Flik chapter 3 part 1

Next morning when Flik did woke up he quickly looked around the room. For a moment he was worried that everything what he remembered from last night was just a dream but when he saw Vince preparing something in his cooking pot he felt a relief.  He was so happy that meeting a friend in this strange world wasn’t just dream. Vince noticed Flik looking at him and he smiled to him and responded in friendly tone

Vince – Ahh… Good morning Flik. Did you sleep well?

Flik did think about it for a second before he responded. He actually did fell very good. All the pain was gone and the wounds already started to heal during night so they did not look so bad anymore, He also did fell so warm and nice that he almost dint want to go out of bed but the urge he did fell to hug Vince was just too much. He ran to Vince and hang on his neck hugging him. Even thou he couldn’t put his forelegs all around his neck since Vince was quite large and a bit fat next to Flik. Vince surprised with such reaction just patted Flik gently on the back

Flik – I was afraid that what happen yesterday was all a dream and you won’t be here when I wake up

Vince – Why wouldn’t I be here? I told you I will stick around till you feel better… I see you already are in good shape. I’m surprised how fast you are recovering

All of a sudden Flik sneezed loudly. Flik did feel good but he did fell his nose is blocked and he felt like sneezing from time to time. Flik did let go of Vince and was looking at him surprised

Flik – So you… You really will stay with me for a while?

Vince – Yes… At the moment I see you can use some help in recovering and I don’t think it would be wise for you to go to Canterlot or Ponyville in the nearest future… In meantime you can feed on me if you like

Flik still couldn’t believe that Vince is real. Someone who willingly wants to help him and even just someone to talk to was more than enough for Flik to fell happy. Vince seeing as Flik eyes glow very brightly green made him smile in way like he was disarmed by Flik cute look. Even sunlight couldn’t hide the glow coming from Flik eyes. Vince seeing that his food is ready came clser to the cooking pot and started to pour whats in it into a bowl. Flik was felling interested by it as well. He came to the pot and started to sniff it. He really liked the smell
Flik – What`s that? Smells very nice

Vince – Just regular tomato soup with some noodles and some spice. You want some?

Flik – Smells very nice but I’m not sure if I be able to eat it…

Vince – Hmmm… At least we should try…

He took another bowl from his backpack what was hanging on his cart and poured some of tomato soup into the bowl and passed it to Flik. Then he went to his bowl and started to sip his soup. Flik wasn’t sure for a moment but that smell made him really want to taste it. He took a sip of it but he couldn’t fell much of a taste and after swallowing it he felt sick and quickly went outside and throw up. He looked at Vince like he wanted to apologize but Vince wasn’t angry at all. He just smiled at Flik and responded while scratching his own chin

Vince – Hmmm…. Looks like a chalange…

Flik – Sorry… I`m sure it tastes just amazing but I can’t fell the taste like you or any pony else… Still I guess I can smell this food. It’s enough for me…

Vince – Ha ha ha ha ha! Ohh common now… It’s like giving up… Why do you think you can’t enjoy the food like a rest?

Flik – Because… I can’t fell the taste like you since my body only accepts one form of food which is emotions in form of love aura?

Vince was thinking for a moment. Like he was happy that he got himself some riddle to solve. He started to look for something in his cart for some time. After about half hour he came out with small sack filled with some golden round things. He putted it in his bandolier pack and looked at Flik while still smiling.
Vince – I have to go for a moment. Looks like I need to buy few small glass flagons before I can begin…

Flik – Begin what?

Vince – Well… You did in some sort offer me a challenge in form of finding a way to make you be able to eat and fell the taste of food I`m preparing… But I need to get some flagons for special ingredient and maybe get some spices at Ponyville. Don’t worry I be back shortly. If you like you can read one of the books I got. Very good writing in there I say

He pointed at a pile of books near the entrance of his cart. Flik came closer to exam them and Vince went outside and started to trout in direction of Ponyville. Flik open a book but couldn’t read anything since he never learned how to read. He got interested in few of them what had some pictures in them of some interesting places but after a while he got bored since he couldn’t learn anything from this alone. He went outside and flew on top of the ruins and enjoyed himself by laying on warm stone which was warmed by the sun which was also warming him. He was looking all the time on the bridge waiting for Vince to show up. After about an hour Vince came back carrying many bags on him filled with some fruits and vegetables and a big back filled with some strange looking bottles made from glass.  He flew down and started to help Vince carrying those inside. Once Vince sorted everything in place started explaining his plan to Flik

Vince – So you see… I have an idea… To make food eatable for you I will try to trick your stomach. Let’s try by adding some love into the food itself and slowly replace it with my imitation of it

Flik was very interested. He was also very excited

Flik – So… I won’t need to feed on love if you succed?

Vince – Well… Probably… I can’t promise you that but at least we can try to make you not have to rely on love all the time… Sound good?

Flik started to jump around Vince very excited saying “Yes yes yes” about dozen times before he calm down. He sat in front of Vince and looked him into face still shaking from excitement

Flik – So how will you do it?

Vince – Well… I will need your help to obtain love aura… I will need it as an ingredient. I will need a lot of it at start to test so that’s why I needed those glass flagons. I think I can keep it in them

Flik – So how can I help then?

Vince smiled and responded quite amused

Vince – Well… I seems that while you feed this aura is visible and obtainable so… Just feed on me as you did yesterday and I will try to get as much of it in those bottles as I can… Just take your time

Flik smiled since he liked the idea that his feeding on love can be used for some good. He sat next to Vince and open his mouth a bit and light grey aura around Vince started to appear. Vince started to catch as most as he could of it into a bottles while Flik was feeding. Vince did work quite fast since he did fill about ten of them in 2 minutes… Flik was already full but he did continue so Vince can have all he needed. It took about 10 minutes to fill all the bottles. They succeeded and just in time since Flik was already full and Vince was a bit tired after such a drain. Vince laid down in his bedroll and started to read a newspaper he both in Ponyville and Flik went to his own bedroll and laid on his back while he was massaging his tummy and was very happy

Flik – Ahh yes… That did fill the spot. I can’t remember when I ate so much. Even in the hive we had strict limits… At least those small ones like me had

Vince – Well… Im glad I was able to help… But I need to rest a bit… It feels like you drained my energy as well… I wasn’t so tired after running for two days like I was after that emotion separation… I hope those will be enough to discover and make eatable food for you. I don’t think I will want to try this one more time… Or at least next time should be half of the bottles

Then both of them got silent and started to relax. Flik was thinking about last day and was happy that he got into trouble. For him having a friend like Vince was worth being chased even by whole Equestria army… Flik was about to fell asleep but Vince got his attention when he started to think loudly

Vince – Well well well… It dint take long for them it seems to put everything together

Flik – What do you mean?

Vince came close to Flik and showed him a newspaper. On a picture there was scared running away from guards. In background there was Vince observing whole thing with neutral face expression

Vince – I think that picture makes me look fat… Or maybe it’s the stripes… Anyway look on other page

On other page was picture of Flik face in some square with numbers under it and some writings. Same was for Vince thou writing under Vince was a lot longer

Vince – Can you believe what they wrote?

Flik – Ummm… I can’t read dem letters… Can you say what they are saying there?

Vince was surprised that Flik can’t read yet. He putted newspaper on ground and pointed at the article under the picture.

Vince – Canterlot is being victim of changeling attack. Yet this time it was saboteur action and not invasion. Royal guards failed to capture very dangerous changeling who is responsible for destruction of a building and causing chaos in the city. All patrols which did encounter changeling were defeated by his partner in crime known only as fat zebra… To help the guards capture those two criminals there was offered reward for any pony who will bring them alive to the justice. If you have any information please tell them to your local authorities

Then he pointed on Flik picture

Vince – We don’t know much about the changeling himself but it is suspected that he is from changeling kingdom ruled by queen Chrysalis. Only known facts about him are that he wears old cylinder hat and he is quite small. Reward for him is 2000 Bits
Then Vince pointed on his picture

Vince – This Zebra was responsible for the escape of changeling. He caused the chaos and did trap most of the guards in some toffee candy which did prevent them from flying and did slow them very much on the ground as well. Information about Zebra is also poor but it will be updates soon as possible. All we know now that he is already wanted in Griphon and Zebra law authorities so he is very dangerous since he was able to avoid being captured. At the moment his description is easy. Since he is very noticeable as he is Zebra as the fact he is obese and wears red bandanas and brown bandoliers. His mark is grey pepper in a swirl so please be on a look out. Reward for him is currently 1000 Bits and will most likely increase as soon as we get more details about him

Flik was surprised to hear that guards already knew that Vince did help Flik. He did fell guilty for getting Vince in trouble and he was a bit curious about Vince crime record. He wasn’t sure if its ok to ask but he did ask anyway

Flik – Sorry about it… You’re in trouble because of me… But they say you’re wanted by your own already as well… Something happen?

Vince – Don’t worry about me… And it’s a long story. Let’s say I had a small conflict with Griphons years ago and our king dint help at all… His ignorance and love for shiny bits of gold was stronger than love for his subjects so I did prank him and griphons as well… They dint forgive me that but I don’t regret nothing. Still I say bounty on me for that time is well deserved but I won’t turn myself in for the prank I made. It was just a payback

Flik still was feeling bad that Vince was now on the hunting list. He wanted to say something to cheer Vince up but Vince was not sad or angry. Just was thinking about something while he was looking on his picture… Thou he was smiling a bit

Flik – Still… I don’t think you deserve being hunted… You’re a very nice pony… Ummm I mean Zebra and I feel bad for causing you trouble…

Vince just grabbed Flik with his fore leg and hugged him while laughing loud

Vince – Ohh don’t worry about it. I like being in trouble. It’s not boring at least and it actually makes you feel more alive than ever… So… What is your story my friend? I would love to hear it. I sense you are just like me and you drag trouble to yourself a lot

Vince dint even know how right he was. Flik was a bit worried that he will scare Vince if he tells him what enemies he made. Varresa was the biggest fear of Flik so far and he knew she would destroy Vince for fun if she knew that Flik likes him. Vince was still waiting for Flik response…

Flik – If you insist… I hope you like long stories

Vince – Ohhh those are my favorites! Just a moment thou

He quickly went inside his cart and some strange popping sound was heard and whole place started to smell strange. After few moments Vince came out from his cart with some food in bowl

Vince – I prefer listen to a story while eating a popcorn… Please do tell your story

Flik took a deep breath and started to tell everything from start. How he was raised in the hive, How everyone hated him and how he had a ban on education. The part with the purge did pain Flik a lot to say but at same time he felt a lot better once he told it to Vince. Like he did let a big sharp rock fell off from his heart. He told how he managed to escape and his first encounter with ponies was a disaster. After that everything just went from bad to worse and how he did survive so far and how his magic went wrong and he did teleport to Varresa. Vince loved the part when Flik made her a scar. Most of Canterlot accident Vince knew already but Flik told him his side of story fully. After the story was done Flik felt really good. He had to share it with someone and Vince was very good listener.  After Vince saw that Flik finished his story he came close to him and lifted him up and embraced him in a  friendly hug

Vince  - Don’t worry… From now on it can only get better. Think of this as every experience like those you had will make you stronger. Just look at yourself. You have been surrounded by pride, greed, anger and cruelty and yet you aren’t evil… I should say you managed to spit in face of everyone who wanted to make you evil or wanted to hurt you… Even this queen of yours must be surprised that something that small like you was able to give such a hit to her. And I’m sure you will get stronger and smarter as you go further in life and you won’t have to be scared of those evil ponies and changelings coming back for you… Since even if they come you’ll be ready
Flik heart was once again beating very fast and he was felling happiness. Such words from Vince made Flik not scared of what future brings but now he was once again curious and ready for whatever if will throw at him.

For the next few days Flik and Vince were getting along quite nicely. Vince was talking a lot and most of those things what he told were very interesting. He even did teach Flik how to play chess. Even thou Flik couldn’t beat Vince in any round he still did enjoy it. Every morning Vince was trying to prepare some food for Flik to eat but result was poor. But Vince was saying that he’s getting closer since after 4 days he was able to make food what actually dint make Flik throw up. Still it was tasteless thou.  Also Vince made Flik surprised since Vince was a bit fat but in very good physical condition. He did run around the ruins more than few times each day every morning and evening. Flik once was feeling better was also running with Vince to keep him company. Vince was pretty fast for a fat Zebra but he had to take some time to gain speed. Flik on the other hand was light and he was super-fast so keeping up with Vince wasn’t even a problem. He actually could circle around Vince while he was running at top speed and it wasn’t giving him much problems. Vince was amused that Flik really enjoys running and is very cheerful changeling. Flik was a bit worried that his constant talking will make Vince ignore him after sometime but Vince really did enjoy talking even when Flik was talking most of the time. After 5th day Vince was finally able to make perfect recipe which resulted in making tomato soup which Flik could eat without throwing up and was able to enjoy it taste. Flik  first meal was very special for him since he really enjoyed the taste of the soup and it was even better than he could even imagine. Smell alone couldn’t describe the taste Flik discovered. For first time he really did enjoy his mean and wasn’t feeling guilty. Vince was happy that Flik had his experience with food so good.  Small guy eat like 5 full bowls before he was fully satisfied. He was full already but for taste made him eat more. Vince laughed a bit after seeing how Flik was laying on his back with forelegs on his tummy and licking his lips after the meal. He petted Flik on head before he went sleep and told in very friendly tone

Vince – Well I’m glad you like it… I prepared one more special recipe which I will teach you tomorrow before I go away so you will be able to last one small portion of this love aura for weeks and have a delicious meal… Anyway good night Flik

Vince fell asleep and after few minutes Flik could hear him snoring silently… But that wasn’t the reason Flik couldn’t sleep… He realized that the next day Vince will go on and leave him and Flik will be once again alone. This problem was causing Flik to have problems with even closing eyes. He looked behind a window and watched stars for a moment. Then he was looking all the time on Vince which was from time to time pointing somewhere and talking a bit random words in his sleep. Flik remembered few last days and the first encounter with Vince and he felt tears started to drop from his eyes. He stand up and went outside silently not to wake Vince. He flew on top of the ruins and sat in his favorite spot. He cried more and more as he knew that he will lose his only friend he ever had and that was something he could not take… He was thinking that maybe he should go with Vince but he would need a reason… Thou Flik knew that trouble always finds a way to him and going with Vince would only cause Vince more trouble in the process… Flik was watching sky for some time thinking of a way to not be separated with Vince… He dint even realize that night was already over and he keep thinking for entire night. He heard Vince woke up downstairs and started to call for him. Flik quickly wiped his tears away to hide his saddens from Vince and flew down to meet Vince which was already preparing himself some tea and was packing slowly his equipment back to the cart. He saw Flik flew into a room with neutral face expression. He asked out of curiosity

Vince  - Did you sleep at all? You look terrible

Flik – Yea I did… I just woke up… Early and went for a stroll outside… Ima take a nap later on

Vince started to giggle

Vince – Ima… Ha ha ha… I love how you replace some words with your ones. It sounds adorable

Flik – I know… I sound silly but dem words are a bit difficult to say for me so I use those instead… Also it became a habit of mine so… Sorry

Vince  - Ohh don’t be. I love when you talk like that and I really don’t mind

After some small chat Vince made some soup for Flik, but Flik wasn’t hungry at all… The all the worry made him lose his appetite. Vince noticed that but he was sure Flik is still full after yesterday so he dint say anything. Flik tried to hide his sadness as much as he could but it was hard for him. He was watching as Vince was preparing his kitchen one last time to teach Flik few recipes… Flik couldn’t hold it much longer. He ran to Vince then grabbed his foreleg and was holding it tight with his forelegs as same as rear legs. Then he started to cry. Vince wasn’t sure what the heck is going on until Flik started to talk

Flik – Please don’t go… I don’t want you to leave…

Vince  - Flik… I can barely fell my leg…

Flik – Please… Don’t go away… You are my only friend I ever had. Only one who ever showed me some compassion and did offer help when I needed it the most… I… I don’t want to lose you…

Vince was in shock seeing Flik reaction. He dint say a thing . He just looked at Flik with his typical friendly smile

Flik – I… I know that I`m like trouble magnet and I will most likely get us in trouble a lot and bring danger to us… But… Please stay with me… I don’t want to be alone again… Not after seeing how amazing it is to have a friend…

Vince was really touched by Flik words. He wanted to keep it cool but he couldn’t… Also Flik was almost crushing his leg by holding it so tight. Vince dint expect that Flik can have such a grip… And so much goo coming from his nose when he cries

Vince  - Flik… Please let go off my leg… It really hurts and I fell… Ewwwww… Buggers are on my leg now… That’s nasty…

Flik felt a bit stupid witch how he reacted but then again he dint regret it a bit since it was the only thing he could come with and it was coming from heart. He let go Vince leg and looked at Vince while still having his eyes filled with tears. Vince smiled warmly while trying to shake off the slime out of his leg

Vince – Why are you saying that being a trouble magnet is a bad thing? I told you already that I like trouble… Trouble keep life interesting and I`m more than happy to welcome them… I`m also a trouble magnet but I get into trouble mostly by provoking danger to come to me… I don’t want to leave you also since you’re actually someone who doesn’t get tired of me and that’s something very rare in this world… But I also got many enemies who would hurt you if they knew you’re my friend… I don’t want to put you in danger

Flik did look at floor while telling this as he tried his best to make it sound not silly

Flik – I… I really don’t mind. I`m already hated by many and having a friend like you made me feel happy as never before… If being safer means being alone then I don’t want to be safe… I gladly take the risk if it means you would stay with me…

Flik looked very sadly in Vince eyes what actually made Vince feel bad about all of this. He really liked Flik and was afraid that something bad may happen to him. He started to think for a moment while small changeling continued his speech

Flik – I can fight if I have to. I won’t be a bother I swear… Besides… We can beat anyone if we work together

Vince came closer to Flik and did kneel before him and lowered his head so his eyes were on same height as Flik`s. He did look with neutral face expression into Flik eyes, for a moment and said in friendly but also unsure tone

Vince – You really are ok with all of this? I can really sometimes bring trouble onto me any anyone who is around me… I will do my best to protect you if you really want this and I swear that as long as I’m around I won’t let anyone hurt you… But you also need to try your best and be able to defend yourself in case I can’t help you… This backfire magic thing you mentioned. You either will learn keeping it under control at least to some extend or find another way than magic to win with your opponents leaving magic only as a last resort maneuver... … … Is that ok?
Flik mouth was a bit open and his eyes did glow brightly again as he realized he can accept those terms and he will not lose his friend. He smiled and hug Vince neck and with very enthusiastic tone he answered while letting Vince stand normally

Flik – DEAL!!! I can work with that! I can use meh spells with no fear if I use close range teleport or make ilussions of meh self or become invisible. Those aren’t my combat abilities but I can use those with no fear… Well… As long as I’m not hungry they will work and no backfire risk there… Sometimes they may not work but I will practice!

Vince smiled very friendly and a tear could be seen in his eye. He quickly did hide it but Flik noticed it. He dint say anything but he knew that Vince must have felt very lonely during his travels as well and having a friend who understands his pain must mean a lot to him… Vince sat in front of Flik and raised his left front hoof in the air and putted right one on his chest where heart was located. He did make it a bit officially but it did mean a lot to him

Vince – Flik my friend… On my honor and on my life I swear to you that I will not let anything bad happen to you while you’re with me. I will be your friend and your guardian in need… All I ask in return is your friendship and I hope you won’t hate me when I be in my silly mood

Flik wasn’t sure what Vince meant by that so he asked

Flik – Umm… Silly mood? What you mean by that?

Vince – I’m calm and friendly most of the time but I’m addicted to the thrill of danger and sometimes I can be a real jerk… This is why I travel alone… So I got a favor to ask you… If I will be a jerk towards you or my actions will bring trouble on us… Please don’t hate me… And please feel free to even punch me in the face if you think that will help. I won’t be angry…

Flik smiled very friendly towards Vince and just nodded positively. It was quite strange deal but Flik could work with that. He raised his right front hoof in front of Vince and smiled while waiting for Vince to do the same. Vince being happy that Flik is ok with all of this touched Fliks hoof with his own and they did the bro-hoof

Vince – So it appears we will be spending some time together now… And thanks. You don’t even know how much happy you made me… Usually everyone starts to have enough of me after a day or two

Flik – You would have to be very evil for me to not like you… And you aren’t evil so I guess you’ll be stuck with me

Vince – Well… Even thou I won’t be going anywhere I still would like to teach you how to make this special food

Vince pointed on his mobile kitchen and started to explain and show Flik how to cook. Even thou Flik always did learn from watching he had a lot of trouble doing even the most simple tasks. Cooking just wasn’t his strong point. However he did remember what to do step by step and proper portions of every ingredient but he couldn’t prepare food himself. Vince even thou he failed teaching Flik how to cook, he still had a good time showing him the ropes of the trade. Being very happy to have someone to talk to and to teach him new things Flik did enjoy every moment spend with Vince. For next few days Vince and Flik dint move too far from the ruins. Usually their most far distance was to the bridge since they did run a lot around the ruins. Vince mostly to keep himself in good shape and Flik was running with Vince because he saw it as fun. For the next two weeks Vince took upon himself to teach Flik how to read and fill his head with some proper or at least basic education. Flik was fast learner since he did listen good and he had quite a good memory. Everything what Vince said was like pure gold knowledge for him and he was very grateful for it. Flik saw teachings from Vince as some sort of compensation from life for the lack of fun and education in the hive. Only problem for Flik was reading and he just couldn’t lose his word replacement after so many years of using them. He still was keeping on saying “Meh” instead of “My” or “Dem” Instead of “Those”. Vince found it funny and adorable actually and dint really bother to correct Flik.

It was almost a month since Flik meet Vince and their friendship was getting stronger and stronger. Vince did teach Flik a lot of new interesting things and Flik also did show Vince few tricks and said few things he learned in hive. Vince was a bit concern about still active search for both of them. Flik bounty remain 2000 bits but Vince bounty did increase to 2500. Flik did hear few gossips while he was doing some shopping for Vince in Ponyville that quite a few bounty hunter groups and lone vigilantes started to look for them. Flik almost blew his disguise when his horn started to fail again. Thankfully he made it out of the town before cover was blown. Vince realized that Flik will need help in at least stabilizing his magic abilities and maybe fixing his horn… That was something that Vince couldn’t be any help. He did think for a while about way of helping Flik and he made a quite risky decision. During one of their chess plays, after evening meal Vince explained what he was having in his mind. Flik was quite interested but also a bit scared of the idea

Vince – So… How would you fell about a trip to changeling kingdom?

Flik – And why I would like to go there? I`m quite happy right now. I don’t need some crazy queen to boss me around and treat me like hoof mat… Besides why I would like to come back? To let her kill me?

Vince – I`m not speaking about this land from where you came… I don’t even know where it is. The kingdom I’m speaking of is ruled by some evil but fair for her subjects queen… Her name was… Chriser… Chrasa… Chrosi… Something funny sounding… She did invade Canterlot some time ago but couldn’t even hold it for longer than 20 minutes so I guess she’s not that powerful and dangerous… Still I think someone there might help you out with your backfire of magic problem

Flik was thinking for a moment about it and responded with refusing tone

Flik – Yea… NO… I can handle my magic pretty well…

Vince – HAHAHAHAHA!!! Yea right… Like last week when you tried to heal your wound with small heal spell and you set yourself on fire

Flik – That was temporary setback… Which I…

Vince – Or yesterday when you tried to levitate bowl with soup and made my kitchen fly all around the room… Hmmm now that I think about it…

He looked at the top of the room and saw around dozen of pots and spoons fly around in circle. Then he continued to drink his tea while calmly responding to Flik

Vince – You know I really miss my cooking set. I`m a Zebra and we don’t have wings or fancy magic to get our stuff from such heights… Especially when its having own free will and escapes away

Flik smiled like he got himself a challenge from Vince and took off and tried to catch at least one of Vince items but he was too slow when it did come to flying. He then tried to use his magic but yet again another backfire made a lot of items and Vince himself go flying in circle above Fliks head. Vince dint like being so high in the air but he did play it cool and continued to play chess with Flik even in the air while convincing him into trying to go out for an adventure and fix his horn

Vince – So I see… Well… Whatever works for you. But I will ask you a small favor to not use magic on my items… Ohh… It appears I won again. Your king doesn’t have nowhere to run

Flik was thinking for a bit about it while Vince was floating with half of his kitchen around him. He knew that his speed alone isn’t good enough and his magic really is getting worse and worse. The worst part was that he may one day accidently hurt Vince  and he couldn’t bear that though. He sighted and flew down to Vince cart and came out with a rope. He tied one end to his rear leg while other one was tied to Flik body. Since Vince was not weightless Flik could easily more him around. Vince was like a balloon now. Both were amused by that but none said a word about it. Vince just nodded with his head and commented

Vince – Ah… So I guess this means yes

Flik – Yea… I think you`re right and if I won’t be able to use my magic I won’t be able to do anything else since I’m not big and strong as you

Vince – I’m not strong. I just got mass. As you see now I’m quite useless… We have to wait for your spell to wear off before we can move. I won’t be able to move my cart while I flow as a toy

Flik smiled and too Vince outside and started to run around the ruins with him on rope. Vince wasn’t sure what’s that all about but after about 50 laps spell faded he hit the ground. Thou he made quite a hole in the ground he was in very good mood

Vince – Hahahaha… Ohh… My butt hurts a bit but I guess it could be worse… What did you do? MY items are still flowing in air… Why I’m not anymore?

Flik – My magic seems to work longer on items than on anything living. I wanted to make a test. To go a bit further from place where the spell was casted and move you in opposite direction where my spell was making you go. All those actions together forced spell to wear off more fast… Besides I needed to do some running today anyway

Vince stand up and removed some dirt of himself. He looked at Flik and smiled

Vince – Get your things ready then. We’re going on a trip to changeling kingdom. Thou I need to warn you. Borders of that kingdom are first place where bounty hunters would go if they would hunt for us… So keep your eyes open for any strange sights

Flik rolled his eyes around like he would already knew that. Then he went and packed his bedroll and putted it inside Vince cart. Vince did pack everything what wasn’t floating in the air once he finished he took his cart outside. Flik still looking and levitation objects asked Vince which was heading with cart in the direction of stone passage

Flik – You will just leave them like that?

Vince – Who will take them? I got my spare ones anyway inside my cart. Let’s hope that once we get back the spell will wear off and they won’t be much damaged

Then he moved and Flik followed him. For the next three days they were slowly moving towards changeling kingdom borders. Flik still wasn’t sure about this whole trip but was comforted by fact that his friend is there for him. On the last camping before reaching their destination Vince managed to prepare something what got Flik attention. Whole camp did smell so good. Flik couldn’t tell what that smell was but it was so lovely and sweet he couldn’t  stand in one place. Vince seeing that Flik is running around cooking equipment and is sniffing everything while being almost hyper, made him laugh and ask him what’s going on

Vince – Heheheh… You`re more active than usual?  What’s going on?

Flik – This smell… I… I so like it!!! What’s that!? And more importantly is that for eating?!

Flik started to sniff cooking equipment and Vince face. Vince smiled when he saw Flik so excited about something new. Thou he started to feel od when he saw Flik is getting very… Strange behaving. His eyes got big and they were glowing like never before.  Almost like Flik wasn’t himself. He was moving so fast around the camp almost as he was teleporting from place to place.  He just couldn’t stand still. Vince knew this will be something what Flik will just love so he tried to make it into food eatable for changeling as well. After about hour of cooking and keeping Flik in order and out of his head and his kitchen he finally made special dish. He took the cake out of his mobile oven and did hold it in the air for a minute with one foreleg while he was keeping Flik in place with other one. He tried not to laugh every time when he looked at Flik face. Flik was so much excited and his eye did sparkle when he was looking at cake. Like there was nothing else than this cake and him. His nose was still trying to catch as much as of the aroma as it could. Vince realized he just discovered Flik favorite food ever and first reaction was… Just very odd.

Vince – I`m guessing that you like the smell *Giggle* Oh now I`m sure you will like the taste as well. Ready to try cheesecake? I made it that way that you can eat it… Enjoy

With the moment when Vince did Flik go he flew and grabbed the cheesecake and started to eat it as it was best thing he ever tasted in his life. Whole cake disappeared in about 15 seconds. Vince was looking so surprised and amused at same time. He was about to comment this but started to laugh when he saw Flik licking plate clean. With tears of laughter he said to Flik which was looking now at him very happy

Vince – HAHAHAHAHA!!! Ohhh that was… HAHAHA!!!  *Giggle* priceless if I dare say so… HAHAHAHA! I think I need to make this thing while you’re out of range… Still I`m glad that you like it. I will make some more then

Flik got a bit ashamed of his rude and a bit uncontrolled reaction. He looked at Vince with sad face and apologized

Flik – Sorry… I dint mean to be so feral about it… It’s just…

Flik started to draw some random lines in the ground with his foreleg and was trying to find proper words.  But before he could say anything more he felt Vince did pet him on head and gave him another cheesecake. Flik looked at him surprised. Vince sat next to him and as always smiling warm and friendly he responded

Vince – Don’t worry much about it. I find it funny. But I agree on part that you need to act a bit more civilized and learn few manners in case we will run into crowd and don’t want to get much attention on us… I guess it will be next thing what I will have to teach you after you have your horn fix… As for now enjoy your new treat and get some rest. Tomorrow we will reach changeling kingdom… I need to set few more traps and I be right back

Flik started to eat his cheesecake enjoying every second of it. This time thou he was eating it slowly and without making a pig out of himself. He still did feel a bit of shame but he was glad Vince wasn’t upset or anything. While he was eating his new favorite treat he was thinking a bit and realized two things. First one was that since he did learn from Vince more in just a month than he did in hive for his entire life he did feel that he somehow needs to repay Vince somehow. Flik so wanted to repay Vince for his kindness and knowledge he did passed on him, but he dint have any idea how to do it. This did bother him… Also he realized that Vince said traps. He did knew that Vince is very careful and cautions but usually he just set one trap. Flik was a bit afraid to move away from camp now. But after few minutes Vince came back with smile on his face like he just did achieve life goal or something. Flik looked him directly in eyes and asked

Flik – So… You make traps now? And why are you so happy?

Vince – I`m always happy… Except in times when I`m not but yes I guess  now I`m more happy than usual since I love exploring new places and setting traps against plants is something new… Wait… You dint know I set traps?

Flik – Plants? And you did set them before?

Vince started to laugh and putted his hoof on his face for a moment. Then he looked at Flik and responded while still laughing a bit

Vince – Ohh friend… I’ve been setting traps since I was little. It’s my second talent and a hobby. Dint you see how well I secured your home while I was there? I even prepared few traps to secure your place while we are away

Flik did feel stupid a bit that he dint notice that earlier. He did remember Vince saying something about making place a bit more safe but he dint knew back then what Vince was talking about

Flik – What about dem plants?

Vince – Well… From what I’ve heard those woods are filled with pony eating plants, Big predators and small cute bunnies which can tear you apart… Whole place is like a trap but we are prepared

Flik dint like idea of having a night in those woods but he dint have choice. Also he lost all need for sleep. Vince looked at few places and layed on his bed roll. Flik was shaking all the time and his eyes got small and dint glow at all. Vince seeing his friend scared responded

Vince – Don’t worry… This place is secured. Not even a one small bunny will pass out defenses. Ive done it so many times… Just go to sleep

Flik looked around but still wasn’t sure

Flik – Can we at least leave camp fire on for night?

Vince – Why not? Plants won’t go near fire so I guess its ok… Predators would still be able to sniff us from miles even without the fire so it’s more good than harm to leave it on. We got a lot of firewood and some coal so it should be enough for a night

Vince closed his eyes and was about to fell asleep but he did feel that Flik is standing above him. He open his eye and saw Flik terrified and with tears in his eyes

Vince - *Sigh* Fine you can sleep next to me… But you better not kick me. I saw you always run when you sleep

Flik quickly took his blanket and sat next to his friend. Vince grabbed Flik like a teddy bear and fell asleep. Flik wasn’t scared so much as he had Vince close to him and camp fire was burning brightly, yet he couldn’t go to sleep. He was a bit paranoid that if he will go sleep then something will eat him. He stayed up for entire night looking for anything suspicious from his small fort made from his blanket and Vince. Few times he just quickly went out of safe place to keep the fire burning. Night passed quite calm and nothing happen. At the morning when Vince woke up he saw Flik looking at him. Vince was a bit surprised

Vince – Did you even sleep this night?

Flik – No I couldn’t… I had to keep us safe
Vince rolled his eyes when he heard that and responded

Vince – I told you were safe. My traps are effective. Even if monsters could pass one set there were like another 4 more waves and an alarm between each of them so we would know if they passed them or not…

Vince felt sorry for little guy as he saw Flik felt silly a bit and he was very tired. Vince patted him on head and started quickly to remove camp then he disappeared for a moment and came back with all his trap parts on his back and put them into the cart. Flik was sitting and watching Vince but he was too tired to follow him and his eyes did burn a bit. When Vince attached cart to himself he smiled to Flik and said in friendly way

Vince – Hop on my back… I will now take a watch. You can sleep until we get to changeling kingdom

Flik – Wont I be a burden? I mean you already carry a very heavy cart and…

Vince – Nonsense! You hardly weight anything. Just hop on and take a nap. If you afraid you will fall from me while you’re sleeping you can use my bandolier belts to keep you from falling

Flik did think for a minute but he dint argue at all. He flew on Vince back and started to get under the main belt which was holding his side bandoliers together. Since Flik was small and Vince was quite wide he really had quite a nice comfy spot. When Vince was sure Flik is secured and comfortable he started to pull the cart and slowly going in the direction of changeling kingdom. Few moments after Flik closed his eyes he fell asleep