both blank flanks too? I thought I was the only one!” Applebloom said.

“We thought we were the only two,” Scootaloo said.

“Well I think you’re all very lucky fillies,” Twilight said from nearby.

“Lucky? What makes them so lucky?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“Because they haven’t discovered who they’re meant to be yet. They still get the chance to discover who they are,” Twilight said.

“So, isn’t it better to know?” Diamond Tiara asked.

“Some things are better off learning at your own pace,” Twilight said. She looked to Vera who’d been watching everything.

The fillies and colts walked to the center, eager to talk to the trio. Vera snaked off, wanting to talk to Twilight. When she found her way there, Twilight was waiting.

“Vera, did you understand that?” Twilight asked.

“Sort of,” Vera responded.

“Well I wanted to talk to you about this after I saw how much you wanted to learn,” Twilight said. Vera nodded and she continued. “I grew up learning everything I could. I enjoyed it and it took me to a lot of different places. But there was something I always thought I was missing.”

“What was it?” Vera asked.

“Well you see, I was well above my class. I didn’t have any friends and I spent all my time reading. Right now, I see that you’re smart and bright, but I don’t want the same thing to happen to you. Of course, you shouldn’t stop learning, but why don’t you make some time to enjoy yourself? Synth can probably tell you the same thing, but when you know everything, that’s when you know you messed up,” Twilight said.

“So, you think I should make some more friends?” Vera asked.

“Friends are always a good thing, I had to learn that the hard way,” Twilight said, remembering the Everfree Forest.

“But where can I start?” Vera asked.

“Well similarities are always a good topic, why don’t you try those?” Twilight responded, she looked in the direction of a nearby table where three fillies sat. Applebloom looked over at her, and she motioned for Vera to come.

“Thanks Twilight,” Vera said, making her way over.

“Girls, I’d like you to meet Vera. Ah don’t know what she’s good at, but she doesn’t have a Cute Mark either,” Applebloom said.

“Don’t worry, we’ll all find out what we’re good at, my name’s Scootaloo by the way,” Scootaloo said.

“I’m Sweetiebelle, and aren’t you Synth’s sister?” She asked.

“Yeah, he’s gone for the week though, but I’m staying with Applebloom until then,” Vera said.

“Rarity told me lot about Synth, but I don’t know anything about you,” Sweetiebelle said.

“Synth? Isn’t he that stallion that helped beat Nightmare Moon?” Scootaloo asked.

“He told me he didn’t help too much,” Vera said.

“Still, he was there, so we aught a give ‘em some credit,” Applebloom said.

“Moral support, I guess,” Vera said.

“What’s that mean?” Sweetiebelle asked.

“Nevermind,” Vera said.

“Hey, since you don’t have a cutie mark, that means you can join us, doesn’t it?” Scootaloo asked.

“Join what?” Vera asked.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” The three of them said at once out loud. Near them, a few ponies looked in their direction but they didn’t care.
------------

Synth looked down at the trouble below him. From atop the mountain he saw billowing smoke from the village below. The houses were being shred apart and the snow covered streets were covered in thick vines. Synth couldn’t stop Shade as his magic poured out from his horn. The vines shifted under his influence and continued to wreak havoc on the griffins below.

‘Stop… Stop!’ Synth tried to do something, anything to stop this. It was futile, the energy in Shade only continued to grow as the mountainside rumbled.

Underneath him, Synth heard the crack as the snow moved aside to show vines reaching towards the sky. The snow on the mountain fell down, gathering speed and volume until it was larger than a house. It continued to fall, heading straight for the village below.

“This town is only the beginning!” Shade screamed as the vines rose up forming a large figure behind him. Synth couldn’t turn around, but the figure created a shadow on the town below. The flames were put out as the large snow mass landed on the helpless town.

Synth heard the crack of the wood as all of the houses were squashed flat. The only thing poking out from under the snow was the town’s bell tower. Shade’s power was dwindling now, his excess energy being used up on the figure behind him. Shade raised his hoof, and the bell tower came crashing down. From atop the mountain, Synth heard the howl of the Timberwolf.

Shade’s large object behind him slowly shriveled up and died. Without fighting back, Shade was pushed back into the recesses of Synth’s mind. Synth at first felt his body come back to him. It was strained and sore in places. His horn was throbbing in pain, but other than that, his magic supply was still high.

Synth walked down the mountain, his thoughts on the residents below. Before he could reach the bottom, however, he heard a soft bark to his right. Synth turned and saw Lupin. His eyes were yellow, the wood he was made up of was slightly decayed and sap was pouring from his sides. Synth felt the slight drain as Lupin took some of his energy to heal and recover.

“Bad Lupin…” Synth said softly. Lupin didn’t react, and followed Synth as they descended.

Synth reached the bottom and had a closer look at the scene. In the snow were pieces of wood sticking out. In some places, he saw remnants of a house, others a window. Synth also saw something that caused him to stop. There were claws sticking out of the snow. He saw a wing sticking out as well.

Synth pulled the bodies out of the snow, but he knew they’d been crushed. Those that weren’t crushed were in bloody messes. As he looked to Lupin, he noticed that there was blood in his sharp wooden teeth. Timberwolves bleed sap.

Synth knew he couldn’t stay here. In his bags he had what he wanted from the mountains. Deciding it best to leave and have this blamed on an accident than start a fight between the countries, Synth ran off in the direction of the train station a few miles south. In the mass of snow, a claw reached out. It gripped the wood and pulled its body out, he shook himself to remove the snow from himself. He shivered from what he remembered of the moments before being covered in snow.

The griffin looked around at his beloved town. Shaking his head he looked for the cause of this. Behind him, a green vine snaked its way to his legs. Before he could react, he was grabbed and pulled back into the snow.
------------

Synth looked out from the train cart. He saw the approaching city of Ponyville. The train was slowing down. When the train made a complete stop, he grabbed his bag and walked off. Waiting for him were two mares and a filly. He gave them the best smile he could, pushing the thoughts of what happened behind him.

It’s been four days since that incident, the train ride taking up a full day. Since then, he’d visited a few towns and enjoyed the different sceneries. Most of the time, he’d been stressed about what’d happened, and Shade had laughed at the whole thing.

“Hey, everyone,” Synth said.

“How was it?” Twilight asked, returning the smile.

“Great… I got what I needed anyways,” Synth said. “How was Vera?” Synth asked.

“She was so fun. We played games and talked and ate cake and threw a party and went hiking and had a picnic and-,” Pinkie started.

“We did a lot,” Vera said, covering Pinkie’s mouth to cut her off. She was smiling, making Synth feel better about having left her alone.

“Good, did anything important happen while I was gone?” Synth asked.

“Nothing in particular, why?” Twilight asked.

“Oh no reason,” Synth said casually.

“I met some new friends,” Vera said.

“Really, who?” Synth asked, curious.

“Sweetiebelle, Applebloom and Scootaloo,” Vera said.

“Rarity’s sister, Applejack’s sister and… who’s Scootaloo?” Synth said, remembering the names except for that one.

“We all don’t have our Cutie Marks,” Vera said, ignoring the question.

“I thought you didn’t care about that?” Synth asked.

“Still, it’s something we have in common,” Vera said. Synth suddenly realized she seemed more energetic than before.

“How much cake did you eat?” Synth asked.

“We might have confused the flour with sugar, but they still tasted good!” Pinkie said.

“Is that… healthy?” Twilight asked Pinkie.

“Nope,” Pinkie said.
-------------

Synth finished adding water to the little plant in the pot. While he was gone, he’d asked a few of the flower mares to take over, and only Roseluck had agreed. She’d done a really good job, Synth noticed.

Synth planted the two new seeds he’d gotten. They adapted to almost any environment, but only grew naturally in the coldest mountains. One was a useful medicine, healing burns and stopping frostbite, while the other was a weirder type of plant. This plant had a life cycle like a phoenix, where it would reach its peak of growth before lighting itself aflame and starting anew. It was called Phoenixbud for that reason, although on the streets it would be called something else…

The ashes left around the seed were great fertilizer, and the leaves from the plant were an addictive ingredient that had only one cure. Of course, he didn’t have the cure and he’d need to get it soon before it budded. These plants did take longer than most plants to grow, but could be grown anywhere.

Synth had them both planted, the Biodome not looking so empty anymore. As he got ready to leave, Lupin barked at the surrounding area. Synth smiled, this was the first time he’d brought him to see this place. Now that they’d gotten back, Synth hadn’t let Lupin out of his sights. After what he saw in the Griffin kingdom, he didn’t know if he could imagine Lupin being harmless again.

“I don’t blame you,” Synth said, scratching his head. Lupin nodded his understanding before turning his attention to something else in the room.

Synth followed his gaze, his eyes landing on the figure in the corner. It was a Canis Minor, her eyes staring at Lupin, but neither made a sound as Synth approached.

‘Luna sends her regards,’ She said, no movement visible in her face.

“What are you doing here?” Synth asked curiously.

‘Luna can’t make it to tell you this, so I’m here to relay a message,’ She said, her gaze still not moving from Lupin.

“What’s the message?” Synth asked.

‘There’s been a disaster. A Griffin town has been destroyed, no survivors. She wants you to investigate a town near it. There’s been rumors of a rogue group there,’ She said.

“Which town do I need to go to?” Synth asked.

‘Clawridge,’ She said.

“Alright, I’ll get ready. I should be there in about twenty hours,” Synth asked.

‘She says to give it a week. Until then, she wants you to relax. She thinks that there’s something troubling you right now. I have to agree, your mental state isn’t exactly perfect,’ She said.

“Is that all you wanted to say is wrong with me?” Synth asked.

‘Stop talking to yourself,’ She said before her body faded, her voice following suit.

Synth made sure she was gone before looking down at Lupin. He was smiling, his wooden tail wagging. Synth walked out of the Biodome, heading towards his house. He took the long road, hoping he could think about things a little more.
-------------

Synth made it to his house, his mind full of doubt and confusion. When he entered, Vera was waiting. Behind her stood a collection of a mess and the rest of his house. He raised an eyebrow at her. She whistled a soft tune and pretended not to notice.

“What happened?” Synth asked.

“Well you know how we threw that party?” Vera asked.

“Yeah…” Synth said.

“It might have been here,” Vera said.

“Clean it up,” Synth said, trying to get his thoughts together. He had enough to deal with right now, he didn’t need another problem.

“Sorry,” Vera mumbled before taking the broom and starting to sweep up the empty cups and streamers.

Synth pushed aside the trash on the couch and laid there. He could hear Vera nearby working to get the room back to normal. Something in him had him questioning something deep inside him. He just had to ask.

“I’m your brother, right?” Synth asked.

“Yeah,” Vera said, sweeping another plate away.

“If something happened… and I wasn’t around anymore, where would you go?” Synth asked.

“Don’t say it like that,” Vera said, her voice softer than before.

“But what if?” Synth asked, fully committed to get an answer.

“I’ll have to go back with our parents. But I like it better here…” Vera said.

“Why?” Synth asked.

“I have some actual friends, everybody here cares about me even if I don’t know them. The town is quiet and I feel safe around here. Especially when you’re around,” Vera said.

“You mean it?” Synth asked, a smile entering his face.

“You’re my big brother after all,” Vera said.

“Thanks, I needed that,” Synth said, rising from the couch. “Now let me give you a hoof with this.”