Lil Filly in the Big City [open]

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Lazuli Rose was determined never to go home. Well, that wasn't quite true. Lazuli knew she would be happy to return to the Crystal Empire one day. When she was somepony special, and had found her place in the world. When she had become a unicorn and had great and powerful magic all her own. Then she'd be ready to go home. And everyone would love her and she'd never feel sad or unhappy ever again. The only problem was, she didn't even know how to begin making that happen. That was why she was still in Canterlot. Lazuli still felt guilty about giving Topaz the slip after the sleeping sickness incident. The crystal mare had wanted to take her home right away, to Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. And as much as Lazuli had wanted to see them, as much as she ached to see them- She also didn't want to. It still hurt more, knowing she loved them more than they would ever love her. Not that she blamed them. She just wasn't important enough yet for them to love her. Someday, that would change. For Today, however, the little Crystal Filly was cheerfully wandering around by herself in a museum. It was cold outside and admission was free, so Lazuli was making the most of an opportunity to both warm herself up and study amazing unicorn artifacts. Although she wouldn't admit it out loud, even to herself, she was hoping to find, around this corner or maybe the next, some wondrously magical artifact that would instantly turn her into a unicorn, complete with magical powers. It wasn't impossible. One thing she had noted already in her exploration of the museum, was a significant connection between Unicorns and Crystals. That surely meant that Crystal Ponies and Unicorns couldn't be that far apart...right? Of course, what she would do if she actually found such an artifact....

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That very same day, there was another individual far (well, not so much) from home, also visiting this same museum. Coat and mane would remind one of golden bits, eyes of a warm red... Whether that red would make one think of blood or of a Red Envelope, a monetary gift offered in some places... Or even the color of a typical heart that symbolizes love. On his mane, a lucky clover hairpin, same symbol found in his cutie mark, and the same green also tints his scarf.

Walking by, he jolted notes in a notepad, determined to take inspiration for classes from this museum. Some of those inspirations were not only for himself, but other teachers as well, and also for his own plans.

His path would cross with hers soon... But what would happen? Around a corner, his gaze briefly met with this filly.

"Hello young one. Are your lost? Need me to seek your parents? May I provide any assistance?"

Should it have been when he were nothing but a simple changeling, his eyes would have lacked any emotion... But he had changed so much, haven't he? Such warmth from his glance showed he was a good individual with genuine concerns to others.

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Sometimes, it was a dreadful burden to be so small. Lazuli could not help but think that, given the fact Museums were there to help ponies learn, and learning was the prerogative of the small, they should have avoided using displays that put their fascinating contents out of sight! Even so, Lazuli refused to overlook a single artifact, and after reading the description of the items showcased in this particular exhibit, she began bouncing straight up into the air, trying to get enough height to get a good look! "Hello young one. Are your lost? Need me to seek your parents? May I provide any assistance?" The crystal filly turned, mid-spring, to see who was addressing her, and in that instant, time seemed to slow. You could almost hear the sparkle in the air. a coat, elegantly groomed, of the finest citrine color. Mane the perfect honey-gold color of yellow topaz. Eyes warm and clear with ruby brilliance. if all her references were of a sort of gemological nature, she ought to be excused, considering where she hailed from. All of this, however, the little filly might have overlooked.(Although clearly, she didn't) Oh... thought Lazuli vaguely, suspended in air for a perfect moment, So this is what destiny feels like. For He was a unicorn, a wonderful, magical, amazing, good-looking, and apparently Lucky Unicorn, and he had taken time away from the tremendously important tasks he no doubt had ahead of him... just to speak to her for a moment. So it speaks to the cosmic irony of the universe that, when the foal's four hooves touched the ground, they all instantly shot out in different directions, sending Lazuli sprawling. It didn't seem to matter much, however, as with a breathless gasp, she jumped to her feet again, blushing with a faint pink light. She had just, metaphorically speaking, fallen from a much greater height, into love. "He-hello, sir!" Lazuli stammered, glancing at him a moment before looking away quickly with a renewed blush. Nervously, she brushed her mane, several shades of azure, out of her face. "N-no, I'm not lost. And I-I don't have any parents. But... maybe you could..." the filly seemed to think better of it and stared hard at the ground "Oh... no, that would never do. I couldn't ask that!"

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For a while, this unicorn watched the filly's reaction. He was about to warn her to watch her landing, but he knew it would not work even if he had been fast enough to do so. All he had time to was a single line of thought:

"S-So... My charming nature strikes back... I should find a way to prevent this from happening..."

He also knew it... She was far too young for him. And already had someone else. But if there's something he valued the most ever since the incident that changed his life for this much better, that was nothing but the good standing of those around him! Physically or psychologically, he felt afraid of bringing them harm.

"Ok, time to take caution on how I respond and react... I can't make a mention of my true nature, but can I use that in my favor somehow? ... I won't risk. Unless there are no cameras or witnesses around, of course!"

Following the thoughts, he chuckled briefly, covering his mouth with his hoof, before lowering same hoof to the floor he stood on.

"Hey, you never know until you ask. However, I do have a guess at what you may ask. And I'm sorry about your parents..."

When he put that last phrase, his smile faded briefly. This unicorn was genuinely sad for her... True feelings... Something he took so long to earn and valued with his life.

"But, yes, maybe I can be of help in that too!"

"But, yes, maybe I can be of help in that too!", he spoke his thoughts this time without hesitation.

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"But, yes, maybe I can be of help in that too!" Lazuli was startled, very startled, and her violet eyes went wide as she stared at the unicorn as though he had just announced ...what? that he could move Heaven and Equestria? She wouldn't have doubted that was well within the bounds of unicorn magic, really. They were just so wonderful and amazing. Surprisingly, though her expression showed wonder and shock, it was curiously lacking that blossom of hope or eagerness. For Lazuli was curiously casual, when it came to the matter of her progenitors. She had been separated from them since her earliest days, before she could even remember. And you could not miss ponies you never got to know, could you? Dutifully, the crystal filly had attended all the reunification efforts Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor had held, but if her own parents had been there, she didn't know them, and they didn't know her. It didn't bother her... much. Or at least, that's what she told herself. "H-How would you do that?" The little filly had to ask at last, imagining great and powerful spells that would tear apart the seams of reality, fish out her two parents from wherever they had been lost, and plop them right down in front of her. Actually, Lazuli looked a little frightened at that idea, even if it would be amazing to see.

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"How indeed...I haven't made much contact with any hivemind in a while! Perhaps..."

That brief thought crossed his mind as he tapped his hoof against his smirk, eyes scanning the surroundings briefly. As Zyrkon, he didn't remember the last time he contacted a hivemind. Was it before becoming Clover Card? Before exile? Between that time? Plus there was a new problem...

"Well, my name is Clover Card... Just in case you need to call me by my name."

Right, he had not informed her of his name until now. But better late than never. This unicorn managed to change the subject briefly into his looking for her parents, which is pretty a good start, considering her early reaction to his presence was... Unexpected. He fixated his eyes on a window for a second, before finally continuing his line of thought and speech.

"How will I attempt such a feat? Using some of my contacts, of course! Long story short, I was saved by a good guy that is rather... Unique. His name is Zyrkon. I can drop him a line, he'll come over to me, get information and then ask his family and friends in the search. Problem is... I don't think they will be able to check into Crystal Empire, which is where they would have to check first."

"I'm going to need this innocent lie of mine longer... Specially if I can't get a hive's help! But if I can help her... I'll be much happy."

Of course, meeting her also meant that he couldn't simply leave her behind, right?! She didn't know where her parents were, and this was Canterlot, so it is possible that not even local forces could find her parents... Right? He couldn't leave her behind... Also, it would be good to have her image in his mind as often as possible as to be able to find the ones she seeks. But first, a confirmation was required:

"Are you living somewhere around here? Do you have an uncle or aunt to go to? Grandparents? Friends? Has the local law enforcement attempted to aid you in looking for your parents?"

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Clover Card... What an elegant name! Clover Card. The crystal filly had no idea what a Clover Card was, but she knew that a four leaf clover was an ancient and lucky item! Lazuli said it a few times to herself, admiringly, before her attention was caught once more by what the wonderful unicorn was saying. To her mixed disappointment and relief, he did not intend to use any reality-ripping magic to find her parents. Not even a little reality-poking magic. No magic at all. That's understandable, she assured herself, Such an unimportant task really doesn't require any magic. It's very kind of him to suggest doing it in a more mundane and everyday sort-of-way. All the same though, if there wasn't going to be any magic involved, then it was probably wasn't going to work, and it wouldn't be worth the effort. Clover Card didn't seem to think so, however, and in a moment, Lazuli realized why. He had misunderstood. Undoubtedly, she hadn't explained properly, and he'd taken the wrong idea. It was embarrassing, but she'd have to correct him. He probably was too busy to understand about the way things were in the Crystal empire. "I don't think..." she began, and then changed her mind and started a different way. "It's not like what you think. I haven't had parents and then lost them," She said,"I never had them. Lots of foals in the crystal empire don't. Most of them, even. We got separated from our families almost at birth, and we don't even know who they are." Lazuli seemed more embarrassed than sad, at this revelation. "So you see, not having parents, I couldn't have any grandparents or aunts or uncles or cousins. Its just the way things are... But you know!" Lazuli was quick to add, "Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, they've done a lot to reunite the separated families! A lot of Colts and Fillies have found their parents again and, and, they're even living together now! Not my parents though, but I don't mind, so you don't need to worry, really!" The crystal filly beamed, though it was hard to say if it was with joy for her fellow foals or pride in her Prince and Princess. "I just thought maybe you just had some sort of magic spell or something. Magic is wonderful, isn't it?"

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That certainly was surprising for him, that foals sometimes had no one to go back to in the crystal empire. Even Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor's efforts, there were still some foals wandering alone? This was not right in his mind... But what could he do?!

"They did their best and didn't succeed in some cases? If someone influential enough can't, what can I hope to achieve?! ... No, there's ONE thing they haven't tried and couldn't try! Right? I mean: there are biological traits passed from parents to their offspring, perhaps I can find anything on it!"

He couldn't stop worrying about her though. Zyrkon, or even Clover Card, wouldn't simply stop worrying about a foal that has been orphaned, specially one they just met. But could he do anything? He certainly could! Or so he kept thinkng, using this optimism to steer from the sadness that tempted him.

"Me not worry? Hahah, impossible. As a teacher and father to a colt, I cannot stop worrying about foals, no matter they are mine or another's. Magic is a wonderful thing, but has its limits too, sadly. For example... I'm good with precise application of my magic, but anything requiring too much power drains me in a second. Even Zyrkon who was more powerful than me had his limits, which is why he studied anatomy. Ironic: he studied anatomy, I teach biology."

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Though he tried to sound cheerful and unconcerned, Lazuli was not oblivious to faint echoes of sadness and concern in his tone. Which both simultaneously pleased and troubled her. She did not want him to fuss over her, he was so very grand and important, she instinctively felt. Yet it was flattering that so very important a pony should trouble himself over her. A Teacher, Lazuli thought to herself with an inner sqwee. She was only moderately disappointed to learn that it wasn't magic he taught. "Magic is a wonderful thing, but has its limits too, sadly. For example... I'm good with precise application of my magic, but anything requiring too much power drains me in a second. Even Zyrkon who was more powerful than me had his limits, which is why he studied anatomy." Lazuli didn't understand a lot of this. What did he mean, Magic had it's limits? She must have mistaken his meaning. One of the beautiful things about magic was it's endless horizon of possibility. And she was sure he was being modest about his power. A teacher, even a biology teacher, must surely be both noble and wise. Lazuli could tell. And this Zyrkon that he spoke of. It was a strange name, not a common name for a unicorn, but that was probably just because he was a great pony wizard, like Starswirl the Bearded. "I wish I could do magic," the crystal filly confided. "Please don't laugh, but..." and here Lazuli dropped her voice to a confiding little whisper, "I'm hoping to find an artifact in this Museum that will turn me into a unicorn so that I might be a wonderful magical pony, too. But some of these cases are hard to look into. Do you think there might be something here?"

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As Zyrkon, he could understand her obsession with magic. It was no different from his obession with wanting to have a perfect transformation, to be able to mimic every aspect of somepony, down to their biological functions. But as Clover Card, what should he tell her? He couldn't use the "Zyrkon Card" for too long, else she'd be able to connect the dots.

"Ah, I see where you are going, but... Aren't we all magical in one way or another? Why pegasi manipulates weather? Why do earth ponies do mundane tasks with such ease? Why do unicorns possess the power to manipulate things around them but lack in physical strength? Why do Crystal Ponies pretty much turn into gem? You see, everyone has their own magic, not only unicorns. Do not obsess much over that, you too have your own magic... You just have to master it yourself. I don't believe the artifact you seek exist, but..."

"But what again? I was going to say something... Ah!", Clover Card thought, realizing soon what he wanted to say to complete the sentence.

"Reality altering magic might exist. I'm not 100% sure of that, however. And if it exists, I'm almost sure it is illegal and dangerous... But why want to be something else other than yourself?"

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Lazuli's crystal radiance dimmed significantly, upon hearing that Clover Card did not, in fact, believe there was an artifact in the museum or elsewhere, that could grant her wish. In fact, the little filly's eyes brimmed with tears. But she tried to be brave, even so. She took a deep breath, let it out in a soft, shaky sigh, and dried her eyes quickly on the back of her hoof. He was noble and wise, a teacher, but maybe there was something he'd never even heard of. She couldn't give up that easily! And crying wouldn't help. It had never helped. And she was not placated at all by his suggestion that all ponies were magical in their own way, as though that magic were as interesting or fun or as important as Unicorn magic. "I know, but," she began, looking at him earnestly, trying to make herself understood, "I don't want to be magical in the way crystal ponies are magical. I want to do real, magic. I want to cast spells! That's the kind of pony I want to be... Do you really think there might be reality altering magic that could help?" she added, hopefully. He had meant it as a warning, but a lead was a lead, after all!

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"The only one I KNOW can bend reality around... I heard it is Discord? I don't advise you to pursue him, for reasons most of us heard: tampering with the reality of a whole region, spreading chaos, manipulating ponies through various means or simply for thinking it is funny... And he is likely to outsmart anyone. Then, again, only heard about him and read in records, I don't know him personally."

That was Clover Card speaking, yep. He sure gave a good reading to books every now and then... Also...

"Also... Doesn't zebra have something similar to magic? Was it Alchemy or something? Perhaps that is something for you to consider pursuing if possible, leave the idea of changing your whole nature for a "last resource". It's not like you have ran out of options after all!"

He smirked at her, to reassure that there were still hope.

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Lazuli had never seen either Discord or a Zebra, but she'd heard about both. Specifically, That Discord was an unpredictable, strange creature with unknown, chaotic powers. And of a mysterious potion-making zebra who lived in the Everfree Forest. Of the two possibilities, she preferred Discord. Alchemy was a little interesting, but it wouldn't be a substitute for unicorn magic. But then again... What if there was a potion that could make her a unicorn? Two very good leads! Discord seemed the closest, since she knew he was right there in Canterlot, but he was also a stone statue. The first thing she would have to do if she wanted to talk to him was find a way to unstonify him. Lazuli looked at Clover Card with a cheeky little grin and giggled."Do you know... if there's an artifact in this museum that will turn statues back into people?" She asked, innocently. It then occurred to her that even if the Zebra didn't have a Unicorn-transforming potion on hoof, she might have a de-stonifying one! "And where is the Everfree Forest?" she asked, though it was a seemingly unrelated question.

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"I think there was a crystal or something with similar properties, of unpetrifying beings... But I might have mistaken the meaning based on the wording they used. "This crystal heart is said to be the key that will thaw a civilization" or something... ... Hold on, on second thought, that was a prop. The real one is back in your homeland."

Clover Card was sure of that. Plus the "thawing" was that it brought the empire back to its days of glory... However, he had yet to witness that himself. Bringing out the notebook, he scanned several entries in it.

"Hm... Nope, no artifact here related to anything like that. The magical artifacts seems to be props or replicas, for safety purposes. After all, imagine how bad it would be if someone stole some sort of mystic medallion that gives Alicorn-tier powers to the holder."

It was none of his business, but now curiousity bit him...

"If you were to gain powers that pars on an alicorn such as The Princesses... What would you do?"

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"This crystal heart is said to be the key that will thaw a civilization" For a chest clutching moment, Lazuli felt as though it were her own heart that was missing. The Crystal Heart? Not at home where it should be, but in a museum where anyone might take it?! ...but then Clover Card added that it must be a prop. Of course. She let out a sigh of relief that was barely audible. Of course he was right. Props and Replicas. They weren't real artifacts here. At least, not the powerful ones. Those would be put somewhere safe. Somewhere she would probably never be able to find them. That was also a bit disheartening, but after the scare she'd just had, she couldn't say that she blamed the Princesses and Unicorns for taking precautions like that. "If you were to gain powers that pars on an alicorn such as The Princesses... What would you do?" Ah, what couldn't she do with powers like those? But that was hardly an answer to such an interesting question. "I would do beautiful, wonderful magic to help ponies." the crystal filly replied, eyes shining. "I would heal sick ponies, defeat evil villains, Bring peace and joy and happiness to everyone, feed the hungry, grant wishes, and... and things like that!" Lazuli answered, almost breathless at just the thought of it. "What about you? What would you do?"