A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Map Lessons: Castle Sweet Castle

S5 E3 everypony! Bloom and Gloom is up next!

.....

It was late afternoon in Ponyville as Malibu along with Twilight were at Fluttershy's cottage helping her clean her animal friends, even including brushing Hairy the Bear's teeth.

After hard work of non stop cleaning, Malibu wiped his forehead, panting as Fluttershy did the same. "Phew! Thanks so much for helping me get them so fresh and clean, guys." She said.

Malibu shrugged. "No biggie." He said, a little grin on his face while Twilight nodded. "No problem, happy to do it!"

Fluttershy wiped some mud off her coat, Malibu feeling the mud sticking to his own. "You probably can't wait to get back to your castle and take your own bath, huh?" She asked Twilight who tensed up, smiling awkwardly. "Aren't there more animals that need cleaning?"

It made the former clone gargoyle's brow go up. "You being serious right now?" He asked, staring.

"I think you, Malibu and I are the only ones left, and I can't wait to get the mud out of my mane." Fluttershy said, trying to get some out of her mane.

But then, Twilight did the unexpected while Fluttershy wasn't looking; she nudged Angel the bunny right into a mud puddle nearby, making the bunny grumble in irritation, Malibu snickering since Angel could be a big pest. "Oh no, Angel got dirty! I'd better stay longer to help give him a bath too!" Twilight said, her voice not sounding too convincing as she began to scrub him, Fluttershy and Malibu both glancing at one another, their faces with mild concern.

....

When it was close to sunset, Twilight was still drying off Angel while Malibu and Fluttershy mostly stared, unsure at first how to speak to her. Fluttershy finally did though.

"Thank you ever so much for staying to give Angel a bath too, but, um... I think he's dry." She said in her usual soft voice.

Twilight paused in her drying, lifting the towel, causing the rabbit's fur to puff out, an annoyed look still there, Malibu sniggering a little, hiding his mouth with his hoof. "Goodness! It's gotten late!" Fluttershy suddenly said, pointing to the sunset while Twilight decided to do some dusting out of random. "You really didn't have to stay here all day. Not that we don't appreciate it, sin's that right?" She asked Angel who gave one of his squeaks, glaring more, hopping away.

Malibu stood there, knowing that something was definitely up with Twilight but her smile clearly didn't reach her eyes all the way. "I for one am exhausted." Fluttershy said, giving a small yawn that Malibu found rather adorable. "Plus, I really need to rest up for that big pancake breakfast tomorrow. And I'm sure you have to get the castle ready."

Twilight tensed up, frowning. "No! The castle's... fine!" Her face had the frown for a couple of seconds until brightening back to the smile. "But... maybe I'd better see if Pinkie Pie needs help with the pancakes!" She took off, without even waiting for Malibu who this time remained behind.

She turned to him. "Has Twilight told you what's up with her yet?" The yellow Pegasus asked. Malibu shook his head no, worry spiking in his heart. "No. But I hope tomorrow something will spill."

Angel glared up at them, still a fluffball, hopping back inside and locking the door, startling Fluttershy. She knocked. "Um, Angel?"

Malibu rolled his eyes with a little grin, unlocking it for her with his magic as Fluttershy gave him a grateful look. "Guess I'll see you at the breakfast then." He said, waving at her as he flew back to Sweet Apple Acres for the night, rather exhausted himself too.

.....

In the morning, it was time for the big pancake breakfast as the Mane 7 sat around the table in the castle, munching on the as usual deliciously cooked pancakes made by Pinkie Pie. Malibu ate his that was covered in whipped cream, blueberries and chocolate chips. Pinkie tapped her plate, sending her pancakes into the air, and swallowing them all in one gulp.