Stardust Balance

It only took one step into the store.

"Waaaaaaah!"

I could only watched in confounded dismay by the two foals of Cupcake and Carrot Cake wailing in fright and proceed to run off further into the bakery, leaving me alone with Spike and a blinking Pinkie Pie. The former sent me a reassuring glance, but that was far from enough to soothe the growing ache all day. First Flurry, the town, now two more foals.

Let's hope it'll cease from there... Probably not.

"Wow!" The bouncy Earth Pony commented as though impressed. "They normally don't get that scared so easily!"

Yeah, thanks Pinkie.

Rolling my eyes, I strode up towards the mare and made the order. "I'm here to get the cupcakes for the sick class at the hospital." Pinkie saluted, pulling out a tray right the [BEEP] out of nowhere, and I nodded. "Cheers. How much?"

The purchase was made, and Spike added brightly. "So far so good. At least we're not getting delayed by any of the usual shenanigans, huh?"

...When he puts it like that, I suppose that was a decent point... Actually, one look at the cupcakes and a glance to my son. "Spike, do we still have time before the hospital?"

"Erm..." He checked the long list. Surprised he hasn't tripped over it or anyone else yet. "Since we're getting everything done on time, we've got an extra five minutes to spare."

Perfect. "Pinkie." I looked back to the positive party mare. "Would you mind getting a cake ready after we're done?"

"Sure! Who for?"

"Flurry." Spike snapped a glance to me in surprise, but Pinkie released an excited gasp and nodded wildly.

"No problem! I'll check with Twilight what kind of cake she likes and get everything ready in no time! B.R.B!"

"Wait, how do you know that Flurry's... Here?" I finished flatly to the cloud dust which was once the Earth Pony, looking to Spike helplessly. The dragon shrugged-

"I'm back!" Gah! I gripped my own chest in shock, Pinkie returned to her station with a happy beam. "Mashed Pea Cake will be ready in no time! Luckily we have some spare normally reserved for Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake! Not the first time I ever made a Mashed Pea Cake mind you, it'll be a snitch!" Pinkie then paused, blinking curiously. "Shouldn't you be going to Ponyville Hospital by now?"

"Doing so now!" Picking up the edges of the warm tray, I proceeded to hurry outside, Spike following quickly. And as we walked down the path past more staring ponies, something just occurred to me.

"Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"Did Pinkie Pie literally just say 'B.R.B?'"

"She did. Why?"

"...No reason." I sighed wearily. "No reason at all."

Still getting accustomed to walking on two legs daily again.

It would be a steady sensation, regaining your human senses over time. On the more optimistic side, my friend, you won't have to concern yourself with reaching heights beyond equine reach outside of magic any longer.

Yeah but this body wasn't really an improvement. Lack of sleep and poor health choice during school days has resulted to my height being around the girls in Canterlot High. Heck, I was barely taller than Celestia. I'd be a midget compared to the exaggerated giants of the parallel world, thank God Twilight has yet to comment on that. Well, the alicorn Princess has made one or two comments regarding my personal health ever since my return into human form.

"Your body is more fragile and resistant to the laws of this world." I recall my pony girlfriend address me sternly, brow furrowed. "Even the slightest injury for us would be disastrous for you. You have to be more careful and approach matters with genuine concern for your well-being. Otherwise, Zagreus will have already won; you're not as strong as you use to be now, Jack."

It was a harsh reminder, but one I needed that day. Twilight was evidently no longer giving her special somepony - or somebody - leeway, having spent the last twelve days checking up on me and clearly making sure I wasn't making any intent on leaving to confront Zagreus on my own. The mare constantly checked up on me with questions and tick boxes regarding how I was feeling, if any sensation was different even in the slightest, if I suspected an ailment was coming and so on. When she was busy, Spike or Starlight were sent in her stead, both equally as concerned by not overly fixated on my health as Twilight was.

Now to be fair, it wasn't a bad thing. Twilight had every right to show worry; I wasn't exactly reputable for looking after myself well or making rational decisions when facing danger in stead of my friends, although the latter was rather debatable to my eyes. It wasn't just the Princess, however. My friends kept asking questions to the point where I was both flattered and thoroughly exasperated, starting to feel as though they were treating me as if I was walking glass. I literally rolled my eyes when Twilight received a letter from Celestia herself asking about my condition.

Alright, what was that noise?

Twice I heard it now since walking to and from the kitchen. And it's originating from the nearby dining hall. Brow perked curiously by the unusual sounds, I decided to take a gander and walk down the hallway where presumable Twilight, Spike or Starlight were, having yet to encounter them since getting up.

Although to be fair, it's still a big castle, and I no longer have my Balance powers, so it'd make sense if I easily didn't cross paths with any of my family yet-

The sounds became more clearer upon approach, belonging to... The excited gurgling of an infant? Twilight and Spike's own tones followed with mixed emotions.

"We're already ten minutes behind..."

"It'll be quick Spike. Come on Flurry, eat this for your best aunt!"

Flurry...?!

Without further prompting, I practically ran into the doorway, revealing the large room to be greeted by... Green substances flung everywhere on the walls and room. Hell, even on the preoccupied dragon and alicorn trying desperately to appease a certain little white fluffiness of joy. A little certain baby that would instantly light up my day, forgetting all about my predicament as a human for the moment.

"Dare I ask what you're trying to feed her?" I mused humouredly with a gaze around the room. Even the tall ceiling was coated in that green mushed food. That was quite impressive, as clearly Flurry's responsible for this creative mess.

"Mashed peas." Twilight responded without turning around, grinning nervously towards the baby alicorn. "She's... Having some difficulty with eating. Nothing that can't be handled though."

"So much for mashed peas being her favourite food." Spike sent me a wry grin, and I shivered slightly.

"I wouldn't blame her if it wasn't." Walking forward, I smiled flatly towards the three, Flurry currently watching me now in interest. "I know it's clear how much I hate being dragged out of bed guys, but you could've informed me my favourite niece was coming to visit."

"In fairness it was sudden for us." Spike explained, shaking his head. "Shining and Cadence are visiting an old friend in Ponyville and want Twilight to keep an eye on Flurry Heart for the new couple of hours. Even though we have a packed schedule which we're already ten minutes behind." Twilight paid no attention to the emphasized irritation, still trying to feed the baby who dodges the floating spoon... And flinging the next spoonful of peas over my right shoulder, some landing in my untamed dark hair.

"How packed are we talking here?" I asked while proceeding to wipe off the disgusting green substance from my strands.

"Packed enough that we're going to be completely late if this keeps up."

"It'll only take a sec, Spike." Twilight reassured her son quickly, making another attempt towards our beloved niece with encouragement. "Come on Flurry, you love masked peas don't you? Yes you do! Yes you-!"

Ha!

Smirking at the food flying into Twilight's startled cheek, I turned to Spike again. "Is whatever the schedule about that important?"

"A whole class of Cheerilee's came down with the horsey hives. Our first stop is the store to get some presents for the class, then the school to borrow a book to read to them, and cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner. Finally, the hospital where the children are waiting for us. But, as you can see, none of that may happen for a while since Twilight chose to babysit Flurry despite the beforehand schedule."

"...Horsey hives."

"Uh-huh."

"...Okay."

That said, I looked back to Twilight and Flurry, basically playing with each other and seeing the dilemma. On one hand, Twilight's goal was noble and something I would do, and would've been more than glad to accompany and assist my girlfriend on this trip.

On the other hand, Twilight adored her niece, and always spent every opportune minute playing with her whenever we visited the Empire or they visited Ponyville. Spike's expression on this conundrum was understandable; knowing Twilight, either she'd be distracted by playing with an attention-demanding baby, or preoccupied with taking care of other tasks and not paying enough attention to her beloved family member.

The decision was made before I long even dwelled on it. "I'll do it." Both turned to me at my sudden proclamation, and I smiled lightly. "I can deal with the children while you're spending the day with Flurry."

Spike's eyes widened. "That's... Actually not a bad idea."

Twilight, however, kept dubious. "I'm not sure." She started with a concerned frown, ignoring the excitable Flurry's continuous flinging with the spoon. "It's a busy schedule Jack, and you've been reluctant to go outside ever since your... You know."

True. Lately I've been isolating myself from the outside world out of self-protection and from the reaction of citizen ponies witnessing my newfound state. But my hesitation was completely immaterial at the moment.

"Family comes first love, you know that." I shrugged with a humoured grin, nodding to the innocent infant. "I know how much you love spending time with Flurry. Let me deal with this schedule, and you can play with your favourite niece to your heart's content."

"Are... Are you sure?" Twilight hesitated, glancing between myself and the child thoughtfully. "You don't have to do that Jack. I'm sure I can handle both looking after Flurry and tending to the children at Ponyville Hospital at once."

"I don't doubt it." I waved peacefully. "I'm just making it easier for my special somepony. Plus, you know how much I love kids. Plus, after I return, we can all spend time with Flurry together. It's win-win for all of us."

"It can work." Spike added helpfully, sounding enthusiastic. "I'll go with him to collect the stuff and help make sure everything goes smoothly. That way he won't be alone in case trouble comes knocking." Father and son activity? Why not?

It took a moment of Twilight looking back and forth between the gurgling Flurry on the table and us, eventually releasing a small smile and nodding. "If you're confident about this, I trust you." Yes! "Just keep to schedule and everything will go fine."

"It will." I nodded, smiling brightly that matches Twilight's, before walking forward and kneeling down to the curious Flurry. "I'll be back soon, beloved niece-"

My head snapped back from the yellow shield of magic suddenly surrounding the alicorn foal, a short cry of terror following. What? Flurry hid behind her large wings in sheer fright, mumbling noises of fear and surprise.

As I blinked uncomprehendingly, Spike pointed out slowly. "I, don't think she's use to seeing you like this..."

...I think something in my heart just snapped in two.

Twilight noticed my dawning expression of pain, quickly approaching the scared foal and stating quickly in reassurance. "It's okay Flurry! It's your uncle Jack. You remember your uncle, don't you? He loves you almost as much as I do." I was in no mood to retort, worsening by Flurry's reluctant to lower her shield, taking one sneak peek at me before hiding back against her wings.

She's... She's terrified of me...

It's not your fault, Jack.

Feeling my own eyes beginning to water at the newfound realization that my own niece was as nervous around me as the other ponies outside, I took a deep breath and forced a tired grin, knowing how pained it seriously looked. "We'll be back later... Have fun together." And my legs made a faster retreat than I intended.

[BEEP].

[BEEP].

[BEEP]!

I can't [BEEP]ing believe it. Starswirl, what the Hell is keeping you from communicating with me?! You never had this problem on my brief return to my home world before I chose to stay in this universe! I need to know... I needed to know if Twilight's theory was right! Everything depended on it if you're too affected by the spell! Talk to me, old geezer!

...

Nothing. [BEEP]ing nothing.

Fantastic! Oh, fantastic!

"Stardust, wait a minute!"

Oh of course.

"You should be helping Twilight with her search." I remarked rather bitterly, barely looking over my human shoulder to the hurrying pink unicorn.

Starlight flinched, but kept her ground. "Twilight's more than capable of searching without my help briefly." And continued with deep-rooted concern dancing in lilac eyes. "I know it seems bad, but we just have to give it more time and soon we'll find a solution-"

"More time? Starlight time is literally of the essence!" I couldn't resist but snap to the unicorn, inciting her startled blink. I whirled around to fully face the mare with an indignant posture, my patience all but wearing thin. "As we speak Zagreus could be using my temporary dilemma to his advantage, without myself or Starswirl capable of stopping him! And now I discover that I might as well be a walking opposite magnet for magic; something my own special somepony excels in and loves very much!"

"We don't know that yet!" Starlight argued. "As Twilight just said, it's all speculation right now. You often tell me that we shouldn't jump to conclusions, Stardust."

Yeah, well I'm a hypocrite in the highest degree. "I'm no better than those human OCs or self-inserts they place in MLP fanfictions!"

Was I having a midlife crisis right about now? My voice couldn't stop expressing my own outrage by this RIDICULOUS scenario happening right there and then.

"Y'know the ones who add nothing of substance to the overall story and just there for the sake of wish-fulfillment by enthusiastic fans whilst doing absolutely nothing to aid the ponies we know against battles and hardships! That's what I am right now, Starlight, an OC who is utterly useless to you all!"

By God...

"I'm a Goddamn gary-stu! [BEEP]!"

Starlight shook her head, clearly having zero grasp to what I was spouting from my mouth but kept trying to appease my anxious state regardless. As a good friend would. "We just need to give Twilight some time. And Starswirl. Let's calm down and find something to take your mind off all this in the meantime. Maybe we could fly some kites? Ever tried that before?"

"Not good enough." Besides, kite-flying wasn't my thing. I motioned to my presented palm. "It'd be really hard for me to take my mind off this, Starlight. I'm sorry, but I can't ignore anything right now. I have to... I don't know, think of something myself if Twilight ends up with nothing." Which I honestly hoped would never come to pass.

At Starlight's deflated expression, I turned back in regret, lowering my blurry gaze to the floor with a reluctant sigh, my thoughts confessing with vocal admittance.

"I lied to you, Starlight... I didn't just leave my world out of boredom."

One glance at my shifting my hand, expression nothing but pure dejection. A final statement before I left the unicorn to stew in her own thoughts.

"I left because I was afraid."