Satyr Family (Completed)

>Its Christmas morning, according to your math anyway, and you sit on the couch waiting for the kids to awake.
>In the cold living room, you patiently sip at your coffee as Lyra scratches her head and looks over the tree, "So, whats the point of this?"
"Easy, we buy little toys and gifts for our kids, we wrap it, put it under the tree, and then blame a fat guy for it."
>"Is that like..a human thing?"
"Only if they are god fearing people, or just like to celebrate the holiday."
>She thinks about your statement and stares forward lost in her own thoughts.
>Suddenly you hear the stampede of hooves and claws making their way down the hallway and to the steps.
>Hope is the first to reach your line of sight, as she jumps for the pile of presents, "I'm gonna beat you!" She yells before she suddenly gets jerked up and into the air.
>Alex used her talons to grip onto her and brings her to her face as she grins "In your dreams loser."
>With a flick of her talons, she sends hope flying back, and flipping over a couch.
>Alex chuckles mean-spirited as she flaps down and onto the pile of gifts, before raising her claws into the air, "Undefeated!" She yells before Gilda screams.
>"Keep it down, feather duster!"
> Alex curls up in terror behind the gifts before slowly picking one up and looking at it.
>With an exhausted sigh, she narrows her eyes and looks away, "This ones yours, Hope."
>Hope pops up from the couch, and gallops over, "Thanks sis."
>The two start organizing gifts as you and Lyra look on affectionately.
>Alex looks over at you and smiles, "Hey Dad, come look what Santa got us."
"Hold on, hold on."
>You get up and go over to see what "Santa" got them before sitting down on the ground next to them.
>Today was a nice Christmas morning with your herd family and different Satyr children.

>At the dinner table, you, Lyra, Gilda, Alex, and Hope all sit down to a nice ordered meal.
>Gilda grips onto her steak, and rips it apart with her beak. Causing grease, and meat bits to shower onto Hope, and Gilda.
>Hope gasps before groaning in disgust, "Daddy! She got it all over me!"
"Alex, you know better than to eat like your mother."
>Gilda gives a dissatisfied tsk before rolling her eyes as Alex frowns putting down her meat, "I dont say anything when Hope does that weird horse sound thing."
>Hope slams her hands onto the table and gets up frowning, "Its neighing! And there is nothing weird about it!"
>Alex gives a snobbish look as she closes her eyes and grips her steak, "And there is nothing weird about eating my steak."
>Hope looks back to you and whines, "Daaaaad!"
>You sigh and rub your forehead before looking to Alex.
"Sweetie, your a third human, use some table manners."
>Alex getting huffy, pushes her plate away and looks away upset, "Fine!"
>Hope sadly looks over at her older sister and feels genuinely bad, looking at the table, the two sisters brood and sulk silently.
>You think of a way to resolve this, but Alex gets up and cleans her area.
>Hope steals a glance or two at her as she scrapes her plate clean and only takes the meat in her claws.
>Walking away, she opens a window and hops up on it before flapping away and onto the roof. Where she ALWAYS goes when she gets mad.
>Hope looks at the open window somberly as you rub her back.
"Its ok sweetie, you know she just needs some time to cool off."
>On the roof, Alex looks up at the moon before she begins to tear into her steak.
>Hope lies in bed still feeling bad about the events at dinner, but the window opens as Alex crawls into the room and onto her bed conveniently located under the window.
>She knits at the sheets and mattress before lying down and draping the sheets over her.
>Hope subtly looks over, and stammers out, “H.hey.”
>Alex looks forward with an angry glare, “What is it?”

>”S.sorry about getting mad, I just hate getting dirty after I shower.”
>”Hmpf, whatever.”
>Alex gets up, and tosses her sheets back onto her bed before leaving the room, slamming the door, and going down the steps.
>In the kitchen, Alex sees you sipping coffee at the table. When she makes eye contact with you, she looks away and opens the fridge.
“Are you gonna get ready for bed?”
>Alex snaps a bit at you, “Why? I don’t have school tomorrow?”
>With a firm tone, you point at her.
“Hey, don’t take a tone with me.”
>Alex gives a miffed snarl as she looks away and pulls out a carton of milk, and begins to gulp it down before sighing satisfied and wiping away her milk peakstache.
>Before she knows it, you are by her side, and bend down to give her a big hug.
“I love you sweetie.”
>Alex gives an uneasy, nervous chuckle “G..geeze dad, why the love dump?”
“Honey, Hope really likes you, she just wants to be around her big sister. Seeing you two fight like that, it reminds me of me and my brother. I never got to tell him I loved him, and now I never will. I know you two are siblings, and your bound to fight, and get mad, but…don’t ever mad for long. I’d give almost anything to see my brother again.”
>You wipe away a small tear and laugh trying to save face as you get up.
“I know its nothing like super big, but, we fought for small things too.”
>Alex looks to the side and sighs before she hugs you as you smile and pat her head, “I love you too, dad.”
>Back in their shared room, Alex lets herself in as Hope ducks under the sheets and pretends to be asleep. Alex walks over to the side of her bed, “Get up, Hope.”
>”Huh?”
>Alex says nothing, so Hope slowly gets up and stands in front of her sister. Alex looks at her before looking away and opening her arms to extend a hug.
>Hope smiles and hugs her back tightly as Alex smiles awkwardly, “Next time I’ll toss a bib on you, ok?”


Hot Coffee
-------------------------------------

>You sigh reading the paper in the early morning, reaching out for your cup of coffee; you bring it up to your mouth and sip.
>Unbeknownst to you, Alex and Hope peek their little eyes over behind the couch they are hiding on. The two spy on you as Alex’s tail sways left and right, Hope makes little sounds of wonder as she looks at your cup, “That smells good, what is it?”
>”Jeez, you’re such a baby, its coffee. Grown ups drink it.”
>”What does it taste like?”
>Puzzled, she looks at you gulp it down and exhale loudly before setting it down, and reading the paper, “Me, I think it tastes like warm caramel.”
>”Oooo, that must taste good.”
>”Yeah, it’s probably thick, like soda, but doesn’t burn.”
>”I wanna try some.”
>”Like he’d let you, you’re still a kid.”
>”So are you.”
>”Nu-uh, I’m older than you, AND a gryphon. I’m like, at least as old as dad. I bet, dad would give me some.”
>The two of them stare down one another before jumping over the couch to race to you, as usual, Alex beats hope with her flight.
>The two rush over and holler at the same time, “Dad, dad can we try your coffee?!”
“What?”
>Hope jumps next to you excited, “I wanna try your coffee dad, please? Just a taste?”
>Alex is already hunched over the table, smelling at it and trying to examine it. You move it away from them and uneasily try to hide it.
“I..don’t think its something you’d like. It’s not really for kids ya know?”
>Hope, being the one who gives up the easiest, frowns sadly and lets out a disappointed sigh “Ok.”
>Alex goes on the defensive, “I’m not a kid, I’m an adult.”
“Sweetie, you’re gonna be a kid for a while.”
>Gilda comes walking over and sits by you, “Oh yeah, you’re an adult huh? Ok, let her drink some Anon.”
>Alex brightens up as Hope gasps in disbelief before they both exclaim, “Really?!”
“Yeah, really? She’s gonna hate it.”
>Gilda serves herself a cup, and begins to mix in cream and sugar before grinning slyly, “No, no, she said she’s an adult, she can handle coffee. How do you want it?”
>Alex draws a blank as she looks at her unsure before looking at you, “Uhhh..what do you mean?”
>”Cream, sugar, or black?”
>Alex points at you, “I want it like how dad has it.”
>You snicker in disbelief with a small chuckle.
“Black?”
>”Yeah, that smells really good.”
>Gilda looks at you, “Well Anon, you heard her.” Uneasily you slide your cup at her and lean back into your chair. She takes it into her claws and looks it over in wonderment and grandeur.
>She sniffs at it, and takes a big, pleasant whiff before slowly brining it to her lips.
“Be careful sweetie, it’s hot.”
>Alex for once in her life, takes your advice and blows on it before gripping a stirring straw, and trying to stir the heat out.
>Feeling its more or less safe, she sets it down and goes in for the drink. By now Lyra has joined the spectacle and smiles knowingly as Hope sits atop her back looking at her big sister taking her first steps into adult…”PFFFTA AHHH!!” Alex screams as she spits coffee out and onto the table before rubbing her mouth clean of the residue, “It tastes like burnt steak!”
>Gagging a bit, she sets down the cup and tries desperately to clean her tounge as Gilda stirs in coffee and sugar into her cup, “Here, try it with sugar and cream, it tastes much better.”
>Desperate to get the taste from her mouth out, she grabs Gilda’s cup and sips at it too before spitting it out, “This tastes like burnt marshmallows!”
>Lyra, Gilda, Hope, and even you all laugh at her misfortune. Realizing she is the butt of a life experience joke, she scowls while trying to hide that she is about to cry, “Stop laughing! Its not funny!”
>Hope wipes away a few of her laughter tears, “Oh sis, I’m so glad I didn’t drink it.”
>Alex sniffles a bit before dismounting off the table, and flying away up the steps.
“Alex! C’mon I tried to tell you!”
>You get up to go comfort her, but Gilda holds you back, “Ah let her, kids need a good shaming for their stupidity ever now and again. Builds character. Besides, she’s not gonna wanna talk right now anyway.”
>You sit back down and sigh tiredly.
“I guess.”

>Many days later, Alex and her friends all hang out at Sugar Cube Corner as Pinkie comes up to them, “What can I get you all to drink?”
>Alex’s friends all call out different things, “Cappuccino.” “Latte.” “A hazel Frap..”
>Alex looks confused and asks them “What are those?”
>One of her friends replies, “Iced coffee.” Alex retches and folds the menu before giving it to Pinkie.
>”Just get me an orange juice.”
>Today was a fun morning.

Alex's First Crush
---------------------------------------------------------

>Hope stands before a mirror wearing a light blue, frilly top, she looks herself over and smiles pleased.
>Walking out of the dressing room, she spreads her arms apart to show it off, "What do you think of this one Alex?"
>Alex looks off to the side bored, and sighs annoyed, "Its fine I guess."
>Hope frowns and rests her fists against her hips, "You're not even looking!"
>Alex groans and looks over at her for a split second before looking back to the side, and resting her face on her claws, "Its fine."
>"Alex, you didnt even look again!"
>"God, what do you even want from me?! I hate clothes shopping, ok?"
>"Hmpf!"
>Hope begins to take off her top, but realizes she is in public, before rushing back into the dressing room.
>Alex groans upset but stops when she notices a group of young colts laughing and walking together.
>The center one in particular has her attention, he was a fairly handsome colt with a short mane, and average build.
>She gulps down her nervousness when Hope sneaks up on her, "Ok, I'm ready~" Alex laughs nervously and tries to play it cool.
>In line, Alex waits with her usual drawl of annoyed when she realizes the colt from before is a few customers ahead of her.
>She tries to make herself unseen, and even tries to hide her face. Hope notices, "What are you doing?"
>"N.nothing."
>Hope looks between her quick glances, and the only young colt in line, before smirking and singsonging "Alex has a crush."
>"S.shut up! He'll hear you."
>Hope chuckles and goes back to waiting in line. As the two leave the store, she notices the colt heading towards the foodcort.
>Alex watches him walk away as Hope holds her stomach and sways, "I'm SO hungry, can we get something to eat?"
>Alex groans, "We'll get something at home."
>"But I'm hungry now."
>"Tsk, fine."
>At the food court, Alex sits at a table as she hides and peaks through the bushes. Her tail wags instinctively as she watches her "prey"

>Off in the distance, the colt gets a sudden feeling of dread. His horse instincts are telling him there is a predator nearby, but he cant quiet understand it.
>He looks around worriedly trying to find what it is that is giving him fear, causing Alex to duck back onto her seat.
>Hope comes skipping up with a tray of food, and sets it on the table. Alex grabs her meal, and unwraps it to reveal a hamburger. Biting into it, she munches and leans back into her seat before chugging a cup of soda.
>Hope is no better, as she bites into her greasy burger and smears ketchup onto her cheeks and lips. The two eat, and drink in silence before Hope leans forward.
>”So you gonna talk to him?”
>”No.”
>”Why not?”
>”Because I came here to get food for you.”
>Suddenly the colt from before comes within sight as he serves himself another drink, Alex, realizing her face isn’t exactly presentable, grabs some napkins and begins to clean herself.
>Hope smirks widely and sets her burger down, “Hey Alex, I’m gonna go to the restroom to do number 2.”
>”Whoa, to much information.”
>Hope scoots off, and practically leaps away to the restroom. Alex strums her talons along the table and groans a bit before sighing. Getting up, she checks herself one last time before walking over to the colt.
>Beside him, he notices her as she smiles awkwardly and starts conversation, “Hey.”
>”Hey.”
>”So uhh, where are your friends?”
>”My friends?”
>”Yeah, I uh I saw them with you over at HaySeed Penny.”
>”Oh yeah, they’re at uh the arcade, why?”
>Alex pauses for a minute as she thinks of a lie, “Oh, well, I wanted to know where one of your friends got that cool Misfires shirt. And I thought he’d be with you.”
>”Shoot, I have no idea, sorry. I just came here cause I’m hungry.”
>”Me too.”
>There is a long pause as the two run out of things to say, the guy decides to be the one to break it, “Well, he should still be in the arcade, you know, if you wanna talk to him.”
>”Right, yeah, I’ll do that, thanks.”
>He nods and walks away as Alex tries to hide her nervousness, but her blush betrays her. Looking around to see if anybody noticed her being a sperg, her eyes narrow as she realizes you, and Lyra are sitting at a table, and looking over at her.
>You remain frozen in place, looking at her with a fry just inches from your mouth. Blood shoots right up to her face, as Alex looks down, and stiffly walks away to the bathroom.
>Lyra smiles warmly, and rubs your free hand with her hoof, “We should probably go dear, I think they’ll do just fine without us following them around anymore.”
>Today was a first crush kinda day.

>Alex gives an annoyed tsk as she leans up against the wall. Hope is once again surrounded by colts, all clamoring for her attention.
>Though she doesn't know it, they all have hit puberty, and are starting to notice her more than just "that snot nosed mare".
>Hope however, was something of a late bloomer, mentally anyway, and still only saw them as happy friends.
>Doing what came naturally; she picked herself up and walked over to her younger sister. Fear took over the colts as the tall, slender and muscular griffon/human walked over. The more brazen ones stayed while the rest took off, Alex glared at the ones remaining slowly twiddling her talons.
>It was subtle enough to not be a threat, but intimidating enough to make them turn tail and bolt. Hope frowns, “Aw sis, did you really have to scare away my friends?”
>”They aren’t your friends Hope.”
>”Yes they are, they like me.”
>”They only like you because..” Alex looks into her big, innocent eyes and looks away with a sneer, “just because ok?”
>With an exhausted sigh, Hope looks to the ground, “Ok.”
>”Cmon, I’m hungry. What do you want to get?”

>In town, Alex and Hope walk side by side carrying their drinks. Hope grins from ear to ear as she sighs happily, “That was so good.”
>”Yeah, it was.” She says looking around town, she stops when she notices something, “Hey uhh..you head home ok? I’ll be there a little later.”
>”Why?”
>”I just forgot something, see ya.” Spreading her wings, she flaps into the air and onto a cloud. She hears Hope call out to her, but she ignores her and sneaks away.
>She jumps from cloud to cloud and crawls on her belly. She was on the hunt, but her target was not a paranoid zebra, or an elderly pony, no, this one was a young colt by the name of Silver.
>It had been about 6 months since she had met him at the mall, but she made an effort to talk to him when she could. She was pretty sure he was single, and longed to be close to the skittish stallion.
>He goes about his day unaware that he is being followed by a 6ft terror in the sky. Stalking comes naturally to Alex, the blood of her father and mother boils in her veins as she focuses solely on her target.
>He enters a music store as Alex hops off her cloud, glides down and lands by the door. Casually strolling in, she looks around and pretends to browse the music, but really she is just trying to get a better view of Silver.
>She notices him checking out the rock section and nods in approval, but when he turns and notices her, she panics and quickly picks up a random CD.
>Silver seems to fidget in place before trying to walk around her, Alex forces a “chance encounter” and locks eyes with him, “Hey.”
>”Hey.”
>”S.so how’ve you been?”
>”Ok.”
>”Yeah, me too. So, you like rock?”
>He nods and looks away, “Yeah, uhh so you like Madrama?”
>Alex notices she is holding a copy of the controversial, and untalented Madrama, “Oh no, this is for my mom.” She laughs it off and puts it away as the colt nods.
>”Ok, I gotta go.” As he walks away, she tries to walk with him and make small talk.
>”So you go to the same school as me, and I..”
>”What about the CD?”
>”What CD?”
>”For your mom.”
>Alex stops, looks back, and remembers she put it back. She burns bright red and looks back laughing “Oh yeah, I..” Realizing that Silver had left her behind to pay for his CD, she sighs sadly and hangs her head.
>Not even bothering to maintain her lie, she walks out of the music store, and flies up into the clouds.

>Hope sits in her bed sad as she watches Alex lay in her bed facedown, “You want a soda?” She asks in hopes of raising her sister’s spirit.
>Alex’s torso expands as she takes a deep breath and deflates as she exhales, “No, I don’t want a soda.”
>Though she doesn’t know why her sister feels sad, Hope decides to stay in her bed and feel bad in solidarity for her. A few hours later you come in and look at the two.
“Whats going on? You two haven’t come down all day.”
>Hope gives you a sad frown as she looks between you, and her sister.
“What? Did you two get in a fight or something?”
>Alex gives an irritated groan as she gets up and practically growls, “Fine, whatever, I’m up ok?”
“Hey, don’t take that tone with me missy.”
>”Just get out of here dad.”
“Alex, you better calm down right now or I’ll GIVE you a reason to be mad.”
>She was as hot blooded as her mother, and stares you down while slowly breathing deeply before giving a snort and rolling back onto her bed.
>You exhale subtly and look towards Hope, she can see your displeasure, masking it with a fatherly smile you call out to her.
“Hope sweetie, you wanna come down for some chocolate cake? I’m sure your sister wants to be left alone for a bit.”
>The small satyr looks at her sister before sliding off the bed, and walking to you. Downstairs, you slice a cake and set it on a plate before sitting down and sliding the cake to Hope.
“Sweetie, why is your sister mad?”
>”I don’t know, sometimes she gets like that.”
“Are you sure? There isn’t something you’re not telling daddy? I won’t get mad, I promise.”
>She shakes her head honestly confused, it wasn’t like Hope to lie, especially when it was just the two of you. Though its relieving to know there is nothing they are hiding, its even more unsettling that something is wrong with her and you don’t know what.
>As you ponder this grave thought in your head, you hear the clinking of silverware on a plate. Looking down, Hope is digging into the slice of double chocolate cake. She looks up at you and smiles, her cheeks covered in frosting and cake crumbs. Smiling back, you go over to cut yourself a slice too, and sit by her.

>As you get ready for bed, Lyra hops on top of you and snuggles as Gilda comes in and shimmies under the sheets.
“Honey.”
>They both look over and reply “Yes?” Before looking at one another and then at you.
“Sorry, I meant Gilda.”
>Lyra gives a shrug and goes back to snuggling on you as you look to the side at Gilda.
“Do you know whats wrong with Alex?”
>”What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you noticed? She’s been really pissy, and quick to anger for like weeks already. I thought she was just having her period, but its been going on like this for a long time. Girls don’t have their periods that long right?”
>Gilda gives you a smirk, “It’s a wonder how you even got me pregnant with how dense you are.”
“It’s a wonder I even got ANY of you pregnant.”
>”To answer your question, no they don’t last that long.”
“Then what is it?”
>She thinks to herself before looking up at the ceiling, “You said you saw her crushin on some colt right?”
“That was years ago.”
>Lyra finally joins in, “Sweetie, it’s barely been a year.”
>”Hmmm…I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”

>The next day, the sun shines bright and sunny in the sky as thrash metal gets blasted from the garage. With the music blasting its dirty grunge notes, and the singer shouting his lyrics, sweat rolls down Alex’s face as she strains.
>Wearing a black sports bra, and matching shorts, she clutches a long silver barbell in her claws, and attached to each end are heavy weights. She curls the heavy mass as her arm muscles bulge, and her defined abs strain.
>In her mind’s eye she plays back all the times she tried and failed to talk to boys, all the rejection, all the uncomfortableness, all the mocking they did thinking she was out of earshot.
>They called her freak, ugly, scary, some even called her a lesbian. As she recalls these painful memories, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her muscular, and fierce appearance is a stark contrast to the soft, and feminine pony her sister is. Tears roll down her face before she closes her eyes, and in one quick motion she lifts the barbell and hurls it forward, while letting out an angry and spiteful scream.
>It crashes into the wall, shattering the wood and cracking the cement when it lands and goes to a rolling stop. She pants angrily as the music comes to a sudden stop, surprised; she wipes eyes with her arm and sniffles before turning around to see her mother.
>”Just *sniff* working out. *sniff*”
>Gilda leans to the side and sees two holes in the wall as sunlight comes in from them, and goes back to looking at Alex, “Mind if I join?”
>”Huh? Uhh..yeah, I guess.”
>Alex sits herself at a bench and curls a 20 pound weight while looking at the ground as Gilda readies a bench with a barbell and loads up weights before she lays herself down, “Spot me featherbutt.”
>”Mom, you haven’t called me that since I was cub.”
>”I know, you gonna spot me or not?”
>Alex gets up, and goes around the bench as Gilda puts her claws on the barbell. Picking it up, she lowers it and goes about the motions as she looks into her daughter’s eyes, “You know I used to be a young lioness too.”
>”….”
>”It’s a confusing time.”
>”…”
>”So many emotions, trying to figure yourself out.”
>”….”
>”You know what really helped me?”
>”..What?”
>”My dad and mom took me hunting.”
>”Why?”
>”I don’t know, it’s hard to explain. But, when you’re out there, things just make sense ya know? Whatta ya say squirt? Wanna go hunting with your old man and lady?”
>Like a lost child, she nods sorrowfully, ”I’d like that.”
>”Awesome, we can go buy supplies tonight, and take off on the weekend.”
>It was a small smile, but Alex looked down at her sweating mother and smirked. It was the first time she had honestly smiled in a very long time.

=====================Camping

>Alex packs up her stuff on the bed as Hope watches besides her. The whole time she has a worried frown as Alex looks over and notices, “Ah cmon Hope, I’m only gonna be gone for a few days.”
>Basically being given the go to voice her concern, Hope flails her arms in exaggeration, “But a lot can happen in a few days! And you, dad and scary mommy aren’t gonna be around to protect us.”
>”Tsk cmon, really? The worst thing that ever happened here was dad not paying the cable bill.”
>”Nu-uh! My teacher said Tierk almost destroyed the WHOLE town one time!”
>”Oh yeah..but that was ages ago, and he’s like, dead now.”
>”Sis! What if he comes back!?”
>”He won’t, I promise. And besides, you got Princess Fancypants like 3 minutes away. You couldn’t ask to be in a safer place.”
>With her bag packed, she slings it over her shoulders, hitting her back. Standing up right, she cracks her bones and walks around Hope.
>Outside, she walks down the hall with her little sister in tow. Down the steps, you and Lyra pack as Gilda lays on the couch with her eyes closed, uninterested in helping, “And you’re going to need a flare gun, in case you need to broadcast where you are, and some food for when you get hungry, and some emergency rations in case you run out of food. And this firstaid kit for the booboos and scratches, and another flare gun, you know, in case you lose the other flare gun.”
>Gilda gives a loud tsk, “We don’t need any of that loser dweeb stuff.”
>Upon hearing this, Lyra puffs out her cheeks in frustration, “Well how else do you plan on surviving out there without a survival kit? They’re called SURVIVAL kits for a reason Gilda.”
>Opening only one eye to Lyra, she lifts a single claw to show off her razor-like talons, “THIS is the only survival kit we need. For 2 days we’re gonna live off the land, and eat what we kill. The way our creator intended.”
>You and Lyra look towards Gilda before you lean in and whisper.
“Yeah, go ahead and pack us some food.”

>Outside, you, Alex, and Gilda stand side by side in front of Lyra and Hope. The two sisters give a hug to one another as you hug Lyra, Gilda plays nice and hugs Lyra after you’re done.
>You get on one knee as Hope jumps into your arms, hugging tightly as you pat her on the back. “I’m gonna miss you daddy.”
“We’re just gonna be gone for a few days, you wont even notice we’re gone.”
>Though you wont admit to them, you feel a deep sadness at the thought of leaving her behind, and find yourself extending the hug longer than it needs to be. With a deep inhale, you pull away and rub her shoulders.
“I love you, Hope. You be good for your mom ok?”
>She nods as you get up and sling your pack onto your back and turn around. With that the three of you walk towards the Everfree, to start your journey.
>In the dense, vine covered forest; Gilda and Alex slash away through them as you lag behind. Alex looks back annoyed, “You can help cut these vines too dad.”
“Nope, I’m the alpha male. I aint gotta do shit except lay back and let you females do all the work, but do call me if another male comes to take over the pack. That’s when I kick some serious ass.”
>”Mom!”
>”Your father does have a point; males in our pride just focus on protecting the pack from outside males.”
“Ha, see?”
>Being the one to never let you fully off the hook, Glida takes one jab at you anyway, “And besides, we’d be here all day if we waited on his lazy butt to cut through the vines.”
>Alex snickers at you as you groan a bit in displeasure; still, it was better than cutting through those fucking vines.

>Back at home, Lyra sits on the couch in her usual human position reading a magazine as Hope sits on your lazycolt chair and looks to the ground. Neither says a thing as the clock ticks, and tocks away.
>Hope’s indifferent expression slowly turns into a pouty, upset frown, “I miss sis and dad.”
>”They’ll be home soon sweetie,” Lyra comments before putting down the magazine and putting a hoof to her heart “and besides, I’m here.”
>Hope exhales bored and leans back onto your chair, “I guess, but I have nothing to do.”
>The clock goes back to ticking, and tocking as Lyra thinks of something to do, “Hey, you know what could be fun?”
>”Hmm?”
>”Doing the laundry, I don’t think I’ve ever shown you how to do whites and colors.”
>”Uhh..nah I’m ok.”
>”Oh, ok, what about going out for groceries? I’ll let you pick out the brand of what I’m gonna buy~”
>”No offense mom, but..that sounds really boring.”
>Lyra laughs uneasily as she taps on her magazine, “Oh cmon, I’m cool too.” She uses her magic to levitate a bottle of window cleaner and a rag, “See? How many moms can clean windows without their hooves?”
>”A lot, some mommies can even fly, like other mommmy. Oh, and other mommy is also really cool.”
>”I’m cool too.”
>Hope smiles and laughs as though she told a joke, she didn’t. Lyra hangs her head and sighs, “Are you hungry sweetie?”
>Excited, Hope gets pumped and hops off the chair, ”Yeah! Can we have apple slices and peanut butter?!” Good old easily distracted Hope, Lyra is going to hate the day she becomes a full grown mare.

>Back at the Everfree, Alex slashes through a thicket of vines and pants. She sniffs at her wrist and wretches in disgust as Gilda catches up, “What’s up feather-butt?”
>”Mom, this is so gross, I’m covered in crap.”
>Gilda looks over her own plumage and claws; there was truth in her words. The two of them had been covered in slime, dirt, and their own sweat as they pushed through the Everfree.
>”Yeah, it is pretty bad. Hey, fly up and tell me if ya see any water around here.”
>You could tell by Alex’s grin that she was just dying to hear her mother say that. Spreading her wings, she flaps up and over the tree line before disappearing into the bright sky.
“Where IS this camping spot anyway?”
>In a matter of fact tone, Gilda walks up to a tree and reclines on it as her tail swishes ”Anywhere there is water obviously. Say, you got any of that water Lyra packed?”
“What happed to “living off the land”?”
>”You’re here, you’re on the land, I’m living off of you, I think it fits the criteria.”
“Whatever.”
>You reach into your pack and fish it out a canteen before tossing it over, as Gilda catches it, you hear a sudden rustle and react in a whisper.
“Did you hear that?”
>”Huh?!” She yells while screwing off the top.
“I said, did you hear that?”
>She talks while pointing the canteen at you ”Anon, I’m thirsty, tired, and hungry, I couldn’t hear a Timber Wolf if it was right behind me.” Before taking large gulps of it and sighing in relief, “That hit the spot.”
>Another quick rustle as you feel yourself getting genuinely spooked.
“There it is again.”
>Before you can figure it out, Alex comes crashing down a few feet away, taking down several large branches in the process. In the commotion, she lands atop many branches and large patches of grass; you see a snake slither backwards into the foliage underneath her.
>Gilda notices it too, and shrugs, “There you go Anon, there was your big monster.”
“Hey, better safe than sorry.”
>”So, did you see any water?”
>”Yeah, it’s that way.”
“Remind me again WHY we need to walk? We’re kinda wasting time just walking.”
>This time Alex answers, “Ah cmon dad, we still got two days. Where’s your sense of exploration? Sure, flying is great, but this is way better.”
>Protesting is the first thing of your mind, but, Alex seems to be enjoying herself, and after all, anything that can get her mind off of boys is a welcome change of pace.
>Smiling, you decide to just deal with it and stand up straight.
“Well sweetie, lead the way.”
>Alex lunges off the debris and takes bounds as she skips past you and Gilda, looking back she smiles at you and points, “It’s this way dad!”
>As the two of you walk to catch up with her, the large debris pile twitches with life. A small opening is made as a pair of dark-green eyes look peek from the hole to watch you, Gilda, and Alex walk away. But pay very close attention to Alex, the eyes blink a couple of times before the face leans out to reveal a chimera boy, with ram horns and a furry half human face, “Who..who is that?”
>Suddenly a slender black snake slithers besides him and hisses “Shesss trouble, did you sssee how ssshe almossst ssstep on me? Ssstay away from her, we have to get back home anyway.”
>”Ah cmon bro, you heard them, they don’t have long being here.”
>”No, I wanna go home now!”
>*sigh* “Fine.”
>And with that, the strange chimera boy slinks back into the shadows. But before he goes, he takes one last look at the strange bird girl walking away and smiles.

========================================================
Camping Trip (2 days)

>Hope, in her usual childish manner, messily eats her apple slices while dipping them in peanut butter. Her cheeks coated in a fine sticky brown, she munches on the many apple slices while making happy sounds of satisfaction.
>Lyra sighs as she mixes drink, “Am I boring?”
>On the other side of the table sits Bon-Bon, who sips at her own drink and wipes away the residue, with that defined nasally accent she yells “Are you kiddin me? You were a brides maid for Cadence, well, technically it was Chrysalis, but still, most ponies ed NEVER had that chance.”
>”Yeah, but that was just dumb luck, she literally picked me off the streets. I mean, in hindsight it makes sense now, but…is that ALL I have going for me?”
>”Ya jus need an angle, here, use some of my standup jokes. You’ll have her crackin up so hard you cant get her tah stop.” Scribbling down some notes, she slides them over to her friend as Lyra reads them.
>With giant squirrel like cheeks, Hope finishes off her apple slices before swallowing just as Lyra and Bon-Bon come walking up. Bon-Bon taps her friend “Ok, like we practiced.”
>Lyra clears her throat and nervously looks at Hope a moment before giving a trying-too-hard-grin “Ok, what do you get when you cross a Pegasus, with cloud duty?”
>”….”
>”A Flyerwork.”
>Almost like a philosopher, Hope folds her arms together and begins to think about the joke. Looking for a deeper meaning that wasn’t there, or she just didn’t get the joke. Bon-Bon frowns upset before taking over, “Oh cmon Lyra, ya ruined tha timin. Its like this.”
>She clears her throat before restating the joke “What do ya get when ya cross a Pegasus with cloud duty?”
>Hope’s concentration broken, she glances over, “A flyerwork?”
>”Ya aint supposed tah know the answer! That ruins tha joke.”
>”But you just told me.”
>”Well ya, but ya still weren’t supposed tah answer.”
>Hope looks over at her mother and points at Bon-Bon “Is this the one that daddy doesn’t like and I’m not supposedtah say?”

>In the Everfree, Alex breaks pushes apart long, slender weeds as she practically salivates at the lush, blue lake before her. Like a rare dark blue sapphire gem, it was tucked away inside the Everfree, only barely visible from the sky as the foliage did a good job to hide its presence.
>Alex is giddy with excitement as you come up behind her, just in time to watch her pull her top off, and then go for her shorts.
>In a flash you cover your eyes with your right arm and look away.
“Jesus Christ, Alex! C’mon!”
>She looks back and exposes her small but firm chest, “What?” Every inch of her human half was toned to accentuate every muscular curve. Working out all day every day had really made their mark. The flabby bulges of childhood long gone, and in their place was the shapely, and toned body of a young woman.
>Her tail swings curiously as she tries to understand your bashfulness, Gilda is the one who clues her in as she comes up and shakes off the dirt and debris from her body, “Your father has this odd obsession with his own body, and cant stand the thought of being seen naked. Human thing I guess.”
>”Why?”
“Because for one, dads shouldn’t see their daughters naked past being a baby.”
>”Ah cmon dad, don’t be that way. Let’s wrestle.”
“Oh hell no, don’t even think about it.”
>In cat play mode, Alex giggles stupidly and rears her body like a cat about to strike. You fumble around trying to walk away and back into the forest, but Alex grabs you from behind.
>Her talons grip your midsection in a suplex like hold, but what she did next was far, far worse than a simple wrestling move. Though you can’t see, you can hear her spread her mighty wings before flapping into the air, taking you with her.
“Alex! Alex I swear to god and sunny Jesus if you do what AHHH!!!”
>Alex goes flying backwards towards the water, dead center of the lake. With a powerful splash water explodes into a folding out pattern, before the waves ripple and quake.
>There is a stillness in the water for a couple of seconds before bubbles emerge, followed by you. Like a baby taking its first breath, you gasp and hack violently as Alex comes out next, coughing and hacking the same. It seems water rushed into her nose and mouth as well.
>The first thing you do is grip yourself in some vain attempt at staying warm.
“F.f.fuck, Alex! I.its f.fucking freezing!”
>Alex pants and shivers next to you as she holds herself and laughs weakly, “Hahaha, s.sorry.”
>How could you stay mad at such a sweet, and loving daughter? Well turns out, it was pretty easy. 40 minutes later, you were still wringing your wet clothes out on a hot rock facing AWAY from the lake and your two naked family members.
>Gilda as usual, is trying to press your buttons as she dunks her head into water before quickly preening her feather, “Quit being a baby Anon, its just water.”
“….”
>”Tsk, whatever.” The only person who could match or surpass Alex’s temper was her mother, and just like that, her concern for you was gone. She was never one to baby you like Lyra did, and despised the thought of being a mother, at least to you.
>She turns herself around and rests upon the rocks by the lakeside and looks out to Alex, who is busy washing her own dirty clothing in the water. “Hey featherduster! You want some lunch!?”
>Alex perks up and smile, “Sure!”
>”Then watch carefully.” Gilda smirks before exploding out of the water, and flying into the air. In the process a torrent of water lands over your once dried body and clothing.
“Fuck!”
>Flying over the trees, and flapping to just the tip of the clouds, she stops and looks around before dive-bombing and crashing into the trees. The only sounds the two of you hear are cracking of branches and a shrill gurgling screech.
>”Mom!”
“Gilda!”
>Forgetting about everything, the two of you get up and rush to where you think she landed. Alex flaps up and grabs you before lifting you over the trees, in the forest is a deep indentation of broken trees.
>As the two of you come down, you see Gilda claws and beak deep into a twitching and gurgling deer. Like a massive weight has been lifted, you sigh both relived and exhausted.
“Oh my god, thank god.”
>Alex herself breathes a sigh of relief as she rests her hand between her small bosoms, before snarling at her, “Mom! What are you crazy!? You could have died!”
>Gilda slowly unlocks her jaw to test if the deer had any fight left in it before slowly getting up and dusting herself off, “Nah, my old lady and I used to do this all the time.”
>Alex laughs in disbelief ”Grandma? Really?”
>”Yeah, you could probably do it too.”
>Alex looks at you expectantly and even though you can’t see her doing it, you promptly shake your head.
“No, I don’t care who did it Gilda, you are NOT going to have Alex do that.”
>Gilda gives on loud, disgusted tsk before turning around, and grabbing the dead beast with her beak. Picking herself up, she walks past you and drags its carcass away. Alex, being much too fixated at seeing a real kill, follows her mom while asking a barrage of questions.
>”Oh my god, that’s so cool. How did you see it? Did it hurt falling through the trees? Is it still alive?”
>You sigh and feel your pulsating heart before swalloing down your panic and calming yourself down. Its then you hear a rustle in the trees, and you quickly look around. Seeing nothing, you sigh and follow behind.

>Back at home, Lyra angrily cleans the kitchen table as Hope sits not far off away. She knew she did wrong, and she now knew that Bon-Bon was the mare you didn’t like.
>”Are you mad?”
>Lyra stops cleaning and looks back at her with a miffed glare, before looking forward, thinking a moment and going back to cleaning. It’s at times like this Hope wished you were around to make a joke, or poke at her to make her forget all about what she had done.
>Hanging her head, she sighs sadly and wonders just what you and her sister were doing.

>Wearing only some socks, shoes, and some brown cargo shorts, you flop your wet clothing onto a branch and take a moment to dry yourself off with a towel.
>You stare out at the slowly setting sun, and for once you feel at ease. Walking over to the roaring fire, 3 large hunks of meat, each pierced with a large wooden branch, all slowly cook over the fire.
>It had taken over an hour to both set the fire, and prepare the meat. Gilda was just going to eat it raw, but she changed her mind and decided to let them be cooked first. And as luck, or rather, a loving wife would have it, there was several extra pairs of clothing painfully shrink wrapped into the survival pack. You are so gonna pamper Lyra when you get back.
>Alex, now wearing an airy, loose green tank top and matching shorts, sits by her mother and listens intently as she goes on about how to spot, kill, and prepare meals on her own. Every so often she nods, but takes in every word all the same.
>”So, it’s always best to go for the neck?”
>”Oh yeah, to be honest its better to mortally wound them and let them bleed out a bit if you can. The only reason I took him down without doing that was because I knew I could take him.”
>Alex makes an “I-totally-can-understand-that.” Sound as her mother smiles boastfully, not being one to remain silent for long, you smirk and give her a smartass remark.
“Yeah, and it being a defenseless deer had nothing to do with it.”
>Having known her for so long, you knew just what to say without it coming back to bite you, and Gilda did so enjoy a good teasing every now and then, “What can I say? I like preying and taking advantage of helpless, little creatures. I dated you didn’t I?”
“Hahaha, good one.”
>With that, Gilda scoots forward and grips her stick of cooking meat, “Welp, this one looks ready.”
“Its still raw, you can see the blood and juices still dripping.”
>”That’s the best time to eat it.” She smiles before opening her razor sharp jaws, and tearing/slicing into it. Blood and grease run down her mouth and neck before she growls lowly and slams the chunk of meat to the ground with her other paw. Ripping into it and feasting on it like the animal she is.
>Alex watches a moment before reaching out, and grabbing her own meat stick.
“Whoa, let it cook some more.”
>”But dad.”
“If you eat it now, you’ll probably get sick or some shit.”
>Gilda takes a break from her eating to look over at you, “Relax LYRA, she can handle it.”
“She’s also part human, TRIXIE. She might not be as resilient as you.”
>Alex is slowly getting fed up with the situation and says almost to herself, “I’ll be fine dad.” Something about this didn’t sit right with you, but still, you felt like maybe you were being just a bit too hardheaded.
>Exhaling, you lean back and raise a hand up as though to acknowledge your defeat. Alex smiles at you before taking a big, wet bite into the steaming meat. It takes all of a second before “AHHH!!!” She yells in clear pain as she drops the meat and grips her face “It fucking burns!”
“Alex!”
>Gilda says nothing, but you can tell she is clearly panicked as she gets up and tries to assist. About a half hour later, the fire continues to roar on as now only two meat sticks remain.
>Alex sits by you with burn cream smeared all over her mouth, you give her face one last glance over before going back to looking at the fire and slowly coming to a snicker, before erupting into hearty laughter.
>Alex’s blush was greater than the redness of her burn, “Sh.shut up!”
>Today was a good end of the first day of camping.

>In Ponyville, dark clouds loom overhead as Lyra looks up at the sky worriedly from her window, “Ohhh.”
>Hope comes walking up behind her holding a Daring Do doll, “Something wrong mom?”
>”It looks like its gonna rain.”
>”Is dad gonna be ok?”
>”I don’t know, hold on.” Lyra opens the window and sticks out her head and yells “Hey Cloud Chaser!”
>A pegasus mare moving a cloud stops and looks over at her, “Yeah?!”
>”Is it gonna rain in the Everfree too!?”
>”No! Only in Ponyville!”
>”Thanks!” Lyra closes the window and sighs relived before sitting on her bed, “Thank goodness.”
>Thunder crackles in the distance as Hope worriedly looks around holding her doll, Lyra looks over at her and notices Hope trembling worriedly. With a  warm, motherly smile she uses her magic to pick her up and into her embrace.
>”You wanna build a fort?”

>In the living room, Lyra walks calmly as she levitates the mattress overhead; Hope sits on the couch and holds her knees.
>Setting the bed down, she steps onto it and uses her magic to begin building the walls with the couch cushions. As she sets it up, thunder roars outside as lightning flickers into the home. Startled, Hope flinches and curls up as Lyra begins to hum loudly and levitates Hope over and into the fortress.
>A large white bed sheet comes flying over to form the “roof” as it’s placed over them.
>Inside the mattress fort, thunder rumbles as Lyra tunes a harp and Hope looks around “What’s that?”
 >Not giving an answer, Lyra strums a heavenly note before going into full strumming mode, different chords and notes are plucked as Hope becomes more and more relaxed.
>Cuddling up by her mother, Hope begins to doze off as Lyra smiles and continues to play.
>With a soft mumble Hope whispers, ”Thanks mom, you’re the coolest.” Lyra gives a heartfelt smile and looks back to give her a small kiss as a tear from her eye runs down her face. “Something wrong mom?”
>”No, everything is fi..cool now.”

>In the early morning hours, a cockatrice flaps up to a tree branch and gets itself comfy as the sun comes up. “Cacaw! Cacaw!” It yells as to its side Alex crouches on a branch and deeply breathes in the cool morning air, before exhaling happily.
>Spreading her wings, she takes flight into the air, knocking the cockatrice over. Looping and twisting, she hums to herself and even flies on her back relaxed as she basks in the morning glow.
>Sighing happily, she flips upright and lands on a branch before crouching down, her tail sways side to side as she stares at the sunrise in the distance.
>Down below, you groan awake as several insects crawl over your face and on your body. Swiping them off, you grumble upset as you sit yourself against a tree. Next to you, Gilda picks herself up and does some stretches. Arcing her back and cracking some bones, she spreads her wings and gently nibbles on them. Stopping, she then begins licking her paws and rubbing it against her face.
>She glances over at you a moment and stops “Hey loser.” Before going back to cleaning herself.
“Sweetie.”
>As the two of you get ready, Alex comes down with a thud a few feet away and folds in her wings, “Ok mom, I’m ready.”
“Ready? For what?”
>Gilda gets up and uncouthly scratches her chest and rump before trying to hack up phlegm, clearing her throat, she wipes her mouth “For her first hunt.”
“Hunt?! She can’t hunt!”
>Alex whines ”Oh cmon dad, please?”
“No, absolutely not.”
>”But dad, I’ll be fine.”
>”Yeah and besides, she has her old lady to take care of her.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
>Alex comes up to you and pleads with her puppy dog eyes, which was weird since she was more cat than dog. Gilda comes up besides you, “Just relax Anon, I had my first hunt when I was younger than her, she’ll be fine.”
“And why can’t I come along again?”
>Gilda cocks an eyebrow and gives you a knowing smile as she shows off her wings, “Sure, spreads your wings and come fly with us. Unless you want me to carry you on my back again?”
>Your thoughts take you back to being suspended in midair as Gilda and Rainbow Dash do flips and barrel rolls over Ponyville as you griped onto Gilda and held on for dear life and screamed.
>Back in the forest, you shake your head and groan.
“Oh god no.”
>Gilda walks past you as Alex follows behind“Then it’s settled, we’ll be back later tonight.”
>Alex turns around and walks backwards while raising her claws into the air triumphantly, “With dinner!” The two spread their wings and flap off beyond the trees as you sigh and sit yourself down on a log and reach into your bag. After scuffling around for a bit, you pull out a book and crack it open.

>In the air, Gilda and Alex fly side by side as Alex loops around in circles and barrel rolls, “This is gonna be so cool!”
>”Take it down a notch squirt, you’ll scare the prey.”
>Correcting her flight, she glides by her mom somberly “Sorry.”
>”Forget it, now lesson one, what can you see?”
>”Huh? Uhhh…trees?”
>Gilda narrows her eyes and rolls them to the side before murmuring, “If you weren’t my daughter.” Sighing, she looks down and points ”Look, even from here your dad could see it. Just focus on the trees, nothing else.”
>Alex looks down and squints her eyes, “What am I looking for?”
>”Tsk, ok watch me.” Gilda scans the landscape and stops as Alex halts and flaps back to her mothers side and looks to where her mother is pointing, “Right there, between those two really bushy trees.”
>Alex squints and tries to focus as her eyesight begins focus onto the trees, its slight, but she can make out some motion and spot a small animal leg, “Holy crap mom, you’re right. There IS something there.”
>”Tsk, naturally, its me. All right, now I’m only gonna show you this once, so pay attention.” Alex sits Indian style, and places her claws on her knees as she nods giving her full attention, “When you spot your prey, a direct dive-bomb is the best way to attack. The speed you get from falling, and the weight you have make for a great incapacitater.” Gilda then shows off her claws “Coupled with these babies pretty much guarantees a clean kill, you don’t even need your beak.”
>”But I mean..” Alex looks back down at the dizzying length between her and trees “wont I die..from a fall like that?”
>”Geeze, since when did you become such a wuss? Trust me, you wont die, we gryphons are made out of harder stuff.”
>”Huh..”
>”This ones mine squirt, you gotta find your own kill.” Without another word, Gilda dives down and crashes into the treeline, a shrill scream of her victim can be heard as Alex looks around.
>”Ok, you can do this, uhhh..” Looking around, her pupils flare up to life as her long unused instincts kick into high gear. Her eyes scan left and right at the trees as she notices strange movements in the trees as animal rush away from the scene.
>Her blood boils as she grins at the prospect of a hunt, spotting one lone animal, she dives and picks up speed as she goes crashing through the trees and right past her target. In an explosion of dust, and debris, she coughs and wipes her face as Gilda comes up dragging a bloody corpse in her beak. Setting it down, she wipes away the blood from her maw, “Hehehe, I remember my first hunt. I didn’t catch anything either.”
>”Bah, I’ll get one for sure.”
>Gilda chuckles as she goes over to her fallen prey, ”If you say so.” As she walks away, Alex dusts herself off and looks over her arms.
>”You were right mom, I didn’t feel a thing.”
>”Darn right ya didn’t, toughest thing in Equestria is a gryphon ya know? You should be thankful ya have me as a mom instead of that loser Lyra.”
>”Ah Lyra’s all right, she definitely spends more time with me than you do.” Alex teases as her mother gives a cocky smirk.
>”Yeah, but we do the really fun things when I spend time with you.”
>”True.”
>”Cmon squirt, this bad boy I bagged is enough to feed us all for a day.”
>”Aww cmon mom, we just started.”
>”But I cant just leave this thing here, something else will come along and take it.”
>”Then just drop it off with dad and come back, I’ll be around here.”
>Gilda ponders for a moment before shrugging, “Knock yourself out kid, when you get bored you can always come back to the camp. Nothing in this loser forest is a threat to you anyway, so go nuts.”
>”Thanks mom, I’ll get better at this, I promise.”

>Back at the camp site, you read your book peacefully when all of a sudden you hear Gilda shout, “Heads up!” before a loud crash as a bloodied corpse comes barreling down and thuds a few feet away from you. Gilda comes swooping down and lazily licks her paw while glancing at you “Honey, I’m home.”
>Calmly you close your book and look over at her.
“You could’ve killed me you know?”
>”Ah you’re fine.”
“Where’s Alex?”
>”She stayed behind to hunt some more, didn’t think we’d hit pay dirt so early so I came back to bring the chow.”
“You left her alone!?”
>”She’ll be fine Anon, she aint some dweeb pony, or your little girl anymore. She’s an adult gryphon now, she HAS to be weaned off of us. Truth be told, I didn’t think she’d be so willing to hunt on her own, but then again, she’s just like her old lady.”
“We gotta go find her, she could get lost.”
>”And she cant fly to Ponyville because?”
“Her wings might be hurt, or worse!”
>”Relax, I saw her take a dive at over 200 feet and skid like a stone on the ground before getting up perfectly fine. I’d be more worried for the poor sucker she actually pounces on.”

>High in the air, the sun hangs high at noon as Alex sweats and pants, her entire body is covered in dirt, scratches, and bits of twigs in her hair, “Ok, ok, 300th time is the charm.”
>Spotting a small brush in a tree rustling as it appears to open, Gilda dives for maximum velocity as she spears the tree brush claws first, feeling she hit something, it makes a pained grunt as she tears through the tree and both fly out the other side.
>Crashing on the ground, the two bounce up and over the other as Alex grips onto the now revealed chimera child and pins him, “Ha! Got you!”
>He bares his teeth at her in a pained wince, “What’s your problem!? God! That hurt!”
>Alex gasps and lets go when she realizes that not only can he speak her tongue, but he looks eerily similar to her, half human, half something else.

=========================================== Forgot what I named it Arc

>Its Christmas morning, according to your math anyway, and you sit on the couch waiting for the kids to awake.
>In the cold living room, you patiently sip at your coffee as Lyra scratches her head and looks over the tree, "So, whats the point of this?"
"Easy, we buy little toys and gifts for our kids, we wrap it, put it under the tree, and then blame a fat guy for it."
>"Is that like..a human thing?"
"Only if they are god fearing people, or just like to celebrate the holiday."
>She thinks about your statement and stares forward lost in her own thoughts.
>Suddenly you hear the stampede of hooves and claws making their way down the hallway and to the steps.
>Hope is the first to reach your line of sight, as she jumps for the pile of presents, "I'm gonna beat you!" She yells before she suddenly gets jerked up and into the air.
>Alex used her talons to grip onto her and brings her to her face as she grins "In your dreams loser."
>With a flick of her talons, she sends hope flying back, and flipping over a couch.
>Alex chuckles mean-spirited as she flaps down and onto the pile of gifts, before raising her claws into the air, "Undefeated!" She yells before Gilda screams.
>"Keep it down, feather duster!"
> Alex curls up in terror behind the gifts before slowly picking one up and looking at it.
>With an exhausted sigh, she narrows her eyes and looks away, "This ones yours, Hope."
>Hope pops up from the couch, and gallops over, "Thanks sis."
>The two start organizing gifts as you and Lyra look on affectionately.
>Alex looks over at you and smiles, "Hey Dad, come look what Santa got us."
"Hold on, hold on."
>You get up and go over to see what "Santa" got them before sitting down on the ground next to them.
>Today was a nice Christmas morning with your herd family and different Satyr children.

>At the dinner table, you, Lyra, Gilda, Alex, and Hope all sit down to a nice ordered meal.
>Gilda grips onto her steak, and rips it apart with her beak. Causing grease, and meat bits to shower onto Hope, and Gilda.
>Hope gasps before groaning in disgust, "Daddy! She got it all over me!"
"Alex, you know better than to eat like your mother."
>Gilda gives a dissatisfied tsk before rolling her eyes as Alex frowns putting down her meat, "I dont say anything when Hope does that weird horse sound thing."
>Hope slams her hands onto the table and gets up frowning, "Its neighing! And there is nothing weird about it!"
>Alex gives a snobbish look as she closes her eyes and grips her steak, "And there is nothing weird about eating my steak."
>Hope looks back to you and whines, "Daaaaad!"
>You sigh and rub your forehead before looking to Alex.
"Sweetie, your a third human, use some table manners."
>Alex getting huffy, pushes her plate away and looks away upset, "Fine!"
>Hope sadly looks over at her older sister and feels genuinely bad, looking at the table, the two sisters brood and sulk silently.
>You think of a way to resolve this, but Alex gets up and cleans her area.
>Hope steals a glance or two at her as she scrapes her plate clean and only takes the meat in her claws.
>Walking away, she opens a window and hops up on it before flapping away and onto the roof. Where she ALWAYS goes when she gets mad.
>Hope looks at the open window somberly as you rub her back.
"Its ok sweetie, you know she just needs some time to cool off."
>On the roof, Alex looks up at the moon before she begins to tear into her steak.
>Hope lies in bed still feeling bad about the events at dinner, but the window opens as Alex crawls into the room and onto her bed conveniently located under the window.
>She knits at the sheets and mattress before lying down and draping the sheets over her.
>Hope subtly looks over, and stammers out, “H.hey.”
>Alex looks forward with an angry glare, “What is it?”

>”S.sorry about getting mad, I just hate getting dirty after I shower.”
>”Hmpf, whatever.”
>Alex gets up, and tosses her sheets back onto her bed before leaving the room, slamming the door, and going down the steps.
>In the kitchen, Alex sees you sipping coffee at the table. When she makes eye contact with you, she looks away and opens the fridge.
“Are you gonna get ready for bed?”
>Alex snaps a bit at you, “Why? I don’t have school tomorrow?”
>With a firm tone, you point at her.
“Hey, don’t take a tone with me.”
>Alex gives a miffed snarl as she looks away and pulls out a carton of milk, and begins to gulp it down before sighing satisfied and wiping away her milk peakstache.
>Before she knows it, you are by her side, and bend down to give her a big hug.
“I love you sweetie.”
>Alex gives an uneasy, nervous chuckle “G..geeze dad, why the love dump?”
“Honey, Hope really likes you, she just wants to be around her big sister. Seeing you two fight like that, it reminds me of me and my brother. I never got to tell him I loved him, and now I never will. I know you two are siblings, and your bound to fight, and get mad, but…don’t ever mad for long. I’d give almost anything to see my brother again.”
>You wipe away a small tear and laugh trying to save face as you get up.
“I know its nothing like super big, but, we fought for small things too.”
>Alex looks to the side and sighs before she hugs you as you smile and pat her head, “I love you too, dad.”
>Back in their shared room, Alex lets herself in as Hope ducks under the sheets and pretends to be asleep. Alex walks over to the side of her bed, “Get up, Hope.”
>”Huh?”
>Alex says nothing, so Hope slowly gets up and stands in front of her sister. Alex looks at her before looking away and opening her arms to extend a hug.
>Hope smiles and hugs her back tightly as Alex smiles awkwardly, “Next time I’ll toss a bib on you, ok?”


Hot Coffee
-------------------------------------

>You sigh reading the paper in the early morning, reaching out for your cup of coffee; you bring it up to your mouth and sip.
>Unbeknownst to you, Alex and Hope peek their little eyes over behind the couch they are hiding on. The two spy on you as Alex’s tail sways left and right, Hope makes little sounds of wonder as she looks at your cup, “That smells good, what is it?”
>”Jeez, you’re such a baby, its coffee. Grown ups drink it.”
>”What does it taste like?”
>Puzzled, she looks at you gulp it down and exhale loudly before setting it down, and reading the paper, “Me, I think it tastes like warm caramel.”
>”Oooo, that must taste good.”
>”Yeah, it’s probably thick, like soda, but doesn’t burn.”
>”I wanna try some.”
>”Like he’d let you, you’re still a kid.”
>”So are you.”
>”Nu-uh, I’m older than you, AND a gryphon. I’m like, at least as old as dad. I bet, dad would give me some.”
>The two of them stare down one another before jumping over the couch to race to you, as usual, Alex beats hope with her flight.
>The two rush over and holler at the same time, “Dad, dad can we try your coffee?!”
“What?”
>Hope jumps next to you excited, “I wanna try your coffee dad, please? Just a taste?”
>Alex is already hunched over the table, smelling at it and trying to examine it. You move it away from them and uneasily try to hide it.
“I..don’t think its something you’d like. It’s not really for kids ya know?”
>Hope, being the one who gives up the easiest, frowns sadly and lets out a disappointed sigh “Ok.”
>Alex goes on the defensive, “I’m not a kid, I’m an adult.”
“Sweetie, you’re gonna be a kid for a while.”
>Gilda comes walking over and sits by you, “Oh yeah, you’re an adult huh? Ok, let her drink some Anon.”
>Alex brightens up as Hope gasps in disbelief before they both exclaim, “Really?!”
“Yeah, really? She’s gonna hate it.”
>Gilda serves herself a cup, and begins to mix in cream and sugar before grinning slyly, “No, no, she said she’s an adult, she can handle coffee. How do you want it?”
>Alex draws a blank as she looks at her unsure before looking at you, “Uhhh..what do you mean?”
>”Cream, sugar, or black?”
>Alex points at you, “I want it like how dad has it.”
>You snicker in disbelief with a small chuckle.
“Black?”
>”Yeah, that smells really good.”
>Gilda looks at you, “Well Anon, you heard her.” Uneasily you slide your cup at her and lean back into your chair. She takes it into her claws and looks it over in wonderment and grandeur.
>She sniffs at it, and takes a big, pleasant whiff before slowly brining it to her lips.
“Be careful sweetie, it’s hot.”
>Alex for once in her life, takes your advice and blows on it before gripping a stirring straw, and trying to stir the heat out.
>Feeling its more or less safe, she sets it down and goes in for the drink. By now Lyra has joined the spectacle and smiles knowingly as Hope sits atop her back looking at her big sister taking her first steps into adult…”PFFFTA AHHH!!” Alex screams as she spits coffee out and onto the table before rubbing her mouth clean of the residue, “It tastes like burnt steak!”
>Gagging a bit, she sets down the cup and tries desperately to clean her tounge as Gilda stirs in coffee and sugar into her cup, “Here, try it with sugar and cream, it tastes much better.”
>Desperate to get the taste from her mouth out, she grabs Gilda’s cup and sips at it too before spitting it out, “This tastes like burnt marshmallows!”
>Lyra, Gilda, Hope, and even you all laugh at her misfortune. Realizing she is the butt of a life experience joke, she scowls while trying to hide that she is about to cry, “Stop laughing! Its not funny!”
>Hope wipes away a few of her laughter tears, “Oh sis, I’m so glad I didn’t drink it.”
>Alex sniffles a bit before dismounting off the table, and flying away up the steps.
“Alex! C’mon I tried to tell you!”
>You get up to go comfort her, but Gilda holds you back, “Ah let her, kids need a good shaming for their stupidity ever now and again. Builds character. Besides, she’s not gonna wanna talk right now anyway.”
>You sit back down and sigh tiredly.
“I guess.”

>Many days later, Alex and her friends all hang out at Sugar Cube Corner as Pinkie comes up to them, “What can I get you all to drink?”
>Alex’s friends all call out different things, “Cappuccino.” “Latte.” “A hazel Frap..”
>Alex looks confused and asks them “What are those?”
>One of her friends replies, “Iced coffee.” Alex retches and folds the menu before giving it to Pinkie.
>”Just get me an orange juice.”
>Today was a fun morning.

Alex's First Crush
---------------------------------------------------------

>Hope stands before a mirror wearing a light blue, frilly top, she looks herself over and smiles pleased.
>Walking out of the dressing room, she spreads her arms apart to show it off, "What do you think of this one Alex?"
>Alex looks off to the side bored, and sighs annoyed, "Its fine I guess."
>Hope frowns and rests her fists against her hips, "You're not even looking!"
>Alex groans and looks over at her for a split second before looking back to the side, and resting her face on her claws, "Its fine."
>"Alex, you didnt even look again!"
>"God, what do you even want from me?! I hate clothes shopping, ok?"
>"Hmpf!"
>Hope begins to take off her top, but realizes she is in public, before rushing back into the dressing room.
>Alex groans upset but stops when she notices a group of young colts laughing and walking together.
>The center one in particular has her attention, he was a fairly handsome colt with a short mane, and average build.
>She gulps down her nervousness when Hope sneaks up on her, "Ok, I'm ready~" Alex laughs nervously and tries to play it cool.
>In line, Alex waits with her usual drawl of annoyed when she realizes the colt from before is a few customers ahead of her.
>She tries to make herself unseen, and even tries to hide her face. Hope notices, "What are you doing?"
>"N.nothing."
>Hope looks between her quick glances, and the only young colt in line, before smirking and singsonging "Alex has a crush."
>"S.shut up! He'll hear you."
>Hope chuckles and goes back to waiting in line. As the two leave the store, she notices the colt heading towards the foodcort.
>Alex watches him walk away as Hope holds her stomach and sways, "I'm SO hungry, can we get something to eat?"
>Alex groans, "We'll get something at home."
>"But I'm hungry now."
>"Tsk, fine."
>At the food court, Alex sits at a table as she hides and peaks through the bushes. Her tail wags instinctively as she watches her "prey"

>Off in the distance, the colt gets a sudden feeling of dread. His horse instincts are telling him there is a predator nearby, but he cant quiet understand it.
>He looks around worriedly trying to find what it is that is giving him fear, causing Alex to duck back onto her seat.
>Hope comes skipping up with a tray of food, and sets it on the table. Alex grabs her meal, and unwraps it to reveal a hamburger. Biting into it, she munches and leans back into her seat before chugging a cup of soda.
>Hope is no better, as she bites into her greasy burger and smears ketchup onto her cheeks and lips. The two eat, and drink in silence before Hope leans forward.
>”So you gonna talk to him?”
>”No.”
>”Why not?”
>”Because I came here to get food for you.”
>Suddenly the colt from before comes within sight as he serves himself another drink, Alex, realizing her face isn’t exactly presentable, grabs some napkins and begins to clean herself.
>Hope smirks widely and sets her burger down, “Hey Alex, I’m gonna go to the restroom to do number 2.”
>”Whoa, to much information.”
>Hope scoots off, and practically leaps away to the restroom. Alex strums her talons along the table and groans a bit before sighing. Getting up, she checks herself one last time before walking over to the colt.
>Beside him, he notices her as she smiles awkwardly and starts conversation, “Hey.”
>”Hey.”
>”So uhh, where are your friends?”
>”My friends?”
>”Yeah, I uh I saw them with you over at HaySeed Penny.”
>”Oh yeah, they’re at uh the arcade, why?”
>Alex pauses for a minute as she thinks of a lie, “Oh, well, I wanted to know where one of your friends got that cool Misfires shirt. And I thought he’d be with you.”
>”Shoot, I have no idea, sorry. I just came here cause I’m hungry.”
>”Me too.”
>There is a long pause as the two run out of things to say, the guy decides to be the one to break it, “Well, he should still be in the arcade, you know, if you wanna talk to him.”
>”Right, yeah, I’ll do that, thanks.”
>He nods and walks away as Alex tries to hide her nervousness, but her blush betrays her. Looking around to see if anybody noticed her being a sperg, her eyes narrow as she realizes you, and Lyra are sitting at a table, and looking over at her.
>You remain frozen in place, looking at her with a fry just inches from your mouth. Blood shoots right up to her face, as Alex looks down, and stiffly walks away to the bathroom.
>Lyra smiles warmly, and rubs your free hand with her hoof, “We should probably go dear, I think they’ll do just fine without us following them around anymore.”
>Today was a first crush kinda day.

>Alex gives an annoyed tsk as she leans up against the wall. Hope is once again surrounded by colts, all clamoring for her attention.
>Though she doesn't know it, they all have hit puberty, and are starting to notice her more than just "that snot nosed mare".
>Hope however, was something of a late bloomer, mentally anyway, and still only saw them as happy friends.
>Doing what came naturally; she picked herself up and walked over to her younger sister. Fear took over the colts as the tall, slender and muscular griffon/human walked over. The more brazen ones stayed while the rest took off, Alex glared at the ones remaining slowly twiddling her talons.
>It was subtle enough to not be a threat, but intimidating enough to make them turn tail and bolt. Hope frowns, “Aw sis, did you really have to scare away my friends?”
>”They aren’t your friends Hope.”
>”Yes they are, they like me.”
>”They only like you because..” Alex looks into her big, innocent eyes and looks away with a sneer, “just because ok?”
>With an exhausted sigh, Hope looks to the ground, “Ok.”
>”Cmon, I’m hungry. What do you want to get?”

>In town, Alex and Hope walk side by side carrying their drinks. Hope grins from ear to ear as she sighs happily, “That was so good.”
>”Yeah, it was.” She says looking around town, she stops when she notices something, “Hey uhh..you head home ok? I’ll be there a little later.”
>”Why?”
>”I just forgot something, see ya.” Spreading her wings, she flaps into the air and onto a cloud. She hears Hope call out to her, but she ignores her and sneaks away.
>She jumps from cloud to cloud and crawls on her belly. She was on the hunt, but her target was not a paranoid zebra, or an elderly pony, no, this one was a young colt by the name of Silver.
>It had been about 6 months since she had met him at the mall, but she made an effort to talk to him when she could. She was pretty sure he was single, and longed to be close to the skittish stallion.
>He goes about his day unaware that he is being followed by a 6ft terror in the sky. Stalking comes naturally to Alex, the blood of her father and mother boils in her veins as she focuses solely on her target.
>He enters a music store as Alex hops off her cloud, glides down and lands by the door. Casually strolling in, she looks around and pretends to browse the music, but really she is just trying to get a better view of Silver.
>She notices him checking out the rock section and nods in approval, but when he turns and notices her, she panics and quickly picks up a random CD.
>Silver seems to fidget in place before trying to walk around her, Alex forces a “chance encounter” and locks eyes with him, “Hey.”
>”Hey.”
>”S.so how’ve you been?”
>”Ok.”
>”Yeah, me too. So, you like rock?”
>He nods and looks away, “Yeah, uhh so you like Madrama?”
>Alex notices she is holding a copy of the controversial, and untalented Madrama, “Oh no, this is for my mom.” She laughs it off and puts it away as the colt nods.
>”Ok, I gotta go.” As he walks away, she tries to walk with him and make small talk.
>”So you go to the same school as me, and I..”
>”What about the CD?”
>”What CD?”
>”For your mom.”
>Alex stops, looks back, and remembers she put it back. She burns bright red and looks back laughing “Oh yeah, I..” Realizing that Silver had left her behind to pay for his CD, she sighs sadly and hangs her head.
>Not even bothering to maintain her lie, she walks out of the music store, and flies up into the clouds.

>Hope sits in her bed sad as she watches Alex lay in her bed facedown, “You want a soda?” She asks in hopes of raising her sister’s spirit.
>Alex’s torso expands as she takes a deep breath and deflates as she exhales, “No, I don’t want a soda.”
>Though she doesn’t know why her sister feels sad, Hope decides to stay in her bed and feel bad in solidarity for her. A few hours later you come in and look at the two.
“Whats going on? You two haven’t come down all day.”
>Hope gives you a sad frown as she looks between you, and her sister.
“What? Did you two get in a fight or something?”
>Alex gives an irritated groan as she gets up and practically growls, “Fine, whatever, I’m up ok?”
“Hey, don’t take that tone with me missy.”
>”Just get out of here dad.”
“Alex, you better calm down right now or I’ll GIVE you a reason to be mad.”
>She was as hot blooded as her mother, and stares you down while slowly breathing deeply before giving a snort and rolling back onto her bed.
>You exhale subtly and look towards Hope, she can see your displeasure, masking it with a fatherly smile you call out to her.
“Hope sweetie, you wanna come down for some chocolate cake? I’m sure your sister wants to be left alone for a bit.”
>The small satyr looks at her sister before sliding off the bed, and walking to you. Downstairs, you slice a cake and set it on a plate before sitting down and sliding the cake to Hope.
“Sweetie, why is your sister mad?”
>”I don’t know, sometimes she gets like that.”
“Are you sure? There isn’t something you’re not telling daddy? I won’t get mad, I promise.”
>She shakes her head honestly confused, it wasn’t like Hope to lie, especially when it was just the two of you. Though its relieving to know there is nothing they are hiding, its even more unsettling that something is wrong with her and you don’t know what.
>As you ponder this grave thought in your head, you hear the clinking of silverware on a plate. Looking down, Hope is digging into the slice of double chocolate cake. She looks up at you and smiles, her cheeks covered in frosting and cake crumbs. Smiling back, you go over to cut yourself a slice too, and sit by her.

>As you get ready for bed, Lyra hops on top of you and snuggles as Gilda comes in and shimmies under the sheets.
“Honey.”
>They both look over and reply “Yes?” Before looking at one another and then at you.
“Sorry, I meant Gilda.”
>Lyra gives a shrug and goes back to snuggling on you as you look to the side at Gilda.
“Do you know whats wrong with Alex?”
>”What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you noticed? She’s been really pissy, and quick to anger for like weeks already. I thought she was just having her period, but its been going on like this for a long time. Girls don’t have their periods that long right?”
>Gilda gives you a smirk, “It’s a wonder how you even got me pregnant with how dense you are.”
“It’s a wonder I even got ANY of you pregnant.”
>”To answer your question, no they don’t last that long.”
“Then what is it?”
>She thinks to herself before looking up at the ceiling, “You said you saw her crushin on some colt right?”
“That was years ago.”
>Lyra finally joins in, “Sweetie, it’s barely been a year.”
>”Hmmm…I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”

>The next day, the sun shines bright and sunny in the sky as thrash metal gets blasted from the garage. With the music blasting its dirty grunge notes, and the singer shouting his lyrics, sweat rolls down Alex’s face as she strains.
>Wearing a black sports bra, and matching shorts, she clutches a long silver barbell in her claws, and attached to each end are heavy weights. She curls the heavy mass as her arm muscles bulge, and her defined abs strain.
>In her mind’s eye she plays back all the times she tried and failed to talk to boys, all the rejection, all the uncomfortableness, all the mocking they did thinking she was out of earshot.
>They called her freak, ugly, scary, some even called her a lesbian. As she recalls these painful memories, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her muscular, and fierce appearance is a stark contrast to the soft, and feminine pony her sister is. Tears roll down her face before she closes her eyes, and in one quick motion she lifts the barbell and hurls it forward, while letting out an angry and spiteful scream.
>It crashes into the wall, shattering the wood and cracking the cement when it lands and goes to a rolling stop. She pants angrily as the music comes to a sudden stop, surprised; she wipes eyes with her arm and sniffles before turning around to see her mother.
>”Just *sniff* working out. *sniff*”
>Gilda leans to the side and sees two holes in the wall as sunlight comes in from them, and goes back to looking at Alex, “Mind if I join?”
>”Huh? Uhh..yeah, I guess.”
>Alex sits herself at a bench and curls a 20 pound weight while looking at the ground as Gilda readies a bench with a barbell and loads up weights before she lays herself down, “Spot me featherbutt.”
>”Mom, you haven’t called me that since I was cub.”
>”I know, you gonna spot me or not?”
>Alex gets up, and goes around the bench as Gilda puts her claws on the barbell. Picking it up, she lowers it and goes about the motions as she looks into her daughter’s eyes, “You know I used to be a young lioness too.”
>”….”
>”It’s a confusing time.”
>”…”
>”So many emotions, trying to figure yourself out.”
>”….”
>”You know what really helped me?”
>”..What?”
>”My dad and mom took me hunting.”
>”Why?”
>”I don’t know, it’s hard to explain. But, when you’re out there, things just make sense ya know? Whatta ya say squirt? Wanna go hunting with your old man and lady?”
>Like a lost child, she nods sorrowfully, ”I’d like that.”
>”Awesome, we can go buy supplies tonight, and take off on the weekend.”
>It was a small smile, but Alex looked down at her sweating mother and smirked. It was the first time she had honestly smiled in a very long time.

=====================Camping

>Alex packs up her stuff on the bed as Hope watches besides her. The whole time she has a worried frown as Alex looks over and notices, “Ah cmon Hope, I’m only gonna be gone for a few days.”
>Basically being given the go to voice her concern, Hope flails her arms in exaggeration, “But a lot can happen in a few days! And you, dad and scary mommy aren’t gonna be around to protect us.”
>”Tsk cmon, really? The worst thing that ever happened here was dad not paying the cable bill.”
>”Nu-uh! My teacher said Tierk almost destroyed the WHOLE town one time!”
>”Oh yeah..but that was ages ago, and he’s like, dead now.”
>”Sis! What if he comes back!?”
>”He won’t, I promise. And besides, you got Princess Fancypants like 3 minutes away. You couldn’t ask to be in a safer place.”
>With her bag packed, she slings it over her shoulders, hitting her back. Standing up right, she cracks her bones and walks around Hope.
>Outside, she walks down the hall with her little sister in tow. Down the steps, you and Lyra pack as Gilda lays on the couch with her eyes closed, uninterested in helping, “And you’re going to need a flare gun, in case you need to broadcast where you are, and some food for when you get hungry, and some emergency rations in case you run out of food. And this firstaid kit for the booboos and scratches, and another flare gun, you know, in case you lose the other flare gun.”
>Gilda gives a loud tsk, “We don’t need any of that loser dweeb stuff.”
>Upon hearing this, Lyra puffs out her cheeks in frustration, “Well how else do you plan on surviving out there without a survival kit? They’re called SURVIVAL kits for a reason Gilda.”
>Opening only one eye to Lyra, she lifts a single claw to show off her razor-like talons, “THIS is the only survival kit we need. For 2 days we’re gonna live off the land, and eat what we kill. The way our creator intended.”
>You and Lyra look towards Gilda before you lean in and whisper.
“Yeah, go ahead and pack us some food.”

>Outside, you, Alex, and Gilda stand side by side in front of Lyra and Hope. The two sisters give a hug to one another as you hug Lyra, Gilda plays nice and hugs Lyra after you’re done.
>You get on one knee as Hope jumps into your arms, hugging tightly as you pat her on the back. “I’m gonna miss you daddy.”
“We’re just gonna be gone for a few days, you wont even notice we’re gone.”
>Though you wont admit to them, you feel a deep sadness at the thought of leaving her behind, and find yourself extending the hug longer than it needs to be. With a deep inhale, you pull away and rub her shoulders.
“I love you, Hope. You be good for your mom ok?”
>She nods as you get up and sling your pack onto your back and turn around. With that the three of you walk towards the Everfree, to start your journey.
>In the dense, vine covered forest; Gilda and Alex slash away through them as you lag behind. Alex looks back annoyed, “You can help cut these vines too dad.”
“Nope, I’m the alpha male. I aint gotta do shit except lay back and let you females do all the work, but do call me if another male comes to take over the pack. That’s when I kick some serious ass.”
>”Mom!”
>”Your father does have a point; males in our pride just focus on protecting the pack from outside males.”
“Ha, see?”
>Being the one to never let you fully off the hook, Glida takes one jab at you anyway, “And besides, we’d be here all day if we waited on his lazy butt to cut through the vines.”
>Alex snickers at you as you groan a bit in displeasure; still, it was better than cutting through those fucking vines.

>Back at home, Lyra sits on the couch in her usual human position reading a magazine as Hope sits on your lazycolt chair and looks to the ground. Neither says a thing as the clock ticks, and tocks away.
>Hope’s indifferent expression slowly turns into a pouty, upset frown, “I miss sis and dad.”
>”They’ll be home soon sweetie,” Lyra comments before putting down the magazine and putting a hoof to her heart “and besides, I’m here.”
>Hope exhales bored and leans back onto your chair, “I guess, but I have nothing to do.”
>The clock goes back to ticking, and tocking as Lyra thinks of something to do, “Hey, you know what could be fun?”
>”Hmm?”
>”Doing the laundry, I don’t think I’ve ever shown you how to do whites and colors.”
>”Uhh..nah I’m ok.”
>”Oh, ok, what about going out for groceries? I’ll let you pick out the brand of what I’m gonna buy~”
>”No offense mom, but..that sounds really boring.”
>Lyra laughs uneasily as she taps on her magazine, “Oh cmon, I’m cool too.” She uses her magic to levitate a bottle of window cleaner and a rag, “See? How many moms can clean windows without their hooves?”
>”A lot, some mommies can even fly, like other mommmy. Oh, and other mommy is also really cool.”
>”I’m cool too.”
>Hope smiles and laughs as though she told a joke, she didn’t. Lyra hangs her head and sighs, “Are you hungry sweetie?”
>Excited, Hope gets pumped and hops off the chair, ”Yeah! Can we have apple slices and peanut butter?!” Good old easily distracted Hope, Lyra is going to hate the day she becomes a full grown mare.

>Back at the Everfree, Alex slashes through a thicket of vines and pants. She sniffs at her wrist and wretches in disgust as Gilda catches up, “What’s up feather-butt?”
>”Mom, this is so gross, I’m covered in crap.”
>Gilda looks over her own plumage and claws; there was truth in her words. The two of them had been covered in slime, dirt, and their own sweat as they pushed through the Everfree.
>”Yeah, it is pretty bad. Hey, fly up and tell me if ya see any water around here.”
>You could tell by Alex’s grin that she was just dying to hear her mother say that. Spreading her wings, she flaps up and over the tree line before disappearing into the bright sky.
“Where IS this camping spot anyway?”
>In a matter of fact tone, Gilda walks up to a tree and reclines on it as her tail swishes ”Anywhere there is water obviously. Say, you got any of that water Lyra packed?”
“What happed to “living off the land”?”
>”You’re here, you’re on the land, I’m living off of you, I think it fits the criteria.”
“Whatever.”
>You reach into your pack and fish it out a canteen before tossing it over, as Gilda catches it, you hear a sudden rustle and react in a whisper.
“Did you hear that?”
>”Huh?!” She yells while screwing off the top.
“I said, did you hear that?”
>She talks while pointing the canteen at you ”Anon, I’m thirsty, tired, and hungry, I couldn’t hear a Timber Wolf if it was right behind me.” Before taking large gulps of it and sighing in relief, “That hit the spot.”
>Another quick rustle as you feel yourself getting genuinely spooked.
“There it is again.”
>Before you can figure it out, Alex comes crashing down a few feet away, taking down several large branches in the process. In the commotion, she lands atop many branches and large patches of grass; you see a snake slither backwards into the foliage underneath her.
>Gilda notices it too, and shrugs, “There you go Anon, there was your big monster.”
“Hey, better safe than sorry.”
>”So, did you see any water?”
>”Yeah, it’s that way.”
“Remind me again WHY we need to walk? We’re kinda wasting time just walking.”
>This time Alex answers, “Ah cmon dad, we still got two days. Where’s your sense of exploration? Sure, flying is great, but this is way better.”
>Protesting is the first thing of your mind, but, Alex seems to be enjoying herself, and after all, anything that can get her mind off of boys is a welcome change of pace.
>Smiling, you decide to just deal with it and stand up straight.
“Well sweetie, lead the way.”
>Alex lunges off the debris and takes bounds as she skips past you and Gilda, looking back she smiles at you and points, “It’s this way dad!”
>As the two of you walk to catch up with her, the large debris pile twitches with life. A small opening is made as a pair of dark-green eyes look peek from the hole to watch you, Gilda, and Alex walk away. But pay very close attention to Alex, the eyes blink a couple of times before the face leans out to reveal a chimera boy, with ram horns and a furry half human face, “Who..who is that?”
>Suddenly a slender black snake slithers besides him and hisses “Shesss trouble, did you sssee how ssshe almossst ssstep on me? Ssstay away from her, we have to get back home anyway.”
>”Ah cmon bro, you heard them, they don’t have long being here.”
>”No, I wanna go home now!”
>*sigh* “Fine.”
>And with that, the strange chimera boy slinks back into the shadows. But before he goes, he takes one last look at the strange bird girl walking away and smiles.

========================================================
Camping Trip (2 days)

>Hope, in her usual childish manner, messily eats her apple slices while dipping them in peanut butter. Her cheeks coated in a fine sticky brown, she munches on the many apple slices while making happy sounds of satisfaction.
>Lyra sighs as she mixes drink, “Am I boring?”
>On the other side of the table sits Bon-Bon, who sips at her own drink and wipes away the residue, with that defined nasally accent she yells “Are you kiddin me? You were a brides maid for Cadence, well, technically it was Chrysalis, but still, most ponies ed NEVER had that chance.”
>”Yeah, but that was just dumb luck, she literally picked me off the streets. I mean, in hindsight it makes sense now, but…is that ALL I have going for me?”
>”Ya jus need an angle, here, use some of my standup jokes. You’ll have her crackin up so hard you cant get her tah stop.” Scribbling down some notes, she slides them over to her friend as Lyra reads them.
>With giant squirrel like cheeks, Hope finishes off her apple slices before swallowing just as Lyra and Bon-Bon come walking up. Bon-Bon taps her friend “Ok, like we practiced.”
>Lyra clears her throat and nervously looks at Hope a moment before giving a trying-too-hard-grin “Ok, what do you get when you cross a Pegasus, with cloud duty?”
>”….”
>”A Flyerwork.”
>Almost like a philosopher, Hope folds her arms together and begins to think about the joke. Looking for a deeper meaning that wasn’t there, or she just didn’t get the joke. Bon-Bon frowns upset before taking over, “Oh cmon Lyra, ya ruined tha timin. Its like this.”
>She clears her throat before restating the joke “What do ya get when ya cross a Pegasus with cloud duty?”
>Hope’s concentration broken, she glances over, “A flyerwork?”
>”Ya aint supposed tah know the answer! That ruins tha joke.”
>”But you just told me.”
>”Well ya, but ya still weren’t supposed tah answer.”
>Hope looks over at her mother and points at Bon-Bon “Is this the one that daddy doesn’t like and I’m not supposedtah say?”

>In the Everfree, Alex breaks pushes apart long, slender weeds as she practically salivates at the lush, blue lake before her. Like a rare dark blue sapphire gem, it was tucked away inside the Everfree, only barely visible from the sky as the foliage did a good job to hide its presence.
>Alex is giddy with excitement as you come up behind her, just in time to watch her pull her top off, and then go for her shorts.
>In a flash you cover your eyes with your right arm and look away.
“Jesus Christ, Alex! C’mon!”
>She looks back and exposes her small but firm chest, “What?” Every inch of her human half was toned to accentuate every muscular curve. Working out all day every day had really made their mark. The flabby bulges of childhood long gone, and in their place was the shapely, and toned body of a young woman.
>Her tail swings curiously as she tries to understand your bashfulness, Gilda is the one who clues her in as she comes up and shakes off the dirt and debris from her body, “Your father has this odd obsession with his own body, and cant stand the thought of being seen naked. Human thing I guess.”
>”Why?”
“Because for one, dads shouldn’t see their daughters naked past being a baby.”
>”Ah cmon dad, don’t be that way. Let’s wrestle.”
“Oh hell no, don’t even think about it.”
>In cat play mode, Alex giggles stupidly and rears her body like a cat about to strike. You fumble around trying to walk away and back into the forest, but Alex grabs you from behind.
>Her talons grip your midsection in a suplex like hold, but what she did next was far, far worse than a simple wrestling move. Though you can’t see, you can hear her spread her mighty wings before flapping into the air, taking you with her.
“Alex! Alex I swear to god and sunny Jesus if you do what AHHH!!!”
>Alex goes flying backwards towards the water, dead center of the lake. With a powerful splash water explodes into a folding out pattern, before the waves ripple and quake.
>There is a stillness in the water for a couple of seconds before bubbles emerge, followed by you. Like a baby taking its first breath, you gasp and hack violently as Alex comes out next, coughing and hacking the same. It seems water rushed into her nose and mouth as well.
>The first thing you do is grip yourself in some vain attempt at staying warm.
“F.f.fuck, Alex! I.its f.fucking freezing!”
>Alex pants and shivers next to you as she holds herself and laughs weakly, “Hahaha, s.sorry.”
>How could you stay mad at such a sweet, and loving daughter? Well turns out, it was pretty easy. 40 minutes later, you were still wringing your wet clothes out on a hot rock facing AWAY from the lake and your two naked family members.
>Gilda as usual, is trying to press your buttons as she dunks her head into water before quickly preening her feather, “Quit being a baby Anon, its just water.”
“….”
>”Tsk, whatever.” The only person who could match or surpass Alex’s temper was her mother, and just like that, her concern for you was gone. She was never one to baby you like Lyra did, and despised the thought of being a mother, at least to you.
>She turns herself around and rests upon the rocks by the lakeside and looks out to Alex, who is busy washing her own dirty clothing in the water. “Hey featherduster! You want some lunch!?”
>Alex perks up and smile, “Sure!”
>”Then watch carefully.” Gilda smirks before exploding out of the water, and flying into the air. In the process a torrent of water lands over your once dried body and clothing.
“Fuck!”
>Flying over the trees, and flapping to just the tip of the clouds, she stops and looks around before dive-bombing and crashing into the trees. The only sounds the two of you hear are cracking of branches and a shrill gurgling screech.
>”Mom!”
“Gilda!”
>Forgetting about everything, the two of you get up and rush to where you think she landed. Alex flaps up and grabs you before lifting you over the trees, in the forest is a deep indentation of broken trees.
>As the two of you come down, you see Gilda claws and beak deep into a twitching and gurgling deer. Like a massive weight has been lifted, you sigh both relived and exhausted.
“Oh my god, thank god.”
>Alex herself breathes a sigh of relief as she rests her hand between her small bosoms, before snarling at her, “Mom! What are you crazy!? You could have died!”
>Gilda slowly unlocks her jaw to test if the deer had any fight left in it before slowly getting up and dusting herself off, “Nah, my old lady and I used to do this all the time.”
>Alex laughs in disbelief ”Grandma? Really?”
>”Yeah, you could probably do it too.”
>Alex looks at you expectantly and even though you can’t see her doing it, you promptly shake your head.
“No, I don’t care who did it Gilda, you are NOT going to have Alex do that.”
>Gilda gives on loud, disgusted tsk before turning around, and grabbing the dead beast with her beak. Picking herself up, she walks past you and drags its carcass away. Alex, being much too fixated at seeing a real kill, follows her mom while asking a barrage of questions.
>”Oh my god, that’s so cool. How did you see it? Did it hurt falling through the trees? Is it still alive?”
>You sigh and feel your pulsating heart before swalloing down your panic and calming yourself down. Its then you hear a rustle in the trees, and you quickly look around. Seeing nothing, you sigh and follow behind.

>Back at home, Lyra angrily cleans the kitchen table as Hope sits not far off away. She knew she did wrong, and she now knew that Bon-Bon was the mare you didn’t like.
>”Are you mad?”
>Lyra stops cleaning and looks back at her with a miffed glare, before looking forward, thinking a moment and going back to cleaning. It’s at times like this Hope wished you were around to make a joke, or poke at her to make her forget all about what she had done.
>Hanging her head, she sighs sadly and wonders just what you and her sister were doing.

>Wearing only some socks, shoes, and some brown cargo shorts, you flop your wet clothing onto a branch and take a moment to dry yourself off with a towel.
>You stare out at the slowly setting sun, and for once you feel at ease. Walking over to the roaring fire, 3 large hunks of meat, each pierced with a large wooden branch, all slowly cook over the fire.
>It had taken over an hour to both set the fire, and prepare the meat. Gilda was just going to eat it raw, but she changed her mind and decided to let them be cooked first. And as luck, or rather, a loving wife would have it, there was several extra pairs of clothing painfully shrink wrapped into the survival pack. You are so gonna pamper Lyra when you get back.
>Alex, now wearing an airy, loose green tank top and matching shorts, sits by her mother and listens intently as she goes on about how to spot, kill, and prepare meals on her own. Every so often she nods, but takes in every word all the same.
>”So, it’s always best to go for the neck?”
>”Oh yeah, to be honest its better to mortally wound them and let them bleed out a bit if you can. The only reason I took him down without doing that was because I knew I could take him.”
>Alex makes an “I-totally-can-understand-that.” Sound as her mother smiles boastfully, not being one to remain silent for long, you smirk and give her a smartass remark.
“Yeah, and it being a defenseless deer had nothing to do with it.”
>Having known her for so long, you knew just what to say without it coming back to bite you, and Gilda did so enjoy a good teasing every now and then, “What can I say? I like preying and taking advantage of helpless, little creatures. I dated you didn’t I?”
“Hahaha, good one.”
>With that, Gilda scoots forward and grips her stick of cooking meat, “Welp, this one looks ready.”
“Its still raw, you can see the blood and juices still dripping.”
>”That’s the best time to eat it.” She smiles before opening her razor sharp jaws, and tearing/slicing into it. Blood and grease run down her mouth and neck before she growls lowly and slams the chunk of meat to the ground with her other paw. Ripping into it and feasting on it like the animal she is.
>Alex watches a moment before reaching out, and grabbing her own meat stick.
“Whoa, let it cook some more.”
>”But dad.”
“If you eat it now, you’ll probably get sick or some shit.”
>Gilda takes a break from her eating to look over at you, “Relax LYRA, she can handle it.”
“She’s also part human, TRIXIE. She might not be as resilient as you.”
>Alex is slowly getting fed up with the situation and says almost to herself, “I’ll be fine dad.” Something about this didn’t sit right with you, but still, you felt like maybe you were being just a bit too hardheaded.
>Exhaling, you lean back and raise a hand up as though to acknowledge your defeat. Alex smiles at you before taking a big, wet bite into the steaming meat. It takes all of a second before “AHHH!!!” She yells in clear pain as she drops the meat and grips her face “It fucking burns!”
“Alex!”
>Gilda says nothing, but you can tell she is clearly panicked as she gets up and tries to assist. About a half hour later, the fire continues to roar on as now only two meat sticks remain.
>Alex sits by you with burn cream smeared all over her mouth, you give her face one last glance over before going back to looking at the fire and slowly coming to a snicker, before erupting into hearty laughter.
>Alex’s blush was greater than the redness of her burn, “Sh.shut up!”
>Today was a good end of the first day of camping.

>In Ponyville, dark clouds loom overhead as Lyra looks up at the sky worriedly from her window, “Ohhh.”
>Hope comes walking up behind her holding a Daring Do doll, “Something wrong mom?”
>”It looks like its gonna rain.”
>”Is dad gonna be ok?”
>”I don’t know, hold on.” Lyra opens the window and sticks out her head and yells “Hey Cloud Chaser!”
>A pegasus mare moving a cloud stops and looks over at her, “Yeah?!”
>”Is it gonna rain in the Everfree too!?”
>”No! Only in Ponyville!”
>”Thanks!” Lyra closes the window and sighs relived before sitting on her bed, “Thank goodness.”
>Thunder crackles in the distance as Hope worriedly looks around holding her doll, Lyra looks over at her and notices Hope trembling worriedly. With a  warm, motherly smile she uses her magic to pick her up and into her embrace.
>”You wanna build a fort?”

>In the living room, Lyra walks calmly as she levitates the mattress overhead; Hope sits on the couch and holds her knees.
>Setting the bed down, she steps onto it and uses her magic to begin building the walls with the couch cushions. As she sets it up, thunder roars outside as lightning flickers into the home. Startled, Hope flinches and curls up as Lyra begins to hum loudly and levitates Hope over and into the fortress.
>A large white bed sheet comes flying over to form the “roof” as it’s placed over them.
>Inside the mattress fort, thunder rumbles as Lyra tunes a harp and Hope looks around “What’s that?”
 >Not giving an answer, Lyra strums a heavenly note before going into full strumming mode, different chords and notes are plucked as Hope becomes more and more relaxed.
>Cuddling up by her mother, Hope begins to doze off as Lyra smiles and continues to play.
>With a soft mumble Hope whispers, ”Thanks mom, you’re the coolest.” Lyra gives a heartfelt smile and looks back to give her a small kiss as a tear from her eye runs down her face. “Something wrong mom?”
>”No, everything is fi..cool now.”

>In the early morning hours, a cockatrice flaps up to a tree branch and gets itself comfy as the sun comes up. “Cacaw! Cacaw!” It yells as to its side Alex crouches on a branch and deeply breathes in the cool morning air, before exhaling happily.
>Spreading her wings, she takes flight into the air, knocking the cockatrice over. Looping and twisting, she hums to herself and even flies on her back relaxed as she basks in the morning glow.
>Sighing happily, she flips upright and lands on a branch before crouching down, her tail sways side to side as she stares at the sunrise in the distance.
>Down below, you groan awake as several insects crawl over your face and on your body. Swiping them off, you grumble upset as you sit yourself against a tree. Next to you, Gilda picks herself up and does some stretches. Arcing her back and cracking some bones, she spreads her wings and gently nibbles on them. Stopping, she then begins licking her paws and rubbing it against her face.
>She glances over at you a moment and stops “Hey loser.” Before going back to cleaning herself.
“Sweetie.”
>As the two of you get ready, Alex comes down with a thud a few feet away and folds in her wings, “Ok mom, I’m ready.”
“Ready? For what?”
>Gilda gets up and uncouthly scratches her chest and rump before trying to hack up phlegm, clearing her throat, she wipes her mouth “For her first hunt.”
“Hunt?! She can’t hunt!”
>Alex whines ”Oh cmon dad, please?”
“No, absolutely not.”
>”But dad, I’ll be fine.”
>”Yeah and besides, she has her old lady to take care of her.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
>Alex comes up to you and pleads with her puppy dog eyes, which was weird since she was more cat than dog. Gilda comes up besides you, “Just relax Anon, I had my first hunt when I was younger than her, she’ll be fine.”
“And why can’t I come along again?”
>Gilda cocks an eyebrow and gives you a knowing smile as she shows off her wings, “Sure, spreads your wings and come fly with us. Unless you want me to carry you on my back again?”
>Your thoughts take you back to being suspended in midair as Gilda and Rainbow Dash do flips and barrel rolls over Ponyville as you griped onto Gilda and held on for dear life and screamed.
>Back in the forest, you shake your head and groan.
“Oh god no.”
>Gilda walks past you as Alex follows behind“Then it’s settled, we’ll be back later tonight.”
>Alex turns around and walks backwards while raising her claws into the air triumphantly, “With dinner!” The two spread their wings and flap off beyond the trees as you sigh and sit yourself down on a log and reach into your bag. After scuffling around for a bit, you pull out a book and crack it open.

>In the air, Gilda and Alex fly side by side as Alex loops around in circles and barrel rolls, “This is gonna be so cool!”
>”Take it down a notch squirt, you’ll scare the prey.”
>Correcting her flight, she glides by her mom somberly “Sorry.”
>”Forget it, now lesson one, what can you see?”
>”Huh? Uhhh…trees?”
>Gilda narrows her eyes and rolls them to the side before murmuring, “If you weren’t my daughter.” Sighing, she looks down and points ”Look, even from here your dad could see it. Just focus on the trees, nothing else.”
>Alex looks down and squints her eyes, “What am I looking for?”
>”Tsk, ok watch me.” Gilda scans the landscape and stops as Alex halts and flaps back to her mothers side and looks to where her mother is pointing, “Right there, between those two really bushy trees.”
>Alex squints and tries to focus as her eyesight begins focus onto the trees, its slight, but she can make out some motion and spot a small animal leg, “Holy crap mom, you’re right. There IS something there.”
>”Tsk, naturally, its me. All right, now I’m only gonna show you this once, so pay attention.” Alex sits Indian style, and places her claws on her knees as she nods giving her full attention, “When you spot your prey, a direct dive-bomb is the best way to attack. The speed you get from falling, and the weight you have make for a great incapacitater.” Gilda then shows off her claws “Coupled with these babies pretty much guarantees a clean kill, you don’t even need your beak.”
>”But I mean..” Alex looks back down at the dizzying length between her and trees “wont I die..from a fall like that?”
>”Geeze, since when did you become such a wuss? Trust me, you wont die, we gryphons are made out of harder stuff.”
>”Huh..”
>”This ones mine squirt, you gotta find your own kill.” Without another word, Gilda dives down and crashes into the treeline, a shrill scream of her victim can be heard as Alex looks around.
>”Ok, you can do this, uhhh..” Looking around, her pupils flare up to life as her long unused instincts kick into high gear. Her eyes scan left and right at the trees as she notices strange movements in the trees as animal rush away from the scene.
>Her blood boils as she grins at the prospect of a hunt, spotting one lone animal, she dives and picks up speed as she goes crashing through the trees and right past her target. In an explosion of dust, and debris, she coughs and wipes her face as Gilda comes up dragging a bloody corpse in her beak. Setting it down, she wipes away the blood from her maw, “Hehehe, I remember my first hunt. I didn’t catch anything either.”
>”Bah, I’ll get one for sure.”
>Gilda chuckles as she goes over to her fallen prey, ”If you say so.” As she walks away, Alex dusts herself off and looks over her arms.
>”You were right mom, I didn’t feel a thing.”
>”Darn right ya didn’t, toughest thing in Equestria is a gryphon ya know? You should be thankful ya have me as a mom instead of that loser Lyra.”
>”Ah Lyra’s all right, she definitely spends more time with me than you do.” Alex teases as her mother gives a cocky smirk.
>”Yeah, but we do the really fun things when I spend time with you.”
>”True.”
>”Cmon squirt, this bad boy I bagged is enough to feed us all for a day.”
>”Aww cmon mom, we just started.”
>”But I cant just leave this thing here, something else will come along and take it.”
>”Then just drop it off with dad and come back, I’ll be around here.”
>Gilda ponders for a moment before shrugging, “Knock yourself out kid, when you get bored you can always come back to the camp. Nothing in this loser forest is a threat to you anyway, so go nuts.”
>”Thanks mom, I’ll get better at this, I promise.”

>Back at the camp site, you read your book peacefully when all of a sudden you hear Gilda shout, “Heads up!” before a loud crash as a bloodied corpse comes barreling down and thuds a few feet away from you. Gilda comes swooping down and lazily licks her paw while glancing at you “Honey, I’m home.”
>Calmly you close your book and look over at her.
“You could’ve killed me you know?”
>”Ah you’re fine.”
“Where’s Alex?”
>”She stayed behind to hunt some more, didn’t think we’d hit pay dirt so early so I came back to bring the chow.”
“You left her alone!?”
>”She’ll be fine Anon, she aint some dweeb pony, or your little girl anymore. She’s an adult gryphon now, she HAS to be weaned off of us. Truth be told, I didn’t think she’d be so willing to hunt on her own, but then again, she’s just like her old lady.”
“We gotta go find her, she could get lost.”
>”And she cant fly to Ponyville because?”
“Her wings might be hurt, or worse!”
>”Relax, I saw her take a dive at over 200 feet and skid like a stone on the ground before getting up perfectly fine. I’d be more worried for the poor sucker she actually pounces on.”

>High in the air, the sun hangs high at noon as Alex sweats and pants, her entire body is covered in dirt, scratches, and bits of twigs in her hair, “Ok, ok, 300th time is the charm.”
>Spotting a small brush in a tree rustling as it appears to open, Gilda dives for maximum velocity as she spears the tree brush claws first, feeling she hit something, it makes a pained grunt as she tears through the tree and both fly out the other side.
>Crashing on the ground, the two bounce up and over the other as Alex grips onto the now revealed chimera child and pins him, “Ha! Got you!”
>He bares his teeth at her in a pained wince, “What’s your problem!? God! That hurt!”
>Alex gasps and lets go when she realizes that not only can he speak her tongue, but he looks eerily similar to her, half human, half something else.

>Alex snaps off long branches and she speaks to the chimera boy who is sitting on the ground rubbing the back of his head, “Sorry about tackling you, I thought you were food.”
>”Its all right, water under the bridge now.” Coming up to him, she drops the sticks and takes a knee before him, “What are you doing?” He asks confused as Alex points at his tail.
>”Your tail, I think I busted it, I haven’t seen it move in a while.”
>”Oh crap, it hasn’t?” He asks alerted before curling up to look at his tail, “Momba, Momba are you ok!?”
>”Momba?”
>”My brother, oh great, I think he’s knocked out. My mom is gonna kill me.”
>”Your TAIL is your brother? How hard did I hit you?”
>”I’m a chimera, or rather, half chimera. My mom had 3 other sisters that shared a body.”
>”Oh, sorry.”
>”Its ok.” Leaning his body back, he lightly smacks the snake head but to no avail. Sighing, he picks himself up and towers over Alex by at least a good foot. Alex can barely hide her awe as he scratches his head awkwardly “Uhh…it was nice meeting you, I’m Kai by the way.” He states extending his large, furry paw for a shake; Alex meets his grip and wraps her talons around his paw.
>”Alex.”
>Kai grins and unknowingly blurts “That’s a boy’s name.” to which Alex glares at him but doesn’t squeeze his paw.
>She growls, ”I like my name.”
>”It..it really is a nice name.” He smiles sheepishly. Alex slowly lets go and just stands there a moment before smirking and crossing her arms together and spreading her wings, “Thanks.”
>Flapping into the air, Kai calls out to her “Hey!”
>”Yeah?”
>”Are you ever gonna come back? I wanna talk again.”
>”I don’t think so, this is the first time I ever came here.”
>”Oh, well do you live nearby? I can visit if its not too far.”
>”I live in Ponyville, its..kinda far out.”
>”Oh that’s not far at all, I can make it. Do you wanna hang out this weekend?”
>”Sure, that sounds fun. Do you wanna catch a movie?”
>”Well..ponies and I don’t get along too well..but we can just hang out and talk on the outskirts if you want?”
>Alex smiles and nods, “Sure, I’m down for that.”
>”Cool, see ya Saturday.”
>”Cool.”
>Flapping away, Alex keeps a straight face as she ascends into the air. The higher she gets, the wider her smile, at the grinning point she giggles in stupid excitement before flying off into the distance.
>Both you and Gilda sit side by side as a fire roars before you, in the middle of it cooks the skinned, gutted remains that Gilda had brought earlier. From the trees swoops in Alex, legs shoulder width apart, she stands proudly as you get up and go over to her.
“Alex honey, are you all right? Are you hurt?”
>”I’m fine dad, never been better.” She grins with her pointed white teeth, a cute smile that you haven’t really seen since she was a kid, or Christmas.
>Relived, you sigh and place a hand on her shoulder.
“C’mon, your mom and I made dinner.”
 >Walking her over to the campfire, she sits herself down by you Indian style as Gilda reaches her the food. Pulling it out, she begins to rip into it and sets chunks of meat onto skewers. As she does so, Alex looks at you.
>“You should’ve seen it dad, I got sooo close to catching so many prey.”
“Oh yeah? What happened?”
>Alex begins to talk about her many adventures in the skies, but the little adventure of meeting the chimera boy was not one of them shared by the campfire.

>In the early morning hours, the dew on the leaves and grass shines brightly before a mighty paw crushes the grass down. Gilda picks up her paw and looks at it in disgust, “Ugh, I HATE wet grass.”
>Like a cat, she quickly strides from patch to patch before jumping on a huge patch of extended roots. Cleaning herself, Alex walks past and looks at all the trees, hears all the birds, and smells the cool morning air.
>You on the otherhand, trudge tiredly through the slush as the water weighs you down with every step. Every so often you sniffle and wipe away the runoff from your nose, before coughing. ]
>”You ok dad?”
“No, I think I’m getting sick. God damn it.”
>Gilda gives a shit eating grin while putting her paw down, “Tsk, why did I ever get with such a weak dweeb like you?” In a weak, strained voice you smile and say.
“Because I rocked your world.”
>Going back into a coughing fit, Gilda sighs and walks over to you. The grass damply rustling with each step, she presents her back to you and motions to it with her head “Cmon, get on. I’ll fly you the rest of the way home.”
“Thanks sweetie.”
>Crawling onto her, she spreads her wings and looks towards Alex, “You ready to fly squirt?”
>”Mhmm.” Alex nods as she unfurls her own wings, and readies her body. With their mighty wings, they flap and push their bodies skyward and into the clouds.

>Back in Ponyville, Hope sleeps peacefully sprawled out on her bed as saliva runs down her open mouth. Downstairs, the door opens as Lyra stops cooking and peeks into the living room.
>From the door comes in Alex, followed by Gilda with you resting on her. Lyra smiles widely and comes trotting over and gives Alex a hug, causing the towering gryphon to grin awkwardly “Hey ma, we’re back.”
>Finishing off her hug with a last tight squeeze, she looks up at her “How was your trip?” She asks as Alex looks back towards you and points.
>”Fine, but dad got sick.”
>”What?!” Lyra exclaims before running around Alex to you, “Honey? Are you ok?”
>Gilda raises an eyebrow to her in confusion before sliding you off and passing you to her “He’s fine, just needs rest.”
>You groan sickly as Lyra tries to look at you “Are you ok?”
“No.”
>”Well cmon, lets get you to bed.” Leading you away, she takes you upstairs as Alex heads to kitchen. Stretching, she leans her body left and right before sighing and going over to the cabinets. Opening it, she grabs a bowl and spoon before getting everything else for cereal as Gilda walks by Alex and off to do her own thing.

>Upstairs, Lyra uses her magic to undress you in the bathroom before guiding you into the shower.
“I really wanna rest.”
>”Just as soon as we get clean, don’t want you sleeping in what made you sick now.” Too tired to rebuttal, you mumble in agreement and just let her lead you.
>After a nice scrub down and getting dressed into some comfy, warm bed wear, Lyra leads you over to the bed and tucks you in before feeling your forehead with her horn, “Hmmm..you’re a little warm.” Pulling away, she walks to the door and looks back at you, “I’ll make you some soup. Be sure to get plenty of rest honey.”
“Uh-huh.”
>Walking out, she goes down the steps and past Alex who is silently eating at the table. Getting the pot ready, she brings down some soup cans and pulls the aluminum lid off. Pouring the contents into the pot, she mixes it in with some water and sets it down before going to get a pitcher of water.
>Alex looks over at her mother as she pokes around the fridge and clears her throat “Uhh..ma?” She asks scratching the back of her head.
>”Huh? What is it sweetie?”
>”Umm..can I talk to you? For a bit?”

>Hope slowly comes to in her bed and stretches out before sitting herself upright, smacking her lips, she scratches herself and slides off the bed. Walking down the steps, she rubs her eyes and passes an open room where you lay sleeping.
>Going down the steps, she follows the faint sounds of two girls conversing. But is too tired to really pay attention to the details as the two continue their talk, Lyra warmly chuckles “He sounds wonderful, I say go for it. But if you don’t want me to tell anyp0ny else I wont. Just be careful and don’t stay out too late, also stay by Fluttershy’s place, its safe there.”
>”Thanks mom.”
>Finally dawning on her, Hope’s eyes widen as she stares forward at Alex, “Sis?”
>Alex panics a moment before whispering to Lyra ”Oh shit, play it cool.” Smiling at Hope, she waives, “Hey kiddo, miss me?” Hope runs over and jumps into her embrace as Alex wraps her talons around her, “Missed ya too.”

>Back in the Everfree, Kai walks to a makeshit home and lets himself in the front door. Going to a table he sits down and sighs.
>Across from him sits another human man, very similar to you but in more casual attire, he sets down his drink and unfurls a paper to read, “Where ya been son?”
>”Oh you know, around.”
>Suddenly an imposingly large chimera comes walking around him and smells him before glaring, “You reek of gryphon, but no blood, what were you doing?”
>”Oh yeah, that…uhhh…I was attacked..but..but he ran away.”
>The chimera growls lowly and leans close to his face, looking into his eyes before pulling back, “Remember Kai, contact with the outside world is dangerous, be more careful in the future.”
>”Ok mom.”
>The large chimera stands upright and walks away as Kai exhales relived, “Dad, how do you deal with mom?”
>”Easy, I do everything she asks, because she’s god damn scary.”


=========================Halloween Arc

>On the far outskirts of Ponyville, Alex and Kai hang a little ways into the Everfree, far from the curious eyes of the ponies who might catch glimpse of her new friend Kai.
>Though they were often nice ponies to those they knew, strangers and oddities were often treated with blind fear, and needless discrimination.
>”Nightmare Night?” Asked Kai confused about the concept, “I don’t know, seems kinda risky. What if they catch on? I’ll be defenseless in there.” He adds as grabs a few small stones and chucks them into the trees.
>”You’ll be fine, I lived there for a year, and ponies still thought I was wearing an awesome costume on Nightmare Night. You’ll blend right in, I promise.”
>”…” The chimera boy looks to the side unsure a moment before Alex playfully shoves him.
>”What? Big guy like you afraid of meeting my parents or something? We’re just gonna see a movie and hit up a festival. In and out, and if you feel uncomfortable, we’ll leave.”
>He rubs the spot she shoved and smiles reassured, “Ok, but I gotta tell my dad I’m staying out for a bit. He worries about me ya know?”
>”Yeah, my dad’s the same. Parents, right?”
>”Hahaha.”
>”…”
>”…Well, see ya at 8?”
>”6.” Alex replies with a smile as she crosses her arms, “We can hang out longer like that.”
>He tries to hide his excitement at hearing her wanting to spend lots of time with him, “S.sure, I’ll see ya here at 6.”
>”See ya tomorrow.”
>”Ok.”

>Deep in the Everfree, Kai’s human father cleans his mancave as Kai stands at the door, “You’re staying out late tonight?”
>”Y.yeah.”
>”Doing what?”
>”Oh you know..stuff.
>He looks at his son who know easily towers above him, but still fears and respects his father enough to make himself meek in his presence. Waiting a moment, he looks to the side, “Mamba, is he forcing you to go along?”
>”The black snake tail arches around and shakes his head, “No dad, we’re gonna go look for good thingsss to eat.”
>Their father waits a moment before smiling, “Ok, you boys just be safe.”
>”Thanks dad.” The two reply before Kai slowly begins to walk away.
>”Oh and Kai.”
>”Yeah dad?”
>”I’d really like to meet this girl sometime.”
>”Hahaha, there’s no girl dad. I’m just going out to mess around.”
>”Hey I get it, I was young too. But a dad knows when his son is in love, its kinda obvious. Just remember one thing.”
>”What?”
>”Don’t ever date a chimera, they force you to marry them.”

>In the forest, Kai walks casually towards Ponyville as Mamba slinks around, “You Ssso owe me for that.”
>”Hahaha, name it.”
>A tiny blush comes across the snakes face as he folds himself over to make mock arms to tap together, “Maybe she hasss a friend?”
>The older brother shrugs honestly, “I don’t know, maybe.”

>Back in Ponyville, Hope enthusiastically jumps around collecting bits and pieces of her costume, all the while you, Alex, Gilda, and Lyra look on “And then, we’re gonna go the Cakes, because they hoof out BIG cupcakes for Nightmare Night! And, and, and then, we can to Twilight’s castle, for the super big party she’s throw.”
“Well if ya take any longer to get ready you two are gonna miss it all.”
>Hope gasps in realization before quickly scrambling to put on her costume, all the while Alex looks at the clock nervously as the hour to 6 draws near.
>Lyra notices and smiles before gently touching you, “Sweetie, Alex might have plans of her own tonight.”
>At the same time both you and Hope ask “What?”
>”Well, she is growing girl, and has her own life.”
“Really Alex? You’re not gonna spend Halloween with us?”
>You can tell from her face she is uncomfortable, despite being a hardass she was a sweet girl underneath and hated saying no. She shakes her head somberly expecting the worst, “Sorry dad, I have plans with a friend.”
“What friend? Do I know this friend?”
>”H.he’s just an old pal from flight school. No biggie.”
>Hope comes walking up not on the verge of tears, but with an angry frown, “You said we were gonna trick or treat this year!” She stomps as Alex tries to play it cool.
>”Aw cmon squirt, we spent last year together, and this just happened. Its not everyday I meet an old friend. We can do something another time, ok?”
>Hope crosses her arms and turns around abruptly, this was her angry phase, and she was dipping into it hard. Lyra pats her daughter on the back and nods to Alex, “Don’t worry about us sweetie, you just go and have fun with your friend.”
“Hey, who said I gave her permission?”
>Lyra pleads her case “Honey, she’s an adult now, she can meet friends without our approval. Coltfriends are another thing, but its not that right now.”
“Right now?”
>Gilda then enters the fray and rests her huge talon on you, “Get the stick out of your butt, she’ll be fine.”
>You growl upset before looking at Alex sternly.
“At home. By ten. Got it?”
>”Ten!?” Alex barks, “But we’ll only hang out for like 4 hours?!”
“And that’s not enough because?”
>”Dad!”
>Lyra uses her magic to close your mouth and smiles, “12 sweetie, nothing more.”
>Alex sighs and smiles a bit, “Fine, thanks mom.” She pauses a moment before looking at you with a smile “And dad.”
>She walks over and hugs the two of you, before pulling away and sprinting to the door, “Later ma.” She casually says to Gilda before spreading her wings and flying off.
>”Later feather butt, all right, now which stupid costume am I wearing again? The maid outfit? Or the Wonderdolt?”

>In town, Alex and Kai walk together in the crowd of costumed ponies. The two tower over the competition both in size, and costume even though they weren’t technically wearing any.
>Kai nervously looks around at all the faces struck in awe at him, he picks up the pace and whispers into her ear, “Hey, I think they might be on to me.”
>”Huh? No they aren’t. I love these guys, but they’re even more gullible than my sister.”
>Reaching the theater, they look up at what’s showing as Kai strains to read it, “My dad talks about these things all the time, but I never thought I’d ever see one.”
>”He likes movies?”
>”He loves em, its just..we don’t really get to go out much in the forest. Ponies don’t really like us ya know.” He comments before almost sulking, Alex looks down in solidarity for a moment before smiling and shoving him.
>”Hey, I know how ya feel. Most ponies didn’t like me either growing up, but they grew up. That’s what this is about, getting them to know you, the real you.”
>”I thought you just wanted me to watch a movie?”
>”That too.” She smiles before reaching into pocket and pulling out a clawful of bits and walking to the counter, “Two for “It came from Canterlot” please.”

>In the rows of empty seats, Kai and Alex come shuffling into the theater holding soda, popcorn, and many other assorted snacks. The boy sits himself on the seat and looks around in awe at the room.
>Alex sits herself next to him and smiles, cutting his thoughts short, “Whats the matter? Never been in an air conditioned room before?”
>”No, I haven’t.”
>”Oh, sorry I didn’t mean..”
>”Its ok, its nice. I could get used to this.” He jokes leaning back into his chair, his broad shoulders gently pressing against Alex. She presses her legs together and bashfully smiles before looking up at the screen as the lights dim.

>A banjo plays lively in the background over at Sweet Apple Acres as hundreds of ponies all turned out for the Nightmare Night attractions.
>Applejack overplays her part as she stands in front a group of colts and fillies, “Are ya’ll ready fer the haunted barn? Ooooohhh.’ All the kids grin excitedly as AJ slowly opens the barn to reveal Big Mac in work duds with straw randomly jutting out.
>”Eeyup.”
>All the kids groan disappointed as you, Lyra, and Hope walk the grounds and look around. Hope the whole time has been frowning since she left home, but you knew her, you knew how to bring her out of her shell.
“Cmon sweetie, you wanna bob for apples?”
>Her eyes slightly enlarge, but she remains upset.
“How about some caramel? You want caramel?”
>This time its her tail, it gives a slight twitch but her frown refuses to turn upside down. Luckily, you know just the thing as you give a fake gasp, and lean in.
“You wanna visit Granny Smith?”
>Hope inhales excited and looks over “Really?!” She asks as you nod, unable to contain her excitement, she gallops forward and grabs your hand, “Cmon dad! Cmon!”
“Ok, ok, hold on.” You laugh before looking towards Applejack, “Hey! AJ!”
>”Whuts up sugar cube!?”
“Where’s Granny Smith!?”
>”In the house!”
“Thanks!”
>Walking inside, Hope does her little airplane run around the furniture and to the kitchen, “Grandma! Grandma!” she yells happily as Granny Smith.hears her and puts down the pie she was making.
>”Well, ah recognize that voice anywhere. How ya doin Hope?” Before she can get a reply Hope jumps towards her and hugs tightly. You weren’t sure when or why, but Hope really bonded with Granny Smith, thought of her as her grandma. Granny didn’t mind though, she liked your kids.
>”Im fine, I’ve been getting real big, see?” Standing upright, she makes herself as big as possible as Granny looks on and smiles. The two walk to the living room and sit themselves on the couch as you and Lyra sit across from them.
>You look at Hope and smile a moment before looking down and sighing, “Are you thinking about Alex sweetie?” Asks Lyra as she places a hoof on your lap as you nod, “She’ll be fine honey, she’s a big girl now.”
“Yeah, I guess.”

>The cold night air blows gently as Alex and Kai come laughing out of the movies. Alex burries her talons into her leather jacket and walks along side Kai who strides without a care in the world.
>To be free to walk without fear in his heart was almost intoxicating; his younger brother however, flicked his tongue to keep a gland out for trouble. He was so paranoid he hadn’t said a word all evening.
>Kai spots the Sweet Apple Acres festival and stops to point at it, “Hey, whats going on over there?”
>”Huh? Oh, uhh, nothing. Just a big boring party haha, no reason to go there.”
>”I always wanted to be with the ponies, see how they live ya know? Can we go?”
>Alex grins nervously and looks towards the party, she knew you were gonna be there, and knew word would spread fast. Still, she wanted to accommodate Kai, this was more for him that her.
>”Uhh..I guess we can, but only for a bit. I wanted to do other things.”
>”Awesome.” Kai smiles before walking towards the crowd as Alex hangs back and inhales before exhaling.
>”Ok Alex, you can do this.”

>Reaching the festival, it went about as well as she was expecting. A total disaster. Every pony that saw him stopped what they were doing and either dropped their jaw in shock or rushed over to ask about the costume.
>Alex meanwhile did her best to lie about it and said it was the result of a magical concoction that turned him into a chimera for a night. As for his relation to her, he was “an old friend from flight school” that was just dropping by.
>Kai talks to a group of ponies as Alex hangs around the edge of it all and waits, sure it was nice that Kai was making new friends but she really wanted this night to just be the two of them.
>Suddenly Kai calls out to her, “Hey Alex, you wanna go bobbing for apples?”
>”Sure!” She exclaims happily.

>A pristine silver barrel full of water and assorted apples sits atop a firm patch of hay, Alex’s tries to hide her anger that all the other ponies came along too. Then again, this was a festival, last place for any real privacy.
>Kai wraps both his hands around his back and dives right in, his fanged teeth worked a little too well as he breaches the water empty mouthed. Opening it, an entire apple half comes tumbling out “Whoops, guess I don’t know my own strength.” He jokes as the other ponies laugh.
>Alex groans annoyed as she crosses her arms and looks to the side, its then she realizes you, Hope, and Lyra are walking not far off. Her feathers ruffle as all the hair on her body stands upright and she quickly goes over to Kai and tugs at him the other way “Hey, lets get some cotton candy, my treat.” Its then all the ponies that tagged along cheer in unison as Alex glares at them and roars “Get lost moochers!”
“Is that Alex?”
>”Alex!” Hope yells as she comes running over and jumps at her, wrapping her arms around her, “You came!” She smiles as Alex stammers nervously.
>”Uh y.yeah, umm..hey squirt.”
>Lyra and you come walking up, and she looks over Kai a moment before smiling, “Hi, you must be Alex’s friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She states extending her hoof out.
>Kai shakes her hoof and scratches the back of his head nervously, “Hey, nice to meet ya too.”
“So, how exactly did you two meet?”
>Alex blurts out first, “Uhh well..he’s a friend from flight school, and uhh he used magic for his Nightmare Night costume.”
“Magic?”
>Kai nods nervously and gives a sharp toothed grin “Y.yeah, we’re good friends. My names Kai.” He extends his hand for a shake, and before you even get the chance to disrespect him Alex gets between you and pushes Kai away in a hurry.
>”Now we’re all caught up hahaha, later dad, love ya mom! We’re late for a movie!”
>Alex pushes him away as Kai waives back and nods “It was nice meeting you all!”

>Away from the crowds, stares, and parents, Alex and Kai hang by the outskirts of town. She leans against a tree and looks up at the moon, heart racing as Kai eats a large fluff of cottencandy.
>”This was nice.” He smiles as he wipes away the stray sugar strings before looking over at Alex, “You’re parents seem cool.”
>”Y.yeah.” She states keeping an eye at the sky, propping herself back up, “I had a lot of fun man.”
>”Me too, I cant wait for the next Nightmare Night, this places seems really cool.”
>”Yeah.”
>”Haha.”
>The two loiter around, and contemplate the feelings in their gut before doing busy work. (“Fuck it.”) Alex thinks before walking over and gently laying a small peck on his cheek before turning around blasting into the air “Later!”
>Shocked, he looks at her fly away before smiling and rubbing his cheek, “I wanted to do that too.”


>Outside in the yard, Gilda paws at the dirt like a dog burying a bone, not far off you look from the side of the hole holding a damp uncooked butterball.
“Why are we wasting a perfectly good turkey?”
>”We’re not.” Gilda states while she wipes away the sweat and reaches out for the turkey, giving it to her, she looks down at the hole and drops it in “Its how turkey SHOULD be prepared, not shoving stale bread up its butt and cookin it for 5 hours.” Scraping the dirt over it and burying it, she fills the hole and pats it down, “And unlike that dry mess Lyra makes, this will be good.”
“Uh-huh, if you say so. I suppose you’re gonna regurgitate the mash potatoes next?”
>”Don’t be a smartass Anon.” She glares looking away, “Thanksgiving is 2 days away, it would never last.”

>Upstairs, Hope sits on her bed and plays a video game as Alex sits across from her on her back, and looking at the ceiling. Every so often she sways her tail before smiling, “Cant wait for Thanksgiving.”
>”Why?”
>”Cause you know, all the food.”
>”Oh.” Replies Hope sarcastically, “You’re having it HERE? I thought you were gonna go eat with your new BOYfriend and HIS family.”
>”Oh cmon squirt, it was ONE time I spent the day with him, and we’ve hung out HOW many times already?”
>”Hmpf!” Hope huffs looking away before going back to her game, Alex rolls off the bed and walks out to the hallway. Going down the steps, Lyra cuts carrots and celery in the kitchen as Alex comes up and opens the fridge.
>”Hey.” She states grabbing a carton of orange juice before knocking it back and taking a long drink. Gasping, she wipes away the residue and sets it back as Lyra continues cutting but addresses her.
>”Hi sweetie, what do you want for dinner today?”
>”Huh? Oh I don’t know, whatevers fine.”
>”Something wrong dear?”
>”..Nah, I’m fine.”
>”Whats wrong sweetie? You can tell me.”
>”Mmm..its nothing really, just…”
>Lyra waits a moment before smiling, “I know Hope is angry right now sweetie, but give her time. You cant live your life around what other p0nies feel, sometimes..its good to do things for yourself.”
>”Haha, you mean be selfish like ma?”
>”Not selfish, but...just do things that you wanna do, within reason though.”
>”I know, thanks mom. By the way, I’m gonna be out for a bit today, can you tell dad when you see him?”
>”I will, but on your way back can you get 2 pounds of pecans?”
>”Do you need em today or sumthin?”
>”No, just for the pies tomorrow, no rush dear.”
>”Ok, cool.” Alex says before turning around, and walking to the hall.
>”Oh, and Alex.”
>”Yeah?”
>”If your little friend wants, perhaps he’d like to join us for dinner. I mean, if he’s not busy or anything.”
>Alex stands at the doorway stupefied and unable to speak, “Uh, I..umm..”
>”What? I think he’s charming, and I’d really like to get to talk to him more. Its no fair you get to hog him all to yourself.” She teases before smiling, “And I’m sure you two are tired of hanging around outside all day.”
>”Uh, I.I’ll ask.”

>”Are you insane?!” Exclaims Kai, “Its been like a month since Nightmare Night! There’s no way they will buy that I’m still in my costume!”
>”But its fine! I told my family what you really are, and they’re cool with it!”
>”And what about the hundreds of ponies that DON’T know!? They’ll run me out of town! With fire and stuff!”
>”You’re overreacting, I mean, look at me. We’re practically the same thing and they don’t freak out about me.”
>”But you’re different, they don’t freak out over gryphons, its chimera’s like me they lose their shit over.”
>”Where do you get this stuff?! I’ve never heard that in my life! I literally saw the ponies playing with a three headed dog and nobody panicked over it.”
>”Are you sure?”
>”I had to burn my clothes because the slobber stains never washed off, so yeah, I’m pretty sure.” Kai sighs and thinks for a moment as Alex comes up and pats him on the back, “Hey, it’ll be fine, I promise. And my mom does make a pretty good pie.”
>”Pie?”

>There is a knock at the door as Lyra comes walking over, opening it, Alex and Kai stand on the other side. Alex holds up a bag and smiles, “I brought the nuts.”
>The clinking and clanking of silverware can be heard in the dead silent kitchen, Kai and Alex sit together as you and Hope sit across. On your other side sits Lyra, the only one comfortable in this whole mess. She spoons up a bit of food before looking over at him, “So Kai, whats it like living in the Everfree?”
>”Its all right I guess, its nowhere near as nice as this place but its home.” He admits meekly as Lyra smiles.
>”Its ok, you don’t have to be nervous. Our house is your house, relax.”
>”Uh, ok.”
>Suddenly a small voice calls out from behind him, “Can I have some water? I’m dying here man.” It says as Kai looks back a bit.
“What the hell was that!?”
>Kai stammers a bit as he shakingly grips a cup “T.thats my brother, h.he gets thirsty sometimes.” He brings it around as a small serpent head peeks, out and slightly buries its face into the water, gulping it up before pulling back and going around.
“Is.is that normal?”
>Alex looks over at you and glares angrily, as Kai tries to laugh it off, “Yeah totally, chimera’s usually have 4 beings sharing a body so I kinda lucked out having only 1 brother.”
>Hope’s miffed attitude changes to curiosity as she leans to the side and tries to look at the snake, “Does it hurt?”
>”If you mean does he feel pain, then yeah, he does.”
>”Can I talk to him?”
>”If you want.”
>Hope slides off her chair and goes over as Lyra looks over at Kai, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize we had another guest, what does he want on his plate?”
>”Oh no its ok, he doesnt need to eat.”
>Alex smirks over at him, “Man you treat your brother bad.”
>”Shut up.” He replies with a smile before looking over at all of you “He doesn’t need to eat because we share a single stomach so basically whatever I eat, he eats too. But every now and then he likes to drink to keep his mouth moist.”
>Hope squats behind Kai and is at eye level to Mamba with a smile “Hi, my name is Hope, what’s your name?”
>”Mamba.” He replies softly looking away while slinking backwards as Hope comes closer.
>”What do you do for fun? Do you like games.”
>”Uhh…I don’t know, I like those movie things.”
>”I like movies too! What movies do you like?!”
>”I..I don’t know.”
>Kai turns back a bit and looks down at Hope, “Sorry, my brother is kinda shy, its nothing personal.”
>”Oh.”
>Lyra uses her magic to tug at Hope’s shirt a bit, “Hope, come here and finish your food.”
>”Ok mom.”
>Walking back over, she hops into the chair and begins eating as you tap on the table.
“So who are your parents? If you don’t mind me asking, do you live with your mom and dad or?”
>”Oh, well my mom is a chimera, and my dad is like you.”
“Like me?”
>”Yeah, a human.”
“There’s another human here?”
>Kai can hear the worry in your voice “I.I guess, is that like..a big deal?”
“Kind of, yeah. Who is he? Whats his name?””
>”M.my dad.”
“And his name?”
>”Dad.”
“Well how long has he been here?”
>”I don’t know, a long time?”
>Alex groans a bit “Dad, leave him alone.”
“I just wanna know sweetie.”
>Lyra scoops another serving and casually says “Well, maybe we can invite them over for Thanksgiving.” The entire room gets silent as Lyra looks to you and everyone else, “What? We’ve had guests before.”
>Kai thinks a moment before responding, “I..I’ll ask.”
>The room remains quiet as Alex clears her throat, “Can you pass me the pie?”

>Lyra washes dishes as you stack dishes in the behind her, setting a few by her, you lean against the counter and look at her miffed.
“I’m gonna take a shit, you wanna invite Kai to that too?”
>”Oh stop Anon, he’s a nice boy, and Alex really likes him. Who knows, he could be your son-in-law one day.”

>Back at the outskirts of town, Alex and Kai lean up against a tree, “Well, that dinner was a disaster.” Kai grumps as Alex smiles.
>”Ah ya did all right, if you survived that, my family is gonna be a breeze for ya.”
>”But what about my family?”
>”They can’t be that bad.”
>”Yeah..listen, thanks for the invite but I don’t think I’m gonna convince my folks anytime soon.”
>”Oh, well that’s cool. If you change your mind just let me know.”
>”K.”
>Alex extends her arms out as Kai goes in for a hug, the two share a quick embrace before breaking it off and smiling, “Later.”

>Lyra kneads dough in the kitchen as you stand besides her; leaning against the table, you look at the living room and fold your arms.
“I can’t believe you invited strangers to our home for Christmas, you know they’re just gonna fuck up the place, take our food, and probably kills us.”
>”We’ll be fine honey.”
“Will we? Are you suuuure? We barely know anything about em.”
>She uses her magic to bring out cookie cutters, and presses them down on the dough. “Well, what better way to get to know somep0ny than havin em over right?” She smiles as you sigh annoyed, “Anon, I know you’re worried but cmon, Kai’s a sweet boy, and Alex likes him. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

>In the Everfree, Kai sits at a table with his shoulder slumped down as his human father paces back and forth in front of him, “So, they want US to come over for Christmas? Not just you?” He nods as his dad continues and looks towards his towering chimera wife, “Well, what do you think honey? It’d be rude for us not to show.”
>”What do I care?” She growls licking her paws before and cleaning her face, “Why not bring them here? We could always use the extra meat.” She snarls as Kai frowns
>”Mom, I like this girl, a lot. I really want you guys to meet her, and you know…NOT scare her away or anything.”
>His mother gives a sharp toothed grin and leans in “What’s the matter? Afraid of your dear old mother embarrassing you?”
>”Cmon sweetie, lay off of him.” He says rubbing her neck, she lowers herself and purrs lowly as the snake goat head looks towards Kai.
>”Well I think it’s a bahhd idea too, us Chimera’s are never welcomed by those ponies.”
>”But that’s the thing, Alex is a gryphon, and they seem to like her all right.”
>”A gryphon!?” His dad exclaims, “She’s a gryphon!?”
>”Is that bad?”
>”Well, I mean..gryphons can be dangerous son.”
>”Anymore dangerous than mom?” He replies sarcastically as his dad smiles and sits by him.
>”All right, we’ll go, and don’t worry, I’ll make sure we wont embarrass you in front of your little girlfriend.”

>Back in Ponyville, you push a cart in the grocery store as Hope and Lyra collect things ahead of you.
“Don’t forget the chocolate chips.”
>Hope grunts annoyed as she grabs a huge bag of chips and looks around, “Where’s Alex?”
>On the outside of the store, Alex and Kai lean against the wall and look out at the parking lot as the ponies come in and out of the store. Straightening herself, she heads to the soda machine and pulls out a quarter, “You thirsty? What do you want?”
>”They got lemonade?” He asks as she leans in and nods, “Cool, get me that.”
>With the drinks dispensed, she goes back and tosses him a can while cracking her own open. Leaning back, she sips and sighs relaxed, looking over at her friend, she notices him looking down in thought, and fiddling with his drink.
>She nudges him and smiles “Hey, tonight’s gonna be fun, don’t look so worried.”
>”Easy for you to say, your parents are cool with the idea.”
>”Not really, my dad is pretty pissed about it. He’s not really the trusting kind ya know?”
>”I can imagine, strange guy bringing his strange family over, I’d be untrusting too.”
>”You’re not strange Kai, you’re…a real good friend, and its only natural our family’s should meet at least once. Just watch, after this, we’re all gonna be like one big family.”
>Its then you and Lyra come out the store and spot the two.
“Hey, we’re done. You guys coming?”

>At your home, the door opens as everyone comes in lugging the groceries. Kai comes last holding 4 heavy sacks as Lyra comes up behind and pats him, “Thank you so much for holding the heavy bags.”
>”Hey, its no problem, glad I could help.”
>Hope comes skipping by holding a pack of cookies as Alex comes up besides you, “Dad, me and Kai are gonna go hang out for a bit before the party, was there anything else you wanted?”
“Alex, you need to help us get ready.”
>”What? For reals?” She asks annoyed as you reply back just as bothered.
“Yes missy, you’ve skipped out on a lot of holidays as it is, so I’m not letting you weasel out of this one.”
>”Aw cmon dad!” She pleads as Kai comes up and pats her on the back.
>”Its fine, we can hang out later anyway. Besides I gotta go get my parents ready too, the party was at 6 right?”
>Alex smiles and nods to him “Yeah, I’ll see ya then.” the two share a quick hug before going back to normal as the two walk to the door. You keep looking but are pulled away by Lyra.
>”C’mon sweetie.” She leads you into the kitchen and uses her magic to gather assorted cuts of meats, “I’m not sure what they like, so I bought a little bit of everything. We’re gonna have a lot of meat eaters today, so we need to get started right now on the cooking. Do we have any charcoal?”
“Heh, I ALWAYS have charcoal.”

>In the kitchen, Hope sits at a table and kneads dough as Alex comes up and noogies her on the head, “Hey squirt, whatcha doin?”
>Hope growls annoyed and flails trying to grab her sisters arm in vain, “Making cookies, not that its any of your business.” She replies annoyed as Alex dawns a sad smile
>”So what do you need me to do?” She asks crouching down to be at eye level with her, Hope cautiously glances at her before going back to the dough and softly mumbling.
>”I need the ginger bread pony cookie cutters.” As Alex nods and gets up.
>She walks to the shelf and opens it before fishing around for the item, finding it, she opens the fridge and grabs a few sodas. Walking back, she sets the glass refreshments on the table and sits to the side of her, “How many we making?”

>Outside, you lazily pour on the charcoal into the grill, done with the bag you bend down and come back up with lighter fluid. Popping off the cap, you firmly squeeze and shart out the flammable liquid over the coals.
>Content with what was poured; you set down the metal grate before reaching into your pocket. Bringing out a small pack of matches, you reach in and flick one to life. Tossing it into the pit, fire roars to life as you stand there watching bored.
>Scratching your ass, you turn around to head for the cooler when suddenly Kai stands before you.
“Jesus Christ!”
>Shocked, you grip your heart in terror and tense up as Kai laughs awkwardly, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to..my bad I uhh..I really should’ve said something.” Catching your breath, you gasp a bit before putting on a miffed, but stern face and heading to the cooler.
“Whats up? You need to talk to Alex or something?”
>”No, I’ll talk to her later I uhh..just wanted to talk to you..for a bit.”
>You look back cautious of his statement.
“What about?”
>”I don’t know.” He admits “I guess I just want to tell you about my folks..before you meet em.”
“Uh, sure I guess, anything I need to know?”
>”Well,” He begins walking over and sitting on the ground as you sit on the recliner, “my dad is really cool and lets me get away with a lot of things my mom does not. He’s like you, or at least, how Alex says you are.”
“Ha, so Alex talks about me with you?”
>”All the time.” He smiles, “She likes to brag about how you’re the coolest one of her parents.”
“Sounds about right…Say, your dad, how long has he been here?”
>”I don’t know, he doesn’t talk about stuff like that.” He says before giving a small laugh, “He always jokes that since he met my mother, he doesn’t have time to miss his old family because he’s focused on the new one. Oh, that’s another thing, my mom is kinda mean, and scary at first, but she’s really mellowed out since she met dad. Dad tells me how she was like before I was born and well, I always try to stay on her good side.”
“Uhuh, is there anything else?”
>”…No, that’s about it.” He gets himself up and dusts off a bit as you lean back in your chair.
“Taking off?”
>”Yeah, gonna go get my folks. We’ll be here when it gets a little darker, you know, so we don’t cause a panic.”
“Haha, sure that’s fine.”
>”Listen, I uhh..I really like Alex, and I just want you to know that..you don’t gotta worry about me. I may look like a monster, but I’m not.” He extends his hand for a handshake as you look at it reluctantly, deciding to trust in your wife you smile weakly and return his offering.
“Its ok, I trust Alex, and if she says you and your family is all right, well, that’s enough for me. I look forward to you guys coming over today.”
>You could see his face light up and see the nice boy that Lyra was talking about, “Thanks, I’m looking forward to it.” Breaking away, he hurries off to the woods as you just look towards the grill, its time to set down the meat.

>The preparations made the day go by so fast, yet you swore it dragged on forever. In the kitchen, Hope primps the table with finishing touching as Alex sits on a couch by the window. She looks out into the night as her tail wags slowly left and right, in the way that all cats who are expecting something do.
>Hope adjusts the turkey left and right before stopping, critiquing her work, and then adjusting it again.
>You try to gently move away from Lyra as she fixes your collar and tightens your tie, “You’re always so messy, but do try to be nice at least tonight.”
“Fine, fine, I get it. God I remember why I hated holidays back home now.”
>Alex inhales excitedly as she spots something in the dark “They’re here!” In a mighty flap she lifts off the couch before landing and look back at her family, you could see panic to make a good first impression in her eyes, “Nobody embarrass me.” She warns as she goes to the door.
>She waits a moment for there to be a knock, and then waits still to pretend she was getting up to answer it. After the second knock she opens it. The tall chimera boy comes in first and awkwardly waives at Alex, “Hey, I’m here.”
>”Hey.”
>The tension between them was thick, and you could tell they would rather have been alone to do god knows what, but you like to think it was innocent enough. Alex was more ladylike than she let on.

>Alex smiles nervously and wonders if anyone else can notice her shitting bricks over this most delicate of transitions. This was two families meeting for the first time; she didn’t want anything to go astray.
>”My my my, is that FEAR I smell?” A deep, resonating voice bellows in the dark, from the darkness of the outside a pair of orange glowing eyes emerge followed by 2 more pairs of eyes. Letting herself in, the chimeras presence dominates the room as everyone drops what they’re doing to look. She leans in towards Alex and sniffs her before grinning with her tiger head “You shouldn’t be afraid little one, fear makes my appetite grow stronger.”
>Kai rushes between them and begins to escort his mom away, “Well mom, Alex’s dad made LOTS of food hahaha, and there is plenty for everyone!”
>The snake head looks forward towards the table “Ooooo~ Sounds delightful, I do hope they have rats.”
>Lyra facehooves and grunts “Rats, of course!”
>Another human, who managed to come in all the chaos comes up to Kai and begins escorting his wife to the table, “I’m sure they have plenty for ya honey, cmon, lets get a seat.”
>Alex and you come walking as Kai introduces the two of you, “Alex, Mr. Anon, this, is my dad.”
>Alex and Kai both look between the two of you as you meet, though they become worried as the two of you size one another up, show a mixed expression of indifference, and give a fake nod of politness.
>”Hey, nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
>And then both go separate ways.
“I’m gonna go put away the grill.”
>Lyra looks confused from across the table and tilts her head “But you usually don’t do that until the next day.”
“Yeah, but I did use a lot of charcoal, the fire is still kinda strong.”
>Walking outside, both Alex and Kai look at one another before Alex looks to Lyra, “Hey mom, me and Kai are gonna go hang out for a bit in my room, can we come later for the food?”
>”Oh, you can take a plate to go if you want.”
>”Thanks mom.”

>Alex, Kai, and Hope all come in holding a plate of food and drink as Hope rushes to her bed, and throws herself in it.
>With a heavy sigh, Alex sits herself down as Kai sits next to her “What was that about?”
>”Yeah, our dads didn’t even TRY to talk to one another.”
>”Is that bad?”
>”I don’t know, I’ve never seen dad talk to another human before, maybe that’s normal for humans?”
>”Maybe.” Alex agrees worriedly as Hope munches on a cookie from across the room.
>With mouth stuffed with cookie she comments ”Why does it matter if they like each other? You two planning on getting maaaareried~”
>The two both laugh it off and shake their heads before changing the topic to something else.

>In the kitchen, Lyra nervously sips at a glass of wine as the Chimera stands overbearingly by her. Mous serving her a plate of meats, she begins to tear into it as the goat head slurps up a glass of wine through a straw, “My this wine isn’t baaaahd, what year is it?”
>”Oh, you’re a wine enthusiast too?” Lyra smiles awkwardly as the goat nods, “Well, it’s a vintage from..”
>Before she can continue the tigress burp/roars loudly before reaching across the table, and grabbing the entire bottle of wine, “I’m thirsty.” She states before glugging the entire bottle and slamming it back on the table.
>Its then Gilda comes in from the top of the stairs with a six pack, “Hey.” She states sitting down 2 chairs away from the tiger. Cracking open a can, she chugs it much the same way as her before slamming it and burping.
>Lyra sighs tiredly with a thousand yard stare and rests her face on a hoof, (“This is gonna be a long night.”)

>Outside in the cold night, you sit out looking at the stars as somebody comes from the house. You look to the side to spot Mous holding two cans of beer, “Hey. Mind if I join you?”
“It’s a free world.”
>Sitting by you, he cracks open a beer and hands you the other as you grab it and do the same. Looking out into the night sky, you both stare forward, neither one of you saying a word.
>Holding the pause for a moment, you continue to look out but break the silence.
“So, 3 wives one body?”
>”Yup.”
“That’s cool.”
>”How about you? Divorced or?”
“Nah, just 2 wives.”
>”Hahaha, didn’t think polygamy was legal here.”
“Different set of rules my friend.”
>”You always did prefer quantity over quality.”
“Yeah…but mom liked you better.”
>With that the two of you remain sitting and smiling as you both look out into the night.
“Do you think we should tell em they’re related?”
>”Nah, between their chimera bodies, I’m pretty sure our blood got watered down to almost nothing. But good on you for not saying anything back there.”
“You too.”

End