My Little Pony Monthly Issue 38
(May 1, 2000)
My Little Pony Monthly
Established June 1997
This Newsletter is Safe for All Ages
If you would like to be removed from the My Little Pony Monthly mailing list, simply send a blank e-mail to
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Issue 38
May 2000
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Index of this issue--
1. Letters to the Editor
2. Contest Corner
3. A Fair Exchange (by Sugarberry)
4. ICQ Column
5. The Wedding Day (by Merry Treat)
6. Ginseng and Sassafras Tea Chapters Three and Four (by Sugarberry)
7. Silver Swirl's Obligation or Silver Swirl's Obsession? (by Princess Silver Swirl)
8. The Adventure of Baby North Star and Baby Brother Bright Bouquet (by Baby Steamer)
9. Return to Flutter Valley Part One: The Mysterious Cloaked Flower Deliverer... Pony? (by Vixie)
10. The Ghost of Box Five Chapter Five (by Masquerade)
11. Superspritz and Coombie (by Sugarberry)
12. The Lost Prince Chapter 4 (by Moonjumper)
13. Return from the Himalayas (by Tabby)
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Letters to the Editor
MeryTreat@aol.com-- Heyas, Tabby! I know, I know, I'm not supposed to be e-mailing you; I'm supposed to be writing, right? ~.^
Don't worry, I will finish the story (can't give it away, readers. ~.^ Tabby knows what the story is) by next month! I will not rest ‘till I have
completed it! Bug me ‘till it's done, okay? ~.^ You have my permission to bug me over it. Now, I wonder where the rest of that make-up work went
to... whoops... ^.^*
Response from the editor-- Yes, Merry Treat did finish her story! ^.~ Be sure to look for it in this issue under the title of "The
Wedding Day".
BGDisney@aol.com-- I think it is a GREAT idea to post ICQ numbers of other collectors. I love to chat and I miss the Dream
Valley chat so-o-o-o much.
Response from the editor-- Due to the positive response to Baby Mischief's suggestion from the March issue, a regular ICQ
column will now be posted in each issue. If you chat on ICQ, feel free to send me your number to post.
Hobbit1850@aol.com-- I loved last month's issue! I have an idea: maybe you could post pictures of the characters from
Sugarberry's Ginseng and Sassafras Tea story on your webpage. By the way, your Atlantis story inspired me to try bringing my Furby, Koh-Loo-Kah,
back to life (with Energizer batteries, of course) and it worked! And wow, a wedding, an engagement, and a profession of love all in one issue!
Response from the editor-- Pictures of the characters from Sugarberry's Ginseng and Sassafras Tea are now on the web
due to your request! Future pictures will be posted as the story continues. Anyone may view them at:
http://www.crosswinds.net/~tabbymlp/Ginseng.htm
OpalStarr@aol.com-- Hi, I finally finished reading the April MLP Monthly issue. My first comment: it was absolutely wonderful--
each month it gets better! My second comment: it was very long; so many people are contributing such great stuff! This month I'll try to actually get
the next section of the Evil Dragon typed up. It will definitely not be this week; I haven't practiced my oral report on Autism at all and I have to
present it on Tuesday! Yikes, I better go!
Response from the editor-- Your fans (I being among them), are waiting... ^.~
alicorn_83@yahoo.com-- Hiya Tabby! Just wanted to say I appreciate all the hard work you put into making MLP Monthly. I
think it's really nice of you. All of us fans (and writers ;) ) of Ponydom truly do care about the huge mission you undertake each month to bring
stories of wonder and hope over the rainbow to our e-mail boxes! So if anytime you're feeling down, though we may not write every month, remember
that your fans (me for one) love that great wonder that is My Little Pony Monthly...
Response from the editor-- All of the contributors to My Little Pony Monthly greatly appreciate your kind words! You have
been an encouragement to all of us.
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Contest Corner
The winner of last month's contest (April Fools' Day Fun Facts) was Ladiskywlk@aol.com! She received an autographed copy of
Chris Platt's Willow King novel. The runner-up was OpalStarr@aol.com, who received a set of Smilemakers My Little Pony stickers.
Thank you to everyone who entered!
For this month, we have another great prize to win. It will be an autographed copy of a Thoroughbred Ashleigh book entitled "The
Forbidden Stallion" (number five in the series). This book was written by Chris Platt, who again has donated the book for our newsletter. A summary
is as follows:
"Ashleigh Griffen knows it's wrong, but she can't help it-- she's jealous. Peter Danworth has everything: a huge Thoroughbred
racing farm, money, and one of Ashleigh's favorite stallions, Aladdin.
"Then Ashleigh gets amazing news. If the stallion loses his next race, the Danworths will retire him to stud at Edgardale!
"Excited, Ashleigh sneaks a ride on Aladdin-- and she accidentally discovers how to run him to win. Will she keep quiet so the
magnificent stallion can live on her parents' farm? Or will she give Peter, the boy who has everything, Aladdin's secret?"
To win a copy of this exciting book, all you need to do is locate the hidden horseshoe-like symbol lurking somewhere in this issue.
If you manage to find it, please e-mail me at TabbyMLP@aol.com, telling me the exact location of where you found it. Correct answers will be
entered in a drawing to determine who will get the grand prize. Entries must be received by May 15. Good luck!
If you would be interested in purchasing other books written by Chris Platt, try doing a search for her on www.barnesandnoble.com
or www.amazon.com
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A Fair Exchange
by Sugarberry (Sugrbery@aol.com)
"Sugarberry, this is Vanguard. I need to talk to you."
"Have you heard about Tabby and Thomas?" Sugarberry countered into the phone receiver.
"What about Tabby and Thomas?" queried Vanguard after a pause.
"They're engaged!" a triumphant Sugarberry squealed.
A longer pause ensued before Vanguard spoke. "Hey! That's great!"
"Everyone's meeting at the Satin Slipper Sweet Shoppe after work to celebrate. Can you make it?"
"Sure. I'll be there."
"Great! See you later!" Sugarberry put the receiver back on its cradle and beamed at Thomas, her boss at The Vet Clinic. "I am so
happy for the two of you!"
She hadn't seen Tabby yet, but all of Dream Valley was buzzing with the news that Tabby was wearing a diamond engagement ring
from Thomas; Tiffany had brought the news early in the day, alerted by her gossip network, and Thomas had proudly verified the rumor.
It was a boisterous crowd that congregated at Scoop's establishment when the workday ended. Tabby accepted her celebrity status
with grace and charm, radiantly showing off her diamond with Thomas by her side.
"Never thought I'd see the day when you'd be wearing a sparkly ring like that," teased Quarterback.
"Yeah, yeah, sparkly!" agreed Friendly.
Tabby even accepted congratulations from Mimic and Tex with a smile on her face.
"Don't know how you did it, Thomas, but keep up the good work," winked Tex. "And Tabby, can you honestly forgive me now for
the worm incident?"
With a quick glance at Thomas, Tabby responded, "Where's a disco ball when you need one?"
Sugarberry had commandeered Vanguard as soon as he arrived from his work at the university, and led him to admire the precious
jewel on Tabby's foreleg. Vanguard hugged Tabby and shook Thomas' hoof. "I wish you two a life of happiness together!" He then retired to the
fringe of the crowd, feeling a little out of place in all the celebration.
The worried expression that often crossed Vanguard's face bypassed Sugarberry as she mingled with the crowd and shared giddy
secrets with the other mares and fillies. She was still very upbeat when Vanguard and Chocolate Chip reminded her it was getting late.
The three of them left the shop with Vanguard accompanying the girls home. The stars twinkling overhead only accentuated the
merry mood that Sugarberry and Chocolate Chip carried with them. Among their comments on Tabby and Thomas and rings and weddings,
Vanguard remained silent. He wanted a moment alone with Sugarberry, so he bided his time; but it was not meant to be.
As soon as the girls hit the porch, Chocolate Chip proposed a brilliant idea-- "Let's start planning a bridal shower!"
"Ooh! Yes! Won't this be fun?" Sugarberry readily agreed.
Vanguard saw his chance slip away, so he bravely smiled and said, "You two have fun, but I'm going home. This sounds like a girl
thing."
Chocolate Chip laughingly opened the door while Sugarberry hugged her favorite stallion and brushed his cheek with a kiss.
"Goodnight, Vanguard."
"Goodnight, Sugarberry. See you tomorrow after the Writers' Block meeting?"
"Same time, same place," she grinned as the door closed behind her.
* * *
When Sugarberry entered the Satin Slipper Sweet Shoppe the next evening, she slumped into the seat next to Vanguard with a
sigh.
"What's up?" he asked, alert to her every mood swing.
"Why can't I learn to just say no?" she groaned. "Wigwam asked me to proofread his native pony tales just when I was getting into
my next book."
Patting her hoof, Vanguard attempted to ease her consternation. "You're just tired. You'll be all charged up about it by
morning."
Sugarberry smiled gratefully at him. "I suppose you're right."
The opening door of the shop admitted Tabby and Thomas, who came directly to their friends' corner. "Have you ordered yet?"
Tabby asked. "Obviously not," she answered he own question as her eyes swept across the empty table.
"Mind if we join you?" Thomas followed.
If a look of annoyance crept across Vanguard's countenance, no one noticed. The four ponies approached the counter, and were
soon comfortably ensconced with their favorite ice cream desserts.
Except for the occasional flash of brilliance from Tabby's ring, things had quickly returned to normal; and the conversation revolved
around Pokèmon, animals, writing, and college happenings with only brief references to future plans. When the food had been consumed, the two
stallions set forth with their mares to see them safely home.
Arriving at Sugarberry's house first, Tabby and Thomas said their goodnights to Sugarberry and Vanguard. Vanguard escorted
Sugarberry up the walk and into the house, gladly accepting her invitation to a cup of coffee. He followed her into the kitchen, and leaned against the
counter as she prepared the hot brew. She had just set the mugs on the table, and Vanguard had taken a seat and reached for her hoof, when Chocolate
Chip entered the room.
"Oh, Vanguard! I'm glad you're here. I've been studying for tomorrow's test, and I'm really not clear on that new concept you
introduced last Friday. Can you help me?"
Keeping his eyes on Sugarberry's face for several seconds as if he couldn't bear to let their time together go, he finally broke away
and smiled rather wearily at Chocolate Chip. "Sure. What don't you understand?"
While the two went over the math concept, Sugarberry fed and watered Raptor and Fluff, tidied the house, and refilled the coffee
mugs. Her interest in math was limited as she seldom needed to use much more than adding and subtracting in her janglebook, and multiplying and
dividing office supplies. She struggled to stay abreast of the conversation that Vanguard and Chocolate Chip were engaged in, but soon found her
yawns overpowering her.
"You wouldn't mind if I went to bed now, would you?" she said sleepily, her eyes heavy.
"No problem. I'll lock up," Chocolate Chip stated. "Good night." She returned to her complicated figures.
"Come to supper tomorrow," Sugarberry invited Vanguard with yet another yawn.
"Sure. I'll see you then," Vanguard replied, with a wistful look as Sugarberry left the room. "Good night."
Sugarberry hurried home on Wednesday. Wigwam had called and they had arranged for him to deliver his manuscript to
Sugarberry's house after work. As usual, because she wanted to leave on time, the last patient of the day had been difficult and she hadn't gotten away
until half an hour past closing time.
When within sight of her house, Sugarberry spotted Wigwam coming from the opposite direction; they arrived at her walkway
simultaneously.
"Hi, Wigwam," she greeted the orange stallion. "Got all your papers there?" She looked suspiciously at the large brown manila
envelope under his foreleg. It appeared to be ready to burst at the seams, it was so stuffed with pages.
"Everything's here," grinned Wigwam. "I surely appreciate your helping me out, Sugarberry."
"No problem," she smiled graciously. "Come on in and show me what I've gotten myself into."
Once inside, Sugarberry led Wigwam to her computer desk, and she seated herself, waving a hoof in the direction of a second chair
for him. Wigwam handed over his envelope, and sat down after pulling the chair next to Sugarberry.
Pulling the papers out of the package, Sugarberry's worst fears were realized. The manuscript was hoof-written, making it difficult
to read as Wigwam's writing was anything but neat.
"You don't have a computer?" she asked, casting a withering glance in his direction.
"I'm all hooves when it comes to typing," he admitted.
"Aren't we all?" Sugarberry muttered under her breath. Steeling her nerves, she began to peruse the pages.
"What's this word?" she queried only two lines into the work. She pointed to the word, and Wigwam draped a foreleg over the back
of her chair as he leaned closer to get a better look. Sugarberry was discomfited at the touch of his mane on her shoulder. It took him awhile to
decipher it himself, and as he studied it, the front door opened as Chocolate Chip got home with Vanguard in tow.
In synch, she and Wigwam turned to face the new arrivals, and Sugarberry knew automatically that a self-conscious blush had
spread over her face. "Hi," she said, avoiding Vanguard's eyes. "Chocolate Chip, you've met Wigwam, haven't you?"
Chocolate Chip nodded assent.
"I haven't had a chance to start supper," Sugarberry explained. "Chocolate Chip, why don't you call out for something. Wigwam,
you can join us for supper, can't you?" she felt obliged to offer.
"Sure! Thanks, Sugarberry," he responded.
Disappearing into the kitchen, Chocolate Chip took care of her errand while Vanguard moved behind Sugarberry and looked over
her shoulder, laying a hoof protectively on her chair. Wigwam grinned at the up-tight stallion and moved his chair discreetly away from
Sugarberry.
"How are things going?" Vanguard asked.
"Wouldn't you know, I was late getting out of the vet clinic, so we just got started. I'm trying to get a feel for his penmanship
style," Sugarberry dispensed an accusing glance in Wigwam's direction.
"Hey! I do my best writing with a pen in my hoof," Wigwam defended himself.
"Your composition is well done... once I can read it," she admitted. "Once I get used to these funny little circles that keep cropping
up..."
Taking the page from her, Wigwam laughed. "Those aren't circles. Those are the dots for the "I's" and the periods.
"Oh, great!" Sugarberry groaned. "I'll have to keep that in mind."
By the time the pizza was delivered, Sugarberry felt comfortable in deciphering Wigwam's rough draft, and the four ponies pulled
up to the table for a tasty supper of pizza, salad, and soda followed by ice cream. They laughed over the story that Wigwam was relating; he was an
excellent story-teller.
By the time the kitchen was straightened up and Chocolate Chip had disappeared into her room to study, Vanguard could see by
Sugarberry's nervous attitude that she wanted some peace and quiet to begin typing Wigwam's manuscript into the computer.
"We should clear out so you can get some work done," he said.
Sugarberry smiled appreciatively. "I would like to get started on the manuscript," she verified.
"Vanguard, I've got some questions about taking a few college courses this fall," Wigwam appeared ready to go. "Maybe you can
help me out." He moved toward the door, forcing Vanguard to leave with him, missing yet another chance alone with Sugarberry.
"Thanks for the help, Sugarberry. I'll make it up to you!" Wigwam called as he left.
Vanguard grabbed a quick kiss before leaving her to her task. And for her part, Sugarberry settled down at the computer and got to
work.
* * *
When Sugarberry got a call from Vanguard on Thursday, she turned down a date with him that evening so that she could make
further headway on Wigwam's material. But she promised to be at the Satin Slipper Sweet Shoppe on Friday evening.
But on Friday morning, Vanguard called again. "I've got an emergency faculty meeting tonight at six-thirty; I'll meet you when it's
over."
"No problem," Sugarberry assured him. She had no sooner hung up the phone when another call came through.
"Sugarberry, how are you doing with my manuscript?" Wigwam's voice came over the line.
"I hope you don't expect me to be done with it yet," Sugarberry snapped a little peevishly.
Wigwam laughed. "No, not at all. I was just curious about your deciphering of my papers. Do you have any questions?"
"There were a fair number of unclear words," she admitted, "but I'm getting better over time."
"I'm free tonight," Wigwam stated. "Could we meet somewhere to go over the problems?"
"Hmm," Sugarberry thought a second. "I'm going to meet Vanguard about seven-thirty at the Satin Slipper Sweet Shoppe. Maybe
we could discuss them there about six-thirty."
"Better yet, I'll meet you at Tex's Salsa Shop at six o'clock, and I can repay you for supper the other night. Will that be
okay?"
"Ye...yes. I suppose so, as long as we're done by seven-thirty."
"Great! See you then!"
* * *
It was only seven o'clock when Vanguard arrived at Scoop's place. The faculty members involved in the meeting at the university
had arrived early-- anxious to get away from campus-- so the gathering had broken-up earlier than he had expected.
He looked over the ponies at the tables and the counter, but there was no sign of Sugarberry. He debated getting a cup of coffee and
was just stepping to the counter when Merry Moments and Quarterback came into the shop.
Exchanging pleasantries as they waited for Scoops to finish with her present customer, Merry Moments questioned Vanguard about
Sugarberry. "You two didn't have a fight, did you?"
Vanguard's face registered surprise. "Of course not."
"That's good," Merry Moments grinned. "When I saw her with Wigwam over at Tex's just now, I was kind of worried about you
guys."
"Just remember," Quarterback ribbed him, "what goes ‘round, comes ‘round." And he laughed at Vanguard's discomfort.
"You had no hold over her," Vanguard defended himself. Laying his jangles on the counter, he told Scoops, "Coffee. Black."
Quarterback didn't stop. "And how about you? I haven't seen an engagement announcement in the paper yet." Still chuckling,
Quarterback guided Merry Moments to the counter while Vanguard fled to a quiet table at the back of the room with his coffee.
The first thing Vanguard saw was a very happy Tabby and Thomas sitting alone, heads bent to each other in earnest conversation.
The diamond on Tabby's foreleg caught the light as she gestured, and flashed a prism of color skyward. Vanguard stared down at his coffee, and felt
like he was being drawn into its dark, black emptiness.
The passage of time had gotten away on Vanguard when a little face peered over the edge of his table.
"Hi, Mr. Vanguard." It was Baby Noddins.
"Hi, Baby Noddins."
"You're all alone, so I came to sit with you."
Baby Noddins seated herself in the chair across from Vanguard. "Whatcha doing?"
"Just thinking," he responded.
"What about?"
"Everything. And what are you doing here tonight?"
With a wave of her hoof, she explained. "Mommy and Daddy brought me and Baby Falling Leaves, but I'm mad at her."
"Again?" smiled Vanguard.
"She sat with Baby Racer," Baby Noddins scowled. "He's boring."
"Oh, I see," Vanguard sympathized. Then he asked, "Would you like a sundae?"
"Oh, yes, I would." Baby Noddins' eyes grew round. "A hot fudge sundae would be good."
"Coming right up," Vanguard announced as he got up and headed for the counter. Baby Noddins followed him.
"Can I have nuts on top?" she questioned.
"You sure can!" he verified, nodding his assent to Scoops.
When Vanguard and his little tag-along were seated once again, and Baby Noddins had eaten her way through half her sundae, she
surprised her host with an abrupt query. "Are you gonna marry Sugarberry?"
Taken off guard, Vanguard stuttered. "I... why... do you think I should?"
"Yes!" declared Baby Noddins. "I like weddings!"
"Oh, I see. Have you been to many weddings yet?"
"Well... no," she frowned. But then her face brightened. "But Lemon Treats is going to invite me to her wedding, and Tabby is,
too! I hope." She got a far-away look in her eyes, dreaming of white lace and flower bouquets.
Deciding to switch to a safer topic, Vanguard asked, "How are you doing in math?"
Baby Noddins came out of her reverie and wrinkled her nose. "I hate math!"
"Why?"
"Fractions are stupid!" she declared. "Especially when the denomi-whatevers don't match. Very frustrating," she added
emphatically.
Vanguard was startled to feel a hoof settle gently on his shoulder, and a soft voice ask, "May I sit down, or would you two rather be
alone?" Baby Noddins giggled.
He jumped up to pull a chair out for Sugarberry. "Hi!" He suddenly felt a tad less depressed. "I didn't see you come in."
"It looks like you were having an interesting conversation," commented Sugarberry as she sat down with her steaming cup of coffee
and familiar manila envelope. "How are you tonight, Baby Noddins?" she asked of the lavender youngster.
"I'm not hungry anymore," she said, pushing the melting sundae to the center of the table and sliding off the chair. "Bye."
Sugarberry giggled. "I hope it wasn't something I said."
"She probably remembered that I don't have a last name," Vanguard rationalized.
"You must have finished your meeting early," Sugarberry stated.
"Yes. It went well."
"Good. Wigwam treated me to supper at the salsa shop so we could go over some unreadable words." She glanced uneasily at
Vanguard, but he didn't seem upset by the news. She squeezed his hoof. "I've missed you," she added.
"On that note, may I walk you home?" Vanguard suggested. "It's a beautiful evening."
"Yes, it is," agreed Sugarberry. She picked up the envelope containing Wigwam's manuscript, and the couple left the crowded
hangout.
"Did you see Tabby and Thomas?" Sugarberry asked as they walked down the lighted paths. "They seem to have grown so close
since Thomas gave her that ring. It's as if they have their own secret world. And, you know, they both seem to have become wiser somehow as well.
Except their attitude toward Furbys-- they treat them as equals." She mulled over this fact for a moment.
Vanguard remained silent on the subject, so Sugarberry continued her monologue.
"Wigwam's native tales book is going to be a big success," she predicted. "I'm grateful that he promised me an autographed
copy."
"He owes you that much for all the work you're doing for him."
Sugarberry giggled. "He's going to pay me," she clarified. "He told me to keep track of my time."
Vanguard lapsed back into silence. "Oh. I almost forget," Sugarberry finally spoke-up. "I saw a Baltimore Oriole today. I put an
orange out on the gazebo feeder, and an Oriole showed up the very first day!"
"That's neat."
"And the male goldfinches all have their bright yellow summer feathers back again." She continued to ramble on about any number
of topics, but Vanguard remained withdrawn.
Arriving at the house, Sugarberry set the envelope inside and she and Vanguard sat on the porch swing in the mild evening air.
Sugarberry hugged his nearest foreleg to her while leaning her head against his shoulder. She always felt safe when she was with him like this. The
frogs could be heard calling from their homes on the riverbank, but otherwise the night was eerily quiet as clouds moved across the sky.
"Sugarberry, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about for days now, but everything has been so hectic," Vanguard
broke the silence.
Snuggling closer against his side, Sugarberry looked up into his face. She had noticed that he had been distant since Tabby and
Thomas' engagement was announced, and wondered if Thomas' proposal might prompt Vanguard to speak to her in the same vein.
"And what would that be?" she asked softly.
Vanguard touched his free hoof to her cheek, and took a deep breath. He looked into her eyes with such tenderness that Sugarberry
herself almost stopped breathing.
Turning in the swing to face her, Vanguard took both her hooves in his. "Sugarberry, I..."
"Yes?" she whispered.
"I've accepted an exchange position at Leonardo University in Italy for the fall semester." The words, when they came, came in a
rush.
Sugarberry was stunned. Her eyes searched Vanguard's, hoping she could read his soul. But all she found was a rather sad image
of herself, and she began trembling.
"You're... you're leaving?" she heard herself ask in a cracked voice.
Vanguard smiled weakly, and pulled her close to him. "Just temporarily. If all goes as planned, I'll be home for Christmas."
Sugarberry pulled back, unaware of the silent tears streaming down her face. "When are you going?" she choked out.
Smoothing the tears from her cheeks, Vanguard pleaded, "Please don't cry!"
Sugarberry's inner being wanted to scream, Don't cry? I have to cry! I cry over spilt milk. Why shouldn't I cry when my
world ends? All she could do was bury her face in his shoulder, and let the tears fall.
"You're shivering," Vanguard said with concern. "We'd better get you inside." He opened the door, and guided her to the sofa.
"Can I get you something?"
"When are you leaving?"
He pulled a side chair up to face her, and sat down. "As soon as the current semester is all wrapped up."
"That's the middle of May!" Her tear-stained eyes threatened to launch another waterfall. "Why are you going? You never said a
word."
Her eyes locked his so tangibly that it hurt. Vanguard shook his head to break the hold. "It was quite unexpected, actually.
Decagon, my former department head back at Binks University, was the one who had set up the exchange for himself. But family problems interfered,
so he called in a debt I owed him."
"So just like that, you're going to drop your life here?"
"I have to, Sugarberry. Decagon helped me out of a tough spot once. I can't let him down now."
Raptor jumped up on the couch and crawled into Sugarberry's lap; she hugged him close, and found his purr reassuring. Fluff came
to sit by her side, a wide-eyed look on his face.
"Is that what the emergency meeting was about?" she asked.
"Yes. We had to make some hasty decisions during the week, but everything looks like it's going to work out."
"Where will you live over there?" Sugarberry was beginning to calm down.
"It's an even trade-- Giorgio will stay at my apartment and assume my responsibilities at Pony Pride; I'll do the same over
there."
The two sat in silence for awhile, thinking their own thoughts of this extended separation.
"I guess we won't be visiting your folks this summer," Sugarberry finally spoke, and was even able to add a small smile.
"There will be another time," Vanguard smiled back. "This exchange won't last forever; and in the meantime, you can work on
your novel like never before."
"I suppose so."
"And, anyway, we have several weeks before I'm gone. We'll make the most of it." Vanguard stood up, and replaced the chair in
its spot. "I'd better get home now, though. I've still got some tests to correct. You'll be okay?"
Nodding her head while hugging Raptor, Sugarberry walked Vanguard to the door. A light rain had started to fall.
"You'll get wet," Sugarberry worried as she peered out into the darkness.
"I won't melt," Vanguard grinned. "Goodnight, Sugarberry." He turned, and quickly started off.
Sugarberry just as quickly turned and closed the door. She leaned her head back against the frame and let the flow of tears engulf
her. Raptor looked worried as the salty water poured over his fur. Sugarberry felt as if a piece of her heart had suddenly died.
And hurrying down the sidewalk, Vanguard's cheeks, too, were wet with more than the raindrops.
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ICQ Column
Looking to get in contact with other pony collectors? If you have the ICQ chat service, try sending some of these My Little Pony
fans a message.
Baby Sparkles: 63411762
Baby Lickety Split: 14409477
Baby Mischief: 35100651
If you have an ICQ number and would like to be listed here, e-mail your information to TabbyMLP@aol.com
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The Wedding Day
by Merry Treat (MeryTreat@aol.com)
Author's note: This story is dedicated to Tabby, who cracked down on me until I finished it. ~.^ And yes, I started this story
a while ago, but kinda forgot about it. Apologies to everyone! Enjoy, and any feedback would be most kind.
One evening in February...
"We have an announcement to make!" Tess tapped on the edge of Merry Treat's root beer float glass. All members of the gang
stopped their talking and turned to the two Meowths at the end of the table.
Tess and Tarquin smiled at each other and took the other's paw. Tess looked at the gathered congregation with a big smile on her
face. "Tarquin and I are getting married."
For a moment, there was silence as the group seated at the table absorbed this information. Then, they began congratulating the two
Meowths. That is, except for Tabby and Merry Treat. They were sitting, staring at each other, in utter shock.
"Tarquin and Tess are..." Merry Treat started.
"...getting married?" Tabby finished, still confused. She blinked a few times, and then became furious. "Why wasn't I informed of
this?!" she fumed angrily at her Meowth, jumping out of her chair. "Why didn't you tell me you were proposing?!"
"Tabby, chill out!" Merry Treat cried, and jumped up to grasp her friend's shoulders to restrain her. "I wasn't informed of this,
either! Oh, please don't hurt them!" she shouted desperately.
"Eh... you didn't tell her?" Tess questioned Tarquin, glancing at him nervously.
"I tried to... but she must not have been listening. What about you? You were supposed to tell Merry Treat..." Tarquin replied in the
same nervous tone.
"I did... but I must have mumbled it..." Tess responded as the two looked at their trainers.
Well, somebody do something... those two are giving me a headache, Merry Treat's Spearow groaned.
"Calm down, Tabby!" Sugarberry exclaimed, and jumped up to help restrain her.
"I could blow flames on them," Spike suggested.
"Eh... not unless you want to get yourself maimed," Thomas commented, raising an eyebrow.
Tabby finally calmed down after a lot of shouting, a lot of complaining, and many glances from the other customers in the shop.
Once she had gotten settled back into her chair, she received pleading glances from the two Pokèmon.
"Please let us, Tabby," Tess pleaded. "It would mean ever so much to us. Please?"
Tabby looked into those big dark blue cat-like eyes, and gave in. She was a real schmuck for Meowths, even if they weren't her
own. "All right. You can do it," she said, glancing at Merry Treat. The white pony nodded as well.
"Oh, thank you! You're the best, Tabby!" Tarquin cried, and threw his arms around Tabby's neck.
Tabby smiled and hugged him back, while exchanging a glance with Merry Treat. "I don't know if this makes us related or not,"
Merry Treat joked.
"I dunno, maybe..." Tabby said thoughtfully. "It would be rather interesting." She paused for a moment, and then her face
fell.
"What's wrong now, Tabby?" Sugarberry asked in concern.
"Tarquin and Tess... they won't be ours anymore," Tabby said, looking up at Merry Treat.
Merry Treat assumed a sad expression. "You're right... but if they aren't ours, who will they belong to?"
"I don't know, but... oh, Merry Treat, this is so sad!" Tabby wailed.
"They'll leave us!" Merry Treat wailed as well. The two hugged each other, crying loudly.
Oh, brother, Spearow groaned in exasperation.
Tarquin and Tess took the opportunity to console the two ponies, while the other members seated at the table left to give the group
some privacy.
* * *
One May afternoon...
Tess stood nervously in front of the mirror. She was wearing a delicate white veil and a white lacy dress. She also wore her
mother's blue ribbon for the occasion, and a pretty pearl necklace (a gift from Merry Treat). In her paws she held a lovely bouquet of purple lilacs
(picked out by Tabby). On her feet were a pair of dainty white slippers (made especially for someone so small). She did look very delicate and
beautiful.
But the little Meowth was scared to death! She could see the reflections of Tabby and Merry Treat (who were standing behind her)
in the mirror. They wore dresses similar to her own, and had made themselves look very nice. Tess had insisted that they be her bridesmaids, as they
were the ponies she was closest to.
"You look great, Tess," Tabby complimented.
"Yeah, you'll knock ‘em dead!" Merry Treat agreed with a playful swipe in the air.
Tess smiled weakly and turned to face the two trainers. She knew it was one of the last times she was going to see them for awhile.
She had to admit that they were some of the best friends she'd ever known. "Thank you..." she trailed off softly, and turned to look at herself in the
mirror again. She couldn't believe she was actually going through with this. A million memories rushed through her head: when she'd first met
Tarquin, when she'd come home to live with Merry Treat, when she'd fallen in love with Tarquin...
The Meowth was snapped out of her thoughts by a sound behind her. Was that a... sob? Furrowing her brow, she turned to see
Merry Treat quickly wiping away a tear.
"I'm... I'm fine..." the Christmas pony choked upon seeing the Pokèmon's expression. Tabby placed a hoof on her friend's shoulder
to console her, but the unicorn looked just as upset.
Tess and Merry Treat just stared at each other in silence for a few moments. Merry Treat knelt down and spread out her forelegs to
welcome her in. Tess dashed over and was engulfed in a hug by her trainer. Tabby just stood back and watched quietly.
"Thank you for being my friend, Mountain," Tess murmured into her trainer's shoulder.
"You're welcome, Tess," Merry Treat whispered back. She was going to miss her Pokèmon.
Tabby felt a tear roll down her face as she watched the two. Tess had been her friend, and she was glad Tarquin had found someone
special to love. The pink unicorn aimlessly glanced up at the clock. She didn't want to interrupt her two friends, but she realized that she needed to.
"It's time for the wedding to start," she murmured softly.
Tess and Merry Treat gave each other an extra squeeze, and slowly pulled back from each other. "Go on, they're waiting for you,"
Tess said softly.
Tess watched as the two ponies left the room as the music began to play. The Meowth looked on a bit timidly as she saw them line
up expectantly. When the bridal music played, she hesitated a minute, trying to find the nerve to go out there. Finally, she took a deep breath and left
her changing room. Tess walked elegantly down the aisle, sending nervous smiles to her friends and family. I'm actually going through with
this, she thought to herself.
She took note that the Meowth of her dreams was dressed in a fancy black tuxedo with a bowtie tied smartly around his neck.
Spearow stood beside him in a similar outfit. She couldn't help but blush as he extended a paw to her. Tess reached up, shaking, and gently took
it.
The ceremony went by as if in a blur. Tess was full of butterflies as she stared at Tarquin. Judging from his expression, he was
thinking the same things she was. Tess barely heard the preacher (an uncle of Tarquin's) as he rambled on about all the important things they had to
share. She and Tarquin repeated everything they were supposed to, and when they finally said "I do," Tess felt her nervousness slowly melt
away.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the preacher announced to the two Meowths warmly. Tarquin
smiled and pulled Tess close to him and kissed her. Everyone clapped and cheered, but Tarquin and Tess were only absorbed in each other. They
failed to notice as their two trainers looked at each other with a sisterly love in their eyes.