Days flew by as the first week actually passed relatively quickly. The three often going out with the others to help them. Sweet still having the three books the trio had acquired over their journey. Still having his many questions about the Fae and having informed Sour about the information. The three electing to stick with what they had planned. Which was to ask Harmonous about the stallion named Quartz. To them, the similarities were simply too coincidental to not be of correlation to some degree. They also had questions about Dallasite and Arcane’s connection to Harmonous. From what they saw, the three had immense similarities. Moreso Arcane and Harmonous with their apparent Ice magic. But Dallasite seemed to look similar to them nonetheless.
What mattered however, was being there for their presumed last week as Sour, Sweet and Acidic. They wanted to be there for everything. So, since they assumed they’d have all the memories from their individual perspectives once they became an alicorn again, they elected to split off and do things on their own. Living life to the fullest until the time ended. Their first stop, being that of Dawn’s big day. With Acidic being the one to go and accompany Dawn this morning. He almost didn’t eat as he flew out of the door. Only doing so when Sour tackled him to the ground. Being worried about him not eating. It was a funny moment in the morning. But not one that stopped him from rushing out of the door and immediately heading for the train station. That being the place that Dawn was going to meet Elixir at when she ended up arriving in Buckgrove.
Taking the sky route since he was on his own, it surprisingly only took him around ten or so minutes to soar above the city. Remembering when he, Sour and Sweet all arrived in Buckgrove. It was nice, to put it bluntly. To reminisce on the trio’s first few days in the city. Even if him flying over the city on their first day was from negativity. It didn’t really bother him as he knew that everything worked itself out in the end. He had hope that everything going on would also work itself out. He didn’t really care for any of what was going on now that his journey had ended at the Spring of Body. But since the orange Pegasus was needed for both the Spring of Mind and Soul, he still travelled which was evident when he travelled to Trotquay. He just wondered if they would, in their alicorn form, still have time to do things like they were. Just relaxing. Maybe his dad would let him wait a little while before taking the throne. Perhaps it was because he was only the representative of their body, but he had very little emotional attachment to the three’s past in terms of feeling the pressure. He was thankful that went to Sweet somewhat and Sour mostly. Although it was probably the fact that he had his Spring knocked out first in their journey that allowed him to relax.
Nonetheless, when he saw the train station, he made an intense and almost fatal dive down onto the street. Having to avoid ponies trotting by as they jumped and screamed at the incoming orange as the street almost cracked at his eventual stop. He was fast and used to flying at insane speeds back in Manestralia when he participated in Alifests in the elite teams that were built whilst being Covet. But he needed to get a control on it. This wasn’t above water, this was land. Furthermore, this wasn’t any wave racing either. One could say that he simply had a lack of control. But either way, he quickly said “Uh… Sorry folks!” as he trotted with his face giving an expression of embarrassment. Ponies actively avoiding him as he made his way to the train station to wait for Dawn. However, she appeared to be there already when he arrived. “Was that you that ended up crashing to the ground?” she asked him as he approached. He nodded and she chuckled slightly whilst adding on a “figured as much” whilst Acidic simply rolled his eyes slightly and sat down. The pair waiting for the next train and the arrival of the one they were waiting for.
Which only took about ten more minutes of waiting. Giving the pair excitement as they heard the faint sounds of the clacking train getting louder and louder the closer it got to the station. The train stopping underneath them as they heard it. Rushing down to the floor containing the Southern Ceyonait train, they saw the passengers getting off. Along with who they had waited for. Elixir. She seemed frazzled by the amount of ponies around her, but once she saw Dawn, she sighed in relief. “You’d think these basic stallions and mares would move out of the way for somepony who managed to get an award for reviving a long dead plant species! But I guess not!” She said aloud in a very audible way as to make sure the others around her knew exactly who she was speaking to. Dawn immediately hugged her, but Acidic seemed more interested in what she had just said. “I’m sorry, did you say you managed to actually revive it?” he asked Elixir. To which, she happily nodded. “Yup! The seeds I cultivated allowed the Lily to reproduce! There’re now about a hundred in one dedicated plot of land. I reached out to the local news ponies and they’re all over the achievement!” Elixir then explained. Making Acidic incredibly happy. “That’s amazing! I can’t wait to tell Sweet and Sour about this!”.
Dawn then spoke up. Saying to the pair “come on then, we have to get going. We’re meeting Duskfall and Soundwave at their residence. That way we actually have somewhere to do this” as she began trotting up the train platform stairs. The other two following as the three began trotting out of the train station entirely. Heading to the city suburbs and enjoying the surprisingly less populated areas of the city. “Don’t forget, we still have our day out to attend to!” Elixir pointed out, as Dawn nodded and responded with “I’m aware don’t worry! Let’s just focus on the important thing first. It’ll be better for when we do end up, y’know, hanging out and taking you around the city!” as the three continued onward for a few more minutes before they finally came to Soundwave and Duskfall’s house. Trotting up to the door and Dawn knocking on it, the three waited for about half a minute before Duskfall finally answered.
“Heya sis!” Duskfall said, hugging his sister tightly as he then said “It’s been a long time, Elixir” eyeing the mare as she responded with “Yeah it’s been a hot minute since our school days” as he let all three of the ponies in. Saying hello to Acidic when he got inside. The three taking seats in the kitchen as Soundwave came downstairs and proceeded to make drinks for the five of the ponies in the room. Then Duskfall sat down and took a moment to form his next sentence or so. Then finally speaking. “I learned the spell needed for what you want. I haven’t used it on anything other than small animals and it seemed to work. But it’s my first time trying it on another pony” he said, pausing for a second as he seemed unsure of his skills in the magic department. “I’m sure everything will be fine, Duskfall. You’re the best magic user in our group!” Acidic then said, taking note of the sudden dip in confidence.
“I know I can do it, I just… Well, things wouldn’t be the same for you ever again. The spell could alter more than just your physical appearance. Does that make sense?” Duskfall then added on, looking at Dawn as she nodded and then responded with “no matter what happens, we’ll always be siblings. Nothing will change that Dusk” as a wave of relief washed over Duskfall. “Were you really concerned about that?” Soundwave asked Duskfall as he finally came over a moment later with all five drinks. Electing to stand whilst the other four drank their drinks. “Well, kind of. My history with seeing a body changer spell has been tumultuous… and confusing. Talking about you three Acidic” Duskfall then responded, looking at Acidic as he seemed to take slight offense at the acknowledgement.
“It doesn’t… Hurt… Does it, Acidic?” Dawn asked Acidic, now slightly worried thanks to the loss in Dusk’s confidence. “Eh… It feels weird. But I think the spell on me was different. The one on mine physically destroyed one form and created three other ones. Ripping my soul out. The spell you’re using would simply modify your body. Not do any of that stuff… Now that I think about it, it’s horrifying what happened to me” Acidic then nonchalantly said, sort of zoning out at the realization of what he’d just explained. “Yeah it’s definitely not that. Don’t worry.” Duskfall then immediately reassured Dawn. Feeling slightly awkward at Acidic’s explanation. With Acidic quietly saying “Sorry” as the others simply responded with “It’s fine, don’t worry”.
After they all drunk their drinks, Elixir was the first to speak again. Saying “Me and Acidic should probably wait in here” to which Soundwave asked “Well, why’s that?”. With Dawn also looking at Elixir as she responded with “Well, it’s a family matter isn’t it? Surely you want privacy for that?”. Dawn nodding as she then said “Yeah… That’s what I was hoping could happen. But it doesn’t mean that you two can’t do what Elixir just asked about!” as she looked at Acidic and Elixir. Nodding, Acidic and Elixir stayed in the kitchen whilst Duskfall and Soundwave left the room with Dawn. Dawn following the pair into the living room. There, Soundwave sat down as the siblings seemed to almost have a stare off. With Duskfall finally breaking the silence with the long-awaited question. “Are you ready for this, then?”. Dawn wordlessly answered with a nod as Duskfall then nodded back and began charging up a spell. The magic being a light pink colour. Then launching the magic at Dawn as soon as the spell seemed ready.
The spell immediately took effect. Bright light surrounding her as she disappeared for a moment in the white light. About a moment later and she reappeared. However, she was smaller than before. Her body now being smaller and more representative of what she wanted to be. Having closed her eyes due to the light, Duskfall summoned a mirror with his magic and then said “It’s done!” as Dawn slowly opened her eyes. She gasped, and then proceeded to check herself out. Her mane being slightly bouncier and smoother than before. With her wings also being slightly smaller as she almost burst out in tears. Her emotions being all over the place as she finally felt like herself. As if she had achieved her lifelong goal. Which was exactly what had happened. “You two can come in now!” Soundwave shouted out to Acidic and Elixir. Prompting them to trot on in. Acidic gasping as Elixir immediately reacted with “You’re… Stunning! Wow!” as she went in for a hug of comfort. Dawn accepting as Acidic smiled to himself. Dawn’s transition completing itself as Duskfall used one more spell wordlessly.
“Thank you- Wait, my voice-!”
Dawn immediately looked at Duskfall as she finally let the tears out. Openly weeping as the other four comforted her. Duskfall saying “Figured I could surprise you” as they all hugged Dawn for a good few minutes. Finally stopping when Dawn stopped crying. It was a happy day for Dawn indeed. Which was going to be celebrated as Elixir then said “Well, we have a lot of time to spend today! Why don’t myself and you go out and maybe grab a drink or two? Like maybe a Latte” as Dawn immediately responded with “Good thing I know exactly where to go then! Acidic, do you want to join us?” as Acidic immediately nodded. “Well, you both have fun then! Me and Soundwave will be here when you need us” Duskfall then added on. Giving Dawn one last hug as Dawn, Acidic and Elixir all headed out of Soundwave and Duskfall’s house. Trotting down the street and off back into the city.
Heading back properly into the city, the three made their way to the coffee shop that Dawn and Acidic had gone to a week prior. Immediately trotting down the same road before reaching the coffee shop. “Here we are! Let’s just say an old friend of ours runs this place” Dawn said to Elixir, Winking in a cheeky way. “Someone we know?” Elixir then asked, eager to see who was indeed running the establishment. Which didn’t take long at all as Elixir gasped and then immediately galloped to the counter, shouting out “ICED!” as she went in for a hug. Iced, who was working on a brew for a pair of ponies who stared at the three in slight confusion, ended up spilling the coffee he was preparing. With Elixir backing off as soon as she saw. “I-I’m so sorry! It’s just it’s been so long since we last spoke!”. Elixir however, didn’t seem too amused. Simply saying “You mean since school… Sorry folks! It’ll be a few before I can get your coffees out! Blame her. Not me” he said, prompting the pair of ponies to simply shrug as they continued their conversation.
“Well, let’s take a seat before the other shop patrons end up having to wait an hour, yeah?” Dawn then suggested. Both Acidic and Dawn flying to the table they were at last time. Elixir joining them as she sat down. Although clearly frazzled as she still couldn’t quite get over what she had done. Iced coming over a few minutes after he had served the redone coffees for the pair across from them. “So, what do the pair of you- oh sorry, three of you want today?” Iced then asked, almost forgetting about Acidic given his quietness. “I’ll have the same as before. Acidic? Elixir? What’re the pair of you two having?” Dawn then asked the other two. “Uh… Same as before!” Acidic then responded, panicked and slightly awkward when being asked. Although, to his defense, it would’ve been awkward to trot up to the counter and look above it to see the menu.
Which is exactly what Elixir then did. Getting up and trotting over slightly as Iced, Dawn and Acidic glanced at eachother in confusion. Iced less so as he gathered what she was doing. Then, she came back and finally answered. “A soft, oat milk mocha. Make sure there’s only a spoonful of sugar and add some caramel in there for me too! After that if you could also add in some whipped cream on the top to make it reminiscent of hot cocoa that’d be great!” she responded, making Dawn and Acidic surprised at the order. “Uh… I can do that” Iced simply said after a minute of processing the order and writing it down. “Didn’t use this before, did I?” Iced then asked, making Dawn nod as he then went on to explain. “Since this place just opened, I didn’t really have any revenue other than for rent and food. But, as soon as I got some extra money I got a lot of notepads! No more forgetting for me!”.
With that, Iced trotted back to the counter as Elixir then sat down. Both Dawn and Acidic asking the same question. “Was it really necessary to order that? It sounds so complicated to make…” to which Elixir laughed. “Oh please! If you saw everything I got in a day back home, you’d have a heart attack! Not literally, by the way. Metaphorically”. “Riiigghhhtttt…” Dawn simply replied, still somewhat shocked at the order Elixir had gotten. But it lessening given the most recent reveal. Their drinks coming relatively quickly as Iced served them to the three. Going back to his counter as more customers seemed to come in. “So” Dawn began as she sipped on her drink. “What’re you planning on doing now that you’re a plant mother, Elixir?” she then asked, taking a break from her coffee momentarily. Elixir rolled her eyes, taking a gulp of her drink before responding. “Well, since I’m now the goddess of nature I figured I’d try and integrate the Lily into other regions of the world. It’s truly something that seems to have been forgotten. But now? I have the chance to reintegrate history into the present!” Elixir then responded. Seemingly overeager; but that wasn’t a negative thing. To Dawn and Acidic, it was good to have that much passion.
Taking about half an hour more to drink their beverages, the three finally finished. Sipping the last of their drinks as Iced came over to collect the cups. Seeing the three off and out. “Make sure you come back, Dawn! You too Acidic! And see you later Elixir!” he shouted out to them, having customers give him an odd look as they were slightly interested in what could possibly be happening. Going back to their conversations as Iced returned to his counter in his coffee shop. Leaving the three to find things to do for the rest of the day. Which is exactly what they did when they eventually circled around to a clothing shop. The name being ‘Couture De Trendé’. All three entering as Dawn’s attention was immediately drawn to the shops hat section. Looking at them, with Acidic and Elixir looking in other sections, Dawn eventually found the hat she was looking for. A light blue, and very wide looking hat. The one you’d wear to protect yourself from the intense heat. But also one that could easily fit any sort of clothing that would be loose and free in the wind. Instantly, she grabbed it, remembering it and rushed to the counter. Acidic taking note as he flew over along with her. “Whatcha got there?” he asked, looking at the blue he could only just see. “Oh this? It’s a hat I saw in a catalogue ages ago. I threw the catalogue out given the season ending a year ago, but now? It’s back! So, why not grab it?” she then responded.
Shortly thereafter, Elixir then came over. “I found it!” she shouted out, making the pair of Pegasi look over in her direction. Slightly confused until they saw her pop out and gallop over. “What’ve you got there?” Acidic then asked, intrigued as Elixir showed off a white top of sorts. It was free, and flowing and Dawn immediately seemed excited. “How did you remember that it was on the catalogue!?” Dawn then asked Elixir, eager to hear the reply. “Simple silly! I never chuck my catalogues away! Since they were in my closet, I figured I’d try and get you something from it! But I see you have the matching hat! All that’s left is the shoes! But they’re not here either! Drat!” Elixir then explained, seeming angered that Dawn couldn’t have the full set from the catalogue. Dawn however, seemed to be pleased with just two of the three clothing items. The cashier coming over as Dawn paid for the clothes. Acidic and Elixir heading outside to wait.
About two minutes after leaving Acidic and Elixir, Dawn came out of the shop. Holding a bag with her wing. “You’re not going to put the clothes on?” Acidic asked, slightly confused as he thought that Dawn would instantly put the clothes on. “Well, for starters Acidic, there were no changing rooms. Backwards I know. But trust the fashion! And second, I don’t have the full set! Why put it on if I don’t have all the pieces?” Dawn then responded, rhetorically asking Acidic the question. Acidic being very much unamused as he heard about the statement ‘trust the fashion’. Nevertheless, the three headed off. The three of them seemingly heading back to the train station as Acidic looked up at the sun. It was still somewhat in the sky. So, why were they going back so soon? “Uh… Surely we could at least show Elixir the beach?” Acidic then asked Dawn after the three of them managed to reach the train station. “Elixir lives in Southern Ceyonait. You know that. If she goes now, she can get back just as the last train to here returns. It’s either that or couch surf and I dunno how she feels about that” Dawn then explained. Prompting Elixir to nod slightly as she also chirped in. “I’d rather get back to my town I’m not gonna lie. But we should spend some more time together, it’s nice!” she said, seemingly happy to be at the train station.
“I suppose this is goodbye for now, then” Acidic then said, in a slightly underwhelmed voice. “Yeah, I’ll see you two before the end of the year, I know that much!” Elixir then responded. Prompting both Dawn and Acidic to look at eachother in slight confusion. “And how do you know that?” Acidic asked, prompting a response he kept in the back of his mind. “Well, fate has a funny way of manifesting things, so to speak”. It was something he didn’t fully expect. But couldn’t rest on as the three of them trotted down to the floor containing the train. Seeing Elixir off as she hugged the pair of them. Feeling a little sad, but happy with the day that had occurred. Getting on the train just before it took off, Elixir watched Acidic and Dawn wave her off before the other two trotted up and out of the train station. “I suppose this is also goodbye for us too, then” Dawn then said, looking at Acidic as he nodded. “Yep! When do you think we’ll have a day out again?”.
“I dunno. I wanna settle down a for a little bit. Uh… Good luck on the Spring thing. I wish I could help more, but-“ however, before she could finish, she felt a hug of sorts. As she processed it, she noticed that Acidic had gone in for the hug. “Are you alright?” She then asked, slightly shocked. “Yeah… But you, Duskfall, Soundwave and Cluttered are doing more than we should be asking for. Thank you… For everything” Acidic then responded. The last part being slightly more absent than the rest. As if he didn’t want her to hear it. To which, she simply responded with “Uh… You’re welcome! Just come back to us after you get the Alicorn form, alright?” as she seemed to almost joke about the situation. Acidic, recognizing this, laughed a little as he simply said “Right” before the pair separated. Their day over a little before it should’ve been, but both knowing that they’d see eachother very soon. As an Alicorn, or not as an Alicorn.