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There is a Season | Starswirl's Warning | Chapter 9
Starswirl's Warning
There is nothing more enigmatic, nor more dangerous, than power.
All my long years I have witnessed it's abuse, and more than once, succumbed to it's siren call.
- Starswirl the Bearded, excerpt from The Encyclopedia of Ancient Pony Practices
Twilight Sparkle's eyes scanned over the intricately woven images of ponies long past, each page a tapestry, with the ancient writing carefully worked into the images. She loved old books like this, and was curious as to what this particular volume would tell her about this mysterious friend of Pinkie Pie. She didn't see, nor feel the room fade around her as the words worked into the cover of the old tome began to glow softly, a spell ingrained into the very pages awakening as she eagerly read.
Spike was pushing the door open, his arms filled with groceries, when he heard a strange sound filling the room. Alarmed, the little dragon hastily deposited the bags filled with food on the floor, his eyes fixing on Twilight. The lavender mare was sitting perfectly still, her eyes fixed on the pages of her book as wind seemed to swirl about her, throwing stray papers and small books all about her.
"Twilight! Are you okay!?" Spike asked, worry carrying into his voice. He tried to hurry over to her, his concern growing as his companion remained motionless, seemingly oblivious to his question. The wind, however, only grew stronger. As he pressed inward, he felt his legs leave the ground, carrying him up into the air.
"Wooaah!" Spike looked about himself, his little arms flailing in hopes of catching on to something. He called out again, but remained unanswered. "Twilight, what's wrong with you!?"
Entirely unconscious of Spike's attempts, Twilight's rapt attention remained fixed upon the book, her gaze held firmly in place by a powerful enchantment.
* * *
Outside the library tree's windows, the three changeling would-be assassins were peeking in at the strange sight, their eyes fixed upon Twilight.
"What is it doing!?" Yellowbelly asked, unsure of what he was witnessing.
"Throwing the little lizard, apparently!" Bluenose responded, a cackling chuckle emitting from him.
"Silence you two!" Hidecracker snapped. "It took us long enough to find ponies to imitate without being caught! I will not have you two ruin our work! Now it seems the Twilight pony is distracted so we'll-"
"Doctor Whooves? Lyra? Bon Bon? What are you guys all doing here?" Pinkie Pie asked cheerfully, trotting up behind the three ponies. "Is this some kind of prank!? I love practical jokes!"
Completely oblivious of the changelings' disguises, Pinkie Pie walked right between the befuddled trio, peering into the window. Behind her back, Lyra looked over at Bon Bon, making a curious face. Bon Bon replied with a silent shrug, her face confused. Dr. Whooves slowly backed up, eyeing the pink pony warily. They couldn't let their disguises be blown yet!
"Ooh! What's Twilight doing!? It looks fun!" Pinkie commented, then turned to face the three ponies, who were backing away slowly. "So anyway, my new friend and I were going to meet her, but I think she might be busy! So are any of you busy tomorrow at noon? I'm planning on throwing a really big superfantabulous party for my new friend Zephyr, and I wanted to know if you would all come!"
"Oh, uh, yeah sure!" Dr. Whooves replied nervously, trying to smile. "We love par- part... those things..!"
"Okie dokie! I'm glad you can come! Now Zephyr can make some new friends! Right Zephyr?" Pinkie looked down at her side, but the shy little filly had disappeared completely. "Huh, where did you go Zephyr?"
As Pinkie looked about for her invisible friend, the three changelings quickly hurried off, disappearing down the street. They didn't stop until they were back at the edge of Ponyville. Shedding their disguises in a burst of green energy, the assassins looked at each other.
"Woohoo! We get to go to a party!" Lyra, now Bluenose, whooped as he leapt into the air, his wings fluttering.
"No! We are going to no parties! This is obviously a trap, and we were lucky to make it out the first time!" Dr. Whooves snarled as he turned back into Hidecracker. "That pink pony is a spy, I'm sure of it! She was probably trying to lull us into a false sense of security."
As Hidecracker looked back up, he saw his companions not only ignoring him, but playing around! They had returned to their alternate identities as Lyra and Bon Bon. Worse, they were fluttering their eyelashes, shaking their hips at each other, and joking about being sexy! This was the last straw!
"Get over here you two!" He snarled, rushing at the jokers.
"Aaaah! Changeling!" They squealed, grabbing on to each other as if in fright.
"What!? Wait, no!" Hidecracker's eyes went wide with alarm. "What if the Guards hear you!?"
"Heehee, that's the idea!" The two chorused, grinning at their commander.
"Are you both crazy!?" Hidecracker shouted, snorting at the insolent pair. He didn't even notice the sound of hooves approaching from behind.
"A couple of lovely mares being threatened by a changeling?" Wildfire chuckled, eyeing the still unmorphed form of Hidecracker, a reckless grin on his face. "This must be my lucky day."
Realizing his mission was in danger, Hidecracker fled as fast as his hooves could carry him. Wildfire, determined to impress upon what he thought were a pair of damsels in distress, raced after him. He didn't see them burst out laughing, nor fall to the ground, their guises shed in a fit of mirth!
* * *
Twilight Sparkle was far from inactive within her mind. Though completely unaware of the spell taking place in her room, she nonetheless was quite intent upon the one taking shape within her own mind. Images meant to convey story suddenly started stepping from the pages, followed by a flood of colors and light as the room about her seemed to transform! She found herself rising up upon the vast form of a mountain, the world in all it's beauty arrayed before her in a grand tableau stretching farther than she had ever imagined!
"Twilight Sparkle, I might have known it would be you." A strong voice called to her, carrying with it a feeling of belonging, as if hearing the call of a treasured mentor. Indeed, even as Twilight looked about, she spotted the source of the voice approaching her.
Twilight's mouth opened slowly, yet she could find no words to speak around her shock. The pony approaching her was a soft, muted blue gray, his flowing mane and beard as white as snow. He wore a floppy blue hat and cape adorned with stars and bells. His gentle eyes smiled along with his mouth through a small square pair of spectacles.
"It has been a long time, Twilight." The elderly Wizard's voice seemed to send a wave of calm over the stunned unicorn.
"Sta-ha-ah... Starswirl the Bearded?" Twilight began timidly, afraid that he might simply vanish from before her. "How do you know me?"
"I have known you for a long time, Twilight Sparkle. I was there at your birth." He answered, his old eyes shimmering with pride.
"But how!? How is that even possible!? You've been dead for..." Twilight stopped to consider what she was saying. "You did die, didn't you?"
"Hahaha, not dying as such, but embodying something eternal." Starswirl answered patiently. "You will understand in time."
"I will? I mean, I guess so, but how have you appeared, and why now?" Twilight's mind started to fill with questions as foalish dreams of meeting such a legendary pony awoke within her.
"It doesn't matter right now, Twilight. It must suffice to say that your book is far more special than you may yet realize. For now, I have come to tell you a story older than Equestria, perhaps as old as unicorn kind." The Wizard explained. "Only with this knowledge will you be able to put an end to the Dream Taker."
"Dream Taker!? What's a-" Twilight asked, then caught herself, feeling a little foalish as he laughed softly.
"Patience, my dear Twilight. All will be made clear in time." He answered. "Do you know what a gelding is?"
"Of course!" Twilight's embarrassment was quickly replaced with pride at the chance to show off her knowledge. "A gelding is a unicorn who's horn has been severed, cutting them off from the flow of magic."
"Very good, but your knowledge is incomplete." Starswirl replied kindly, seeing the young unicorn's dismay. "It is quite all right, Twilight. I didn't expect even you to know too much about geldings. Most of the knowledge was destroyed by Princess Celestia, in hopes that ponykind would forget the tragedies of a shameful past."
"What!? Why would Princess Celestia do something like that!? Surely she knows better..." Realizing she was raising her voice in defense of her beloved Princess, Twilight tried to calm herself.
"Yes, she does know better, but even Princess Celestia was not so great and wise, once upon a time. We all have our faults, even those who are revered as if we had none." Starswirl corrected gently. Twilight spent a moment to consider his words, then looked back up at the wizened pony.
"I'm sorry for interrupting, please continue." She apologized, eliciting another soft laugh.
"Don't worry, little one! Even as old as I am, I remember what it was like to be young and full of questions too. We are not so different, save for this big patch of fur that has taken over my face." The elder pony joked with a smile. Twilight giggled, her attention firmly fixed upon Starswirl again. "Now where was I? Ah yes, geldings."
"Gelding is an old practice, much older than myself. In far off times, it was used as a tool of shame, to deny the right of magic to unicorns by their enemies. Later it was adopted as a form of capital punishment, used by Kings of old for crimes of magic too harsh for lesser judgements. Even in my time, when gelding was banned as an act of cruelty, ponies still used it for their own ends."
"You see, gelding not only takes away a unicorn's magic, but it harms their souls too. The wound left within is deep, often fatal. Many geldings lived only a few years before succumbing to grief, bitterness, or the inability to cope with their loss. Perhaps for many it was a blessing, for much worse fates often followed those who lived."
Twilight listened with rapt attention as images of Starswirl's tale flowed around her, moving like water yet taking on a life of their own. As he continued his story, Twilight felt a strange feeling growing within herself, yet she continued to listen, not daring to interrupt again.
"When a pony did survive the gelding, their magic continued to grow, still trapped within them. The pony would often feel trapped, as if something were trying to burst from them. The magic would continue to rise, twisting around their feelings as time passed, feelings that were often dominated by sorrow, envy, and wrath. Each pony would start manifesting abilities associated with their emotions, some fading from the mortal world, becoming living parts of stories, fading into crying voices upon the wind, turning to monsters such as windigoes, or worse."
"The worst of all were those consumed by envy and wrath. Unable to fulfill their own desires, and willing to harm anypony to reach their own ends, they came upon the power to enter dreams. Some who merely existed in this form, wandering from dream to dream were called Dream Walkers, forever to watch longingly as the dreams of other ponies passed by. There were those who refused to merely watch, however. They instead chose to turn those dreams into nightmares, delighting in crushing ponies' hope, stealing away their joy, and eventually consuming every good thing in their victim's life."
"These cruel ponies grew more powerful and hungry for the dreams of others with each victim, fueling their insatiable desire to take. As they did, their powers twisted these once normal geldings into horrible parodies of the ponies they once were. Now clothed in the stolen dreams and cutie marks of their victims, they became monsters. These creatures are called Dream Takers."
"Long ago, before Equestria, powerful unicorns sealed the Dream Takers away in a dungeon beneath the unicorn fortress of Midnight Castle. Powerful spells were woven to hold these cruel ponies in place, with the hope that they would one day give up their powers, or simply wither away."
"The Dream Takers were not so kind as to cease, however, and in their craftiness, they survived. When unicorn kind abandoned Midnight Castle, so did those who kept the spell leave, weakening the defenses that bound the prisoners in place. After countless years, the Dream Takers freed themselves from the chains of imprisonment, and once again they sought the dreams of ponies."
"The beginning of the Dreamless War." Twilight whispered to herself, bringing a smile to the grim expression of Starswirl.
"Very good, Twilight. I see that your history lessons were well placed in you." Starswirl complimented, bringing another blush to the proud unicorn.
"The Dreamless War was a terrible conflict, as it's first victims were not warriors, but innocent ponies who's only crime was daring to dream. The Guard deployed under a brave young Captain named Everbold. Determined to protect Equestria, the young Captain set out to rid the world of these cruel ponies once and for all."
"He died protecting Princess Luna, didn't he?" Twilight questioned, her mind drifting back to the statue of Everbold in the garden.
"Yes, yet even now his spirit lives on, though only because he bound himself to the last survivor of the Dream Takers." Starswirl's voice suddenly grew more sullen. "It seems that the last Dream Taker is not willing to give up so easily.
"What do you mean? Is something wrong?" Twilight asked, concern in her eyes.
"Unfortunately yes." Starswirl began again, turning slowly away from Twilight, stroking his beard as he went. "This pony is relentless, and willing to pay any price to destroy the spirit of Everbold. To that end, he placed a curse upon the bloodline of the brave earth pony."
"Wait, that's impossible. Curses aren't real!" Twilight exclaimed.
Turning back to the upset pony, Starswirl shook his head, ringing the little bells. "Oh my young filly, were it only true. Curses are very real, and have done indescribable harm." He took up the tale once again. "Filled with rage against Everbold, the Dream Taker twisted fate, so that every firstborn pony in Everbold's line would be forced to sacrifice themselves for another, just as Everbold did. For countless generations, ponies have died before that black power, and now only one remains. Just as all the others, the Dream Taker has set out to destroy the last hope of Everbold's line, and in doing so, ending the struggle he fights with his mortal enemy."
"No! We can't let him succeed! All of Equestria could hang in the balance!" Twilight cried, dismay written on her face.
"Indeed, and that is why I was hoping it would be you. If anypony can end this curse and turn the tide of this threat, it is you Twilight."
"Don't worry. I won't fail you." Twilight puffed her chest out proudly.
"Then go, and know that I will always be watching over you." Starswirl said proudly as magic began to swirl about the two ponies, sweeping with it the incredible view. "Goodbye Twilight Sparkle. We shall meet again."
"Thank you, Starswirl the Bearded." Twilight called after him as the library once again filled her sight.
* * *
Books and papers had been strewn about by the windstorm that had swept through. Spike was lying on his back atop one of the bookshelves, his tail dangling over his head. "How did all of this happen?" Twilight asked in surprise, looking up at her assistant.
"I was hoping you'd know. You were kind of in the middle of the whole thing." Spike replied sarcastically, getting up from where he had been deposited by the violent wind.
Glancing at herself, Twilight couldn't deny that despite the disheveled state of the room, there wasn't a hair out of place on her. Instead of admitting that she might have been responsible, she tried to blow it off. "Whatever happened, it's a mess now. Could you clean it up?"
"Yeah yeah, I'll take care of it." Spike grumbled, half climbing, half falling from his impromptu perch.
"Thank you. Now I've got some studying to do. Somepony needs my help, and the fate of Equestria may very well be at stake!"
"I've heard that one before."
"Spike!"
* * *
Deep underneath the halls of Midnight Castle, a silent crypt of living stone, lit only by faint candles, sat the old grey stallion. He slowly rose, his old body crying out against his every motion. It had been too long since he had fed upon the sweet dreams of ponykind, and age was catching him once again. Finally rising to his hooves, he turned slowly to greet the visitor who had thought herself unannounced.
"So, my dear Chrysalis, what can I do for you?"
"Napping on the job? I would have thought you were actually going to try and aid in my ultimate victory over Equestria." Sarcasm practically dripped from the changeling Queen's mouth.
"Even the smallest ripple can reach far." He replied gently. "Twilight Sparkle is about to throw herself in harm's way, and she doesn't even know it."
"Really? How can you be so sure?" Chrysalis replied snidely.
"Ponies are quite easy to fool, and will listen to anypony who appears to be what they hope to see. It is comical, really. Twilight was so taken in by the image of a long dead Wizard that she accepted every word. She even believes that she can change the destiny of that foal Everheart and his kin."
"I assume this means you have dealt with the last of the Everheart line?"
"Soon enough, he will be in my clutches. All in good time." |
There is a Season | Rainbow's Mission | Chapter 10
Rainbow's Mission
"Get up."
"Huh..? Where am I?" Rainbow Dash yawned. She became alert when she realized that not only was she blindfolded, but bound as well. She promptly began thrashing about. "Lemme go! You can't do this to me!"
"Silence! You will do as you are told." Sgt. Ramrod's unmistakable voice snapped.
"Wait, don't I know this filly from somewhere?" Another voice asked, one Rainbow Dash knew all too well. "Oh yeah! You're the one who saved my pie that one time!"
"Soarin!? Soarin of the Wonderbolts!?" Rainbow wanted to jump out of her skin with excitement! Even being restrained against her will wasn't enough of a distraction to get her to ignore one of the Wonderbolts! "Hey, you gotta help me! They think I'm a spy!"
"Uh... well, you could be a changeling. We are supposed to check you out, just to be safe." Soarin replied, a little unease in his voice. Rainbow Dash blushed. Being checked out by the Wonderbolts! She could almost squeal!
Her excitement was cut short as she felt herself being hoisted onto somepony's back, and carried from her prison. The sound of steam shunting through the air told the pegasus that she had just left a train, probably the same one she'd been taken onto the night before. The bustle and sound of masculine voices all around spoke of a lot of activity. Wherever she was, there were a lot of ponies about.
"Ouch! Hey watch it!" Rainbow snarled at the pony carrying her when she felt her backside hit something.
"My apologies." Sgt. Ramrod replied, his voice not even hinting at actual sympathy.
"So uh, how've you been since the big wedding?" Soarin asked inquisitively. "I mean, as long as you're not a changeling or anything like that."
"Oh, you know, just being my awesome self!" Rainbow tried to sound disinterested, which she failed miserably. "I did race in the Neightona 500 last month!"
"Lucky! I wanted to go, but with the whole changeling invasion, we've been pretty busy watching for trouble, so they wouldn't let me get away for it." Soarin complained. "How did you place!?"
"I didn't do too bad, though I would have won if that bucking Winging Wind hadn't hit me in the forty-ninth lap!" Rainbow answered excitedly. "I still managed to pull off a good twelfth place!"
"Nice! They really should get more serious about the regulations for intentional collisions. I'm sure you remember what happened last year at the- oh, good afternoon sir!" Soarin's attention suddenly went to somepony else. Sensing something was about to happen, Rainbow readied herself for the worst.
"Let her down, Sergeant." A calm, level stallion's voice came.
"Yes sir!" Sgt. Ramrod answered sharply, and with surprising gentleness, lowered the captive pegasus to the grass. Rainbow Dash felt the blindfold and bonds being removed, and was forced to squint her eyes against the harsh glare of the sun as it peeked over the cloth.
As she blinked away the spots in her eyes, Rainbow felt a horn flowing with magic touch her. She flinched, not sure what this meant, but it was quickly removed. "Sergeant, this pony is not a changeling. Why have you brought her here?"
"Sir! This pegasus was captured while observing an officer discuss military intelligence. She was concealed, and appeared to be attempting to listen in on the conversation in a most suspicious manner. I feared she may be working for the enemy, and might attempt to subvert our defenses." Sgt. Ramrod snapped out his report with clean efficiency.
"I see, and what do you have to say about all of this, Rainbow Dash?" The authoritative pony asked her.
Having finally cleared her eyes, Rainbow looked up at the pony addressing her. It was Twilight Sparkle's brother! Not even thinking about what she was saying, Rainbow blurted out her part of the story. "I wasn't spying on them! I was keeping an eye on that Thundercloud! He was the one spying on Twilight!"
"What!?" Shining Armor's eyes suddenly blazed! "He was spying on my sister!?"
"Sir, with all due respect, I believe an explanation is in order." Sgt. Ramrod stated.
"It better be good." Shining Armor's voice left no doubt as to the consequences if he wasn't satisfied. "Twilight Sparkle has been classified as a Tier One priority, and as such, Lieutenant Thundercloud has personally seen to her protection and well being. I believe this has caused the misunderstanding." Sgt. Ramrod explained.
"Huh, likely story!" Rainbow retorted, still upset about being dragged off.
"I see. Very well, return to your duties, Sergeant." Shining Armor commanded, his voice calm again. Rainbow Dash was about to leave as well when the Captain stopped her. "Rainbow Dash wait. I still want to speak to you."
Halting herself nervously, the rainbow maned pony looked back at him. "Look I can explain-"
Holding up a hoof for silence, Shining Armor waited until she settled down. "Listen, I know you're a loyal friend of my sister, and if you really believe you saw him spying, then you're telling the truth. Sgt. Ramrod is just doing his job, and I gave the order to interrogate suspicious ponies. I owe you an apology."
"Oh." Rainbow Dash blushed from embarrassment. "Sorry for jumping to conclusions."
"It's alright." Shining Armor glanced around, then leaned closer to her. "I need something from you too. If you'll follow me, I'll explain everything."
Rainbow followed behind Shining Armor, her mind beginning to race. What could he want from her? It sounded important, whatever it was.
* * *
"Look, no means no! We can't let any strangers into Ponyville at this time." The insistent Guard pony had just about enough with this striped stranger! The curious, ponylike animal had been trying to convince him in her little rhyme talk that she needed to get into Ponyville.
"Your course of action is most unwise! I can not wait while time flies!" Zecora stomped her hoof, then hurried off. The Guards had been unwilling to let her pass, despite her desperate explanation of Boldheart's need. As a thought sprang into her mind, she changed directions. "If into Ponyville I can not get, another course I must set."
It wasn't long before her roundabout course led her into a vast apple orchard. Looking about, she finally saw what she was looking for. "My dear friend Apple Bloom! I need some help, and very soon!"
"Zecora!" Apple Bloom exclaimed happily. "What're you doin' here in Sweet Apple Acres?"
"Help from Twilight Sparkle, I need to ask. But I fear the Guard ponies will not let me pass." The zebra replied. "Her magic power is what I need. Please bring her to my home with all due speed."
"Sure! Is somethin' wrong with yer house?" Apple Bloom asked.
"A Guard pony is under a spell. I will need her help, if he is to be well." Zecora explained.
"I'll get her right away!" Apple Bloom answered, racing off through the orchard towards Ponyville as fast as her little legs could carry her. Zecora smiled with relief. At least now the poor Guard pony would get the help he needed.
* * *
"Pinkie, there's nopony here." Twilight's voice was flat and irritated. Pinkie Pie had been very excited to show her this gelding, but so far nopony had shown up at all.
"Oh she's here! She's just too shy to come out right now, so you can't see her!" Pinkie Pie explained matter-of-factly.
"Right..." Twilight sighed. "Well I've been waiting for nearly half an hour, and this friend of yours has yet to show herself. If she's not coming, I'm not going to waste anymore time waiting for her."
Pinkie Pie suddenly leaned over, her right ear perked up. "What was that Zephyr? Oh, okay!" She turned back to Twilight. "She says she's scared of you. I can't imagine why! After all, I don't think you're that scary! Unless maybe she sees something different than I see, but that would be weird! Heeheeheehahaha!"
Twilight put a hoof on her face. Pinkie Pie was making up imaginary ponies and talking to them! Why wasn't she surprised to find this out? She turned to go back inside the library. "I don't have time for this."
"Wait! Twilight!" Pinkie moaned. "You said you'd help her!"
"Pinkie, I can't help an imaginary pony! Just pretend that she's better!" Twilight hollered back, closing the door behind her.
Pinkie Pie's ears drooped irritably. "Well that was a big waste of time! C'mon Zephyr! Let's go see if Fluttershy can help you! At least she won't be a big mean meanie pants about it!"
The little pale filly appeared next to Pinkie Pie as she headed for Fluttershy's home on the outskirts of Ponyville. "I'm sorry, but she seems so unhappy."
"Don't you worry about it! Twilight can be a grumpity grump if she wants!" Pinkie explained with a giggle.
* * *
Rainbow Dash followed Shining Armor through the bustle of the Royal Guard encampment, her eyes roving about this way and that at the sights. Large stallions and athletic mares went here and there, their armor glowing in the afternoon sun. The camp seemed to be a place of constant activity, with exercise drills going on next to busy work stations, and patrols sweeping wide about looking for possible threats. Even the Wonderbolts were flying maneuvers in their blue lightning marked flight suits! Rainbow was so taken in she almost crashed into Shining Armor as he stopped at the command tent, a large olive drab thing that sat in the heart of the organized chaos.
"Are you coming?" Shining asked the distracted pegasus, his eyes still glancing about.
"Oh, sure!" Rainbow Dash replied. She followed him into the cavernous interior, where a table sat covered in maps, many with little pins sticking into various spots. Correspondences from all across Equestria sat strewn about the surface, reporting readiness, activity, and possible enemy sightings. The whole layout quite a bit much for the pegasus to take in.
"Sooo, what's up?" She asked, looking over to the Guard Captain, trying to hide her sudden apprehension.
"Rainbow Dash..." Shining Armor began, but seemed to be struggling to find the right words. "...I need you to spy for me."
"Wait, what!?" Rainbow stared at him as if he'd just told her he was a donkey. "Didn't I just get dragged all the way up here for spying!?"
"Yes, and it was a mistake." He explained slowly. "I'm not asking you to do this lightly. I'm concerned people really are going after my sister, and I believe you about Thundercloud. Even though Sgt. Ramrod is a good soldier, he can be blind to the faults of those in charge of him. I think there's more going on in Ponyville than any of us are being told, and I need to have someone I can trust to be my eyes."
Rainbow Dash's mind was racing! "Me, a spy!? That would be awesome!"
"So you'll do it?" Shining Armor's voice betrayed his anxiety and hope.
"Buck yeah I'll do it!" Rainbow Dash replied excitedly.
Shining Armor breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried the strong willed pegasus might have refused his request. "Thanks, you have no idea how much that means to me." He half-laughed.
"Why all the worry, though? I mean, it's not like somepony's going after us..." Seeing Shining Armor look away, Rainbow Dash stopped. "Wait... is somepony after us?"
"We don't have any proof yet, but something has been amiss for quite a while now. Even the changeling activity seems random. We're sure they're up to something, and maybe it is just a feeling, but I'm sure they're going after Twilight. What you told me only makes me more certain." Shining Armor looked back to Rainbow Dash, worry filling his expression. "I won't risk losing her."
Feeling a sense of pride swelling in her breast, Rainbow Dash flew upright, throwing a jaunty salute. "You can count on me, sir! I won't letcha down!"
Straightening up, Shining Armor returned her salute. "Very well. As Captain of the Royal Guard of Equestria, and in the name of Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia, I, Shining Armor, hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant, and commander of the First Eyes of the Guard."
"You are hereby given the right to recruit spies in your service, until such a time that Equestria is safe and secure. All of our futures may ride on you someday. Do your duty for ponykind everywhere."
Rainbow Dash nearly shot through the roof of the tent, only holding herself back to keep from showing a lack of discipline. Reaching into a drawer on the table, Shining Armor produced a pair of Lieutenant's bars.
"These were mine when I was first promoted." He said proudly, holding up the two golden bars. "Now they're yours."
Taking the rank markers, Rainbow once again repressed her excitement. "Thank you sir."
* * *
The mountain of Misery had long been a place of rumor and dread for ponykind. Legend said that once dragons had lived there, using the mighty mountain as a fortress from which to spy out their prey. Yet for longer than even Equestria had stood, not a single one of the great beasts had been seen claiming it's skies or dwelling upon it's rocky heights.
Little did ponykind know the sins of their forefathers had tainted this land with magics never meant to be used. Spells were crafted into the very stones, meant to drive away the mighty predators who roamed the skies, spells that when left unchecked, had only grown.
One such spell, perhaps older than all others, took the form of a humble rock outcropping. Great slabs of granite, pockmarked with smaller stones, were piled in a mound upon the mountainside, just like countless others. This one was more than it seemed however.
Deep within a simple mind, a hunger awoke. The desire to ingest food. Food was made up of tiny crystalline formations that rarely grew large enough to sate the mind's hunger. When they did group up, it meant something collected them!
The mind sought deeper, as ancient reflections mirrored off a great, crystalized amber surface. In it's memories, great armored lizards, covered in spines, with wings that spread across the the skies as they flew, belching mighty blasts of fire upon it! The mind didn't care, for fire did not unmake stone.
A predatory rumble sounded deep within the rock formation. The hunger was growing! Dragons were the keepers of gems, dragons were it's enemy! It would seek the gems, it would feed it's hunger! No beast, not of sky or earth, of might or magic, would stand in it's way!
The earth began to rumble as the stones started to shift and move. Like some elemental colossus, the great slabs of granite formed into a vast, humanoid shape, it's face replaced by a great amber gem, larger than a large wagon! The Walking Stone had awoken, and it was hungry!
For long moments, the eighty-foot colossus stood, towering over it's mountain stronghold. The gem forming it's featureless face shifted slowly right, then left, glowing softly as it turned. As it finally came to face the east, the gem began to glow brighter, it's hungry magic feeling the call of gems!
With all of the steady power of a landslide, the enormous being began to walk, it's footsteps thundering, shaking the ground with each massive footfall. The earth trembled, the trees shivered, and all moved before the god of the mountain. The Walking Stone was coming!
* * *
Twilight Sparkle followed Apple Bloom into the dark confines of the Everfree Forest, her eyes roving about the damage done by the flames. "I hope Zecora's home wasn't threatened by the fire."
"Ah don't think so, Twilight, or else she woulda said somethin' about it." Apple Bloom replied, not even slightly bothered by the eerie forest. The path had grown quite familiar to her, since nopony visited Zecora quite as often as she did.
"You're probably right," Twilight laughed nervously, "it doesn't look like the fire has reached this far back into the woods. So did Zecora happen to mention anything about who we're going to help?"
"Nope, she jus' said to come an' get you as soon as ah could." Apple Bloom answered proudly.
"Well I hope she didn't need me to bring anything." Twilight continued to glance about. "I'd hate to think we came out here for nothing."
"Don't worry Twilight! Ah'm sure Zecora'd have told me if ya needed one o' your books."
Neither one of them saw the shadow that seemed to detach itself from the trees around them. The creature wasn't invisible, but seemed to fade naturally into the background. Moving slowly after the fillies, the dark, strangely mottled pony trailed them, confident in it's ability to remain unseen. Deeper and deeper the pony walked, weaving it's way after Twilight and Apple Bloom along the dimly lit path through the wild mixture of plants and trees.
Much like his master, the Dream Taker, he was a gelding, robbed of his magic, kept captive, and made to suffer a lonely eternity trapped within stone by cruel unicorns. He had almost given into despair, letting himself fade from all existence, when the old grey pony had freed him from his prison. The mysterious old one promised him not only freedom, but something far more tempting, something he could not hope to refuse. Vengeance. He would be the hidden hand of the Dream Taker, slaying unicorns and their allies, making them suffer for all he had endured! Executing this lavender pony would be sweeter than honey!
"So this is Twilight Sparkle." The odd pony whispered to himself. "Killing her will hardly prove a challenge."
Stealing a moment to reach back, the pony drew a long, slender blade from his side. Shimmering dully in the muted light of the forest, the deadly killer's blade slid soundlessly from it's resting sheath. He watched for his opportunity, patiently waiting as Apple Bloom opened the door to Zecora's home.
As the two ponies stepped into the hollowed tree, the assassin saw his opportunity. With the skill and guile of a predator, the he began closing with the unsuspecting fillies, his blade hovering closer and closer to Twilight's back...
Drawing in his breath, the assassin lunged. |
There is a Season | Awaken | Chapter 11
Awaken
Deep within the recesses of his fevered dreams, Boldheart struggled against the luring pull of death. Looming before him, all about him a great laughing form of smoke and darkness, sending fear tearing at his sanity with every turn. He would run one way, then another, his eyes searching for any escape from the terror that dogged his every step, outguessed his every move. He wasn't even sure how long he had been running from the dark shadow that sought to consume him.
Suddenly, a vast chasm seemed to open before him, rending the earth and cutting off his escape. Skidding to a stop right at the edge of the new abyss, he turned to look back at the darkness as it swelled about him like a tide. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the looming face, that seemed to form, like a wolf's, all fangs and blazing, cruel eyes. Scooting back as close to the edge of the cliff as he could, Boldheart screamed out, utter terror seizing his soul.
"There is no escape for you now, Boldheart!" The monstrous countenance laughed, the looming fangs of smoke drawing about him.
"Somepony help me! Please!" Tears streamed down his face as he squeezed his eyes shut, his entire body quaking with fear.
"Boldheart." A new voice, faint as a whisper emerged.
Looking up, the young Guard pony began looking about, hoping beyond hope that he had indeed heard somepony calling to him. As he turned about, his mouth slowly dropped open. The chasm was gone, and in it's place, a simple tan pony, weathered by years stood before him. The vast emptiness behind him was now full of ponies, countless stallions and mares, their eyes shining.
"You're not alone, Boldheart." The old pony said, his smile lighting a spark within the frightened pony's heart. "We are the line of Everbold, your family."
"My... family?"
"For countless generations, since my time, we have stood brave against the dangers of the world, protecting all we love, even enough to give our lives for those we cherish. Everypony here has selflessly cast aside their life and freedom to save another." Everbold explained calmly. "You're stronger than you know, my little colt. Do not fear the darkness, nor run from that which frightens you. Be courageous, and let go of your fears."
"But I'm so afraid..." Boldheart tried to explain, feeling ashamed of his fear.
"We've all been afraid sometimes." Everbold rested a hoof upon Boldheart's shoulder. "Courage isn't what you feel, but what you do even though you're afraid. Somepony needs you right now, will you abandon them?"
"No, no I won't..." Pushing himself back to his hooves, Boldheart turned to face the monster. He felt his instincts try to overwhelm him, as if ice were trying to freeze him from the inside. Shoving back the feeling, he braced his hooves, meeting the terrible eyes with his own gaze. "My name is Boldheart! I will not give in to you!"
"Bold words for such a little thing, but what are words compared to true might!?" The vast darkness laughed back at him. "I will drown out your world! There will be nothing left for you, all consumed, all cast into the abyss! You are mine!"
Fighting back his fear, Boldheart lowered his horn, and with a cry, he charged at the monster! His heart pounded in his chest, his eyes filled with tears, yet onward he pressed, and into the heart of darkness the brave pony vanished.
"Hahahahaha! What a foal!" The shadow laughed as it fed upon the hopes and dreams of the hapless Guard pony. "To think one simple pony could stand against me."
Suddenly the darkness' laughter stopped as a tiny ray of light pierced it's form. "What is this!?"
A second beam followed the first, cutting through the smoke and shadow like a blade! Another followed, and another! Within moments, the creature's form was coming apart from within. "NO! This can not be!"
"My heart will not give in!" The tiny voice of Boldheart called out from within the monster's crumbling form. "I am Boldheart, and I do not fear you!" Surrounded by light, the unicorn stallion felt the magic locked away within him surge outward like the sun shattering the darkness as it peered over the horizon. With a terrible scream, the creature was torn asunder, it's dark form cast out of his heart. Standing there with his eyes wide, Boldheart looked about him. Everbold and the ponies who had stood behind him now surrounded his shaking form, smiles upon their faces.
"I... I did it!" He gasped cheerfully, a smile warming his features.
"You were brave in the face of your fears, and you overcame them. I'm proud of you." Everbold said. "Now arise, for another needs your help!"
"What? Who needs my help? What do I do?" Caught off guard, the young pony looked to his elder.
"Don't worry, Boldheart. Do what you know is right, never lose your courage, and protect all that you love! Now awaken!"
* * *
The razor sharp blade moved like lightning, slicing into Twilight's back, it's deadly point seeking to silence her heart forever! The assassin felt glorying self adulation filling his senses as he relished the death he was bringing to this unicorn filly. He did not see the stallion until far too late.
Boldheart had risen up, his eyes fixing on the ponies entering, and the shadow beyond. Perhaps it was Twilight's surprised reaction to seeing the Guard pony, or him shoving her aside, but as the blade bit cruelly into her back, it's course was shifted, sending the point deep into her shoulder instead.
With a sharp cry of pain and confusion, the lavender unicorn twisted and fell. The assassin drew back his blade, but failed to bring it against the charging stallion before he had crashed into the dark pony, knocking him back out through the doorway.
"Aaaiieee!" Apple Bloom screamed, her eyes wide as she saw Twilight fall, a trickle of blood making it's way from her friend's back to the floor. Rushing up, the filly nudged her friend, trying to help her up. "Twilight! Are you okay!?"
"Aaaah, it... it hurts..." Twilight struggled to answer as she rose, limping on her right foreleg. "What was that!?"
"Ah think somepony attacked you!" Apple Bloom blurted out, her heart still racing.
"Attacked!?" Struggling over to the door, Twilight tried to make sense of the scene happening outside.
The dark, nearly formless assassin was locked in a deadly dance with Boldheart, their blades flashing back and forth as each sought to find a weakness in the other's defenses! The fighting ponies crashed into each other, swept about, their hooves digging into the dirt as they sought purchase! Boldheart lunged, was nearly impaled upon his foe's blade, only to evade the deadly strike by twisting himself about, hitting the ground hard!
The assassin lunged, his narrow blade poised to kill! Boldheart threw his head around, using his own blade to parry the killing blow! The assassin's dagger buried itself to the hilt next to the Guard pony's head, it's edge disappearing right next to his eye! He lashed out with a double hoofed kick, sending the dark pony reeling back!
Focusing as best she could, Twilight summoned a burst of pure force. The bolt of pure magical energy leapt from her horn, slamming into the assassin like a moving wall, sending him crashing through trees and underbrush. Exhausted from the effort, Twilight slumped against the doorframe, gritting her teeth against the pain in her back.
Boldheart managed to get his feet under him, his chest heaving as he fought for breath against his own exertions. Sweat poured into numerous slashes and cuts that now marred his body, sending stinging pains shooting through his body. He stumbled over to Twilight, who's breaths had grown more shallow.
"Twilight!? Don't worry... get... for you... Hang on..." Boldheart's words seemed to blend into each other as the wounded mare's gaze started to swim. Her eyes fluttered as she fought a losing battle to keep them open. Weariness and blood loss sapped her strength, and merciful sleep swept over her.
* * *
"Hey Big Macintosh, 'ave you seen Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked her brother worriedly as she trotted up to him in the orchard.
"Nnnope." Big Mac replied, looking over at her.
"A haven't seen 'er since yesterday, an' I got a funny feelin' she mighta got herself into some trouble. Will you help me look fer her?"
"Eeyup." Letting go of his work harness, the big pony turned and headed off through the orchard.
"Ah sure hope she's okay." Applejack said to nopony in particular, following the path to Ponyville.
* * *
Applejack seemed to have arrived right in the middle of a madhouse! Lines of ponies were standing about, as unicorns tapped their horns to the waiting ponies' heads, while Guard ponies went through houses and shops, searching them from top to bottom.
Spotting Rarity, Applejack trotted over. "What in the hay is goin' on here!?"
"Apparently somepony saw changelings in town yesterday, and the Guard has turned out in full force to find any intruders. They're certainly making a mess of things, if you ask me." Rarity answered, just a little flustered from being forced to stand in line.
"I know, right!" Pinkie Pie commented, seeming to have sprung up from nowhere. "It's all been really crazy! Nopony's seen Twilight or Rainbow Dash since yesterday, and this line is seriously cutting into that party I had planned for today!"
"Pinkie, you try to have a party every day." Rarity retorted flatly.
"Wait, Twilight an' Rainbow have gone missin' too?" Applejack frowned. "Ah can't seem ta find Apple Bloom anywhere, an' I'm startin' ta get real worried."
"Ooh, ooh! I'll bet the changelings got 'em!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing with energy. "They probably took them to an evil fortress where they're gonna chop off their horns, just like they did to Zephyr!"
"What a terrible idea, Pinkie! Why wou- wait. Who's Zephyr?" Applejack asked.
"It's Pinkie Pie's imaginary friend. " Rarity explained, looking irritated.
"She's not imaginary! See!" Pinkie seemed to have picked up a bundle of air, which she was presenting to her friends. "Fluttershy saw her!"
"Of course she did." Rarity tried to reassure her, then she leaned back over to Applejack. "I think this whole Guard business has gotten to her head."
Unsure of what to think, Applejack looked back and forth between her two friends. Sure Pinkie was acting weird, but she always did that, and had a knack for being right about stuff nopony else even understood. Then again, she was trying to tell them that the invisible object she was holding was a pony... Deciding not to decide, she tried redirecting the conversation.
"That's all good an' fine, but we really ought ta go lookin' for our friends."
"You're quite right, Applejack. As soon as we're done here, we'll go find them." Rarity agreed.
"Attention everypony!" Standing before the crowd, Sgt. Ramrod stepped up, his voice carrying across the mumbling mass of ponies. "Due to the threat of the changeling presence, we are no longer permitting ponies to enter or leave Ponyville. You will remain within city limits until we can confirm the presence of the enemy has been removed. Failure to comply with these orders will result in detainment."
"Questions and exception requests must be made at the Mayor's Office. This is for your own safety and for the safety of everypony in Ponyville. Thank you for your cooperation."
Turning back to her friends, Applejack frowned. "Ah don't like this one bit! Somethin's up, an' ah aim ta find out what it is!"
"Don't forget finding our friends!" Pinkie added.
"Yeah, that too." Applejack agreed.
"Hey, you two! Get in line!" One of the Guard ponies demanded to Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who had yet to actually join the line. Grudgingly, the orange earth pony went, grumbling as her pink companion bounded happily after her.
* * *
Little did anypony know that high above their heads, another pony was watching. Having constructed a fortress of slow moving clouds, Rainbow Dash peered down at the lineups below. Carefully watching, she saw Sgt. Ramrod weaving his way through the streets to the library, which she had determined Thundercloud was using as his headquarters.
As the Guard pony entered the door, Rainbow decided to make her move. Burying herself in another tuft of cloud, she pushed the stray clump slowly down to the balcony. Slipping free of it in her black stealth suit, she nudged Twilight's telescope aside, creeping quietly up to the door. She nudged it open slowly, peering into the gallery below.
"Sgt. Ramrod, you've something to report?" Thundercloud looked back at his second-in-command.
"Yes sir. The check is still underway, with over half of the populace inspected already." The burly earth pony replied.
"Excellent! You've done well. Any news of Twilight Sparkle's whereabouts?" The white stallion asked, insincere worry in his voice.
"No sir. It seems she is no longer in Ponyville, but nopony can confirm her departure." Ramrod continued his toneless explanation.
Sighing regretfully, Thundercloud shook his head. "I understand. Keep your patrols up, and let the civilians return home once they're done with the inspection."
"Understood sir." With that, the Guard Sergeant departed.
"Curse that Twilight Sparkle!" Thundercloud shouted to himself. "Why did this happen!? I had her in my hooves, and now all of my plans are in jeopardy because she went missing!"
"Hmm... So he doesn't know where Twilight is? I wonder what plans he's talking about." Rainbow Dash whispered to herself, squinting suspiciously at Thundercloud.
"Hey Rainbow Dash. What're you doing up here?" Spike's voice nearly sent Rainbow Dash flying. She whirled on Spike, who had somehow gotten behind her.
"Shh! I can't let anypony know I'm here!" She hissed, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible.
"Oh, is something wrong?" Spike whispered back.
"Yes something's wrong! I'm a spy now, and I need to find out what Thundercloud is up to! Twilight's missing, Ponyville is a mess, and I think this Guard Lieutenant is up to no good!" Rainbow explained hoarsely.
"Cool! Can I be a spy too?" Spike asked, his eyes lighting up. "I've even got a great disguise and everything!" He promptly pulled out a false mustache and a white hat with a phoenix feather in it, placing the items on himself.
"Well, how about it?" He asked, twirling his mustache.
"I don't know, what kind of skills can you bring to the team?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising her eyebrows.
"I uh... I can, uhh... Oh! I can send and receive secret messages! That way, you don't have to carry information over long distances!" Spike grinned.
"Well, that is a pretty useful skill! I suppose you could help me out." Rainbow Dash conceded. "Alright, meet me outside of my house in two days. We can't let the Guards know what we're up to. Anybody could be a changeling, so keep your eyes peeled and don't let anypony see you!"
"Got it!"
"Oh, and Spike."
"Yeah?"
"Welcome to the Eyes of the Guard!"
* * *
It had been three days since Rainbow Dash had left the camp at the foothills of the Mountain of Misery, and the moon was slowly climbing up over mountain. A Royal Guard named Iron Spear watched the great amber light rise into the sky dreamily, when his mind started nagging him. What was he forgetting? After several long moments of pondering, he recalled what it was that had troubled his mind. The sun and moon always rose in the east!
Surprised by his own recollection, the startled Iron Spear looked back over his shoulder, seeing the moon clearly peeking over the mountains where Canterlot sat in the west. "Wait, if that's the moon over there, then what is..."
Turning his gaze slowly at the massive amber light, the hapless Guard pony's lip began to quiver as he watched the enormous form of the Walking Stone rise up to tower over the mountainside. For several seconds, he stood frozen, watching the colossal titan take step after lumbering step down towards the camp. Training overrode reason, and clutching his beloved spear, he raced into the camp, shouting out the alarm!
"Enemies approaching! Enemies approaching! Awaken! Awaken! Enemies approaching!"
Upon hearing the warning cry, Shining Armor burst from the command tent, his eyes searching for the trouble. He didn't take long to find it. "Dear Celestia, what is that!?"
The Walking Stone began thundering into the camp, Guard ponies' spells hammering uselessly against the colossus' granite hide. Shining Armor began shouting orders, gathering the Guard ponies, to him. "Take formation! Everypony, get in formation! We can beat this thing!"
Silently he prayed they could...
* * *
Twilight's eyes flickered as consciousness returned to her. The first thing she noticed was the stabbing pain in her back, though it had dulled to an irritating throb. Slowly she peered about herself, taking stock of her surroundings. She was laid out on her belly, some soft mats tucked comfortably underneath her. The masks hanging upon the walls and bottles lining wooden shelves told her that she was still at Zecora's.
Looking to her left, she saw another mat laid beside hers. Boldheart was laying there, sword still close at hoof. Apple Bloom had sequestered herself on the Guard pony's back, her head rested upon his mane like a pillow. The pair were fast asleep, keeping a vigil over their wounded friend. Twilight couldn't suppress a happy smile.
"Ah I see that you are awake! Here, I have some medicine for you to take." Zecora approached, having picked up a bowl in her teeth. She set it gently before Twilight. "Thank the spirits yours is still here. Please tell me, how are you feeling my dear?"
"Like I slept on a nail, but I think I'll be okay." Twilight answered, looking back over to the sleeping pair as she lifted the bowl to her lips. "What happened?"
"Asleep you have been for three days. Mumbling words in a lost haze." Zecora explained as Twilight drank the odd tasting brew. "Boldheart and Apple Bloom refused to go home. Not even for a moment would they leave you alone."
"All that time, and they didn't leave?" Twilight asked in surprise as she set down the bowl.
"Love is a funny thing. It never gives up, and hope it brings." Zecora replied with a smile. "Faithful and true these friends are. When worried for another, they will never be far."
Twilight was touched. Happy tears began to crawl down her cheeks. "I'm lucky to have them. True friends..." A tune rose unbidden to the happy pony's lips as Zecora went back to her work.
"You stayed by my side,
Now I no longer hide.
This is what love should be,
And now I can see,
You're true friends to me." |
There is a Season | The Ties That Bind | Chapter 12
The Ties That Bind
Chrysalis walked slowly into the dark confines of the stone chamber where the Dream Taker dwelt, her eyes piercing the gloom in search of the old grey pony. For several moments, she looked about, wondering where he could have gone.
"Looking for something?" The soft old voice seemed to creep up her back, it's power unabated despite his gentle tone.
"Uh..." For a moment, the Queen of the changelings lost herself. The crawling fear brought about by the Dream Taker's voice seemed to eat at her will. Cringing inside for her display of weakness, Chrysalis tried to recover herself. "Yes! I wished to inform you that the Walking Stone has awakened, and that the army on the eastern side of the Mountain of Misery has been completely routed."
"Good, I am glad to hear your minions did something right." There was spite in his otherwise dulcet voice, giving the Queen even deeper chills.
"They have done well! You should not be so critical!" Indignation flooded over fear, compelling Chrysalis to give the old pony a piece of her mind.
"They did well because I told them what to do!" The old pony roared, his eyes flaring! The entire chamber seemed to quake with his rage, the rock crying out as it was assaulted with some otherworldly darkness! Chrysalis cringed, backing herself against a cold, stony wall, watching the Dream Taker in terror!
As quickly as his wrath began, it subsided. He looked back at her with a smile that made her stomach roll. "Please forgive my outburst. I should not let such petty things bother me."
She could form no other response than to merely nod dumbly.
"Come." He commanded, and began exiting the room. Rising from her humbled position, the changeling Queen followed timidly, cursing herself for not standing up to her companion. Every time she tried to resist his will, he merely dominated her again. It was humiliating, yet she couldn't seem to break free of his power! As they proceeded down into the depths under the earth, Chrysalis began to wonder if the Dream Taker would not simply discard her as soon as he felt she had outlived her usefulness.
A drop of water plodded down on the end of her nose, bringing her back to reality. Looking about, she noticed that the rock was covered in water, and that even the stones below were under shallow pools. They were underneath the lake! Her fear of the grey pony was swiftly replaced with the cold dread that any moment, the tunnel might collapse and snuff out her life instantly.
"Don't worry so much." The Dream Taker whispered kindly. "These tunnels are still enchanted with powerful magic. They will not break so easily."
"I-I wasn't worried." She stuttered. Could he simply read her mind!? Was she that vulnerable to him!? Trying to turn the subject, she decided to take the upper hoof and demand answers. Her voice came out like a curious young foal's. "Where are we going anyway?"
"An excellent question, my dear." The grandfatherly tone nearly sent Chrysalis into a fit. "Long ago, well before even the birth of the vaunted Princesses or the founding of Equestria, unicorns used these tunnels to hide their darkest secrets. It was here that they tortured and ruined their own kind, tampered with forbidden forces that should have been forgotten forever, committed atrocities that the common pony would never hear of, and created creatures of such sinister nature that they have remained here, in hopes that they would someday die, and erase the blight of their masters. It was here that I was truly born."
Stepping into the deep, dank chambers, Chrysalis witnessed the vast seemingly endless caverns for the first time. Cruel cages dangled alongside causeways and ramps that leapt out into space, only to touch the opposite walls over the enormous space. All about, there were ponies, some withered souls lying helpless in their eternal living slumbers, while others were frozen in stone, trapped in great crystals, or covered in sheets of unmelting ice. Strange, mournful dirges and wild cries would occasionally echo out across the vast, empty space, giving the entire dark chamber an otherworldly quality that terrified the young Queen.
Part of her wanted to simply collapse, curl up on herself and hide from the total despair that filled every crack and crevice like an unending nightmare. Her pride would never allow for it however, and she held onto her nerve, doing her best to show apathy before her host. When she looked back to him, revulsion flooded her anew.
He was smiling. How could anypony be so proud of something so terrible!? He was like a predator that delights in toying with it's prey before killing it, but worse. The suffering being inflicted upon others was like living ecstasy to him, feeding him, making him stronger in some unwholesome way. Even as vile as she had ever managed to become, Chrysalis feared this horrible pony, for he was something darker and more sinister than anything she had ever imagined...
Looking over at the quivering Queen with a heartless smile, the old grey pony's eyes seemed to laugh mockingly at her weakness. "I have something to show you, my little Queen. I think you will find it... most delightful."
She had a sinking feeling she would not.
* * *
The Everfree Forest was quiet. Within it's far expanding reaches, a pony staggered, lost, alone, his body battered and bleeding. The murderous blade he'd been carrying had been lost when he was struck by a powerful spell, his right foreleg broken in the same blow. He had no idea how long he'd been stumbling, nor how many times he had merely crumpled up in a ragged heap, unable to go any further.
Weariness was slowly claiming him yet again, and he longed for sleep, though his mind warned that every time he fell, he was that much less likely to awaken. A trickle of blood began crawling from his lips, making it's path down to his neck as he collapsed heavily into a massive oak, eliciting a desperate cry of pain from the broken pony.
"S-so, th- *cough* this is how it ends..." He whispered to himself, coughing out a long thread of saliva and blood. "...alone again..."
Distant memories flitted through his feverish mind, happy memories of a little colt, of family, of friends, of days long gone... of a life stolen... of pain and lonely misery... of being forgotten... "I wanted... to make them pay... so- *cough* so why do I feel so empty..? Why... why am I still alone..?"
Peering up at the leaves, the assassin caught a glimpse of sunlight peeking through the trees. Even amidst his pain and the fading world around him, the light was beautiful. He desperately wanted to go to it, to feel it's warm embrace one... last... time...
Reaching a quaking hoof up, the delusional pony tried fruitlessly to grasp at the light, yet it refused to be captured. Tears rose in the assassin's eyes, and he slowly slumped back against the tree, his coat blending him in against the bark as he disappeared... almost...
* * *
Something had caught her eye, something out of place in the strange, dreadful forest. She knew she didn't have time to stop and look, but she did anyway. Plodding slowly closer, the mare stared at the strange tree, something about her simple, earth pony eyes seeing what a brash pegasus or proud unicorn might have missed.
Drawing closer, she let out a gasp at the sight of the assassin. His body was all but broken, his right foreleg twisted in an unnatural way, pulled close to his body with a brown belt. He had still bleeding wounds from a terrible fight, his oddly fading brown-grey coat hiding him neatly against the trunk of the forest giant.
A glow of compassion filled the earth pony, and she approached him. Seeing that this stranger was no threat to her, she lowered her strong shoulders down, tugging the mortally wounded pony gently up onto her back. The assassin gasped in an unconscious spasm, his body shifting involuntarily from the pain.
The mare carefully ensured that he would not slip from her back, then began the long journey home, only stopping for a moment to stare worriedly back into the woodland. Though she was concerned for the safety of another, this poor pony needed help soon. Silently she swore to return, determined to finish her search.
* * *
Twilight Sparkle felt a gentle nudging on her neck, slowly rousing her from her slumbers. Peering up she saw the smiling face of Boldheart, looking back down at her. She felt herself blush, realizing his hoof was rubbing her neck. The Guard pony seemed to realize what he was doing, and in a fluster quickly drew his hoof away, looking awkward.
"Sorry, I didn't want to touch your shoulder." He apologized, eliciting a giggle from Twilight.
"It's quite alright." She answered. "I understand."
"Zecora said we should get you up for some food." Boldheart said. "You must be hungry."
At the mention of food, Twilight's stomach began growling loudly, making the lavender unicorn blush even brighter. "Ah! Yes please."
She started to rise, only to stumble as the stabbing pain returned. Boldheart swept forward, catching her before she fell. "Are you okay?"
"I- I'm fine. It just hurts a little, that's all." Twilight stuttered, biting back the pain.
"Here, let me help you." Boldheart escorted her slowly over to a low table where large bowls of grass and daisies with oats sprinkled over the top sat, looking positively scrumptious. Twilight fought back the urge to shove her face into the bowl like Pinkie Pie, sitting herself down slowly and starting on the delicious meal.
Boldheart circled the table to another bowl, and sat himself down to the food, stealing a glance at his friend. Ever since he'd first seen her, the blue unicorn had felt his heart flutter a bit. She was simple, yet graceful, like a golden sunset for which she had been named. For a moment, he let himself imagine that she might...
Shaking his head at the though, he chided himself mentally for even daring. What was he thinking!? He knew that Lieutenant Thundercloud had set his eyes on her, not to mention that she was Captain Shining Armor's sister! To think that a blank flanked unicorn who couldn't even perform the most basic spell could ever think of her like that! He huffed out a disappointed breath as he glared at his salad.
Glancing up, he realized he'd made a bit more of a show than he'd intended. Twilight was staring at him, a look of curiosity on her face, her mouth still chewing slowly. Though she didn't speak, her eyes asked the question for her.
"Ahahaha." Boldheart gave an insincere laugh, trying to hide his embarrassment behind a grin. "I'm fine! I was just... uh... shooing a fly away, that's all!"
Apple Bloom chose that moment to step into the room, looking back and forth between the two unicorns. "Did ah miss somethin'?" Then, with a big grin, she started staring at the pair intently.
Twilight looked at Apple Bloom, then back at Boldheart, confusion written on her face. "Um... yes?" She asked the attentive filly, feeling quite awkward.
"Did you two become each other's very special somepony behind mah back?" Apple Bloom asked cheerfully.
Boldheart and Twilight's eyes met almost instantly, each of them turning red at the thought. Boldheart suddenly wanted to be anywhere but under Twilight's gaze. He quickly rose from where he was sitting. "Ah... I think Zecora could use some help with something... outside."
Twilight watched the blue Guard pony retreat out the door, then looked back at the yellow filly. "Uh, I think you have the wrong idea. We're just friends, that's all." She explained. It was true that she'd never said anything about feelings for her new friend. Not like that anyway.
Apple Bloom looked disappointed at the announcement. "Ah'm sorry, Twilight. I jus' thought, since you two were starin' an' all, that you might be fallin' in love or somethin'."
"Oh no, we're just..." Glancing out the window at the dejected looking Boldheart who was slowly walking away from the dwelling, suddenly feeling lonely. "...just friends."
* * *
Thundercloud watched in silence as the train pulled into Ponyville station, his expression flat and emotionless as he watched Royal Guard ponies exit the cars in droves, many wounded, others being carried out by their fellows, grievous injuries very much in evidence. Ponies from all about the town flooded up to help the wounded, whether by magic, medical attention, or simple helping hooves.
A yellow mare with a flaring mane in a blue flight suit hobbled out of the train after several others wearing similar garments, most of them riding on stretchers. She whispered a few words to a companion before leaving her friends. Approaching Thundercloud, she did her best to return his swift salute.
"Captain Spitfire... I assume you have taken command of the Guard?" Thundercloud asked, a frown on his face.
"Thankfully no." She replied, though the pain in her voice was clear. "Shining Armor is made of sterner stuff than that. He is out of commission though, and so am I for that matter..." She looked back at her wing, which was in a splint.
"What happened?" The large white stallion couldn't help but ask.
"We were hit hard, really hard." She answered wearily. "Some kind of enormous stone monster came down from the mountainside and wrecked the entire camp just as night was falling. We barely even got a warning before it was crashing through our defenses like a thunderstorm through a picnic. We didn't stand a chance."
"If it hadn't been for Shining Armor's defensive spell, I doubt most of us would have made it. He held it off long enough for us to evacuate, but the thing broke through and slapped him before my team could get him out of there. Most of them paid a heavy price for it." Spitfire looked over at the Wonderbolts, who were being tended to by a small host of ponies.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think the... creature was a weapon of the changelings?" Thundercloud asked.
"I don't know. It didn't seem like it, but we can't be certain. All we know for sure is magic was next to useless, and our weapons even worse. We might as well have been attacking the mountain itself. If there's a spell in all of Equestria powerful enough to stop it, I'll eat my flight suit."
"I wouldn't hold that one up to you, ma'am." Thundercloud looked off to the train. "Will he be remaining aboard, or is he going to stop here in Ponyville?"
"He'll be continuing on to Canterlot. We can't risk leaving him here when his health could deteriorate too quickly, which brings me to my next point. Thundercloud, due to circumstances, you are being temporarily promoted to Captain of the Royal Guard, effective immediately. We need an officer in the field, and you're it."
"I understand, ma'am." He saluted again, which she returned.
"I wish you the best of luck, we're all gonna need it."
* * *
"Magnificent, isn't it." The old pony declared, his face beaming at the sight. Chrysalis' eyes roved about endlessly, taking in the fearsome room she had followed the Dream Taker into. Across every surface, over every inch of the chamber, symbols had been carved in long, running lines divided by smaller lines, also formed of interweaving sigils. The entire chamber was full of meaning upon meaning, word within word, until it formed one vast mark throughout the entire chamber.
Looking back at the awestruck Queen, the Dream Taker smiled. "This chamber was the magnum opus of the long forgotten Magus the Thinker. Within this chamber's walls, it is said that any spell can be made possible, if one simply knows how to find the sigils and bind them together. Magus was a pony who believed magic was an end that justified any means, no matter how great the cost. It was this thought that made him a gelding, and why this room was made to be not only his prison, but his tomb as well."
Chrysalis began pacing the room slowly, fixing her eyes on statues that had been set all about the room. Each stone pony was twisted in some form of pain, each a gelded unicorn. Realization slowly dawned upon the changeling as she came to understand what she was witnessing.
"That's right. These are my children." The old pony laughed softly. "Each one kidnapped, gelded, and fed memories of the horrors visited upon them by unicorns, and all of ponykind. Soon enough, they will become bitter servants, willing to do anything to destroy Equestria, and wipe out those who visited this terrible cruelty upon them."
Tears seeped into Chrysalis' eyes, but she hid them, shoving back her dread. Showing weakness now might earn her a similar fate to those trapped here. She faced the Dream Taker again, watching as he walked slowly about the room, placing his stunted horn against various symbols. As he concentrated, the symbol would begin to glow with an eerie light. Soon a dozen sigils were illuminated about the room.
Stepping up upon a large, impossibly intricate mark upon the stone floor, the grey pony closed his eyes in concentration. All about them the walls seemed to shift and change, becoming a mirror image of the train station in Ponyville. There they saw Thundercloud, leaving behind the countless wounded.
"There he is." The Dream Taker announced, eyeing Chrysalis. "Within this pony's heart, I have found the ambition and selfishness necessary for my plan."
"Huh, what can one worthless pegasus do?" She asked, doing her best to sound indifferent.
The smile on the old one's face told her that she was wrong again. "You are such a superficial creature, my dear. It's almost endearing. I have been watching this one for some time, and now I am certain of it. He craves power, so much so that he will abandon anypony as it suits him, and give up anything if it will feed his addiction. He hungers for that heady rush of holding life and death in his hooves, and now, thanks to my design, he is Captain of the Royal Guard!"
"You mean you control him!? You have the Captain in your power!?" Chrysalis could hardly believe what she was hearing. Sure she had done it once, but never had she envisioned something like this.
"No, not like that, but I don't want him to be mine as you think. Were I to invite him in, make him mine, I would make myself vulnerable to his foalish ambition. I am nopony's fool." He explained patiently. "His purpose will serve me even greater."
"I don't see how. What good is a servant who does not know his master's hand?" She asked, trying not to sound foalish herself.
"It is simple, as always. We convince him to destroy the Royal Sisters himself. They have just handed him complete control over their military. Even the suggestion of a coup will slowly eat away at his resolve. Ambition rules his heart, he will take the opportunity, and when he does..."
"...We destroy him!" Chrysalis' eyes glittered. Vengeance would be sweet indeed.
She did not see the master's smile... |
There is a Season | The Traitor and the Lost One | Chapter 13
The Traitor and the Lost One
Spike had never run so fast in his entire life! He knew from the moment he saw the changelings enter the library that trouble was up, but what happened next confused and terrified him. Thundercloud started talking with them!
Gasping for breath, the tiny reptile finally came to a stop below Rainbow Dash's cloud house. For several moments, he fought the urge to lose his lunch, huffing and puffing from the exertion of running halfway across Ponyville. He barely noticed when a shadow appeared behind him. Whipping around, he almost cried out, then breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Rainbow Dash.
"Spike? What's going on? Is something wrong?" She asked, seeing him gasping.
"Changelings... in... the library..." Spike gasped, fighting to get his breath. "Talking with... Thundercloud..!" Having passed his message, the exhausted dragon dropped over, sprawling into the grass.
"Changelings? That traitor! I knew he was up to no good!" Rainbow stomped one of her hooves into the ground, snorting angrily. "Stay here, Spike, and don't tell anypony what you saw! We don't know who we can trust right now."
"But what if you need... help..?" Spike asked, finally getting some breath back.
"It's too dangerous. If something happens, I need you to send a message to the Princess explaining everything. I'm counting on you, Spike." Rainbow Dash explained, a frown on her face. "Besides, I need somepony to carry on my work if something happens."
"Like what? What's gonna happen? Is everything okay?" The little lizard couldn't hide his concern.
"Don't worry, nothing's gonna happen." As she turned to take wing, Rainbow winked back at him. "It's just in case."
As Spike watched the blue pegasus launch herself like a bullet up through the clouds, he wished fervently that she was right. Something about this felt wrong, very wrong.
* * *
Thundercloud watched the three changelings depart the library, the conversation he had just taken part in filling his thoughts. When they had first approached, disguised as local ponies, he thought they might simply have been friends of Twilight, looking for the missing unicorn. That illusion had quickly been dispelled as they returned to their true forms. He nearly called the Guard, but for something the leader, a tough looking creature called Hidecracker, had said to him.
"Hail to you, Captain Thundercloud! I see why the master chose you to be the one." The changeling had said, his voice growing reverent as he mentioned the odd title.
"Master?" He'd asked curiously. "What one are you talking about?"
"In you, our master has seen greatness, the power to take dominion where others, whom styled themselves to be greater, failed their subjects. You are the one who will be King!" The three changelings had bowed humbly, before the proud pegasus.
"King!? What nonsense is this!?" He demanded, but his voice had wavered. Could it be true?
"Oh yes, your highness! It is as our master spoke, and told us that no other was as worthy as you to replace the Royal Sisters, who have failed in their duties."
"Is this some kind of trick?" Thundercloud was no fool. If they were merely playing him up, he'd have them strung up on the spot.
"No trick, my lord. Our master sent us to greet you personally. He said that his war is not against you, nor your mighty brethren, but against the selfish, corrupt leadership of Princess Celestia and the unicorns who enforce her rule on all of ponykind." Hidecracker practically spat the mention of the Princesses out.
"I'm listening." Thundercloud spoke slowly. Part of his mind told him to deal with these vile creatures now and be done with them. Another part of him was intrigued...
"The plan will be set in motion soon, and for it to be accomplished all you must do, is stand aside. Our changelings will infiltrate the Royal Guard, and during the night, while the Princess is resting, they will put an end to her and her pitiful sister. The master has seen fit to let you come in afterwards and capture the assassins, to do with as you deem fit." Hidecracker explained, his voice growing sinister, yet inviting.
"He will ensure your victory from then onward, allowing your victories to raise you before all ponykind as a hero, a savior. If any oppose you, perhaps they will suffer from the war on accident..." The tone in the changeling's voice left no doubt as to what would happen to any such neigh sayers. "Soon the Guard, the aristocracy, and all of Equestria will be calling out your name! They will flock to you like the foals they are, ready to bow before the mighty King Thundercloud!"
"Why should I trust you?" Still not entirely convinced. "What if I were to stop you? I now know of your plans, and I could very easily end them right now."
"Of course you could, but what would it gain you?" The changeling had left the question hanging in the air for a moment. Thundercloud knew, despite everything, that the changeling was right. There would be nothing but perhaps a parade, and the possibility of a feeble promotion for such an act. Compared to the glory of Kingship...
"Think of it, anything you desire, anything you can imagine! All of Equestria will be yours..."
"All of Equestria..." He had echoed, not even thinking anymore. His mind was already envisioning himself, the glorious champion King of all he surveyed! Every pony would bow their knee to his glory! Everything would be his for the taking!
"There is one other danger to your rise to power..." Hidecracker almost whispered, drawing Thundercloud's attention back.
"A threat you say?" He asked.
"The Elements of Harmony, and their bearers." The sly changeling frowned. "Our master has seen it. They will try to oppose you, and would even dare to use the Elements themselves to defeat you! They must not be allowed to roam free, or else all will be for nothing."
"Tell your master I will consider it." He had replied, keeping his voice neutral. With that, the changelings had left him, disappearing back into the Ponyville streets.
Thundercloud had paced for some time, repeating the conversation to himself. This was quite a turn of events, one that could change everything. Still, there was that peril. Had it not been Twilight and her friends who had attacked his Guard the day they arrived? Were they truly destined to stand in the way of his power!?
Making up his mind, he called upon Sgt. Ramrod. The burly earth pony arrived promptly, coming to attention with a crack of his hooves. Taking on a commanding tone, the Captain addressed his subordinate. "Sergeant, I want you to round up the ponies who carry the Elements of Harmony and bring them here. I have reason to believe that they may have been replaced by changeling spies in order to sabotage the war effort. Make sure they are firmly secured, and listen to nothing they tell you.
"Yes sir!" Sgt. Ramrod barked, then headed out to gather a security detail, leaving Thundercloud alone with his thoughts. Thoughts ever more focused upon a throne...
* * *
Rainbow Dash had heard enough! It was all she could do to keep from bursting in and dealing with the cowardly traitor herself! Fighting the urge, she darted away from the library, sweeping up into the clouds. They would be looking for her soon, and she had to warn the Princess before it was too late! Maneuvering across the sky, she finally arrived at her home, only to see that a squad of pegasus Guards had already arrived!
"Darn it!" She hissed to herself, watching them as they knocked on her door. "I don't have time for this! Gotta warn the others!"
Higher up, hidden upon another tuft of cloud, another pegasus watched her. A grin creased Wildfire's features as he watched the rainbow maned pegasus make her escape. "You're good, but not good enough!" He whispered to himself, then shot down after her, diving sharply like a bird-of-prey on the hunt!
He almost had her when Rainbow suddenly juked right, dodging the incoming stallion! He cursed inwardly, flicking his gaze over at her as she rolled away from his line of flight! "You'll have to do better than that, boy!" She mocked, waving her hoof back at him.
"Don't you worry, girl, that was just to make sure you weren't getting slow!" The hotshot stallion shot back, twisting sharply to pursue her.
"What's the matter, slowpoke!? Is turning traitor weighing your conscience!?" Rainbow laughed bitterly.
"Look who's talking! You're the one plotting against us!" He snarled back, his usually childish demeanor vanishing as his eyes filled with fire!
"I'm not the one plotting to kill the Princess!" Rainbow Dash stopped suddenly, fury blazing within her.
"Nice lie, changeling! I'm not falling for it!" Wildfire didn't even slow as he impacted Rainbow Dash, sending them both tumbling to the ground. They squirmed and fought, each trying to get the upper hoof. For a moment, it looked like neither one could take advantage of the other, the two athletic ponies bucking, kicking, and biting each other in a violent struggle for dominance.
"I'm not a changeling, you two bit flier! I'll teach you to threaten my friends!"
"The only friends of yours I'm threatening are your worthless changeling cohorts!"
"Ow! Leggo of my wing!"
"Oof!"
"Take that!"
"Yah!"
"I'll teach you!"
Suddenly the fight stopped, with Rainbow Dash lying firmly on top of Wildfire, who squirmed and thrashed underneath her. "Who's on top now, boy!?"
When she saw him grinning up at her, Rainbow's temper snapped! The hoof punch impacted Wildfire's left cheek so hard it spun his head about, leaving the Guard pony unconscious upon the ground. Chuckling to herself, Rainbow dismounted the unconscious pegasus.
"That'll teach ya' to- hey, let go!" Rainbow Dash found herself pinned as two more Guard ponies grabbed her.
"Rainbow Dash," Sgt. Ramrod barked, his permanent frown glaring down at her, "by order of Captain Thundercloud, you are to be taken into custody. If you resist, we will use force to sedate you."
Hanging between two large stallions, Rainbow stared sullenly back up at the Sergeant, her teeth clenched. "You think I'm gonna give up that easily?" She growled.
"No." Ramrod replied, signaling the Guard ponies to release her. "That's why I'm giving you a chance to fight me."
"Bring it on!" Rainbow shouted, lunging at him. The blow landed so fast she barely registered it. Her eyes went bleary as she hit the ground, her wings spread eagle. The single powerful blow blackened Rainbow's left eye, sending her head spinning. She slowly tried to right herself, only to collapse a moment later.
"Pick her up." Sgt. Ramrod commanded, then gestured to Wildfire's unconscious form "Bring him too."
"Yes sir!" The two Guard ponies replied, picking up the beaten fighters.
* * *
In the distance... laughter... foals playing, their cries of delight breaking through the inarticulate gloom. His eyes peering out, the assassin stared longingly at those distant fields, where a little yellow unicorn colt laughed and frolicked, free of worry or care. Several other fillies and colts were with him, reflections of friends long forgotten and a life neglected.
For a long while, the silent stallion merely stared, wishing he could once again be that happy foal. The children abruptly ceased their play as curious eyes fixed upon him. Confused, he took an uneasy step back, watching as the little yellow unicorn he used to be approached him.
"Who're you?" His younger self asked innocently.
"I-I'm..." He stuttered, suddenly finding himself lost for an answer.
"Do you have a name?" The tiny unicorn persisted, still smiling.
"I do... I know I do... My name is... is... GAAAAAH!" He suddenly shouted, feeling as if somepony had begun stabbing him with hot brands.
"What's your name?" The question echoed about him as he fell into the void of his own mind.
"I don't know!" He shouted back. His eyes snapped open.
* * *
There, right in front of his face, an orange mare was watching him, her blond mane sticking out from under a cowpony hat. She looked concerned, and was holding a hoof out. Glancing about quickly, the assassin took stock of his surroundings. He was in a rustic looking room, complete with a rope looped up on a peg, and was laying on a wooden truckle bed, covered in a warm quilt.
The strange pony was holding a hoof on his right foreleg, which was crudely splinted and wrapped in soft cloth. Bandages wrapped all about his body, underneath which he could still feel the burning sting of open wounds. For several moments, he just lay still and stared, not sure of what to make of his sudden predicament.
The earth pony's expression changed into a smile. "You're awake. We were worried for ya for a while there."
He opened his mouth slowly, trying to find the right words to reply, but none came.
"So what's yer name?" She asked.
Hearing the question was like having a knife buried into his head! The pain returned with a vengeance! He tried to reach up and take hold of his head, but when he moved his forehooves more pain shot up through him. The mixture of physical and emotional pain built into a crescendo, tearing a shout from him that seemed to shake the windows.
Applejack did her best to keep his hooves in place, holding him tight to keep his struggles under control. The wounded gelding thrashed and kicked, his agony overriding any sensible response. Finally he went limp in her hooves, shock overwhelming his system.
Applejack felt utterly helpless. When she had found him, concern had filled her, and she tried to take him into town. The Guard refused to admit the strange pony, so she did the only thing she could, she brought him home. With Granny Smith's help, they bandaged his wounds, reset his foreleg bone, and worked up a simple splint to keep it from shifting. It had been hard, but she refused to let another pony suffer.
Watching him scream in such pain had cut her deeper than any physical wound. She was right here, yet it seemed whatever was wounding the stranger was beyond her reach. She wanted to tell the broken stallion that everything would be okay, that soon enough the pain would be gone, but she couldn't. He was not alright, and she wasn't sure he ever would be again.
"Ah'm so sorry." Applejack whispered, daring not disturb the fitful sleep he had returned to. Brushing her hoof through his mane, she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stem tears that threatened to break free. "Ah don't know how to help you, but ah'll find a way, somehow..."
* * *
Rarity had been less than willing to acquiesce to the Guards' demands, but in the end, she wasn't about to get rough with a bunch of large, strong stallions just because they wanted her to go somewhere. This didn't stop her from letting them hear what she thought about it.
"Do we have to walk so fast? It's not like we're in a hurry or anything." She complained irritably.
"I am sorry ma'am," Sgt. Ramrod apologized flatly, "however we are under orders to secure yourself and all of the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony. We do not have time to waste."
"All of- what exactly are you saying, Sergeant?" The fashionista questioned, eyeing him severely.
"I do not question orders, ma'am." The stern earth pony replied as they approached their destination.
"Sugarcube Corner?" Rarity looked confused. "Why are we here?"
"This is the temporary location of our detainment center, since Ponyville is not equipped with a proper holding facility." Ramrod explained. Rarity stuttered, trying to think of a reply.
"But... it's a bakery! This is hardly the kind of place I'd expect to have proper facilities for keeping ponies for prolonged periods."
"You are correct. Unfortunately, desperate times force us into this position, so I have no choice but to keep you here until command directs me to do otherwise."
With that, the small group marched into the shop, passing by a rather flustered looking Mrs. Cake, and down the basement stair into the dark room below. A single light illuminated the space, revealing a pair of Guard ponies watching the door, while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stood over Rainbow Dash, who was still dazed from the blow she had received.
"Girls, are you alright?" Rarity asked as she trotted over to them, her face anxious.
"We're okay, but Rainbow Dash got hit really hard. She can't even sit up straight." Pinkie explained, while Fluttershy brushed a damp rag over her friend's swollen eye.
Outraged at the sight of her friend's condition, Rarity trotted back over to the Guards, her face livid! "How dare you strike one of my friends! I can not imagine your superior ordering you to harm us in such a way!"
"She resisted, knocking one of my Guards unconscious. I gave her a fair chance." Sgt. Ramrod explained, softening his voice. Despite this, the furious Rarity continued her tirade.
"Regardless, that is no reason to use violence against somepony you're supposed to be protecting! She was your responsibility, and I'd say you failed that responsibility quite badly! Why, if I weren't to be held down here I would go to your commanding officer right now and give him a piece of my mind!"
"Calm down, miss. If it will help you, I will get the Captain, and you may take your grievances up with him." Sgt. Ramrod offered, taken aback by the fury of the smaller unicorn.
"Don't bother." Rainbow Dash managed as she sat up, brushing away Fluttershy's administrations. "That traitor Thundercloud won't help us. I'll bet he's even planning on getting rid of us right now."
"As long as you are not changelings, such a notion is unbelievable. He would never intentionally harm civilians." Sgt. Ramrod answered, his voice raising slightly.
"Oh, wouldn't he!?" Rainbow Dash pushed herself to her hooves, stepping towards the large Guard pony. "Is that why he set the fire!? Is that why he was talking to those changelings today!? Is that why he's involved in a plot to murder the Princess!?" Rainbow's voice had grown steadily louder until she was shouting!
"Lies!" Sgt. Ramrod's cool broke, and his brown face started reddening in anger! It looked like they would come to blows again when all of their attention was grabbed by a battle cry from above!
"YAAAAAAAAAAGH!" |
There is a Season | The Price | Chapter 14
The Price
With all the fury he could muster, the tiny form of Spike came racing down the stairs, brandishing the largest stick he could get his claws around. "Let go of my friends, or else!"
As the Guard ponies looked up to see the source of the disturbance, Rainbow Dash took her chance. Lunging from where she had been resting, she rammed against the big Sergeant's side, knocking the wind out of him! Sweeping his forehoof out, he clipped her chin, sending her reeling away.
One of the Guard ponies, irritated at the intruder, trotted up to Spike, slapping the makeshift weapon out of his claw, then smacked him across the face with his hoof. It proved a far greater mistake than he could have imagined.
"Leave him alone!" Fluttershy's shout seemed to rattle the entire building as she raced over Sgt. Ramrod and Rainbow Dash, throwing herself upon the hapless Guard pony. Blinded by furious tears, she pummeled him viciously, screaming with every blow!
"How dare you! You monster! Don't... you... ever... lay a hoof on him!" Rarity and Pinkie Pie watched in mute silence for a moment, unable to comprehend what they had witnessed.
"Do you think we should help?" Pinkie asked, looking over at Rarity.
"Oh, right!" Rarity looked embarrassed, realizing she'd been staring. "Let's get them!"
Lunging into the fray, the two mares attacked Sgt. Ramrod, shielding the still stunned Rainbow Dash. Spike regained his feet, and with a mighty swing, broke his stick over the second Guard pony's head! For a moment, it looked like they would win, but then that moment passed.
Seeing what she had done, Fluttershy's rage subsided, and she dropped over on the stairs, crying out an apology to the unconscious Guard pony. "Oh... *sob* I am so sorry... I... I... *sniff* I couldn't help myself..."
Spike discovered that without a weapon, he really wasn't all that dangerous as the second Guard advanced upon him. Sweeping blows quickly winded and incapacitated the smaller combatant. Reeling over, he tumbled down upon the floor, his valiant strength spent.
Rainbow Dash pushed herself to her hooves, just in time to see Sgt. Ramrod bull Rarity into the wall with his broad chest, stunning her. Pinkie Pie leapt at his back with a scream, only to be intercepted by one of his massive hind hooves. The blow threw the pink pony back across the room, where she simply stopped moving.
"Rrraaaagh!" Rainbow Dash roared, speeding at Sgt. Ramrod, tears of rage crawling down her face! Instead of meeting the powerful attack, he twisted, throwing her into the wall next to Rarity.
"Oof!" Rainbow Dash slid to the floor, her body battered from the swift impact against the wall. The fight was over.
Hefting the mares one by one over to the far side of the room, Sgt. Ramrod bound them with rope, while his remaining Guard deposited Spike alongside them. Snorting angrily, he looked to his remaining soldier.
"Take Bramble Brush to get some help, then bring four more Guards here. I can handle them until then." He commanded.
"Yessir!" The Guard pony snapped out with a salute, then went about aiding the unconscious Bramble Brush.
As they departed, he turned back to the girls, shaking his head. "Foalishness! Utter foalishness! What did you think you would accomplish!?"
"Had... to save my... friends..." Spike stuttered, still fighting to recover his senses.
"We're trying to protect our home, and each other." Rarity snapped, glaring from where she was laid out on her belly, her usually fine mane and tail frazzled from the brief struggle.
"He hurt my friends... he hurt poor Spike." Fluttershy was still in tears, trying to help Pinkie Pie, who was laid out on her side, coughing hard from the blow to her chest.
The taciturn Sergeant's eyes softened as he looked over the fillies' bruised bodies. This wasn't right. Even if Thundercloud had ordered them brought in, he shouldn't have been so rough with them. Turning his head to one side, he let out a long breath.
"I'm sorry. I should not have been so forceful, but you must understand-"
"No, you need to understand!" Rainbow Dash yelled as best she could, despite how much it hurt. "The Princess is in danger! Thundercloud is gonna help get her killed, and you're just sitting here! I don't know what has gotten into him, and I don't care! This is our home, and we're gonna defend it!"
"Do you really expect me to believe that story about the changelings? Do you think I'm some kind of foal!?"
"Bu-but it's true." Spike managed, looking up at Sgt. Ramrod. "I saw them, and went to get Rainbow Dash so she could report it to-"
Rainbow Dash quickly covered Spike's mouth with a hoof. Despite her attempts, Sgt. Ramrod became alert. "Report it to whom? Who are you working for!?"
"It's not of your business!" Rainbow shot back, glaring at him.
"It is now." Looming closer, Sgt. Ramrod looked ready to get the answer.
"You should tell him. It's the only way." Spike said, pulling her blue hoof from his mouth.
"Rainbow Dash? What's going on here?" Rarity looked curious as well, eyeing her friend worriedly.
Looking about at her friends' concerned faces, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh. "Okay, but nopony else can know about this." Reaching back into her mane, she carefully slipped the two Lieutenant's bars she had hidden there free of her multicolored lochs.
"When I went to the camp with you, Captain Shining Armor took me aside." She said, looking at Sgt. Ramrod. "He said he didn't know what was happening, and that he wanted me to keep an eye out for him. I was supposed to keep it a secret, for everypony's safety, but the truth is that he made me a spy. I'm a Lieutenant, and the commander of the First Eyes of the Guard."
Everypony's eyes went wide at the proclamation, save for Spike, who merely smiled. Taking a step back, Sgt. Ramrod straightened up. "I wish to apologize, ma'am. If it is your wish, I will have my rank stripped, and turn myself over for assaulting an officer."
Shaking her head, Rainbow Dash stood up. "Don't do that. You didn't know, and I wasn't about to tell you. It's not your fault."
"Then please accept my most sincere and humble apologies. I should never have allowed myself to lose control like that."
"It's okay Sergeant. Right now, we have bigger things to worry about! I was telling the truth about Thundercloud, and if we don't hurry, the Princess could be in big trouble!"
"So what do we do?" Rarity asked as she and Fluttershy helped Pinkie Pie sit up.
"What we should have done in the first place!" Rainbow Dash answered. "Spike, I want you to write a warning to Princess Celestia, telling her about the plot against her. Fluttershy and I will go to Canterlot ourselves, just in case. Sgt. Ramrod, you and Rarity go apprehend Thundercloud. He is now an enemy until we can verify otherwise."
"Whu... whashould I do?" Pinkie Pie tried to ask, only to double over in a hacking cough, unable to breathe properly.
"I'm sorry, Pinkie, but you should get to the hospital. I don't want you getting hurt." Rainbow Dash answered, then looked over at Rarity. "Can you help her get there before anything else?"
"Of course, come on Pinkie!" Rarity tried to help her up, but strength failed her. Stepping over, Sgt. Ramrod gently lifted her up.
"My apologies for taking your task, Miss Rarity, but this is my responsibility."
"I understand, Sergeant. Let us go." Rarity replied.
"Come on, Fluttershy! We're going to have to hurry if we're gonna help the Princess!" Rainbow Dash said, hurrying back up the stairs.
"I better get going too." Spike said to himself, limping up after the rest. "Gotta get that message to the Princess before it's too late."
* * *
Zephyr peeked out from under the blanket she'd hidden beneath, frightened breaths heaving from her throat. Fluttershy's house was dark now, and save for the animals within, the pale filly was all alone. She retreated into her hiding place once again, curling up into a little ball. As the last rays of light disappeared from the window, she fell asleep.
"Zephyr." A voice called to her, as if from a great distance. She knew the call well, and felt afraid. "Zephyr."
"No. I don't want to." She squeaked back. The voice had grown closer, until the great yellow eyes of the Dream Taker were over her.
"Now child, if you ever want to stop being afraid, you need to." The old gelding's voice was kindly, like a grandfather she'd never known. "Do you really think that hiding will help you?"
"Hiding makes me safe. I don't want to hurt them." She answered, her reply little more than a sad whine.
"You're not hurting them, just helping them sleep. Don't you like sleeping?" The voice cooed.
"No! I don't want to hurt them!" Zephyr squealed back. "I won't!"
"Don't be silly, child. Your friends are in pain, they need help. Let them sleep, and forget everything."
"Nonononono! I won't make them drink it! I don't want them to go to sleep! They're my friends!" Zephyr cried.
"They are not your friends! They hurt you, made you like this! Now do as I command, you pathetic filly, or I will destroy you too!" The voice suddenly filled with rage, the pale yellow eyes blazing like fire as storm clouds flooded the darkening sky!
"Aaaaaaah!" Zephyr sat up under the blanket with a start, her heart pounding! She had to warn Pinkie Pie! Darting from the safety of her blanket, the little filly raced from the house as fast as her hooves could carry her, tearful determination filling her heart.
* * *
The assassin lay abed, fitful sleep swirling through his mind as he tossed and turned. Within the realm of his dreams, he saw great clouds moving across the sky as if driven by a mighty wind. The dark consuming clouds flooded out the sun as they swept overhead, moving towards a distant Canterlot.
Watching from below, the nameless assassin felt his body tremble at the sight. The Dream Taker was finally coming again, this time to complete his revenge! From out of the clouds, that cold, murderously gentle voice called out to him.
"You have done well, killing Twilight Sparkle. But your work is not yet done. Seek out the holders of the Elements of Harmony, and finish what you started." The Dream Taker commanded, his voice booming like thunder.
Within his heart, the assassin was given pause. He had never worried about killing before, nor did he have any qualms about destroying his master's enemies. Yet this time, there was something different. His thoughts turned to the humble Applejack, who with no reason he could understand, had taken him in, cared for the wounds that marred him, smiled when nopony had ever cared before. Everything he knew, all of his memories, the hatred that had been built up through his long years of suffering seemed a lie in the face of the simple earth pony's honest truth. He knew it was betrayal, that he was casting aside all that the Dream Taker had done for him, but his heart would never rest if he laid a hoof on her.
"No."
"What?" The Dream Taker was taken aback. For a moment, all of the clouds stopped their inexorable course. "What did you say to me?"
"I said no!" The assassin replied, his eyes began to shine for the first time he could remember. "I will not hurt her!"
"You dare to defy me, for the sake of some worthless filly!?" The voice boomed from the heavens, threatening to crush the gelding. Standing his ground, he fixed his gaze on the sky.
"She has been kind to me, something you have never done! I will not hurt her!" He shouted into the storm. "Even if the honesty she has shown me is the only good thing I ever know, I would rather die knowing something good still lives in this world! I will not let you touch her!"
For a moment, it seemed that the clouds would spill from the sky to drown the impudent gelding! Thunder raged, sending it's fearsome call as lightning forked from the sky! The Dream Taker's voice echoed from the highest peaks as he cursed in his fury.
"I will return for you, and your precious filly! You will regret defying my will!" The storm began to move again, leaving him standing unscathed before it's might.
Suddenly everything began to shift, fading away as he felt himself moving involuntarily. His eyes snapped open, showing him the room all about him once again. Leaning over him, her hair a mess from sleep, was Applejack's worried face.
Looking up at her, something deep within the gelding's cold heart warmed, melting away the hatred that had ruled his feelings. Tears started forming along the edges of his eyes, and slowly he smiled.
* * *
Princess Luna let out a gasp as she struggled to lift the moon, her horn glowing with the awesome power flooding through her. Usually it was a simple matter to lift the glowing orb into the sky, but tonight something was different. A great storm had moved across the sky as day closed, she suspected because of how much rain they had missed during the crisis that had led them to war. Still, it seemed strange to her that the moon seemed to have grown so much heavier.
Slowly drifting to the ground, she breathed out a sigh of relief. Perhaps she would ask Celestia why it was so hard today. Her big sister always had answers, even with the strangest things. Plodding slowly into the castle tower, she slowly made her way down into the dark chambers where she slept, suddenly feeling the desire to sleep returning.
Shaking her head, she stared out at the gloomy sky through her window. A knock came to her door, announcing somepony's presence. For a long moment, the Princess considered merely ignoring them. No, it would be rude, a habit she had been trying to abandon. Rising from where she had sat, the elegant pony summoned up a burst of magic to open the door.
"Milady, we have your breakfast for you." The Guard announced. He was one of Luna's, a stallion named Night Owl. Luna love to tease him by calling him Hootie, and he would always feign offense, much to the Princess' amusement!
"Why thank you, Hootie! I'm sure it will be delicious!" She waited with a cheerful smile for his tirade as a servant passed her, bringing in a grand bowl of greens and sliced fruit.
"Of course, milady." Night Owl replied curtly, bringing a frown to Luna's face. Why was he not playing along? He always played along!
"Is something wrong?" Luna asked.
"No, everything is perfectly normal." The Guard answered, almost callously. "Good night, Princess."
In a fit of pique, Luna summoned a burst of magic, aiming the blow right at the back of Night Owl's head. The swirling dark energy smashed into him, throwing the Guard pony over. Realizing what a cruel thing she'd done, Luna was about to apologize when a wave of green fire seemed to sweep over her loyal protector, revealing not the pony she expected, but a changeling!
"Wait, you're not-" She cut herself off, looking over at the servant in realization. "Intruders!"
When nopony answered, Luna felt fear grip her. Calling forth her magic, she repelled the now advancing changelings, only to see more turning up in the corridor outside. Racing back up the tower, she felt panic setting in! With the struggle to lift the moon, she didn't feel strong enough to fight so many! How had they gotten all the way to Canterlot!?
Reaching her balcony, Luna was about to fly away when the skittering creatures caught her, dragging her to the ground. Releasing another blast of magic, she threw one of her attackers off, only to have another take it's place. Battered and weakening, the Princess was about to fall when a cry broke the night, drawing the changelings' attention.
"Save the Princess!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she came rocketing into the fray, knocking several of the insect-like beings about! Fluttershy flew in behind her, doing her best to push back the evil looking creatures.
"Rainbow Dash!? Fluttershy!? What are you doing here!?" Luna asked in surprise as she rose to fight again.
"There was a plot to overthrow you and Princess Celestia! We came as soon as we could!" Rainbow Dash answered as she planted a hoof squarely into a chitinous jaw.
"Why did you not simply send us a message of warning?"
"We did, or at least Spike was going to. I'm not sure why it hasn't arrived yet." Rainbow Dash explained as they continued to fight.
"Retreat! Retreat!" One of the changelings shouted, drawing the force back as several Royal Guard pegasi came swooping down upon the tower, quickly encircling the intruders. A few of them tried to change their form, but the effort was useless.
"Thank you all." Luna looked about at her rescuers. "Now let us find out what has happened!"
Lifting the fake Night Owl from the ground by his hind hoof, Luna glared in the changeling's face. "What are you doing here!? Tell me now!"
"Keeheeheehee! You are too late! The master's plan is done!" The changeling laughed. Luna's heart began to sink. Dropping the creature, she took flight, heading for her sister's tower.
"C'mon Fluttershy! She might need help!" Rainbow Dash leapt after the Princess, followed by Fluttershy.
The three ponies landed upon the balcony, then trotted down into the chambers, searching for Celestia. Luna burst through her sister's door and stopped, her eyes filling with tears at the sight before her.
Princess Celestia was there, laid out upon her grand bed, her pastel rainbow mane arrayed neatly where she rested. A half-eaten bowl similar to Luna's was sitting within hoof's reach, next to a scroll still rolled and sealed.
"Sister!" Luna cried out, rushing forward, shaking her elder sibling vigorously. "Wake up, Tia! Wake up! Oh please wake up!"
"Princess..." Rainbow Dash whispered, tears crawling down her cheeks as Fluttershy began to cry.
Princess Celestia was gone... |
There is a Season | A Time to Love, A Time to Hate | Chapter 15
A Time to Love, A Time to Hate
"I don't see the point of this." Chrysalis hissed irritably, glaring at the Dream Taker to hide her fear. "Why do you need my possession spell?"
Shaking his head at her doubt, the old stallion frowned. "Have you learned nothing?" He paced away from her, crossing the floor of the rune marked Chamber of Magus.
"But the spell doesn't work unless somepony is willing to listen to you." She retorted, yet felt that she was missing something.
"Exactly! Why do you think it was so important to lure Thundercloud into the fold?" The Dream Taker asked.
Chrysalis stopped to think for a moment. The possession spell had been one of her favorites during the wedding, when she not only used it on her husband to be, but also upon the foolish bridesmaids that had been attending her. Without that loyalty, they would never have listened to her, let alone fallen under the spell. If they brought Thundercloud in, then...
The answer hit Queen Chrysalis like a wall! "He can command anypony in the Guard! With the possession spell, you can give him control of the entire army of Equestria!"
"Bravo." The old pony beat a clap with one hoof against the stone. "Finally, you are beginning to see the brilliance of my design."
"Wait, how would you gain the power you need though? The spell is hardly a simple one, and from here, you would need an enormous amount of power to accomplish it. Your plan will fail!" Chrysalis felt she had finally bested her erstwhile partner! Surely he had no answer for that!
Her pride was short lived, seeing that mocking smile play across his lips. "You were so close, but there is one thing you missed."
Beside herself with fury, Chrysalis was ready to attack the old pony! She only hesitated when instead of answering, he began to change. It started as a small swirl upon his flank, turning the blotch of grey black that was his cutie mark into a vortex that twisted like the heart of a whirlpool. As the Queen watched, curiosity, then surprise widened her eyes at the sight. His cutie mark was changing, turning bright yellow and orange, then taking shape in the form of...
"The sun..." Chrysalis could hardly believe it. "Y-you did it... Celestia's power..."
"...is mine." The Dream Taker finished with a smile. "My agents were on the move even before we approached Thundercloud. A number of changelings happened to join the wounded heading to Canterlot with Shining Armor's Royal Guard. Once there, they dealt with the Princesses Royal Guards, replacing them. Others whipped up a royal dinner for the two of them, each with enough sleeping juice to put a buffalo unconscious. Once Celestia slept, she was unguarded, with nopony warding her dreams. They were... extravagant."
Chrysalis wanted to scream with joy! Her victory was finally at hand! With the help of the Dream Taker, she could conquer Equestria, and all that she had longed for since that fateful wedding day would finally come to pass!
Then a sobering thought began nagging at her from the back of her mind. It hadn't been her victory at all. Despite how much she would have reaped from it, the truth was that without the Dream Taker, there was no victory. She had been used, just like Thundercloud, played like Celestia, and duped like all those foals he had tricked into their hatred. With his victory secure, it was only a matter of time before he cast her aside too. Turning her attention back to the old pony, she resolved to ensure that it would be her that came out on top!
"I think that with all of that power, a pony might forget his place." Chrysalis said, eyeing the Dream Taker.
"Oh yes, she might." He replied.
"Wait-" Chrysalis' eyes went wide with fear! As she had been thinking, the gelding had slowly circled the room, activating runes as he went! He was preparing some kind of spell!
"Goodbye, you've been a wonderful pawn. Hahahahaha." His soft laugh echoed throughout the chamber as the runes glowed bright, sending a terrible light swarming around the changeling Queen!
"No! You can't do this!" Chrysalis cried, feeling her body stiffen as stone slowly engulfed her. "I served you! I was faithful to you! How could you do this to me!?"
"Simply. Your time is done, your purpose served. You are useless to me now." The old pony plodded from the chamber, leaving the petrified Chrysalis in his wake.
* * *
Twilight Sparkle found herself sitting outside of Zecora's house in the growing gloom of the Everfree Forest, unwilling to return to the happy light glowing softly from the windows. Night was settling, blackening what little shreds of the sky could be seen, and casting walls of darkness around her, yet she remained, her mind and emotions locked in a roiling struggle as she kept her vigil, praying that Boldheart would return.
It was all her fault that he'd left, she was sure of it... Rolling a stone back and forth, she continued berating herself silently, until tears began welling up in her eyes. Unable to hold it all in, Twilight opened her mouth, sending soft notes ringing out in the nighttime stillness.
"Oh how lonely I've been,
Not even knowing what I feel,
Lost in feelings so very real,
Yet I denied myself what my heart longed for..."
Far away, wandering the dark paths of the forest, Boldheart stared up at the canopy shrouded night sky, his gaze fixing on six tiny stars that glimmered through the trees above. Despite going off to be alone, the young Guard pony's thoughts continually turned back to Twilight. Closing his eyes, he began to sing out the words that held onto his heart.
"Why'd I leave you behind,
When you live in my every thought?
You are all that I have sought,
And yet so very much more!"
Twilight rose from where she was sitting, her plodding steps taking her into the darkened woods, unknowingly towards her friend. Her voice grew stronger with each step as she began to realize what she'd known all along.
"Though I cannot see,
The path laid out before me,
There is hope in my heart,
I won't remain apart for long!"
She began to trot, her pace carrying her swiftly through the night! Her horn took on it's purple glow, shining like a star through the darkness!
"My heart is yours!
Through every trial,
All I need is your smile,
To brighten my day!"
Boldheart's ear perked, bringing his head up. There amidst the formless shapes looming about him, a tiny sparkle of light pierced the blackness. Feeling his spirit lifting up as if on wings, Boldheart smiled as his own hooves beat a path through the underbrush!
"Now I finally see,
Where my course leads me,
With you drawing near,
I have nothing to fear!"
Abandoning himself to the unbridled joy that filled him, Boldheart cantered towards the light, his own voice echoing out to mingle with Twilight's!
"My heart is yours!
Light shines through,
When I see you,
I know where I belong!"
The two unicorns came to a sudden stop in a small clearing, their eyes meeting as their hearts quickened. Their voices softened as they drew closer, slowly circling each other in the glade. Moonlight cascaded down through the trees, touching dewdrops with it's caress, surrounding Twilight and Boldheart with a thousand radiant stars.
"My heart is yours." Boldheart sang out.
"My heart is yours." Twilight answered.
"It's just the two of us,
In love we trust,
What we've been longing for!" They sang together, drawing closer until their horns touched.
"My heart is yours!" Boldheart smiled.
"My heart is yours!" Twilight blushed.
"Here we've come to see,
our destiny,
All that we need and more!" Again their voices mingled, even as they snuggled their heads together.
"My heart is yours!"
"My heart is yours!"
"Finally we can share,
How much we care!
A love worth living for!"
"My heart is yours."
"My heart is yours."
Twilight felt Boldheart's lips brush hers, igniting a spark deep within her heart. Closing her eyes, the filly pressed herself into the kiss, lost in the beautiful moment. Silence reigned once more, leaving the two unicorns in the glow of each other's love.
* * *
Rarity and Sgt. Ramrod made their way through the darkened streets from the hospital to the library. The burly Sergeant had been quiet on their journey, as if he didn't have the strength to keep carrying himself.
Rarity simply watched for a while, seeing the reaction leaving Pinkie Pie in the doctors' care had left upon him. He was hurt, not physically, but deeper, like a knife had been plunged into his soul. Unable to leave him to his quiet any longer, the mare spoke.
"Don't be so upset with yourself. You were doing your duty."
"My duty..." Ramrod replied, his voice weak. "My duty has been the excuse for many things as of late. I made unreasonable demands upon those I am sworn to protect, I took away the freedom of those I am meant to give freedom to, I took unlawful orders from a traitor, all in the name of duty!"
"I-" He was about to go on, but a choked sob cut his voice off. Rarity looked up at the massive warhorse in surprise. He was crying.
"You were doing what you were supposed to." Rarity replied sympathetically. "How were you supposed to know that Thundercloud would betray your trust? You did what any good friend should, putting your doubts behind you, and doing your best for somepony you thought was right. It isn't your fault. If anything, you have shown just how loyal you are."
Sgt. Ramrod let out a heaving sigh. "But I hurt her..."
"Who? Pinkie Pie?" Rarity asked.
"Yes. She had been nothing but accepting and cheerful since I arrived, and I hurt her needlessly." He looked Rarity squarely in the eyes, tear trails etching his fur alongside deep scars. "Nopony had been as loving to me as her, and I let her down, turned on her."
"I see," Rarity replied, "but Pinkie Pie will forgive you. Of everypony I have ever met, she is the first to let go of what happened, to forget any hurt, and to love unconditionally. You are her friend, and I know even now, she has already forgiven you. Right now, she needs you to set things right, so that we can all be happy and free."
Sgt. Ramrod stopped, staring up at the heavens above. For several moments, he simply remained still, conflict filling his eyes. Setting his jaw, he let his head fall with a sigh, then looked up at Rarity. "You're right. I can't help her right now, but I can make sure that this never happens again."
"That's the spirit! Now let's go take care of that nasty Thundercloud." Rarity smiled grimly.
"I wouldn't worry too much about that." A voice called out from the darkness above.
Looking up, Rarity saw the white pegasus Captain descending from the sky, flanked by a squadron of Royal Guards. The sight would usually have given the mare a smile, had it not been for the mindless green glow that filled the Guards' eyes. Thundercloud stepped forward, grinning as his pegasus minions surrounded the pair.
"So, consorting with the enemy, I see." Thundercloud accused, looking squarely at Ramrod.
"They are not our enemies! What has gotten into you!?" The earth pony demanded back, facing his former friend.
"I have seen the light, that's what!" Thundercloud shot back. "The monarchy is failing, and the time for a new leader has come! I will be that leader!"
"You can't do that!" Rarity cut in, her voice raised. "Princess Celestia would never allow for it!"
"The Princess is already dead! Soon I will be made King, the savior of Equestria! You best learn your place, little peasant!" Thundercloud stared down his nose at her, snorting. "Now I command you to stand down, Sergeant! Take this pony into custody!"
For a moment, the green glow of possession lit within the Sergeant's eyes as his will battled against the magic reaching out through Thundercloud's words. With a shout, he reared up, then slammed his hooves down, shaking the ground!
"No! I am no longer in your service, traitor!" He roared, glaring at the haughty pegasus.
"Very well then! Guards! Take them into custody!" The possessed guards rushed the pair, hooves grasping weapons as they lunged to take Rarity and Ramrod prisoner.
Despite being unarmed, Sgt. Ramrod was far from defenseless. Years of standing as a defender of Equestria had honed his fighting instincts, and as they plunged down upon him, those instincts took over. He twisted swiftly, avoiding a deadly spear thrust, repaying the attack with a blow that knocked the unfortunate Guard clean out! Raising the spear, he parried two more blows, while catching a third strike with his iron shod forehoof.
"Rarity, I need you to run! Get help!" He fixed her with one eye. "I will hold them off!"
He wasn't coming. Realizing the sacrifice Ramrod was making, the unicorn gritted her teeth. As the earth pony battered one of the Guards aside, she rushed out of the fight, running as fast as she could. Behind her, the valiant Sergeant held his ground, roaring a battle cry as he fought for his life against the telling numbers of the Guard.
Watching the fight, Thundercloud shook his head. The possessed Royal Guards were so fixed upon the fight that they couldn't even keep track of one little unicorn. Looking over to his remaining pegasus, the scrawny Wildfire.
"Don't let her get away." He ordered.
"Yes sir!" The cheeky Wildfire's grin widened, despite the green glow filling his eyes. Even mind control couldn't completely repress his foalish personality. He shot off into the air, then dove after the fleeing Rarity.
Thundercloud smiled as he watched Wildfire disappear into the night, then turned back to the fight, where Sgt. Ramrod was now reeling under the cruel blows of his fellow Guard ponies. There would be no stopping the mighty Thundercloud again! Equestria was his!
* * *
Princess Celestia felt life returning to her, or something like it. As her eyes opened, she beheld the dark, ruinous landscape that would have been her kingdom, save for the utter devastation that blanketed everything in a gray pall of despair.
The mighty towers of Canterlot were broken and shattered, much of the glorious city lay collapsed down the mountainside where it had stood. Manehattan was a stark, flooded swamp, where buildings crumbled into the murky waters by the sea. Ponyville had been consumed by fire, leaving only gutted, blackened skeletons of buildings behind. Fillydelphia, Trottingham, Las Pegasus, everywhere she looked, Equestria was in ruins.
"Hello, is anyone there!?" The Princess called out, yet it seemed as if the weight of the very air muted her cries. "Can anypony hear me?"
No answer came to her, sending a chill down her spine. Slowly she made her way from her tower, her eyes darting here and there, searching for any hope of survivors. Through the royal hall she walked, looking sadly at the chamber where Shining Armor and Cadence had said their vows, now marred by the ravages of dust and time, the beautiful windows broken.
The courtyard was little more than a wasteland beyond, the royal gardens had been torn up and ripped apart, filled with countless ruined statues and sad memorials of once lovely monuments, now in ruins. Celestia was about to pass by when she noticed a lone statue still standing amidst the destruction.
A feeling of desperation flooded through the usually confident Princess, and in a most undignified manner she charged across the grounds to the base of the lone statue. There, untouched by the ruination of her lands, the still proud visage of Everbold stood proud, defiant against the nightmare which surrounded her.
Celestia dropped to the ground before the statue, memories of that seemingly distant day when she had comforted Luna before it returning. How she longed to be with her sister again, to know that Equestria was safe and free under their gentle rule.
Suddenly the sky began to swirl, and a massive column of cloud descended before her, forming into the great cloaked shape of the Dream Taker, his pale, moonlike eyes glowing as they fixed upon her.
"There is no hope, Celestia. Your land has fallen to my grasp." The great apparition said, it's voice rumbling like thunder from deep within the murky black cowl. "Everything you ever loved or treasured has been destroyed, all laid to waste."
"So you're the Dream Taker! I have heard much of the pain you caused us all!" The Princess replied imperiously, refusing to be cowed by the sinister form. "Reveal yourself! I will have no more of these games!"
"You wish to see me? To face the doom that you have brought upon all of Equestria? Very well."
Celestia was about to make a second demand, only to stop in surprise. She had not expected the almighty Dream Taker to show his true form. Perhaps it was fear, or merely anticipation of what would come, but she stood there watching, completely enamored as the cloud formed cloak swept away, the massive false visage crumbling before her.
As the dark swaths faded away from the humble silhouette, Celestia felt a terror grip her soul like none she had ever known. The sort of terror a child has when their parents are angry, or a foal feels when they cower before the rolling booms and flashes of a thunderstorm.
The simple grey pony emerged, his old face softly wrinkled, the frailness of his years marking his body. Peeking through the still thick mane upon his head, a tiny nub sat, all that remained of his proud horn.
"Hello, my little dawn star." He spoke softly, yet his voice carried with it the power of a thousand stallions charging down a hill.
"Magus!?" |
There is a Season | What Shall We Fight For | Chapter 16
What Shall We Fight For
Applejack awoke with a start. Somepony was making a ruckus at the front door, and by the sound of it, they weren't about to go away. Pulling herself from her bed, the earth pony hobbled past Big Mac's room, pausing only to glance at the door. Her brother had left to find their sister, leaving her alone with Granny Smith. As she made her way downstairs, she grumbled to herself about the inconsiderate nature of some ponies. Another loud series of raps thudded against the door, slowly driving her temper up the wall.
"Ah'm a comin'! Hold yer horses!" She hollered irritably as she arrived at the front door. Pulling it open, she blinked in surprise at the small contingent of armed Guard ponies waiting for her. "Ah... is there sumthin' ah can do fer you gennelponies?"
"Applejack, by order of Captain Thundercloud, you are to be taken into custody. Resist and we will use force." Despite the Guard's calm tone, Applejack could feel the lusty aggression in his tone. This pony meant her harm. Anger began building within the already irate Applejack.
"Ya wanna know what ah got ta say ta that?" She asked, pushing open the door, stepping up to the bigger stallion. "Ah ain't goin'! If'n ya want ta make a fight of it, ah'l gladly oblige ya!"
Grinning cruelly, the possessed light flashed within his eyes as he lunged at her, moving to crush her under his body. Applejack was ready, and instead of backing down, she lowered her head, then kicked with her hind legs, ramming her straw maned head squarely into the stallion's stomach. With a gasp of pain, the stallion reeled back, trying to suck in air as the other Guard ponies lunged at the lone mare. Applejack lashed out in every direction, bucking and kicking her foes with her strong, workhorse legs. A blow to her side sent her reeling, followed by another and another as she was knocked to the ground, unable to aim any more kicks up at them.
Fighting just to breathe, Applejack felt panic overcome her senses as the ruthless Guard ponies beat her. Stars flashed in her vision as everything started blurring. The pain in her body was dulling away, as if everything were fading. At least... at least they wouldn't find Big Mac or Apple Bloom... they wouldn't hurt Granny Smith or... or...
Suddenly the Guard pony over her was thrown aside as if struck by an awesome force. Peering up through a blackened eye, Applejack could only barely make out the form of the dark grey-brown pony moving between her and the tormentors. The surprised Guard ponies lunged again, snarling and snorting at the wounded newcomer, reaching for swords and spears as they rushed forward. Taking one of the bandages in his teeth, the gelding whipped his head about, wrapping up the seeking spear blades within it's folds. Caught off guard by the maneuver, they were completely unprepared for the assassin's attack.
Diving between the nearest two, he slammed his head up, catching the pony squarely across the jaw with his blunted horn, sending the unfortunate Guard pony reeling! The second tried to turn, only to stumble as the deadly combatant kicked a leg out from under him, dropping him to the ground.
The remaining Guards pulled together and rushed their attacker. Applejack, having staggered back to her feet, managed to pivot herself, embedding a full on mule kick into the Guard's side, cracking the armored plate protecting him as he fell. One of the others, a massive unicorn, looked back at her, scowling as he turned to skewer her with a deadly spear thrust. Seeing Applejack in danger, the assassin leapt out instinctively, battering the spear aside as he embedded a discarded blade into the body of the unicorn.
The battered Guard ponies, seeing that the fight was lost, staggered away from the avenging stallion. Snorting heavily, the assassin held his ground long enough to watch them go. As the last one disappeared into the orchard, he looked back at Applejack, a smile forming on his lips. Then without warning, he let out a strangled sigh and dropped to the ground as his foreleg gave out, the once bandaged wound now bleeding freely again.
Applejack staggered up to her rescuer, distress written on her face. "Don' worry, ah'll getcha some help. Ah'll... ah... oh..." Overcome with weariness and wounds, the redoubtable earth pony collapsed to the ground, her mind going blank...
* * *
Perhaps it was Boldheart's presence that made Twilight feel safe, for though they were deep in the Everfree Forest, the fear she usually felt seemed so far off. Walking closely to him, she snuggled her head against his neck. After all that had happened, all of the confusion, she finally understood what Rarity had been so excited for. Love, pure and simple! Even in the darkest night, surrounded by fearsome things, she couldn't help but be happy knowing that he was right here.
A drop of rain snapped Twilight out of her reverie. Looking up, the lavender pony frowned as more drops started filtering through the treetops, plopping down heavy droplets across her. Smiling wryly at her companion, she shook her head to clear the water. "Maybe we should find somewhere dry before this storm soaks us through."
Boldheart nodded in agreement, smiling back at her. "You know, the raindrops make you look like a Princess with diamonds in her mane."
"Oh stop it!" She giggled, pushing a muddy hoof into his face.
"Stop it yourself!" He laughed, nudging her side, eliciting a cheerful squeal from her.
Twilight scampered away from the teasing Boldheart, feeling as lighthearted as a filly as she frolicked through the trees. He wasted no time giving chase, delighting in the game. Sweeping through the dark, rainy night, the two unicorns' merriment rang out as they trotted through the woods, far too lost in their play to care of any peril. Soon they were worn out, panting and nudging each other as they passed out of the darkened woodlands, onto the path to Ponyville.
"Ah!" Twilight exclaimed, recognizing the road. "Fluttershy's house will be that way. I'm sure she won't mind letting us come in."
Shaking out his rain soaked mane, Boldheart looked over at her. "I hope she doesn't mind. I'd hate to intrude."
"Don't worry, Fluttershy's always willing to help out." Twilight replied confidently as the pair made their way towards Fluttershy's tree home.
As they approached, Twilight started feeling something out of place. Speeding up to a trot, she hurried to the open, swinging door, alarm swelling inside her. "Fluttershy!? Is anypony here!?"
When no answer came, she rushed in, her eyes searching the darkened interior. The house was quiet, save for several startled looking animals peering out from their cubby holes and nests set haphazardly about the room. Suddenly a small white bolt shot into her, knocking the startled pony over with a cry.
"Twilight! Are you okay!?" Boldheart rushed in, and immediately started stifling a giggle at the scene. Twilight was on her back, being assaulted by the tiny white form of Angel bunny, who was bouncing up and down on her chest, making wild gestures with his forepaws. "Oh my, what a little terror you've found!"
"Angel? Where's Fluttershy?" Twilight asked, looking at the frantic creature.
Angel promptly began his pantomime again, gritting his teeth and swinging one fist as if hitting something. Then he softened his expression, put his paws out, pulled them in, and leaned forward. He returned to the angry face, and gestured for somepony to follow. He opened his eyes wide in mock surprise, waving his paws in front of him as if refusing something. Gritting his teeth again, he imitated grabbing something, then stomping off, ending his charade once he'd stepped clear of Twilight.
"Um... what?" Twilight looked nonplussed at the display.
Smacking his head, Angel gritted his teeth and started pointing towards Ponyville.
"Somepony came and took her to Ponyville?" Boldheart asked.
Nodding vigorously, the little bunny bounced up and down, now pointing wildly at Ponyville.
"Somepony forced her to go there?" Twilight asked.
Finally looking satisfied, Angel nodded vigorously. The two unicorns faced each other, worry creasing their features. "We should go find out where Fluttershy is."
* * *
Rarity ran like she had never run before! Wildfire was close upon her, drawing nearer and nearer with every beat of his wings. She knew she had no hope of outrunning him, and that had it not been for the fact that he was toying with her, it would be over already. Swerving around between two buildings, the dainty unicorn gasped for breath as she charged down the narrow alleyway, her heart threatening to give out.
"Getting tired already?" Wildfire asked, a sinister grin upon his face as he closed in on her from behind. "I wanted to have some fun with you before I brought you back!"
"You wouldn't dare lay a hoof on me!" Rarity, too exhausted to continue her sprint, turned about, facing the menacing pegasus.
"Oh, this is gonna be fun!" Wildfire laughed, his hooves carrying him closer and closer to the retreating unicorn.
"No! Stay away from me!" She jerked away as he lunged, his possessed eyes filled with a revolting hunger as he swept down upon her.
"Leave her alone!" A small voice shouted from behind him, bringing Wildfire up short. He whipped around to face this new challenger.
"And just who are you?" He snarled.
"The name's Spike," the little dragon replied, raising a long dagger he'd retrieved from a Guard, "and I won't let you touch her."
"Big words for such a little runt!" The arrogant Guard pegasus smirked.
"Spike? What are you doing!? He'll hurt you!" Rarity called, fear spreading across her face.
"I'm doing what I have to." Spike replied grimly, and with an impossibly swift lunge, he darted down the alley towards Wildfire, heedless of his own safety.
"So you want to play! I'll teach you for messing with me!" Wildfire dragged his own sword free with a flourish, rising on his armored wings to swoop down upon his foe!
Rarity could only watch in horrified fascination as the tiny dragon clashed with the battle hardened pegasus. Blades danced in the night, singing against each other as the clouded skies began to rain. A sudden flash illuminated the scene far below as a roar of thunder punctuated the heavy clash of steel upon steel. Outmatched by the more skilled pegasus, Spike backpedalled, parrying as the heavier blade sought his flesh.
Seeing his opponent weakening, Wildfire pressed the attack, smashing Spike's dagger to one side. Desperately, the smaller combatant threw himself to one side, feeling the stinging bite of the sword on his cheek and shoulder. Twisting back against Wildfire's sword hoof, he bit savagely, drawing blood and forcing the Guard pony to drop his weapon. He didn't see the pegasus' other forehoof until it slammed into his face, sending him reeling.
Rarity, driven to fury at the sight of Wildfire beating Spike, threw herself upon his back, pummeling him with her hooves. Snarling furiously, the pegasus whirled, throwing the unicorn to the ground. Reaching out, he gripped his sword again with his left hoof, then brought it about in another deadly arc as he slashed at Rarity's chest. Lunging back, she breathed a gasp of relief when the blade hummed past her. Then the pain came. Looking down, the fashionista saw a long, bloody weal staining her fur in a vicious line across her chest. Staggering back, she fell to the ground, holding her hooves to the wound as she gritted her teeth in pain.
"Ahahahaha! Looks like you're finished, little filly!" Wildfire laughed, lifting the glittering, rainswept sword into the air as lightning illuminated the sky.
Spike shook his head, spattering raindrops from him as he regained his senses. His eyes fixed upon the scene, going wide at the sight. Gripping the dagger in his claw, the little dragon lunged from the ground...
* * *
Thundercloud walked towards Town Hall, escorted by Rocktrotter and his possessed Guards. Nearby Sgt. Ramrod was dragged limply along, new bruises and scars added to the old ones. Nopony would resist him now! He would soon have the Element Bearers, the Princesses were out of the way, and the only ponies who could stand in the way were either dead or in no condition to oppose his new rule! As he stepped up onto the covered walkway outside of his destination, one of the Guards trotted up.
"Sir, two unicorns are approaching. I think one of them is an Element Bearer."
"What!?" Thundercloud shouted, glaring at the unfortunate Guard. Had Wildfire failed to bring that prissy little brat to hoof? "When I get my hooves on that worthless..." He stopped cold. There in the road, illuminated by a flash of lightning through the driving rain, and very much alive, stood Twilight Sparkle, along with that worthless Guard pony, Boldheart!
"Thundercloud! What did you do with my friends!?" Twilight demanded, her eyes hardening.
"Ah, so I see you lived." He said lightly, then dropped his tone to a deadly serious one. "An unfortunate mistake. Don't you worry about your friends, they'll soon be going the way of Princess Celestia, to the bottom of a deep hole."
Twilight felt her heart seize up. "Wh-what did you say!? You can't talk about the Princess that way!"
"I will speak of her however I want! Do you not know!? Princess Celestia is dead!"
"Lies!" Twilight felt tears mingling with the rain. "You're a liar! How could you even think such a thing!?"
"You know, the truth hurts, especially losing a loved one, but it was her time, and soon, the throne of Equestria will be mine for the taking!" Thundercloud laughed. "You and your precious Princess are finished! My time is now!"
Boldheart drew up next to Twilight, glaring up at Thundercloud. "That's enough Thundercloud! I can't believe you would do all of this, after I looked up to you! I thought you were loyal, that everything we fought for meant something to you!"
"Oh don't give me that, you pathetic excuse for a Guard pony! You're nothing more than a pitiful runaway, who wouldn't even have made it into the Guard if that foalish Shining Armor weren't taking everypony he could get his hooves on! You're nothing more than an embarrassment, a disgrace! Look at you, simpering over that filly like you care about her, trying to be the big hero! But I see through your simple act! You just hoped she would make you look better in front of her brother!"
"No! I would never do that! She's my friend!" Boldheart shouted back angrily, doubt welling within his heart. He looked to Twilight, his eyes begging her to believe him.
"Is she!? Would you have even spared that bookish mare a glance had it not been for who she was related to!? You're no less of a grasping, greedy pony than you accuse me of being! Just admit it, you're nothing! A worthless little blank flank with nothing to show for himself save a crush on the Captain's sister!"
"No, no, no!" Boldheart felt his heart breaking, dropping to his haunches. "I-I do love her..! I do..."
Snorting at the pair, Thundercloud turned back towards the door. "Guards, take them away! I don't want to see either of them..." He looked back. "...ever again."
* * *
Princess Celestia felt her power waning away. How could she have let this happen? Her home, all of Equestria, was doomed because she had been too foalish to see what was happening. Despair slowly cloyed at her senses, threatening to drown her in the morass of the nightmare forever, and she didn't even feel like fighting back. What was the point? Everything would come to an end, Magus the Dream Taker had won...
She stared up to the sky, wishing that for one last time, she might see her beloved sun through the clouds. Her hopes dashed at the sight of the great dark gloom that drifted overhead, sweeping across the heavens. Wait, why were they moving? As the Princess watched, she saw that the clouds seemed to be going somewhere, as if intent and will were guiding them.
Spreading her wings, Celestia took to the sky, following the dark clouds across the vast ether, seeking their destination. Mist choked at her breath as tendrils tried to pull her back to the ground as she pressed further onward, stubbornly refusing to give in to the grip of despair.
What was that? A light! There was a light ahead! Almost overcome with joy, Celestia threw herself towards the source of the beam as it was choked off by clouds.
"Little Celestia, do you really intend to oppose me?" The voice of Magus boomed out around her like thunder.
"I don't know what you're trying to hide, Magus, but I will find it!" She called back, beating her wings harder as she drew herself up into the heavens, breaking through the darkness brought on by the Dream Taker's power. There! The source of the light!
Surrounded by thick, dark clouds forming into great fangs, Celestia saw down into Equestria, where Boldheart and Twilight were facing Thundercloud. Emanating from the two unicorns was a light, brilliant as the sun. As they talked, however, the light grew dimmer, stealing away the color and light that had beamed so brightly before. Then she saw Magus, his power moving in the clouds as he moved to consume them! The great dark cloak twisted around them, dragging the hopes and dreams of countless victims in it's wake.
Celestia dove from her vantage point, landing near them. She wanted to reach out, to comfort her student and give hope to them, but it was no use. She was a witness, nothing more. A massive claw of shadow swept down past her, reaching for Boldheart's flank. Stepping closer, Celestia's eyes went wide in surprise at what she saw. A cutie mark, that of a golden heart bound in steel, was trying to reach the pony, yet Magus had cast his claws out to hold it back, keeping the mark from it's pony.
"It's no use, little one. This is the realm of dreams, where I am King. There is no hope for these two. Their light is going out, and soon I will consume them as well." Magus' terrible visage smiled down from above, his soft, mocking tone taunting her.
Shaking her head, Celestia squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't let you do this! I don't care who you are, nor what happens to me! Let them go, or I will fight you!"
"You know how that would end, my little dawn star. I will not be challenged here."
"Then let it be my last act! I will not let you hurt my beloved student, even if it costs me everything I have!" Summoning what little magic she had left, Celestia focused it into a solid beam of light, casting it into the vast form! The darkness, unable to remain within the presence of the light, retreated from her power as if scorched!
"Aaargh! You dare! So be it then!" Magus flooded down at her, grasping and encompassing Celestia, the dark, oozing smoke choking every bit of light and joy out of her as it filled her senses, until nothing but a defeated, grey mare was left lying upon the ground.
"Foolish Celestia, you didn't have to suffer like that. I would have let you be, but your stubborn pride has cost you everything now." He scoffed, squinting down at the vanquished Princess.
He did not see the peace upon her face, nor the little heart that had descended, settling upon Boldheart. |
There is a Season | No Greater Love | Chapter 17
No Greater Love
"Eeeaaaaah!" Spike's blade parted the rain as it glittered in the night, reflecting a burst of lightning as it flashed overhead. It impacted the plates of armor shielding Wildfire's back, there was a terrible screech as steel met steel, neither force willing to give in, yet in that moment there was a new strength that overcame both, the might of a dragon. With a crack to match the thunder bellowing above, the steel plate shattered, breaking the dagger blade off at the hilt as it snapped. Wildfire's eyes went wide, his pupils dilating as he felt the deadly shard of steel pierce his wing driving deep into his back.
Sheer agony overwhelmed his senses, sending a tremor through his body. His sword slid off his rain soaked hoof, and collapsed to the ground with a clatter. The Guard pony let out several surprised gasps, then sagged after his discarded weapon, his eyes glazing over as pain claimed him.
Rarity laid back in stunned silence, mascara streaking down her face as she stared openmouthed at the fallen Guard pony. Spike, feeling his senses returning, let the broken dagger hilt fall from his claw as he stepped around his fallen foe. Concern replaced all reason within him, and he held out his hand to his wounded friend. Unsure of how to feel, Rarity accepted his claw, allowing him to lift her from the ground. Leaning up under her weight, Spike silently aided the shocked Rarity back through the now muddy streets to Carousel Boutique.
The little dragon felt his own turmoil beginning to rage out of control. He had just wounded a pony, possibly even killed, and yet he felt no remorse for the fallen Guard. Wildfire had attacked one of his friends, wounded her with no regard for the consequences. Spike wanted to hate himself, was sure Rarity would think he was a monster. Wasn't that what dragons did? Hurt ponies and acted like monsters? He wasn't sure what to think.
They entered Rarity's home in continued silence, Spike helping to seat Rarity before he went digging about, finally coming up with some clean, thick fabric. He walked up to the white pony, binding it carefully over the bloodstained slash over her chest. Then, going to her bathroom, he retrieved a clean towel to wrap around her. Every step he took seemed to drain him, as sorrowful sobs overcame his stoic resolve, and by the time he returned to her, he was sobbing uncontrollably.
"Spike..." Rarity whispered, fixing her deep blue eyes on him.
"Yeah?" He asked through a sniffle.
"Thank you," a concerned smile broke her solemn expression, "my brave little knight."
The little dragon collapsed to the floor, wracked by grief that overwhelmed him. Rarity looked up slowly, drawing a blanket with her magic to wrap around her little friend. There the two of them remained, bound by an act of valor, a loss of innocence, and the pain of regret.
* * *
The Dream Taker had seen enough! That foal Thundercloud didn't even have the nerves to finish Twilight Sparkle and Boldheart on his own! The furious gelding yelled in impotent fury, beating at the stone walls of his ornately carved chamber. "After all of this time! All of my work! He will risk it through his inaction!?"
Stomping down on one of the extraordinarily carved runes, he noticed something. Slowly a laugh began bubbling up in his throat, echoing out through the chamber and the vast caverns beyond. "Hahahaha! That's it! I will weave the possession spell with the dreamwalk spell! I will not tolerate failure, Thundercloud. Now you will be punished for defying me. Hahahahahaaa!"
Dashing from rune to rune, the elderly gelding pressed his severed horn to each in turn, igniting the powerful magics woven into the stones. Soon the room was illuminated with neon lights as the countless tiny sigils beamed out into the darkness beyond. Moving to his place in the very center of the room, the Dream Taker looked back upon the statue of Chrysalis who stood petrified in her shock behind him.
"Time to show you what real power looks like, my Queen." He chuckled, then drew a long breath, placing his stump upon the floor, activating the powerful rune centering the spell sigils. "Yes, yes! Aaaah! Aaaaaagh!"
Much to his surprise, it was not like merely entering a dream to project himself, but almost a physical manifestation. His power, and a great form of his essence fled his body, speeding to the target of the potent magic. Far over the storm blackened night, he witnessed the majesty of Midnight Castle's black spires standing high in defiance of the storm, the vastness of the Mountain of Misery, where the mighty Walking Stone rested in it's vigil, and across Equestria to the small town of Ponyville.
The flight was an unimaginable thrill, his spirit soaring through the clouds with the ease of a pegasus, yet he was able to witness the awesome power of the storm's fury! This was true power! Someday, he vowed silently to himself, he would master the storms as well, and claim their might much as he had the sun! There would be no end to his reign, nopony would be able to stop him! He would be a god!
The flight swiftly ended as he approached his target, much faster than any flight would have allowed. Thundercloud had entered the Mayor's office, and was in the process of making his childish demands of the worthless pony. Shaking his head at the sight, the Dream Taker's essence flooded around the arrogant stallion. He must have felt it, for upon the Dream Taker's entrance, he winced, shaking his head as if trying to clear the painful sensation.
"Hear me, Thundercloud!" The Dream Taker called, allowing his vast, mighty form to awe the pony's simple mind. "I gave you one command, and you failed me! Kill the Element Holders, and the throne would be yours, yet you do not have the nerve to do it yourself! You are a simpering coward, unworthy of my power!"
"What!? I have done as you said, oh mighty one." Thundercloud mocked, furious at being questioned by the old pony. Despite his fear, the Captain's pride refused to let go. "My Guards will kill them, and nothing will stop me!"
"You are a foalish boy, who can't see the nose in front of his face if you believe that! You gave them a chance to live, a chance you could have denied them! Now all my work is threatened, because you thought you knew best! No more! I will take care of them myself!"
"Good luck with that, old one! How do you suppose you can do that, let alone oppose me!?" The haughty Thundercloud scoffed up at the roaring clouds, grinning at them.
"Oh, I don't intend to oppose you." The Dream Taker answered. "You have made yourself my servant, so I will merely possess you instead!" With a rush of power, the vast, mighty form of the dark one swept around the hapless Guard pony, choking his every sense! Thundercloud reared up, trying to fly away, but like some terrible monster, the clouds reached out like vast tendrils, dragging him into the evil morass.
"No! You can't do this to me! You promised!" Thundercloud choked as his eyes widened in panic before vanishing into the darkness.
"I lied."
* * *
Twilight stumbled as the Guards shoved her roughly up to the gazebo, where a large stone had been placed. She tried to look back, only to be pushed again.
"Keep moving." The cruel Guard pony sneered, eyeing Twilight smugly. "I'm gonna enjoy listening to you squeal!"
"Don't do this, Rocktrotter! Don't let them control you!" Boldheart yelled, struggling against his captors as they held him back. The larger brown stallion whirled about, his eyes burning with malevolent green light. "Don't you tell me what to do, Boldheart! You're a disgrace, just like the Captain said! You've always been a nothing, a blank flanked, no magic little nothing!"
"That's not true! We were a team! We trained together, lived together, we were like a family!" Boldheart pleaded, the strength in his voice failing as tears overwhelmed him.
Rocktrotter loomed up over Boldheart, glaring down at him. "Truth!? You want to know the truth!? We never liked you, runt! The truth was when Thundercloud shoved you on your face in that formation! The truth was when you were given the worst billet in the unit because we didn't want you there! The truth, Boldheart, is that you're alone, and you're going to die, alone!"
Looking up at the larger Guard pony, Boldheart felt a sudden change flooding over him. He should have felt enraged, sad, betrayed, but instead, he felt compassion. Despite Rocktrotter's cruel words, he was certain that underneath was a frightened pony, begging for help. He slowly shook his head. "No."
"No!? What do you mean, no!?"
"No I don't believe it. Even at your worst, Rocktrotter, you weren't a murderer. I don't know what has a hold on you, but I don't believe this is the real you," Boldheart answered, his eyes growing brighter, "and I won't give up on you, even if you have on me."
"I... uh..." Rocktrotter backed up a step, the light of possession flickering in his eyes. The spell was coming undone!
Twilight watched in rapt fascination as the will of Boldheart contested the magic of the possession spell, tearing the mind control apart. Here the blue unicorn stood, next to helpless in the face of death, with no magic to call his own, no hope of escape, and he was overcoming a powerful enchantment with his words alone! His courage was like a beacon of light, filling Twilight with hope once again, driving out the despair of Thundercloud's ridicule. As her heart filled up, the magic of friendship came flooding back to her in a rush, overwhelming all of her doubt.
Twilight's hope suddenly turned to terror as something slammed forcefully into the side of her head, driving her to the ground under it's strength! She tried to struggle, only to have her face driven further into the mud, rain threatening to drown her as she thrashed, panic claiming her senses!
Standing over the prostrate unicorn, pushing her down into the mire, stood the now possessed Thundercloud. A pale, mocking light filled the Captain's eyes, through which the Dream Taker gazed wrathfully upon his victims. "It seems you are all too weak to even kill two helpless unicorns! I'm disappointed in you!"
The spell holding the other Guards grew strong again, and they grabbed Boldheart, who had attempted to rush him. "Let her go! Don't hurt her!" He shouted desperately, snarling as he squirmed in the Guards' grasp.
"Don't worry, little one. I've thought of a much better use for your precious Twilight Sparkle." Drawing his sword, he lifted it over Twilight's head, placing the tip over her horn. "Gifted in magic, Celestia's star pupil! What a powerful gelding you will be! Hahahahahahaha!"
Tears flooded Twilight's eyes as she tried to protest, only to have her mouth filled with fetid water and mud. Her mind raced, trying to summon up a spell, any spell to protect her from the Dream Taker's blade, but she couldn't focus! Her vision swam as tears mixed with the filthy morass that her face was buried in.
Unable to escape the grasp of Rocktrotter and the others, Boldheart sobbed as he tried to wrench himself free. "Dear Celestia, please, give me the strength to protect her! Don't let this happen! Not to my Twilight..."
In that moment, something awoke within the little pony, something that had been trapped for far too long. Though he did not see the golden heart bound in steel upon his flank, the courage within his beating breast glowed more brightly than the sun, a power that flowed through his horn like the awakening of a star! As the light swept over the Guard ponies holding him, the curse of possession shattered like glass, throwing them aside as leaves before a mighty wind.
The coming of power was not lost upon the Dream Taker, who's eyes went wide, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Determined not to lose all he had worked for, he leapt forth, his spirit abandoning Thundercloud as it raced at Boldheart. Light met darkness, and the two spirits clashed against each other in a vast dance of power that reached up into the heavens.
"I will not be vanquished by you, last of the Everbold!" The Dream Taker shouted like thunder, trying to break Boldheart's spirit! "My power has grown since the dawn of magic itself! I have stolen the might of Kings and Goddesses alike! What are you to me!?"
"I am nothing, a humble pony before you." Boldheart answered. "I have no great power, save for the courage to stand up to you, and love that will not die. Even if it costs me everything, I will fight you."
"Arrogance! I will punish you for your impudence, my little pony!" Summoning all of his power, he swept down into the defiant unicorn, his vast presence filling Boldheart and threatening to tear him apart.
Twilight dragged herself from the mud, her eyes fixed upon the spectacle as she watched the storm itself flood down into Boldheart, twisting and wracking his body in dreadful spasms of agony as the Dream Taker attacked him. She rushed forward, shaking tears from her eyes as he was thrown over, his back arching from the pain that sought to overwhelm him.
"Boldheart!" Twilight cried, grabbing hold of his still spasming body. Her horn glowed as she drew upon her magic to aid him when he gasped out, his eyes fixing on her.
"Twi-light... the sword... grab- AAAAGH! Grab the sword, Twilight!"
"The sword!?" Her eyes widened as she looked about, spotting Thundercloud's blade, which lay where it had fallen from his nerveless grasp. With a flicker of magic, she drew the blade over. "Okay, I have it. What do you want me to do?" She tried to calm her voice as she trembled.
"C-cut away my horn." Boldheart whispered, then screamed as another shudder wrenched his body over!
"What!? Why!?" Twilight could scarcely believe her ears.
"Please, t-trust me." He begged. Something in his eyes told her he was sure. Clenching her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut, she brought the deadly blade down.
The words he'd spoken were not lost upon the Dream Taker. If the horn was cut, his essence, all of his power would be trapped within Boldheart! Memories rose unbidden to his mind, thoughts of Everbold who had bound his power within the Dream Taker's own nightmare! He would not let it happen again!
Ceasing his attack, the now alarmed spirit attempted to flee Boldheart's body, only to find that the Guard pony's essence was now holding him in! Pressing as hard as he could, the Dream Taker tried to break the binding, throwing the full of his might against it in hopes of escape. Freedom glimmered as if a light from the end of a tunnel driving the desperate Dream Taker to even greater efforts. As he broke through the last of Boldheart's defenses, a laugh escaped his lips! He had won! The Guard pony would not survive the terrible affliction he'd released, and his escape was now certain!
Ssshing! The ring of steel broke through the rage of the storm, drawing the Dream Taker's gaze back down to Boldheart. Horror filled him as the horn fell away from his head, cutting the Dream Taker off from all the power he'd failed to draw out! With a wail, he lost control of the spell, his remaining spirit caught up and dragged through the sky, inexorably pulled back to his body!
* * *
Twilight Sparkle couldn't stop the heaving sobs that flooded her as she stared down at her now maimed friend. Boldheart was laid out upon his side, the little blue horn sitting severed in front of him. He breathed shallowly as life ebbed away, his eyes slowly clouding over.
Crouching next to him, Twilight nudged her friend lovingly, tears digging deep weals under her eyes. "Don't worry, Boldheart... I'll... I'll get you some help... Just hang on... Please hang on..."
"Twilight... it's *cough* it's okay... I did what I was meant to do..." Boldheart whispered back, his eyes shimmering even as they faded. "I wanted to protect you... It looks like I did..."
"You did, Boldheart, you did! Don't let go yet! I'll find a way to make you better! Zecora will know something, or maybe we can get you to the hospital..."
"Don't worry about me... Twilight... I'll always be near... I love you, Twilight..." Boldheart's whisper faded as the last of his life left him.
"Boldheart? Boldheart!? No, please! My precious Boldheart! Don't leave me! Boldheart!" Unable to control herself any longer, Twilight curled up next to her friend, lost to her own quiet sobs.
Rocktrotter picked himself up from the ground, staring sadly at the pitiful sight. As the other Guard ponies drew themselves to their hooves, he guided them up around the fallen pony. None spoke as they helped Twilight up from where she lay, two others silently lifting Boldheart from the ground. Two others made their way over to Thundercloud, pulling him to his hooves.
The haughty pegasus opened his mouth to speak, but went silent as the Guard ponies glared down at him. They led him off through the now drizzling rain as the sky grew a little brighter, heralding the new day soon to emerge.
Twilight followed the Guards bearing her friend's sad form away, her heart torn by the sudden loss. She wanted to be alone, to scream, to cry, yet she felt so weak, as if losing Boldheart had torn her heart out. Why did this happen, why did anypony have to die...
* * *
As the little procession approached Town Hall, Sgt. Ramrod hobbled forward, his body still bearing the marks of his beating. He looked sadly upon the broken blue unicorn, and to Twilight. Unable to find the words to comfort her, the stalwart Sergeant faced Thundercloud with a grim expression.
"Thundercloud, you have been found guilty by your peers of treason. You are hereby stripped of your rank, and will be tried for your crimes against ponykind, and Equestria. I hope for your sake it was worth it." Sgt. Ramrod struggled to keep his voice neutral, both from anger and pain at the savage beating he'd endured. "Take him away."
"Yes sir!" The Guard replied, removing the traitorous pegasus from before them. Thundercloud felt so crushed he didn't even bother raising his head to meet the gaze of Ramrod as he was led away.
Turning back to the others, the burly earth pony wished to be anywhere else. With a long sigh, he stepped up to confront the sad duty of saying goodbye to Boldheart... |
There is a Season | When the Dust Settles | Chapter 18
When The Dust Settles
"I'm sorry for your loss, Twilight Sparkle." The words always came hard to Sgt. Ramrod, who had found himself speaking them too many times in his life. "Boldheart was a brave warrior, and his sacrifice will not be in vain."
At the sound of his words, the broken spirited unicorn glanced up, her eyes filled with confusion. "Why did this happen? Why to him?"
"Warriors throughout history have asked that, yet none have found the answer. It is a question I'm not sure can ever truly be answered." Sgt. Ramrod explained, slowly, wishing he understood it himself. "Brave ponies like Boldheart have always given their lives for those they love and cherish, in hopes that those beautiful, good things would live on. Today, he gave you your life back, and put an end to a tyrant who would have taken everything for himself. He did what he did because he could not live with the outcome had he not."
A fresh wave of tears broke free as Twilight cried, unable to fully accept what she was hearing. Sgt. Ramrod drew closer, placing a strong hoof upon her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, Twilight Sparkle. Losing somepony is one of the hardest things in this world to do. Your pain shows how much you care for him, and that no matter what, he will not be forgotten."
Sniffling, Twilight nodded uneasily, her watery eyes meeting the earth pony's. "I know... I just didn't expect it to happen like this..."
"If it would help, perhaps you should say goodbye to him. I'm sure he will appreciate it."
"Okay." Twilight's voice barely cracked loud enough to be heard.
She turned slowly, the agony of her feelings dragging her down so that she felt as if she would collapse at any moment. She walked haltingly up to the body of her friend, still laid peacefully across the back of one of the Royal Guards. Summoning what nerve she had, she leaned her head forward, nudging Boldheart's muzzle with her own.
"Goodbye, my Boldheart..."
* * *
Boldheart blinked, peering up from where he lay upon a grassy sward, the sun shining cheerfully overhead. An older earth pony with a sandy coat stood before him, a smile on his face. "Well done, Boldheart."
"Where am I!? What happened to Twilight!?" The young pony shot to his hooves, looking about frantically. When he realized there was nopony about save the earth pony, he turned back. "I'm dead, aren't I?"
"You are, my child. My name is Everbold, and you were the last of my blood." He explained, his smile growing serious. "Don't fret over your friend, young Boldheart, she is safe."
Everbold began walking, nodding for Boldheart to follow him. "It has always been the way of our blood to give our lives, to sacrifice everything for the sake of those we love, and for the home we would lose all we care about to protect. You have made us all proud, Boldheart."
As Everbold turned to look out over the valley, Boldheart stared after his gaze, gasping in surprise at what he saw. Countless ponies of every age stood facing him, fillies, colts, stallions, and mares, each wearing welcoming grins on their faces. The young gelded pony stared at them, his mouth agape.
"Are they..?"
"...your family, Boldheart." Everbold answered with a proud smile. "They're waiting to welcome the newest hero of Equestria to those who have gone before."
"All this time, I'd never known why." Boldheart said more to himself than the elder pony. "Now it all makes sense. I'm... home."
The young pony squeezed his eyes shut, delighting in the feeling of joyful tears crawling down his cheeks. He sniffed, shaking his head as a wide grin spread across his face. He'd never known much of his family, only of their sacrifices. Questions he'd asked himself all his life now had an answer, and the warmth it brought was almost intoxicating.
"Thank you, Everbold. Thank you for helping me find where I belong."
He began stepping down the soft, grassy slope to meet his family, when a whisper flittered in his ear. Stopping, he perked it up, glancing back across the lands behind him. To his surprise, a lone pony stood off in the distance, a mare with lavender fur and an indigo mane. "Goodbye, my Boldheart..."
Boldheart was stunned. Twilight...
He looked out at the welcoming ranks of his family, eagerly awaiting him. He wanted nothing more than to go amongst them, to rest for the eternity that awaited, with no more suffering, no more despair, only joy and peace. He wanted it so badly, but he couldn't. Looking back up to Everbold, he drew a deep breath.
"Thank you for everything, but I can't stay. Right now, somepony needs me."
With those words, he turned and cantered as fast as he could, rushing as if lifted by the wings of a pegasus! His heart pounded, his head began to throb, every part of his body ached as if he were going to die all over again, yet he didn't care! Pressing on through the pain, he let out a cry!
"Twilight!"
Behind him, Everbold's proud smile grew brighter. "I'm so proud of you, Boldheart."
* * *
As Twilight lifted her head, something happened she could neither explain nor understand. A single spark jumped from her horn, arcing to Boldheart's severed stump. For a moment, she stared in surprise at the odd occurrence. Then with a frantic breath, she squeezed her eyes shut, drawing her magic forth as desperate hope flooded her! More and more magic began dancing across the gap as she leaned closer, calling upon every bit of power she could reach!
The power grew more and more intense, until the light shone out through the streets of Ponyville like a beacon, sending a wave of magic racing in every direction! The Guard ponies stumbled back in awe of the incredible forces beaming forth, breaking the darkness. As the sun rose over the horizon, Boldheart breathed.
"Twilight..."
"Boldheart!" Twilight could barely contain the joy that swept through her.
"I don't believe it..." Sgt. Ramrod whispered, staring in wonder.
The Guard pony bearing Boldheart lowered himself to the ground, allowing the blue gelding to rise gently from his back. He started to pitch forward, only to be caught by Twilight. She helped him to sit down, then looked over at the other Guard ponies.
"Get a doctor, and some water! Hurry!"
"Yes ma'am!" They saluted quickly, darting off to their assigned tasks as she returned her attention to her friend.
"What happened, Boldheart? Are you alright?"
"I... saw my family, all of them..." He managed his eyes staring off as if seeing another world. "They were all waiting for me. I almost went with them too..." He looked back over at her, his eyes shining. "...but I heard somepony calling me back. I saw you there, watching me go, and all of the sudden I couldn't, not if it meant leaving you behind."
Twilight felt a blush glow on her face, but she was too happy to care. Nuzzling Boldheart joyfully, she curled up next to him.
* * *
It would be a day later in Ponyville Hospital that the friends found themselves in each other's company once again. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash had come seeking out those who had been hospitalized. The group walked through the sterile halls quietly, much to Rainbow's dismay. She wanted to just fly in and start talking, but Twilight insisted that they remain quiet for the patients' sake, so she remained grounded, grumbling under her breath about having to wait.
Spotting the number 316 on one of the doors, Twilight glanced over at her friends. "I'll catch up with you girls later. I've got somepony else to see first."
"Suit yourself." Rainbow Dash answered, glad to get away from Twilight and her rules. "We'll see you in a few."
As Twilight pushed the door open, she caught a glimpse of Rainbow Dash shooting off up the hallway. Shaking her head with a smile, Twilight decided that Rainbow Dash would be Rainbow Dash. She turned her attention to the white room, where a pair of occupants laid back in large, plush white beds. The pony in the first bed was a stranger, who flinched at the sight of her, but he was so thoroughly bandaged that she couldn't tell whom he might be. Instead of worrying about it, Twilight passed the bed to the second, where the battered form of Boldheart lay.
The new gelding appeared fine, save for the bandage wrapped around his head, holding a sizable lump of gauze to his severed horn. He looked up from a book laid out in front of him, a smile growing on his face.
"Well look at you! Are you feeling any better?" Twilight asked cheerfully.
"The doctors say I'm doing okay, and other than some trauma from all the thrashing and my horn missing, I'm fine." Boldheart answered with a smile. "They are a little concerned about the effects of losing my horn, but they've had so little experience with it that they're not really sure what's going to happen."
"If it helps, I've done a little research on geldings, and found some interesting-" Twilight began as she levitated a pair of hefty volumes from her saddlebag, only to stop herself upon seeing him twitch uncomfortably. "That is, I have done some research, in case you have some questions."
"It's okay, I'd love to hear about it. I know it's going to be a process, learning what all of this means, but I'd much rather have you here to go through it with me." Boldheart grew thoughtful, his eyes distant. "It's strange, I felt so alive having magic, even if just for a moment. I guess that losing it must hurt far more for somepony who's lived with it all of their life."
"Boldheart, I've been meaning to say..." Twilight began, then hesitated, seeking the right words. "...thank you, for everything. I was so frightened when Thundercloud- I mean the Dream Taker, pushed me into the mud. I thought I was going to die, but you saved me. Not only that, you lost your life saving all of Equestria, and even now, you're paying that price. I just wanted to ask you why."
Boldheart thought for a long time, leaving silence hanging in the air. Finally he answered, his eyes fixing on Twilight. "Some things are just worth fighting for."
* * *
Over at room 327, Rainbow Dash burst through the door excitedly, followed much more slowly by Fluttershy, who was chastising the rainbow maned pony for her behavior, albeit quietly. "Rainbow, you really shouldn't be racing around like that. Twilight said to-"
Both ponies stopped abruptly at the scene that awaited them. Spike was sitting in a wheelchair, with heavy bandages bundled on him until he looked like a puffball. Rarity was sitting up in her bed, looking utterly scandalized over at the pink party pony, a white bandage that nearly blended with her fur wrapped daintily about her frame. Pinkie Pie meanwhile was lying on the floor out of her bed where she'd apparently fallen, her blankets splayed about. In her hooves was an enormous, beautiful bouquet, on which she was munching cheerfully.
"Uh, are we interrupting something?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking at Pinkie Pie.
"Nofgh, jhusht brechfasht!" Pinkie replied through a mouthful of daisies, her body kept stiff by a large plastic cast that covered her from chest to tail like a turtle shell.
"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, oh thank goodness!" Rarity said dramatically. "Stop her before she destroys that lovely bouquet!"
"Why? Is it yours?" Rainbow asked, cocking her head to one side.
"Well... no, but just look at it!" Rarity wailed, shaking her hooves at the atrocity. Despite her pleas, there was little to be done, as Pinkie had devoured most of the beautiful buds, and was now busy with the red foil cone upon her head, trying to eat the stems within.
"It looks a bit finished to me." Fluttershy said, then turned her attention to Spike, who was still thoroughly embedded in his bandages. "What's wrong with Spike?"
"Nothing's wrong, I'm just stuck in here is all." He replied from a little hole where his mouth peeked through the bundling.
"Bahahahaha! That's Spike!? What happened? Did you get hit by a train!?" Rainbow Dash laughed, dropping onto her back.
"No." Spike replied grumpily. "Rarity just wanted to make sure I was safe, so she put some extra bandages on me."
"You look like something out of Daring Do and the Mummy's Curse!"
"Very funny." Spike replied sulkily. "The doctors said I can come out in a few days, but until then."
"Until then you are safe!" Rarity said huffily. "I will not have you getting yourself hurt again, especially after all that nasty Wildfire did to my poor Spikey Wikey!"
"So, I kinda wanted to show you guys something!" Rainbow Dash had recovered from her laughter, reaching into a saddlebag with her teeth. She pulled out a small, sun shaped disc, marked with a crescent moon around it's edge, and strapped onto a bit of blue ribbon fringed in gold thread.
"Ooh, what is it, what is it!?" Pinkie Pie asked, rushing up to look at the medal. She had finished the flowers, tearing through the bottom of the foil so that it looked like she was wearing tulip leaves around her head.
"It's the Order of the Eclipse Medal! Princess Luna awarded them to Fluttershy and I personally!" Rainbow said proudly, holding it up for all to see. "For facing great personal peril in protection of a member of the Royal Family! Apparently these haven't been handed out for centuries!"
"Oh wow, Rainbow! That's quite an accomplishment, and I love the ribbon!" Rarity commented appreciatively, eyeing the sparkling medal.
"It's pretty, are ya gonna wear it in your mane?" Pinkie asked excitedly, bounding up. When she hit the ground again however, her forelegs buckled, dumping her on her face with a cry of pain.
"Oh my!" Fluttershy promptly scooped the pink pony up, depositing her back into her bed. "Are you okay, Pinkie?"
"I'm fine! It's just some broken ribs!" Pinkie replied with a smile as Fluttershy went about arranging her bed again.
"Broken? That's serious, you shouldn't be bouncing out of bed until they're better." Fluttershy said sternly, well, sort of sternly. Pinkie started pouting, giving Fluttershy big puppydog eyes. Fluttershy closed her eyes in response, shaking her head.
"No means no. I want you to get better, so you need to stay in bed."
"Aww... but it's so boring in here..." Pinkie moaned, then suddenly popped under the blankets, only to reappear next to Rainbow Dash. "How about some music!"
She settled the needle of a record player that seemed to just happen to be there onto the vinyl disc. A lively tune began to play, it's beat oddly familiar. Fluttershy was about to tell Pinkie Pie to return to bed when she happened to be laying in her bed again, pulling the covers up to her chin, a sheepish grin on her face.
Twilight stepped into the room, a big smile on her face. "Hey girls, how are all of you?"
Spike chuckled from his nest of wrappings. "Boy, have we got some stories for you, Twilight!"
Twilight looked about, her expression confused. "Hey, has anypony seen Applejack?"
* * *
The earth pony was at that moment entering room 316, still hobbling from the blows she'd suffered at the hooves of the Guard. Dependless, she stubbornly pressed her way in, approaching the first bed. Still wrapped heavily in his own protective swath, the assassin looked up at her.
"Hey there, stranger." Applejack said softly, affection shimmering in her eyes.
"Hello." He answered, doing his best to hide the pain. "How are you feeling?"
"Ah'm fine, ya reckless foal." She teased softly. "What ya did there was foolhardy, dangerous, an' coulda' got ya killed."
"It wouldn't be the first time."
"Well, shoulda' seen that one comin'." Applejack's face grew glum. "So ya got somepony special, ah reckon. She mus' be one lucky filly."
The assassin blinked in surprise. He'd never even considered such a thing, let alone actually spoken to anypony about it. "No, I don't have anypony."
"Ya don't?" Applejack's expression grew brighter. As his eyes met hers, however, she saw the pain hidden behind his impassive face. "Ah'm sorry. Ah don't mean ta pry into your life er nothin'. Ya jus' seem so lonely."
"Applejack, I have something to confess." He whispered, his eyes downturned.
"What is it, sugarcube?"
Looking back up at her, he steeled his nerves, awaiting whatever might come of it. "I am an assassin. The Dream Taker sent me to kill you and your friends. I almost succeeded..."
Applejack sat back, lost in thought. For long moments, she didn't answer. He was about to speak again when she returned his gaze, understanding in her eyes. "Ah forgive you."
"What?"
"Life can be crazy, and sometimes ponies do things they weren't ever intendin' ta do. Ah don't know why ya was mixed in with that mess, but ah'm glad yer here. Ah don't care what ya've done. We can all use a second chance."
The nameless assassin felt as if the years of pain were suddenly torn away, and in his heart, he might be that little yellow colt once again. A second chance, forgiveness, it was more than he could hope to ask for, yet this simple mare offered it to him without question. Filled with a renewed sense of hope, he smiled. "Thank you, Applejack."
* * *
Late that night, after every other pony fell asleep, Pinkie Pie peeked one eye open. Her food tray was still sitting there next to the bed, untouched because of her huge meal earlier. She glanced around warily, making sure nopony was watching. After a minute, she grinned in satisfaction, ducking her head under the bed.
"It's okay, Zephyr! You can come out now!" Pinkie whispered. In response to the mare's assurances, the tiny pale filly crept out from under the bed, smiling up at her friend.
"Here, you can have this!" Pinkie grabbed the tray, setting it before the hungry Zephyr, who promptly started munching down the hospital food.
After finishing the meal, she looked up at Pinkie. "Thank you, miss Pie."
"You're welcome Zephyr! Hey, do you wanna play a prank!?"
"What's a prank?" The little pony asked.
"Here, I'll show you!" With that, Pinkie Pie led her little companion over to Rarity's bed. "This is one of my favorites!" |
There is a Season | Farewells and New Beginnings | Chapter 19
Farewells and New Beginnings
The sunlight of a new dawn cut through the chamber window of Luna's tower, shining warmly on the alicorn as she plodded in, weary from the great burden she bore. Her thoughts were ever on Celestia, who's duty she carried now, alone. Stumbling over to her bed, she began to cry as she fell wearily upon the cushions. It was too much for her to endure any longer, having lost everything she loved, being forced to let go of her dearest friend before her banishment, and now her sister...
"Why did this happen, Tia? Why?" She whimpered, clenching her teeth on the bedding as fresh tears dampened the blankets.
A knock sounded at her door. "Princess Luna? Are you ready for the ceremonies?" One of Luna's maidservants, an earth pony named Daisy Chain, asked her apprehensively.
"No, and we shall not be!" Luna summoned up her Royal Canterlot voice to drive the servant off, shaking the door on it's hinges. "We wish to remain alone, now leave us!"
The sound of trotting hooves could be heard down the hall, yet Luna felt no better for it. She stared at the door sadly, wishing for all the world that it would open, revealing her sister, who would chide her for yelling at her servants. She could almost hear Celestia walking regally in to see her. Luna closed her eyes, longing for that protective wing to wrap around her, for the soothing voice that would tell her everything would be okay.
But it wouldn't be okay now. Celestia was gone, and there was nopony to make things okay anymore. Nopony except her. "I still believe in you, little sister."
"What!?" Luna exclaimed, looking about frantically for the source of the voice. All about her, the room was empty save for the finery and furnishing that was Luna's by right, yet something more filled the chamber, as if she were no longer alone. "Tia!?"
"I'm here, Luna. I'm here. I brought a friend too." The strong, confident voice of Celestia was replaced with a masculine tone that grated softly, filling Luna's heart to bursting.
"Hello again, my Princess."
"Everbold..?" Luna whispered, glancing around worriedly, as if the voices would disappear if she moved. "It's really you, both of you!"
"Of course it is, silly." Celestia's voice teased, ringing with happiness.
"Oh joyous day! Tia, Everbold, I am so happy to hear from you both! So much has happened, and I need you both to come back and-" Luna was about to go further when a weight settled upon her soul, as if the room had suddenly grown heavier.
"I'm sorry, Luna, but we can't." Everbold answered gravely. "Even with the Dream Taker's power broken, we can not awaken."
"What? No, please tell me that isn't true! Celestia, it can't be true! I cant do this alone! Please sister, I still need help..." Luna felt her heart sinking again.
"Don't be afraid, Luna. We aren't gone, just sleeping. Within the dream we live, and will be here for you."Celestia replied.
"Though we are not there in body, our spirits remain. When you sleep, dream of us, and we will come." Everbold joined in, his voice almost carrying his kind smile to her.
"How do I hear you now, then? Don't I have to be dreaming?" Luna asked in confusion.
"Luna, you are dreaming." Celestia answered her cheerfully.
Luna sat up with a start, looking about her room yet again. It was lighter as the sun had traveled further up into the heavens, filling her chamber with the warmth of the day. She was still laid out upon her bed, which had been wrinkled up, one of the quilts thrown halfway across the room. With a heavy sigh, she rose and began setting her bed to order with the soft blue glow of her horn.
"Tia, I know you can hear me. I know you're there. It's just... saying goodbye to you today... and dealing with the traitor... I just don't know what to do. I've been gone for a thousand years, and most ponies still think I'm some kind of monster. How will I rule Equestria without you?" Luna glanced up from her bed making half hoping that Celestia would respond again, giving her the answers she needed, but no reply came.
"You'd probably tell me that I need to be strong, and that you didn't know what to do when you first started either. I always looked up to you to know what to do, and you never let me down because they... Equestria needed you. Now I need to do what you always did. I can take confidence that I can still speak to you, that you're still with me." Raising her head, Luna swallowed her apprehension. "Rest now, my sister. I will watch over our realm until your return, even if it takes a thousand years. I love you."
With the commitment built upon her heart, Princess Luna walked out of her chambers, her head held high in the bright morning light.
* * *
The grounds outside of Canterlot Palace were packed with countless ponies of the elite, mingled with travelers who had come from every part of Equestria for the day's ceremonies and declarations. Twilight Sparkle stared nervously out at the vast number of ponies. Everything would change today.
She glanced back into the dressing room, where the other girls were getting ready for the presentation. Rarity was fussily applying makeup at the vanity. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were chatting up stories about their fights and speculating about what medals they might be awarded. Pinkie was... swinging from a ceiling fan by some stretchy socks... and was Fluttershy nervously peeking her head into the window, her eyes growing wide at the sight of the crowd.
Shaking her head, Twilight turned back, only to run her nose into that of Boldheart, who smiled cheekily at her. The lavender unicorn's cheeks went flush as she returned his grin. "Oh, Boldheart, what are you doing here?"
The gelded unicorn was armored in new steel plates, complete with his sword, which hung at his side. He rolled his head curiously at a glimpse of Pinkie Pie flying across the room, streaming socks flailing behind her. "I was..." He paused as a crash resounded. Twilight winced, doing her best not to look back. "...just coming to see how you all were doing."
"Just getting ready for the ceremony. Aheheheh." Twilight laughed nervously, shutting the door behind her as the other ponies rushed over to Pinkie's crash site. "It is good to see you again though. I trust you're feeling..." She paused, her eyes hovering up to the stump of his horn. He'd already told her it was okay several times, but she couldn't quite get over having inflicted the wound herself. "...better?"
"Seeing you again is all the medicine I need." He answered, sending a thrill up Twilight's body. She would have kissed him if it weren't for all of the ponies watching down in the grounds. "It sounds like I'll only be here temporarily, though. Captain Armor, um... that is... your brother, said something about a new assignment from Princess Luna herself. Apparently we're going on a prolonged mission, and he said he wasn't sure when it will be done."
"That's great." Twilight didn't feel like it was so great. She had felt so close to her new friend, and now he was going to be sent away. She put on a brave face, but her heart wasn't in it. Apparently he saw it too.
"I'm sorry, Twilight. I don't want to leave you, but it's my duty. It doesn't change how I feel about you though." Boldheart said, nuzzling her tenderly.
"I know." She answered. " I just wasn't ready to see you go so soon. It feels like even the time since the hospital was ages ago, and I don't want you to leave again."
"If I could stay, I would." He answered, smiling sadly. "We all have our responsibilities."
She nodded, finding to her surprise that tears were threatening to spill out of her eyes. She wanted to beg him not to go, to convince him to run away with her, or anything else. She couldn't bear to watch him leave again.
Twilight opened her mouth to speak, only to gasp as Boldheart drew up, hugging her tight. "I know, Twi. I know, but we can't." He whispered. "So let's just hold on to this moment a little longer."
* * *
The cheerful blair of trumpets echoed all through the palace grounds, announcing the arrival of Princess Luna. Walking through the beautiful marble arched doorway, the sole ruler of Equestria stepped up to the top of the red carpeted stairs, looking down upon her countless subjects standing below. The sea of expectant faces grew hushed as she cleared her throat. Summoning up her royal voice so that everypony could hear, she spoke.
"Greetings, my citizens, and to all of Equestria. If is my sad duty today to announce my sister's inability to remain your ruler. Two weeks ago, she was attacked within her tower by changelings under the command of a creature called the Dream Taker, and..." Luna choked up, fighting back tears. "...and her dreams were stolen. She now rests in the Crypt of Dreams with those who fell during the Dreamless War."
The crowd began whispering in hushed, urgent tones. Biting her lower lip, Luna let out a sigh before continuing. "Though Princess Celestia, my dear sister, is not truly dead, nor can she continue to guide us as she has for generations. Until we discover a way to break this curse, I will be assuming my sister's royal duties, and taking her place, much as she did for me. We will not give up on her, my subjects. We will find a way."
Luna was on the verge of tears as she nodded to Shining Armor, who stood off to her right. Seeing her pained expression, he stepped out before her, nodding a signal. The trumpets sounded again as everypony looked to the carpeted aisle that spread through the center of the crowd. Lined up side by side, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity walked, followed by a second column made up of Boldheart, the assassin, Sgt. Ramrod, and Spike. They made their way slowly by the cheering crowds as confetti dropped from above. Royal Guards on either side of the aisle saluted the brave ponies as they passed, coming to a stop at the stage before the now recovered Princess Luna.
"Today is not only a day for sadness, but joy as we recognized the heroism of these brave ponies. Each has endured hardship and trial in the name of protecting peace and harmony, be it facing the terrible odds of the enemy," Luna spoke, looking from left to right, taking in each one, "to giving more than anypony could ever ask in the name of protecting those they love. They have embodied true friendship, giving us hope in the face of cruelty and greed. Each one is a hero, and an example to us all."
Twilight looked over at Shining Armor, who was smiling proudly at her. He nodded his head to her, his eyes beaming. Rainbow Dash, who was attired in a dark blue military dress uniform, straightened herself up, puffing out her chest as she tried to contain her excitement. The assassin glanced about nervously, as if he were expecting somepony to attack him at any moment. He was so distracted, in fact, that it surprised him when Applejack's tail brushed his face, snapping his attention back to her. She smiled tenderly at him over her shoulder, calming the jumpy pony down a little.
"It is with great regret then, that I must ask more of each of you. You all deserve to rest from your trials, and if it weren't for the needs of Equestria, I would surely grant it. The changeling threat is not over, and I am inexperienced in many matters of state. Therefore, I ask you, Twilight Sparkle, to be my advisor. You stood by my sister, learned at her hoof, and grew under her wisdom. If you will, I would ask that you share this wisdom with me."
"I would be honored, your majesty." Twilight responded humbly, bowing before the Princess.
"Rainbow Dash, because of the seriousness of the attack on our borders, we can't afford to be so badly off guard. You will be transferred over to the border watch, where your new command will be responsible for finding possible threats before they enter Equestria. Can I trust you with this?"
"Of course, Princess! It would be my honor!" Ranibow bowed as well.
Taking in the rest of the girls as she swept her gaze over them, Luna addressed Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. "My subjects have long needed the attention of my sister, who is no longer here to care for them. While I am learning the crafts of state, I would ask each of you to aid me in ruling Equestria by visiting the towns and cities, acting as my ear and my voice when I can not be there. Will you aid me in this?"
"Of course, your highness." Rarity replied as she and the others bowed.
"Ah reckon travelin' about'll be fun!" Applejack chuckled.
"Oh, you bet it will be! Just imagine all of the new ponies I'll get to meet!" Pinkie bubbled.
"We'd be happy to." Fluttershy whispered.
Smiling at their dedication, Luna nodded. "Thank you, all of you. I know this is a formal occasion, but I feel lucky to have such good friends."
The girls stepped aside, allowing the second rank to step forward. Boldheart felt his chest pounding as he bowed before the Princess with the others.
"Rise, all of you." Luna said, stumbling slightly on her words. "Each of you has shown great courage, and even greater compassion in the events that nearly brought Equestria to ruin. I have heard tales of your bravery, duty, honor, and sacrifice, how you each gave your all for the sake of those you loved. I would ask you then, to continue this duty, with the same dedication you've already shown."
Boldheart looked up in confusion, and seeing everypony else staring up at Princess Luna, he knew he'd heard right. The Princess continued to speak. "From this day forward, I name you the Shields of Harmony. It will be your duty to watch over my advisor and envoys as they carry out their royal duties, and protect them with your lives, just as I was long ago." She tapped each one's shoulders with her horn. "Rise, Shields of Harmony, and join your friends."
Cheers erupted as the crowd whooped joyously for the newly formed Shields as they stepped aside to join the girls on either side of the Princess. Twilight nearly burst at the announcement, snuggling her nose against the stunned Boldheart's neck. "You didn't tell me the assignment would keep you so close to home."
"Heh heh, I guess I failed to mention that." Boldheart responded, blushing at the playful unicorn's behavior.
"Hey, you all know what this calls for!?" Pinkie blurted out, her face beaming. "A party!"
* * *
A lone set of hooves plodded wearily down a lonely, winding path as a single stallion made his way from the home he'd betrayed. Banishment, the word was a bitter salve to the exiled Thundercloud. He'd never imagined he'd be sent from home, never to return. Visions of glory had faded away, only to be replaced by deep, unrelenting resentment. How could Princess Luna, who had once known the pain of exile afflict the very same punishment!? It was unfair! It wasn't right! He deserved better, yet here he was, atoning for his crimes with only the dusty woodland path to keep him company.
Snuffing angrily, the pegasus continued on his way, daring not to use his still aching wings. It was all that Dream Taker's fault! He had betrayed Thundercloud, humiliating him and stealing away his one chance at victory! Even the thought of the whispering devil brought a terrible pain throbbing back to life in the former Guard pony's head.
He shook it to clear his mind, then stared off down the path with a long sigh. His dark, lonely road was still ahead.
* * *
High atop one of the great rounded black towers of Midnight Castle, the old, withered form of Magus the Dream Taker stepped out into the sunlight as the day settled. It had been the first time in ages that he'd emerged from the stronghold, and his eyes were still unaccustomed to the brightness of the outdoors. Walking up, he settled his forehooves upon the battlements, staring out across the dark waters of the Lake of Stars as he thought. Birds twittered their last calls before fluttering off to their nests, and the water lapped at the ancient stones that held the mighty fortress aloft over the midnight blue lake as the glowing flecks of light began to twinkle deep within it's unimagined depths.
"I was careless." He finally whispered, squinting at the departing sun. "Even with all of the power I had taken, the blood of Everbold stands firm. Do the fates themselves conspire against me? Shall I never know true victory?"
He became silent again, watching the last of the golden rays disappear beyond the lake's borders. He had dealt with Queen Chrysalis too soon, and it had cost him quite dearly. Without any more control over the meandering hordes of changelings, he'd watched helplessly as the ravenous little creatures had abandoned the fortress and gone their own ways, leaving Magus without his army. Worse, when Boldheart's horn was severed, everything was ripped away from him. He'd felt with exquisite pain the tearing of his spirit, along with his sinister magic and the stolen powers of Celestia, ripping free of his grasp. He'd barely survived the rending, and had been forced to drag himself along in agony to escape the chambers deep below to where he could be free of the pain. He was almost ready to despair when a lone thought glimmered like a spark within his thoughts.
"My vengeance may be in tatters, but I can still succeed." He reminded himself, his expression growing softer even as the wheels in his mind began turning. "Ah, but my greatest power is still here, isn't it? All the magic in the world means nothing without the cunning to use it, and the right victim. Even now, the young Princess Luna is surely thinking her realm safe, not knowing that an even greater foe is poised to strike at her heart! I will have my revenge, Celestia. Soon, all of ponykind will fall, and the world with it! Hahahahaha!" Mad laughter began pouring out of his throat, echoing through the ancient black fortress. |
Mirror Blue | pre | The entire group had stayed inside Twilight's upside-down treehouse ever since their second failed encounter with Discord. That fiasco only proved that sticking the Element of Loyalty on Spike did not make up for Soarin'.
Pinkie Pie bounced up. "Hey, look what I can do!" The earth pony hovered in the air.
Now that most of her subjects were still, Luna was able to count them. "Twilight Sparkle, where is the Element of Loyalty?"
She hung her head. "I don't know. I tried to save him, but..."
"We see." Luna's voice echoed in the hollows of the tree. "He has been turned. As a stallion, there is but one way to break Discord's spell."
Twilight's interest piqued. Apparently her memory spell did nothing because Discord's mind games affected ponies in different ways. "How can we get the real Soarin' back?"
Luna threw out a hoof and stood proud while she proclaimed, "With love's true kiss." "..." "..."
Everyone stared.
The princess frowned. "Our sister told us jokes were a way to bond with our subjects, but it is perhaps we that have been fooled. Are not jokes the source of laughter?"
Pinkie Pie hesitated. "Yes?"
Twilight pleaded, "Princess Luna, isn't there something we can do? We can't defeat Discord without Soarin'."
Luna prepared to leave. "We shall see what ails your friend. Let this be a lesson to you, Twilight Sparkle. The matters of the heart run deep. Often magic alone cannot cure them." ---
The trouble with colorless pegasus ponies was how well they camouflaged against clouds. Fortunately, Cloudsdale had been replaced by a mass of colorful, writhing snakes. They slithered and hissed around the sky in large clusters. The only citizens who stayed in Cloudsdale now were the ones who didn't mind snakes so much.
Every gray pony looked the same to Luna. She began to wonder if her recollection of who she was looking for was wrong, and perhaps she had already passed Soarin' in Ponyville.
Eventually she did find him. He was the only pony careless enough to sit on one of the snake clouds. The knot of color inched its way across the sky, carrying the pegasus to no destination in particular. If the snakes would only coordinate their efforts instead of getting tied up with each other, they might actually get somewhere, but at this rate it was going to be a long haul.
Princess Luna's eyes flashed white. The sky went dark with a clap of lightning and thunder and she appeared in front of Soarin', beating her wings and hovering just above the surface of the cloud. Her magic returned it to normal.
Soarin' got to his feet. "Princess Luna, you can't force me to be friends with them. Just take my Element. I give up."
"Coward," Luna's voice boomed. "You are offered friendship, and this is how you repay them: with betrayal."
Soarin's eyes locked onto the blank white glow where the princess' eyes should have been. "That's not true! I don't belong with them, so I left."
"Left Equestria to be consumed by chaos. If you are not Loyalty, then where do you belong?"
"I should've been a Wonderbolt by now!" Soarin' shouted. "It's my destiny. It's printed right here for all to see!"
Luna's frightening appearance flashed with the light of the storm she conjured. "Fool! How dare thee assume thyself good enough to abandon thy duties and thy friends!"
The great alicorn rose higher and higher into the air. "Night after night you wonder why another gets the recognition, the attention, the love you believe you deserve. Do you not realize there are ponies who need you? What becomes of them if you leave? What becomes of Equestria if you leave?" Luna moved aside and revealed the destroyed land behind her.
"So what will you do, Loyalty? Will you let your jealousy and doubts consume you until you turn against the ones you once cherished?"
"I'm not..."
"Louder!"
"I'm not where I should be." Color leached up Soarin's feet. "Yet." Blue spread out over the tips of his ears, over his mane. "Not yet. But I will be a Wonderbolt." Gold lit up the lightning bolt on his flank. "And I don't need to abandon my friends to do it."
After that Discord didn't stand a chance. Luna carried the stone statue all the way back to Canterlot. ---
Rainbow Dash was especially irritated her broken wing left her stranded on the ground, missing out on all the Discord action, but at least the Elements of Harmony had stepped in. It would've been annoying to fly out to Ponyville to kick Discord's butt in order to get rid of all the random junk cluttering the sky space the Wonderbolts needed for practice.
She flexed her wing. After rehabilitation exercises, it was as good as ever. She'd completed that morning's routine without any trouble. Today was the day.
Spitfire noticed Dash lingering on the practice field. "I know that face all too well Rainbow Dash. What are you scheming?"
The truth was, Dash lied when she told Surprise she was going to mail a letter to Soarin'. She'd deliver it herself. |
Mirror Blue | 4 - The Sonic Rainboom Pony | Trouble was afoot in Ponyville. It came on three sets of hooves and it called itself the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Now it can't be just any pony," Sweetie Belle said. "Ms. Cheerilee is one of the best mares in Ponyville. She deserves to have one of the best stallions as her very special somepony."
The three fillies exchanged glances. It was time for a song. Sweetie Belle led this one. "Cheerilee is sweet and kind. She's the best teacher we could hope for. The perfect stallion you and I must find. Want to really make her heart soar."
Scootaloo jumped in at the mention of that word. "Hey, wait, cut the song. You know who's single and also totally cool?"
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle both groaned as the shadow of a pegasus passed over them, right on cue.
"Hey Soarin'!" Scootaloo called out. The stallion did a back flip in the air, spun around, and landed in front of the Crusaders with a bow, wings spread out along the ground.
"At your service, for all your troublemaking needs." Soarin' lifted his head, still holding his wings open. "Hey Scoots. Sweetie Belle, Applebloom."
Applebloom narrowed her eyes. "You're in an awfully good mood. You weren't sneaking cupcakes out of Sugar Cube Corner again, were you?"
Soarin' licked a spot of frosting off his lips. "No."
"Hmm," Sweetie Belle hesitated, spinning her two friends around so they were facing the other way and Soarin' couldn't hear their whispered conversation. "I dunno Scootaloo. Ms. Cheerilee doesn't like silliness much. Remember that time we put that apple that screams when you bite into it on her desk?"
The three fillies looked at their feet.
"But on the other hoof," Applebloom said, "Soarin' is really nice, even if he's a little goofy."
Scootaloo chipped in. "Don't forget he's the best flyer in all of Equestria!"
Soarin' raised an eyebrow at the secret conversation and waited for the Crusaders to figure out what they needed him for this time. The fillies turned around with innocent smiles.
"Hey," Scootaloo began. "Are you doing anything for Hearts and... Hooves... Day..."
Soarin' laughed as the three ponies seemed to get confused by their own question. Their eyes were wide, like they'd seen a timberwolf. He opened his mouth.
"Sorry girls, this one's with me today."
Soarin's jaw and wings snapped shut in shock and his ears went straight up. The Cutie Mark Crusaders bunched together in front of him. They all tried to talk at once and the words stumbled over each other. Finally Scootaloo managed to get over the other two. "Oh. Er, we'll just be over there, actually, I think I see somepony else that can help us."
"Yep! Over there, that one. But..." Sweetie Belle sang, "this one's too young. This one's too old."
The sound of the musical faded off down the streets of Ponyville while the three went on with their search.
"Looks like I just saved your feathers there. I know mischief when I see it, and those three have it written all over them save the cutie mark. But you," Rainbow Dash said, pacing around Soarin' so she was facing the frozen stallion. "You have a cutie mark in something else entirely, Soarin'."
She said the dreaded phrase: "We need to talk."
In one smooth motion the Wonderbolt pushed off the ground into the sky. Either Soarin' followed her, or he got to find out what happened when you broke Rainbow Dash's wing and then ignored her. It was going to be option one, then. "Come on wings," he mumbled. Soarin' regained his senses and creaked into action.
Dash waited for him on one of the clouds above Ponyville. The sparse pegasus air traffic at this time of day flowed above her, while town life below trotted. Soarin' was certain ponies recognized that mane the instant they set eyes on it, but no one dared approach the rainbow Wonderbolt. She wasn't wearing her uniform and sported a pair of saddlebags instead.
He sighed heavily, accepted whatever fate held in store, and landed next to Dash.
She looked out over the sky while she spoke. "I guess I should thank you first for what you did at the gala. Rapidfire says I'm always jumping into action without assessing the situation. If you hadn't hit me, a broken wing would probably be the least of my worries. So now that that's out of the way..."
Rainbow Dash whirled on Soarin'. "What were you thinking pulling a move like that off indoors? You could've set the whole building on fire! Electrocuted half the ponies there! I would tell you to just knock it off, but if you had any control of your abilities, you'd have done that move back in Cloudsdale! And to make matters more complicated, you've got this on your flank." She jabbed a wingtip at Soarin's Wonderbolt cutie mark.
Despair sank a pit in Soarin's stomach. He didn't get to decide what his cutie mark was, and it was obvious Dash didn't think he was good enough to be a Wonderbolt. "I..."
"So I'm going to train you," Rainbow Dash finished.
"You--what?"
She grinned. "Just for today. Normally I'd make you prove you can keep up with me first, but this one's on the house. I get the feeling if I told you to avoid doing that move, you'd ignore me and end up getting hurt or destroying a village. Part of my job is keeping Equestria safe, after all."
She stood. "So, Soarin'. Do you want to be a Wonderbolt?"
Confused and shocked, Soarin' could only answer that question on reflex. "Yes."
"Then what are we sitting around on a cloud for? Come on, I'll show you how to control that move. What do you call it?" Dash dropped off the cloud and Soarin' followed her.
"Thunderwings."
Dash recalled the loud explosion that created shimmering wings in the air. "Heh. Good name. We're going to go out where we won't bother anypony. The Everfree Forest is around here someplace. The skies above that forest should be good."
Dash noticed Soarin' fell in perfect formation to her rear left flank. He knew where he was supposed to be and had the ability to maintain spacing. She increased her speed to see if he'd be able to match her pace. He did, keeping the same distance between them regardless of how fast or slow she went.
Soarin' wasn't sure how to break the news to Dash about her choice of training location. The weather there was unpredictable and the clouds were unusual. "Er, Rainbow Dash, I'm not so sure about that place. The Everfree Forest sounds like a bad idea."
"Which is exactly what makes it a good idea! No one will follow us out there."
"No one will hear us scream, either."
"Afraid of a little Nightmare Moon?"
Soarin' bit his lip. Dash hadn't seen what a pony with fangs looked like, let alone had to battle one. "I'm not scared. I just don't want to be responsible for another broken wing or something. Once was enough."
"Yeah, you know, most of the time when I break things it's my fault. Way to switch things up."
Soarin' started to relax. It didn't seem like she was out for revenge. Still. Uniform or not, the pegasus in front of him was a Wonderbolt, and all the time he spent with her better be with his best wing forward. No pony could apply to the Wonderbolt Academy unless they got an invitation first, after all.
The stallion shook his head. Wonderbolts mentored ponies from time to time like this. No need to get excited. One flap at a time.
The two pegasi entered official Everfree Forest airspace. Ponyville vanished from view and thick clouds took over. Most had a slight pink tinge, but every so often he saw gray or black ones. This was the best case scenario in terms of Everfree weather.
Rainbow Dash set foot on a pink cloud. "Watch the stickiness. You know, these clouds kinda seem familiar."
"Oh. Did you get cotton candy over by Canterlot too?"
"Some of it. Most of it was gum clouds, though. One of my teammates, Surprise, tried making a gum cloud after the Princess' guards cleaned up that Discord business, but so far she hasn't had any success. It's probably for the best." Dash lifted a hoof and watched the cloud stretch. She released her magic grip and the pink puff snapped back into place.
Dash set her saddlebags down and started sorting through them. "Now, explain your technique for Thunderwings."
"I've managed to do it twice. The first time was when I was still a colt in flight camp. The second was at the Grand Galloping Gala. I think the wings show in the sky because I open mine the instant before impact, but my problem is speed. There's a certain velocity I have to reach for it to work. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong, or how to go any faster other than waiting for a life or death situation to pop up."
Dash passed Soarin' a container that looked like one of Rarity's face creams. "Rub this over your forehooves and let me tell you a little something about what they don't teach in flight school: magic. Oh, don't let it get on your wings. Use your hooves to put it on."
Soarin' screwed off the top of the container. The stuff inside looked like water, but when he poked at it, it stuck to his hoof and created a transparent shell over it, like he'd dipped his foot in melted wax.
"That's resistance reducer, a little something a unicorn can whip up with the right ingredients and the know-how. You've gotta watch where you put it. I've been told if you nosedive while coated in it, it works so well you won't be able to use your tail and wings to get out of the dive, and you'll crash into the ground at supersonic speed."
"Will I always have to use this?" Soarin' finished spreading reducer over his front hooves. He could barely see the clear coating, but he could sure feel its oily presence.
Dash looked at Soarin's coat. "Nah. If you were super fluffy, maybe. Fur causes air drag, so the reducer will solve that issue. Today you're using it so you can get a feel for how fast you have to be."
"Right. Okay, now I'm going to give it a shot." Soarin' crouched and prepared to launch.
"Whoa, slow down there speedy. I've gotta tell you some more about pegasus magic. It'll be quick, I promise. I like lecturing about as much as I like being lectured to, and trust me, as a rookie Wonderbolt I got plenty of that second part.
"Pegasus magic is what lets us walk on clouds with no effort. All we have to do is concentrate to cut the flow of magic and we can pass through clouds. And that's all there is to it, right?"
Soarin' couldn't avoid rolling his eyes. "Right."
"Wrong! What do you think creates signature trails, like Wonderbolt smoke? Magic. Yep, now you see where I'm going with this. A Sonic Rainboom isn't caused by pure speed. It's the same with your Thunderwings. Unleash a burst of pegasus magic and it takes form in wings, or a rainbow, or showers of firework-like sparks if you're talking about one of our airshows.
"'Course most pegasi never need to know this, so you only learn the most basic magic control in flight school. The best moves take magic, and to get magic to work you need to harness emotions. If you've ever seen a unicorn cast a challenging spell you know what I mean - their eyes get all glowy and they make funny faces."
Soarin' picked up one of his hooves and looked at it. He'd never paid much attention to his ability to manipulate clouds. It came naturally. "So I'm supposed to feel something, and then... concentrate on it?"
"Uh-huh. And for a supersonic move you need one thing only." Rainbow Dash strode right up to Soarin' and poked him in the chest with her wingtip. "Determination. You cannot doubt yourself. You've gotta have complete focus on getting what you want to the point where you don't think you will do it, you know you will do it."
She removed her feather. "So when you're flying, act like you're going to pass through a cloud and turn your magic off. Right when you do that, pour in the emotion and unleash it. Bang. Instant awesome."
"You make it sound easier than it is."
"Pretty much." With that, Rainbow Dash fell through the cloud. Soarin' heard her call out from below. "So start by paying more attention to what the control feels like."
Soarin' shut off his magic. The cloud whooshed around him. He relaxed and prepared to land on the cloud below, but when he looked down there was nothing but trees. He scrambled in the air and threw his wings out, flapping to regain height.
"Heh heh. Gotcha." Rainbow Dash peered down at him from where she was sitting on the underside of the cloud. Her mane and tail hung straight down.
Soarin' floundered in the sky again. "What the. How are you doing that?"
"Control. It's actually harder to teach this than the Sonic Rainboom stuff. But it's possible." She yawned. "So go ahead and work on moving through clouds some more. I'm gonna take a nap. Let me know when you're ready."
Soarin' gaped at the pegasus curled up on the bottom of the cloud, napping. Was she for real? He stuck his lower lip out and huffed. Oh, he'd let her know when he was ready.
Rainbow Dash nearly shed all her feathers when the bang blew up right next to her napping spot. She unstuck to the bottom of the cloud and toppled for a few seconds with a yell. Some leftover Thunderwing sparks zapped her coat and she jerked out of the way.
A blazing gold trail zipped over the Everfree. Rainbow Dash shouted at it. "Alright, I totally deserved that!"
She took a breath and smirked, but judging from the position of the sun that was all the fun she was going to have today. It was time to go home. ---
For a while, things went rather smoothly, considering it was a country filled with magical creatures. Thanks to Ponyville's weather team, Cloudsdale had enough water to supply Equestria for the coming year. The Crystal Empire, a long-lost country, and its entire population reappeared after 1,000 years of banishment. Nopony was sure if they'd been on the moon with Luna or what.
So this changeling invasion was small stuff compared to that. Rainbow Dash kicked another one in the face. Rapidfire, Spitfire, and Surprise battled alongside her while they carved a pathway to the Elements of Harmony. They were supposed to meet the bearers there. Those six ponies were definitely going to need back up.
The two groups of battling equines merged and Rainbow Dash had one of the more bizarre experiences of her life. "Soarin?!" She was nose-to-nose with the familiar face.
It hissed at her. "Whoops," she said, ducking under the vicious bite the changeling Soarin' tried to take out of her muzzle. She swept the legs out from under the bug and bucked it out of the way. She whirled around and faced another Soarin'. He reared and got ready to stomp down. The hooves slammed a hairs-breadth from her face. "Rainbow Dash?"
"Huh?" They both sputtered in confusion.
Rainbow Dash said, "You're here to back up the Elements of Harmony too?"
Soarin' said, "The Wonderbolts are here to back us up?"
Both ponies threw rear kicks that knocked out the changelings sneaking up behind them. "What?" they said in unison.
"I am an Element of Harmony!" Soarin' was forced to clarify.
"What?" Rainbow Dash repeated in disbelief.
The two were thrown back into the fight among the mass of pony replicas. "You know," Soarin' shouted over the noise, "The last thing we need right now is more confusion!" A herd of Pinkie Pies swarmed him and multiples of all the present Wonderbolts got mixed in with the copies of everypony else.
"To horse's hay with this!" Rapidfire complained. The real Rapidfire disappeared into thin air, and all the mimics glanced around, confused, unable to copy what he'd just done. Surprise immediately set to taking them down. Elsewhere changelings began to fall in defeat for no visible reason.
Twilight Sparkle threw the doors to the Hall of Magic open and a fresh swarm of changelings attacked. The bearers of the Elements charged into the fray, trying to reach the secondary doors where the elements were stashed.
"Really?" Spitfire groaned, noticing the lack of military forces inside. "Celestia leaves those gems out, unguarded?"
"Cover me!" Soarin' called from the herd. He tore down the hallway, wings wide open, plowing everything in the way over.
Rainbow Dash leapt out of the chaos. "On it!"
Nothing like a tornado to mix things up. The mare threw herself into an insane spin, kicking up a whirlwind that grew into a small cyclone. Keeping the rotation, she started to move down the aisle. Every pony in her path got whipped into the gale and thrown across the room. "Watch it! Coming through!"
The Elements and the Wonderbolts blew through the next set of doors.
"Twilight," one of the many Applejacks called out. Her voice was edged with worry. "Don't reckon you know how to open this door?"
Well, this was just pony fluffing great. The box was protected. A great door with a horn lock on it stood in their way, a lock that only one pony could open.
Twilight bit her lip. It was the closest any pony ever saw her come to cussing her mentor out.
Pinkie Pie stuck her tongue out and blew a raspberry. "Oh, no big deal. If Discord can break it, anypony can."
"Hiyah!" Rarity shouted out of nowhere, hitting the door with a punch. Nothing happened. After a second she pulled her hoof away and held it to her lips. "Ow," she whined, fussing over the injury.
Twilight had to act now. They were outnumbered. "Might as well give it a try," she said before putting her horn into the lock. A faint blue glow shuttered on and off around the lock's protection spell. The other five Elements crowded around the door, forming a defensive circle that was falling apart fast.
"Oh give me a break." Rainbow Dash rammed into Twilight, pushing the unicorn's horn fully into the lock. Blue light burst from the pattern on it and it opened. Dash noted the box, opened it, pulled out the necklaces, and shoved each one onto five ponies there. The sixth element was a crown. Dash slapped it onto whoever didn't have an Element yet.
"Hey, this one's not mine!" Pinkie Pie fiddled with the crown. "Shiny."
There wasn't time for that. "Whatever, figure it out on the way unless you want to know the wrath of twenty Spitfires!" The Spitfires crowded around them, hissing.
Together they bulldozed back out of the building. The city was a wreck. Fortunately the fighting prevented any more changelings from joining the swarm that chased them all the way to the castle where the wedding had, uh, failed.
Fleetfoot united her squad of Wonderbolts with Spitfire's and together they held the rear guard, protecting the Elements of Harmony so they could reach the changeling Queen. Moments later a rainbow blast rocketed the Chrysalis all the way to the dead woods. Her minions fled after her. ---
Soarin' sought out Rainbow Dash at the real wedding reception.
"You really saved our flanks back there. Makes up for that fiasco with the rampaging dragon in Ponyville," he said.
"Hey," Rainbow Dash defended herself. "I wasn't there, and plus they told us it was a teenage dragon, not a full-fledged adult. Fleetfoot would've sent a different team for that."
"Maybe my friends and I handled the dragon, but I have no idea what the changelings would have done if they'd caught us back there. I might not be here."
"Oh, don't worry, you wouldn't have died or anything. They're changelings. The Wonderbolts have dealt with them before. They probably would've just captured you and drained you of all positive feelings for the rest of your life."
Soarin' snatched a drink off a passing platter and took a swig. "You've dealt with changelings before. Is life with you always this crazy?"
"Hey, I could say the same. Seriously though, would you be able to be a Wonderbolt and the Element of Loyalty at the same time?"
"That's... I don't know. I mean yes. I mean, I don't know. Can't say I've tried it yet." Soarin' held the champagne glass in his wing and swirled it around, avoiding Rainbow Dash's intense gaze. "I'm a little envious of you, you know. You must've had it so easy getting in."
He realized that was a poor choice of words as soon as they left his mouth. Now it was Dash's turn to snatch a fizzy drink off the next tray a waiter brought around. Her brow furrowed. "You think it's been easy for me."
The mare took a long drink and looked away. "You and everypony else," she said. She tossed her glass straight up, stepped aside, flourished her wings, and caught the drink with a back hoof. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, the magnificent Sonic Rainboom pony. She's so radically amazing. Why wouldn't she be a Wonderbolt when she can do that awesome move?"
Soarin' knew he'd hit a nerve, but he didn't know the details and wasn't sure what to do. Dash kept talking.
"I wanted to be a Wonderbolt, but I wasn't ready. I basically got onto the team because of one technique. I was so far behind in everything else. I was arrogant and couldn't see past how cool I thought I was to understand that my teammates were also great ponies. I couldn't fly in a formation. My flight patterns weren't precise enough. And so while everypony else got to fly together, I only showed up to perform that one move by myself, alone." Her voice turned bitter. "The Sonic Rainboom. That's all anyone ever knows me for."
Just like that, the wall was back up. Dash didn't continue.
Soarin' pondered his own personal development. He'd been afraid he would fail to live up to his cutie mark. He'd been discouraged by the fact he still wasn't there yet. In the past, becoming an elite flyer was a dream so ridiculous it felt okay to go after it since it probably wouldn't happen anyway. In the present he knew he could be a Wonderbolt.
Back then, what Soarin' lacked was confidence. He had it now. He had the confidence to say aloud, "You changed all of that, Rainbow Dash. Maybe that was the case when you first joined, but it isn't now."
The Wonderbolt drained the rest of her drink. "Heh. You're right. I still think about it sometimes, though. What might have happened if nobody took my signature move seriously back then."
Soarin' set his empty glass on the table next to them. He took a risk. "I have no idea what that alternate reality looks like, but I do know one thing." The music shifted out of the melancholy tone of the royal couple's first dance into something with a beat. "You probably wouldn't be asking me if I wanted to dance."
Rainbow Dash put on a daring grin and narrowed her eyes to that challenge . "Oh, is that so?" She put her glass down too. "I'll bet I can dance circles around you, Soarin'."
Soarin' turned around with a tail swish and made his way to the floor. "I'd like to see you try."
If there was one thing Rainbow Dash could not resist, it was a competition. ---
Spitfire put a forehoof to her head. "You did give Soarin' the letter, right?"
Rainbow Dash pulled out the invitation to apply for the Academy. "Whoops."
"Darnit Dash, you had one job."
"Look! Look! I'm mailing it, see? No big deal. He's still got plenty of time to apply."
The Academy week went well. It was what happened after that would test the web of fate. |
Mirror Blue | 5 - Mirror Blue | "From one to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny singled out alone, fulfilled."
Nothing happened. Twilight expected that. It was an unfinished spell, after all.
The next morning, the unicorn woke up to pounding on her door. She tripped down the stairs rushing to see what it was.
"Girls! What's wrong?"
Applejack covered her face up with her hat. "Twilight, this mornin' my family woke up to Pinkie Pie trying to fix a gutter on the barn that wasn't even broken, and when they found me, I was making dresses!"
"It was quite frightening," Rarity interjected. "The dresses, I mean, not the fact our cutie marks got switched around."
"Yeah, well," Applejack went on, "Applebloom brought me back to the farm and from there we managed to work the problem out on our own. Except."
Twilight was still trying to comprehend that the spell she'd cast without thinking had altered her friends' lives. She could have ruined everything! "Except...?"
"I think you'd better take a look for yourself." Applejack backed out of the doorway. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity moved aside as well.
Twilight stepped out into the bright, clear day. In fact, everything was perfectly normal except the one cloud left in the sky. Kicked back and relaxing on it was a brightly colored mare. Even though she wore no uniform, the Wonderbolt emblem was blazoned on her flank.
"Oh no. So if she's here, then Soarin' must be..."
"It gets weirder, Twi." ---
Spitfire said in a low voice, "It's like he's been here the whole time. He knows everything Rainbow Dash knows. Her room, her schedule, which performances she's training for, everything about us. How did he even find his way to headquarters?"
Spitfire, Rapidfire, and Fleetfoot gathered in a small group apart from their new guest. Rapidfire's eyes darted back and forth between his teammates and Soarin', who sported Dash's cutie mark. "Something isn't right. There's magic at work here."
Suddenly Surprise was there too. "Dark magic," she said in a wobbly ghost voice. Shadows blackened her features.
Rapidfire rolled his eyes. "Oh posh, it's not dark magic Surprise."
Her ears drooped in disappointment.
Fleetfoot shook her head. She'd been a Wonderbolt longer than anyone on the team, and she did not recognize the spell. "I can't even think of what it might be. Only the most studied unicorns can cast mind-altering, chaotic, or dark magic, and I'm not sure this is from any of those classes."
Spitfire snorted. "He hasn't tried to kill us yet, so that's a start."
By now Soarin' knew his friends were doing their best to ignore him, so he strolled out. He had more fun things to do at the moment besides be excluded.
"I'll keep track of him," Surprise said and bounced after the stallion.
"They could be pranking us," Spitfire suggested.
Fleetfoot overturned that idea on the spot. "Dash can't come up with that elaborate of a prank on her own. Plus, I don't think she knows Soarin' well enough to tell him everything. No, we're going to have to get some help."
Nopony felt like trying to get in touch with Princess Luna, which was notoriously difficult to do since she didn't stay around Canterlot like her sister. Their other options, then, were Princess Celestia, the Canterlot Archives, and the School for Gifted Unicorns. Fleetfoot departed to see if she could find the Headmistress.
Spitfire looked at the doorway Soarin' had exited not a few minutes ago. "What are we going to do about him in the meantime?"
"If he's the same as Rainbow Dash, we may as well let him fill in for her. I've got a feeling that somewhere, somepony is as confused as we are," Rapidfire said. He left to speak with the librarians at the magic wing of the Canterlot Archives.
Down the hallway, Surprise and Soarin' kept talking like they were longtime buddies. "Hey Soar, where did you live before you joined the team, anyway?"
"Los Pegasus. I thought you knew that already."
Surprise tapped her hoof and looked around. Wrong question. She was pretty sure Soarin' and Rainbow Dash were not both from Los Pegasus. "Ooh! Do you know Rainbow Dash?"
"Who? Are you alright Surprise? I guess you're probably on a super secret mystery case right now, but if I can help I will."
"You are helping, I'm just not asking the right questions." The Wonderbolt ruffled her gold hair with her wing. "I mean, I guess all the Elements of Harmony are from... Ponyville."
"Yep."
"Ponyville! I'm so silly; I don't know how I forgot. Of course that's it." She bounced off, and Soarin' was left to his own devices.
The Wonderbolt opened the door to his room and went to pick up where he'd left off in Wings and Blades, but his collection had been replaced with Daring Do. Even better, somepony - probably Lightning Streak - had replaced the awards he'd won with convincing duplicates bearing Rainbow Dash's name.
"Very funny guys." Soarin' puzzled over the name. Rainbow Dash? Did he know it? There must be an inside joke going around that he hadn't figured out yet. ---
Zecora stared into the liquid boiling inside the cauldron at the center of her home.
"You say there are two ponies, both of them blue, that have switched not just cutie marks, but memories too?"
"Sure seems that way," Applejack said. "'Course there's something batty about it. Rainbow Dash gets most of the details, but she's just plain wrong about some things. She seems ta think Cadence and Twi's brother defeated the changelings, and she was even there for that part! Plus, she don't remember Soarin' at all."
The five friends minus Rainbow Dash (and Soarin') clustered around the cauldron, trying to make sense of the concoction inside. Zecora hid her smile. The ponies failed to realize they were looking at a simple vegetable stew.
Zecora left the bowl and began to chop up some Everfree vegetables while she thought over the problem. She didn't know either of the pegasi in question well enough, but kindred spirits did have a way of getting their lives tangled. Or untangled, as it may be. One small event could send someone down a path better suited to another, and sometimes it created ripples in history.
"Have you considered the possibility that you have righted a wrong? That perhaps these two ponies were meant to be this way all along?"
"What, that's ridiculous," Rarity protested. "The colors of Soarin's cutie mark clash with Rainbow Dash's mane."
"How you helped each other applies to them too. Reunite these two racers and see what they do."
The sun began to dip to the edge of Equestria. By the time Fluttershy searched Soarin's house, the friends had run out of places near Ponyville to look. Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be found. ---
Rainbow Dash raced, driven by a sudden need to soar in no particular direction. No, it was more than that. She had that gut feeling that she needed to do something, but no clue as to what that could be. It was instinct that drove her out of Ponyville and away from the Elements of Harmony enclosed in the glass case at Twilight's library.
The closer she got to Canterlot, the stronger the sensation grew. Her heart felt like it might burst in two, or grow wings of its own and take off. Her wingbeats grew stronger. Something was calling her. A speck in the sky that became another pegasus.
Dash drew closer to see who it was, and somehow she knew. Even though she'd never seen him before she knew. He noticed her as well, and without thinking they found themselves standing face to face in Celestia's final minutes. Reds and oranges glowed over their sky colored fur like copies of the sunset.
The stallion in front of her was a Wonderbolt. She'd rescued him at the Best Young Flyer Competition, and tried to show off for him at the Grand Galloping Gala because she wanted to be a Wonderbolt too. They'd danced at the royal wedding. He'd rescued her at the Gala. But also, he'd entered the Wonderbolt Academy in pursuit of his dream and she'd trained him. He was the Element of Loyalty.
How could she know all of this and yet not remember who he was? He couldn't be all of those things, could he?
As one they reached out like reflections of each other, not sure if the other was real or not.
She saw her own confusion play out in his clouded green gaze. Rainbow Dash's hoof drew closer to his. "Why do I feel..."
"...like I know you?" he finished.
They touched. For an instant they were there together, two ponies with the same dreams, a mirror of possibilities. Then the fabric of reality swallowed them up, as if they'd never been there at all. Only a lone cloud was there to meet Luna's field of dreams. ---
This was not like any sky she had flown before. In fact, as Rainbow Dash regained her senses, she realized she was not flying at all. She floated in place amongst teal mists and stars. A glowing path below beckoned. Her feet stretched for it and she landed on the ethereal plane.
"Hello?" The call echoed into the endless expanse. "Is anypony there?"
"Just a second!" A familiar male voice responded. The sound of it made her head swim and she put a wing to her forehead to clear her mind.
Out of the mist two ponies emerged, footsteps trailing with stars.
"Princess Celestia!" Rainbow Dash forgot to bow. "Did we... die?"
The great alicorn chuckled and her voice sparkled with mirth. "No. It just seems my student has gotten the two of you into an interesting situation. Walk with us. There is something I need to show the two of you."
As they traveled the illuminated path, screens with moving pictures spread out before them. Dash saw both of her sets of memories played out through them, right up to the moment she'd woken up here. The pictures thinned out and disappeared. An empty trail of shimmering light stretched out ahead.
"The reason you both are here is because you must make a choice." Celestia stepped out from between the two ponies. She stood between two doorways brimming with white light.
"All around us are countless possibilities. Even a small change can set any of us on a different course. The two of you happen to share a link so close that your paths can tangle up or even coexist. I must admit I am a bit surprised, though. Of the things that could have resulted from Twilight Sparkle casting Star Swirl's unfinished spell, I was not expecting this anomaly."
Soarin' took the information in stride. "What can we do to fix it?"
"Choose which life you want to return to. This," Celestia indicated to one of the doorways, "leads to the one you came from." She lowered her wing and turned to look into the other doorway. "This leads to the one you remember."
"Where I'm a Wonderbolt," Soarin' said.
"And I'm the Element of Loyalty," Dash said.
"Once you choose that will be it. The realities will be split."
Rainbow Dash was trying hard not to turn into Twilight and over think it. "Are you saying that there are two more of us out there who don't even know this is going on? Is there another you? What happens to all of them when we choose?"
The princess held up her hoof to stem the tide of questions. "Do not worry. This choice is for you. Think about what you want, and know that either way you go, things will work out."
Both doors were the same at every angle. Dash checked to be sure. "Alright, I'm going to go with this one!" She stood by the door where she was already a Wonderbolt. "I really don't want to take that test again. I remember how awful it was."
Soarin' looked from one door to the next. "Oh come on, Dash. It wasn't that bad. Still..." His eyes lingered on the path not yet taken, the one opposite Dash. "I'm already a Wonderbolt too." He walked over to his choice, the door where he was a Wonderbolt.
In that pocket of eternity, the two small ponies stared at their feet. How could they choose either way, when both lives were so real? What happened to their friendships with everyone when they went one way versus the other? Could they not have both at once?
There was something more, though. Rainbow Dash brought her head up and met Soarin's gaze. They had memories of the time they'd spent together. Small things. Teaching each other, training, dancing, striving to achieve a Wonderbolt dream not yet met. What happened when they walked away from that? As they stood there, some of those moments got clearer and others started to fade away.
Green and magenta eyes shimmered. Will I remember you?
"Wait!" Soarin' tore free from the light enveloping him. Even though both options were ultimately equal, the real Rainbow Dash was right there in front of him. He'd go with her. It didn't matter that he had to pass the Wonder Trial again. As he watched her rainbow colors filter into the white light and disappear it got harder to remember. What was he thinking about? He hadn't even become a Wonderbolt yet, how could he be thinking...
Celestia watched them go. The doors blinked out behind them.
Reflecting on what had happened, she decided it was probably best not to send that portal mirror to the Crystal Empire after all. ---
The herd of Ponyville friends gathered outside Twilight's home. Still no sign of either Rainbow Dash or Soarin'.
At that moment, rays of light poured from the night sky. Everypony looked up to the descending, blinding ball of light. It shot down and struck the ground. Applejack shielded her eyes while she tried to get a better look.
"Soarin'? Is that you?"
The stallion leapt into the air. "It's me!"
"Where they hay you been? We've been looking all over for you and Rainbow Dash."
"Rainbow Dash? Why were you looking for her? I woke up this morning with this funny feeling, and I went back to bed. Somehow I ended up here." He swished around in circles, checking to make sure everything was still in place. Two wings, two cutie marks, four hooves, tail, yep yep. "Did I sleep all day?" He started laughing. "I feel fine now. Better than fine. Man, you guys are the greatest friends ever."
Twilight's eyes shone. "Friends, of course, that's it! I know how to finish the spell."
At that point, nopony knew what was going on, so they all followed Twilight into the library. She pulled out a yellowed notebook and started writing. "From all of us together. Together we are friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end."
Twilight closed the notebook, returned the Elements to their case, wished everypony goodnight, and went to bed. ---
The day came when Soarin' was no longer the Element of Loyalty, and the magic stones belonged to the forest again. Maybe he should have cared more about giving up that power, but the fact was that not having to save Equestria every few months created a lot of free time, time that he used on one pony in particular - at least as often as he could come up with excuses to visit Equestria's capitol.
"Guess I never have to prove I can be an Element of Harmony and a Wonderbolt at the same time, huh Dash?"
Behind them, the streets of Canterlot bustled with activity. Delicious aromas wafting from the various vending carts around the festival had brought the two racers down to earth.
"Hold your horses Soarin', you still gotta prove you can be a Wonderbolt in the first place," Dash teased as she shoveled the desserts they'd just ordered into a pair of saddlebags.
Neither of them made any mention of the letter sitting on Soarin's living room table back in Ponyville. The Wonderbolt seal on the front was ripped open.
"Alright," Dash said, securing the clasp over the bags and tossing them over her back while Soarin' dished out bits to the familiar earth pony vendor. "Let's blow this doughnut stand."
Both pegasi flared their wings open. Pony Joe's eyes went wide, but as usual he was too slow to stop them. In a flurry of feathers, Soarin' and Rainbow Dash whipped into the air so fast all the doughnuts sitting out for display on his cart whooshed up and rained down onto the crowd below. Fillies and colts at the festival laughed in delight as they caught frosted delicacies or watched them splat over some unsuspecting noble's face.
"Darnit you two! This is going on your tab!" Pony Joe shouted, hoof raised to the sky. |
Song of the Moon | Disturbance (6) | Disturbance
"Pinkie Pie? Are you there Pinkie Pie?" Ditzy tapped the door of the bakery with her hoof. It was even more absurd looking from up close.
"NO! Nopony's here!" A high voice yelled very seriously. Ditzy suddenly looked down.
"Oh, I guess she's not home." I looked at her incredulously.
"What?" She asked.
"She clearly IS home and is lying to avoid something, presumably me."
"Oh..... oh well, I guess she just WON'T GET TO THROW YOU A PARTY." She yelled the last part at the door before we kept walking.
"Erm?"
"Oh, Pinkie Pie loves throwing parties. I hoped that would coax her out." Ditzy explained.
"I see."
"Well darn, now how am I supposed to get my muffin? Oh! We've been walking for a while, you must be hungry." The thought suddenly donned on her.
"Actually, I am quite satisfied. I have several apples here. In fact, I was hoping to ask you about them." I opened my bag and showed her ten or so of the rainbow fruit.
"Oh! You have zap apples! Yummy!" She picked one up in her hoof, do not ask me how given that it doesn't have graspers, and proceeded to eat it.
"Where'dja get deese anyvay? I tot I wuz da ferst puny you saw." She said with her mouth full.
"It is considered rude to speak with your mouth full, as others cannot understand you." She swallowed hard.
"Oh, sorry. I asked where you got them from. I'm the first pony you saw, but you only could have gotten these from Applejack's farm."
"Applejack's farm? You mean, the orchard, Sweet Apple Acre's, on the edge of town?"
"Yeah. If you didn't see her then..." She gasped. "Did you STEAL them?"
"NO! No no, I never.... I found them in the wood. They just, appeared, when the trees got hit by lightning." I defended myself. Last thing I needed was all these ponies thinking I was a thief.
"You mean you were in the Everfree forest? What were you doing there! It's dangerous in there!" She looked genuinely concerned.
"Yes, I am quite aware that it is dangerous, a fact I learned shortly after I woke up there when I was attacked by some strange serpent with the head of a chicken, followed by wooden wolves."
"You were attacked by a cockatrice AND timber wolves? You're lucky you're alive!" She exclaimed.
"Well, I'd certainly say so. That reminds me. The wolves drove off the... cockatrice you called it? And then I heard the banging of pots and the voice of an elderly woman which in turn saved me from the wolves. I must thank this.... Applejack person..."
"PONY." She corrected.
"Yes, this pony, for rescuing me, even if it was not her intent." As she flew past, I noticed some form of brand on her flank, much how cattle farmers would brand their livestock. Now that I think about it, it should have been a fairly obvious feature, the fact that it escaped my gaze I attribute to waking up in a strange place and having a conversation with a colourful talking equine. The mark on her posterior was the least of my worries. I simply dismissed it as we continued on our path towards the orchard.
Meanwhile, in Sugarcube Corner
Mr and Mrs Cake were huddled in the corner, desperately trying to prevent Pound and Pumpkin from crying. Pinkie was ever vigil at the window. She watched as the strange creature with Ditzy Do walked away towards Applejack's farm.
"Twitcha twitch, my nose has an itch............ trouble be he, nopony can see..... HEY! when did I start talking like Zecora?" At which the Cake twins started crying and their parents gave Pinkie a death glare.
Sweet Apple Acres
"Well, come on scaredy cat....." Ditzy mocked me as she flew behind me, trying to push me through the gate and into the farm.
"I am not going in. Far to many times have I been attacked by farm folk over a misunderstanding. Given the circumstances, I am positive that this time will be no different. If you wouldn't mind, do you think you can find her and bring her to me, rather than me going to her and frightening everyo....pony."
"Fine." She said in frustrated defeat as she flew off in her usual clumsy manner. I did not like where this course of action was heading, so, anticipating disaster, I stashed my violin and some other things by a tree near the edge of the woods, something I had learned to do long ago when encountering a dangerous situation, something I considered meeting a farm pony in a land where everything is afraid of me to be. More likely than not, I would soon find myself being tended to by a doctor for blunt, hoof-related trauma.
"Now, Applejack, he may look scary or strange, but he's really nice and friendly. He's also shy, and he came here to say something despite him thinking you're going to hurt him. So just.... don't go bucking him okay?" Ditzy pleaded.
"I don't see why ah would. I mean, what can possibly be so bad about him that I'd....... well hello taaaaaaallllllllllllll." I saw an orange pony with blond mane as well as a strange hat. She didn't have wings, and from what I could tell she didn't have a horn either, although I could be mistaken given the hat.
"Actually, my name is Lark. Pleasure to meet you Ms?" When I offered my hand, I then realized that because I had been talking with Ditzy, who flew at face level, that I was much taller than most ponies, this one only coming up to my waist. I crouched around the same height as she was.
"Applejack." She took my hand in her hoof, again a mystery as despite the fact that there was nothing grabbing me, my entire arm was shaken vigorously until I thought that it might fall off.
"Well Derpy, when ya said he was tall, I didn't think ya meant THAT tall. He's bigger than Big Macintosh. I'd say he's about tha same height as Princess Celestia, and that's sayin somthin." Applejack released my hand, thankfully without striking me. "Now, uh, what was it you were gonna say?"
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Several nights ago, I found myself in the forest nearby. I was set upon by.... timber wolves.... but was saved by a ruckus of clanging pots and pans. I wanted to thank you for that, despite it not being the intention."
"Aw shucks, ya don't need ta thank me, besides, It waddn't me who dun it, it was ma granny, Granny Smith. She's asleep right now, so I'll pass it along." She replied with the pony version of a bow, or courtesy, I couldn't tell the difference.
"Well, I also wanted you to have this. I'm not sure how much a denari is worth here, but I just wanted you to know how much it is appreciated." I handed her the bag of gold coins. They were worth a fair bit, although I have no idea how much weight they would hold here. It wasn't a fortune, but it was enough for the lumber to build a barn. I still had plenty of my own money, bronze and gold coins, as well as a single silver one coated in honey which had crystallized, the purpose of which should be fairly obvious.
"Aw, no way no how can I accept that. If y'all are new 'round here you'll need that money to get yourself set up." She pushed the bag back.
"If it's my well being that you are worried about then you need not trouble yourself. I have plenty in regards to wealth that I have gathered in my travels, I insist." It wasn't a lie. On my travels I had gathered a fair amount. Playing in the courts of nobles will do that. The fact that I knew very well the value of a denari and how to make it last as long as possible meant that I had been living the past five years off the wealth I had gained in the 6 or so before, as well as making a pittance playing in the street. I pushed the bag back to her, only to have her return it to me more forcefully.
"I insist. It's really nothing at all." She looked at me for a moment before a smile came on her face.
"There's only one way ta settle this, a hoof wrastle. Whoever loses keeps the money." As far as I could tell, this 'hoof wrastle' was the same as an arm wrestle. What better way to lose money than the way in which it was gained? Oh irony, you are so sweet and yet so bitter.
"Very well. State the rules."
"What? Ain't ya ever been in a hoof wrastle before?" She asked in disbelief.
"Considering that I don't have hooves, no. Although I have experience with something similar. I just want to make sure there is no confusion."
"Fair 'nuff. Given the way ya talk, I figured you might be a pansy like Rarity. I swear, dressmakin's fine an all, but when push comes to shove, if you don't got enough push, yer gonna get shoved." She rolled her eyes. I didn't know what to make of Applejack or this 'Rarity' although given that she was a seamstress, and that each of these pony's names matched who they were, I assume Rarity to be a member of high society.
"Actually, I am a musician. That however does not by any means mean that I cannot handle myself in a fight. As a travelling minstrel, I have all too often come across wild animals and would be thieves. Carrying lumber for my instrument maker father for years means that I am in no way a pushover." She motioned me over to a stump, where she bent her foreleg in the typical arm wrestle fashion. I placed my own to match, then the bag of coins underneath where our hands and hooves met.
"On the count of three, ya try and push mah leg down on the stump, and I try ta push yours." She explained.
"And whoever wins walks away 200 denaries poorer." Ditzy just looked at me like I was an idiot. She either expected me to lose nigh instantly, probably due to the fact that I was struggling against a very strong pony, or she couldn't understand why I wanted to lose money.
"Keep in mind, I have no idea what these are worth here. This is a battle that could be over a grain of wheat or the entire field."
"On three. One. Two. THREE!"
With that, we placed pressure against each other, not pushing forward. We both knew what we were doing. Wait for the other to tire, then make a comeback. Of course, when nobody made an attempt, she began to push forward, and my arm started to fail. It ever neared the stump and Applejack began to smile.
"Well, hate to disappoint ya stranger, but it looks like you lost."
"Is that so? Oh, forgive me, I forgot that we had started." At which point I reversed it and slammed her hoof into the stump with lycan fury. The look on her face was well worth the 200 denaries I paid to see it. Ditzy fell out of the sky and landed hard on her face.
"Well, it was nice meeting you Applejack." I began to walk away from the dumbstruck pony, collecting Ditzy Do who had finally gotten back up before heading into town.
"Well I'll be, he actually beat me. I wonder where he got that burst of strength at the end, or was he holdin back all along? He's pretty strong for a such a scrawny guy. Wonder what he is? Twi's probably gonna have a hay day with him. Rarity too, given his getup. Well, let's see what my losings are." Applejack opened the bag, spotting the coins glimmering within.
"Issat, gold?" Used to only using bronze bits, the sight of gold made her more than curious. She picked up a piece of it and bit into it, tasting the metal in her mouth, identifying it to truly be gold. She spat it out and put it back in the bag. Looking at the number of gold coins that were in there, which he had just so simply given away, she began to be weak in the knees, a small amount of foam forming at her lips.
"BIG MAC! GET OVER HERE NOW!"
While I said the purpose of the honey covered silver coin was obvious, in case any of you didn't understand, it's the gun with a single bullet in it. Basically, if he gives up on life, he swallows the coin. The honey makes sure it doesn't burn his mouth and he spits it out, but once that dissolves in his stomach, he'll turn to ash just about instantly when the silver comes to bare. I'll go more into it a little later. As for the economic system, 1 gold bit = 10 silver bits, 1 silver bit = 100 bronze bits, so 1 gold bit = 1000 bronze bits. So if bits are equal in value, he gave her 200k. For reference, an entire bag of apples was 4 bits. You can see why she might freak the hell out. While gemstones are very common in Equestria, precious metals are not. The only reason Rarity didn't just about kill Sweetie Bell when she used her gold cloth for the CMC capes is that despite being the element of generosity, she's freaking loaded. Also, I have no idea the actual ratio of gold in the coins during that era, so imma just say they're pure. |
Song of the Moon | Awake (7) | Awake
"Well, now that I am finished here, perhaps we should head back to town. If you were to go ahead of me and warn every...pony that I am not dangerous, then by chance they might be more willing to see reason."
"I don't think that'll work. Applejack is one of the most open minded ponies I know, and it still took some convincing. The rest of the town won't see it that way. I remember back when Zecora came to town, everypony was afraid of her because she's a zebra. You're not even CLOSE to being a pony." Ditzy replied with her head hung low. I could tell that she really wanted me to fit in.
"Well then. I guess I'll just have to let my music speak for me. After all, I AM a traveling musician. If I am unable to coax the ponies from their homes with song I may as well give up my instrument."
"Oh! That's a good idea! I haven't heard you play yet! You think you could play me a song?" She seemed happier at the thought of me playing a song."
"Why, I don't see why not, although just one, I'll be playing more once we get back to town. Let me just get my.... what? Hey! Don't touch that!" I ran as fast as I could towards the treeline to find three smaller ponies poking at my bundle. They jumped out of the way as I swept up my belongings and hid behind the trees.
"Thank goodness." I breathed a sigh of relief to find that all my possessions were very much intact. Then, looking into the woods, I spotted three pairs of eyes hiding in a bush.
'Blast, there goes another group.'
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER MONSTER CATCHERS GO!" At the yell of all three of them, my senses picked up movement. I jumped quickly to the left and looked back at where I was to see a regular yellow pony with red mane and hair bow, an orange one with wings and purple mane that was unkempt, and a third one with a horn and light purple, two tone mane that was in a by comparison fancy style. I tapped my foot as I waited for them to right themselves from the jumbled mess they were in.
"If you want to catch a monster, shouting, telling them what you are about to do is one of the worst methods there is. Such a thing requires patience, finesse, and a stint of good luck, three things that you three are clearly lacking." I paused and noticed that they were looking quite glum.
"I apologize for startling you earlier, It's just that among my possessions is a particularly fragile object that I value highly and I would hate for it to be broken due to carelessness." Their ears lifted from their heads, a sign that they were no longer afraid but rather interested.
"I am Lark Wolfe, traveling musician extraordinaire, and you are?" I gave a sweeping bow as I introduced myself. Finally, they became excited, almost as though introducing themselves was a treat for them.
"Ahm Applebloom, I help out at Sweet Apple Acres with mah sister, Applejack, brother Big Macintosh, and granny, Granny Smith." The yellow one said with the same accent as her sister.
"I'm Sweetie Belle, I, um, try to help my sister Rarity with her dress making, but it doesn't go so well....." She said in a squeaky voice, which at the same time seemed sad. Her voice was high and slightly painful to hear, given my condition.
"And I'm Scootaloo! President of the Rainbow Dash fan club! and together, we're......" the third one paused as all three prepared.
"THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! We're on a crusade to find our special talent, and earn our cutie marks!" They yelled, which to my partly canine ears was torture. I felt dizzy for a moment, and when I regained my balance they all looked at me with a sparkle in their eyes.
"I'm sorry, you are trying to earn your what?"
"Their cutie marks." Ditzy began to explain. "Whenever a pony figures out what they're supposed to do with their lives, it appears, right here." She pointed to the bubbles on her flank. "My bubbles mean I'm supposed to travel wherever the wind takes me, which means being a mail carrier suits me perfectly. That, and sometimes the wind takes me into solid objects...." She blushed.
"So, you three are trying to determine what your skills and preferences are, and once you do?"
"Then the cutie mark appears." They added.
"How?"
"Well, magic I guess. It just, you know, shows up." At the mention of magic, I became a little unnerved, but then again, not all magic is evil, just the type I'm accustomed to dealing with. There is pure magic as well. It doesn't help my case on sorcery that the divine type is often used to try and hunt me. Still, I withheld my prejudice.
"Hey, you're a musician right? What's yer cutie mark?" Applebloom asked.
"Well, I don't have a 'cutie mark', although I do have a tattoo. It doesn't appear with magic on it's own. It's something I chose. It is inked into my very skin, by a method that is quite painful mind you. This ensures that we only mark ourselves with something of great meaning. I have two, actually." With that, I pulled up my sleeve and showed the group my forearm. Ditzy seemed interested as well.
"Here, on my right, a violin. I am a violinist. I have played for as long as I can remember. I made my fortune traveling from town to town, making music for various occasions. I even played in the courts of royals, believe it or not." They seemed quite impressed at that fact.
"The other is on my back, and is a crescent moon. What that symbolizes is a secret known only to me, and is something I cannot share with you." At that, they seemed downtrodden. They wanted to know what my secret was. I'm not going to tell them that the moon symbolizes that I am a slave to it, becoming a bloodthirsty monster when it is full.
"Well, I've come across five ponies so far who are not avoiding me. It's a good start. Now, where was I? Ah yes, going back to town. I have an idea that......."
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"
"Oh for goodness sake, I can't go a single moment without being interrupted can I?" I said as I tossed my wrapped bundle to the ground to avoid falling on it as I am knocked into the dirt by the inevitable impact of the thing that was charging me. I was not afraid of my attacker, given that I had bested a farm pony that was considered to be incredibly strong rather easily. I landed face first on the path and did what everyone knows to do when attacked by a wild animal. I played dead.
"Quick you four! I've got it pinned, run away while you still can! I'll hold it off!" I heard a brash voice from on my back.
"Wow Rainbow Dash, you're awesome!" Scootaloo. "Ow!" Apparently, one of the others poked her to remind her that her idol was harming her newest friend.
"Rainbow Dash, he's not dangerous. He's nice! Just a little funny lookin is all." Ditzy Do explained.
"Uug, not now Derpy. Remember what you said about that manticore that followed you into town?" Apparently, monsters are often attracted to the wall eyed pegasus. I guess I fit the bill then don't I? I would have laughed at my own thought, but then remembered that I was playing dead.
"It's different this time! Look, he walked all through town with me, met these three, and had a nice talk with Applejack. He hasn't done anything monster-ish at all. He's just a bit lost. And from a different time period." Judging by the shifting weight on my back, 'Rainbow Dash' had turned to look at my pegasus friend. I can only assume that she was trying to figure out if she was being serious or not. Then, she fell off of me and began laughing.
"Really Derpy? A different time? That's what you said about Doctor Clockwork! Time traveling pony in a blue box, get real!" She was laughing maniacally.
"The Doctor is a very nice pony and he DOES have a magic blue box. Twilight used that time spell to warn herself, what's so hard to believe?" Ditzy defended her sanity. I was starting to wonder if I really had lost mine or not.
"Grr, true enough." My still unseen attacker grumbled, having stopped her guffaw. I made no attempt to move. She poked me in the side with her hoof. I still didn't move.
"Uh, Dash, I think ya killed it." Applebloom deadpanned.
"Lark, you okay?" Ditzy gently prodded me. She walked up to my face to look at me. I opened my eyes and then winked at her. She seemed to get the hint.
"Rainbow! He's dead! You killed him! You, you, you MURDERER!" She cried fake tears.
"Hey, wait a minute, I didn't mean...." The once confident Rainbow Dash now had her confidence fading.
"No, you didn't! You just up and attacked him out of nowhere, and now he's dead! How could you?" She yelled.
"But, but, but......" Dash seemed close to tears.
"Alright Ditzy, I think that's enough." I rolled over, still laying on the ground. Ditzy fell over laughing.
"You FELL FOR IT!" She laughed and then crashed face first into the ground. "Ow."
"Well, now that miss Dash has learned not to attack strangers, perhaps she can help me up with an apology and we can introduce ourselves proper?" I smiled an innocent smile. She stood on my chest and looked at me with a very serious face. Her rainbow mane hanging over her one eye, she blew it out of the way.
"What, can't ya get up on your own?" She looked at me questioningly.
"Not unless you apologize. If you don't say sorry or don't help me up, I'll end up laying here on the path all night." Might as well play it for all it's worth.
"Mrh, sorry." She grumbled. I sat up quickly, surprising her as she was thrown off. I dusted my cloths off and stood upright, towering over her.
"There, was that so difficult? Now, how about introductions?" She stood up, flew to meet me at face level, puffed out her chest and said,
"I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria and future member of the Wonderbolts!" Oh, just perfect, a braggart. I assume Equestria to be the nation, or perhaps the province. I do not know what the wonderbolts are, nor do I care.
And I am Lark Wolfe, musician extraordinaire." I say, once again giving a large, sweeping bow. It's my standard introduction. I unfortunately did not use it with Ditzy Do as I had been out of sorts, and Applejack had taken charge of the introduction, not leaving me a chance to do so.
"Yeah, um, I'm sorry for just attacking ya out of the blue there. I saw you with these three next to the Everfree, and I kinda figured you were a monster attacking them." She was much more hospitable after she knew I wasn't a mosnter.
'Except that you are one.'
'Shut up.'
'Why am I having an inner monologue?' I shook my head to rid myself of the thoughts.
"Ah yes, were was I? Right! I have already been through town once, and unfortunately, all the others believed the same as you did and locked themselves within their houses, even the one called 'Pinkie Pie' which Ditzy has informed me is the town welcoming committee."
"Really? Even Pinkie locked herself up tight?" Rainbow asked.
"Yep, she said she wasn't home, which is kind of silly because if she wasn't there then she couldn't say it." Ditzy added.
"Well, I do have an idea of how to coax them out. As a musician, I will play a song in the center of town. All I need of you is to be an audience. If the others see you five listening to me, then they should realize that I am no danger and come out as well."
Ditzy Do began leading the group back into town. Applebloom to my right, Sweetie Belle to my left, and Scootaloo behind so she could get a better look at Rainbow Dash, above. Essentially, they had boxed me in in a kind of convoy. If I walked into town surrounded by ponies, they may think I had been captured. If not, it would at least make me seem non threatening.
As we reached the center of town, by what Ditzy pointed out as a stage, I walked up onto it. They told me that there was equipment there that would make my music louder so that all the town could hear. There were strange black boxes, as well as a stand with something on it. Sweetie Bell said 'Testing' into it, and to my surprise, the sound was much louder than her voice. I took my violin from it's protective bundle, then out of it's case. I drew my bow several times to judge the correct distance from the 'microphone' so the sound would not be too loud or too soft. Satisfied with the distance, I looked around to see various ponies looking out from their houses cautiously. Obviously, the sound had drawn their curiosity, and seeing me surrounded by ponies, including children and one who was clearly a town defender of sorts, their desire for knowledge started to overcome their fear. I cleared my throat, took a deep breath, and began to play a song.
I watched as the land bound ponies in my group, including Scootaloo despite her having wings, began to sway with the tones. Ditzy flew haphazardly in the air, attempting grace, while Rainbow Dash performed acrobatic flips and such. I closed my eyes and lost myself in the music. Because of the 'speaker system' on the stage, my song could reach the entire town, something normally not possible with a single instrument. I too began to sway with my song. I opened my eyes again to see the trio of fillies dancing in front of the stage. I have never seen a pony dance before, so although I am not sure what is considered good, Scootaloo seemed to move with more grace than the other two.
'I wonder, are all pegasi graceful, with the exclusion of Ditzy Do?'
Slowly, the numerous ponies left their respective abodes drawn by my music and the show of dancing and flying that was going on before them. They too began to sway. Two that were clearly a pair carried crying infants with them, who stopped crying and began to listen intently when they heard my song. If music can calm the savage beast, it will perform miracles for the passive one. As I played, I found myself smiling. Strange, in five years, I had not once smiled, yet after coming to this 'Equestria' this, 'Ponyville', I had done so almost constantly. My song ended and was met with the stomping of hooves. I assume this to be their form of applause. I played three more songs before I was finally approached by 6, Rainbow Dash and Applejack being two of them, the other four, I did not know. I stored my violin and prepared to greet them.
"Rarity!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly, running towards a pristine white unicorn with a blue mane, styled exquisitely.
"Applejack!" Applebloom followed.
"Somepony has caused quite the disturbance in our little town it seems. Not that that is a BAD thing. It is quite welcome." The one known as Rarity spoke in a refined manner not unlike my own.
"I heard ya all the way over at Sweet Apple Acres. That was some fancy fiddlin ya did thar." I was slightly annoyed at her confusing my violin with a fiddle, but dismissed it. Such a conversation was not worth pursuing.
"Yeah, it was pretty good." Dash huffed, trying to act as though she wasn't impressed when she clearly was.
"That was wonderful. Oh, by the way, I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. I see you have already met Rainbow Dash." The purple unicorn stated.
'Wait, unicorn? Twilight? Isn't she the crazy magician? Not good.'
"Lark Wolfe, a pleasure to meet you." I bowed again.
"Oh my, so refined. And such a stylish outfit." Rarity exclaimed, quite impressed with my manners. I had the feeling that Rarity and myself would get along quite well.
"Um, hello. Um. I'm Fluttershy......" A familiar voice said.
"Aha, so you were the one watching me from the shadows in the forest." She made an 'eep' noise and shrank.
"You must be quite skilled at concealing yourself. There is not much I miss, yet I couldn't find you. I recognize you by your voice. Did you enjoy my song?" She just nodded with a blush.
"I'm Pinkie Pie and I'm watching you buster!" A pink pony with a darker pink mane bounced and stuck her nose to mine as if to be intimidating.
"Al...right... then?"
"Pinkie! what has gotten into you, I've never seen you so hostile before, especially to somepony new! Not even with Zecora!" Twilight defended me verbally, the pink one suddenly being surrounded by a purple glow and being lifted through the air by it back into the group.
"Was that......."
"Magic? Why, yes it was. It is my special talent after all." Twilight replied pridefully.
'She's not a witch, she's not a witch, she's not a witch, she's not a witch.'
"I see. Well, pleasure to meet you. I'm glad I've finally convinced you all to come out of hiding."
"If you don't mind me asking, what are you? I mean, I know you're a musician, but species." She asked.
"I am a human, well, mostly. That is actually a matter I wanted to speak with you regarding, but that is something for private conversation."
"AHA! He's hiding something! I knew it! He's nothing but trouble Twilight, I know it! My Pinkie Sense is telling me he's BAAAAAAAAD news." The pink one jumped in again.
"Your Pinkie....?"
"Pinkie Sense! When things are about to happen, I get a twitch, or an itch! Uh oh, twitchy tail!" She exclaimed, at which point all the ponies covered their heads.
"Weird, twitchy tail means something's gonna fall, I wonder why nothing did?" In her musings, she knocked over the microphone stand, casing the black ended stick to fall right in front of one of the speakers. The air was filled with a shrill, high pitched screech. All the other pony's ears went flat to their heads and they covered them with their hooves, trying to block out the noise. I became nauseated, fell to the stage floor, and blacked out. |
Song of the Moon | Hesitation (8) | Hesitation
I slowly regained consciousness, finding that I was no longer on stage, rather in a bed. Everything was white, as though the room had been bleached by the sun for far too long. Glancing around, I noticed the first thing that wasn't white. A green curtain of some kind. There were shadows on the other side, matching the forms of ponies in beds, much like my own. I lifted myself from the bed which thankfully, my belongings sat at the end. I pulled back the curtain to spy another pony, this one pure white, with a red cross on her flank. Given that the 'cutie mark' symbolizes a special talent, I assumed that this one's skill was medicine.
"Where am I?" I asked cautiously, as I knew full well that my presence tends to cause alarm.
"Ponyville hospital. You passed out on stage. You really shouldn't be up and about yet, as we don't know what caused your faint in the first place." I nearly had a heart attack when she mentioned hospital.
"I know what caused it, and it has passed. I shall be perfectly fine thank you." I replied nervously, hoping to leave as soon as possible.
"Well then, just lay there while I bring Twilight and her friends in, then you can explain it to all of us." The pony left, returning several minutes later with the group of six that had been there previously, the pink one still eyeing me suspiciously, but also looking rather guilty.
"Thank you nurse Redheart. Lark, you're looking better. Thank goodness. You had us all worried when you passed out on stage." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ah, yes. Well, I suppose I should explain that. You see, I have very sensitive ears. When the microphone fell, whatever that dreadful noise was..... well, it was too much for me to handle. My hearing is similar to that of a dog."
"Aww shucks. The feedback from the speakers is what got ya. Winona can't stand that, and you were standing right in the middle of it. I guess we know why ya passed out." Applejack pondered.
"Pinkie, don't you have something you would like to say?" Rarity asked her friend, trying to convince her.
"Huh? I do?" Ms. Pie was ever aloof.
"Yeah. Because you were all suspicious of him, you went and knocked the microphone over and caused this whole thing! If you don't apologize, he won't be able to get out of bed." The rainbow one scolded her pink friend, referring to her own encounter with me.
"Oh. Yeah. Um. Sorry about that.........." She said, looking at the floor.
"Apology accepted. I think I have spent enough time out of sorts. I'd like to leave the hospital immediately."
"Lark, what did she mean you wouldn't be able to get up if Pinkie didn't apologize? Ditzy told me you needed help with your magic, does that have something to do with it?" Twilight asked.
"That is no magic, it's more like a code. If I am wronged by someone, I make a point of ensuring they know it. For example, I was knocked down by Rainbow Dash. I refused to move until she either apologized for her mistake, or attempted to rectify it. I find that it makes one more sensitive to the needs of others. If I had simply brushed it off as nothing, then she would not have learned her lesson about attacking strangers now would she?" Rainbow blushed while the others laughed slightly.
"That's, kind of strange...... It's funny!" Pinkie exclaimed. Then she remembered to be serious. "I still get bad vibes from you. My pinkie sense says you're trouble, and you're doing everything you can to hide it."
"And that is something I need to talk with Twilight about, in private if you don't mind? I will know shortly whether or not she will be able to assist me. I would like to wait until I have reached the library to begin."
I was discharged from the doctor's care and left the hospital immediately. I had sought a doctor once, one who claimed to have a cure. Instead, he poked and prodded me, as well as cut me open for examination. Of course, all my wounds would heal once I transformed, but that did not change the fact that the so called practitioner of medicine had used me as a test subject for about a month. He had been grave robbing, trying to piece together a new life from the dead, and needed to know how the body worked. A descendant of the great Doctor. Frankenstien, he was trying to mimic his forefather's work. My resilience meant I was perfect for examining. I went to the church while I still had my scars and reported him. For once, the righteous were for me, rather than against me. They saw to it that he was punished for his crimes. It did however, leave me with a fear of medical practitioners, and a foul taste in my mouth whenever I said the word 'doctor'.
Walking down the streets of Ponyville after leaving the hospital, thankfully not having been tested on, the streets were full of clamor, as they should be. My songs seemed to have fulfilled their purpose, and the town is no longer afraid of me. They seemed to be preparing decor of some sort.
"Ah, yes. I forgot to ask. Is there a festival of some sort?"
"Yes, Nightmare Night is in two days. Everypony dresses up in costumes, go door to door trick or treating, and get candy from the rest of the townsfolk. Then, we go to the statue of Nightmare Moon and leave candy there as an offering. It's really quite silly, as Nightmare Moon is actually Princess Luna. For the past thousand years, she had been possessed by a dark and terrible magic, and confined to the moon. She returned two years ago, when the six of us used the elements of harmony to purge the evil from her and change her to her former self." Twilight explained.
"I see. I am interested in this, although I suppose that can wait for a later time. You see, where I am from, we have a time known as Halloween. It is believed that this is when the barrier between our own world and the spirit world is the weakest. We don costumes in order to frighten the ghosts and whatnot back to the afterlife. The children go door to door wearing masks, driving the spirits out of their neighbour's houses. They say, 'Trick or Treat'. At which point the household either provides a treat in the form of sweets, or they decline, which incites a prank from the children they turned away. It's remarkably similar."
"Well then, perhaps you should join us for the celebration. Oh, but you do not have a costume." Rarity pointed out.
"Worry not, this garb, combined with a jack o lantern mask shall make for a suitable headless horseman."
"Don't you mean headless horse?" Dash corrected.
"Hmm, it seems we share more legends than it first appears. He is also known as the pumpkin king. While I would not wish to frighten any... pony away, taking part in the local festival seems to be a good way of making myself known."
"Ah agree." Applejack added.
"Well then, we're here."
Entering the library, it seemed to be a still living tree that had it's interior carved out in order to make it into a home. I had to stoop down in order to enter, but once inside, it was quite roomy, despite my larger size.
"Now, what did you want to talk about?" Twilight asked intently. Apparently, the prospect of myself, a being from a very different place, having magic intrigued her.
"Well, I'd like this to be a private conversation. It is, of some embarrassment to me." I said sheepishly. At that, all the other ponies left the library, and Twilight closed the door with her magic before bringing a parchment and quill before her in the same manner. It was something I would just have to get used to.
"Oh, before we start, I'd like you to meet Spike. He is my assistant, as well as a little brother of sorts." She called up the stairs for Spike, at which point, a small, bipedal, purple creature with scales and green spines descended.
"Spike, this is Lark. He's, well, I'm not really sure where he's from. I was hoping you'd be able to answer that more thoroughly. Lark, this is Spike, he's a baby dragon." My eyes went wide and I just about fainted at the mention of dragon. I did however, fall off the stool on which I was seated, landing unceremoniously on the floor.
"D....d....dragon?"
"Yeah, what of it pal?" Spike asked annoyed.
"As in, giant, fire breathing, burn the village down and eat the livestock dragon?" I said with a stutter.
"Hey pal, just because a lot of dragons are like that, doesn't mean I am." The youngling scoffed at how I was acting. Then I remembered. I was treating him the same way I had been treated when I first arrived. I composed myself, stood up, then bowed.
"Ah, um, yes, forgive me. Where I am from, dragons are creatures of legend, and unfortunately none of the stories are good. I of all people should know not to judge by appearances. I'm sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you, um, Spike was it? I must apologize. I suppose this has been quite a bit of a shock for me."
"Ah, don't worry about it. Twi, was there something you needed me for?"
"Actually, me and Lark need to have a private conversation, do you think you could leave for a little bit. I'm sure Rarity could use some help." The dragon looked angry that he had to leave because of me, but at the mention of the pristine white unicorn, his mood immediately improved and he happily went on his way. I elected to not ask about it.
"Alright Lark, you keep mentioning where you are from, but I know nothing of it. Would you care to tell me?" Twilight asked, finally getting to business.
"Well, that is a very long story, and it pains me to tell it."
"It's alright, you can tell me. No harm will come to you, and everything you say I will never repeat." Now was the time. If I was to be relieved of my burden, I would have to trust. That still did not make it easy. It took me several minutes to prepare myself.
"Before I begin, I must ask, are you familiar with curses?"
"Well, of course I've heard of them, but they aren't real. They're just an old pony tale." She replied, much to my dismay.
"Well, if that is the case, unfortunately, I don't think you will be able to assist me. Alright, now, to begin. I am a wandering musician by trade. Five years ago, I traveled to the castle of a noble to play for them. I felt trepidation at the gate, which I chose to ignore. I should have heeded it. You see, within the dark stone walls resided a foul creature. Upon learning of the villainy, I fled, but did not escape unscathed. When your friend, Pinkie, claimed that I was trouble, and that I was not forthcoming about it, she was quite correct. You see, despite your lack of belief in them, I am quite cursed."
"But, that is impossible! There is no such thing as curses!" She stammered.
"And where I am from, there is no such thing as unicorns, pegasi, or talking ponies for that matter. Yet, all exist. It is ignorant to dismiss something as falsehood simply because it falls outside your area of expertise. As you are not familiar with curses, I shall not go into detail of the nature of mine. Simply put, my life has held nothing but tragedy since that moment, and so I sought to rid myself of my hex. Eventually, I found the one responsible for it. I defeated them, hoping that with the destruction of the source of the evil, I would be rid of it. Sadly, I was not. In an act of spite, the one who caused my pain sent me to another world, seemingly at random. This is where I found myself."
"Oh, I, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You must miss your family terribly, being taken away from them like this." She wrapped her front hooves around me in the pony version of a hug. I brought my hand to my face, and noticed that a tear had escaped my eyes.
"I do miss them, but not because I was taken from them. They were taken from me." She stopped for a moment to look in my eyes, finding only sadness within them. Horror donned on her face as she realized what I meant.
"Because of me, my curse, they have all died. Misfortune follows me like a dog, always nipping at my heels. Which is why I should leave this place within the next twenty days. That is when the next instance will occur. I do not wish to bring my misfortune onto you."
"I, I understand. I have a few more questions for you, if you don't mind?" Twilight asked.
"Of course, but first, I'd like a few of mine answered. For example, who are Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and what are the elements of harmony?"
After explaining to me how the royal sisters control the day and night cycle, how both are very powerful and that Luna had become possessed, finally being freed by the ultimate magic that is the power of friendship, I found renewed hope.
"Well, although I haven't explained my curse in any detail, Princess Luna would be the one most likely able to help me. Now, you had questions about me and my world?"
"Yes, how does magic work where you are from? You don't have unicorns, so how does it work?" I didn't have extensive knowledge on the topic, having refused to fall to sorcery myself, although I did know much more about it than the general population.
"Well, in my world, we cannot perform magic on our own. One who is skilled is speaking with spirits invites one into their body, and the spirit performs the magic. There are holy men who channel the spirits of the pure and the divine, to bring healing and prosperity to others, and then, there are witches." At the mention of witch, my face became a scowl, and my eyes became full of hate.
"There are those who are greedy and wrathful. They openly invite evil, and in return for freedom to do what they wish the the magic given to them, they give their very soul to a demon. Just as your Princess Luna was possessed by a dark magic, witches are as well. They house an evil spirit within their bodies, committing heinous acts of their own free will. One of which is bringing misfortune to others through a curse or hex, which is cast via an appalling ritual that I will not speak of."
"That's horrible!" Twilight exclaimed.
"Indeed. There are those who seek out these witches, hunt them down and destroy them and their art. They purge our world of the evil that stains it. Unfortunately, the cure to my curse that they would provide is purification by fire."
"Meaning?"
"If they were to discover that I was under a witches curse, I would be tied to a wooden pole, then burnt to ashes. It is better to die than to be the pawn of evil they would say. I however did not give up searching for a way to cure myself that did not involve death. Which meant that I have been hiding myself for five years." Twilight seemed appalled that such things could happen. Being killed because someone evil put a curse on you, none of which was your fault? It was unseemly.
"So, for five years, I traveled. I avoided places that I would be recognized, running from the inquisition, as well as from the darkness that follows me. I finally found the one who caused me this strife, and I killed her. I ended her life and sent the demon within back to the burning hells where it belongs. Even then, I was not freed. In the final moments of her life, the witch Moira cast a spell to send me to another world in retaliation for killing her. I awoke in the Everfree forest four days ago."
"I can see why you wished to speak with me privately regarding this. It's horrible, and if I were you, I wouldn't want anypony else to know either. Always on the run, your entire family...... I'm so sorry. The pain you feel on a day to day basis, it must be unbearable. Five years....." Now, Twilight wept as well. She wept for me. No one had ever wept for me. They had always turned away. She had not. I was surprised to find that the first comfort I would get would be from something that was not human.
"And now you know why I am on edge whenever there is a mention or use of magic. While I know it's not the same as that evil, it brings back memories."
"Hexes and curses. Those are not magic! Magic is something that comes from within! It comes from the hearts of those with friendship and fond memory! Caring for others! What you suffer from is NOT magic." Twilight now spoke with a fire in her heart. To her, magic was always pure and good, used for the benefit of others, never in hate or greed. To her, curses did not exist, because she outright refused to recognize them. If magic comes from being pure of heart and mind, then witchcraft, which was used to harm others, wasn't considered magic. Now I understand.
"Thank you Ms Sparkle, for listening, and for giving me hope once more. You may not be able to assist me directly, but the princesses may yet find an answer to my question, and your words have done far more good than I have seen in five long years. It is time for me to go for now."
"You don't have a place to stay." She had a sparkle in her eye.
"Oh no, I couldn't possibly intrude any further. You have already given me so much, just in an ear to listen, but I must set off immediately. The princesses may yet be able to cure me. I must head to the capitol. I assume it is the castle on the mountainside I saw upon entering town?"
"Why yes, Canterlot, although it would take you several days to arrive there, as you would not be traveling by chariot. You should wait here for a few days. On Nightmare Night, Princess Luna herself will make an appearance, and so you may ask her then. Given that what she suffered from is similar to the 'possession' you described, she should be able to help." Twilight reasoned. While that is part of it, it is not the reason why I decided to confront her. If she truly controls the moon, then she indirectly controls me. If any would have a solution, it would be her.
"Very well, I shall remain in Ponyville and participate in the Nightmare Night ceremony, and upon the princess's arrival, I shall beseech her aid. As for now, I really should find a place to sleep, and despite your offer, I should not intrude on Spike's territory. I can tell he sees me as a rival. It would make things rather awkward."
"True, maybe Applejack will have you. The two of you seemed to get along well enough." Twilight suggested.
"Thank you Ms. Sparkle."
"Please, call me Twilight."
I set off through the town towards the iconic orchard, knowing the way quite well now. Quite a difference a single day makes. Rather than running and hiding in fear, locking themselves up, the ponies stopped to wave at me, all the while with smiling faces. The cheeriness of Ponyville was a welcome change to the dreary and drab of my former life. I would love to make a life for myself here. I approached the orchard, where a stallion, who was quite large in regards to the rest of the ponies, told me to go in the barn if I wanted to speak with Applejack. I hesitated at the door, hearing scuffling inside. I prepared myself for the possible attack, ready to defend. I carefully opened the door to find the interior was pitch black.
"Hello?"
"SURPRISE!" The light's turned on, nearly blinding me, with their sudden shout making my ears ring momentarily. After I collected myself, the previously stern pink pony was bouncing up and down in front of me gleefully.
"Hi! I know we got off to a rough start, so here, let's start over! Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this part just for you! I wanted to welcome you to Ponyville and say sorry for being a big mean meanie pants. Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya?" She squealed hyperactively.
"Why, yes, this was just about the last thing I expected. Thank you, Ms. Pie."
"Oh silly! Ms. Pie is my mother! Call me Pinkie!" She replied with mirth. A massive smile threatening to tear her cheeks.
"Very well, Pinkie..."
"Well! Come on! There's no reason to just stand there at the door! Come on in!"
There was a very large number of ponies mingling, chatting, and playing various games. I elected to avoid the games and instead head to the food table. I passed over the various foods, most of which seemed to be made with hay or wild flowers, before finally coming to the baked goods. Pies, cakes, and such were everywhere. I settled on a piece of apple pie and several vegetables with a creme based dip.
"So, how you liking the pie partner?" Applejack asked.
"It tastes of joy and fond memory."
"Ah, that's the zap apples. Normally, we make jam out of them, but we decided to make pies this year. That good huh? By the way, Twilight told me ya needed a place to stay, and you're welcome to lay over at the farm as long as you want. We'll just call them coins ya gave me before rent." She said happily.
"If you don't mind me asking, just how much were they worth?"
"Are you sure ya wanna know?"
"I lost them fairly, and besides, I will find out eventually, as I have a great deal more that I will need to exchange."
"Ya mean you have more?" Her eyes began to shake.
"Why yes, why do you ask?"
She whispered into my ear just how much those coins I had given her were worth, and when I told her that I had about five times that value in my coin purse, she spit out her punch in surprise.
"I assume that it's a lot?"
"Humena, he, mu, wa, uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggggggggggg." And she fainted. Rainbow Dash came over worriedly, concerned about her friend.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Well, I had given her a fair amount of coins previously as thanks for her assisting me, not knowing how much they were worth. Were I'm from, they were worth a fair amount, although, here they are worth considerably more."
"How much more?" Twilight asked.
"Well, according to a rough estimation of value, I have one million 'bits' worth of gold in this bag." I should have remembered to keep my voice down, as everyone in the barn promptly spat out their drinks, causing several of them to become soaked in fruit juice.
"Judging from everypony's reaction, it's a lot?"
"It's enough to buy half of Ponyville........." Rarity said before she fainted.
"And she was worried when I gave her two hundred gold denaries that I wouldn't have enough to find a place to live."
"Wait, you GAVE her two hundred thousand bits worth of gold?" Fluttershy fell over on her back like the goats do when they are afraid or shocked, even letting out a small bleat as she did so.
"To be fair, I didn't know how much they were worth, but even if I had known, she did unintentionally save my life. I wanted to thank her, she refused, and so we hoof wrestled over it. I won, so she kept the money."
"That's it, you and me, right now, come on!" Rainbow Dash pulled a stool over to where I was sitting, placing her front leg on it in the typical fashion. Twilight counted down, and on three, I simply waited for a second before casually slamming her hoof to the table.
"I er, wasn't ready....." She stammered.
"Again?"
Beginning again, I let her push me back a little ways before overcoming her just as quickly. It was getting old rather fast. Having been beaten so easily, the blue pegasus had a look of shock on her face, as did the rest of the party.
"Well, it's a good thing you're the civilized sort. If you were some manner of monster we'd all be helpless against that kind of strength." Twilight said, causing me to swallow hard, feeling guilty for deceiving them.
"Well, enough of that! How about some music?" As I reached for my violin Pinkie put her hoof on my arm, stopping me.
"No no, we can't have you doing the entertainment at your own party! Let us handle the music!" At which point, she put on a pair of dark glasses, a hat with the brim backwards, and a chain with a large letter 'P', hanging from her neck. She stepped up to a strange looking record player, tapped different parts of it with her hooves, and music began. Various songs, such as the 'Pony Pokey' and other similar, equine related tunes were played, recorded by the phonograph with instruments I was not familiar with. As the night came, eventually those who had lost themselves due to shock had recovered and enjoyed the rest of the night. After the party ended, I began to clean up, but was halted and informed that Pinkie would perform that duty in the morn. I brought my belongings to the guest bedroom, wished the Apple family a good night, and looked up at the sky.
"Odd, the moon was full not two nights ago, and now it is already a waning crescent. Does the lunar shift occur more quickly here? Or, is it at the whim of the goddess and princess, Luna? I shall make sure to ask, come Nightmare Night." |
Song of the Moon | Time and Memory (9) | Time and Memory
I awoke from once again pleasant dream to find a VERY angry dog barking and growling at me from the foot of the bed.
"Winona! Cut that out! Lark here's a guest, you ought ta know better!" Applejack disciplined. The dog, Winona, winced and backed away with her tail between her legs. She clearly could tell what I was and wanted to defend her family. I let out a sigh, pulled myself together, and headed downstairs.
"Looks like ya finally got out of bed. What's the matter city slicker? Used to sleeping in late?" The orange earth pony teased.
"Actually, I believe it was the party. I am not accustomed to such..... rowdy.... events."
"Ah, yeah, Pinkie Pie'll do that to ya. Takes some getting used to."
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh replied stoically.
After breakfast which was, not surprisingly, apple products, I headed out to the orchard with Applejack.
"So partner, we gotta do some applebuckin to make up for the day we'll be taking off tomorrow. Nightmare Night and all."
"Apple....bucking?"
"Oh yeah, I ferget that you're not from around here. We kick the trees to knock the apples from em. Like this!" She gave a grunt as she firmly planted her front hooves in the ground, spun around, and solidly kicked the tree. The apples fell from it into a basket neatly.
"Well, I suppose that would be one way to do it......"
"Go on, give er a shot." I had no idea how much effort it would take to do this. I was somewhat stronger than Applejack, but I did not have the solid surface area of hooves as she did. I kicked the tree, causing it to shake a few apples from the bough, but not nearly what she had expected.
"Aww come on, you can do better than that. Give her yer best!" She cheered. Well, she asked for it. I wound up my leg, delivering a solid kick with my shin, with as much strength as I could muster. There was a sickening crack as the apples fell, the tree being cracked at the spot which I kicked it. It leaned slightly, then gave way and fell down.
"Um, oops? At the risk of damaging more of your trees, I think it would be best if I perhaps, did NOT assist you with this task." I suggested nervously. She went running up to the downed tree.
"Oh no! Come on Leaftin, speak to me!" She spoke to the tree as if it were a dying friend.
"Applejack, that is a tree, it cannot speak." I deadpanned.
"Can I just, have a moment alone?" She looked at me with tears in her eyes. As an apple farmer, she valued her trees greatly, although this was just ridiculous. I decided not to bother her any more, went back indoors to take my violin, and set off into town towards a pony I knew I would have an understanding with, Rarity.
"Welcome to carousel boutique, where everything is..... oh hello Lark, such a pleasure to see you again. I trust Applejack was not too hard on you?" The pristine unicorn inquired about how my night was.
"Other than Winona being near violent and my accidental damaging of 'Leaftin' while attempting to harvest apples, all is well." Rarity looked at me questioningly, before remembering that her friend named her trees.
"Well, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Actually, I find myself with a great deal of time to waste. It seems wealth will not be a concern for me, and I was looking to entertain myself with one who has, refined tastes."
She blushed at my compliment, and motioned for me to sit. She began to chat while she worked, explaining how her sister, Sweetie Bell could make things very difficult for her, and while she loved her deeply, it distracted from her work, which needed her full attention. Finally, she revealed a dress that was absolutely COVERED in gemstones, most of which were rubies. She attempted to find my attention several times before I could tear my eyes from the piece.
"Is something wrong?"
"Are you making this dress for nobility?"
"Why, no. It's for a performing artist, who has a show in Canterlot next week."
"Such a decadent ensemble, for a mere performance?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Where I am from, the gemstones on that piece alone, given their size and number, the owner could afford an entire castle!" It may have been an exaggeration, but if so, it was only slight.
"Really?" At which point, her horn began to glow and she revealed a chest filled to the brim with the precious stones. I struggled with great difficulty to keep my composition.
"You could buy half of Europe with these!"
"Well, it seems you are impressed. Perhaps it is due to the difference is value? Gemstones are actually quite common here. I dug these up about a week ago. It was really no big deal." I was slack jawed, and had to use my hand to close my mouth.
"So, you just go out into the wilds, and dig them up? They are that common?"
"Why yes. Although precious metals are far less common here than your home it seems." Rarity mused.
"Yes, it seems so. The treasuries of nobles are filed to the brim with gold, while gems of this caliber are non existent. For a trove such as that, a war of untold proportions would take place as the various kingdoms competed for it." I should not have spoken.
"That is terrible! Why would anypony do such a thing?" Now I had to explain.
"There are those who's hearts are filled with greed. Perhaps I should avoid conversation regarding my origins."
"I think that would be best."
"Well, many thanks for your time Lady Rarity, but I must be on my way."
After exiting, I spotted Ditzy Do flying haphazardly, and called out to her. She landed next to me, and a small unicorn appeared from her mail bag.
"Hiya mister!" She greeted me happily. I found myself with another smile. By all rights, this filly was adorable.
"Hey Lark. This is my daughter, Dinky Do."
"Pleasure to meet you." I bowed and kissed her hoof, causing her to blush.
"You're funny. I like you. Oh! You should meet Pip! He talks like you do! He'd love you! I don't know where he is right now, but you can check at the tea shop. He's normally around there. You might see mommy's friend too." She suggested.
"Alright my little muffin, letters away!" And with that she flew away.
"I could go for a spot of tea."
I found the tea shop I was directed to without any difficulty. Applejack had given me some of the local currency, saying that while my own were quite valuable, they would not be accepted, and so she gave me some bits to use until I could exchange my own coins. Despite my argument, she said she didn't feel right after I had basically paid off the mortgage on her farm, and she would not take no for an answer. I graciously accepted her generosity. There were several high class looking ponies there, all listening to soothing music. I was certainly glad to have others with refined tastes. Several of them even spoke in accents similar to my own. Pip was not there, sadly, however I did find a brown stallion with hourglass mark. He seemed absolutely stunned to see me.
"A human? Here? Well, that's just not fair now is it?" He spoke in a refined manner.
"Hello, my name is Lark, may I be of some service to you?" I asked, slightly annoyed that my mere presence seemed to be a disturbance to him.
"Oh, pardon my manners Pleasure to meet you. I am 'The Doctor'." I scowled when he said that word. I did not like doctors.
"So, you are a medical practitioner?"
"Oh no no, I'm not A doctor, I'm The Doctor." He corrected.
"According to your mark, an hourglass, so, you are a doctor of time?" I asked quizzically. Did time fall ill?
"That would be one way to put it. Judging by your attire, you're from the seventeen or eighteen hundreds?"
"1762, to be exact. As for how I arrived here, well, I'm not entirely sure, but it had a great deal to do with magic. As for you, since you recognized me by my attire, that would mean.......... you are not a pony." His eyes shot wide at my discovery. I clearly guess correctly.
"We need to talk, in private."
'The Doctor' brought me to a small blue box with a strange door. He opened it, and motioned for me to enter. The outside was misleading of the object's true size.
"It's smaller on the outside."
"Why yes it is bigger on the..... well, that's funny. Most everyone says it's bigger on the inside, not the reverse. You don't seem all that surprised by this." He raised an eyebrow. I gazed around at all the strange lights and elected to NOT look at them too long, lest my curiosity get the better of me.
"Two days ago I woke up in a forest, was chased by a cockatrice, followed by timber wolves, had woodland creatures as a captive audience for my performance, and met talking, flying, magical ponies. I saw a house made of sweets, and gemstones larger than my head which are common here. I do not believe anything could surprise me at this point."
"What if I told you that with this device you are standing in, called the TARDIS, you could travel through time?" He asked, testing my theory.
"I would probably have the same reaction that you would have if I told you that I am a werewolf." His eyes snapped open. I wasn't going to bother hiding it. If this pony truly was from my realm and could travel through time, then he would have determined it soon enough, and he may be able to help me. If he was simply mad, then nopony would believe his rants. Given the fact that I am standing in a blue box that bends space, I assume it to be the former. The Doctor looked at me with trepidation.
"I take it you have previous experience then?"
"Possibly. My encounter came from an alien entity that fell to earth in the 1500's or so." He explained.
"Mine, a witch's curse passed down for a thousand years, bought from a demon with the soul of a cannibal.
"Quite different then. Still, it's nice to meet a fellow from jolly old England." He mused.
"From what I've been told of Equestria, less emphasis on jolly, and more so on old. Not only was I sent to a different realm, but 300 years later."
"Would you perhaps like to return there?" The Doctor offered.
"Never."
"Indeed, I too find this 'Equestria' to be quite mirthful. A breath of fresh air from the drab and dismal. I can't blame you for wanting to stay. However, if you truly are a lycan, then, what of your curse?" He looked at me seriously, as though if I provided him with the wrong answer, that my entire future would be the sum of ten seconds.
"I intend to seek out the princess of the moon, Luna, and ask her for assistance with my plight. After all, if I am slave to the moon, who better to relieve me of my burden than the one who commands it? She will be arriving here tomorrow, Nightmare Night. I shall ask her then. Even if I cannot be cured, the princesses should at least be informed."
"Ah, well, it seems you have it taken care of then. Perhaps we should go back to our tea?" He was suddenly relieved. I assume he too enjoys this world, and if I had proven to be a danger, he would have dealt with me. I do not know what is involved with being a time traveler, but reason states that they must take great precaution.
I left the 'TARDIS' and went back to the tea shop alongside The Doctor. I ordered some Earl Grey, which I spent a good quarter of the morning enjoying. I looked at the brown earth pony, and we both nodded, an unspoken agreement to never reveal what we had discussed in that strange blue box.
As I finished my tea, I spotted a strange mint green unicorn spying on me. I was not sure what her intent was, but my instincts told me to find her before she found me. I walked away, down the street, and turned the corner. Instead of continuing, I pressed myself up against the wall, catching her as she came around.
"Would you mind explaining why you are stalking me?" I asked sternly, but not angrily or in a scary tone.
"Um, well, you see, I uh...." She stammered. Something about the way she spoke stirred something in my memory, which quickly passed back into the darkness of my unconscious mind. I raised an eyebrow at her, then began to walk away.
"Wait!"
I turned to see that she had composed herself.
"You're Lark right? Hi! My name's Lyra. I'm a bit of a human enthusiast, I mean, nopony believed me but I always knew you were real and...." I had stopped paying attention after I heard her name. I spotted her 'cutie mark' and it was indeed a lyre. This was the pony that reminded me of my sister. Even her way of stuttering and rambling. A pony with the same name, mannerisms, voice, and talent as my sister was standing right in front of me. When I looked at her, I could see my sister's smiling face.
"I'm sorry, I, I can't do this." I stuttered and ran off, leaving the pony stunned. I found my way to an park where I sat on a bench and looked at the trees, trying to calm myself. Seeing the pony version of my deceased sister was just too much at the moment. I decided to do what I always do to calm myself, and played a song. A gentle rain began to fall, a mere sprinkle really, but enough to cause all the other ponies in the park to leave, mentioning something about a storm being scheduled for that day. How a storm could be planned is beyond me. All that remained was myself and a mint green unicorn, who had followed me there, and began to talk while I played.
"Why did you run off?" She asked. I couldn't bring myself to look at her, instead focusing on the music.
"The memory, it's, too painful."
"That's silly, seeing as how we just met." She replied.
"I, had a sister. Her name was Lyra as well. Quite comically, she also played the lyre. Your voice, it's, the same."
"What happened?" She asked, having heard the 'had' instead of 'have', realizing that she was no longer of this world.
"It, it's all my fault......"
"No, no matter what happened, I'm sure you're just blaming yourself for it. There's no reason to be so hard on yourself." She tried to comfort me. I abruptly stopped playing, my violin making a terrible screech, causing us both to wince. I turned and looked at her.
"Except that it is my fault. She died in my arms, and I'm the one who caused it. I killed her." The rain began to fall more heavily. Lyra looked horrified.
"You didn't mean to did you?"
"Absolutely not. I loved her." She looked more relaxed, realizing that I wasn't a murderer.
'Except that you are.'
'Go away.'
"And you regret doing it?" The unicorn interrupted my thoughts.
"Every day of my life."
"Then she forgives you." With that, she nuzzled my arm softly, and I began to play again. She pulled out her lyre, and played right next to me. It was a full downpour. We had both completely forgotten that it was raining, or in my case, didn't care. After all, I always liked the rain. We played till we were both thoroughly soaked. I forgive you. It was the most meaningful thing anyone had ever said to me. I could swear that it was she who was saying it, and not her pony version, and to me, it meant the world. It was fortunate that it was raining, else Lyra would have asked me why I was crying. At the end of the song, she leaned up against me on the bench under the tree. I noticed she had tears running down her face that were definitely NOT raindrops. Seeing my curiosity, she decided to answer my question before I asked it.
"I, I had an older sister, Viola. She loved nature. She went into the woods one day, and didn't come back out. After a week, they gave up looking. It was six years ago. It's just, after talking with you and hearing you play, you remind me of her." Lyra looked at me, and I knew she felt the very same pain I did. Well, maybe not the guilt of having been the cause, but the ache of having lost a loved one.
"What say we get out of this rain?"
I bid farewell to Lyra, finally having some manner of closure after that tragedy five years ago, and went back to Sweet Apple Acres.
"Where the hay have you been Lark? You're soppin wet! Don't tell me ya've been out in the rain this whole time? You'll catch cold!" Applejack suddenly took on a scolding, motherly tone.
"I don't think there's much chance of that. I've been in the rain plenty, and have never fallen ill."
"That still don't answer mah question." She looked at me questioningly.
"I was in the park, playing music with Lyra."
"Aw hayseed, she didn't talk yer ear off did she, what with her human talk and you bein real an all?" Applejack apparently knew very well of Lyra's rants.
"No, we merely played music for a time, and learned that we have far more in common than it would first appear. That, and I feel I finally have come to terms with a..... tragedy that happened many years ago."
"Aw shucks, ya wanna talk about it?" The orange mare sat, willing to lend an ear.
"No, that's quite alright. I believe I'll be alright. It was years ago, and Lyra helped me come to terms."
"Well, that's good ta here. Leaftin is alright. We got him all patched up thanks to Twi's magic. Maybe ya wanna give it another shot? Not today, considerin it's pouring out, and not tomorrow neither on accounta it being Nightmare Night, but after? Ya won't have to worry about breakin em, cuz I'll get Twi to be around to put em back together just in case."
"That, would be acceptable. It's better than having nothing to do." Only among ponies for two days, and already my refined method of speaking began to slip. Better than having no one to talk to at all, and far better than keeping company with a vampire.
We spent the rest of the evening indoors, telling stories and such. Applejack told of how an evil spirit named Discord had literally turned Ponyville upside down, but his chaotic influence had been purified by the elements of harmony, just as the possessed Princess Luna had. She explained how he had twisted them all into being somepony they weren't. She was honest and hard working, and he made her a 'lazy liar'.
'I too am something I'm not. I'm a monster and a murderer. Perhaps if I fail to find a cure by the princesses, the elements might be of assistance? The dark magic I am afflicted with is far less than that of Luna or Discord, it may actually be a simple matter. Luna should know. For once, a twist of fate in my favour. I can already feel the misfortune of my bad luck lifting.'
Come on, I know you've all been expecting this since I dropped his sister's name a few chapters back. Also, he met the doctor. They seemed inclined to share with one another, considering that they're both Brits, human, and have a secret to tell. |
Song of the Moon | Never Ending Nightmare (10) | Never Ending Nightmare
I awoke the morning of Nightmare Night to find Winona glaring at me. The dog wasn't barking like the previous night, having been scolded by her owners, but was still wary of me, and keeping an eye on me. By the weariness, she must have been awake all night. I was awake before any of the Apple family, as the sun was still down. I got dressed in some more loosely fitting clothes, suitable for labour, as I did not want to ruin my performance outfit, since I would be wearing it later that night.
"Perhaps I can give them a little something."
I stood inside my room, gazing east. The sky had just barely started to brighten as I began to play a song. The rays of the rising sun shining through the windows, they were met with my music and a rooster's crow. The pony family began to rouse themselves, and from downstairs, I could hear the sounds of breakfast being made. I didn't bother to turn, instead simply greeting the sun. The song ended, and after I put my violin away I turned around to see the orange mare's smiling face.
"Well I'll be Lark, ya said you normally got up early, and you weren't kiddin. You were up early enough to give us all a song. Thank ya kindly fer that." Her smile was warm and comforting.
"It was nothing my dear."
"Hows about we get some breakfast?"
The morning went well, Applebloom unable to contain her glee at having been woken by song, Granny Smith simply smiling that old woman smile, and Big Macintosh with his usual 'Eeeyup'. Buttermilk pancakes with apple jam. Delicious. Despite my refusal of more, the apple family saw fit to force more food than I could handle into my gullet. I was absolutely stuffed and barely able to move afterwards. I always knew that farm folk ate heartily, and these ponies were no exception. They all had a round of laughter at my swelled stomach-induced misery, saying that I would get used to it. Was this what it meant to have a family? It has been so long, I had forgotten the joy of simply having others who cared for you.
'It won't last.'
'I know, twenty two days before the next full moon, twenty before I leave. Perhaps I could return and visit them again one day?'
'Not if they discover your secret.'
'They won't.'
"Lark? You there?" Applejack interrupted my thoughts.
"Ah, yes, sorry, I was, lost in thought."
"Ya do that an awful lot. What's troublin ya?" She asked.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Just the past, I was thinking of my family."
"Ya must miss em somethin awful, losin em like that, is just terrible." To the farm pony, family was everything. She couldn't image what it would be like to lose any of them, although she knew her Granny wasn't too far off, she didn't like to think about it. Then again, Granny was still the picture of health, despite her age.
"They'd want me to be happy, and not to dwell on the past. They're gone, and there's naught I can do about it, they'd want me to move on. I think I can start over in Equestria."
Night had fallen, a crescent moon hanging in the sky. My costume consisted of my performance outfit, and a jack o lantern, except that it was the bottom that had been cut out instead of the top, that it might fit over my head. My eyes looked out through the mouth of the pumpkin, and something called a flashlight, a kind of magic candle that burned without flame, affixed inside to give the whole thing a sinister glow. All in all, it was somewhat frightening, although not nearly so much as the legend. My impressive stature would be far more imposing than the pumpkin. By my request, Twilight had sent a letter to her mentor, vaguely informing her that I would be seeking her sister out at some point during the night. Now that I had my costume, I took my instrument as well and set out into the town. Applejack was disguised as a scarecrow, the same costume as last year, while Big Mac was a zombie, and Applebloom, a skeleton. Granny smith opted to stay in, not wanting to lose any sleep. Applebloom met with her two friends who I offered to watch for them, as they seemed to enjoy my company. I saw from the clouds above, a chariot pulled by pegasi with bat wings, a dark blue pony with both horns and wings sitting within. The clouds began to swirl, and lightning cracked as she descended.
"HELLO FAITHFUL SUBJECTS! IT IS I, PRINCESS LUNA! I HEREBY DECLARE THAT NIGHTMARE NIGHT HAS BEGUN!" She boomed in a voice that could topple a house if used up close. A testament to her power. The crowd cheered. I was very far from it, and she was facing the opposite direction, but I still felt woozy. At least it wasn't high pitched, else I would have blacked out. Crouching behind Sugarcube Corner with the three fillies, I whispered.
"Are you all ready? Just like we planned?"
Rather than speak, they just nodded, barely containing their excitement. I drew my violin, stepping out from behind the building, playing a very eerie song that fit the festivities. The crusaders followed me in a pied piper fashion, while the town looked on in wonder and excitement. The princess was aghast. I could not tell what her thoughts were, but I assume them to be along the lines of Applejack's when she first met me. She was fairly large compared to the other ponies, with the exception of Big Mac, but I still towered over her. She was not afraid however, simply surprised, and soon joined in the dance in the festival square, along with several other ponies. I spun around several times, allowing a cape that had been a last minute addition to the outfit which Rarity insisted upon, to flow in the breeze. The princess of the night did so as well, all the while facing me. She seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.
'This is good, my first encounter with the royalty of this land, and I've engaged in Halloween themed ballroom dancing. It should not take much to steal her away from the party for a few moments.'
The song ended, and the ponies, anfet a round of applause, all went about their business, Twilight, dressed with fake spiders and cobwebs in her mane, approached.
"Princess Luna, this is Lark, the one who I told you about in the letter?" She began the introduction.
"Ah yes, Lark, Twilight, I cannot help but notice you overlooked the fact that his head is a gourd." She smirked, followed by laughter from the lot of us.
"Princess Luna, an honour to meet you your majesty." I bowed. "I am Lark Wolfe, musician extraordinaire, and tonight, the pumpkin king also." She giggled then became somewhat stern.
"Well your highness, there was something you wished to speak with me about?" She gave a playful bow as well.
"Ah, yes, but that is a matter for privacy. Shall we meet say, at the top of the hill?"
She nodded, and we both walked away, leaving Twilight and the town as we stood upon a hill on the outskirts.
"I will speak with you in a moment, but first, I must make the moon proper for such an event." Her horn began to glow.
"What do you mean, proper?" Suddenly, I felt a feeling I feared. I watched as the moon changed, shifting in the sky, moving from crescent to full in a matter of moments. I was helpless to prevent it's light from falling on my eyes, a sense of absolute dread filling me straight to the bone.
"There, it is only fitting for there to be a full moon on Nightmare Night. Now, what was of such importance that you had to draw me away from my own holiday for? Twilight mentioned it was important. Lark? Lark are you alright?" She said not with spite, but question.
"Oh, hey Lark! I hope I'm not intruding on anything. I notice you left the party after the performance and I was wondering.... um, hey, wait, are you okay?" Lyra. Lyra had followed me out of town.
"RUN!" I cried in a voice far deeper than my usual one as I fell to the ground, my precious violin smashing into little pieces as it took the brunt of my fall. At that moment, I didn't care, I just wanted them all to get away safely.
"Ha, very funny Lark, you're not gonna scare me. I know it's Nightmare Night and all, but I haven't been afraid of the dark for a long time." Lyra scoffed.
"And I am the princess of the night, what makes you think you can scare me with the dark."
"Fools.... I said RUN!" My voice turning to a growl. I winced in pain as my bones began to shift, but they could not see the change as the cloak had fallen atop me, and the pumpkin hid my face.
"I have had quite enough of this, you call me away from my party saying it was a matter of importance, only for a poorly thought out Nightmare Night prank?" She was interrupted as my clothes ripped off of me, the jack o lantern shattering as it was no longer large enough to hold my wolven head. They gasped as they beheld my fully transformed self, with Lyra shaking in horror. I looked around and only felt one thing.... hunger.
I dove at Luna, snapping my jaws at her, but she skillfully dodged and took to the air, her horn glowing, readying a spell, only to have to cancel it and dodge as a very large rock flew towards her, thrown by me. Seeing my attempts at reaching the alicorn fruitless, I turned to the only other prey present. Lyra. She shook with fear, frozen in the spot by terror.
"L..Lark, this isn't funny! Cut it out!" She finally had the nerve to say, holding out a hoof to try and keep me away. My jaws clamped down on it, causing a small amount of blood to come from the wound. I shook her around like a dog shakes a toy, before letting her go, causing her to go sailing ten feet through the air. I raced towards her, and just as I was upon her, I heard her shout,
"Please!"
I stopped in my tracks. As I looked at her, I saw my sister's face once more.
'No. Not again.'
'Hungry.'
'No.'
"Kill!'
'NO!'
'Do it. Taste her flesh. Crush her bones!'
'I WILL NOT!'
I backed away, clutching my head as I began to pound it on the earth, desperately trying to shake off my urges. Lyra lay there in pain, while Luna looked quizzically.
'I have to get away from here. Where? The forest! But it's through the town! I can't! I have to! If I can just control myself.'
I ran as fast as I could, my costume left behind, while Luna began to tend to the injured unicorn. As I ran through the village, the screams of the ponies echoed through the air, yelling about a real monster, no it's not a prank, look for yourself. It eventually all began to blend together as I ignored it, trying not to focus on anything.
"Lark?" I heard Twilight's voice.
'No, keep running!'
I had gotten through town and into the woods, where I proceeded to rip several trees from the ground, smashing them violently together. Scraping rocks, and throwing one into a lion-bat-scorpion thing. It roared in rage, which was overcome by my own. Seeing itself outmatched, it began to run. I was faster. I caught it, sinking my teeth into it's arm. It brought it's tail forth, stinging me in the shoulder. It's bright green venom dripping from the barb. As if I care. I'm a werewolf, immune to poison and disease. I rip it's tail from it's body, then proceed to beat it to death with it, all the while the yellowish ichor dripping from the detached limb. I roared in victory, only for an even louder sound to make me put my ears against my head.
ENOUGH! Luna was behind me, this time facing me, using the full force of her voice.
"IT HAS BEEN TWO THOUSAND YEARS SINCE I HAVE LAST SEEN A WEREWOLF, AND THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN AS BRUTISH AS YOURSELF!"
I growled at her, only to have my will shattered by her oppressive voice.
"HEEL!" The point blank, directed shout knocked me on my back, the sound reverberating through my skull, making me pass out.
I awoke slowly, and upon sitting up, I found that I was in a dungeon of sorts. Touching the bars, my hands began to burn.
'Silver, at least they were prepared'
My belongings, being the tattered remains of my clothing, my shattered violin, a sight which made me weep, and my bundle were on the ground of the cell in front of me. I searched through it for my coin purse, finding the crystalline honey silver denari I kept with me. I moved it between my fingers, debating on eating it. I had done it again. I had a second chance in this world, and I had ruined it. I could never be seen anywhere, again. It was over.
"He's woken up." A pony wearing golden armor was at my door, Princess Luna behind him, followed by one who I had not seen. Shimmering white, horn and wings as well, this must be Celestia. I backed into the corner of the room, clutching the coin in my hand.
"Well well Lark Wolfe, quite a fitting name. By day, as harmless as the bird with a song as beautiful, and by night, a monster. Tell me, why did you attack my sister?" Celestia demanded. I just wanted to curl up and die. I went into a ball and began crying.
"Tears will do you no good here, answer my question." She scolded.
"Because I am a god damned werewolf! I don't have control of myself in that state! How was I to know she would make the moon full? It was a crescent the night before!" I replied sobbing.
"You seemed to have some manner of control, else you would have slain poor Lyra." Luna reprimanded.
"Lyra.... LYRA! Heavens! Is she alright? Please tell me she's alright!" I grabbed the bars, only to back away from them screaming as I was painfully remeinded that they were made of silver.
"Lyra has a broken hoof and a very nasty bite, but she will survive without amputation." Celestia informed me. This calmed me a bit.
"A bite..... She must be fed wolfsbane before the next full moon, or she will share in my fate....."
"The potion is already being administered. Now tell me, why did you not seek our assistance immediately, or warn Ponyville of your presence?"
"I did seek you out. I was told that by foot it would take a week to reach Canterlot, and since Princess Luna was coming to Ponyville in three days time, I was advised by Twilight Sparkle to wait there. I had time! The moon was not meant to be full for another twenty two days!"
"And you presume to tell me what I should do with my moon?" Luna scoffed. I turned my back to her, showing my crescent tattoo.
"When I am slave to it, yes." I replied spitefully. They both gasped at the sight.
"You, you marked yourself?" They asked.
"In my world, when you own something, you place your brand upon it. This is mine. For the past five years, I have lived through HELL trying to find a cure! I was bitten on the first night of the full moon, which lasts three nights. Wolfsbane is rather rare, and so I could not find any before the next night. On that night, I..... I......"
"Speak."
"I slew my sister! Unbeknownst to me, she had followed in my footsteps, a mere day behind! When she arrived, I changed, I killed her, and I ate her." I had broken into shivers. They looked at me shocked, unsure of what they should do.
"I could not eat the heart of the wolf that bit me, for it was turned to ash the instant it's tooth drew my blood. I returned to my family to inform them, and for helping me on my way, they were burned at the stake as heretics! My entire family is DEAD and I am to blame! For the past five years, I lived with one sole purpose, to find a cure, and end this nightmare. I found the witch who was responsible for the curse laid upon my bite ancestor and slew her, only to find that it was her evil spirit master who had caused it! I no longer had a way to free myself! In an act of spite she sent me here, and I awoke in the Everfree."
"That, is horrible." Luna said, looking sorrowful.
"I have been running from those who would seek to 'cure' me, as their method was death in flames. I have hidden from the people, so as not to cause them harm. I have slain a vampire while a wolf, and a witch while not. This world is a happy one, free of strife. I thought I could start over. I came to you on Nightmare Night to ask for aid in finding a cure. Even if it could not be found, then I would simply hide in the woods for three nights each month. How could I have known that the moon was slave to your whim, and with it, I am as well?"
"You still did not explain why you did not warn the townsfolk." Celestia scowled.
"I hoped to keep it a secret. Perhaps even cure it before any came to know. If they knew I was a monster, that I became a bloodthirsty brute, they would never have accepted me. They welcomed me with open arms. I have been alone for so long....... How could I tell them? How could I drive them all away?"
"And so, you instead risked their lives." She practically spat the words.
"No longer."
"What?" As she questioned me, I put the coin in my mouth and swallowed.
"What did you just do?" She demanded to know.
"I can never go back, now that they know what I am. I have no future, and I refuse to cause any more harm. Wish me luck in the next life, I certainly didn't have any in this one."
"I thought the guards checked him for anything dangerous?" Luna scowled at the guard.
"A silver coin covered in honey can hardly be considered a weapon. At least, to a non lycan, but to a werewolf, it is a painless death."
'Two minutes till I am a pile of ash.'
"Why did you just do that?"
"My sister, her name was Lyra. She spoke and acted the same as that pony. I've attacked both of them. I, I can never forgive myself."
"No, I will not allow this!" Luna opened the cage with her magic and pointed her horn at my stomach. I struggled to move, until she shouted.
"HOLD STILL!"
And then I blacked out once more. |
Song of the Moon | Guilt (11) | Guilt
I awoke once again. It seems that being knocked out is becoming a common theme. One which I find very annoying.
'Wait, I'm alive? How? I swallowed the silver. I should be ash by now.' I tried to move, finding that I could not. I was still in the silver barred cage, but I was now chained to the wall. I had at least been changed into my final surviving pair of pants.
'Every damn time. What qualm does fate have against me and covering my shame?'
"Iron chains in a brick wall? Pfft, please." I pulled with all my might, but surprisingly enough, they did not break. As I felt them, they did not have the same texture as iron. They must be a different metal entirely, one that is much stronger. My belongings were now outside the cage. If I could not access my possessions, what point was there in having me chained? Perhaps to keep me bound while those who could not contain me entered and exited.
"He has awoken." A guard spoke to another as I heard the clopping sound of hooves on stone, presumably to fetch one of the princesses. I was correct in my assumption, as Luna made her way back to the prison.
"Well now, welcome back." She taunted with a sly smile.
"Why am I still alive? I should be a pile of ash by now."
"I used my magic to locate the coin and remove it from you before it could take effect." She deadpanned. "I am very disappointed in you, attempting to take your own life. Such is the coward's way." I became enraged.
"Coward? I have walked the halls of the damned, played in the courts of vampires, and looked straight in the eyes of the possessed! If I were a coward, I never would have crossed the threshold of Scarlet's court five years past and would not be in this predicament! If I were a coward, I would have given up long before this moment! I am TIRED! I am tired of running! I am tired of hiding! I am tired of....... hurting those who I care about. Tell me, if you had the choice between your own life and the lives of all those you hold dear, which would you choose?"
"I would defy fate and chose both." She said scornfully.
"More easily said than done. You have the powers of a god, and never ending life. What can I hope to do? I have fought fate constantly, and have lost each and every time. Trying to defy my fate was what led me to find happiness in Ponyville, and look how that turned out." I wept bitterly. By now, news would have gotten around as to what I was. Twilight was the only one who had any inkling of an idea, to the rest, it would be a complete shock. Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle.... Applejack! And Ditzy Do! They all must hate me by now. If I were to return, I'd find a mob carrying torches and pitchforks.
"Fool, for all my power, I never succeeded either. The point is, you must continue to try. I spent a thousand years as Nightmare Moon." Suddenly, her form changed. She became much larger, and far more fierce. Her teeth, fangs, and her eyes, slits. She stood right in front of me, glaring at me with the emerald green orbs that mimicked a snake's. I stared right back into them. I had felt fear before, this was like standing before a possessed god, yet I felt no trepidation. I knew it was a show, and there was no evil behind it. I could sense it.
"Is this an attempt to break my will, or a test of my character? I have tread ground so cursed that the shadows themselves would grow fangs and claws to massacre the unwary. I too would have fallen had I not been their kin."
She changed back to Luna, with a tear in her eye.
"Not once have I ever shown this form and others not shaken in fear. That was the form of my nightmare, the one who caused such terror and grief so long ago."
"I felt no fear because it did not hold the same evil as it once had. Had it been Nightmare Moon standing before me, I would have had the same reaction. I am a hound, I know evil when I see it. Actually, it's more of a smell. Even magic has a scent, and yours did not change."
"Fair enough. The point being, I too know what it is like. To be bound by my own desires. I know full well what it is like, your will is your own, but your personality is not. I was the same, until I was freed by the elements of harmony. The guilt I felt, and my actions had not any permanent damage. Yours....." She sighed.
"To have lost your family, such a burden is one I can not even imagine, especially given that you were the cause. So, what will you do now?" She asked.
"I can not roam Equestria, as I am still bound by my curse, I can not return to Ponyville, I have already done enough damage and would be welcomed not by ponies joyous at my return, but an angry mob, the only option I can see is for you to return my coin to me." At which point, I was surprised by a sudden pain. I now had a very red hoof shaped mark on my cheek.
"Fool! If the only solution you can see to your plight is death, then what of myself? Regardless of what happened in your world, my crimes in Equestria are the same as yours!" She said not with hate, but tears.
I stood there silently. I did not have an answer to her question.
"I attacked them. I tried to destroy the world. If I had brought about eternal night, nothing could have grown, and all would have frozen or starved. My sins are much greater than yours, yet I have been forgiven! My calamity is still fresh in their minds, but I have been given a second chance! What say you?" She wanted my answer, and I finally had it.
"Your threat has passed. Nightmare Moon is gone forever. I am still very much a danger to all who live in peace and harmony. I attempted to take my life not in guilt, but to prevent further calamity. Unless you can think of another, my two options are as follows. One, I can die, or two, I can spend the rest of my life in this prison, which would be no better than the first choice. If you have another way, by all means, DO SHARE!" I was angry. I did not do things without consideration. The fact that she believed I was about to end my life to avoid having to deal with the guilt infuriated me. The point was to prevent myself from causing further harm, not take the coward's way out.
"You will do as I say from now on, without question." She looked at me seriously.
"And why would I do that?" I spat back. She turned so I could see her flank, her 'cutie mark' being a crescent moon, the same as the mark on my back. She had a sly smile on her face, the one that thieves get when they find a rich fellow with loose strings on his coin purse.
"You brand that which belongs to you, and you have branded yourself with my mark. You belong to me, Lark Wolfe. You are my dog, and as such, you will obey your master." Her horn began to glow. The chains binding me to the wall vanished and I fell to the ground. The glow changed from pale blue to pale white and shone upon me. I felt myself begin to change. The pain coursed through me once more as I transformed into a wolf once again. She had focused pure moonlight through her horn and caused me to transform, despite it being during the day.
'I have no doubt that I shall grow to hate this mare, VERY quickly.' I dove at Luna with my now unchained arms outstretched, colliding with the bars and sent reeling with the pain. I was then pinned to the ground by a blue glow.
"Bad doggy. We don't bite. BAD!" She addressed me as one would address a pet, using that absurdly loud voice, although slightly more softly this time, I assume as to prevent me from passing out. My ears pressed against my head. She released me, and as I stood, I charged the bars again, once again being thrown back and pinned.
"Not a very smart dog, are you?" She giggled. This was FUN for her? As she released me once more, I stood, but before moving, I examined the bars, pacing back and forth in front of them before finally sitting on the stone floor, defeated.
"That's a good boy Lark. You aren't a bad dog, you just need to be trained is all. You're supposed to train dogs when they're still puppies, so I have a lot of work ahead of me. Do try and behave will you?" I growled, she scowled.
"I'll have none of that, mister."
About an hour of 'Sit, stay, bad dog', later, the effects of the moonlight finally wore off and I shifted back to normal. As a side note, the return transformation is just as agonizingly painful as the regular one. Thank goodness I normally sleep through it, except I didn't get to this time.
"Well, all in all, I'd say that could have gone better Lark, you are a very stubborn dog. In either case, it's time for dinner. Get yourself dressed and the guard will escort you to the dining room." With that, she left, magically sending my casual and loose fitting outfit to me. After all, it was all I had left.
"Hate...... you....... so....... much.........." I managed to mutter as I lay on the ground, still sore from my transformation. After I was able to stand up, I quickly dressed myself, but took a great deal of time for mental preparation before motioning to the guard that I was ready. I looked at the broken remains of my instrument and cried. It had been with me through everything, the last memento of my family, and it was dead. I let out a sigh, the guard noticing what I stared at, before he led me up through the dark corridors of the dungeon and into the bright light of what I assumed to be the castle proper. I was guided through a very large and ornate pair of double doors, featuring the royal sisters chasing one another through their respective skies.
There was an absurdly long table in an equally ridiculously proportioned room, with the only seats being taken by the princesses Celestia, Luna, as well as two others, a pink pony with both horn and wings, as well as a white unicorn. I entered the room, where I was motioned by the guard to sit at the near end of the table, quite far from everypony else.
"Oh come now, there is no need for that my new pet, come sit over here." Luna mocked. I begrudgingly stood and walked over, sitting beside the pink pony, two seats down from Luna. I remained quiet.
"Is that any way to treat your new family?" She asked.
"I was under the impression that pets could not speak." I replied with a dead tone.
"They may, but only when their master commands them to." Luna explained mirthfully. She was enjoying this FAR too much for it to be healthy.
"Very well, I am Lark Wolfe, former musician extraordinaire, and Princess Luna's new toy. As you have no doubt been informed, I am a werewolf, so I'm basically forced to do whatever she says." I had given up on trying to be graceful or polite. I was just plain annoyed.
"So then, this, THING is going to be eating dinner with us regularly? I do believe that pets should not be allowed to sit at the table." The unicorn scoffed.
"I for one am inclined to agree." Celestia replied scornfully.
"Kuss mein arsch." While I almost NEVER resorted to profanity, I did have a bit of a habit of cursing in a foreign language whenever I had been pushed past the brink. Well, foreign to wherever I was at the time. A traveling musician is also a wonderful linguist. As I had lost all pretense of pride, I told both the unicorn and Celestia to kiss my ass in German. Thankfully, neither of them seemed to understand the phrase, nor did anypony else at the table. They simply let it slide.
"What do you mean 'former' musician?" The pink one next to me asked.
"Regrettably, when I had my... episode..... my violin was utterly destroyed. Without that, I cannot play music. It was.... a gift from my father..... before......" I dropped my head to the table, causing a loud thud.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Oh! Where are my manners? I am Princess Cadence. I'll see if we can do anything about your violin. Perhaps it can be restored to it's former glory?" She said cheerfully.
"I would..... like that. Thank you." Well, at least SOMEPONY in this blasted castle is civil. She then cleared her throat and I raised my head. The unicorn across from her gave a defeated sigh.
"If you MUST know, I am Prince Blueblood. I would suggest that you stay out of my way, mutt. While Princess Luna sees fit to keep you around, I do not need you meddling in my affairs." He finally introduced himself.
"As if I have any interest in such things. I have played in the courts of enough nobles to have had more than my fill of such drivel."
"Have you now?" He pondered.
"Yes, I have. Princess Lu....." The dark princess scowled. "Master. I would very much like if the gold in my coin purse was exchanged for bits, and the amount split, then given to Lyra and Ditzy Do. It's the least I could do, given what I have already done."
"Are you sure you would simply give away a million bits?" Blueblood spat his drink, while Cadence giggled.
"What use have I for money?" I replied depressed. She seemed to take the hint and motioned to a guard, who then left to do I assume just that.
"Ah, yes, dinner has arrived. About time." Blueblood scoffed at several chef ponies who brought food in on, quite to my dismay, silver platters.
As mine was set before me, the domed topper still present to preserve the heat until the one to eat it was ready, each of the ponies removed it with their magic before beginning to consume various steamed vegetables. I sat there, glaring at the deadly platter and dome with a scowl.
'Alright, now she's just doing this on purpose.'
"Is something the matter Lark?" Luna asked innocently.
'She can't really be that dense, can she?'
I carefully plucked a single hair from my head, and the ponies watched in confusion, followed by sudden understanding, as I dropped the hair on the dome and it burst into flames, and then a puff of smoke.
"Werewolf. Silver. Duh." Luna laughed before taking the lid off with her magic. I went to pick up a fork to begin eating the steamed vegetables before me, only to burn my hand on it and nearly drop it. I carefully wrapped the cutlery in a napkin before stabbing into a piece of broccoli, taking the utmost care not to touch and portion of the silver to my body, sliding the green stalk into my mouth. Of course, absolutely tiny pieces of the infernal metal were present on the vegetable, causing me to burn my tongue. I gently moved the platter to my left with my sleeve, out of the way, before planting my head on the table once more. Cadence, on my right, looked downright unimpressed with the sisters. Blueblood simply laughed at my plight.
"On second thought, I'm not hungry. Master, I'll be in my cell if you suddenly decide you do not wish to starve me to death." I stood from the table and was joined by the guard as he brought me back to my cage. Dark, dank, musty, hard, cold. So much better than the presence of my tormentors. I waited there for about an hour before Luna descended once more.
"Lark?" She asked.
"So, you saved my life so you could torment me before you ended it yourself?"
"That's no way to talk to your master." She scolded.
"Master's usually don't starve their pets, followed by trying to feed them poison." I deadpanned. Of course, I was crying. I had never been so humiliated in all my life. I just sat with my arms across my knees in the corner, looking into my hands so that she couldn't see.
"I am truly sorry about that. I had forgotten that all the castle's silverware was... well.... silver." She said looking sullen.
"Oversight or convenient torture?"
"Perhaps a little of both." She smirked. "So, my little doggy, are you ready to try again?"
"If by try again, do you mean am I ready to try and bite a chunk out of these silver bars and swallow it?"
"You'll never get close, you know that." She said seriously, losing her smile. Her horn glowed with the pale light as I once more changed to my wolf form. Luckily, the clothes were loose fitting, and so they did not rip or tear at all. They were slightly tight when encompassing my larger lycan form. I looked at the night princess, and instead of charging, I just laid on the floor on my side. I didn't feel like moving. I didn't feel like doing anything. Dying. Yeah, I could go for some dying right now. That would be nice.
"Well well, isn't this a surprise, only your first day you're already behaving like a good little puppy. |
Song of the Moon | Broken (12) | Broken
"Well well Lark, only your first day, and already you're behaving." Luna mocked. My ears perked up at this.
'Strange, I just turned, and I'm not violent.'
"I'm sorry I had to be so rough on you, but the only way for you to take control of yourself is to break you. At this point, you've just been running wild. A werewolf is, by nature, a dog. Dogs can be trained, but you first have to let them know who's boss. I know you missed dinner, so I brought you some."
Luna opened to door to the cage, sliding a tray of vegetables and eggs in. I immediately got up to eat them, but I found that I couldn't get close. Her magic was blocking the way. I began scratching at the mystic wall like a dog at a door, getting nowhere.
"Ah ah, if we're going to tame you, you need to learn self control. You can't eat until you learn to sit nice." She smirked. I gave a low growl before sitting on the stone floor. She used her magic to feed me piece by piece, at her pace. If I tried to snap for it, she'd pull it away. I'd have to wait for her to put in in my mouth before I could try to eat it. It seems as though under the light of the full moon, transformations last an hour, and during the nights, it would last until an hour after the moon had descended. As I returned to my human form, laying prone on the floor, she nuzzled me gently.
"I know this is hard, and you've had to swallow your pride, the only thing you had left, but you have to believe I'm here to help you. I've trained werewolves before, and although they were far less violent than you, they were also not nearly as quick to pick up on it. You feel as though you have lost all reason to carry on and I am truly sorry for that and I do know what you're going through. It's harder for you because you're fighting yourself every step of the way." She said in a voice that showed she truly cared. I simply remained silent.
"Also, if you work hard and show progress, maybe I can do something about getting you a bit more suitable living arrangements, some visitors perhaps? I'm sure somepony would want to see you after that escapade."
'Who would I want to see? Forget that, who would want to see me? Nobody. How could I face Applejack, the crusaders, Ditzy Do? Lyra..... how could I look at any of them? I lied to them. I was a danger to them and I didn't let them know. I had only been here for a week, and I already thought of them as my friends, yet I couldn't let them know that one fact about me, the one that mattered most. They all must hate me. They won't come.'
"What happened to the other werewolves?"
"Well, they were trained well enough not to bite, so they never did, and it never spread. They eventually just died out on their own."
"That's reassuring."
"Goodnight Lark." And the the moon princess left.
I lay awake on the metal frame bed in my cell, looking out the window at the stars. I see one falling, and decide to wish upon it.
"I wish I this hadn't happened."
"I cannot change that. You have to live with the consequences. You are not alone however, you have friends. You may have hurt one of them, but she'll recover. You deceived them, but they WILL forgive you. I don't know about where you come from, but ponies are a rather accepting bunch." The voice replied.
"Luna?"
"The one and only."
"So then, you were the one who took away my nightmares?"
"Indeed I was. Whenever one within this realm wishes upon a falling star, I hear their desire, and I if I can, I make it happen. I did not know it to be you at the time, although it looks like I really am granting that first wish of yours. I may not be able to cure you, but I can help you take control of yourself. You should really give your friends more credit as well. They are not likely to abandon you after this." The night princess declared.
"It was so hard to earn their trust in the first place, were it not for Ditzy Do and the fact that she strangely doesn't fear monsters, they would never have come out of their houses. It took so much just to see a face, and after this, I highly doubt I'll be welcomed back."
"It will take time. I appeared in Ponyville during the summer sun celebration, everypony saw me try and rule Equestria. A year later and they all still feared me, although I must admit, it was on a holiday intended to cause fright, but I eventually earned their trust and made friends as well. You can do it too. I am royalty, which makes me difficult to approach, and you are by all reasoning an alien, so they will be fearful of you, but you CAN do it. I'll see about having some of them see you tomorrow. They are probably still confused regarding what happened." The princesses words put me slightly at ease, although I was NOT looking forward to explaining myself.
"Thank you."
"Thank you what?" She wanted me to say 'master'.
"Thank you Lulu." I couldn't see her face, but she was definitely embarrassed.
"So you heard sister say that......"
"Not much I don't hear."
"Just to let you know, she doesn't trust you. You show up out of nowhere, hide what you are and attack her subjects, which she is highly protective of, enough so to banish her own sister to the moon. That, and she never liked werewolves to begin with. She would always get mad at me for having them at the table and in court with me. Just, try to act pleasant okay? She'll come around. And never use that nickname again." She vocally scowled.
"So long as you stop treating me like an animal when I'm not one. It's the wolf that needs training, not me."
"It was just a bit of fun....... Oh, alright fine. If it really bother's you that much, I'll stop. When I had wolves in my court, they usually stayed like that all the time, so I ended up treating them as pets more than anything else. I guess old habits are hard to break." She said with a sullen voice.
"Old habits are hard to break, so you say to a werewolf you're trying to tame."
Morning came, and I was actually able to eat breakfast properly. Simple iron plates and cutlery. I took my previous seat next to Cadence, who smiled warmly. I could tell she didn't enjoy seeing others sad.
"So, Lark, were the accommodations to your liking?" Celestia asked, clearly a set up. If I said they were fine, she'd insist I remain in them, but I didn't want to come off as demanding. I decided to return it by being vague.
"As accommodating as a prison cell can be. Canterlot certainly has the finest in dungeons, not that I've seen them from the other side of the bars before." Is she seriously going to go in to a battle of high class banter? Yes she has lived for several millenia, but I'm fairly certain she has had no use for such talk, as just about everypony bows before her in an instant. I however have wade through the river of egotistical blood and waged verbal warfare with the finest of linguistic generals. The sun princess wasn't very happy about that, and Luna just gave me a look telling me I was pushing my luck. Blueblood actually seemed amused by the whole thing.
"So, my sister tells me that you are to have visitors today?" She changed the subject. My point.
"Possibly. All depending on whether or not they wish to see me."
"I am certain they will. My faithful student Twilight will certainly want an explanation of the nature of your lycanthropy, in detail, as well as many other aspects of your culture. I will remind you in advance to be patient, as she tends to go overboard when it comes to studying new things." Celestia smiled. Great, she was going to torture me by having the mad sorceress talk my ears off. Her point.
"Of course. I already vaguely informed her of my predicament, so it should be a rather simple matter to fill in the details." I smiled. She glared daggers. On second thought, perhaps angering one who could turn me into a wall splatter is a bad idea.
"Oh, and Lyra has been released from the hospital, she'll want to see you as well." That one hurt. Play it off. Don't let her know it hurt. Oh, for goodness sake, she already knows, or else she wouldn't have brought it up.
After breakfast, I was once again escorted to the dungeon, although to a more hospitable room, presumably for meeting guests. It was some time before Luna came down, and with her, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Ditzy Do, and the crusaders. I hadn't been chained down, obviously since I couldn't cause any harm in this state. The ponies in front of me just glared, all except the wall eyed one. The silence was broken by Pinkie.
"I KNEW IT! My pinkie sense told me he was trouble, and I was right! None of you believed me, and guess what! In your face!" She accentuated each word.
"Pinkie, he never denied that. He actually came to me and told me he was cursed, he just didn't say in detail. I almost can't believe it. A real werewolf! Oh, this is so exciting! I have so many questions! I...."
"Umm, Twi? Ah think it would be best to save the questions fer a bit, till you two are alone, I mean, it's gonna take a while and the rest of us have sumthin we need ta say too." Applejack interjected.
"Oh, um, right. Okay, go ahead." The unicorn said defeated.
"Lark, I know you talked a tragedy, was this it? Was this what caused it?" She asked, I just nodded.
"So then, yer family?"
"My sister. When I told my mother and father, they tried to shelter me, to help me hide and escape. They were seen as traitors and heretics, blasphemers, and were burned alive for their supposed 'crime' of helping their son. If I had known, I never would have gone home."
"I know what that's like. I lost mah parents. They worked themselves to death trying ta keep the farm runnin durin a drought, all ta make sure we'd be okay. I know why ya didn't tell us, too much pain. It's alright, I forgive ya." The orange mare smiled.
"That easily? What if Luna had raised the moon in the town square? It could have easily been your sister, or any of you!"
"Yeah, but it wasn't, and you had no idea that was gonna happen. It ain't yer fault. All in all, there was no harm done. You were actually pretty lucky in that regard. Ya get out of here after ya take care of, you know, yer always welcome ta stay on the farm. Maybe try some applebuckin again? Of course, not so hard this time." She chuckled.
"Yeah....." After that, Applejack left. Rainbow Dash was the next to come forward.
"So then, Lark, the reason you're so strong and coordinated.... it's because you're a werewolf right?" She asked, trying to make the question sound casual.
"Yes, and don't even think about it. Trust me, it's NOT worth it."
"But, you're strong enough to beat ME in a hoof wrastle, EASY! Look at you, you're a... a... string bean! If I had something like that, I could get in the wonderbolt's no problem!" She argued.
"You'd join the wonderbolts, and then they'd join you, in your stomach." The phrase seemed to strike a nerve, instantly destroying her desire to share in my curse, leaving as well.
"Does, does it hurt, when you... eep!" Fluttershy tried to ask.
"Agonizing. Painful doesn't even begin to describe it. It's like all your bones are breaking, over and over, and they move around and..... I should probably stop describing it." The yellow pegasus looked woozy at the thought.
"I, I think I'll just go lie down now." She too left.
"So, dapper and sophisticated by day, horrific monster by night.... Oh, I can't even imagine, sleeping outdoors, being hideous, gives me the shivers just thinking about it." Rarity shuddered at it.
"Not every night, just the full moon. For all but 3 consecutive nights every 28, I am completely normal. Well, that WAS the way it worked, but when I came here I found out that it just does whatever the princess wants it to, changing form to what she thinks would look best in the night sky." Twilight was writing notes on what I had revealed, not wanting to lose any details.
The crusaders were next.
"Is it true Mr. Lark? Were you that monster that ran through Ponyville on Nightmare Night?" Applebloom asked.
"Yes, that was me...."
"Why'd you go through town?" Scootaloo asked.
"Yeah, wouldn't you want to run AWAY from all the ponies?" Sweetie Belle added.
"The Everfree. For a brief moment I was able to control myself, so I decided I had to reach the forest where I could do no harm."
"I, guess that makes sense, I mean, that's where all the monsters are. Well, the visit kinda has to be short so, I guess we'll see you around?" They said hopefully as they too left. Lyra was next, she approached with a bandaged hoof, limping slightly to keep the weight off it. I couldn't look at her, so I just stared at the ground.
"Lark, why won't you look at me?" She asked.
"Because, I did it again."
"But I'm fine, I mean, sure it hurt, and I was scared, but I'm still here."
"When I was like that, I killed my own sister, and I ATE her. When I look at you, I see her, and I see it happening all over again. I wasn't strong enough...."
"But it DIDN'T happen again. I saw the look of recognition in your eyes. You bashed your head on a rock for Celestia's sake! Nopony weak would hurt themselves to protect somepony else." She put her bandaged hoof on my chin and lifted my head. Her golden eyes filled with tears.
"But I hurt you......"
"Yes, and it's going to take work to get me, and everypony else in Ponyville, to trust you again, considering as how you didn't really have it to begin with, but guess what.... we'll get over it. Eventually, it'll just be 'that Nightmare Night when Lark was really scary.' And that'll be it."
"But why? By all rights, they should try to run me out of town, you should be wishing I was dead. How... how are you all so kind?"
"It's just who we are."
Lyra left, leaving only Ditzy Do, Pinkie, Twilight, and Luna. The pegasus approached me.
"I don't even know how I can apologize to you Ditzy. You trusted me right from the start, and were my first friend. I've done nothing but lie to you and you've done nothing but help me."
"Then don't apologize. You're sorry enough as it is. Everypony makes mistakes Lark, I know that better than anypony. If I had to apologize for every time I messed up, I'd be bowing for the next year! The point is, you made a mistake, and it wasn't even something you could control. It was an accident. Accidents happen." She smiled, her awkward eyes seemingly full of care, although hard to tell. I wrapped my arms around the pegasus and just cried. She's the one who I betrayed the most. She'd be mocked for having brought yet another monster to town, and yet she was here, comforting me. She wrapped her hooves around me and returned the hug.
"You're the only one who never made fun of my eyes, or called me Derpy." She gave a small laugh, crying on my shoulder as well.
"I don't even know what derpy means......"
"Doesn't matter."
"AWWWWWWWWWWWWW" We broke our hug to see Twilight, Luna, and Celestia all looking at us with those eyes you get when you see something absurdly adorable, while Pinkie was crying happily. The scene was broken by a strange tone coming from a watch on Ditzy's foreleg.
"Oh! Yay! The Doctor is here! Are you ready for adventure my little muffin?"
"Yay!" Dinky popped out from her saddlebag as her mother went running out of the room to meet the strange pony with the blue box.
"Do I want to know?" Luna asked.
"I would suggest not asking about that."
"Another secret?" Pinkie demanded sternly.
"Yes, but, not a bad one, and not one of mine."
"I'm watching you bub......" Her eye literally stretched from her head as if to emphasize her point, before she ran out of the room as well.
"Alright Twilight, you had questions yes?"
"Ah, that's right." The unicorn suddenly snapped out of her momentary lapse in thought.
"I have some as well. I may have judged you prematurely. Perhaps I should have known a little more of the nature of your world before I acted so harshly." Celestia, clearly moved by what had happened with Ditzy, and quite possibly Lyra as I had no idea when she arrived, was starting to have second thoughts about the way she had acted towards me.
"I'll tell you everything." |
Song of the Moon | Music (13) | Music
I wound up explaining the whole story. Everything, right from the beginning of memory, all the way up till I found myself in Equestria. I left out the bit with the deer. It hurt, a lot. I was essentially ripping all the bandages off of my heart so I could let them see the wounds, which of course makes them bleed again. Celestia and Luna listened intently, while Twilight had to stop a couple time to keep herself from crying. Since the sisters are immortal, they are no strangers to the pain of loss. I had to take a break a couple times as well. By the end, I was exhausted.
"To think that dark spirits like the one which possessed me could exist in such multitude in your own world, wrecking havoc, and that they would be invited willingly by so many. Now then, it's time for training again. Twilight, perhaps you should take notes on this as well?"
Channeling moonlight through her horn, I fell to the ground and thrashed in pain. Twilight gazed in fear and horror at the pain I was going through as my shape changed. Bones shifting, hair growing, limbs contorting, and my yells of pain.
"Is, is it always that painful?" She asked.
"From what he has told us, yes." Celestia stated.
"Poor Lark, having to go through that on top of everything he's been through. Judging by his reaction, even after five years, he's never gotten used to the pain."
I stood there in my cell, pacing back and forth, growling like a dog who sees a rabbit but can't get it. I was about to dive at the cage when my wolf brain told me, 'No, it's silver moron', so I finally opted for just sitting on the stone floor of the cell. I had already eaten, so I wasn't hungry. I just sat there, listening, watching. They stood on the other side, their eyes scrutinizing me, until Luna spoke up.
"Lark, stay."
She moved towards the cage and unlocked it.
"Stay."
The cage door opened, all three ponies were only a couple feet away. I could close the distance and sink my teeth into them in seconds.
'No. I'm not hungry. I'm not angry.'
'Bite them.'
'No, Luna is the master.'
'You are in charge of your self.'
'No, I tried that, it only brought me pain. I'm letting HER be in charge.'
'What about freedom?'
'That's what she's giving me, freedom from you.'
'I am you.'
'Just another part. If I am in control, then I'm in control of you too, and I say she's the boss. And the boss said stay. I'm staying.'
They all tensed up for a moment when I opened my mouth, but relaxed when they realized it was just a yawn.
"Lark, I'm going to come in the cage now. You are going to stay right where you are and not do anything."
'Good, when she comes in, I can bite her and become the alpha.'
'That will just get me killed. I don't WANT to be the alpha. She told me to stay, I'm staying.' I laid down on the ground, curling up.
"Good boy Lark." Good boy? I'm a good boy? Why does that make me happy?
She began to pat me on the head. Maybe this isn't so bad after all.
"Lark, stay. Twilight is going to come in and do some measurements."
I gave a low growl, not threatening, but voicing of disapproval.
"No! Lay here and let Twilight measure you. She's a friend remember? It's fine. You don't need to be afraid."
'Is that what this is stemming from? The dog is afraid, so it lashes out. It tries to dominate the others so it's at the head of the pack, in order to protect itself. I don't need to protect myself. They're friends. I'm..... safe. No inquisition to run from, no vampires, no monsters, safe? I like this feeling. Safe is nice.'
"There you go, see?" Luna had held my head in place with her front hooves. It was clear she didn't exactly trust me right yet, and I agree, I didn't trust myself either. A couple times I twitched, making everyone tense up, but all in all, I knew I was powerless, so I just laid there and tried not to think about the poking and prodding being done by the scholarly unicorn. She finished and let herself out, before Luna let go and closed the door. They stayed there for the rest of the hour, going over the motions of training, before I fell to the ground and started howling, my form changing back to human. Thankfully, my loose fitting clothes, while not really my style, were big enough to encompass my wolf form, and did not tear when I changed. I laid there for a couple more minutes before I finally got up.
"Lark, when you said it was painful, you weren't kidding. It looked to be absolutely anguishing!" Twilight remarked.
"It is, but nothing compared to when you touched my paws. They're ticklish it seems." I tried making light of it. She giggled a bit.
"Well, I've gotten all the information I need for now, I'm going back to Ponyville to do some research." And with that, the purple unicorn left.
"I've seen all I need to see Lark, I, apologize for being so harsh. When you came to our land as such a danger, and did not make it known immediately, I believed you to have ill intent. I, also may have been.... prejudice.... due to my past experience with my sister's pets. I am sorry." Celestia apologized.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You were well within your rights, not just as a princess, but as a pony who cares about others."
"Regardless, I will have a room prepared within the castle for you tomorrow. Sleep well."
"Yes, try and get some rest Lark. Goodnight."
The next day, I ate within my cell and was given fresh clothes to change into. I did not mind doing so while watched, among ponies, nudity is no taboo, and I was used to it enough from having my poor defenseless pants torn off time and time again. I was guided to my new room by a guard, and when I opened the door, I was met with surprise. Celestia, Luna, Blueblood, and Cadence were all present, as well as my restored violin.
"But, how?" I asked with a tear in my eye at seeing my beloved instrument.
"Um.... magic?" Cadence said slightly sarcastically. I gave her a hug.
"Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means....."
"You might want to be careful, I'm getting married in a few months, I wouldn't want my fiance to get jealous." She chuckled, as did the rest.
"Well, thank you all..... perhaps you would like a song?"
"I don't see why not."
Running my hand over my violin, the last aspect of my old life, I felt the wood, the bow, the strings, it was all as perfect as the day it was made. I would have believed it to be brand new if not for the names carved into it with such fine craftsmanship, it could only come from the most skilled instrument makers. Taking my position, I drew my bow, and began to play a song. |
Song of the Moon | Liberty (14) | Liberty
"Lark, I wish to have words with you." Luna told me in a formal tone.
"Your will?" I asked as I bowed.
"As you know, the wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining armor is upcoming. She has requested that you provide the music for the event." She smiled.
"I, I would be honoured!" Finally. Something goes right. I like Cadence. She's nice. She deserves the best and, well, not to brag, but that's me. It also gives me a chance to get out of this blasted castle. I've been travelling since I was young, being trapped within these stone walls for such a long time has done nothing to appease my wanderlust. Even a short period of freedom would be worth any expense at this point. That, and playing for royalty would certainly improve my standing with the public.
"You're going to have to work for the opportunity though." Aaaaaaand there's the catch. "I'm going to have you in your wolf form in the castle with me, around other ponies. You're going to have to be able to control yourself, and although you'll have constant supervision, you won't have constant instruction. Now, in the many months that have passed since I first began your training, you have shown remarkable improvement. This will be your first real test."
It had been seven months since Nightmare Night, it was now May. I had spent Hearth's Warming Eve, apparently the pony version of Christmas, in the castle, while the royal sisters went to watch a performance put on by Twilight and her friends. Among my company was Blueblood, and, in the time I have been here, other than his first impression, we have actually taken to each other quite well. We can both appreciate a person, or pony, of class. While he is somewhat haughty, compared to the royal ninnies I dealt with in my own world, he is rather tame in that regard. He's actually come to consider me a person, not an animal or glorified pet.
"Well, hopefully things go well. I would very much like to attend the wedding. Will you be attending as well?"
"Me? Of course. It's going to be the event of the century, although, I can't say I'm thrilled about the other attendants, even if they don't yet know they are attending. The captain wants it to be a 'surprise'. Him getting married at all is nothing short of a miracle." He replied with a huff.
"Ah yes, Lady Rarity is the friend of the groom's sister."
"There's nothing 'Ladylike' about her. She acts with poise, but as soon as pressure is placed, she cracks, and turns into a definite Ponyvillian. A country bumpkin playing dress up, nothing more. A false air of nobility."
"Well, from what I've seen of her, although it's not much, she's not that bad. Considering you have more experience on the matter however, I'll just take your word for it." We shared a laugh.
"Well, it's time for me to play the part of Luna's pet. She's holding court for some rather pompous nobles. Apparently, they don't think she's fit to lead, having returned after a thousand year absence. Any guesses why I'm going to be there?" He gave an amused huff.
"She just as much a princess as aunt Celestia, they really ought to respect her as such. Oh well, you'll go easy on them I expect?"
"Well, I sure hope so. It wouldn't look too good on either of us if I made dignitaries into chew toys."
"Alright Lark, your role is to simply lay there and look good. You may as well take a nap. Are you ready?" I nodded, and her horn began to glow once again with the light of the moon. I felt the changes take place, as painful as ever, then the soothing relief of the transformation being complete. I was no longer confined to my cell during those periods of time, as I had proven well enough to be able to control myself, around Luna at least. I still went a little out of it once in a while, but she was always there to remind me and reign me back in. I had gotten used to it really, and it was comforting to have someone, somepony I could rely on to keep me in check. For all the grief she put me through, she really always had the best intent. After all, she'd been training werewolves for far longer than England even existed.
She brought me down through the castle, to the throne room, where she had me lay down at the foot of her throne. I figured I might as well, so I walked around in a circle a couple times and curled up.
'I always wondered why dogs do that, and even now that I've done it myself, it doesn't make much sense.'
"Very well, first order of business....." She looked through an itinerary and called for a rather important sounding pony. He waddled in, oh joy a fat cat, I can already smell the arrogance, oh wait, that's just body odour. I looked at him briefly before just putting my head back down on my paws, disinterested.
"Princess Luna, what is this..... thing.... doing here?"
"Senator, this is Lark, a dear friend of mine. He's here to keep me company." She replied, gently petting my head.
"Princess, I must protest, having such a large.... brutish.... animal in the palace, the throne room no less, WHILE holding court, it's highly unprofessional." My ears perked up and I glared at him.
'Unprofessional? I note that you failed to bow on entering the room, you arrogant twat.'
"It is not your place to judge the company I keep. Now, if you are done belittling me, can we please get to business? You have no doubt traveled a long ways to arrive here, and the sooner we can settle this matter, the sooner you can be on your way to more important ventures."
'Basically, say what you're gonna say, then shut up and get out of my castle.'
He went on to ramble about something. If I had payed attention, I would have been able to understand it, but, I've had more than enough political jargon for a life time. Five hours, three visitors later, and the final dignitary enters. Well well, surprise surprise, a dog. A bipedal dog. That can talk. What?
"Princess Luna, it is an honour that you would hear us." He bowed. Well well, about damn time someone showed some respect. The princess however, looked stern. As a dog, I have an innate sense that lets me tell what others are feeling. His feeling was unreadable, while she seemed worried. Better pay attention to this one.
"Rise, Glimmershin."
"Princess Luna, might I inquire as to why you are using one of my kind as a foot stool?" He asked, annoyed.
"You are in error, Glimmer, Lark is not a diamond dog." Diamond dog? These dogs are named after gemstones?
"Oh? Then please enlighten me as to what exaclty 'Lark' is."
"Lark is a lycanthropic human." She deadpanned, very worried about what his reaction might be.
"Well, that is another matter, perhaps we should deal with the business at paw first?" He suggested.
"Yes. We shall attend to this matter at a later time." She seemed slightly relieved.
"I am here on behalf of High King Rothak, who demands the return of the three hounds you have taken prisoner."
"Those hounds are guilty of the crimes of kidnapping and enslavement of Equestrian citizens, upon, or rather, under, Equestrian soil no less."
"We are well aware of their crimes. They shall be duly punished upon their arrival at the capitol and an audience before the king." He replied. Luna scowled.
'Right, by punished, he doesn't mean for taking slaves, he means for getting caught. Basically, they're just going to get let off. Diplomatic immunity.'
"Need I remind you of the accord signed by your sister and the previous king during your absence?" She grit her teeth.
"No, I am well aware of the treaty between our peoples, they will be released to your custody in the morning. Now then, is that all?"
"There is also the matter of 'Lark' as you put it. He is a sentient canine, yet is forced to submit to you. This is also against the accord. 'No diamond dog or relative thereof may be forced into servitude against their will. As you are no doubt aware, werewolves are distant ancestors of our kind, and as such, he is one of us, and will return with me to our nation." At this point, I stood on my hind legs, a full eight feet tall, and growled lowly, glaring at him.
"No Lark. *sigh* He is our guest." I turned to look at her, then sat back down, still glaring.
"Lark is here by his own desire. He is not bound in any way. The fact that he is here in the throne room in and of itself proves this." Not bound in any way? I think not princess, although, considering what he is proposing, I think I can forgive this little white lie. The dog grumbled, then conceded.
"Very well, I will begin my return trip tomorrow, with the prisoners in my custody. I will however, be reporting this to the king. Expect a response in due haste." And then he left to his lodgings for the night. Once the throne room was sealed, I followed Luna back to my room and returned to my human form. We both sat for a moment before the silence was broken by the lunar princess.
"DAMNIT!" She stomped her hoof, causing me to jump back in surprise. Noting my reaction, she calmed herself, then began to speak.
"You did very well today Lark in controlling yourself, far better than I. For a moment, I was actually considering having you gore him to death."
"Princess!" I remarked with outrage.
"I know, I know.... I shouldn't have such thoughts. I suppose you want an explanation of what just happened?" I nodded.
"Very well. As I said before, the werewolves, being trained not to bite, had no way of spreading their 'disease' and eventually ceased to be. However, that did not stop the wolves who already existed from finding mates among themselves. Over several thousand years, their descendants became what are now known as the diamond dogs. They cannot pass their transformation by bite, and are constantly in their canine form. They are also far weaker than their ancestors. They tunnel through the earth, looking for gems, although they cannot dig through solid rock."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"Well, despite their lycanthropy having risen from a disease and yours from a curse, meaning you aren't related at all, they still see you as kin. Ancestral kin. The fact that you are subservient to me is in violation of a pact between us. Going over the jargon, basically, to end a war before it started, we made a deal. We have open trade with them, and neither side is allowed to take slaves of the other. Of course, they still do, quite frequently, but they're stealthy mutts, and hide it well. Every once in a while, we catch them, but then they are immediately returned to their homeland for punishment, as if we were to bring judgement ourselves, it would be a break of the pact. So basically, they still do whatever they want, and they get away with it."
"So then, why the pact? They clearly aren't holding up their end of the bargain. Oh right, of course, you can't PROVE that. By their logic, they are holding up their end. They 'punish' the offending members of their race with a lash or two for getting caught, then send them right back out."
"Exactly. I wasn't expecting them to show up, as they reside in a far off land, their visits are unpredictable at best. They'll come back, and they'll try to find reason to prove that you're being held here against your will. They'll twist any little thing any of us say or do. If they find enough grounds for their reasoning, not only will they take you to their land, where you'll either be forced into service of the king, or perhaps treated as a god, don't know, grasping at straws on that one, but, there won't be any diplomatic immunity. Given that I'm one of the rulers of Equestria, the highest authority, they know I won't be punished, which, by the treaty, means that they will then be given just cause to do it themselves. Basically, any pony or diamond dog can take one of the others as a slave, and then be 'punished' by the authority of their homeland, but if the authority itself commits the crime, they are then subject to the punishment of the authority of the other."
"So, pretty much, if they decide that I'm here against my will, they'll take you hostage and hold you as a bargaining chip against your sister, so that they can do pretty much anything they want on Equestrian soil?"
"Yes." She hung her head.
"Well then, I have to agree with you. Damnit indeed."
"There are only two ways we can overcome this. The first is if you can complete your training and be fully in control of yourself by the time they return, and can prove that you are very much free to do as you please within." She explained.
"Alright, well, that's good. I think we can do that." I replied.
"I sure hope so. The second, and you're not going to like it.... if you can't, if they come too early.... I'll have to reinstate the assault charges that were dropped. You'd be considered a criminal, which would justify my keeping you here. You would then be brought to Cavernicous, the diamond dog capitol, to be 'punished' for your crimes against Equestria. If it comes to the second situation, they'll take you either way, and I'd have to abandon you to save face. I cannot allow myself to be used as a bargaining chip against my sister, as they would certainly force her to make absurd concessions for my continued safety. They likely won't punish you, rather, force you to submit to High King Rothak. He's a vicious bastard of a diamond dog. He might keep you as a pet, more likely kill you to prove his strength. There is an off chance that they'd treat you well, considering that they are big on ancestor worship, but, it still looks bleak. And, since you'd be too valuable to let go, unless you somehow found a way to escape, you would never be able to return. A dank dark cave would be your home for the rest of your days." She had a tear in her eye. She clearly didn't want to see me go.
"Well, that wouldn't be good at all. I wouldn't even be in wolf form then, because I'd be underground. They'd tear me apart."
"Which is why we're skipping to the final phase of your training. Complete control. The ability to change even without the power of the moon, and to prevent the change even when under it. You have made remarkable progress, it normally takes far longer to complete a werewolf's training, but given your cooperation, you've shaved several years off. We just have to step it up.
Sorry it took so long getting the next chapter out. I had a really good flow going with Griffin the griffin, and between that, school, summer so family wants to do stuff, and just being plain old STUCK on where to go with this, writing this chapter was just a wee bit....... well....
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Song of the Moon | Politics (15) | Politics
"Excellent Lark, once more?"
"Very well, once more, and then I believe it is time for dinner?"
"Of course."
The final training session was... strange, to say the least. And by strange, I mean awkwardly easy, and yet incredibly difficult at the same time. In order to transform at will, it's simply a matter of envisioning the full moon in my mind, and mimicking the sensation I get when in it's light. To prevent the transformation while under the moon's light is a different story. It requires intense mental focus, and a constant conscious effort. Just as changing at will requires imagining the moon, refraining from doing so means imagining that it isn't there, even when it clearly is. I had to convince myself that it was not present, almost to the point of hallucination. Basically, rejecting it's existence to the point that even if I look right at it, I wouldn't see it. This would take far longer than we had, and while I had succeeded once, It left me sweating with the strain of having gone through, then reversed, a partial transformation. I was not yet at the point that I could do it consistently, or for long periods of time. Luna explained that the entire training usually takes years, and only my intense discipline that comes from playing what is considered a 'finicky' instrument perfectly had expedited the process.
"Well, I guess that will have to be good enough. Even though you can't prevent your transformations, you can control yourself when you do change. This is the last of what I can teach you. The rest will come with practice. As such, you are no longer my charge. You are free to go." Luna stated. Freedom. It has been a long time since I have known the meaning of that word. Even though I went where I pleased during my travels, I was never free, as I had always been a cage for myself, to contain the beast. Now that it was tame, for the first time, I was able to do whatever I wanted, without fear of what I may do if I lost control.
"Then, that's it then?"
"Indeed, That's it. Now, all that remains is the political debacle regarding your..... position.... here at the castle." She gave a sigh.
"Of course. Now, when they arrive, how should we explain the situation?"
"They're going to investigate the castle, and when they find the silver cell, they're going to assume you were kept in there."
I scratched my chin. "Well, that's simple enough. Due to being unable to control myself, I came to you and asked for your assistance. I requested the cell so I might wait out my transformations. As for why I was your servant, I insisted that I repay your kindness in helping me gain control of myself by being your butler, which includes keeping you company during the long hours of the night as you held court."
"Do you think they will believe it?"
"They will, so long as I get a new suit."
The time leading up to the wedding, as well as the visit from the diamond dogs, sped by. I took the opportunity to brush up on my manservant skills. Serving tea, fetching books, cleaning the study, organizing knickknacks, and various other tasks that are part of a butler's manifest. Most of all, I played music. It is what I'm meant to do, and I was happy to entertain the princess who had given me so much.
As for my suit, it was a classic black tuxedo, with white undershirt and cuffs, and a black tie. There was a small, crescent moon pin on the breast pocket, and shiny, black shoes. Luna had several sets of this suit commissioned with the royal tailor, Silk Thread. I find it strange that each pony's name matches their job or special talent, despite the fact that they are named before they discover what it is and earn their mark, but this is a world of magic and lucky occurrence. Who would have believed that a witches spite could send me to a world not only free of the war, disease, and banditry that plagued my home, but also to the place that would ultimately let me control my curse.
"Lark." Luna called from her astronomy room. Filled with charts and telescopes of all kinds, as well as other tools such as sextants, protractors, and a single abacus. She had her eye at one of the larger telescopes, but it was not aimed at the night sky. No, it was aimed down, at the entrance to the city.
"Yes milady?"
"Prepare thyself. We have company. I have no doubt that we will win this day, but, still, I wish you good luck."
"And I, you. Shall we go?"
"Yes, it's time to wage politics." |
Song of the Moon | Old Dog, New Trick (16) | Old Dog, New Trick
"Alright, so remember, DON'T bow. It may be a sign of respect here, but to them, it's a sign of submission."
"Understood."
"And always keep eye contact."
"Yes."
"And whatever you do, don't insult them."
"Princess Luna, it will be fine. We have prepared for this for weeks."
"Well, I'm glad you have confidence."
"They are ambassadors. Politicians. We can handle them."
"Lark..... I did not tell you before as I did not wish to worry you, but at the gate were no mere emissaries. It was Rothak himself, and his personal guard." That is not good. Not good at all. While I appreciate her not telling me to spare my nerves, I was going to find out eventually. Now I'm worried. Nobody knows what he will attempt. From Luna's description, he's as cruel and heartless in his negotiations as he is in battle, and definitely something to be afraid of, especially if you haven't had much practice in the past thousand years......
"Okay then, we can't panic. If we panic, he'll tear us apart. It's simple, I'm your lycanthropic butler, who willingly offered his services in return for help controlling myself. It was completely voluntary. If they say I should come with them to complete my training, It's no longer required since I already finished it. I'm staying here no longer from debt, but because I still haven't decided where to go, which will be entirely up to me and I won't be swayed by political influence."
"Yes, that's good..... but what if they don't buy it?"
"Well, I'll just have to stay near you and look at you affectionately. Well, if it comes to it, we can always play the 'romance' ploy."
"Romance ploy?"
"While I hope it will not come to this, given no other alternative, in order for both of us to save face, we can claim to be in courtship. I, the lowly musician, became entranced with you when I first saw you. This would be ample explanation for why I decided to remain with you instead of seek them for assistance with my condition. Your kindness in aiding me where no other could only deepened my feelings, which I would confess on the spot. The profession would then provide ample reasoning. You reject my advances, stating you are of noble blood, and I am a lowly butler, at which point I proclaim my determination to win your heart, regardless of circumstance. It would be a convincing show, and that would get them off our backs. If they ever return and I'm not there, just say I've gone on a quest to prove my worth. After all, I am a wanderer." Luna blushed at the explanation of my contingency plan.
"Well, it is quite the clever ruse...... let us hope that we can avoid that, and save us both some humiliation."
"Of course. It is a last resort."
"Attention. High King Rothak demands presence in the court of Princess Luna." A lowly squire hound proclaimed.
"His request is granted." Luna replied spitefully while sitting on her throne, next to her sister. I stood by the lunar princess's side, holding a tray with teacups and pot, with my violin strung over my back. The main doors opened, and a ten foot tall diamond dog, covered in scars, wearing full knight armor of a dark steel, with two wicked great swords on his back in a cross, entered the hall, flanked by a dozen or so lesser dogs carrying spears. The ground shook as he walked, until he reached the center of the room. Several other dogs struggled to carry a large throne into position behind him, which he unceremoniously slumped into. His eyes were dead locked on me, and I returned his gaze.
"High King Rothak, a to what do we owe the honor of this visit? It is a long way from Cavernicus, I trust this is not a social call." Celestia stated. The titan of a hound cleared his throat, and spoke in a gravelly voice.
"Celestia. It has been far too long. I see your sister is once again in your company?"
"Indeed I am. My banishment ended three years ago."
"And who is this? I do not recall....."
"I am Lark Wolfe, Luna's butler and the very reason for this meeting." I replied, pushing up my glasses.
"This is a royal discussion, not a place for servents whelp. I suggest you learn your place." I moved closer to Luna.
"I know my place, and it is right here. Perhaps you should learn yours....." He fixed his piercing gaze on me and growled, a growl which I returned with equal force. Then to my surprise, he began to laugh.
"Bahaha! That's good. Good. I was worried for a moment that the princess had managed to break your will. You are indeed strong. Not even my highest general has dared to look me in the eye and state his defiance. You will make a great addition to the pack."
"I will not. My will is my own, and I submit to none." His laughter stopped, and his voice turned sharp.
"You will not submit to me, yet you bow to the ponies? Pathetic whelp." He stood. "You try my patience. You are our kin, and you will submit to my rule, or face me in battle."
"I am NOT your kin. I am of no relation to you or your pack. I am a hound by demon's curse. The waters of Styx flow through my veins, and my mere presence brings ruin."
"Then your keepers will not mind if I take you off their...... hooves. You are canine. Regardless of origin, you ARE kin." This isn't working. For every reason not to go, he finds three more for why I belong to him. Looks like it's time to pull the trump card. Luna, forgive me. I turn to her and nod, and she nods back.
"I do not mind his presence, and he has yet to bring me to ruination." She stated.
"Perhaps.... but for what reason does he remain here? If he is not bound by shackle or chain, nor by duty, then he is free to return with me." Here goes.
"You are correct. What binds me here is not shackle, cage, or chain. Nor is it duty or debt. I am a slave in no way but one. My heart."
"Oh?"
"I came to this world by a witch's spite, and found myself beaten and broken. I sought Princess Luna of my own accord, in hopes that the spirit of the moon might help me in taming my curse. When I first saw her.... I was stricken with her beauty. I begged for her aid, which she offered freely. She charged no fee, but I insisted that I serve in any way I can as recompense. Over time, her caring and kindness ensnared my heart, and I would gladly supplicate myself to her. In these many months, I have made great pains for her comfort, in hopes of winning her affections. Princess Luna, I may be a fool, but it is my earnest desire that we may enter courtship, in hopes that I may one day marry you. Will you accept my love?"
Now, turn me down. Then I can proclaim that I will continue my efforts regardless, and that'll get him to leave. Here it comes......
"Lark, in the time you have been here, I have grown fond of you. You have seen me in a way that no other has, looking not in fear but with admiration, something I have not felt all my life, and led to my banishment. You have cared for me in ways that no other has, and so I am glad to accept your offer of courtship." Wait..... WHAT?!?! No, no no no, she was supposed to refuse! Luna, by all that is good what are you doing?
"As co-ruler of Equestria and spirit of the sun, I bear witness to the proclamation of courtship between Lark Wolfe and Luna Moon." Celestia, you traitor!
"As ruler of the hound lands and spirit of the earth, I bear witness to the proclamation of courtship between Lark Wolfe and Luna Moon. Who am I to break up blossoming love?" You too Rothak? "But it seems we have made an error. No hound would romance a pony. This is a mere butler. Where is the werewolf, our spirit ancestor?" Oh, you little.....
"I am he. If you require proof, I would gladly provide it."
"Very well, show me."
I closed my eyes, and turned my focus inwards, mimicking the sensation of the full moon's light on my skin, and picturing the pale circle in my mind. I removed my tuxedo shirt to not tear it as the changes came, my hair growing into fur, my mouth turning to a muzzle, and fangs coming in. My knees reversed, and my fingers turned into thick claws. Finally, a tail sprouted from my spine, and the changes were complete. I stood before the titan of a dog, now only slightly shorter than he, and looked proud as I wrapped my arms around Luna from the side, allowing her to nuzzle me.
"I believe that confirms the claim?" Luna smirked.
"Very well. Treat him kindly. We do not take it well when our kin have broken hearts." He grumbled, then stood and left, the ground once again shaking as he walked. As soon as he left, I scooped the princess up and carried her to her quarters, where we waited in silence for my changes to reverse, as I could not yet control that aspect, and could not speak while transformed.
"Princess Luna.... what the HELL was that?"
"Why are you upset? The plan worked flawlessly."
"Yes, but now we're courting. You do know what that means, do you not?"
"Of course I do. It means we will go on romantic outings until the point in time that we decide that either it isn't working out or that we shall wed."
"Why did you not refuse my advance?"
"Well, one thing you did not take into account in your brilliant plan is that one of the actors may actually have feelings for the other, and would change the scene to fit her desires. Why, did you not mean what you said in the throne room?" Luna pouted playfully.
"I.... well....."
"You cannot lie to me. I am the spirit of the moon after all, your governing body. I could tell quite easily that you meant everything you said in there, and for one, I am quite glad you feel that way, because so do I."
"You mean to tell me that you are interested in me romantically?"
"I do. You are one of the kindest, most generous and caring beings I have ever met, and were not afraid to look past my frightening exterior. Not to mention I haven't had a date in over a thousand years, and while you aren't a pony..... you have a certain...... attraction about you. This doesn't mean we're going to be 'involved', merely that we're going to give it a chance. Don't ruin it or purpose either, or I shall be very cross." She flicked her tail in my face and looked over her shoulder at me while biting her lip as she walked out.
"What have I gotten myself into.........." |
Song of the Moon | Wedding (17) | Wedding
"Dear Lord, what did I do to deserve this?" Now I'm trapped in a cross species relationship with an immortal moon pony. I mean, it's not like I don't like her. She is rather beautiful, and has shown me such great kindness in my time of need...... but I don't like like her...... and I'm not sexually attracted at all. I mean, she's a pony, a SMALL HORSE. I mean, not that that's a bad thing, but, I'm a human..... wolf..... not to mention shes the second head of the royal court, and an immortal, magical PONY, and I'm a human musician.... And what of public image? After Nightmare Night seven months ago, I'm not exactly the most popular person, even if there was minimal damage, and it was undone easily. To be courting royalty, it screams scandal! This is a massive headache.....
'One thing at a time Lark. I need to stop thinking about why it won't work and start focusing on how to make it work. If I don't give it an honest effort, there's no way the princess will let me go, and who knows? I may fall for her yet. And then what? Marriage, only for me to die and her to live on? And..... mating........ with a pony! And then, what of children, is it even possible? And what if it is? What would they be? And then parenthood.......... This is way too complicated.... no, stop whining, focus on right now.... the wedding. I'm performing at the wedding reception. I need to prepare for that. It'll be my first public appearance in a very long time, and a good way to get back on the public's good side, something I need to do regardless of whether it is to have relations with Equestrian royalty or to head out on my own and travel.'
"Lark, are you ready for the practice session?" Luna called from outside my room. That's right. Twilight and her friends are here to prepare. How had the time slipped by? The past two weeks had felt like mere minutes, most likely as I had spent the better portion of it doing the same things. Practicing, going over what I'd play with the other musicians. Lyra...... she's one of the bridesmaids. I hadn't spent much private time with Luna because of that, although I knew that was just till after the wedding. I was prolonging the inevitable. The fact of the matter is, I'm courting a princess. I may as well act accordingly.
"Yes dear. I'm on my way."
'Something, is not right. The smell..... it is strange, and not merely different. It is the scent of evil. Be on guard.' My senses were telling me as I entered the cathedral where the couple were to wed. Luna was sleeping in her quarters at the time. In fact, she was headed to bed when she woke me, having stayed up all night to search for a perceived threat. Was that the reason for my anxiety? The princesses were worried, and so too was I? Or perhaps it is that I am finally coming out from my half year in near isolation, with infrequent visits from those I knew who weren't petrified of what I am, into a crowd of those who are? Or, am I truly sensing something amiss, but I cannot determine what it is without changing form and causing a scene? Frustration upon frustration. Perhaps I should wed Luna. Goodness knows that if I could engage in activities restricted to the married I'd be able to relax for once.............. That was a joke although I'll admit a rather poor one.
As the preparations continued, I noticed something was not quite right with Twilight as well. She seemed suspicious of Cadence, who was not acting as her usual self. All others considered it to merely be pre wedding jitters, and the stress of a deadline, which it very well may be. Twilight on the other hand had a look of determination in her eye, a look of absolute certainty. She knew something was the matter, and was dead set on finding out what. Normally, I wouldn't give it a second thought, but with my own instincts telling me that she was on to something, I decided that I should follow her and make sure she didn't get herself in too deep of trouble.
'Curiosity killed the cat, so it's a good thing I'm a dog.' |
Song of the Moon | These Changes (18) | These Changes
It's almost time. In all honestly, I've been worried about Twilight, so I may have been stalking throughout the castle, looking for anything amiss. Ever since I noticed Cadence start acting strangely, I stayed out of sight, but kept her within mine. I saw strange things several times, including an argument between her and Shining Armor, and the lavender mare attempting to speak with her brother, only to be interrupted time and time again. As of right now, I am supposed to be practicing the music with the other ponies. Instead, I'm watching the wedding rehearsal from the window. They began talking, although even with my improved hearing I could not discern what they were saying through the thick glass. Everyone looked around, and finally, Twilight burst into the room. There seemed to be some accusation, as though she had finally found some proof of villainy, but it was shot down by those present, and the conversation ended with Twilight hanging her head as the rest of the bridal party walked out of the room, looks of scorn on their faces.
"So.... that's it then....."
Or, perhaps not. By Twilight's actions, it would seem she was giving Cadence an apology, and what occurred next was both a shock, as well as expected, given what the danger I had been sensing earlier. The pink horned pegasus glared wickedly, her horn flashing green as a circle of green flame opened in the floor and swallowed a screaming Twilight before sinking into the ground, with the mare responsible laughing maniacally. This.... this is not good at all. I need to find Luna and.....
"What are you doing here?" Blast! Alright... I can get out of this.
"Ah, just taking a break from practicing the music for your wedding Princess Cadence. After all, you personally requested that I be the one to play for you. They're all on lunch break right now, so I decided to smell the flowers. Aren't they delightful?"
"Hmm, yes, I suppose they are. Back to work."
"Oh come now, surely you have a couple minutes to talk to a good friend. You seem tense, is something on your mind? Is it about Twilight?" She seemed a little stunned and backed away as I put a hand on her neck and rubbed her mane.
"Erhm....."
"Is it because she's being overprotective of her brother?"
"Yes, that's it."
"Well, I suppose you can hardly blame her. You have been acting rather harsh to everypony lately, although wedding stress is no excuse. You ought to know better than to imprison ponies in cages of green fire and sink them into the floor....." Her eyes went wide in realization as my spine began to extend. I hunched over as my legs bent backwards, my muscles built, and I started growing hair.
"Say... isn't Princess Cadence's magic blue? Yours is green. I think we're going to go have a nice long chat with the princesses about who you really are, and what you've done with the real princess." She glared at me with interest.
"What are you?" She asked, not with fear, but with intrigue.
"And that sells it." My voice became a deep, throaty growl. "Cadence was one of the first to know that I'm a werewolf. What's more, you haven't called me by my name this entire time." And with that, the transformation was complete. I let out a grand howl to alert Luna to what I had found and dove at the impostor, intent on knocking her out. Unfortunately for me I was caught in the same thing Twilight was and bounced off it harmlessly.
"A werewolf? I was under the impression your kind died out long ago. A unique find. I could use a pet, but we'll have to get rid of that nasty free will now won't we?" She rubbed my chin with her hoof before a flash of green made my eyes roll around in my head. Next thing I knew I was in some kind of living pod, hanging upside down from the roof, in a cave full of chirping bugs.... no, wait, they look like ponies..... Either way, they smelled of evil. I was still in my lycan form, so at this point, I simply shredded the walls of my prison and dropped to the floor. I shook the goop out of my fur and turned to look at the multitude of insects around me before letting out a bloodcurdling howl that sent many of them sprawling.
'I need to get out of here and find Princess Luna. Twilight, Shining Armor, and the real Cadence are in trouble.'
The remainder of the horde began to charge at me, their sheer mass bearing down on me as I was squashed in a ball of black chitin.
'Your friend may have been able to beat me, let's see how well you fare.' My lycan rage exploded from me as I curled up my body like a spring, then let loose, opening myself up and throwing my arms into the air. The bug ball dispersed as the not-ponies were thrown around like ragdolls.
'Been a while since I killed anything. Luna told me to fully control my instincts I'd have to let myself go wild once in a while, either at a party as a human, which Pinkie Pie could help with, or in the forest as a wolf. This looks like a good place to start.' They were still getting up as my claws sank into the first one I came across as I ran on all fours, not even bothering to stop as it was crushed underfoot, staining the floor and my hands with glowing green slime. Another four fell the same way before they had managed to regain their bearings. Six, seven, and eight were gone and I grabbed one in each hand and squeezed them so their heads popped off, as well as biting off one's head with my jaws. What I expected to taste disgusting was.... surprisingly, not. As I swallowed the bug's head, the ichor oozing down my throat after it, I felt a warmth welling up inside of me, a strength I had not known before as my voice came forth, even in my shifted state.
"You....You're..... DELICIOUS!" And that was when they started to run, and fly, away. But running would not save them as I chased them down and ripped their stomachs out with my jaws, greedily devouring them. Nor would flying as they were trapped within the relatively small space of the cave, and I used my claws to dig into the thing fleshy layer that covered it, climbed the sides and leaped off, grabbing one out of the air and ripping it's wings off before biting into it's neck. All their efforts to fight me or escape only added to the thrill of the hunt.
'Let the feast begin.' |
Song of the Moon | More Complications [Reuploaded] (19) | More Complications
=Before you read any further!=
Okay, so, thank you for all your input. I figured out what was wrong with the chapter and have rewritten it to be a bit better. Still not REALLY up to my expectations, but I'm a perfectionist so, once again. Tell me what you think of it. If I can figure out a good direction to take the story, it'll take off.
=So, here's the chapter. Comment! It's how I learn to stop sucking and be a better author!=
'Get back here and let me eat you!' The bugs seemed to be able to sense my thoughts, screaming as they desperately tried to escape. A great many of them had gotten out of the hive, only by the fact that with their sheer numbers I couldn't possibly get them all. I was also getting full, a sensation I had never felt before in my changed form. I had literally gorged myself on the delicious green ooze and shuddered at the sensation of warmth in my gut. I was now completely covered in the slime, so I shook myself off, splattering it all over the walls of the cave.
'Alright, that's about enough of this. Time for me to get out of this cave. Let's see. They're trying to get away from me, odds are they'll fly out and try to escape the cave, so then I just need to follow the mass and the scent of fresh air.'
I ran through the cave, my feet making a 'splitching' sound as they contacted the floor, which, like the walls, was covered in the same living goo as the chamber I awoke in. Down long, narrow corridors which branched every now and then, holes in the ceiling and floor reminding me of a massive beehive.
'Is that what this is? An enormous beehive, and what I've been eating when I rip them apart is their honey? It would explain why it tastes so good.' Finally, I reached a large chamber where I could see daylight filtering in through small holes. The insects flew upwards, to the very top of the chamber, towards what looked like a piece of green glass embedded in the ceiling, except that a hole opened in it to allow them passage, then closed up once they were through.
'Looks like my exit.' I grabbed the walls with my sharp claws, using my powerful arms and legs to grip the living mass and climb up the inside of the dome shaped structure, with the bee ponies swarming around, trying to hit me and knock me down, but each attempt only being met by claw or fang. Finally, I was hanging upside down, right next to the glass pane, and through it, I could see daylight, yet, it refused to open. Another of my foes flew to me, and instead of merely splattering it, I grabbed it and pushed it into the gate, causing it to open before I threw myself through it and tossed the screaming bug into my mouth, followed by a satisfying crunch. There, in the middle of the chamber, stood what must have been the queen. Tall, slender, with a crooked horn and holes through her hooves, a large pair of gossamer wings that looked shredded. She looked at me with surprise before backing away.
"No! You weren't supposed to wake up yet!"
"The false Cadence? Then I take it your plan failed....." Some of the green ooze dripped out of my mouth and down my chin, bringing a look of horror to the queen's face.
"It did, and I may have been weakened by Cadence and Shining Armor, but I have more than enough power to defeat you. Hold still, and this will be over quickly." Her claim was cut short my me pouncing on her, flipping her on to her back and pinning her to the floor of the cave. Her smell was intoxicating, the fear in her eyes alluring, and the taste as I slowly licked up her neck and face..... fantastic. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into her. If the rest tasted that good, the queen was going to be an amazing meal. She looked at me in horror before I grabbed her neck and swung my head back and forth, flinging her around like a dog with a rope. I kept up with this for a bit before throwing her against the wall and sinking a claw into her stomach while pinning her with the other. I brought my muzzle close and breathed on her, the stench of her dead kin making her recoil. I brought my tongue up the side of her face which made her shiver, then shook my head.
'What... what am I doing? No. I need to stop this. But.... she tastes so good! NO!' I slowly backed away, the fear in her eyes no longer making arousing the hunter, instead bringing memories of death and slaughter, horrible nightmares which I fought to lock away. 'I shouldn't be doing this. I need to stop!' I dropped her to the ground and licked the... whatever it was, off my claws and face, then sniffed at her as her wounds slowly mended, to the point that it looked as though they had never been there in the first place. She shakily got to her hooves and looked at me with interest.
"You... stopped?" She cocked her head to the side and took a step towards me, but a low growl made her step back. She tried to step around, but I moved to block her. She took to the air, only for me to grab her and pull her back down, pinning her again.
"What do you want?" I tilted my head to the side and thought 'answers'. She seemed to pick up on it and sighed in defeat.
"I am Queen Chrysalis of the changelings. I impersonated Princess Cadence in order to feed on Shining Armor's love, to nourish myself and my hive, as well as weaken him to the point that we could conquer Equestria. We failed. We were driven back, and now the entire country is on high alert. We can't gather love anymore, and we're beginning to starve. We are the same. Hated by others, always having to hide what we are, yet here we can be who we were meant to be. Changelings are parasites that feed on the love of others. We're despised because of our appearance, and hated because we live a lie, hiding among others."
"Grr."
"Right...... I am the one who took you from the Canterlot Gardens. I couldn't have you blowing my cover, and with your bestial strength, speed, and ferocity, which the ponies would inevitably try to break you of, if they haven't not attempted already, would be nothing but a benefit to the swarm. Here, in this place, you can be who you are. No more running, no being judged by others. Only acceptance of who you really are." At this point, I could feel my transformation wearing off, so I backed away and let Chrysalis rise to her hooves. I didn't bother trying to stay in my current form, after all, I could just change back if I need to.
Once I returned to being human, I noticed that I was naked..... again...... 'Why must I always destroy my clothing? Especially my pants. They always get torn...... At least now I can talk properly, although I wonder why I was able to before when I was hunting.....'
"I'm afraid not. I have a previous relationship with Princess Luna..... which I have to try and get out of.... and then I need to decide what I want to do with myself."
"Will you at least think about it? You could live here, not having to hide. You could stay with me, feed me love, guard the hive, and in return, we could provide for all your needs. The love honey which you so greedily devoured, without costing me my drones next time, and relief from your..... instincts......" She gave me a sultry grin, which I immediately backed away from. I know for a fact that animals have instincts in a certain order. The first is food, and the second is breed. Since I had pretty much had my fill on all those drones, the 'love honey' giving me an enormous amount of energy, and given the position I had in pinning her to the ground, it was fairly clear to me what she was suggesting. 'Wait...... promiscuous, feed on love, transform to make themselves attractive to their food source.... Changelings are the pony version of succubi. Perhaps not actual demons, much how Equestrian lycanthropy is a disease rather than a curse, but the parallels are astounding.
"...... I'll..... keep it in mind. I'm not just going to trust you after you kidnapped me, attacked Cadence and Twilight, and put me in... whatever that thing was, then tried to seduce me, but I'll think about it, along with the dozen other things I need to decide. Which way to Equestria?"
"East. Just follow the morning sun." She opened another of those green glass-like gateways to the outside which I passed through with haste before it closed behind me. I turned to look at it, only to find that the entire structure was disguised as a large boulder from the outside, and the door itself simply blended in with the surroundings. Where I found myself now was a dense jungle, a large assortment of scents making themselves known along with the moisture that hung in the air, a particularly large mosquito landed on me, but before it could bite, a frog grabbed it with it's tongue from over five feet away and made a crunch as it ate it. A roar in the distance, followed by a flock of birds taking off to avoid whatever it was.
'Wonderful. Well, no use whining. Time to get out of here. Luna's probably worried.'
I changed back into my lycan form, the process getting easier and less painful as I practiced it, then charged off towards the morning sun. The soft moss on my paws, the sticks crunching as I ran over them, bushes being thrown out of my way and vines snapping as I charged through the underbrush towards the land of the ponies.
'Really, I should consider Chrysalis's offer..... I was only in Ponyville a few days before Nightmare Night, what is my attachment to them? Lyra, whom I only care for because she reminds me of my sister, Ditzy Doo who has a life of her own, a foal, and apparently adventures with the Doctor, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, whom I have very little connection with, Cadence, who offered me kindness, and Luna, whom I owe my gratitude. Yes, she spent a great deal of time helping me gain control of my inner animal, but where does that become romantic? What's more, if she's anything like what I think her to be, she's a dominating, manipulative sister, used to getting what she wants, and our relationship is only one of courtship because she has feelings for me which she never told me of, and altered a carefully laid plan without my knowledge, just to get what she wants.... why does nobody take what I want into consideration, and just decide things on their own?'
=So, I think this version is better than some sort of love drug. It seemed like a cheesy excuse for clop, which I am NOT writing. I like this one MUCH more.= |
Song of the Moon | Malarkey, International Griffin of Mystery (20) | Malarkey, International Griffin Of Mystery
I bounded through the fetid jungle for some time till I reached it's end, and with it, the end of the changeling lands. Queen Chrysalis had been true to her word, surprising for someone who lives by deceit. I had reached the borders of Equestria. The open, grassy meadow of the pony nation, with it's bright, shining sun and clear skies was a rather strange contrast to the dark, damp jungle I had been in prior. It became plain to me that even if they did not require love for sustenance, that they most likely would have invaded anyway, simply because of climate.
It was at this point that I had a brilliant idea. Or, perhaps the idea was foolish. One cannot tell such things at the moment they occur. It was risky, but had a chance to pay off wonderfully. If all went well, I could regain my standing in the public eye. If it went foul, Luna would have to explain some things, and might be cross with me, perhaps not enough to ruin her apparent infatuation with me, but all that it would cost me is some loud words from her and an apology on my part.
I decided to continue on my way to Canterlot, passing through a fairly large settlement known as Las Pegasus, which as I've heard is a hotbed of gambling and self indulgence. Now, ever the traveling showman, how could I pass up the opportunity? Of course, I did not have my violin, it was back at the castle, but how often has a pony seen a tame werewolf? Certainly not in the past nine hundred years. No, I would pass through town fully transformed, in broad daylight, show myself to be harmless, and I know for a fact that I didn't injure anyone in Ponyville, only Lyra on the outskirts, who agreed not to spread it around unnecessarily. At large, the most I would be known for is knocking over a few market stalls.
I entered the town quickly, and finding myself on the main road I was beset by lights on all sides, flashing and blinking. There were alarms of some kind, and I thought that the town guard had been called on me. That is, until I heard a mare at the machine making the terrible noise shout 'I won!'.
'Must be some strange gambling machine. I don't pretend to understand most of the technology in this world, and given my experience with 'The Doctor' I don't think I'll try. Bigger on the inside, smaller on the outside, there really is no difference.'
And so, I strode into the city calmly but with purpose, like I was just part of the crowd. Until somepony screamed and I found myself surrounded by guards.
'Joy.'
"Back! I said back! How did it even get in the city anyways? Did it escape from the zoo?"
'Alright... quick... what does a good doggy do? Sit... stay.. wag tail.... hang the tongue out of the mouth, sure, that'll work.' So, I did just that. The guard's confusion was understandable when they saw the 'ferocious beast' acting like a trained hound, which I am. They tried to gently 'persuade' me to leave, so I got up, and walked further into the city. Directly opposite of where they had directed.
"No, dumb dog. OUT of the city, not further IN to it." They were helpless to stop me, non violently anyways, and tried to block my path, only for me to simply walk through them like they weren't even there. It was annoying them to no end. I kept this up for a while, as I found it rather amusing, until I caught a scent. A scent I found familiar. Wet fur and freshly tilled soil. Diamond dogs.
I followed the scent, quickly losing the guards with my superior speed, only to lose it, pick it back up, and lose it again. Were they masking their scent? I couldn't tell where it was coming from. At this point, I decided it would just be best to give up the search, as I wasn't finding where they were, and they may NOT have been up to unscrupulous activities. I can see how a city like this gambling den might attract all kinds. Well, when I say ALL kinds, I wasn't quite expecting to see a griffin from mythology. He stood at the entrance to an eatery, and wore a bloodied apron, taking out the garbage. That was when I picked up the scent again. They weren't hiding it, it was just mixed with so many other smells. Garbage, meat, alcohol, gutter water, vomit..... and lust. I have a feeling that whatever happens in this city is never mentioned outside of it.
'A butcher? In a country full of herbivores? I need to see this.'
I walked up to the entrance, and after exchanging glances with the griffin, his being one of 'don't cause trouble' and mine being an acceptance of that agreement, I walked inside to find many more griffins, as well as some diamond dogs, conversing over a roasted boar. At another table a group of somethings that fit the description of naga sat quietly, and a rather large fox was in the corner crying while he nursed a bottle of what smelled like turpentine. This place seems, oddly, quaint. I walked up to the bar and sat on the stool, the only pony in the building, the bartender, was performing the bartender's duty. Cleaning an already clean glass with a dirty rag.
"What can I get for ya?" Oh, that's right, I can't talk. Damn. I decided to change back to a human at that point, just to make things easier. Some of the patrons of the pub looked slightly surprised, but the bartender himself didn't seem to care in the slightest. He was the typical grease maned, dull coated bartender you found serving booze everywhere, with the same thick accent and unreadable stone face graced by a warm smile. Apparently, some things in this world are the same as my own. The dogs however stared holes in the back of my head.
"I could use some clothes, a roasted boar, and a pint of ale." After all, I had just ran several miles, after killing a large number of changelings, and I'm completely naked.
"Ya got bits?" I idly spun the bar stool, letting him catch a glimpse of the tattoo on my back as I turned, the same as Princess Luna's 'cutie mark'.
"Oh erm, it's on the house. Just don't be takin advantage of my hospitality."
"Wouldn't think of it. Soon as I'm dressed and fed, I'll be out of your.... mane...." Truly the kindness of ponies knows no bounds. He was back in a couple minutes with a number of old auburn bed sheets that had been cut to have the proper holes in it and the pitcher of ale. He told me it would be a few minutes for the food, but I wasn't in a hurry. I dressed myself in my rags, then turned to prepare for the verbal assault that was sure to come.
"I had heard that there was a lycan in Equestria, after all this time, an ancestor comes before us." The five dogs who had been watching me bowed, right in the middle of the bar. I do not like where this is going.
"I hate to ruin your evening, but I am no ancestor of yours. I am of no relation at all to your kind, and have already spoken to your king of such matters."
"That mark.... you are a slave to the moon pony."
"I bore this far before I ever came here, by choice, and before I even knew her. As for a slave, I'm as much of a slave as any suitor is."
"Then, it is true?" A griffin stepped up. "You're the 'monster' that seeks Princess Luna's hoof? Beauty and the beast alright. I'm wondering how you got stuck falling for a beast like her." The entire population of that little pub broke into rowdy laughter, and I am not at all shamed to admit that I joined them. Perhaps it is because of the ale?
"Names Malarkey. I work the meat shop in here. Catering to.... 'non-pony' clients." The griffin rolled his claw around idly. He had the typical English butcher's accent. Rough, but not foolish. A brute, but cunning underneath.
"A pleasure."
"Come, join me for a spell. Let's chat."
So, we engaged in idle conversation while we ate. I shared my story, up until the point that I came to Equestria, and for the most part they were enthralled by it. Learning about another place that was as strange to them as this one was to me. After the meal, things were winding down, so I started gathering some bits of information.
"So, I notice you have a fairly diverse group of clients."
"Yeah. Anythin carni or omni comes here for their meat."
"Even diamond dogs? I was under the impression they ate gems."
"Ya, they do, and uh... listen, can ya come talk ta me in private for a sec? It'll only take a moment of yer time." That is what I was waiting for. I followed him into the back, to the meat locker, which he then closed. It was cold, but neither of us were bothered by it.
"Alright, listen up. I know all about you and the princesses and all that. I got eyes and ears in high places. I got something I need to tell you, but keep it quiet." His accent suddenly changed to one of refinement, of high society. "The diamond dogs? They are NOT kidnappers. The ones that are have them mine under Equestria, and when they get caught, they get sent back to Cavernicus for beheading. Rothak may be a cranky old mutt, but he's been keeping the treaty word for word. Whoever's taking the ponies, it NOT them."
"How do you know all this?" I was rather skeptical. After all, it's the princess's word against this griffin's.
"Let's just say that a griffin lord's son went missing, and he wanted him found, so, he sent the world's greatest investigator."
"You're a spy."
"I went straight to the capitol under the guise of a chef, just like I'm a butcher now, and I served that dog the best meal he ever ate before slinking off and letting my team in. They combed that place top to bottom, and even under the bottom. There weren't any slaves, any chains, anything at all. Just like the last five we had been to. Just hard working dogs mining. So I got to wondering, if they aren't doing it, who is? I followed a lead to Los Pegasus, and my partner blew his cover. He's dead now, and I'm investigating, so I can't expose myself by contacting any authorities."
"And you're working in the bar because that's the best place to pick up information."
"Right. I need you to return to Princess Celestia, tell her what I've found, and to tell Lord Rigmarole that 'Jabberwock has fallen, but Nonsense lives.' He'll know what it means. You're currently my only link to the magistrate, which is why the owner was so keen on giving you a handout. He can just pass it off as 'loyalty to Equestria', but it gives me a way to communicate with the higher ups."
"I'll be sure to."
"Good, now what do ya know about meat?" He asked, switching back to his previous inflection.
"Honestly, I think they could do with more tenderizing. If you hired an earth pony to pulverize it with his hooves, it would make them nice and tender without drying it out like the herbal tenderizers do. And make sure to trim the fat off, boil it down, and put in on the potatoes as gravy. You'd be serving better cuts, without waste since it's in a different dish."
"Gotta give ya credit, fer a musician ya sure know yer meats."
"Being raised on home cooked meals and traveling the wilds brings a fair bit of savvy when it comes to food. Just... don't let anyone else know my family's secret recipe."
"Will do guv'na."
With that, I changed back to my lycan form and wrapped the cloth around me like a toga. The bartender pony gave me a wink to tell me he approved of me, before I ran out of the establishment, found the guards I had previously lost, flicked one in the head, then stole their hoof cuffs and slapped them around my own wrists. I was brought into prison for assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest (my previous escape), and theft of government property.
Luna, come and get me. We need to talk. |
Song of the Moon | The League Of Dapper Gentlecolts (21) | The League Of Dapper Gentlecolts
I waited in the prison cell for Equestrian royalty to come and fetch me. The bars were made of mere iron, so they would not have been too difficult to bend, but that was not my intent. I allowed myself to return to human form, with my bed sheet toga wrapped around me, and sat on a simple cot against the wall while I waited. The prison cell was your typical prison cell. Stone, a single window, dusty. There were two other prisoners, in the cell across from mine. One was clinking a tin cup on the bars, while the other sang drunkenly.
"Nopooooony knows, the trouble I seen. Nopooooony knows but Luna......" I found myself thinking he was a remarkably good singer for being drunk. A day passed before I finally had a visitor. Princess Luna and her entourage had come to retrieve me.
"Well Lark, in prison again. What do you have to say for yourself? Where have you been all this time?" She said with disappointment clear in her voice.
"Not a hint of concern? I've been gone for at least three weeks, without a trace. I suddenly show up in a prison cell and you begin to berate me like it's a regular occurrence. Usually such tones are reserved for begrudgingly old couples who cannot stand each other's shenanigans yet love each other still. Darling, we aren't married yet, and neither of us are that sort of ancient...." Well, one of us isn't, but I feel that stating such would be pushing my luck. The guards seemed to have a bit of a chuckle at her expense however. Hmm... perhaps there IS a way I can avenge myself against Luna, despite having the wisdom of the ages, she is rather childish.....
She seemed frustrated at this, but knowing better than to make a public display of irritation, she held her calm, though a her face was slightly red. "Dear Princess, I shall explain once I have been freed of my confines, and we are in private where wandering ears may not happen on things they are not meant to hear." My cue stating something is not as it seems. She caught on wonderfully, and saw to my release post haste. It was a long flight back to Canterlot by pegasus chariot, and though the night air was rather chill, neither of us felt uncomfortable, thought the princess did put her wing on my back. Neither of us spoke the entire trip, as there was not much to say that could afford to be overheard by the guards.
When we eventually reached our destination, the first order of business was a change of clothes, as wearing old bed sheets was considered fashion suicide, and being in the court of nobles in such a garb would ruin my reputation. Once I had changed, I met Luna on her balcony to discuss the matter of my disappearance.
"Kidnapped? Queen Chrysalis stole you away?"
"Indeed. Just as Twilight had her mistrust, so did I. Her smell was all wrong, her actions were not those of the mare I knew, and she knew not my name. I attempted to drive her into the open, but she was prepared, and I fell into a trap of her own. When I awoke, I laid waste to the hive I was imprisoned in and made my way to the queen, who then explained her reasons. The starvation of her entire people among them. She offered to let me stay. I would be fed and my..... urges.... dealt with."
"I am glad to see you declined." The princess replied.
"I did not. I merely stated I would 'think about it' and left." This brought raised eyebrows from the moon mare. "All it means is that you're going to have to try a little harder to keep me around." I smiled wickedly.
"Oh.... you clever.... tell me, how many 'ways out' of this relationship have you found?"
"Chrysalis and the changelings, for one, Rothak and the diamond dogs are another. The doctor and Ditzy Do are a third. From what I hear they have many dangerous adventures that having a helping hand.... or claw... would be most appreciated." I mentioned Rothak to bring up the next subject.
"You would chose slavery by diamond dogs over myself?" She asked indignantly.
"I fear you have been misled. On my travels I met an undercover agent of a griffin kingdom. He had infiltrated Rothak's court, as well as several smaller dens, and found no evidence of slavery whatsoever. The only thing slave related that he viewed was a trio who had been caught by the Equestrian government for kidnapping ponies. The trio were beheaded before his eyes. Rothak has been keeping the accord, by the letter." This news came as a shock to the Lunar sister.
"But, if not they, who?"
"I do not know. All I was told is to pass a message to 'Lord Rigmarole', through your sister and yourself, that Jabberwock has fallen, but Nonsense lives. I assume Jabberwock is the 'partner' the agent spoke of who lost his disguise and died."
"Lord Rigmarole is one of our greatest supporters within the griffin council..... I shall relay the message. You have been quite busy in the time you've been gone."
"Indeed I have. As of right now though, I'd very much like dinner, and then to rest. I intend to leave the castle and present myself favorably in the public eye. Los Pegasus seemed to survive it's encounter with me, perhaps Canterlot would be a good place to begin to regain my public image. After all, it would be unseemly of a princess to court one who is not well liked by the people."
The next morn, I awoke with the sun, and played the usual song that accompanied sunrises, much to the pleasure of the rest of the castle, including Prince Blueblood, who had quite a bit to say about my disappearance, and subsequent return.
"I must say that it is good to have you back in the castle. I have greatly missed your songs as of late. Your music sets the mood to the entire day, and I fear I have been rather..... irate.... lately without it." He paused, thinking back on some manner of behavior he regretted exhibiting, before snapping to rapt attention once more.
"I've heard that you wish to improve your public image, and so I'd like to extend a formal invitation for you to be a guest at the League Of Dapper Gentlecolts. Well... mares are permitted as well, but the founding members were all stallions. The name seemed to fit at the time...... Never the less, I wish for you to accompany me tonight. Who knows, make a good enough impression, and you may very well become a member yourself. Music, fine dining, theater, and conversation." He passed me a card with an address and a stylized tie and top hat, not drawn, but embossed onto the very card. Classy indeed.
"I shall arrive in my best suit and fashionably late." I replied.
"And, do remember to bring your violin. Perhaps I can convince the orchestra to permit a temporary addition." |
Song of the Moon | Wolves In Sheep's Clothing (22) | Wolves In Sheep's Clothing
I traveled alongside Blueblood, from the castle down into the city proper. Fortunately, I did not attract the stares of the high society ponies, as they were all far too busy raising their noses into the air as high as physically possible. This actually made the endeavor far easier, from my perspective. Less questions to be answered. Several of them greeted the Prince cordially, and those that did seemed somewhat confused by my presence. Given my own air of refinement, and that I was far taller than most of them yet moved with unseemly grace, they didn't seem to take offense to my presence. We eventually reached the club, and after the Prince entered, I was prevented from doing so by the bodyguards. Royal guards, actually, in their shimmering golden armor.
"I don't believe I have seen you before." One of the guards stated. They all look the same, which I've learned is due to an enchantment on their armor, nevertheless, they are quite imposing. Wanting to quickly move past this obstacle, I greeted them.
"Forgive my manners. I am Lark Wolfe, musician extraordinaire. I am here in the company of his highness Prince Blueblood, in order to display my musical talents." With a sweeping bow, I presented the calling card he gave me to their eye level. They seemed to scrutinize it for a moment, most likely for legitimacy, before they stepped to the side and allowed me entry. This must certainly be a prestigious event if it warrants using royal guards to keep out the riff raff.
"Ah, the guards didn't give you any trouble did they?" The prince asked when I entered. He was standing among a group of others, each looking equally refined.
"Oh no. they were quite civil actually. Perhaps introductions are in order?" I repeated my introduction, followed by the remainder of the group. A white unicorn stallion with a mustache and monocle, named 'Fancy Pants', another white unicorn, a mare, named Fleur du Lis, a grey earth pony mare named Octavia, a blue minotaur named Iron Will who, despite the name and stature, spoke softly and with refinement. Also among the group was a diamond dog in a suit and tie named Gram-el, and a one of the serpent folk, indeed, a 'Naga' called Varoush, wearing colourful desert garb. With the introductions done, we moved to sit at a table near the stage, where an orchestra was playing.
"Quite a, varied, ensemble if I must say so myself." The Prince was quick to point out. "What matters here is not race, but refinement. This is where foreign relations are strengthened, deals are made, and public image is set. Wealth changes hooves, businesses are born... and die, and the creme de la creme of Equestria make themselves known."
"Indeed. I have seen many in this world, from my travels across the sands, though I have yet to see one such as yourself." Varoush spoke in a thick accent. Husky, yet moderate in tone, like his speech was molded and worn like the sands he traveled. "If you would not take offense, what are you?"
"A traveler, from the land of men. Specifically, England. Brought to this world through magical means. You would not find another like me in all the nations, and that suits me."
"I see." Came the minotaur's deep voice. "And how do you make your fortune?"
"Well, violinist is my calling, and wandering minstrel is my trade. I usually play in the courts of nobles. This brought me quite a fortune, though, for the moment, I live in the castle in the service of Princess Luna. I had no need of my wealth, so I gave it to the less fortunate. I have no need of mansions, as traveling usually entails not having a place to call home. For immediate needs, I can always make enough where I am to satisfy."
"Ahh, kindness and generosity. Were it not for these, I'd still be trying to scrape together a meager living, selling self help advice." The blue giant's chuckles boomed. "That was before I found my true calling. Monster hunter. And tamer, I suppose. I make the world safe, and collect ingredients from dangerous creatures for rare medicines and the like. It has brought me quite the fortune."
"Well, as long as you don't try hunting Lark, I don't see any reason why you two shouldn't get along." Blueblood joked.
"Why would I do that?" Iron looked at me questioningly.
'Blueblood you OAF! Blast, now I have to explain.'
"Part of the reason I am in Luna's service is I owe her a great debt. She helped me to tame the monster within. Though they have been extinct for the past thousand years or so, in my homeland, lycans are alive and well." There really is no use hiding it. Lying to the people will just make them doubt me. If they know what I am, and yet still conduct myself in a manner of decorum, then it'll make it easier to accept than keeping it a secret.
"Ahh. There are no worries then. A monster isn't a monster if they're civil." Fancypants spoke up. "Isn't that right Fleur darling?" Now I'm confused. Something with Fleur?
The bleached unicorn mare smiled at me, and in that instant, it took all that I had to not turn right then and there and rip her throat out with my teeth. At first, it was a normal smile, but for a few mere moments, fangs sprouted from her gums before retreating.
"You are...."
"A vampony, yes." She replied in a thick french accent. My eyes shot wide. Wait. No aura of evil. No sense of impending doom. No dark magic at all.
"You seem troubled?" She half stated, half questioned.
"Ah, um, Pardonnez-moi, mais, dans mon monde, les vampires sont des monstres horribles, cree par la magie noire. J'ai eu de mauvaises experiences avec eux. C'est la raison de ma.... inquietude."
"Vous parlez français? Le vampirisme ne se propage pas par morsure ici, et c'est une maladie, pas une malediction, tout comme la lycanthropie du passe." She explained. I see, so instead of a bite, it is transferred by blood contact perhaps?
"Also, you do not need speak french for my comfort. You see, this League of Dapper Gentlecolts is not exactly what it seems. There are many normal ponies here, but for the most part, it is a club for monsters. Iron Will, as you see, is a minotaur, Varoush is a naga, I am a vampony, and you are a werewolf. The vamponies of Equestria can live in sunlight, for a time after recently feeding. Mon beau, Fancypants, is kind enough to provide for my needs." She kissed his neck with a hint of hunger in her eyes before backing off.
"Prince Blueblood..... why did you not...."
"I know how you feel about such things, and I was afraid if I told you, you wouldn't come. It would do you well to get out of the castle, and out from under Luna's eye for a while."
"Do the princesses know of this?"
"Yes, they know. It's one of Canterlot's well kept secrets. Hence the royal guards instead of regular bouncers. This club is proof to the world that the fear mongering stereotypes that most ponies hold in their hearts are absolute rubbish. Many so called 'monsters' come here, and engage in perfectly reasonable affairs that do not involve kidnapping, killing, or eating ponies. In fact, Princess Luna herself frequents this place, although not tonight. I figured you could use some time off from courting her. Or rather, trying to avoid courting her." He laughed. the others looked downright shocked.
"Oh? Did I not tell you? I could have sworn I had..." Blueblood laughed nervously. "Lark, you know the details better than I. Care to explain?"
"Well, due to a cultural misunderstanding and a visit from Rothak, king of the diamond dogs, Princess Luna and I were to engage in mock courtship to overcome an international treaty stating that canines must submit themselves to the king. Except it seems the princess has become smitten with me, and now I'm stuck courting her. This would be no trouble, except that she spent nearly a year treating me like a pet to help me control my instincts, and other than that I spent about a week in the country. I may well have just arrived. I am not yet ready for a relationship, let alone one with royalty. I figure she has a very long time left to live, I do not, so it may not work. If it doesn't, she has a great deal of time left to find another whom her heart desires." The guests just nodded sagely.
"If it's any consolation, you're always welcome here. Such manners and decorum are always refreshing." Octavia, who is just a normal pony, stated in a classy voice. "But, for now, perhaps you'd like to come on stage? It is about time to begin the next song, and you would make an excellent addition." I removed my polished instrument from it's case, inspected it for damage, followed up with the bow, to which I applied rosin and pulled it across the strings a few times to remove the excess, before wiping down the instrument to remove the detritus. "I see you take great care of your instrument. I cannot wait to hear how it sounds. Come, let us play."
And play we did. |
Song of the Moon | Ghosts Of The Past (23) | Ghosts Of The Past
We played several more songs, until I noticed something rather odd. Among the instruments required for the songs we played, was a violin duet. I appeared to be the only violinist on stage, yet there was definitely another being played. I turned to look behind me, and saw a ghastly form appear. A mare, pale as a ghost, (as that's what she was) playing right next to me. What else was astounding is that the tattoo on my arm was identical to her 'cutie mark'. She wore a sad smile, one to hide the pain she felt.
"Hello, I don't believe we've met. I am Lark Wolfe." I introduce.
"I am Viola Heartstrings, or, at least I was." I became wide eyed at the realization of who exactly this ghost is.
"Are you by any chance Lyra's sister?" Now was her turn to be surprised.
"You, know my sister?"
"We have a bit of a history. She told me how you went into the woods outside Canterlot one day and never returned."
"Well, I did come back, just like this." She motioned to herself.
"She misses you, you know."
"I... know." She looked down, and began crying ghostly tears. "I disappeared, and never got to say goodbye. She must hate me for leaving her all alone like that." She began crying again.
"No, she doesn't. She loves you and misses you, and would do anything to see you again."
"But, I... I'm stuck in this theater. I'm bound to this place. I can't leave, and it's so hard to be visible. Only moonlight, which shows the true shape of all...."
"Then I'll bring her to you. Excuse me."
I bowed and left the stage, receiving applause from the patrons of the club. I walked over to Prince Blueblood, who was enjoying his evening with his entourage.
"Wonderful Lark, Simply wonderful. I knew I wouldn't regret bringing you here."
"Listen, there is something that I must do. There is no time to waste. Two souls have wept for far too long, and I can reunite them."
"Then go."
"I'll trust you to safeguard my belongings while I'm gone?" He nodded, and I placed my violin within it's case before passing it to him. "I'll return soon."
With that, I exited the establishment, and headed towards the city gate. I left the majestic Canterlot and passed through a train tunnel, where I removed my shirt, and then transformed. I tied the clothing around my arm, then went on all fours and took off down the train track towards Ponyville. There weren't any trains that ran at that hour of the night, so there was no need to worry. I arrived in Ponyville in a three quarters of an hour. Still another fifteen minutes before I could turn back. It wasn't a full moon, so I wasn't forced to stay like that.
Slinking through the back alleyways of Ponyville, I finally found my way to Lyra's house. I circled around to make sure nopony was watching, then knocked on the door. I waited a couple moments, then knocked again.
"Yeah yeah, hold on a minute, I'm coming. It's the middle of the night for Luna's sake, who..... could......." She froze in her speech and stride upon seeing me, and instinctually backed away, eyes wide, and ears splayed back. She was wearing a night cap and pajama shirt, with little replica's of her cutie mark on it.
'Right, she's afraid of me... umm, I know, I'll do what I did in Las Pegasus.' I laid down at her front door, wagged my tail, and gave her the 'sad puppy eyes'. I even gave a slight whimper to enunciate.
"Um... Lark, is that you?" I nodded. She visibly relaxed.
"What are you doing here? And, like that?" She tilted her head to the side. I tried to talk, but it just came out as a growl, making her back off.
'What did I do that first time around that let me talk? Ugh.... I guess I have to do this the hard way.' I grabbed Lyra by the hoof, tossed her on my back, and tied my shirt around her with a knot on my stomach, before running off again towards the train tracks.
"Wha? Whoa! Hey! Stop! Help! somepony help!" I looked over my shoulder and gave her a sad look, which made her immediately stop her cries for help. Her eyes went wide again as she looked into my own. "Okay.... I'll trust you... but whatever it is you got me up for in the middle of the night, it better be good! It's freezing out here!" She slunk down into my fur for warmth as I ran in the night towards the capitol.
"Canterlot? We're going there? Why?" I gave a slight huff. "Oh... right, you can't talk."
We entered the city by going over the wall, rather than through the gate, as to avoid the guards. During my time in the club, and then my absence from the city, the capitol had gone to sleep. It WAS past eleven. I walked up to the League of Dapper Gentlecolts, and very carefully pulled the card I had presented earlier from my pant's pocket, presenting it to them. They moved to the side and allowed me entry to the now nearly empty club. It seems the guests had all gone home for the evening, all save the band who were just beginning to pack up. Well, that and the only one who couldn't leave. She was sitting there, on the stage, in the moonlight coming in through the skylight from the crescent, now unobstructed by the clouds that hung overhead. I let Lyra off of me and stood to the side as I howled. I allowed myself to shift back to my human form and put my shirt back on. Blueblood came up and gave me my violin, then silently walked away.
"V.v.v.v.vvvvv Viola?" Lyra said in shock as she saw the ghost, who nodded sadly as she cried phantasmal tears. As soon as she got confirmation, the seafoam unicorn dashed onto the stage and held her pale, spectral double in an embrace made possible only by the magic of the moon. I removed my instrument from it's case, then nodded to the pianist, as we began to play a song."
"Lyra... I'm... I'm so sorry..... I was walking and I.... I fell down the embankment into the chasm... I walked all the way back to Canterlot but.... I didn't even know I died... I... I left you all alone! I'm so sorry!"
"Viola... it's not your fault. You never meant to. I... I've missed you so much!"
The two sisters stood on the stage, crying into each other's manes, until Viola started to fade away.
"Wait! where are you going? Come back!"
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. If you ever want to see me, just come here under the light of the moon....." The clouds above obscured Luna's celestial orb, and with the light gone, Viola turned to mist and dust. "I'll always be here."
Lyra sat on the stage, bawling her eyes out, until she felt something on her shoulder. My hand that is. She turned and looked at me with such sadness and gratitude in her eyes, all I could do is give her a warm smile.
"Come on Lyra. I know a place you can stay the night. I'll get you back to Ponyville come the morn." She nodded, still crying, as I gave her a piggyback ride to a nearby inn. She fell asleep on my back, and didn't wake, not even when I put her in bed, tucked her in, and closed the door behind me as I walked out, shedding a tear of my own.
A little ways away, in Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna was looking down on the town below, and smiled. "It's strange how things just have a way of lining up, don't they?"
Wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with this, and I read a suggestion about the invisible violinist, remembered Lyra's dead sister, and had one of those 'Why didn't I think of that sooner?!?' moments. |
Song of the Moon | Midnight Whispers (24) [CONTAINS CUDDLE] | Midnight Whispers
As I made my way back to the castle, I was steeped in my own thoughts. If the pony doubles of myself and my sister could reconcile, then perhaps, it was not too far gone to hope that I could as well. Here, in the land where one can wish upon a star, and have their desire truly be granted, could such a thing come to pass? Could there truly be redemption for me?
Another interesting thing occurred on the walk from the hotel to the castle. Seeing such heartache and pain finally being relieved, all with the proper song, had brought up a well of emotion I had been holding in. Music can calm the savage beast, sooth the soul, and bring out that which is hidden within, (Unless it is bagpipe music, but that is another story entirely.), and after such events, upon reaching the castle, I found that I too had begun crying.
"Lark, is something the matter?" Princess Luna asked.
"I... I am well. I merely felt the need to cry." Was my weak response.
"Sometimes, we all need to let go, to lose our composure, and let who we are, and not who we pretend to be, take hold. If you ever need to talk, I will listen."
So, I went to Luna's study, she set a fire in the mantle, and I recounted the story to her whilst we sat on the couch, sipping an herbal tea. It wasn't earl grey by a long shot, but it was still a rather good taste. It smelled of heather, mint, and lavender. An odd blend, but none the less satisfying.
"So, I took Lyra off into the night, so she could meet her sister before she faded away with the light of the morn. Of course, it could have waited till the morrow, but... I suppose I was feeling rather impulsive. You know well my story, and how closely it parallels, I felt that it had to be done immediately."
"Whisking her off into the night, to meet a lost sibling, and playing a sad song whilst they cried in each other's embrace. What a thing it would be, to have seen it. No wonder you returned in such a state." She let out a long sigh. "You and your tangled heartstrings. You know I have fallen for you, but for a long time, I had not realized why, fully at least. You were one of the first to look past who I was, and royalty or not, danced with me under the moonlight. You are kind and caring, fearing not the dark but illuminating it. You are refined, yet humble, and not only do you have the wisdom to know what needs to be done, but the will to carry through."
"You are too kind, I am not..."
"But you are." She interrupted me. "And... I know how you feel about the forced arrangement. You've been seeking ways to escape, should you need them. That is not how such things should be. I see that now, and, I apologize. To bring you into such a thing was, well, immature of me. I was just worried that you would vanish, and I would never tell you how I feel. I am not the best when it comes to words, or emotions. Those are the very reasons I fell, and became Nightmare Moon. My beloved night was shunned, as was I, and I didn't know how to express my grief till it festered into hate."
"Princess...."
"Please, call me Luna. My sadness and loneliness burned away at me, and drove me from everything I held dear. Which is why if you ever feel the need, to speak without fear of judgement, I wish that you would come to me, and, it is my hope that you could do that service to me as well. I may be immortal, but I am not flawless." She turned to look at me, and smiled a sad smile. I cupped my hand to her face, and saw a glistening sparkle in her eye as a tear ran down her cheek.
"Stay with me tonight?" She asked.
"Pri... Luna, would that be proper?"
"Of course not. I don't even care if it is. This room is sealed. Nothing can enter. Not servants, nor photographers, nor anything short of my sister. I just, I've been feeling alone lately, and I'd like for you to stay with me. We'd do nothing .... questionable, just being in each other's company.
"I..." I can't think of a good reason not to. "Oh, very well."
I reclined on the couch as Princess Luna put her left wing behind my back, though considering my height it wound up going around my side, under my left arm, and onto my stomach. I put my right arm aross her back, and rested my hand on her chest fur, just below the neck. As I gently rubbed her soft coat, she sighed and put her head to my chest. We stayed like that for about an hour, till I, due to the exhaustion of running all the way to Ponyville and back, and the emotional display from earlier, fell into a deep slumber.
When I awoke, I was laying on the couch, with my feet hanging over one of the armrests, while Luna lay curled up atop my chest and stomach, held firmly in my arms and she slumbered. Her face was pushed against my chin, where it met my chest, with her horn running along my jawline, and the rise and fall of my chest was matched by her own soft breathing.
"Hmph, that is rather adorable."
At the sound of an intruder's voice, we both snapped awake, tumbled off the couch, then attempted to stand and make ourselves seem presentable, a display that was utterly useless, though quite hilarious, to Princess Celestia who was smirking as she looked at us.
"S.... SISTER! What art thou doing in my room! Surely thou wouldst have noticed the seals I placed, specifically one that when triggered would say 'Keep out Celestia, I meant it!'. What is the meaning of this intrusion?!?" I cupped my hands over my ears, as although Luna was not using the 'Royal Canterlot Voice' she was being rather loud.
"It is time to lower the moon, and raise the sun. Though I could have performed your duty and allowed you to sleep in, Lark's arms, I decided it would be better to ask you. Also, you started speaking in 'ye old tongue' again."
Luna seemed utterly flabbergasted, and unsure of what to say or how to explain the situation.
"Oh relax, will you? I watched you for some time before you awoke, and you were doing nothing objectionable. I too sometimes find myself longing for company at night. Oh, my little sister is all grown up!" Celestia teased. Luna merely growled, raised her head, made her horn glow, then turned to her elder.
"There, the moon has been lowered, can you please leave us in peace?" She scowled.
"Oh, alright. I'll let you get back to your cuddling. Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anypony. For Lark's sake." The way she said that gave me the distinct feeling that if it was anyone other than myself, she'd spread it all over the Equestrian news, just to embarrass her sister.
"Ah, perhaps... I should go. I did promise to return Lyra to Ponyville this morning. I imagine her friends would be rather cross if she didn't show up to.......... what DOES she do for a job? I've never heard of her playing at any concerts. No matter. I am a man of my word, so I better get going."
"Actually, you said you would stay the night with me. Sister will not raise the sun for a few moments longer." She grabbed my collar with her magic, pulled me down to her level, and gave my cheek a quick nuzzle. "Thank you, for staying with me. Now go, you have a promise to keep."
And then they bucked d'awwed. Nothing sexual of any kind happened. Just cuddling. Like this story, which I'm linking to not because it's related, but because I think it's really, really cute, and well written. |
Song of the Moon | Past Grievances (25) | Past Grievances
"Lyra, I trust you slept well?"
"Best I've had in years. Thank you, again, for last night." The mint mare said rubbing her eyes to sweep away the last dregs of her slumber. She did some morning stretches, arching her back, before continuing.
"Do not mention it. It was something I felt I needed to do. We should get going. We do not want to miss the train back to Ponyville."
"About that, do you think... you could carry me again? If it's not too much trouble that is." She visibly blushed as she said this, though I'm not entirely sure why.
"I suppose, though it would be troublesome to change and arrive looking like... that. I wouldn't want to scare anypony."
"Oh you wouldn't need to do that. Just carry me on your back, and let me wrap my hooves around your neck. You're plenty strong enough to do it, if the way you beat Applejack at hoof wrestling is any marker of strength. That way I can still talk to you while we travel." I rolled my eyes, but conceded, crouching down to let her climb on, much like how children are carried by their parents in a piggy back ride. I brought my arms behind and grabbed hold of her hind hooves, while she locked her front ones around me. Once I was certain she was secure, I stood up.
"Whoa! This is... really high." I looked over my shoulder and raised an eyebrow, before gathering my strength and jumping to the rooftop of a nearby house.
"You were saying?"
"Yeah, okay.... sure... but why are we on a roof?" She asked with a gasp of fear.
"Watch." We stood there for a moment before the clock on a tower rang, and all the Canterlot ponies spilled from their homes, filling the streets with an inescapable crowd.
"Right. The morning rush. I tell you, it would have been WAY easier to get to school in the morning as a foal if I could have just gone on the roofs, you know, when I still lived here."
"Let's be off then, before any more ponies fill the streets, and the sea of hustle rises to claim us." She let out a giggle at my joke, insinuating that the tide of bodies would spill out onto the roofs if any more ponies were in the channels. As I began to run across the roofs, jumping the gaps as I made my way towards the city edge, we began talking.
"You know, when she was a child, I always used to carry my sister like this at the music festival, so she could see the performers over the crowd. If feels kind of nice to do it again, very, nostalgic."
"Mmph. I've never been this high before. I wonder if this is how pegasi feel? Nothing but the wind in their mane, no obstacles, just sun, sky, and cloud."
"If you like this, then just wait, my favorite spot is coming up." We soon reached the wall around the city, where I stopped. I let Lyra down, and once I had stood again, I heard her gasp.
"It's beautiful!" The sun had just risen above the horizon, and turned the sky a crimson hue, with great wisps of cloud reaching towards it, but never to reach, like the tales of Icarus who flew to high, only to come crashing to his demise. We stood there for a few moments, atop the seven story high wall, watching the sun rise all the way.
"Au revoir, mon beau, au revoir ma belle, il ny'a pas de pot d'or a la fin d'un arc en ciel."
"What was that Lark?" Lyra asked. I turned to her with a sad gaze.
"A song I wrote, for a French noble whose wife passed on. I played it at the funeral. There is much more to it, but I cannot remember the rest. It was a morning, just like this one. It reminded me of it is all. Climb on." We began the piggy back ride again, then, at that moment, something occurred to my passenger.
"How are we going to get down?"
"Like this." And with that, I walked right off the edge of the wall. As we fell, she screamed and grasped me ever tighter, but when I turned to see her face, with her mane whipping wildly in the wind, I could see the smile plastered on it.
"This. IS. AWESOME!" She shrieked as well fell. I turned to face my back to the ground, so we could see the sky falling away from us, and a number of pegasi on the clouds above looking at us in confusion. Realizing that we were about to fall to our deaths, they rushed to rescue us from our peril, but were nowhere near fast enough. I turned to face the ground again, which was much nearer than before, and with a grunt of effort, kicked off the wall we were falling parallel to. Bringing my feet under me, coiled like a spring, I kicked off the ground when I landed, performing several hops to slow down before I went into a run. I didn't look back, but at the sound of Lyra blowing a raspberry, I could tell that our audience was in a state of shock.
"Sometimes, I love being a werewolf."..... did I just say that?
Arriving at Ponyville, I dropped Lyra off at her house, only to find the whole town in a state of disarray. There were guards everywhere, searching, while a frazzled and frenzied Twilight Sparkle came running up to us.
"Oh! Lyra! Thank goodness you're safe!"
"Um.... did something happen?" She asked, despite the obvious evidence.
"Cloud Kicker and Cloud Chaser are missing! Their houses are all torn up! The guards say they were taken forcibly, and with a fight. Yours is too, and we feared the worst." The unicorn explained.
"Wha?" She looked to her house, to find that the door was knocked in, most of her belongings were strewn about the place, and there were claw marks dug into most of the floor. The house right next to her's was in the same state, with shattered windows and torn drapes.
"Did they take anything?" Lyra asked.
"No, as far as we can tell, the only things missing are.... the ponies."
Ponies have been disappearing. We know it's the diamond dogs, we just can't prove it because we can't find any slaves..... Luna.
I checked all their dens, no ponies, or even signs of anyone being kept there..... Malarkey.
"Welp, this confirms it. Dog hair. Right out of their own homes too. Damn Rothak to Tartarus!" I heard one of the guards speak.
"And we can't do anything about it. Until we find a pony they're keeping, our hooves are tied." Another added sullenly.
"Let me see that!" I ran towards the pair, who backed away and raised their weapons.
"Halt! this is an official investigation and......" Their words froze on their tongues as I hastily removed my shirt to show the mark on my back, before putting it back on. "Many apologies, we were not aware Princess Luna sent one of her agents."
"You're forgiven, now let me see that hair." The unicorn guard among the pair, (the other being a pegasus) levitated the clump in front of me, I leaned in close to take a sniff, and recoiled in shock when I realized what it was.
"This.... isn't dog hair."
"It's not?" The investigators pondered, raising their brows.
"No. I've smelled diamond dogs before. This is different. This is the hair... of a wolf." |
Song of the Moon | Bite (26) | Discovery
"No doubt about it. This is definitely wolf fur."
"But how? What wolf has the strength to break down a door, and the intelligence to come to town in the first place?" The guard asked a question with a very obvious answer.
"Well, a werewolf, clearly."
"But they're extinct! They died out, leaving diamond dogs as their descendants." Twilight remarked.
"I'm a werewolf myself, and I know this smell. it's a bit different, since the nature of the curse is different, but it's definitely recognizable. What's more, I can track it."
"You... can?" The guard asked, interested.
"They were sloppy. These kinds of things usually are. I'll track down whoever did this, and get those ponies back. I must make haste. The sky is cloudy, and it may rain."
"The pegasi set up the clouds for a heavy shower earlier today. It'll rain late tonight. Let me come with you." Twilight suggested.
"No, you should stay here, and organize a town watch. Guards, you're with me. Try and keep up. Lyra, you stay with Twilight." They nodded, and I took off down the trail, following the smell, with the unicorn and pegasus in tow.
Earth, wet hair, slick with blood, this is definitely the way..... So, I ran. Taking great strides, I raced down the path leading outside of town, with the muscular stallions keeping pace with me. It took nearly all day as I kept losing the trail, what with the shifting winds and offbeat paths they took, often cutting through brush and thicket. Eventually, late in the evening, the trail led to a cave embedded in a cliff, off the road side. It reeked of blood and dog... as well as... lust?
"Stay close. It would be best to avoid any more tragedy tonight." The guards nodded, keeping in close formation as to guard from any attackers as we entered the cave. "Hold up." I moved close the the ground. "Look, tracks. Five sets and fresh... whomever was here left with great haste. Search the cave, and keep your wits about you." They fanned out, searching, while I followed the strongest scent.
After a time, a faint crying made it's way to my ears, and I began rushing down the tunnel. A gasp, then the sound stopped. "No, wait! I'm here to help you! Where are you! Let me know where you are! Guards! I think I found one!" The crying became louder than before, the sound that of a mare, who, suddenly, at the prospect of being saved found her voice. I was joined by the pair as we entered the main chamber. The scene before us was.... grisly, and that's putting it lightly.
A pair of skeletons, picked clean of meat, but still stained red from fresh blood, sat in the middle of the cave, while a pegasus mare sat huddled and crumpled up near the wall, sobbing. She was clutching something between her hooves... well, hoof, as the other one was missing.
"Do not worry, we are here now. We're going to get you help." I tried to be reassuring. I couldn't.
"C-c-cloud Chaser. S..sshe she..." She let out a whimper, and a squeak, before showing the thing she was holding. It was a mare's head, with a face much like her own. The only problem was the head didn't have a body to it. Oh..... it's over there. And over there. And over there.......
The pegasus turned his head to vomit. At least he had the sense not to spoil the crime scene, not that much sense could be made of it to begin with, while the unicorn used his magic to gently lift her, cover her in a blanket he kept with him, and summon a stretcher to carry her away on, all the while trying to plug his nose and avoid looking at the scene. I, on the other hand, felt a rage boiling inside me that I thought I had not felt since I slew Flandre and Moira.
"His eyes!!!! He's one of them!" The mare shrieked, pointing at me with her good hoof, before passing out from blood loss. Looking at my reflection in a pool of blood, I saw that my eyes had turned yellow and wolf like, the beginning of a transformation. I clenched my eyes shut and focused, trying to calm the beast within.
"Listen well. I may be one of them, but I am NOT like them. I am going to find them. Princess Luna will sort them out. Guards, get her to safety."
I ran to the cave entrance, only to find that it was raining outside. Sniffing the air, I could find no trace of the scent I followed to get here, and the tracks were washed away by the rain.
"DAMNIT! Not now... WHY NOW?!?!" Calm yourself Lark, you're losing your composure. I pinched the bridge of my forehead, trying to deal with the stress.
"Sir. We can't move her in this weather. She's already lost a lot of blood. If we take her out in the rain, she'll get hypothermia for sure."
"Um..."
"She'll catch cold."
"Well, we can't just leave her here! She'll die if we do! Get pegasus patrols to clean up the sky?"
"It's too far away. It would take too long to rouse them and inform them of the situation. She'd pass before then."
"...... I have the answer. Cloud Kicker, was it?" She nodded meekly. "I'm going to do something I will most likely regret. It will be scary, and it will be painful, but it'll save your life. I have to know, are you willing to serve Princess Luna with all that you are, till the end of your days?"
"Y...yes..."
"Hold still." I turned to the unicorn. "Guard, send a message to the guard in Ponyville, and tell Twilight to send a letter to Princess Luna. Tell her to make the moon full, immediately."
"It'll take me about an hour to get in range for the spell... and you?"
"I'll stay with her. GO!"
The guard galloped, leaving myself and the pegasus with the mare.
"Listen closely. No matter what you see here, you must never speak of it again, other than to the princesses. Understood?" He nodded gruffly, as I felt myself begin to change. "Keep her held still, I do not want to cause any more harm, and she may.... 'freak out' if she sees this. Once I'm finished, go outside and punch a hole in the clouds to let the moonlight through." Bones snapped, fur grew, teeth sprouted, and in moments, I had completed my transformation. The guard shuddered, and the mare screeched, but he held her still.
Slowly, carefully, I took the mare's good hoof in my paw, lifted it to my mouth, and bit down on it lightly. Once I could taste the sanguine on my tongue, I let go, the bite fresh on her coat. She looked at me fearfully, but a steady whimper from me gave her some comfort. Once the sun had set, I carefully pulled the stretcher outside as the guard flew up and allowed the moon to shine down on us. We both looked up at the full circle as we bathed in it's glow.
He got through. Good.
With the moon's change came one in the mare as well. Her coat became longer, as did her muzzle. Her teeth sharpened, paws grew where her hooves were, and her tail turned from loose strands of a pony to the thick tail of a dog. I could hear her heart pounding, faster and faster, and watched as her eyes turned golden, the moonlight reflecting in them. All her scratches and bruises faded away, and finally, her missing hoof, just like the rest of her features, formed in the agonizing transformation that is lycanthropy.
She rolled and stood from the stretcher, lifted her head, and howled at the moon. She definitely looked the part of a werewolf, but she still retained many of her pony features, so we did not look all that similar. The guard landed next to us, and Cloud kicker prepared to pounce, only to be tackled by yours truly. We rolled in the dirt as we fought, scratching, biting, tooth and claw, before I finally managed to turn the mare's back to me, and wrap my arms around her, effectively pinning her, before bringing her back into the cave.
For the next hour, she thrashed, and scratched, and clawed, and bit, and squirmed, trying to escape my grasp, before she tired and began her transformation back into a mare. She cried and screamed in pain as she turned, before falling limp, exhausted from the day. I too closed my eyes, letting myself slip back to my human form before laying the sleeping mare back on her stretcher. The guard, meanwhile, had returned from casting his spell, panting and sweating, clearly having run a long distance very quickly to be able to send a message through some unknown method.
"She's..... fine? What... buh..." He looked at me as I cradled the pegasus' head in my lap.
"Thanks to you. She's resting now. You've done a great deal, rest a while, then mark this spot so the rest of the patrols can find it. I'll get her back to town."
So, holding poor Cloud Kicker like an infant, I headed back to Ponyville, this time only taking two hours as I wasn't crisscrossing all over the blasted countryside, though I was moving rather slowly to try and avoid waking her. She'd been through enough.
When I arrived in Ponyville, the guards were still milling about, and Luna herself was directing them. On seeing me approach, she hastened to meet me. She prepared her 'Royal Canterlot Voice' for what I can only assume would be the 'chewing out' of the century, so these ponies say. She quickly hushed when she saw who I was carrying with me.
"Get her to Canterlot, and put her in my room. Make sure there's something for her to eat. She just regrew a hoof, she's going to be hungry." I passed her off to a pair pulling a chariot before turning to the princess.
"Lark... would you like to explain why I received a letter with instructions from you, demanding that I make the moon full at once?"
"My dear Luna, I would like nothing more. Unfortunately, I've been running all day and haven't had anything to eat. I think I'm going to sleep now, whether I want to or not." And so, without another word, I climbed into another chariot, then (they're rather spacious) laid down to sleep. |
Song of the Moon | Cry to The Moon (27) | Cry To The Moon
When I awoke, I was not in Canterlot as I had expected, rather, in the guest bedroom in Applejack's house, where I had rested a year and a half ago when I first arrived. It was evening, and the sun had half dipped over the horizon by the time I dragged myself from bed. Regrettably, I did not have a change of clothes, so I headed downstairs as is. I found the Apple family sitting around their kitchen table, Princess Luna among them. Upon my entrance to the room, they all stopped what thy were doing and looked at me with the oddest gaze.
"Um... good mor- err, evening?"
"Well s'about time ya woke up youngun! Ya had a busy day yesterday, ya musta been plum tuckered ta have slept straight ta dinner tonight, and starved half ta death ta boot! Look at ya! I can see yer ribs! Tha misses ain't been feedin ya properly ah take it?" Granny Smith, bless that mare, jabbed an elbow at Luna who, much to my delight, gained a blush and indignant pout.
"I'll have you know he is fed very well by the castle chefs."
"Bah! Fancy Canter-not-a-lot food, ya need some good ol home cookin! Now sit an eat! Tha pie's gettin cold." I obliged the elder apple, taking my own seat next to Luna and began to eat with much gusto while the others did the same. All except for the princess.
"Lark, I have learned of what took place from the guard. I find myself in a strange situation. On one hoof, you bit a pony, and had me raise my moon to turn her into a werewolf. This is serious. However, on the other hoof, had it not been for your actions, Cloud Kicker would most definitely be dead. I am certain that you would not have done what you did if there were any other options." She gave me a quick nuzzle to show that she wasn't angry.
I swallowed what delectable food I had in my mouth so that I could speak properly.
"So, what happens now?" I asked.
"Now, we must work to hunt down those animals and bring them to justice. I have come to wonder how lycan's could have lived in hiding all this time, and why they would come out now, leaving a trail behind them when they were previously so cautious. It is a conundrum, and it begs the question of how to find them."
"Perhaps we can ask the league?" I suggested.
"Of course, that was one of the reasons it was founded. What better way to catch a monster than with ones of our own? It will be difficult however. The league's resources are limited, and from the disappearances, this pack moves quite a bit. There is simply too much ground to cover, and the guard is already busy with keeping the peace." She explained.
"M'lady, I have an idea, but we must first attend to Cloud Kicker. Apple family, thank you for the meal, but we must be off."
"Well alrighty then! Take some fixin's fer the road, an don' be a stranger!"
"Eeeyup."
With that, Luna, Applejack and I left the table and headed outside, towards town.
"Lark, what tha hay's been goin on? I caught bits of what ya said in there, but I ain't got the whole picture." The farmer asked. I turned to Luna, who nodded, consenting my explanation. After all, Applejack is one of the bearers of harmony, national heroines. She deserved to know.
"Well, Cloud Kicker, and Cloud Chaser, had their homes broken into by a pack of , thought previously extinct, were wolves, who stole them away. They took them to a cave in the country side, where they.... set about eating them. All that remained of Cloud Chaser was naught but bones, and Cloud Kicker was missing a hoof. She would have died from blood loss, so, I bit her, and Luna set the moon full to bring about the transformation, which heals all wounds. Now, we're going to check up on her before contacting the League of Dapper Gentlecolts, a group of Canterlot elite who are, for the most part, things that go bump in the night. Vamponies, ghosts, minotaurs and such. We'll use their connections to search for this pack and try to catch them."
"And this 'idea' of yer's?"
"I will contact someone who I think will be able to help us. Let's just leave it at that." During our conversation, we had reached town, and the chariot. Luna and I climbed in, and set off towards the castle.
"Luna, I'm curious. Why did you bring me to the Apple family instead of straight to the castle?"
"I... thought it best that we give sister some time to adjust to this. You know she was wary of you to begin with, and she never liked werewolves. The fact that there is another one will be much to her dismay, and that you are the reason behind it, well, I feared that she may act rashly if not given all the information and time to dwell on it. These are complicated times Lark. After a thousand years of stagnation, the world is moving far too quickly for our liking. My return and redemption, Discord, the changelings, and now the wolves. A great many things are happening, and we must tread carefully, lest we fall off the path."
"I see."
We spent the rest of the trip in silence, enjoying the night breeze blowing through our hair. When we arrived at the castle, we hastened to my room where the mare had been sleeping. It was of course, locked, to prevent her from leaving for the time being, and on reaching the door, I heard a hustle from within.
"It seems our guest is awake." Luna stated, having heard it as well.
"Perhaps you should enter first, to ease her worry."
"I think that would be best."
I stayed outside the room as the princess entered, listening for what would take place.
"Princess Luna? What am I doing here, and, why does everything feel weird? I should be dead, but I feel good. Everything is, like... it all feels so much more real, like waking up from a dream. I'm so confused."
"Listen well, my little pony, you are safe now. Let me explain to you what has occurred."
So, the princess went about explaining what happened, and what was to come, how she'd have to stay at the castle to be trained as a wolf to control herself. She didn't object, but she cried several times, especially when she was told that her sister did not make it.
"So then, I'm... a monster now? Every full moon, I'll turn into a horrible beast? Just like the ones that did... this?"
"Only if you allow it to control you. You must rise above the instinct and tame the beast within, and we will both be here to help." At Luna's mention of me, I entered the room.
"This is Lark Wolfe. I'm not sure what you remember, but a year and a half ago, on Nightmare Night, he lost control of himself and ran amok through Ponyville. I helped him take control of himself, and now he is of great service to me. He's going to try and track down the ones who did this to you and your sister. He's also your forbear. He bit you so that the transformation would save your life, held you in your beastial state, and carried you back to town like a foal after it passed."
"I..... don't know what to say." I sat down next to her. She sniffed the air before she realized what she was doing, then blushed sheepishly.
"That is of no consequence. I can tell you what to expect, to make the transition easier. This is both a blessing and a curse. You will be stronger, faster, and more durable than before. There will be times that you will not know your own strength, so you must take care not to accidentally harm anypony. You'll also have a large appetite, though I'm not sure what cravings you'll have since you're a pony, I found myself hungry for red meat, broccoli and spinach, things you ponies say are high in iron. I don't understand how rocks are important in what we eat, but nevertheless, you'll be hungry. Your strength will increase with anger or frustration as well."
"And what about the transformation?" She asked.
"Should you touch the light of a full moon, for that time, and up to an hour after you have hidden from it's glow, you will be wolf. Your strength, speed, and endurance will grow to several times that of even the strongest earth pony. It's painful during the change, but relief after, much like the pain and relief of popping joints, though all at once. You will have better hearing and smell, it would be best to avoid loud noises..." I thought back to the time with the 'microphone' "..especially of high pitch. Powerful scents as well are troublesome, but you can also find things others cannot. You'll have better night vision. Other than that, you'll grow claws, a solid tail, and be covered in hair. You'll also try to eat anything that moves. My advice is to spend some time each day, collecting your thoughts. You'll debate taking a bite out of your friends, and you must convince yourself that it is a bad idea."
"Is there a cure?"
"Eat Wolfsbane before your first transformation, though it is too late for that now. Eat the heart of the wolf that bit you, being me. Find someone with knowledge of magic enough to remove the curse, though no one we know of has that ability at this moment, save the elements of harmony. Eating Wolfsbane now will be deadly, and touching silver will burn you, though any wounds you have will vanish at your next transformation. I believe that is everything for now."
"This is a lot to take in, you know? Turning into a.. a... werewolf, and my sister... I, don't know if I can handle it." Cloud Kicker whimpered.
"Don't rush it. You have the rest of your life, after all. Take some time to grieve and... cry to the moon. It'll listen."
"So Lark, you said you had an idea who could help us with our problem. Who did you have in mind?"
"An old enemy, looking for redemption. I must be off. I'll return in a week's time. I trust you can handle things at the league?"
"Of course. Now go."
I looked up into the night air. Being about two in the morning, I wasn't concerned with being seen by anyone. I took a deep breath, let it out, then brought the change. Bones snapping, face warping, I let out a long howl at the moon before jumping off the castle balcony and running to the west.
"Which way to Equestria?"
"East, just follow the morning sun."
Chrysalis, I'm coming, and I hope you're in a pleasant mood. |
Song of the Moon | Second Chances (28) | Second Chances
As I ran through the jungle towards the changeling hive, I took time to reflect on what had brought me to this point. In this world where lycans were supposedly extinct, they had existed in hiding for at least a thousand years. Up until this point, they have been living in secrecy, and taking great care to avoid the public eye. So then, why now? What was the reason behind the attack? It broke all conventions of modus operandi. A group, living in secrecy for several generations, hunting while hidden, suddenly making themselves known by a bold, and very sloppy attack. What could they hope to gain by putting themselves in the spotlight? It made no logical sense.
'.... that's it. They're NOT making sense because I'm thinking they have any to begin with. The way they tore into town, they way they ate, the scent of lust in the cave. They're acting like animals. Hunt, eat, mate to celebrate, sleep, then move on. But, that still doesn't tell me why now? They lived in secrecy before, what changed? What caused careful, methodical beings to suddenly become feral? Unless.....'
There could only be two reasons for their actions, both of which terrified me. The first, is that they are increasing their numbers. Why else leave Cloud Kicker alive? There was a chance she had in fact been bitten by one of those wolves, who left her in the cave expecting her to crawl her way out of it and meet moon light, then later join their pack. I bit her so to be sure she really was bitten, but there was a chance they had done it themselves. If they were multiplying, raising their numbers, that would explain their sudden bravery. The new pups wouldn't be as careful as the old dogs, and feeling invincible with their new strength, enter the false belief that nothing could harm them. It certainly fit the bill.
The other possibility is that they were trying to send a message. Ruin a house or two, kidnap ponies and brutally murder them, leaving a single survivor to relay the horror of what occurred. It was plausible, considering the overnight change between hiding in the shadows and open hunting. But, who were they sending the message to, and why now?....
Me. Since I appeared on Nightmare Night, spent time in the castle, and started making a name for myself in the world, more and more found out about the princess's pet. It's not likely, but it is possible they're trying to make me come after them. For what reason, I cannot say. Both these mean the same thing however. Raising their numbers means they're trying to become more powerful, sending the message means a threat...
'They're declaring war... If they're increasing their numbers, their hunting needs will grow as well, more death, and the princesses will be force to put them down, if that's not what's already happening. If us finding out was an accident, we can push them and force them to be on the defensive, before they can prepare. If they were sending a message of hostilities however, it could spill into open conflict, and that would be on their terms, which would be bad... I hate politics. Luna was right, the future hangs by a thread, and we must take great care with our every action.'
In that fetid jungle, swarming with giant flies and mosquitoes, I found my way to a rather large rock that did not smell of earth and stone, but a smell so sweet it was almost sickening, though not enough to stop me from taking deep breaths of it and licking my lips. I ran my claw along the edge of the stone until it sank in, the spot feeling soft and fleshy. Hearing a soft buzzing, a hole opened in the stone, showing it's green interior which went deep underground. If I had not known it was here, and did not have the senses I do, I never would have found it. A changeling greeted me on the other side, with a clicking and buzzing sound, it turned to allow me entry, where I made my way to the queen's chambers.
"Hmm... well well, Wolfe, you've returned." The queen smiled, flicking her tail back and forth in what I suppose is a seductive gesture. "I suppose you're here to take me up on my offer?" She put a hoof under my chin and placed her face dangerously close to mine, letting her eyes go half lidded. I let out a low growl. She backed off. "Hmph, all business, as always. You're no fun. I guess there's no choice but to wait for you to change back."
So, we waited another ten minutes. I winced and grimaced as my form shifted back to that of a human, took some time to compose myself, and donned the clothes I kept in my travel bag before I was ready to speak with Chrysalis.
"About time. I'm very busy, what with trying to feed a starving hive. Now that you're not so grumpy, lets talk. Are you here to accept my offer?"
"Actually," I replied. "I'm here to make one of my own." I took a card from my pocket, one with all the information of the league, and with a bow, passed it into her magical aura where it began to float on it's own. "As a member of the League of Dapper Gentlecolts, officially the most high class and sophisticated club in Canterlot, unofficially, a den of monsters dedicated to the betterment of society, I extend to you a welcome, in hopes you will come to visit, and, perhaps join the league yourself. It is a place where we can be what we are, without fear of prying eyes."
"And you are giving me this because?"
"You once offered me the opportunity to join your hive, so that I could be myself, free of judgement, and have all my 'needs' taken care of. I'm offering to let you join my 'hive'."
"I also gave you that offer based on your ability, in that with your strength you would be of service to us and strengthen the whole," Her eyes narrowed. "What is it you want from me?"
'Damn, she caught on. She's good at this game. Well, she won, might as well tell her.'
"Lycans such as myself, though, different in nature, and pony in breed. Thought long extinct, have come out of hiding with a violent attack. Numerous kidnappings over that past couple decades, thought previously to have been the work of diamond dogs under Rothak, capturing slaves to work in the mines, have by my investigation been linked to a roving pack of wolves. They're killing them. Eating them. Turning them to increase their own number. I can track them, but I am only one man. You have eyes everywhere."
"Reconnaissance then?"
"Your changelings can make themselves appear to be whatever they wish, all I am asking is to keep an eye out for them, and let me know if you find them. Anything from spotting tracks on a road to infiltrating one of their dens disguised as one of them. I'll leave that up to you. In exchange, I put in a good word for you with equestrian royalty, and see if I can get your people back in the country, perhaps even welcomed, considering you're helping to catch murderers."
"Hmm... it would solve the hunger issue, and being welcomed instead of having to disguise ourselves would be a welcome change. It would certainly make things easier, but the danger, and the effort required..." She pondered for a moment, putting her hoof to her chin in thought. "This is a big decision. I'll have to think on it..." She turned to walk away from me, then looked back over her shoulder and flicked her tail back and forth. "Though I'm sure there's something you could do to help me make the decision." She gave a light smile.
"For goodness sake Chrysalis I'm in courtship with Princess Luna!" So, her answer to that was to take the form of the moon princess and shake her rear at me. "The answer is still no. I swear you have a one track mind. Do you do this with every visitor?"
"Only if they're cute." She changed back to normal. "Otherwise I just take what I want. Oh well." Then, she brought a stone cup filled with sweet smelling yellowish goop. "Have a glass and regain your strength, then be on your way. When I've made my decision, I'll send an emissary to the league."
I hastily drank the 'love honey' which I still don't know how they make, and felt warmth and strength flowing through me, the kind that burns away the ache off tired bones, gave a short bow with a word of thanks, then left the hive, headed home. |
Song of the Moon | Focus (29) | Focus
"Focus Cloudkicker. Listen to the sound of my voice. I am Princess Luna, spirit of the moon, and I am ordering you to sit!"
"Awooooooo." The lycan mare howled in reply, opting to instead continue running around the room with her tongue lolling out of her mouth. She noticed her tail, and began chasing it. On catching it, she yelped, having bitten to hard, tripped over her own paws, then groaned in pain as the transformation reverted.
"Owwwwooooo." The now completely pony mare winced and made a sound rather similar to the previous one, except with far different tone.
"How goes it?" I asked, seeing Luna put her hoof to her head. She turned, startled, as she hadn't noticed me enter.
"About as well as you'd expect. She won't listen at all, she just bounces around, much like a playful puppy."
"She may be bored. Perhaps if she had something to occupy her she'd be more inclined to listen?"
"You have a suggestion?" The princess raised an eyebrow at me.
"A chew toy. But she can only have it if she's good."
Luna's reaction was surprising. She was very clearly trying not to laugh, and struggling greatly to contain herself for Cloudkicker's sake. Thinking back on my suggestion, which I had meant in all seriousness, It could have been taken as a joke.
Eventually, she regained her air of regality, and took her turn to question me.
"So, how went your endeavors? Did you find who you were looking for?" She asked.
"I did indeed. She has yet to make her reply, though I'm certain she will send an emissary in short order. Now, all we must do is wait..."
"Who did you go to?"
"Queen Chrysalis." At my answer, Luna's eyes narrowed, wordlessly demanding an explanation. "She's looking for a way to make things right. You and I, of all people, know the value of second chances. She could be of use."
"I see."
"She will send her reply to us at the league, at which time we'll begin negotiations, if she agrees at all. You should inform your sister."
"Actually, I don't think I will. Not just yet. She may be a wise and benevolent ruler, but when she's wronged, especially on a personal level, she is slow to trust and easily angered. She becomes defensive, and unwilling to budge. It's that strength that makes her a force to be reckoned with among enemies, but at the same time, makes diplomacy difficult when she's not among allies who, let's face it, bow to her every whim. We'll at least wait for the reply. If Chrysalis declines, then there's no point in worrying her."
"Very well. Now, there's another subject that worries me. Rothak. If we're going to chase down these lycans which, having survived so many years in hiding, must be from the ancestral line. He'll most certainly see them as kin. Once we've caught them, we'll have great difficulty dealing with them, politically."
"You may be right. We narrowly convinced him to stay away from you, what to do about an entire pack?" Luna put her hoof to her chin an pondered, letting out a soft hum as she thought. "I'll have to think of something, in the mean time, perhaps you should get better acquainted with your new partner."
"Partner?" At my inquisitive gaze, Luna motioned to the pony laying on the cell floor.
"It has been decided that she'll be your responsibility. You'll take her with you on your endeavors, and teach her what you know."
'It has been decided...' Basically, Celestia pretty much forced Luna's hoof. She wants to punish me for making another werewolf, but can't do so with overt methods, so she's making me take the newcomer with me wherever I go to discourage repetition of that behavior. Clever, and there's really nothing I can do to refuse.
"Very well." The princess walked over and unlocked the cage, letting the pegasus mare blearily trot out, yelping in surprise when she brushed against the silver bars.
"So? How have you been?"
"I.. it's really strange, bizarre even. When I'm like that, there's really odd things I just find myself wanting to do. I saw my tail and just felt that I HAD to catch it, and seeing Princess Luna... well... I felt like chewing on her. Not biting but, just, you know, gnawing. It's freaky. And when she tried telling me what to do, I felt I would rather just play, where as otherwise I'd immediately do as she said. It's so weird." Cloudkicker explained.
"You really are like a puppy... Hopefully, since we're here at the very beginning, we'll be able to teach you, and things should go more smoothly than with myself. After all, I had a great deal of time to develop... misbehavior."
"So then, what now?"
"You'll be traveling with me, assisting with investigations and such, until the time that you've gained control of yourself. After that, you'll have your life back, I suppose."
"Actually, I meant now as in right now. I kinda wanna go home to see my friends and family." She scuffed her hoof at the floor.
"Well, the next full moon isn't for a while, so I suppose there's no harm in it."
"Good, I'll go request a chariot." She began to walk away.
"We do not need a chariot."
She stopped, then looked back at me, confused. "Are we taking the train?"
I sighed and shook my head. "No... we aren't taking the train."
"Then... how?"
At the border of Canterlot
"What are we doing here?" Cloudkicker asked.
"Proving a point. Until now, you've still been thinking like a pony. That has to change. For example, this sheer drop down to the train platform on the outskirts. This, to any normal person, would be fatal. However..." Saying nothing more, I let myself drop off the wall. She rushed the the edge, only to find me standing there, whole and uninjured. "To people like us, tis nothing at all. Of course, considering that you can fly, it's nothing to you either. Go ahead. Jump off, and do not use your wings."
She backed away from the edge, took a running start, them jumped off the wall. At the last moment, before hitting the ground, she opened her wings and landed gently, instead of what I intended. I raised my eyebrow.
"Oh... sorry, I guess I panicked." She looked ashamed. I ruffled her mane with my hand.
"Think nothing of it. You are still learning after all. Let's go to Ponyville... and, take it slow. Learn to appreciate the night, and all it brings." |
Song of the Moon | Eyes to the Future (30) | Eyes to the Future
As Cloudkicker and I walked along the road towards Ponyville, She couldn't help but stare up at the stars, and the crescent moon above. She seemed mystified by it all, and often stopped to take deep breaths of the night air.
"Magnificent, isn't it?"
"Yeah. I've been out at night plenty, but it never seemed so... astounding, before." She remarked.
"That's because of your heightened senses. Each rustle of leaves, each breeze through the trees, each scent in the air, of grass, wood, and hare, all the stars in the sky, can be seen by your eye, and the moon up above, proclaiming..."
"Proclaiming what?" She asked, seeking an end to the poem.
I shook my head. "It doesn't really matter. The point is, this, all of this, this entire world, when in the shadow's embrace, belongs to us. You, myself, Princess Luna, and whatever other creatures call the night their own. It's something special, something only we can experience. Sure, we could bring others along, but to them, the night would be something they couldn't understand. They would jump at each rustling leaf, shy away from each shadow, and shriek at each owl's hoot. To them, it wouldn't be the same." I explained.
"Is it always like that Lark?" Cloudkicker asked.
"To be honest, no. It wasn't always like that. After my first change, other than being overcome by misery, everything felt so real. It's as though I had woken up from a dream. I often traveled in the dark, and would jump at every sound, ever stirring in the night, and since I could hear so much more..." I shook my head. "The point is, you'll get used to it." She nodded in understanding before we both fell into silence.
Eventually, we arrived in Ponyville, before dawn. Cloudkicker's house had been cleaned up, though it still needed some repairs, and she whimpered a bit when she recalled her memories of that night. I think that's when it happened, the moment when it finally sunk in, the moment of clarity that had eluded her through the fog of her mind, being swept away, and caught up in all the things that were happening around her, had finally come to light.. This was her life. Her sister was dead, and she would spend the rest of her days as a creature of the night. Seeing her house must have been the key, because right then and there she broke down crying.
Cloudkicker sat on the ground, tears streaming out of her eyes, raised her gaze to the moon, and still as a pony, howled in misery. Her mournful song rang out through the town, across the fields and into the woods, where it was joined by the calls of all the other night dwellers, creating a symphony of sorrow. She lowered her head to take in another deep breath before letting out another howl, one which I joined. Finally, it ended. The pegasus closed her eyes and took a deep breath to compose herself before standing.
"Lark, I..." I shook my head. No words were needed to understand.
"It's alright. We should probably find a hotel though, as you'll likely want to stay tonight, so we can head back tomorrow morning. That will give you all day to reconcile. As long as you don't transform, you'll be fine, and I'll hear you if you do, since this is a small town."
"Where are you going?"
"I'll be visiting Twilight. If you need me, you can find me at the library."
So, we found a hotel in town, and went our separate ways. Cloud Kicker to see what remains of her old life, and I, to ask a unicorn about a very important issue. A knock on the door brought no response, though my hearing did detect a great deal of grumbling from somewhere on the second floor. After a few patient moments, the door opened, and a bleary eyes Twilight welcomed me in, having been awakened from what few hours of sleep she had gotten that night, likely due to staying up late studying.
She had Spike fetch tea, which we were both thankful for, and we sat to discuss the reason for my visit.
"Twilight, tell me about the Elements of Harmony, as a whole."
"Okay... well, the elements of harmony embody specific valorous traits, honesty, loyalty, kindness, generosity, laughter, and magic. They are the most powerful force of magic in the world, and when wielded properly, can bring about great change, protecting the innocent, defeating evil..." She explained.
"What about... healing the sick?" I asked.
"Yes, I suppose they could be used for that as well, though, most illnesses can be treated by a doctor."
"What of magical illness?"
"Lark, I don't mean to be rude, but it is very early in the morning and I'm not quite up to speed yet, can we get to the point?" Twilight asked, rubbing her hooves on her eyes in an attempt to dispel the bags hanging under them.
"Could the elements of harmony be used to cure lycanthropy? I'm not sure about the equestrian variety, but my curse was brought on by a witch, who gave my bite ancestor power in exchange for his soul. She said that only another soul could be used to break the spell, but if the elements of harmony are the most powerful magic in the world, and they are meant for purification, is it possible that they could cure myself and Cloud Kicker?"
"Well, I suppose they could... yes, I don't see why not. Why do you ask?"
"You know about what happened with the werewolf attack. If... when we catch them, I think the best thing for everyone would be if lycans went extinct, like they were thought to have been for the past couple thousand years. If the elements of harmony can end this curse and bring about peace, then I would seek an end."
"Lark... you'd be giving up your strength, your senses, and your connection with Princess Luna, are you sure you want that?" The unicorn asked.
"I'll have no need for that kind of strength if I can live in peace, and if Luna's love for me is true, then losing my connection to the moon will not change the way she feels. It's a chance at a normal life. When the time comes, I want to take it."
Twilight let out a sigh, rubbed her eyes again, and nodded.
"Many thanks. It's still some time till I'll be ready." |
Song of the Moon | Trial Of Love (31) | Trial Of Love
Cloudkicker and I stayed the night in a little hotel, opting to get two separate rooms for our stay. I found myself restless, and still having some time left before dawn, I decided to relax a bit at a local tavern, conveniently placed directly across the street. While I wouldn't play music there, nor would I indulge in drink, simply being immersed by a crowd can do wonders for the mood. Coming up to a little place called 'The Salt Block' I quietly entered through the front. The barkeep was busy cleaning up, while some of the patrons had yet to leave, by virtue of having passed out at the bar on on the table, snoozing pleasantly. It was approaching morning, when everypony would awaken and be kicked out, forced to face the cruel sun with a hangover, and go about their daily routine in a more irritable manner than usual.
"Hey buddy, s'almost closing time. You're kinda late gettin here if you want a drink." The friendly barkeep informed me.
"That's quite alright, I just came for some peace and quiet."
"To each his own, I suppose." Then he went back to his task while I sat and enjoyed some peace of mind for an hour or so.
"Hey Lark. Got a message for you." A newcomer to the tavern, brown stallion, rust coloured mane, spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Can we speak... in private?" I followed him out of the building and into an alleyway. He glanced around uncomfortably before deciding it was safe enough to speak.
"Queen Chrysalis has accepted your offer." He stated plainly, now quite obvious that he was a changeling. "She wishes to know where and when to meet with you for negotiations."
"I will have to speak with Princess Luna on that regard. While she is open to the idea, her sister and most of the nobility will take a fair bit of convincing to take it into consideration. Tell Chrysalis that I am glad she has agreed, but I must ask patience. For this to proceed, we must tread carefully, and wait till the time is right."
"It will be so."
"Come find me in Canterlot in three days, by that point, I should have at least been able to open their minds enough to be on speaking terms. History, especially a poor one, is not easily forgotten."
Morning arrived. Cloudkicker went to 'hang out' with some of her friends for the day, while I headed back to Canterlot. She would be fine so long as she returned to the capitol before nightfall, even if it wasn't a full moon, there were things prowling the night, and they had gone after her once though if they did so again, they would find her far more challenging.
I returned to Luna, and greeted her with an embrace, before getting down to business. She was off duty, as Celestia was holding court, making it a simple matter to converse.
"I have news regarding our potential allies."
"Very well Lark, report."
"Their leader has agreed to speak with us in open negotiation, however, she's understandably apprehensive, considering her previous actions. It's likely that she considers this a trap, and is only willing to come forth if I give the all clear, as I'm a more neutral party, and understand the situation from both sides."
"I see. That being said, we'll have to convince sister if we have any hope of the negotiations succeeding. The nobles will be a little more difficult before the decision is made, but they'll quickly fall in line with whatever my sister decrees, in order to save face. Bunch of suck ups. I'd like for you to make our case Lark." Luna suggested.
"Wh. what? If it comes to convincing your sister, surely you would be the better."
"True, but, it's no secret most of the nobles dislike me. I've quite a reputation for, to put it bluntly, 'not putting up with their manure' so to speak. You, on the other hoof, have done something nearly impossible in that you've inexplicably managed to make Prince Blueblood stop being a complete oaf in your presence. You persuade him into your way of thinking, the rest of the nobles will follow suit. As much influence as my sister has over them once she has made her vote, they have a great deal of influence in 'helping' her decide what the correct course of action is. They all vote with Celestia, but she makes her vote based on their debate. Get the nobles, they'll convince her, and the rest of the opposition will fall. I'll do what I can to open her mind to the idea, the rest will be up to you. Don't forget that as my partner in courtship, your presence holds significant sway as well, and anypony in poor favor with the Celestia will likely side with you in order to improve their standing with me, since you're able to put up with their... nuances, better than I am."
Three days passed. Luna somehow managed to convince her sister to at least listen to what the changeling representative had to say, on the condition that their queen not enter the city. This worked favorably for both parties, as Chrysalis didn't want to come anywhere near Canterlot. She chose to speak through a mediator, an 'overseer' changeling which shared a special mind link with the ruler, able to direct the rest of the hive. The daily audience schedule was cleared completely for this event. If it took some time, there wouldn't be any pressure to end early, if it didn't take long, then everyone got most of the day off.
I entered the throne room, where both Celestia and Luna sat on their gilded chairs. I took my position at Luna's side, while the nobles aligned the walls, leaving the center carpet clear. I had already spoken to Blueblood, and told him to 'speak his mind, regardless of how it'll affect his standing'. If he sides with me, it'll turn out favorably, and if he opposes, I'll crush him. Politically, that is.
"Lets get this over with." Celestia scowled. That is not a good sign. "The court will now hear Chrysalis, Queen of the changelings, as spoken through a mediator in accordance with protocol." A pony with a pure white coat and ruby red mane stepped away from the wall. With a flash of green fire, it took it's natural form, looking much like the regular drone changelings, but with it's horn replaced by a pair of long antennae that drooped down in front of it's face. The nobles all seemed to scowl as well, no doubt disapproving.
The changeling stood in the center of the floor, lifted it's antennae high, small bulbs at the end glowing a pale green. It opened it's mouth, and the voice of the queen spoke.
"If it pleases the court, I'll skip the pleasantries and get down to business."
"Proceed." Luna spoke before Celestia could object. She likely hoped to see the speaker bow first. Even such small gestures can change the proceedings.
"It has come to our attention that the land of Equestria has a problem. For several years, ponies have been disappearing. It was previously believed to be the work of Diamond Dogs, in breach of treaty. Recent intelligence of a griffin spy has determined this is not the case, and investigation of the court of the moon, as well as honored speaker Lark," The changeling motioned to me. "...has determined the cause to be lycans, long thought to be extinct. Despite the best efforts of the equestrian guard, these attackers have escaped time and again, and the attacks have recently become more bold and careless, which had provided an opportunity."
"Explain this opportunity." Celestia demanded, shooting me a sideways glare.
"Changelings will infiltrate and track the movements of these lycans in order to facilitate their capture."
"And, in return?" Celestia asked.
"Changelings will be allowed to enter Equestria, under unique identities, not stolen from another, for the purpose of harvesting love."
"The court will now debate the proposal."
"I vote against such a notion." One noble, wearing the decorations of military achievement, spoke. "So soon after their failed invasion, an attempt to gain access could easily be a ploy to re-infiltrate equestrian society for the purpose of a retaliatory strike." He did raise a good point.
"If I may." I began.
"Proceed." Luna allowed.
"The failed invasion was quite costly to the changelings. Their hive structure was fractured, and they lost significant resources. Not to mention Equestria is now on guard against their tactics, which is part of the reason we've discovered the lycan threat in the first place, as the guard became watchful for ponies who go missing. To attack again would most certainly result in failure as well. General, is it?" I turned to the guard member. He nodded with a gruff snort. "Is it not common for a defeated foe to attempt peace negotiations, in order to secure a better future?"
"It is."
"Therefor, can we safely assume that these negotiations are taking place under pure intention, and not for the purpose of treachery?"
"I believe we can." He lowered his head in acceptance. That's one down.
"The changelings are offering us something we'd be a fool to refuse. The nullification of two enemies. They'll help us catch the first, the lycan pack that's been running amok for the past several decades or longer, and secondly they're removing themselves as a threat. All they ask in return is for a means to feed their starving population." Play the hunger card, refusing their request is paramount to genocide. We're getting there.
"But look at him! Or her!" Blueblood spoke up. And the die has been cast. "I can't even tell it's gender, or does it even have one?"
"Ignorance is no grounds for condemnation to starvation, Prince Blueblood." He looked to me and winked. Wait... he's throwing himself under the cart intentionally?
"I am male." A voice that was not the queens came from her mouthpiece, his antennae flickering lightly.
"Changelings are hideous, one may call them disgusting even." Blueblood continued.
"So you see the need for them to disguise themselves." I retorted.
"Which means that deceit is part of their very nature!" He replied.
"If they are as 'hideous' as you say, how can they possibly convince someone to love them?"
"That's another factor. They feed off us like parasites, eating our love!"
"Ladies and gentlecolts. It is true changelings feed on the love others give to them. It nourishes them and sustains them. It keeps them alive. Is that really so different than you or I? I ask you, each one of you, could you survive without love? Could you possibly continue to exist, if nopony in all the world cared for you? Look now to your own prince, and see what one deprived of affection becomes! A bigoted, arrogant fool." The prince nodded to me. "Just like how the changeling invasion of Canerlot was foolish, and arrogant." The changeling speaker nodded. "What's more, our own Princess Luna was deprived of affection, and she suffered immensely, becoming Nightmare Moon, who then spent a thousand years in solitude." The nobility all seemed to agree at this point.
"I know it may seem strange and different, but in time, you can grow to understand. Take myself as an example. When I first arrived almost two years ago, I was strange, and different, and I'll admit, we had a rocky start. But now look." I wrapped my arms around Luna. "You've all grown accustomed to my presence, despite my differences, and you've accepted me. I see no difference between me, and them. Let us at least give them a chance."
"Hear hear." The general made his position known, and the remainder of the nobility fell in line. Celestia was facing overwhelming pressure from her court to accept the proposal.
"Does anypony else have anything to add to the debate?" She asked. Nopony spoke. "Anypony at all?" Still silence. "Then, it seems the decision has been made. By favor of majority in the court, I shall allow changelings into Equestria. They shall be given identities, citizenship, have jobs, and live among my ponies as members of it's towns. Any changeling caught performing illegal activities will be banished and deported on an individual basis, and Queen Chrysalis shall be denied access within Equestrian borders as a punishment for her previous crimes. In return, changeling infiltrators will track the locations of lycan packs and report them to the guard in order for them to be apprehended, and punishment for their crimes to be given appropriately. Are the terms acceptable to all parties?"
"They are." The changeling spoke.
"Then this court is adjourned. Thank you all for your time." Celestia concluded. The nobles all began to file out of the room, while I went to go speak with the queen.
"Thank you Lark, for what you've done here today." She... he, telepathy is confusing... gave a short bow.
"Just don't make me regret it. If you screw this up, I may have to join you in banishment. I really put my neck out for you here."
"Do not worry. I remember well my friends and allies. I won't betray your trust. Deceit may be in our nature, but when we're trusted by those who know who we really are, it's not something we soon forget." With that, the antennae went dark and drooped back down in front of the speaker's face. "Welp! I'm hungry. I'm gonna hit the pub, see if maybe I can pick up a friend." The changeling spoke cheerfully in the male voice before shifting into a playful looking pegasus.
"You may want to get your ID first. After all, you've gotta do this legally now."
"Ahh, first thing tomorrow. Promise." He smiled before taking his leave. I left the throne room as well to speak with Blueblood.
"Evening your majesty." I rolled my eyes.
"Oh come now, you can quit the act, you and I both know what we did here today." Blueblood replied.
"Indeed we do, though I'm wondering why you deliberately made a fool of yourself in front of the court. I told you to speak your mind, regardless of what you thought I or anypony else wanted."
"Oh please. The moment the changeling pointed you out as being involved in these proceedings, I knew what I had to do."
"And what if the rest of the nobles decided to side with you in your 'opinion'." I said opinion sarcastically.
"As much as they all love to suck up to me, I know it makes them sick to their stomachs. I'm the pony they love to hate. I knew they wouldn't side with me if I was made a fool of in court. I counted on you to tear me a new one. You forget that I've been doing this as long, or possibly longer, than you have Mr. Wolfe. I know how two faced we all are, so I played my role." Blueblood replied.
"And I must thank you for that. Because of your sacrifice, many problems will be solved."
"I may be a pompous, arrogant fool, but for the few who are my friends, genuine friends, not those who simply seek status, I would give anything. I am glad to count you among those few, Lark."
"Better not say that too loud, we're supposed to hate each other, remember?" We had a good laugh about that, before I prepared to leave the castle. I had somepony, or is it somewolf now? I had somepony-wolf in my charge that I needed to get back to."
Just as I was leaving the castle, I found Princess Celestia standing in my path. She did not look amused. She looked at me oddly, and her horn shone with the telltale gleam of magic, before she sighed hopelessly.
"As I suspected. You're not under any form of mind control. I was actually hoping you were, so I'd have grounds to nullify that entire hearing."
"I never expected you to be so backwards, Princess."
"Let me make one thing perfectly clear Lark. I understand the situation we're in is delicate, and that the changelings can be of use to us, but that doesn't change the fact that I do not like them. They attacked my kingdom, hurt my student and my niece, and, when you went missing, made Luna panic frantically. She was inconsolable until you returned, though she managed to put on a brave face. The fact that you and she went behind my back to arrange this also worries me, though I realize the reason you did so is because of my attitude towards them. You are clever, and you are a shrewd negotiator. You've gathered quite a lot of influence in the courts, and I'm glad that you have Equestria's best interests at heart. That being said, the very fact that you can so easily sway the court terrifies me. I will be watching you."
"Then I know I'll be safe, for I have nothing to hide." I replied with a smile and a bow.
"Good. I'm glad that's settled. Cake?" |
Song of the Moon | The Moon's Lullaby (32) | The Moon's Lullaby
Say what you will of the changelings. They are efficient in their work. Hardly a week had passed before we received reports on the wayward pack that had been running amok across Equestria. We had a location, we had an approximate time frame that they'd be staying there, and we had a plan. It was one that involved Cloudkicker.
"There's something I need to ask of you Cloud. Something I think you won't like very much."
"Lark, please stop beating around the bush."
"As you wish. We found the ones that attacked you. The ones that killed your sister. We plan to apprehend all of them, but the plan involves you."
"You're right, I don't like it, but I'll still hear you out."
"You and I will head in to their den first as distractions, while the guard surrounds them and cuts off their escape. Our role in distracting them is pivotal. Their senses are highly attuned. If they detect the guard while they're getting into position, they might escape. I believe that one reason they left you alive is in the hopes that you'd turn and become one of them. That you'd join their pack. If you appear before them, you may very well convince them that is the case. Ask them questions, talk about joining them. Distract them while we get into position. If anything goes wrong, I'll be waiting to assist. Turn, and get yourself out of there, let me handle the bloody stuff."
"Okay. I trust you."
Three days later, outside a cave on the outskirts of Manehatten, a massive regiment of the royal guard sheltered themselves from the rain. Earth ponies and unicorns in the bushes, pegasi in the clouds making a gentle rain to mask the scent and sound of our approach.
"Everybody ready?" All the guards carried silver weapons, and had silver lining on their armor to protect them. The bushes just barely blocked out the gleaming reflection of the moonlight, hanging in the sky.
"Cloudkicker, are you prepared?"
"Yes, Lark."
"Now, remember, do not be nervous. They'll sense your agitation. Enter as if you belong there. Keep them talking. Turn and let out howl if you need help. I'll be right outside."
The two of us moved quietly across the small clearing towards the rocky outcrop that the changelings had confirmed would be home to our quarry. I pressed my back up against one of the stones while she walked right in the front. I strained to hear what was going on and found that our caution was wholly unnecessary. This pack was what ponies consider to be party animals. They were playing music, dancing, drinking, fornicating, and acting as wild as could be. I risked a peek around the corner. There were a number of prisoners tied up in the corner, huddled to themselves. No corpses. Good. Standing atop a rock at the side of the room was a scraggly old pony with a wild look in his eyes. Despite his greying hair, he had an unnatural vitality to him. An intense strength exuded from his entire body. Clearly the leader.
"Everyone! A moment please! I hate to bring the night's festivities to a close, but we have a visitor." All eyes turned to Cloudkicker.
"Oh hey! I remember that one. Weren't there a pair?"
"We ate the other one, stupid." The first one growled and pounced on the second. The old one rolled his eyes and spoke to their visitor.
"We left you for dead, and yet you survived. Stronger, faster, better than you were before. I see you've regrown your hoof. That is proof of what you've become. The only question that remains, why have you come here?"
Now just tell him you've come to join the pack. Keep him talking.
Cloudkicker clenched her teeth and snarled.
"You..... animals..... you killed her....." She was barely able to make out amidst her growling as her transformation began. "I'll FUCKING KILL YOU." Confronted by the ones who caused her so much pain and fear, the ones who took her precious sister from her, and with her now present beastial rage, she couldn't hold back anymore.
"Yes! Wonderful!" The old one clapped his hooves together. "Such strength, such fury! And to track us down after so much time, once the trail had gone cold! Everyone? Why don't we welcome her to the pack?" Three dozen pairs of eyes turned golden, howls rang out as they began their own transformations. "Don't worry, they won't be too rough. You'll come to accept us sooner or later." Once they finished changing, they charged, intending to pounce on her.
Aaaaand that's my cue. I rushed in, not even bothering to shapeshift, ran up the the nearest one and buried my fist in his skull. I pushed father and farther, driving it as far as I could, until the feral mare flew across the room, skidding on the floor before finally crashing into the wall.
"If I may interject, she can't join your pack, she's already a member of mine."
Cloudkicker herself had a the back of a second one's neck in her mouth as she shook wildly, a hoof pressed on the throat of a third that she had pinned to the floor. She looked at me with adorable puppy eyes as she released her victims, who scrambled across the room.
"Heel." The grey pony commanded his pack. Taking a look at his cutie mark, it was a wolf howling to a crescent moon. If his special talent is being a werewolf, he must have been bitten at a very young age. The rabble he commanded obeyed, backing off with their tails between their legs. "Princess Luna's pet. Lark. We finally meet."
"You know my name, but I do not know yours." I replied.
"It will remain that way. You don't need to know who I am, since you're about to die. Such a shame about her though." He motioned to Cloudkicker. "I thought for sure she was one of ours."
In that instant, she howled, I grabbed her and threw ourselves to the floor as a wave of silver arrows and spell fire poured in through the small entrance.
"Grrr." She nipped my arm as she struggled in my grasp.
"Stay down!" I gripped her tighter.
After a few moments, the horrific noise of burning flesh, howls of pain and growls of rage died down, and the sound of hoofcuffs clicking shut was took it's place. I stood, keeping a hand on Cloudkicker to keep her calm, letting her stand up slowly. The guard had done their job. Everyone was in custody.
Standing outside a prison cell, one who's interior I had become extremely familiar with, I spoke with Luna and Cloudkicker.
"I'm sorry Lark." The pegasus began. "When I saw them, and when I thought about what they had done, I couldn't control myself."
"It's alright. We were successful anyways."
"Yeah." She sighed. "Though it could have gone more smoothly."
"So, M'lady." I turned to Luna. "Who's this?"
"I can hardly believe it myself..... a thousand years.... Grey Fang, is that you?" The old looking pony grit his teeth and faced away. "Talk to me Grey Fang."
"Grr... You have no right to command me, not after what you did."
"Then what about me?" I asked. "And her?" I motioned to the only other member of my own pack. "Don't we deserve an explanation?"
"You want to know what she did? Hehe... There were twenty of us. We were Luna's hounds. She was our master, our goddess. We ruled the night, roaming the land, keeping the ponies safe as they slept. We guarded their bodies, while she guarded their dreams. Over time, they grew to fear the mare than haunted their dreams, and her guard dogs that prowled the streets. They saw us as monsters, but that was okay. As long as we had each other. That wasn't good enough. She became jealous. She wanted to be loved by those creatures of the day. She felt alone and hated. What about us? What about the songs we sang every night? The smell of cool grass, wet with dew, the forest, the trees, the leaves. Howling at the moon, counting the stars. What we had was special, sacred. And it was NOTHING to her. She wanted more. And then she vanished for a thousand years."
Grey Fang stopped talking to me, and directed the discussion towards Luna instead. "You abandoned us. Do you have any idea what it was like? We were yours. Heart and soul. You were our everything. To be so tame, so reliant on someone for orders, for their approval, and then you vanish? We were lost, alone, not trusted by the other ponies. We had no idea what to do, who to turn to. You becoming Nightmare Moon had made them all the more suspicious of us, your followers. We tried to stay together. Our children, and our children's children, they were unwelcome. They left and eventually became the diamond dogs, but we, those original twenty, we stayed. We prayed to the moon every night. We howled, we sang, we wept." He paused.
"We couldn't take it any more."
"Swift Paw took it the worst. After a hundred years, she lost faith. She decided you were never coming back, and that life wasn't worth living. Strong Paw couldn't handle the loss of his sister and followed in her hoofsteps. The twins, Pieces and Gemini, who you named as foals, went to live their lives in the woods. They lasted a couple hundred years until some self righteous pony got it in his head to hunt a couple of werewolves and rid their village of the menace. After that, one by one, they started going feral. I didn't forget my duty. They became a danger to the ponies who you once had us swear to protect. One by one, they lost their minds, and one by one, I put them down. Including my own wife. You remember Sandy, don't you? HHa... hahaha...... hehhahhhhhhhaaaaaeeeeeeeeeee." He started bawling his eyes out at this point. "She was so sweet, even as a wolf. She'd frolic in the fields, snapping at bees and getting stung in the mouth. Hahehehe....." His visage snapped from one of misery at a fond memory, never to be regained, and shifted to one of rage.
"I spent five HUNDRED years alone. I couldn't take it anymore. So, three hundred years ago, I got it in my head to make my own pack. I was careful, meticulous, went one at a time. Made sure your sister would think it was her new, subterranean neighbours. It was all going well, but this new generation. They were so enthusiastic. They started bringing in more and more members, of their own accord. They took to lunacy like it was meant for them. I must confess that I'm not so good at reigning them in as you were. You can see the result. Several times I thought of putting them down once they got out of control, but after Sandy, I couldn't bring myself to do it again. So, I had them roam with me. Going where we pleased. Doing what we wished. Having no master to reign us in, no leash. And here we are, once again brought to heel, this time by your new pet."
He turned to me. "You replaced us, but it'll only be a matter of time before you've outlived your use, then she'll be rid of you, too." With that, he turned to face the wall and proceeded to ignore us.
"So, what will you do with him?"
"Only thing I can do. Give him to Rothak. The accord is very clear. They're his now. Hopefully he'll be able to take care of them."
"Any word on that griffin adolescent?"
"Lord Rigamarole has our condolences. His son is dead. I can't but help feel somewhat responsible."
"M'lady, you did not do this. This may have happened because of the past, but you did not intend, or even know that this could occur. You are not to blame for this."
"Thank you Lark."
"What about the prisoners?"
"They were all bitten. Most of them have become lycans already. They were tied up because they didn't want to join them. Apparently he was keeping them around till they changed their minds."
"Parties with food, drink, and sex are generally something you'd want to be a part of. The beast inside would want to join in, and eventually they'd yield to their desires." I mused. "If they've already had their first transformations, wolfsbane won't help. We should try and use the elements of harmony to cure them."
"What of you two? Lark? Cloudkicker? If given the option, would you want to be cured as well?"
The two of us looked to each other and nodded in silent agreement. I looked back to Luna.
"If you had asked me when we first me, I would have agreed immediately. Now? It has become a part of my life. Something I have accepted, and come to own. With your help, I have purged my demons. They no longer have hold of me. My curse has become a blessing, one that I wouldn't throw away."
"I feel the same." Cloudkicker added. "I've only been this way a short while, and already Lark has shown me such wondrous things. I still mourn the loss of my sister, but I am NOT one of the monsters who killed her. I want to control this, so I don't lose my cool like I did back at the cave, and with Lark to help me, I think I can achieve that."
"Speaking of the cave, and what Grey Fang said. Are you not worried that one day I'll disown you?"
"If you do, then be it a hundred years, a thousand, or ten thousand, when you come back, you'll find us waiting for you. We'll be rather cross, but I think we'll just be happy to see you again, though there may be more of us."
"Surely you don't mean you'll follow in Grey Fang's path."
"I was thinking more along the lines of children. I may be the most obstinate abstinent, but Cloud Kicker is a mare in her prime, who will remain in her prime for all of eternity, given that we don't age. Don't expect her not to find someone. Besides, she has my version of lycanthropy. The odds of her descendants being diamond dogs is slim to none." She blushed as we casually spoke about her mating potential.
"We've all had a long night. I think we'll watch the sunrise and go to bed."
Cloudkicker and I sat on the Canterlot wall, watching the sun come up, as Luna stood behind us, lowering the moon.
"You know, I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing the horizon. Infinite possibilities, waiting just beyond. And, since I'm not getting any older, I have all the time in the world to explore it." Cloudkicker began.
"Which makes me curious, why did Grey Fang look so old? Judging from his mark, he must have become a lycan at a young age."
"He did not." Luna replied. "He used to be my master of hounds. Of that ancient pack of wolves, he was the leader. Before he was bitten, he had already spent most of his life researching them. They were his passion. While he may not have gotten any older, the years took a different toll. He became tired, it seems. I think part of why he had so much trouble controlling the young wolves was they were much more rambunctious, something I remember him being in his youth. His aging was not of the body, but of the mind. Time was unkind to him in that regard."
"Do you think that will ever happen to me?"
"Oh Lark, you play one of the most finicky instruments to ever exist, your idea of a good time is a quiet night at home with a cup of tea, your sex drive is zero and you dress like the butler. You're not even thirty and you're already ancient."
We all had a good laugh at my expense as the sun finally breached the horizon.
"Well, that's it then, I'm headed to bed." Cloudkicker excused herself as she flew down into the city below.
"As am I." Luna looked back to me, and gave a devious smirk. "Care to join me?"
"I'll pass. Me and my non-existent libido are going to sit here a little while longer."
"You're going to make me pay for that one, aren't you?" She pouted.
"Absolutely."
"Suit yourself." With that, she flew back into the city as well.
Once I was sure we was out of earshot, I began to sing.
"Goodnight sweet starlight, huddle away, under the warm blanket of day. The moon's watch is over, the sun's up above, the princesses sharing their motherly love. So wake up dear ponies, the day starts anew, with places to be and much work to do. And when the day's over, you'll lay down to count sheep, and Lark on the wall top will sing you to sleep." END |
Indomitable Journey's End | pre | "-you actually did it." Topaz blinked at the hunter's cackle, rubbing her eyes. "I let you out my sight for one minute... you know what, buck it, I don't care." The grumbling mare spat out, giving Yui and me a tired smile. "Glad you could make it, Zen, be a pal and help a girl up?"
"'Sure!'" Stepping forward, I put my hands on her head, seeing the soothing wave of pink rush over her body; Calm Mind worked its magic, prepping the honeycomb unicorn back to full strength, mentally, that is. "'Better?'"
"Ahh... well, any consolation, I'm envious of Yui, bet that keeps the nights interesting," Said mare went rigid as I felt my face begin to burn a little at the insinuation, the two of us looking away. Bad brain, bad brain, bad brain...
"You know, you'd think after two years they'd be chill about this," Ren shrugged. "You two are so weird."
"Get a room!!" We yelled at the pair, Topaz snorting a laugh while Ren stuck her tongue out at us.
"Topaz, please-" Another voice chimed in from the adjacent corridor. Belonging to a similar therstral to Yui, his hoof running through his mane. "-the last thing I really want to know is my little sister's se-"
"YES, IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN, VEGA, MISSED YOU~!" Yui shot forward to cover his mouth, face going from light grey to scarlet, pupils pinpricks. Her grip looked to be vice-like since Vega's face started turning blue, tapping her iron hooves. "Hehehe, now, what were you gonna say, big brother, certainly nice things about me, hmm?"
"She is way too intense." I think all our thoughts aligned, shuffling back once Vega was released.
"Happy... to see... you too - think that ache... in my neck's gone... now," He huffed and puffed, face turning to its normal shade again, shaking his head. "Topaz, did you send those orders through to the divisions?"
"Took an all-nighter, thanks - yeah, now, before somepony else lands another stack of paperwork on my desk, let's get this meeting started - Vega, take care of the rest for me before I commit a war crime," Topaz spoke with a not-so-sweet voice.
"Already ahead of you," He huffed, turning to give Yui a quick hug, herself returning it. "Be careful, alright?"
"Like you'd do any better," She joked, tapping his silver breastplate. "Try not to pull your mane out, Captain."
"Haha," He humoured her, giving me a silent look, letting his aura tell me all I needed without anyone's knowledge. I smiled, giving a small salute of my fingers before Topaz led us through the castle.
The last time I really came here for a meeting was shortly after our battle with Safi'Jiiva; with Celestia and Luna's help, I hope to, if 'other' hurdles can be conquered, set up a Guild of my own here. Monsters will continue to appear in this world; for all I knew, it was a progenitor to Equestria becoming much like Monster Hunter. And with Ren and her brother apparently, it might prove to be an invaluable piece to Equestria's future. That, and I really just want to make the Guild, the idea sounds really cool in my head. Lots of funding, though...
Once inside, only Princess Celestia was present, her sister more than likely asleep or attempting to sort out the tremor issues. She gave us all a warm smile, bowing her head as we all reciprocated it; my heritage never lost on me. "My subjects, and my friends, Ren and Zen." Huh, our names do roll off the tongue in tandem. "I'm grateful you are all here; now we can discuss the matter personally."
Raising her head, Yui spoke up. "If you don't mind my asking, Princess, but-" She took her hood down. "-do you have any idea what's causing these earthquakes? We know it may be a monster, but something of this large of a scale has to have a source, right?"
"Right you are, Yui," She concurred, feeling the faint tremor shake the throne room. "They grow larger and more frequent with every rise of the sun, and while it shames me to admit it, I... have no identification on the creature responsible."
"Seriously?" Ren blurted out, unlike me, who was pretty tame with authority; Ren wasn't much in the way of formal mannerisms. "No offence, but there ain't many monsters that, you know, can really shake the earth this much, hard to miss, ya know?"
"Watch your tone," One guard made the dumb move of speaking his mind.
"Now you've done it..." I muttered that Yui was the only one that technically spoke Pokemon.
Ren turned on her heel, hand to her hip. "Listen, buddy, I know I don't get all your customs, but I'm a Hunter, we don't bother with formal affairs often, heck, the whole Guild doesn't make big deals of monsters less it's important," Sighing, she closed her eyes a moment. "All I'm sayin' is that I'm taking this seriously, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna pretend I grew up in some fancy kingdom where I had every fed to me with a silver spoon, get me?"
Opening her eyes, she offered us a reassuring grin, waving to the Princess. "Sorry, just a habit when you live your life surrounded by monsters, kinda skip formalities."
"It is quite alright," Celestia forgave. "I understand my knowledge is not as fortuitous as I'd like, if I'm honest, you four have had far more experience with these Wyverns than my subjects; if anypony here could aid us, it would be you." Really putting us on a pedestal, I felt a little anxious.
"It'll be okay," Yui whispered to me, automatically sensing I was tense, and they say I'm the aura sensor.
There was a great silence; Celestia's aura was always this radiance that mimicked the sunlight; in her core, she was beyond scared, frightened for her home, her people; it was overwhelming her and the guilt... My ears stood up, realization dawning as she opened her eyes, laughing gently. "You are very perceptive, Zen; even for all my years, I cannot hide my aura from another who sees it too," I flinched when she met my gaze. "Do not feel alarmed; I indeed harbour guilt, for I... have failed my father in a way."
This shocked all of us. Not often you hear about her folks, but she seemed sombre, casing her golden magic to force a blank tapestry into existence. It was old, to the point the wrong touch could turn it to dust. She unfurled its short length before us. "Tell me, have you heard of the First Song?"
Our silence was long, so she nodded. "I understand, it's not often spoken of, this was a well-kept story from mine and Luna's childhood, even I have no knowledge on when it came to be, only that our father spoke of it with great care,"
"Princess, is this... related to the earthquakes?" Yui wondered, but I saw it; she was buzzing with a need to know more; I won't lie, I was inquisitive too. A story untold, now that's a title!
"Yes," She sat the tapestry down, allowing us, even her stationary guards, to observe as the blank face took shape, black markings warping with her words. "The tale is as old as Ponykind, my father's own ancestors told many stories, some layered in secrets for the sake of Equestria, this one, however, is of the First Song..." Celestia began her tale.
"Long ago, Equestria was, like today, plagued with beasts of an unknown realm, nopony knew of their origins, nor why such creatures came into being, only that they too, like all living creatures, fought to survive..."
The ancient tapestry took the form of ponies behind walls to villages. Some ran while many held up spears or fought with magic barriers against dark depictions of large monsters of various shapes and sizes. Some looked agile with crimson eyes; others took to the skies, lunging down with their talons like dragons. One was so large and serpentine in shape; its maw could swallow a village whole.
"In time, these monsters would come and go, an existence that, with time, every generation of our kind learned to combat. In a way, Zen was ours, and before, others were guardians too. Sometimes, these monsters simply were too much, ancient and in hiding to this day."
Another image manifested, dark and showered in flames. Weapons lay discarded, banners torn and battlements in ashes. Standing against the towers, an imposing beast of black overlook the kingdom; flames hung its maw like a furnace, eyes fueled by death and fire. Even its tail coiled so tenderly around a tower.
"One such legend is of the First Song; When Equestria was prospering, ancient creatures, pony or otherwise, felt something stir from deep beneath Equestria, an eerie cry of the world as it mourned a great calamity, it was a warning - they tried to warn their fellow kin of this impending doom, but none dare listened to the thoughts of those lost in the magic, to fantasy,"
These ancient creatures, dressed like sages of old, gave their warnings, hooves or claws wide at the masses. One by one, the crowds became mere echoes of their pleas, none listened, and the cracks under the tapestry worsened, splitting apart the world above.
"This calamity, a song that shook Equestria far and wide, ripped apart the lands, kingdoms returned to dust, great ravines and floods consuming the now divided land, splitting Equestria across the east, transforming it into the land it was today. Much of the circumference of Equestria was... simply swallowed by the sea,"
The shaking stopped, the map of Equestria shredded and split like glass, where there were kingdoms, homes, families, was only the sea or ruins. The face of Equestria had changed forever...
When Celestia lowered the magical parchment, it remained forever fixed on the world fractured beyond repair. The ancient mare sighed a long, exasperated breath. "Our father spoke of this tale to us often, and I can admit, it was farfetched at first, and now... I see we have only led ourselves to repeat what the First Song had done to our world."
The news, rather, the repetition on Equestria's history, hit us like a ton of bricks. Ren whistled with her arms crossed. "Y'know, even after spending a lot of time here, this whole magic really still blows my mind," She looked around, reading the room a little. "So this First Song is happening again; I can't say I'm not worried what'll happen if we let it continue."
"I've seen so many retellings of stories across Equestria, but never once had I heard of the First Song," If Yui looked puzzled, then that was a bad sign. "I wouldn't know where to look; we need a reference; otherwise, fancy words are just that."
"I concur," Celestia sighed, Topaz stepping forward to reveal a map of Equestria as it were today. "Thank you - Topaz, if you would."
She nodded, pointing to a blip off the west coast. "See, while back then detecting epicentres for earthquakes wasn't as advanced as it is now, we've managed to isolate the source, though it moves it generally happens here, on a small island that's completely uninhabited by any species."
"'Sounds like an Elder Dragon's favourite hotspot,'" I surmised, Ren, agreeing with me.
"Only seems fitting; elders have the power to do this, might be the big ol' snake I heard could crush a mountain with its length."
"Seriously?" Topaz and Yui echoed at us
I smiled. "'Ooooh, what's his face, um... ah! Dalamadur!'" Beaming, Ren clicked her fingers.
"That's the one; I always wanted to see one up close." She sighed dreamily.
"Can we please not jinx it, dragons I can handle, flaming swordtail thing, sure, but that's where I draw the line," Topaz muttered, shaking her head. "If it is an Elder Dragon, we need to take care of it, just like Safi'Jiiva."
Guess that meant Celestia only wanted us to go hunt this thing down. With my abilities as a Lucario, Ren, an expert hunter, Yui with her knowledge and Moon magic, plus Topaz, who also confronted several monsters before. Looking to the princess, she smiled back at me. "I trust you can handle this? My sister and I need to do what we can to oversee the damages caused already and any that may ensue across Equestria."
"Just us? Me?" Topaz blinked, her emotions forever in uncertainty until Ren patted her mane.
"Why not? We've taken on big monsters; what's another for the books?" Her confidence was very infectious, Yui bumping her wing to my fist.
"Partners to the ends of the earth, right?" She hummed, making this situation far less harrowing.
"'Yeah, all of us,'" Eyeing Celestia, I put on my brave face. "'We'll stop the First Song, I promise.'" That I will never take lightly.
The monarch bowed her head at us, feeling almost pleading in her words. "I cannot thank any of you enough to burden yourselves with the past."
"The essence of a Hunter is a culture of danger," Ren pointed out, shrugging. "A monster capable of shaking the whole continent, now that's got my heart ticking must faster."
Topaz sighed. "Sure, I might actually get some sleep again."
"Thank you, all of you," Celestia's woes were lighter on her heart.
Once the meeting and preparations were handled, I sat out in the garden overlooking the endless world below. To my left, Yui was laughing as Topaz smugly retold a story about Vega, said bat-pony hiding his face behind his wings in shame. It was a sweet sight; I honestly never got bored of it, seeing her happy. How the sun glossed over her lilac hair, her one obscured eye; everything felt so refined I was afraid I might still be dreaming of my time spent here. Guess that's just what being stupidly infatuated with a treasure hunter will do to the mind.
"You still haven't asked, have ya?" I leapt at Ren's sudden appearance, taking her helmet off to let her hair blow free, eyes on mine. "Don't see the you-know-what on her soooo... you chickened out." An anvil struck my head.
"'I haven't!'" I defended, slowly turning redder.
"Aw, you're cute when you blush~."
"'Great, now I'm being tormented at the end of the world,'" Why was that oddly familiar? Slumping against the wall, I just stared out toward the horizon. "'I really have tried, but... nothing seemed right, you know? Perfect even!'" The universe was against me. "'Every chance I get that does fit the bill ends up falling apart, the latest was by the name of the Sky Comet Dragon, what fun that was...'"
"It doesn't have to be," Ren shook her head, turning to look at the world with me, sitting against the wall. "Sure, no girl wants some bland, unimaginative moment, but... if I'm honest, that's pretty dumb; if she's as stupidly in love with you as I've come to know, and I know a lot of stuff, then it'll work out, regardless of the time or place," Ren patted my shoulder. "Give it some thought, but don't wait - Hunters live in danger constantly with our line of work, sometimes... our own strength can't win a fight."
"'Guess that's why we work in teams,'" I joked, her knuckle bumping to my temple. "'T-thanks I'll... do my best.'" I exhaled, feeling a weighted rest in my chest.
Looking over at Yui again, conflict, complete terror, and a lot more were swimming in my head that aura sense wasn't needed. Why now at the point the world could be ending? What kind of cliche is that, universe? And 'The' question of all things! Slumping, I could hear it, muffled under the earth, the song's ghostly chime, "Man, I am really screwed."
"Zeeen, come on, what is it~?" It was always adorable hearing Yui whine, especially if it involved something valuable. I led her and Topaz through Canterlot to the Armory for a particular reason. Ren was a big help, so was Celestia; I don't know how many times I thanked them for this. The one-winged bat poked my leg, attempting to pry an answer from my smug grin. "I hate that, you and your stupid smile like a canary."
"Lucario." I hummed, chuckling as her wing missed me again. "'Just inside-'" I held my paw up to stop them. "'-really couldn't have done this without Celestia and Ren, so thank them, not me, I just cobbled the plans together.'"
"Alright, I'll bite too," Topaz sighed, using her magic to immediately pry me from the doorway, pushing it open with Yui vaulting inside, the Captain following suit as I rolled my eyes. Once inside, I heard the pair gasp and fawn over the two stands awaiting them. "No... way."
"'Yeah way, bud - ta da~'" I shook my jazz hands toward the armour stands, one more suited than the other for obvious reasons. Stepping forward and clearing my thoughts, I set up my display. "'Presenting to the lovely treasure hunter, a suit of Kirin Armor fashioned from both the normal Kirin and Oroshi last Christmas - what fun that was on my claws'" I couldn't feel them after working with the stuff.
The armour was fitted perfectly for Yui's size, a mesh of the standard Kirin's white and blue scales with a transition of dark purple and black fur for a jacket collar. Straps for the flank plates and bracers sat on the table behind the stands. The most notable piece was the helmet fixed with a sub-zero horn, a faint white mist still gathering around the forehead. It would provide quite the buff compared to the vambraces made from Acidic Glavenus from way back.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you~!" She praised earned me one kiss each and a bone-crushing hug; it was nice to know she liked it. "This is - I can't - eeeeehehe!" She squealed with stars dancing in her eyes.
"You serious, this is for me?" Topaz admired her own set though it was more to replace her helmet solely due to resources. She felt waves of awe, conflict, and admiration flooding her soul as I patted her head.
"Isn't that...?" Yui caught on as I nodded.
"'I failed to slay it but what you're seeing is a scarce helmet crafted with the few materials I gathered from Valstrax,'" I answered their lapse of silence.
Ren helped forge a helmet rather quickly with some added resources and gotta love artisans from the Old World. Modifying Topaz's standard helmet, the gold was replaced with metallic silver, the scalp angular and jagged with a dark grey visor with light red eyes and a plated mouth guard. It would give Topaz the head of an intimidating knight. While not much, the royal armour held up nicely against Monsters, so a little added dragon resistance couldn't hurt.
"Buck, I both love and hate you," Topaz chuckled lightly, rubbing her eye. "Making it really hard to refuse this little quest to slay a dragon, you know?"
I grinned, rubbing my nose. "What are friends for?"
"What indeed," She bumped her hoof to my fist, accepting this gift.
Safi'Jiiva left me without much in the way of preparations, many monsters did so, but this time, I'll be damned if I let anyone suffer for my miscalculations. What kind of Hunter would I be if I did. Besides... Looking over at Yui, who inspected her light but sturdy armour with Topaz fixing her helmet to test its weight, I felt my chest tighten. "I will ask her before my luck runs dry."
To Be Continued... |
Indomitable Journey's End | Chp. 3 - Rising Riptide | Across the stretches of Equestria, directly west of Canterlot, was a small seaside town of Lily. It was a quiet village with a small wall encompassing it, leading to sand-coloured brick houses reinforced with oak beams and pale-blue tiled roofs. However, some looked to be under reconstruction, replacing the thatch with these colourful tiles--renovations, I assumed. We drew quite a few heads, not often a bipedal wolf, a one-winged bat pony, an armoured human woman, and a Captain of the Royal Guard merrily strolled into town.
"You know, there's a joke about this scene..." I commented, arms crossed with my back against a post while waiting for the glowing Bat Pony beside me, her eye glossing over the many necklaces carved from coral and seashells. They weren't expensive but held delicate craftsmanship compared to some run-of-the-mill trinket.
"You think?" Her brow rose humorously, poking her wing against my side without looking. "When's the last time a bipedal wolf walked into town?"
"Valid point," I concurred, smiling nervously at all the staring. "Just... a little on edge about it." "I'm not used to this much attention..." My ears flopped, patiently waiting for Yui to move forward with our sightseeing; we had time. The tremors continued, but it seemed the ponies here didn't take much notice, their own issues tangible compared to mine.
"There, thank you," Yui gave a short bow to the clerk as she shuffled to stand before me; I kneeled to her height, seeing her hoof hold out what she bought. "I know it's not as 'fitting' as your old ruby, but... I never really thought about how attached you still are to it, what remnants of it remain, that is," She scratched her head under her hoof, keeping that fanged grin soft. "But consider it a good luck charm to keep you calm,"
I looked surprised, but given who I was speaking with, she saw through it wasn't hard to understand. Placed in her hoof was a black string for the necklace, the coral centrepiece triangular in shape, the deep-red tint lighter in tone due to the streaks of white that curled around its surface, forming a spiral. In the centre was a small hole. My expression of gratitude didn't do it justice as I leaned forward for her to link over my sensory organs and snout carefully. It dangled against my scarf, Yui leaning back with a bright grin. "Perfect fit!"
"Yeah... thanks, Yui," I winked with my thumb up. "An amazing treasure hunter's instincts are sharp, so I know it'll pay off."
Her cheeks turned a little pink at the praise, leaning to nuzzle my cheek. "Sweet talker for a monster hunter."
"Touche." I chuckled while her giggle swung my mood high again.
Our vessel for the trip was by the docks, a sizable ship with white sails stained with blue stripes, sailing the flag with a golden arrow crest. Far as what Topaz could tell me, its name was the Ambit.
Several guards helping me in moving supplies onto the ship, supplies, food and medical, armour included. Yui sat on the deck, inspecting her tools and magical artefacts to help cast Moon magic, gifted by Celestia herself. I had a few new remedies to mix later; certain ores and plant life from the Old World started to appear recently, so I wanted to experiment. It really bothered me since I had no clear answer for the evolutions undergoing in Equestria, hence the need for a Guild of sorts.
Topaz was directing the guards on where to drop the supplies, keeping things moving for Ren, who underwent a brief report with the ship's owner. "Guess that's the perks of being a Hunter; even sailing's a skill," I'm both impressed and jealous. "Feel a little useless..."
"I hardly think you of all people are 'useless'," Yui smiled while cleaning her tools diligently, sticking her tongue out the corner of her mouth. "We all excel at our own things; fighting monsters isn't exactly needed to prep a ship."
"I concede, you're right," Crossing my legs as I sat down in front of Yui, I let her work in peace, pulling out a small book I had in my own bag. It wasn't much, rough pictures to symbolize monsters and my knowledge of them if I ever needed to give any physical advice to anyone in passing. Plus, I catalogued how many I've hunted, a rift formed or otherwise. Now a new page remained blank at my claws, almost mockingly.
"Still drawing a blank?" Yui had scooted up beside me, leaning against my side to see my book. I held it out for her hooves, that pleased smile on her face as she flicked back over the previous entries. "It doesn't matter, you know? We've overcome unexpected fights before."
"Not with another Elder Dragon," I wished I could smile at the situation, but... "It's not like Blackveil, heck, we haven't seen another Elder Dragon since the Kirins, but this... something that can make the earth tremble is powerful... maybe even stronger than Safi-" Again, I felt something soft press to my cheek, Yui pulling away to flick my snout.
"I seriously have to spell it out for you, huh?" Yui stood up, moving to stand eye-to-eye with me, pointing her wing-tip at my nose. "Zen, even if it was that Black Dragon, Fatalis or whatever, I know you, and I know for certain you could beat it - you never needed to be the best, to know everything down to the last detail to prove to me that you are capable," Her fang poked out from her smile. "I think the person you are now is more than enough."
This mare... I sighed a lax smile, looking up at her. "How is it you're so good a pep talks today?"
She wrapped her hooves around my neck, nuzzling me back, causing my body to electrify. "I met a pretty strange human with a needless obsession with references."
"You love it." I snickered.
"Yeah, I do." She giggled back; though I wish I had a faint idea what we were up against, I didn't feel as guilt-ridden as before.
Out a sea, the wind was at our backs, proving to be a fortuitous occasion to make traction across the uncharted waters. Out on deck, with Ren happily at the helm barking shanties like a lunatic, Topaz sat with me and a map on the deck, the sun cast over our heads. "The island we're looking for is called Organ Isle; it's remote, hardly anypony's been there since... well, Princess Celestia went there once."
My brow rose. "And that was...?"
She slumped. "I'm certain my great-great-great-great grandparents weren't even born yet." There it is...
"So we're looking for a small island that no one's seen in centuries..." I blinked, shrugging. "Atleast it's a lovely day for sunbathing."
"I second that," Yui, who was lying on a towel, sighed. Her hoof rose to wave lazily. "If anything, it won't be hard to miss; no other islands are out here bar the odd dune formed from weathering and time."
"I've seen three so far," Ren appeared, dusting off her hands. "Might as well leave it to me less one of you guys wants to handle lookout from above?"
"Will do - wait," I froze, "Um, who's steering?"
She chuckled, waving a hand. "Relax, Wolfman, gotta love magic, like someone's keeping it on course for me, best ship ever." She caringly rubbed the mast.
"Magic runes are carved into the wheel," Topaz explained, drawing an invisible line with her hoof to the wheel and the ship. "They then connect to the sails, and other key devices that maintain a ship's ability to turn, adjust velocity, normal stuff - to put it simply, autopilot."
"Oooh," The three of us echoed,
"Not to call out this lovely vessel on its abilities-" Ren patted the mast again, tugging the rope that ran parallel to the beam. "-But I got one iddy biddy complaint." Ren held her hunting knife up.
"What's that?" I asked as she swiped it across the taut rope. With an audible 'snap' followed by a girly cry, a pony slammed into the deck with a groan, rope piling atop his spiralling eyes.
An ash white earth pony with a tussled, warm black mane and tail. His eyes were forest green. He wore the clothing of some bandit. Black coat with a high collar, a belt lined with pouches, and even a few hidden weapons now clattered around him.
"I think I see Canterlot..." He shook his head, blinking up with a nervous grin at Ren's devilish smirk, Topaz's scowl, and my confusion paired with Yui's. He sat up, holding a hoof up accusingly. "Now, that was very rude."
"A no-good stowaway," Topaz rolled her eyes. "I don't need this..."
"Ah-Ah-Ah, 'A no-good stowaway' would've been caught back at the docks, I'm a good stowaway," Then Ren poised her knife toward his muzzle, hooves raised in fright. "Woah, easy with the knife - I don't mean any harm, must've misplaced my ticket somewhere..."
"Really?" Yui asked, earning a deadpan from the stowaway.
"Seriously? I'm not even trying right now," The knife twisted closer. "Okay-okay, I'll spill, I was... procuring valuables from this lovely vessel of yours, honest! I don't even care why you're out here!" Now it was my turn to be suspicious of this pony.
"For a kid, he sure loves to lie at knifepoint," I summed up sardonically, his hoof pointed my way.
"Hey, I may be young, but in this world, things can get pretty rough, what with monsters roaming the land nowadays-" He froze, realizing who he was speaking with since fear shot through his body. "Y-y-you're... that wolf guy... ooooh, I really think this was above my paygrade."
"Do you even have a paygrade?" Topaz snorted.
"Nope! Just wanted to say something cool," He realized that the knife hadn't moved. "Ahem, the name's Blackjack; drop the first part, though, makes me sound like a girl."
"You sure scream like one," Yui giggled behind her wing, earning his deadpan and flustered face.
"Aren't you a laugh, clipped-wing?" That made Yui's aura turn pitch black.
"Ren, throw him overboard." Okay, she's lost sympathy for the guy, ouch.
"Hahaha, with pleasure," She yanked him by his collar.
"Woah, okay, bad touch I-I get that-" He started flailing, trying to reason with Ren while I ran to put my paws on her chestplate.
"'Let's not commit a war crime, please?'" I begged, wanting to spur the tension down a notch.
Out the corner of my eye, Jack raised his brow, tilting his head to the left a bit to peer over her head. "Um, say, anypony here read about red stars in the weather forecast?" He inquired, my speculation of his intentions shot instantly.
Rage slammed into my heart--the water below rippling against the hull sharply.
"'Get down!'" Yanking the pair away from the edge of the ship, we ducked, Yui hiding behind Topaz's amber barrier as a screaming whirl of wind slammed into the deck with a long, silver tail. The sails buckled, and waves of water shot high into the sky from the gust that flew past our heads.
Scrambling to our feet, Ren worked to bring the sails down, chuckling. "Oh, man, now that's an Elder Dragon!" I'd share her enthusiasm if a large body of water didn't surround us. The wind slammed into my fur, a shadow hovering above us with a piercing roar of metal from its beak. He followed us, my chest hot with the sheer swell of power radiating from its aura, droplets refracting in the sunlight. "Man your posts, ponies and Pokemon alike, and keep that thing clear of the sails!"
Valstrax released a jet of draconic energy, propelling himself vertically, sweeping through the open skies with devastating speeds. Sprinting to the right-hand side, starboard? I dunno - I rushed to the edge. I quickly erected Protect with my palms, holding it strong until a wave of hot wind slammed into me, shattering the barrier but effectively tossing Valstrax above the sails. At the same time, Topaz and Yui, alongside our stowaway, worked to fasten them down.
Shaking off my stupor, I dived to the bow, watching the glimmering comet readjust its course, honing on me specifically. Leaping onto the beam jutting from the bow, I spun around, my fur trembling with a crimson flurry of swords as I tossed two Aura Spheres to intercept. Valstrax tucked in his wings, performing a barrel roll between them, fanning out his metal wings with a squall. The scarlet glow gathered in his wing vents, both poised toward me like fingers.
Inhaling slowly, I brought my paws by my left hip, channelling a great deal of energy between them, much like my Aura attacks only with greater intensity, the ball of bluish light as blinding as the sun. "Focus Blast!" The sheer mass of the sphere pulled two arcs of water alongside it, colliding with Valstrax's dragon barrage, the contrasting energies expanding into an explosion between us.
Through the smoke and water vapour, I lunged with a howl, striking Valstrax across the cheek with an Ice Punch, the rime freezing sharply across his right side. Keeping the momentum, I had my left curled with yellow lightning at my knuckle, obliterating the ice, sending ripples of electricity through the dragon's body, releasing a pained wail. It tried to bite me only for my feet to press down on its beak, spinning into a roundhouse strike with Blaze Kick. The halo of embers tossing us both back through the tail nicked me, flicking me so hard I imbedded my back in the deck.
"Ow..."
"Zen!" Yui rushed beside me, helping to pry my splintered ass from my own mess. "Are you okay?"
"Is Valstrax dead?" I dizzily asked, shaking my head with a groan.
"Um... does having red-tipped wings and eyes mean yes?" She squeaked.
"Nope, nope, he's a furious boy... or girl, I'm not judging," Rubbing the dust from my eyes, I could see the Elder Dragon flying closer to the ship, circling us. The exhausts of his wings were expelling a vast amount of dragon element now, turning crimson, the eyes left a contrail similar to a Nargacuga. If it decided to use its 'Around The World' attack on us now, we'd be swimming home. "We need to ward him off, now!"
"Okay, how do we do that?" Yui asked the fabled question, one I... kind had an answer to. She noticed my lighthearted expression and quickly struck my already painful chest. "Zen, no-"
"-Only way, can't risk you guys getting seriously hurt with no way home," Much as I too hated it, what other choice did I have? It's a powerful Elder Dragon, and it wasn't dumb or some manifestation. I winked. "You can scold me later, love."
"Wait - dammit, Zen!" Yep, she's peeved.
Standing evenly on the rocking deck, I brought my right arm back, feeling it graze my cheek until a cool, cyan flame erupted from my knuckle down to my elbow. It was hauntingly cold. I had one shot, mess this up, and I'll be drowning in the deep as a Worm God once said. "Final...!" Here we go, all-in!
Valstrax spun in a blitz, rocketing toward the bow, specifically, me.
Releasing that breath, I let out all my energy. "...GAM-"
*Boosh!*
A large, pressurized torrent of water erupted from the waves, striking Valstrax with enough force to send the Elder spiralling, using a nearby sandy dune to tumble until it hopped to its feet and took off again. The Ambit swayed to our left sharply, a large shadow swooping over my head as my power fizzled out in favour of staring widely at the unbelievable sight. Glimmering scales and colourful patterns of an aquatic-based monster levelled its posture to snarl at the approaching Elder, firing another jet-stream of water to force it around to the bow.
"'A... Mitzutsune!?'" I echoed my thoughts
"Heh, colour me impressed..." Wait, Jack knew about this monster?
The Mitzutsune squared off with the Valstrax, lunging to wrap its whole body around the flailing beast, spitting a volley of water into its face before slithering under to claw at the vents on its chest. The Elder's flight began to sway greatly, diving up and down into the dark depths below momentarily with the leviathan. Seconds later, Valstrax flew from the waves, raining saltwater atop us with a howl as another streak of liquid sliced across its neck, forcing it to fly back, the fox wyvern resting just below the waves, raising its head at... portside?
Each monster challenged the other with a roar, neither willing to back down while the stationary ship rocked in the middle of the turf war. Despite the insane events transpiring, the aura the wyvern gave off felt so familiar; its anger was directed at the Elder Dragon, a sense of protectiveness in its spirit.
"Rooooar!!" Valstrax gave us a very rude farewell, inhaling through its vents until it could propel itself high above the clouds, its presence fading with every nail-biting second I watched the skies. Soon, the roar of its exhausts left my eardrums entirely. The ocean gradually settled.
"So, not to sound ungrateful, but..." Ren slowly pointed her longsword at the wyvern staring down at us. "...what now?"
Sensing the threatening stance, Ren took the Mitzutsune hissed, bubbles beginning to pop around its scales. It dived sharply, specifically splashing Ren until it surfaced again with a fountain of water. When the large splash struck the deck, the wyvern had shrunk considerably. Then my heart thundered with glee.
Blinking, big, blue eyes stared back at us with a timid smile. "Hi, Mister Wolf and Yui."
"'Mira~!'" I beamed, tackling the little pony in a hug that she returned with a giggle, nuzzling my neck. Then I recoiled. "Ack, you smell like fish."
Her head tilted to the side. "Is that bad?"
Then Yui struck the back of my head. "Be nice - Mira, it's so good to see you!" Yui embraced the little pony, who cooed at the affection.
Ren then slumped, spitting water from her mouth. "Uh-huh, quick question - The Hell is this!?"
"You know something, I've seen monsters with swords for tails, dragons that absorb energy from the world, and much more, this-" Topaz pointed at Mira. "-is just par for the course."
Realizing the questions bubbling in their heads, I spun on my knees. "'Ahem, right, kinda forgot - so you know that wyvern I said we met back in some creepy temple, turns out it was really nice,'" The pair nodded as Yui, and I waved to the docile Mira. "'This is said monster- who, unlike me, can turn from pony to monster at will.'"
Jack clopped his hooves, "This is nice - why am I not surprised you'd be here, short-stack?"
This earned him a small beam of water to the face from the wyvern who gave the thief a deadpan. "Dirty Thief."
He threw his hoof wide. "Oi, I have standards! And the name's Blackjack, though drops the first part, please." He grunted.
"Dirty Thief Jack," She... gave a smug retort? That had Yui and me clutching our sides in laughter, my paw ruffling her silky mane.
"'I missed you so much, kid.'"
"Ditto." Yui winked.
"Yeah-yeah, laugh it up," Jack then blinked, throwing a hoof my way. "Say, Wolf, you doin' okay? Lookin' a little pale?" I am? Huh...
Clutching my forehead, I swayed a little in place. "'Huh, I think I... used to... much..." Soon, the whole world spiralled, and my vision slammed into darkness. "Ugh, note to self, don't cast move less I mean to..."
To Be Continued... |
Indomitable Journey's End | Chp. 4 - Origin | When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a vast, cloudy field. My feet touched a surface I couldn't see, and the sky stretched on around me into infinity. I couldn't find my voice, it all came out empty, so I repressed my questions and let my eyes answer for me. Oh, nothing but clouds and sky, and the woman standing only a few feet away - wait.
I tried to scream, but nothing came out, yet, the armoured woman turned, giggling silently herself at the reaction that left me turning red from embarrassment. She wore dragonhide weaved together with scales and spines laced with a red undertone across studded spines, Constructing a suit of armour that hugged her nicely. Claws hooked around her fingers and toes, a pair of black wings tipped with crimson like the many accents of her armour.
The helmet was gone in place for kind, emerald eyes under ginger bangs tied up into a ponytail. She smiled at me, a great shadow cast over the clouds behind her. A large, jagged array of peaks and ominous spires of rock overlooked us. She sighed breathlessly, pointing up at the two highest spires, a valley of sorts between them. And... that same eerie melody that's bugged me for near three days. It was emanating from them.
"Who are you?" I had found my voice. She turned back, lowering her arm with a sad smile; approaching me, she raised her hand, pressing it against my... human chest. I was my old self again! I felt a steady warmth pulse at my centre, a few glimmering shards of red underneath my shirt. "My ruby's shards? Why are they...?" She pressed that same hand to my lips, her right mimicking the action on her own. All I could do was a nod to her.
She lowered her hands, constantly smiling until the sunlight over the peaks blinded us both.
*Thunk*
"Ack, who built these bunks so low?" I hissed, clutching my head as the ship rocked me awake. It appeared to be nightfall, judging by the candlelight beside me. I must've used up all my stamina in that fight. "What was that dre- eh?" Peering down at where my paw resided, I found it against the chest, rising and falling by my side.
Yui was fast asleep beside me, hugging my waist tightly as I removed my hoof from her fuzzy chest. Heavy sleeper as always, rivalling me nowadays. She snored softly against my fur, tickling me as I adjusted to rest my head on the pillow again. I loved this world, fighting Monsters, discovering treasures but... I really do like these times when it is just us. Call it corny, but I just felt... like I belonged here. Not in bed constantly, but - well, it doesn't matter.
I flicked a few strands of her mane behind her ear, seeing it flick with her eased smile. "...you really love making me worry..." Yeah, aura sense is a breeze to tell if someone's sleeping.
"Not all the time," I answered simply. Her hooves tightened.
"And that stunt you pulled, you knew it was dangerous," Yui murmured against my chest.
"I... know," That was a little quieter, my arm trapped under her neck, so I just bent it to hold her until our noses touched, herself adjusting to sit at that level. "I was scared."
"I know," She echoed, pecking my lips sweetly. "But we've been in dangerous situations before, and we've found a way, it didn't matter the place or the monster, we just did it our way," Her eyes finally opened, irises as captivating as they were every day. "So, let's do this our way."
I was lost for a moment, staring back at Yui who's ears flicked curiously. "...you're beautiful," She blushed lightly at that, giggling against my face with half-lidded eyes.
"Oh? Now you want to start buttering up to me?" She teased, scooting closer to listen as I humoured her. "I mean, you never did finish what you said a few days ago..."
"Well, let's see, I was complimenting you for being awesome-"
"I remember," She added.
"And then you said 'but', implying I had more to say," By now we left really no room between us, I ensured this time nothing would come close to interrupting me this time. Maybe now wasn't the best time, but no issue with trying to drop breadcrumbs.
"Did you...?" She faintly breathed against my lips, moving an inch closer.
"I-I... just wondered i-if someday w-we um..." Stop; Ren told you this would happen; you need to relax and just get the words out. Four words, the first big three were tough too, but I managed, I can do this! My face was beginning to boil hotter than I could control. "I-if um w-we c-c-could a-a..."
Her muzzle pressed to mine, silencing my stuttering, her cheeks rosy while keeping her purple gaze locked on me. "Don't be afraid," I flinched. Did she know...? "It took you two years to let me know about every little secret of yours; I can hardly recall every detail, but I listened, and I will continue to do so, alright?" She pulled back slightly. "So whatever it is, I can wait. Besides, I'm already happy where I am; after all, it all led me here..."
She gently pressed her lips for longer to mine, so I didn't worry, and simply enjoyed a little quiet time with my bat pony, savouring the fruity taste on her lips.
Nightfall out at sea had a certain vibrance to it. There was a clear, star-filled sky, gentle currents beneath the ship, and a captain who knew how to play the flute. Ren sat with her back to us, playing a gentle tune that carried itself to sea, filling the astral night as Topaz was clearly up at the top of the mast, her aura soothed by the song. I poked Yui, tugging her behind said post while pointing at the bow. She followed my claw, and her smile grew larger than after enjoying each other's company.
Jack sat on a barrel, facing the dark sea far and wide. "Y'know, I ain't some two-bit thief, I'm honest for a change, and I only take from greedy ponies, not my fault they left that armour lying around for somepony to snatch."
"It was still wrong," Mira argued, watching the sea below with her head on the edge of the ship. "Why did you help me?"
"Why wouldn't I help some crazy wyvern beat another crazier wyvern?" He remarked, flinching when he saw her cheek puff with possibly more water. "Ahahaha... sorry, just... sometimes you gotta take risks, do not what your mind dictates and gets with your own flow."
"My own flow?" She echoed; clearly, Mira hasn't grasped philosophy as well in all this time. I can't blame her; a monster trying to be more human isn't easy. "I... do not have one, I... travel a lot."
Jack clopped his hooves. "There it is; that's your flow! Travelling the world, seeing new places, meeting new characters doesn't get freer than that!" He chuckled, and his boisterous aura bubbled and weaved with Mira's, her ears perking up again.
"I... like that," Well, no sense in ruining their own time together. "Being free."
"He's not so bad," Yui whispered as we approached the stairs leading to Ren.
"Can't believe you wanted to toss him out to sea." My smirk caused her to trip slightly had I not caught her.
"Ahem, thanks, b-but in all fairness, we're not all mind readers here."
"Aura-"
She prodded her wing at me. "Don't you get wise with me."
"Aren't you two lovebirds adorable," Ren chuckled, lowering her flute to greet us. "Lovely night, eh?"
"'It's tranquil,'" I replied.
"Nothing for miles ought to be daylight soon, so we best find a small island to dock so we can rest," Ren stretched, not bothering to watch the water. "Do me a solid and grab Topaz; pretty sure she's asleep with a bottle up there, and I'd rather not have her being injured on my conscience."
Nodding along, I turned with a wave. "'Aye-aye, Captain.'" With that, I leapt over the railing down onto the deck.
[No POV]
Now alone, Ren casually hummed a little tune while scanning the waves for a suitable place to settle for the night. So far, their search had come up empty, no Valstrax and no rumblings; rather, none could feel them. Actually, Ren gripped the wheel tighter at the lack of any waves.
Yui smiled, watching Zen scale the mast to find Topaz. "So, enjoying being the boss?"
Ren giggled. "Love it~ Haven't been at the helm since I arrived in Val Harbor, what a day that was, even fought a big ol' Elder with a newbie too, it was something spectacular." Her mind wandered back to the great desert and the battle across its endless dunes with the monster that swam through it like water fins gliding through sand as they battled across its back. She missed that chipper Huntress and her Palico friend too. "I think if I got the chance, I'd like to go a second round against that dragon; I never did settle the score."
The treasure hunter chuckled with the woman, sitting down to look up at the stars. "Hearing you say that makes me feel a little worried about what your big dreams are - like facing a Black Dragon?" Yui suggested, seeing Ren nod in thought, eyes closed. This made her worry increase. "You're kidding me...?"
"Nope, I mean, I get it, the idea of facing these sorts of monsters to the inexperienced seems almost suicidal, but in actuality, it's just how I was raised," Ren turned the ship, adjusting to sail in a wide arc. "The Old World is teeming with monsters, many of which have killed many people; in honesty, if not for Hunters like me, we'd have been wiped out by now, but..." Gripping the handles, she spun softly, feeling the midnight breeze on her cheeks. "To be a Hunter is to embody a culture of danger - when we hear of a massive monster heading toward us, we run at the chance to meet it, to enthral ourselves to that feelin' pumping through our veins, you know?"
She saw Yui's whimsical face and stammered an awkward blush. "Ah hahaha, sorry, my brother's better at the big word talk than me..."
"No, it's alright, I feel that way when Zen talks, you both come off to be headstrong or childish, but you understand the gravity of things, like this mission of ours," She waved her wing up at the mast, seeing a bottle fly past a shadow that ducked in fright. "You both can laugh even when things are dire; you make others stronger because you don't let that fear of failure bother you."
Listening closely, Ren soon cackled out loud, scratching her cheek. "Hehehe, you keep that up, and I think I might fall for you," She teased, Yui giving a perplexed, awkward smile. "But thanks, I can see why Wolfboy's got his eye on you constantly - not just your looks."
"Eh? I-I mean I-i'm just saying what's t-true," She blushed at the implication, watching the whitette wink.
"Your secret's safe with me," Ren cooed. "Duh du d-duh..." This particular melody only served to further Yui's crimson features, hiding behind her hood and wing with a whine. "Oh, and about the 'culture of danger'..." She poked her thumb off to the left casually as a distant roar of water caught their ears.
Yui, still flustered, turned to find that part of the horizon was warped by a dark wall of water not far from the ship. The waves under them buckled from the force of a rogue wave in the distance. The sight and trembling vibrations on her ears made Yui's face drain of blood, realizing why Ren had pivoted the ship a while back. Snapping her neck around to the grinning girl, Ren merely rubbed her nose.
"...Good senses are a good payoff, heh." Captain Ren was the best captain; Yui wouldn't question otherwise.
[Zen's POV]
We made it...
There was a strange tension in the air, not around us; the land itself circulated. The sea was deathly calm despite my ears picking up on the faintest trace of that racking melody. The wind was tame, but the sky was a constant grey. The land was mostly jagged mountains and valleys. These same spines of rock jutting in the circumference of the island like teeth, waves crashed into their obstructions as we docked on a beach, one of the few available. Organ Isle.
"Alright!" Topaz drew our attention in, herself kicking another crate down the rampart. "I'd say this would be a safe place to camp, but the higher ground never hurts."
"Then we'll divide into teams?" Ren surmised, seeing the Captain nodded.
"One team investigates the island, look for clues to the monster behind all this, the other stays to handle offloading necessities for a camp, the former team we'll also handle that on the side if they want." Topaz waved her hoof side-to-side, then drew it toward the stowaway. "And you."
"Heeey, don't mind me, Capy, I'm just gonna get the lay of the-" He froze at her snort and glowing horn, pursing his lips. "You drive a hard bargain; I'll stick with the ship."
"Dirty Thief..." Mira murmured with a pout off to the side.
"Ack... alright-alright, I'll behave," He ushered our worries down with his hooves, pointing at me. "Stop reading me; I hate that look!"
"'You want to try and learn Poke-Speak, by all means,'" I grinned, seeing him deflate. "'Jack aside, I think it's best Topaz keeps him in check for us, no telling if Valstrax will show up too.'"
"You think it's connected to this island?" Yui inquired though even I lacked certainty, herself rubbing her chin with her wing. "I guess it's all a big mystery until we investigate further." It was clear she was eager to set out and explore. "I know this is tossing up a red flag, but what happens if we come across the Elder Dragon responsible for the tremors?"
"You better hope we don't," Ren warned, finishing sharpening her sword, inspecting its faces. "We're at a severe disadvantage like this, exposed, no camp, not even a lay of the land - heck, anyone else hears any wildlife yet?"
This was true; not a bird nor bug was in sight, oceanic life was present, that much I could sense, but the rest was diluted, almost barren of life across the jagged spires. To take my mind off the impending shivers, I wanted to ask Jack something. "'Say, why did you stow away on our ship, just curious?'"
He stopped looking over his cloak with a smug grin. "Well, a little stubborn monster seemed eager to get back to the waves, so I took it upon myself to follow her trail to see what fortunes could be found," It wasn't entirely dishonest, but his words did draw Mira's eyes from the ocean, hoof no longer swaying in the tide.
"You followed me?" She asked, no less confused than the rest of us.
"Well..." He fiddled with his cloak a bit. "You kinda saved my flank and felt I owed ya one; sure, fighting big monsters isn't part of my skill set, but I can be quite the info broker," He patted his chest. "Got any details or need of them I'm your stallion - though I can't exactly do much now that Capy here's got a stink eye on me."
"You'll get more than that if you keep calling me that, brat," Topaz growled, whipping sand into his face with her tail. "Zen, take Ren, Mira, and Yui further inland; I don't know what's waiting for us, but we can't waste time twiddling our hooves."
"'Sure, I can handle that,'" I gave a playful salute, seeing her roll her eyes with a smile.
"Yes-yes, and I'll handle this so-and-so thief, what little that means." Now that seemed to offend Jack, pouting himself as Mira hid a small giggle at his reaction. To remedy this while packing up my own supplies, I hummed.
"'Hey now, professionals have standards!'" I snickered, seeing Yui's expression drop, mouthing 'don't you dare'. Too late, the thief nodding in agreement.
"See, Poke... whatever here gets it! One; Be Polite," He answered, seeing my grin as Yui ran her wing down her face to cover her other eye.
"Stop, please..." She was losing this battle.
"'Hehe; Be efficient.'" I added, then he sat back on a barrel, hooves wide.
"And have a plan to beat everypony you meet - code of honour among thieves!" He crossed his heart. "I'll keep my ear to the floor."
"And I'll try not to step on his head." Topaz rolled her eyes.
"You just had to sneak one in..." Yui shook her head at my mirthful grin. "...you're hopeless."
"Nope, I'm Lucario."
"Sweet merciful Luna..." Her grovelling got worse, Ren chuckling along with me, slipping her helmet back on.
Organ Isle was a ghost landscape. The first real sign that life once existed were the plants, of course, but rather, the barren, blackened shreds of banners flailing in a breeze across certain points a pathway once navigated the sharp cliffs. It was impossible to see where to go next without them or the rotten masts used from ancient times. Within seconds, Yui was inspecting them, Ren keeping to the far back with Mira to held the smaller pony step lightly from loose points along the narrow pass.
"Strange, this wood isn't completely rotten yet," She rubbed the surface, snapping a piece off from a stump to crush in her hoof against a rock. "Still brittle - it's nothing like the trees back in Equestria."
"You can tell?" I kept our conversation private for now.
She shook her head. "I'm not an ecologist, but there's clearly something abnormal with the plant life so far, even this wood, which was processed into this mounting stick, even for centuries it's retained its shape to a degree, it doesn't make sense."
"Does anything in Equestria make sense?" I mused, seeing her smirk under her hood.
"I can say the same about your world if I ever visited." She'd be disappointed then. Following her hoofsteps, we continued to climb closer to the valley we heard the wind howling from. When we did... music was heard?
It wasn't music per se, but the wind was reverberating from somewhere beyond the mountains, like a wind tunnel, perhaps? "Sounds like wind chimes and big ones too." Ren offered, admiring the sound with her hand on her hip. "My brother and I came from a small village in the mountains, really reclusive village too, and a lot of old temples along the mountains had these large wind chimes hanging outside to, as the old monks say, 'Give the wind it's voice', they were weird but meant well."
Continuing our pace, we rounded a corner, myself stumbling into Yui, who caused Mira, then Ren to follow suit. The four of us poked our heads around to find the source of the noise, no longer howls but chimes like water droplets against a cymbal. The path widened at the foot of a large cliff overlooking the beach far below. The sunlight caught beyond the old, cracked walls of a monastery, a dark-green tiled roof along the walls with gaps in the wall suspending thick, jade windchimes as Ren implied.
The doors were left wide open, rotten and withered, left to sway for any visitors to the long lost civilisation--an old dried up creek to the left of us. I admired the sight with awe, Yui standing next to me in equal wonder to the rest. "'Another Rift-torn piece of the Old World?'"
"Looks like it..." Ren murmured, all of us slowly stepping inside to inspect further.
There wasn't much for the monastery. It appeared to be a large arena or summons plaza. Building lined either side of the mountains, built into the earth itself atop stands of various levels. Old pillars broke up the segments, some withered, others holding onto the same, tattered cloth as before. Tapestries were carved into the structures that stood against time. A long, cobblestone path leading toward what appeared to be the rest of the isle though large spires of rock told me it wouldn't lead to much more than a dead end.
Off to the right was a seaside cliff; the land collapsed into the waves below. Yui marvelled at the forgotten world, galloping to a wall acting as a mural with text and depictions of ponies... and monsters. "Zen, I think... I think this is your world's language again!" Her optimism drew us closer, and true to her word, it was. She shook my leg excitedly. "I've never seen ruins this immaculate to weathering and erosion before; i-i-it's almost too perfect!"
"You can read this stuff, Zen?" Ren asked, scratching her head, squinting at the Japanese. "Looks like chicken scratch - eh, n-no offence."
Chuckling, I stood back to find the start of the tale. "'It's all good, I agree with you on that... but it's written non-traditionally, so bear with me...'" Okay, the start is... here? I mean, there's not much to read; most of it was faded. "'Um, right, so I'm paraphrasing here, this stuff is really ancient.'"
Yui, notebook out, nodded away. "Whatever's possible."
"'So it's talking about... Equestria?'" That made things easier then.
'A needle pierced our world/A thread woven between/Two fabrics conjoined'
The mural scarred a line between a world with Monsters and one with Ponies. Something large spanned half the murals, serpent in nature, shadowing both worlds.
'The Devourer tore the fabric between/Two worlds no more/Our Darkness follows'
A large monstrosity tore between Equestria and the Old World with tattered wings, devouring the skies themselves before it slithered into a spiral, a vortex. Monsters invaded Equestria, and the Old World was cut off, leaving Wyverns to run rampant.
'Fate relished chaos/A Song of Old slumbered/Our New World left scarred'
The last detailed a... large black dragon. Another prodded its mandibles above the earth, causing paintings of mountains to shatter like glass. The last details what Equestria knew as 'Rifts', splitting the skies, twisting the land. The mural faded with time...
I leaned back with a presence on my shoulders like no other, leaning against a pillar. "'Equestria and the Old World... they've been connected for centuries by something,'" That didn't look anything close to Dalamadur; it tore reality apart, crossing two worlds. This lingering presence, was it the creatures? "'Sorry, I had to chop up a lot to decipher whatever context was left, Yui.'"
She shook her head, closing her book before tucking it back into her saddlebag. "It's fine; considering how ancient this place is, I doubt we'll find any above ruins now..."
"There's something in the air..." Mira drew our eyes, seeing the Mizutusune sniff the air around her, features glum. "Old and angry."
"The Elder Dragon?" Ren inquired, but Mira's face scrunched up, befuddled by whatever she could smell that I couldn't.
"Maybe, the mountains are stained in many scents; I do not know which is the monster," She sighed, brushing her mane aside. "I'm confused."
I wanted to go and comfort her but my legs rooted to the cobblestone, the rest beginning to fan out as I held my breath. My eyes were lost in a dark sea overflowing with blue shapes. It hung over the temple, past the peaks and toward the ocean waves. Something was disturbing them all. I focused again, hearing the windchimes bellow as one from a strong current.
"Zen?" Mira noticed my blank face.
"'Listen...'" I murmured, holding my paw up. It was faint, but... it was coming.
A large boom rocked the air as the sound barrier was torn through. A piercing silver arrow came from the side of the mountains as its red glare flew high above the clouds, arcing downward with a prideful wave of spiritual energy. The clouds parted, and the battlefield released a whirlwind from the monster that crashed from orbit, static bolts of crimson tingling in the air. The dust was sucked back into a glimmering vent upon its chest; wing blades splayed high against the afternoon sun.
Valstrax had arrived.
"Urrrraaawr!!" Valstrax's metallic scream rattled the skies, releasing a small burst of draconic light from its vents, locking a glare upon us.
"'Round three,'" I murmured before it hopped back slightly, bringing the right-wing down on me like a blade, tossing me behind the rest in a split second. "'Tag in...~!'" I wailed while tumbling backwards.
Valstrax lunged, chomping down on Ren's blade to toss her across in the stands while swinging itself around to swat Mira and Yui aside. Mid-turn, it took Ren's slant followed by a strong arc to the ankles, hopping back to deliver the same attack it used on me had my bo staff not intercepted, striking its face as I caught it mid-twirl, lunging down sharply across its jawline while Valstrax charged over me, ignoring Ren's attacks to turn to us, inverting the wings like claws.
It slammed the left down on my Protect, the other thrust forward like a rocket to abrade against Ren's breastplate. I rolled out from under the wing, diving into a helix spin to evade between the curved swiped of the wings, dragonblight electrifying my fur as I landed for a Blaze Kick straight to the next downward slam, parrying the wing as Valstrax turned to find a water beam crashing straight into its chest, causing it to gag and reel back from the large Mitzutsune slithering around the ruins.
"Attack the vents before it becomes enraged!" Ren declared, thrusting forward to wedge her blade against its flank, vaulting over another slash of the wings to bring her longsword through its lower back, carving a crimson glint through the Elder's body shattering a few scales. Valstrax snarled, standing back on its hind legs to fire a barrage of dragon energy from its wings, blowing Ren and me away from its underbelly while Mira slammed into the Sky Comet, biting down on its neck until it spread its wings again.
"Yui!" I yelled for, firing two Aura Spheres to batter Valstrax's beak.
"You got it -" She closed her eyes on the stands, holding her hoof out toward the underside of the flailing monsters, pulling at the shadows. "-Tenebris Hamo!"
A dark grey seal rose from the shadows, several spindly hands latching onto Valstrax's limbs before it could take flight. It worked, or until it narrowed its gaze on her, thrashing until it freed its right-wing, slicing across Mira's collarbone, using a burst from the vents to send her flying into Yui, luckily; she avoided the collision, but her focus on the spell fizzled away, releasing Valstrax as it flew away from mine and Ren's weapons, unleashing a volley of energy blasts that I blocked with Quick Guard. However, the force still shattered my protective move.
"You guys alright!?" Ren called, dousing us both in Armorskin and Demonpowder, the flakes of amber and crimson brushing by.
"We're good if not a little pride is broken!" Yui actually quipped? She's been around me too often.
Bringing my spiked paws together, I saw Ren cover her ears. "Metal Sound!" The ear-racking screech worked as intended, utterly discombobulating Valstrax. Ren rushed it, slipping with a crimson stroke of her sword, slicing in a double helix through its chest and legs, rolling back to deliver a rising slash, knocking Valstrax into Mira's water pulse, the beam slicing across its neck like a blade of water. "My turn..." Closing my eyes, I drowned out any sound, feeling the world with nothing by my aura.
"Calm Mind. Nasty Plot. Swords Dance. Work Up. Bulk Up-" My body began to heat up, everything was sharp and defined. "-Iron Defense. Agility. Laser Focus. Substitute." Upon opening my eyes, a nigh unbelievable amount of power drew Valstrax's focus, swiping Ren away with its tail. I grinned back, a flurry of wisps forming a multicoloured aurora around my body, my feelers floating in the air. "Extreme Speed."
In turn, Valstrax releasing a large amount of draconic light from its chest, the vents and exhausts along its wings tinted red, blazing like a rocket, even its irises were smothered in dark red energy. Valstrax flew up into the air, unleashing a barrage upon us while I vanished in a haze, avoiding the detonations using the pillars to leap high, striking with my right foot extended forward.
"Blaze Kick!" The streak of embers collided with a wing, knocking us back while I used two Aura Spheres to propel myself forward. "Ice-Thunder Punch!" Thunder crashed and ice crystallized in my palms, bringing them down after a front flip over its wings, smashing them atop its forehead, dropping the Elder Dragon into the earth below.
He recovered, slamming into the earth with a halo of crimson energy, releasing it a blasting ring around him. That red glow persisted as it narrowed its eyes upon my Bone Rush and me, spinning forward to parry the wing's bladed thrust, Ren working alongside me to divert the follow dragon blast into one of the ruin walls instead. I gave Ren a subtle nod of my hand, flicking my paw behind me as Yui rode atop Mira's back, the pair retreating from Valstrax's wings, the jagged exhausted slapping the earth as it chased them down.
"Hey!" I spun my staff around, lobbing it like a boomerang at its head, causing Valstrax to recoil from the pillar, snapping its attention toward me as it propelled upward to crash where I previously stood, thrashing its tail into my forearms that I immediately backhanded away with a Metal Claw, using my left hand for a Quick Shield to parry a claw swipe a moment later. It was frantic and far more precise than any monster I've encountered.
Diving back into a helix twist, I slashed at its eyes with Shadow Claw, the darkness shrouding the wing as it shaved a few hairs off my head, performing a handstand over the wing while the other swept down to pierce the earth under me. Rolling forward, I Retaliated, releasing a pent-up amount of energy to batter the underside of Valstrax, sliding between its legs to avoid its wings, dashing up the staircase as it gained on me quickly.
I wrapped my arms around a pillar, flipping away from the draconic blast that rippled and tore apart one of the remaining buildings. Pressing both feet against the concrete, I developed a section of the column in bronze light, punting the layer into Valstrax's jaw, knocking the beast away and into the stands with a groan, the tail slicing by to sever the pillar, myself tumbling away from its collapse.
When Valstrax pivoted from my Aura Spheres, he shrugged off the dust, inverting his wings for a cross-chop, forcing me to suck in my gut as I dived between them, cheeks puffed out with a sudden, hot sensation in my mouth. "Hyper...!" I snarled; Bue and amethyst static gathered around my lips. "BEAM!!" The massive cone arced its way toward Valstrax, or it would have, had it not shifted right, bringing its left wing in a wide arc to slam into the ground ahead of me, the force knocking me across the arena.
"Zen!" Yui's aura was dripping with panic, but... it was okay. I coughed, pushing up with my elbows to chuckle, the metallic stomps the Elder Dragon pausing as it shadowed my glowing form retaining its refined state.
"Looks like you're outta power," It flexed its wings, noting the lack of excess dragonblight, and its soul trembled slightly, even if only for an instance. "Well?" I raised my arms, shuffling to my feet. "I'm standing right here." Terror shivered down my spine at its rising right appendage, ready to crush me under its talons; I stifled that fear, waiting and place all my hopes on this risky plan. "..."
A crimson glow expelled from the exhausts, rocketing his right side forward, straight into the rolling cloud of mist. I felt the wind breeze past me, the plume of smoke releasing the countered Elder straight into the minefield of bubbles Mira flung in its direction. The soapy substances clung and popped, gunking up the exhausts, stretching between Valstrax's wing talons. At the same time, it stumbled about, squeaking angrily though even that caused it to gag, the vents on its breast popping bubbles while the heat from its dragon element worked to evaporate the substance.
Mira coiled herself around its body, bearing her teeth with tension plastered across her face. Unfurling herself, she threw Valstrax across the ruins into a cherry red streak that curled like a crescent moon, slicing dozens of scales with a single blow, Ren's boots sending sparks flying from the sheer velocity of her Iai Slash, knocking the Sky Comet down the stands toward my roaring Mega Kick, the crimson splash pulverizing the scales on the left side of its face, gouging out the eye. At the same time, my bones groaned from the contact of metal against metal.
"Graaaah!" I whined, clutching my leg from the unpleasant vibrations. "I feel like I gong - ugh, M-Mira, switch!" I muttered out in my stupor.
Our resident leviathan curled her upper body down, soaking the cobblestone with a rising blade of water, slicing through many more of Valstrax's scales, knocking it onto its hind legs. However, mine and Mira's eyes widened as the bubbles cleaned themselves from their wings, releasing the red glare upon us in a shower of blood-red light, the heat sending us flying into one another, ripping up much of the concrete in the process.
Valstrax howled wildly, releasing a breath that sent it flying into the air like a rocket, shooting through the clouds with a ring behind it, breaking the sound barrier. I realized what was coming, pushing off of Mira to take center stage, feeling all its hatred and might fluctuating toward my back. I had made far too many gambles to be healthy for the human mind, but that's never been something I considered in the heat of the moment. Threading the needle was all I knew felt right in the sense of things, even if it wasn't always healthy.
The scarlet comet broke the sound barrier once more, high above in the great gold sky. I hopped around, hands raised with a great, silver forcefield ahead of me, my lingering buffs holding strong for a moment longer; the die was cast ambiguously. I hardened my glare as the blazing red Elder Dragon tore above the ruins, collapsing several weak structures, even the outcry of my friends was mute against the screaming wind that let out a seismic crash against my Protect. I swore I saw everything in my life rush through my pupils at once.
"Move forward... regret nothing... and smile."
Valstrax's collision course with my smaller frame felt like a hot anvil was shot from a cannon, splintering the barrier between us with ease while stinging hot air tried to force itself down my throat, burning against my eyes locked with the comet that forced my heels back. My fans were bare, muzzle crinkled with an animalistic growl, holding back this hellish might. I screamed with all I had left in my throat. My heart practically about to burst! "COUUUUNTEEEEER!!!"
To conflict with the malice and unstable red world, my fist curled, the point of my spike releasing a blinding veil of silver light, wrapping around my knuckle and across my arm as I fought back with its own diminishing strength. The barrier was atomized, two gargantuan arcs of light intersecting as my knuckle met its scarred beak, expunging the last of its dragonblight that stung my nose, blood flying from my teeth. At the same time, the same was released from its own from the sheer pressure my knuckle compressed.
The excess energy pulverized the earth under us. High above the devastation, Ren's eyes glossed over us while I fell past the Elder Dragon, its nape left completely exposed to the razor edge of her longsword curved in a single, rose slant through the battered and shredded hide. What little energy Valstrax had left to give was sent forth to knock Ren away from its legs, stumbling away with blood dripping down its neck, the linger crackles of dragon energy hissing within its dying exhausts as it approached a seaside cliff.
"grr..." Even its roar was strained, attempting to stand tall as I panted, clutching my arms with Life Dew and Heal Pulse, working in tandem to fix my broken wrists and possibly broken everything from how every inch of me flared with pain. Valstrax's lifted its head, meeting my scarlet eyes with its remaining deep blue.
Acceptance was all I could sense.
It lost its footing, swaying down toward the crashing waves below, out of my sight and aura sense range.
The wind was hushed, a gentler song ringing the large windchimes further back. I guess even Equestria understood it wasn't just out for blood, then why was it here? Lulled by the same song Mira and I heard? I almost regret slaying it now. Beside me, Ren stumbled to sit on her haunches; arms rested upon her knees.
"You okay?" She asked, not taking her eyes off the cliff it once stood proud by.
"Yeah... just tired," I sighed, smiling weakly. "Nice moves."
"Ditto, Wolfman," She winked, nudging my shoulder though I held back my wince; instead, I focused on healing and avoiding the anger swelling behind my head. "Think if we sit like this, we'll be invisible?"
"Hmm, ten seconds tops." Ren chuckled anxiously, almost turning had I not shook my head.
"Don't make eye contact, savour this," From the pan to the fire, as they say.
To Be Continued... |
Indomitable Journey's End | Chp. 5 - Our Final Hour | The campfire crackled before me, Ren finishing with her medical care for me long ago, now I let my scarlet eyes linger on the embers. We posted our camp just outside the monastery, the wind chimes singing their alluring song while the stars lit our world with their glare. I continued to jot down notes on Valstrax with a solemn face, taking a bite out of the fish that Mira collected for us. Herself munching away on another beside me in her Mizutsune form, the deceitful stowaway against her stomach, drinking while staring up at the stars.
"Y'know, today marks the strangest time of my life, and I've had some strange stories - ever meet a pony with two metal legs and an eye? His sword could split whole hillsides in two with a flick!" He whisked the air with his hooves, clopping them before he fell back, Mira reverting back to her pony state. "Could've warned me, Short-Stack."
She stuck her tongue out but chose to sit next to him, curious eyes wide with wonder. He lowered his forehooves, having expected her to blast him with another water beam, "What other things?" Her tail wagged as he blinked, chuckling.
"W-well, I can share a few, met a mare who could control ice, turn even the hottest day into winter with just a breath!" He proclaimed happily, and he wasn't lying, at least from his perspective, besides, Mira looked positively enthralled so I won't ruin her fun.
"Nice work-" Ren pipped up next to me, taking a sip of her personal ale while Topaz mulled over her mission reports, jotting down her own documents for when we returned. And that was a murky 'when' given our only progress was the death of a nomad dragon. "-Looks just like his marking from the Guild."
"'It is,'" I agreed, shading the symbol of a Valstrax pouncing, wings and tail curled downward. "'When it comes to carpentry, survival, and remembering hundreds of Monsters and their abilities I'm your man or Lucario in this case.'"
She placed her helmet on the log, stroking her pearl-white bangs. It was strange how similar she and Summer were, say for the shorter hairstyle. Her rough hand slapped my back. "Hey, don't sell yourself short! I'd have loved to have met you in the Old World, maybe then I could get over my pyrophobia faster." I heard that, despite her improvement, Ren still feared large fires, that Glavenus she and Topaz fought was a small step, and that was months ago.
"'I'm afraid of isolation, cramped spaces too,'" I admitted, closing my book. "'What really matters if how we chose to confront those fears instead of neglecting them.'"
"You said I could live up to the title of a Hunter," Topaz butted in, not once lifting her head while her magic held out pages for her to inspect. "Even if I was doubtful of myself, you still saw that in me."
She stared for a moment longer, then nudge my shoulder to offer a comforting grin. "Appreciate that you two - though I think one of us needs to take their own advice; eh Wolfman?" Her finger prodded forward through the flames.
"'I know...'" I sighed, admitting defeat as I slumped on my seat, seeing the lone figure closer to the edge about one hundred yards from the camp. My stomach knotted, "'But how do I face that?'"
Ren folded her arms, pursing her lips. "Can't say, I'm not a romantic," I slumped further to the ground had her hand not petted my head. "But, as your awesome friend, I think if anyone can confront that hurdle, it's you, and only you."
What was there to lose? Sucking in my breath, I stood up as her hands clapped for me. Mira, alongside Jack, observed me too, with the added detail of a Topaz's presence against my back as I left the camp to find Yui enjoying the moonlight alone. I rubbed the coral necklace gingerly, praying for some of that luck Yui blessed it with.
The waves struck the base of the cliff, the endless curve of a dark horizon with a sky dazzled by distant stars and Luna's moon. Yui kept her hood down, turning to look at me with a blank expression that slowly warped to a smile. "Doing better, dummy?"
I rubbed my nape sheepishly. "Yeah, I deserved that," Sitting down next to her I hung my legs over the edge. "And you?"
Her left shoulder rolled. "A little sore, but manageable - huh?" She blinked as I wrapped both my arms from the back across to her chest, a soothing, baby blue light shimmering over her bruises, reducing their swelling and leaving my girlfriend in a state of serenity, coughing into her hoof. "Thank you, Zen."
"Anytime," I winked, pulling away to fiddle with my paws. "And... sorry for making you worry again."
"Same," She chuckled, playing with the dirt by her hooves. "I guess I've just gotten a little protective that I'm always forgetting you're like a hundred times stronger than a pony." Her mirth lifted my spirits slightly.
"It keeps me grounded though - I'm not invincible, I think that's what Taka drilled into my head before we parted ways - or what she wanted to say," Not much could've been spoken before the connection was torn apart, her aura hazy but Taka's always meant more than what her brash personalty told. "I could honestly use some of her 'tough love' one more time," I crossed my arms, holding one finger up with a stroppy face. "Ahem, 'Don't go whining 'cause you got hurt, buck up and keep moving, you shut-in neet'! Something like that."
Yui giggled into her hoof, "Didn't you work at your parents' place, a cafe, right?" Nodding, I scratched my cheek.
"Yeah, but I spent my holidays locked in my room playing games, only time I ever when outside was to my own benefit or if the others insisted," I admitted with a nervous grin. "My living conditions weren't something to aspire to."
She laughed with me, rolling her eyes... or one visible eye. "Try explaining to my parents why my room was littered with junk I argued was 'treasure' when growing up," Yui rubbed her forehead with a groan. "Luna above... my Grandad just laughed as my Dad was trying to make heads or tails of how I snuck so much stuff past two ex-Night Guards."
"So we both weren't social creatures, no wonder we're perfect together," I mused, choking a bit at that last part considering why I sat here.
She nuzzled my arm. "Wouldn't have it any other way, my Guardian." She cooed at my blush - she's gotten far too good at this flirting.
"Stop beating around the proverbial bush," Looking around, no one bothered us, not even Topaz nor Ren snooped around in the dark. We were alone in the moonlight. This scene, it... was breathtaking. Not even a tremor or vocal deep below the earth. "She's right there, tell her."
I laughed a little, lifting my head. "You know, a part of me still thinks I'm about to wake up," Was that silly? Probably, but given how surreal this world is can I really be blamed? "That I'll be laying upside down off my bed, staring through that crack in the blinds as all this fades to a vague memory," A shiver of fright passed through me. "It's scary - especially when we're up against something as terrifying as an ancient Elder Dragon."
Before I allowed Yui to act on her pained look, I held up my finger. "However! Even if by some minute chance that were true..." I lost myself in her alluring gaze, smiling gently. "I wouldn't forget a single thread of it, and, I'll live this fantasy for as long as I can, to... the very ends with you."
Seeing Yui's expression rise with a hint of crimson was always great to see because there is no possibility in my mind that her smile wasn't real. And... I knew what I wanted to ask, I had to because she's worth risking over stupid, destructive thoughts. Months I've sat like this, questioning every little detail like it was the meaning of life or something. It really just boiled down to one simple fact. A scary one, but that was okay.
Failing to suppress my own anxiety, that, and the blood rushing to my face as I fiddled with my scarf. "Y-Y-Yui, can I-I ask you a question, j-just a small one?" I pinched my claws close while she giggled.
"Like you had to ask," Her wing motioned for me to ask away.
"R-right, I-I-I wanted to know - erm, wanted to ask i-if you - um..." My words were like needles in my throat, twisting in my chest. Say it. "I wanted t-to..." Say it!
The moonlight refracted off the ocean below, the bioluminescent algae casting an undertone of sky blue under her body. She looked... stunning, smiling at me patiently without a hint of worry to trickle off her soul. I closed my mouth, hand taut at the object I kept hidden under my scarf.
"When this is over, I was hoping Celestia would help me and Ren finally make good on establishing a Hunter's Guild here, heh, I can't fight every monster alone, not forever that is," The reality was clear, but that wasn't what mattered. Not even the threat we faced; only her. "But, before that... Yui..." Just say it...
Her smile was calming. "Take your time," I felt my throat collapse, did she know? "I will always wait because you did for me so many times."
I was scared.
Something warm held onto my shoulders, it was brief, but a strange pressure calmed my nerves with their presence. As though five hands pushed me onward down my own road again. I swallowed a lump I never noticed.
But I was done waiting.
The moon didn't really capture the same sight as the necklace embroiled with silver. At the centre was a matching ring. It took countless days of trial and error on my part to find the exact gemstone I needed but it was worth it, Rarity is the best. Like my own, before her hung a pristine, silver ring with an amethyst centre infused to the metal, the gem filling the middle of the ring perfectly.
All or nothing, "...will you marry me?"
To my confusion, Yui giggled behind her wing. "I told you, you're cute when you're flustered," This again, really? My subtle deadpan only made her laughter last a few seconds before taking her wing down, face overflowing with affection that could kill. "Of course, you dummy."
"Could do without the insults, this is taking all my will not to curl up into a ball." I winced as she bent her head, allowing me to apply the necklace as she did with me a day ago. Once fitted, the light caught on the amethyst as it did with mine. A matching pair. "Consider this as a token of our bond." I winked; though Yui continued to admire the precious gem in her hoof, I didn't read her aura this time.
"Always," Yui was on me in a heartbeat, wrapping her hooves around my neck tightly while nuzzling my collarbone. The largest weight of all felt paper-thin now it could've been humorously. Embracing the treasure hunter, I closed my eyes, enthralled in only her on this mysterious island. "I love you..." She whispered.
"Love you too, always," Replying equally in the moonlight.
The next day we returned to the monastery to investigate further, Topaz, and Yui armoured up for whatever was ahead. Yui attached to my hip the whole way though I didn't mind one bit. Her tail intertwined with mine as the aftermath of our battle with Valstrax left quite the scars across the lost civilization that marked the very beginning of two worlds colliding. "It's strange, there's not much else to find other than what's in the buildings..." Yui frowned, rubbing her chin. "Any luck!?"
"No dice!" Topaz waved from the left-hand side.
"Place doesn't have much value, all of its been reduced to dust," Even Jack was stumped, tossing a rock back down a hallway as he sat on the steps. "Face it, One-Wing, no pony's left anything for us but a few paintings and bones if we're lucky."
Though Yui's expression said otherwise. "That can't be right, this place is too significant in history to us... stop?"
"He's got a point-" Ren shrugged, leaning against a pillar. "-this island's been collapsing by the looks of things so whatever might've been here's fallen to the bottom of the ocean."
It was a disappointment to be sure, yet, I shared Mira's unwavering lower. "'Where's that song?'"
My question stopped everyone dead in their tracks. Mira opted to speak. "I had to come here, it called to me, but it stopped yesterday when we arrived."
"'Not a single tremor either,'" I reminded them. Nothing stirred since, rather, it didn't need to.
"Say, this any good?" Jack, who appeared to have wandered off during the moment, waved a large scale at us. At first, I thought it was one of Valstrax's, though Mira's reaction to slapping it from his hoof was worrisome. "Okay, rude, what did I do this time?"
"'That worries me when you say that...'" I muttered off to the side.
"Elder Dragon, very old," She hissed at the scale. Upon closer inspection from all of us. Ren looked lost, unable to place it while lifting the object. It was a pale, sickly yellow hue, a tint of white around the edges. What startled me was the energy that lingered much like Safi'Jiiva's. Potent, and ancient. "It's here..."
"Huh, that serious? Well, guess I'm tagging out," I blinked, following his hoof waving us away. "I ain't got the methods to take on some dragon, heck, that one you fought before nearly blew half the mountain atop me and Capy over here - I ain't takin' that bet with my life."
"'Jack, wai-'" I murmured, meeting his emerald orbs that gleamed with earnest.
"I'll level with ya, I only came here for my own gain, least I can do is keep your gear from tumbling into the ocean, right?" Jack grinned, heading toward the exit. "You guys just do what you gotta do - I'll get a good seat for the show."
"There it is..." Topaz grumbled.
"Be careful..." Mira's worry was met with his eye over his shoulder.
"Ditto, Short-Stack," His tone was softer though, taking his leave of the battleground.
"If he's anything like me he'll know to handle himself properly," Yui assured the resident leviathan, turning to me. "Zen?"
Shaking my head, I felt nothing. "'Not even a shift'" It was unlike any Elder Dragon I've seen, masking its aura so easily it made me appear as though I were an amateur. "'All the signs point to this island but now there's not even - wait'" Placing my paw on the cobblestone, I pushed my aura downward, focusing solely on everything under then the surface of the mountain instead.
Deeper and deeper, my senses punctured the crust, slithering through caves and stone for more than subtle signs of life- !!!
My whole body let out a shutter, almost forcing me to empty my stomach from the tremendous force that called back, crashing into my chest. Terror threw my body back into Ren, the song's deafening wail louder, permeating the cliffs from every direction. "Zen - the song!" Yui helped me sit upright with Ren, wiping the sweat from my trembling brow. "Zen, look at me, breathe..." Her words helped me focus again, drawing back my overloaded senses. "Where is it?"
"'U-under us,'" My words dropped an anvil in our hearts, the song increasing in volume, distant spires quaking from the force that split the earth from below. Picking myself up, I coughed, "I-I'm good... oh boy," Shaking off my stupor I soon heard the pinkish skies howl with a foreboding melody, one that wailed and dipped like a song of death. The very tune causing the dirt under my paws to tremble. Ren quickly stood with Topaz, hand clasping her sword while said guard kept her flank against the woman's leg as the ground shook harder. "I remember now..." My eyes widened considerably, enough to make my throat dry. "It's Him - brace yourselves!"
*BOOOSH!*
A great shadow enveloped us all under two large, rocky hands curled in the sky from the earth. Their thick digits fanned wide with another deathly howl from the beast before the tips sunk into the earth, tearing half the temple's plateau down with it, shattering the foundations of the mountain like glass. The only thing I could sense was rage, pure and everlasting hatred that tore through the crust and broke apart the edge of the land. Once the appendages sank away, I scooped Yui as Ren did with Topaz, the two of us bracing for the sudden loss of gravity as the ground under us jutted upright.
The large drop below was a haze of dust and debris, the two of us sliding toward the edge until it broke apart into pieces. I leapt to the right, rolling down the slab until I could propel us onto a smaller rock and back onto a thin road of granite and across to another segment before rolling down and across solid ground again. Ren wasn't far, performing the same landing as I with Topaz looking a little greener but safe. Setting Yui down she smiled graciously at me, turning as I did to face the shadow over us once more. Mira in her monster form, shaking off the rubble from her back.
"This is it, huh?" Yui murmured, I just nodded dumbly, conjuring Bone Rush in a heartbeat.
The massive, angular digits threshed, discarding the remaining debris and dust with a subtle vibration in the air that tickled my feet. The Elder Dragon was armoured head-to-toe in thick rocks, sand, and other minerals. The form of its head is mostly impossible to make out. Most distinctively, instead of wings, it had adapted its appendages into a four-fingered hand-like structure. The 'hands' folded against its sides as it roared down at us, the very vibrations splitting the earth slightly under us.
"The Earth-Singing Wyvern-" I grimaced, my body roaring crimson with a pair of astral swords above us. "-Shara Ishvalda."
"Hahaha, let's put an end to this melody!" Ren grinned challengingly. I couldn't agree more, rubbing my ring sharply.
To Be Continued... |
Indomitable Journey's End | Chp. 6 - To The Very Ends With You | "Scatter!" Ren screamed, diving in time to evade between the large, rocky fingers scraping through the earth around us.
The source of the First Song, and the recent seismic activity, an Elder Dragon so ancient that its very presence made mine feel so insignificant. Shara Ishvalda. I hooked my claws into one of the digits, scaling the large beast until I was above its head, lunging with a spiralling axe-kick, releasing a halo of scarlet in my wake, chipping more off its thick armour. Shara growled, shifting its weight to one side, dragging the length of its body across the battlefield as Ren vaulted over with her longsword; Topaz and Yui skirting around, one casting magic simultaneously with her blade slants. Meanwhile, Yui used another of those creep hand attacks to yank the Elder Dragon by the tail, tugging it toward me.
Clasping my paws together, I sent forth a large Aura Sphere, the explosion shaving more minerals from its face, Ren working her way underneath to hack away at its underbelly, slashing in wide, frantic arcs. It suddenly lurched back, tucking its wings close to practically levitating off the ground, slamming down with enough force to toss Ren across the arena, sand flying everywhere as it crawled from the pulverized stone, vibrations causing the rock to solidify in seconds under it.
"How did - what - huh!?" Yui's mind broke, moon opal in hoof.
"'It uses vibrations through its wings, that's how it causes earthquakes!'" I relayed, diving back from a lumber claw swipe, followed by a chin slam. Using the duality of Calm Mind and Nasty Plot, I let the contrasting colours intertwine. "'It's using the earth as an armour, and it can turn granite to sand and back with ease - oh, like that!'"
Shara bellowed again, plunging its wings into the earth to send bone-trembling vibrations through the island, reducing half our solid ground to sand for it to sink into partially. Charging a great deal of light into my claws, I plunged Focus Blast through the side of its massive head, marring much of the bluish rock as large chunks fell away, tossing the wailing Everwyrm across the arena and into a nearby wall that Ren finished scaling, utilizing a ledge to hoist herself over the tumbling behemoth for a Spirit Helm Breaker down the large section of its throat, leaving a blinding barrage of aftershock blows across Shara.
"Get outta there!" Topaz warned, Ren, realizing the wind was honing down to flatten the area had a glistening pink, and white Mitzustune not slithered in to catch the huntress before the 'hand' could crush her. Topaz wiped her brow, avoiding the sandpits as Mira spun around with Ren on her back, producing a pressurized beam to shear through the sand and carve down Shara's body as though it were a blade. Although, despite the many wounds, the Elder Dragon didn't look tired at all, rising to send tremors through the converting sand, causing the pits to erupt like geysers.
"'Here'" I placed my paw on Ren, seeing Life Dew clean her cuts and bruises in seconds. She gave a wink then lobbed herself off Mira's back, our party divided by Shara charging between us like a bull, using its wings to thresh the air, the pressure tossing all of us on our asses. I slid onto my knees, darkness crawled around my forearms. "'Shadow Claw!'"
Shara craned itself toward me in time to see a vial fly from Yui's direction over its back, it burst with a blinding white light, throwing off its leg's swing. My body blurred, time crawling as I dived across its side, slashing in a frenzy, utilizing the gradual swipe of the leg to climb its body again, Extreme Speed rocketing me high above the monster. Topaz levitate rocks toward Mira who used her tail to swat them toward me. Grinning, I accepted their gift, bronzey-orange wisps tracing my legs.
"'Brick Barrage!'" The unique move meant I had to twist my body into a helix, punting the rocks at a devastating velocity into Shara's vertebrae, seeing it ruffle from the bombardment. Meanwhile, Ren unleashing an Iai Slash to draw herself close to its chin, promptly amputating said chin before swinging in a series of diagonal slants, finishing with a rising slash to parry the leg that forced her legs to buckle.
The Everwyrm howled in rage, rising on its hind legs to unearth an ungodly cry as it met my gaze descending. My right arm folded with a sickly hue, turning dark purple as I sent a needle of venom to gouge out the edge of its forehead, Poison Jab immediately taking effect while I slid down its back, evading the charge with both wings forward, mowing down whatever it could find.
Idea. "'Jack, can you hear me?'" I pushed my thoughts further than the battle, dulling my senses as Yui showered me in opal dust, enveloping me in a lucid veil. I gave a thumbs-up as she aided the others. Mira riding Shara, spurting water through the cracks in its armour, tearing larger portions from the moving mountain. Ren and Topaz fighting side-by-side, blades drawing as one unit down its stomach, rolling away from another levitating slam, the wings attempting to pluck Mira off, though the leviathan slipped through the gaps with her bubbles.
"Loud and clear; What is up, Wolf?" His voice was rather laid back given the circumstances.
"'Got an important job - find me a large ledge overlooking us, any at all?'" My inquiry made him hum.
"Specific... alright, tsk-tsk-tsk, ah-hah, to your left, eleven o'clock." Following his guidance, I spotted a massive portion of what remained of the upper level we fell from. It dangled a shadow across the middle of the arena. "Anything else while I'm enjoying the show?"
I chuckled. "'No, thanks.'" Cutting our connection I turned to my friends, Yui hopping between the wings, kicking through the sandpit before Shara's roar caused it to erupt, flinging Topaz back sadly. Sprinting toward Shara, I pushed my aura against its own, seeing it slow its rampage to follow my scent, the veil fizzling away as I held onto Bone Rush, expelling a large portion of my energy into its tip. "Hyrah!" The spear plunged into its head, though that did little in impeding the large wing barreling toward me.
"Zen!" Ren rushed to my aid but I held firm, bringing my right palm high with an orange sheen, holding the wing in place with my bare hand, the ground under me sinking a few centimetres while I applied the same force to my left, puffing out my cheeks, bones groaning.
"Tsk - I-Ice Punch!" My own small glacier manifested, piercing between two fingers while locking the wing in place for only a second, freeing me. I hadn't the time to check my injuries. We had to end this fast! "'Everyone, use your strongest attacks on the western wall, now!'" When I met Yui I immediately picked her up in my arms despite how heavy her Kirin armour appeared. "You and me, Yui!"
She blinked, then smiled. "Always," She adjusted to hold onto my back as I kicked my speed up a notch with Quick Attack, hurdling over several boulders flung from Shara as it gave chase, attempting to block our escape with a wing carved through the wall. Feeling my legs tense, I leapt between two digits, pivoting to anchor my Metal Claw into the back of the wing, lifting us high into the air, meeting the Everwyrm's outcry, using its other wing to swat us, or it did until it realized a large gathering of bubbles gunking up the wing, sticking to the cracks thicker than webbing. Even its left leg stumbled, slipping on the soapy substance.
Twisting my arm, I tore through the minerals, giving Yui ample time to toss a moon opal at its head, the dust from the cracked stone showering its rugged form. She squeezed her hoof around me tightly. My off-hand beside her hoof. "Meditor!!" Our chant shrouded its head in mist, forcing the body to lurch west, myself landing atop its back, catching myself as it stopped just before the heavily scarred mountainside.
Mira evaded under a wing, however, Shara anticipated this, kicking her across the arena with its back leg, Ren wasn't fairing much better, her sword was starting to deflect with every stroke into thicker deposits, same with Topaz. I didn't need to read Yui to know she shared my determination, running up the arching body of the Elder Dragon. She hugged me tightly, giving me that needing morale boost as well as some of her aura as it gathering around my spikes as a soft, lilac glint.
Using Retaliate to weaken the rocks surrounding its face, I hopped from its head to the nearby cliff, ricocheting to meet its deflated form with my fist swirling with crimson-amethyst light. "Mega..." My knuckle met the rocks, effectively reducing them to dust under an expanding ring of our colours. "...Punch!"
Shara let out a wail, the massive form tumbling forward into the marred wall, the sheer tons of debris and muscle sending massive fissures along the entire wall, fragments forcing the others to evade while we tumbled together, looking up with Yui atop my back. The Everwyrm, swayed, groaning and unable to realize what darkness shrouded the sunlight. Masking Yui with Protect, we all hunkered down before the gargantuan slab of stone buried the beast with a Crash, bits of rock and dust released into the arena.
Large segments of Shara's body crumbled away, the body slumped in the plume. Its aura went unbearably quiet, like all in the world ceased to make a sound. Lowering the shield, Yui slid off as the light trickle of dust filled the air with any notion of sound. All was still.
"Hahaha, yes!" Ren clapped to my right. My eyes refused to leave it, the same could be said for Mira, her gums curling with a snarl. "Hey, why the long faces, didn't we..." Her accomplished smile slowly faded and her brow knitted tightly with uncertainty. "You're kidding, right?"
"Zen, what's wrong?" Yui nudged my leg but I just shook my head slowly, crossing my arms to erect and Quick Guard. "Not again~!"
"'Everyone, get behind me and cover your ears,'" Once the barrier was up I folded my own ears tightly while the rest braced against my back, Mira acting as a wall with her head low by my side. The dust and rock crumbled further, revealing something spindly within. Twisted mandibles like yellow bark felt around the dust, a slimmer form rising amongst the shroud as more boulders and minerals were discarded. This was it, his True Form. "'This is Shara-'"
"rrrrooooaaaaaaaarrr!!!"
The wings fanned wide against its back like a star, the sheer might of its sonic boom shattering the cliffs into dust, flattening the whole area with only a few protrusions left, the sunlight no longer obscured by cliffs and mountains. Shara's true form was exposed, it was a lithe and athletic creature, and boasts a variety of bright colours, mainly yellows, purples, and white.
Its face bears two large, forward-facing eyes, though they remained shut, and crests around its head make the shape of a crown. The distinct arms are well-muscled, and the fingers are shown to be spindly and misshapen, bearing specialized tips for sound production. Spikes, markings, plates, and indentations run along its neck, back, sides, and limbs, some invoking skeletal structures such as a ribcage. The tail ends in an entwining series of snaking structures, failing to form any one tip.
"Ugh, that's... really unsettling to look at!" Topaz yelled once the ringing in our ears faded away. Shara wasn't going to wait, immediately pointing two of its wing fingers between us, forcibly dividing us with two sonic blasts that rippled through the earth. "Okay, seriously, what the hell is this!?"
"'An Elder Dragon,'" What else could describe it?
Shara rose high again, posing its fingers to produce several cones of sound to ripple and dance around us, one managed to knock me flying, and I swore my eardrums burst from the sheer force of my own insides being vibrated, causing me to convulse slightly during my scramble. It stopped, craning its neck to find that Ren spun around, hacking through its left foreleg. Hissing, Shara curled its fingers, the wind threshing under its own stomach, tossing the whitette into Topaz who suffered the same fate, their weapons almost lost had Mira not swooped in, spitting another beam into its face.
It stumbled, pointing one wing toward the Mizutsune, the erratic nature of the limb, chipping her scales, leaving Mira rolling across the ground in pain. Without his armour, Shara wasn't nearly as slow, and its attacks were varied. Kicking my foot into the soil, a large rock slammed into Shara, drawing the Elder toward me, the fingers caged before it, the air distorted by its touch. My eyes widened in horror before I ran far from the reach of the earth-shattering beam of sound that tore through granite and soil. In the distance, one of the island's spires were reduced to a crumbling mass in the ocean.
This Elder Dragon was beyond anything Safi'Jiiva ever displayed. I... don't know how we can win. "No, I can't hesitate yet, even if we have to beat it until the sun goes down..." Clenching my fist, I let out my own roar, charging steadfast into hell.
[Ren's POV]
"This is bad!" I rolled to the side, avoiding the leg but not another of its wing's burst attacks. The sonic beams knocking me off my fluid motions again. Topaz wasn't fairing better either. I hopped back, slashing in a criss-cross down its leg before taking a rising strike at the chest, bringing my longsword through the same cut once more before rolling out from under it, the wing narrowly missing my boots. Rising from my knees, I quickly hid to the side of its wings, forming that devastating blast of sound that tore up the earth, pushing even something as big as Shara back a few inches.
With enough of energy stored in my blade, I held the sheath by my hip, swiping between the legs for a clean, scarlet arc, hopping back to fire a scatter pellet from my clutch claw, disorientating the Elder long enough to step closer, avoiding the erratic spray of sound from its risen wings. Nearest the tail, I continued my assault, making minimal damage.
Shara spun to meet me, claw deflected by my sword's inverted guard before I raised my arm, firing a clutch claw into the side of its head, lifting me over its wings as I slung myself up and around, repeating the process with a scattershot loaded into the gauntlet. "Open wide!" I smirked, fixing the anchor into its face to propel it toward the nearby mountain base. To my horror, its right-wing splayed to catch itself, pushing off the surface to roar back at us, well, until Wolfman leapt from one of the few remaining rock formations, his mouth bleeding static.
"Graaawr!!" Whatever he spouted, it came with a tremendous beam of light that crackled and tore through Shara's wings, disrupting its large beam attack in time while knocking it away from the wall, whining as it did. Zen pumped a fist, myself giving a thumb while showering my head in Demon Powder.
Then it released another roar to break away more of the walls circling us.
[Topaz's POV]
That roar was getting on my nerves. It forced half our available space to shift and disintegrate into sand, my hooves sinking a few inches. I swayed through the sea of sand, Yui appearing next to me, equally as annoyed. Ren and Zen handled the frontlines for the most part, but where was Mira? "Any luck?"
"Not a dent," I spat sand from my lips. "If we can bring it down we'd have a moment to recover," THat was when a purr snuck up behind me. "Gah!" Mira sniffed my back, lowering her head between us. "So, any bright ideas?"
The monster gave me a nod, eyeing the front legs eagerly with a spit of its tongue. Yui tapped her wing to her chin. "If we take out the legs it'll topple over, maybe if we..." She suddenly perked up, grinning at us. "Alright, girls, I have a plan - Topaz, we'll get you in close with Zen, and Ren, then leave it to me and Mira to knock it down!"
Why did I feel my job was what mattered if the plan sinks or swim? If I were honest, I'd refuse but... this was a situation to doubt. I'm well out of my depth here, the Princess trusted me of all ponies to stand on equal ground with others that had done more than I bargained for. I smiled sadly, "Protect your comrades, right mom?" "I'll show what the Royal Guard can do then."
"Right!" Yui nodded, hopping atop Mira. "Mira, you're up!"
"Grr..." She hissed, curling her body before diving down onto the sand, she... was swimming through it like water? Following their lead, I couldn't stop admiring how the pair moved. Yui adjusted herself atop Mira's fur, Shara's fingers spraying the lake of sand haphazardly, releasing waves of destabilized sand in an effort to stop them. I rolled out of the path of another while Mira glided between the chaos as though the wind carried her glistening body through a sandstorm.
Shifting through this sand was difficult but with Mira constantly evading between sonic blasts with Yui using a lot of those opals, they kept Shara distracted as Ren knelt beside me, drawing her clutch claw before giving me a wink. The hooks wedged themselves into the Dragon's shoulder, Zen appearing to share her idea by vaulting over a claw swipe with his staff, backhanding the jaws of the beast away, snapping several scales in the process.
The pair moved fluently, tearing their weapons down the length of its arms, weakening the tough scales. They... gave me an opening! "Seriously? Now I really feel like the weak link here..." That was when a strange pressure surfaced in my head.
"'The curtain fall is all yours, buddy!'" Zen chimed, performing a handstand to swiped several bronze rocks against Shara's cheek while Ren tore under its chin, knocking it into a barrage of bubbles that netted its head, causing the beast to wail in protest.
Adjusting my sword I let my magic pour into its edge, overflowing with golden light that appeared as though the metal was dripping. It was a risk but with everypony else doing the same I can't be the weak link. Shara's wing curled down to thresh under its stomach. With a great deal of concentration, I leapt between its vibrating fingers, hopping off its wrist to spin around, my magic throbbing in my head as I carved a spiral through its first weakened muscles, biting my cheek while dancing under the collarbone to carry my molten attack through to the second leg, seeing both buckle under the weakened earth.
I stumbled out the other side, coughing from the exertion of magic. When I glared back, panting through a headache; I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The legs trembled, lurching forward in protest toward Zen's glowing fists, the bubbles underfoot allowing him to skate away from a massive wave of sand unleashed prior to its fall. Ren hovered above, curving delicately with Spirit Helm Breaker. Two scarlet impacts rippled and tore through the Elder Dragon's head with a devastating force that clapped in the air. Scales splintered and gashes bled, knocking the towering behemoth down into its sand, or rather, into Mira's water beam as it sliced a thin, arcing crescent through its collarbone, flinging the beast across the earth with a pained wail.
Collecting my thoughts quickly, I ignored how my head pounded and drew my blade forward. "Now, hit it with everything you got!" We had to use this window sparingly, if we couldn't bring this monster down soon, none of us is swimming home.
[Yui's POV]
I got everywhere, what an awful day. Shaking the loose debris from my mane I quickly wiped my nose of a dribble of blood. A side effect of overusing my spells I guess. I'd honestly refuse to go this far but when my whole home - Equestria itself was riding on our success, a little blood wasn't going to sway me. The others used magic or their skills to pummel on the weakest points of Shara's body. Snapping claws, chipping scales to finally lay real damage on its form. Ice and thunder warped and clashed, metal and magic splashed and stripped through with gleams of light emanating from their weapons. A triumphant howl from a leviathan as it unleashed bubbles and pressurised water to keep the Elder unstable longer.
The wings twitched, and I caught it, using Tenebris Hamo I dipped my hooves into the shadows, gripping at that dark void as it coiled and snapped against Shara's body, tugging the beast to its knees in protest. They were weaker the long I expanded the arms but they were effective at keeping those dangerous wings from utilizing sound again, even if only for the moment. But...
"Grah...!" I coughed up a few red specks, feeling my head throb from the pressure. My own muscles felt like they were being squeezed by a vice. This wasn't like Safi'Jiiva or Vaal Hazak, I... I can't hold it back! Is this what Zen feels constantly? This overwhelming sensation pounding in his chest that I'd feel like screaming?
|Get...|
"What? Who...?" My sweat froze down my cheek, the ambient sounds a dull throb. This dark, overbearing presence in my head, shadowed everything, the sun was gone in place of two sickly yellow eyes with burning red pupils stared back at me. It. Sees. Me.
|Off...|
Shara's wings curled to rest its tips against the cracked soil, right where... Zen and Topaz were... My heart burst with horror. My throat was dry as time gradually sped back in tangent with my scream.
|ME!!!|
"GET AWAY!" My horrified cry was far too late. The wings released a devastating amount of sound into the earth under it, showering them in sand and rock that blew outward, ringing in my ears as... two more mountains crumbled in the ocean, the wings splayed wide to sheer several tops of the rocky spires afar.
My spell was all but nought as I collapsed to the ground in a heap of sweat, eyes shaking with fright. I couldn't move, I... I've never felt something so terrifying in all my life. I... I can't beat that...
Shara stomped back down, taking a water beam to the face as it pointed its right wing toward Mira exclusively, trapping her between cones of sound before backhanding her with only its tail, leaving a large gash across her face while she rolled toward the edge of the arena. Shara craned its neck to face Topaz, swiping at her with his claws until she sunk her back hooves into the sand. I couldn't even mutter a word before Shara released a horrid sound from its throat. That alone caused another eruption of sand to sweep Topaz in its wake, flinging her battered form closer to me, hacking up sand in the process.
"'Yui,'" Zen's voice startled me, though I couldn't pinpoint where he was through the dust. "'Grab Topaz and stand by Mira, hurry.'" He wasn't yelling but that tone of his was almost unrecognizable, any empathy he had simply vanished. "'Go, now.'"
"Ngh, r-right," Much as I wanted to just curl up in fear I needed to get Topaz out of harm's way until she was okay to move on her own accord. Tucking her right hoof over my shoulder she groaned, dragging her sword with her teeth.
[Zen's POV]
"Z-Zen, I-I can't move!" Ren was behind me, trying to pry her legs from the sandpit, digging her hunting knife into the edge to keep herself steady to slowly pry herself free. In front of us, Shara's powerful legs struck the earth. She couldn't move, and I had very little energy left myself after blocking that blast so suddenly for us.
'"It'll be okay,'" Guess I'll let the old me show for a bit. Clenching my fists until ice burst from my skin I let the last Sword Dance raise my strength further with a combination of silver wisps from Retaliate. "'You guys just gave me the edge.'"
Ren chuckled slightly. "Little dark for you - *cough-cough*, go get 'em." I appreciated that.
That look on Yui's face... really makes my insides turn! "Shinsoku!" My body blurred over the burst of sound waves, paunching my left fist against Shara's head, almost knocking him back while the left arm rose to swipe at me had I not anticipated it, landing one foot atop the palm to flip backwards, flinging several rime-covered fists against its underside while diving back from a stomp. I may lack the incredible strength to shatter mountains but my speed far accelerates beyond its vision.
My fists rattled against Shara's body, leaving patches of ice in my wake while he failed to catch me, dipping over its back and under his legs constantly until I ran up his spine for his head to thresh back, curling the tips of his wings to form a sudden ball of sound directly at my chest. Smashing my fists together, I yelled back, driving Focus Blast back before the beam of sound could be released. The chaotic outburst threw me toward the earth again, holding my ground to swing my right arm wide, backhanding Shara once he was on all fours. The large wall of ice expanded to shred against his face, destabilizing him momentarily, the tail knocking the ice down.
We stared at one another, his lips pulled back in a snarl. His body was battered and bleeding, and my own body fared no better. How much more did I have left? My ice was dripping, and my strength was beginning to fade. And the others? Could any of us still muster the strength to finish Shara off?
It growled, pulverizing the ground below instantly before plunging his whole body into the sand again, leaving with a sudden plop into the earth as the sand shifted under me, he was travelling through the sand now? But why would - I left my arms to go limp, my eyes downcast for a moment. I moved to kneel beside Ren, herself almost free as I hooked my arms under her pits.
"Ah, thanks - huh, what's with that face?" She tilted her head, clueless as to why I was... smiling grimly. She turned to where Shara arose from the depths, shaking off the fountains of sand with his back toward the sea, the others hugging the edge not far away. I felt all that malice and contempt stare back at us, our backs to the wall. "He's going for something big, isn't he?"
"'Pretty much, and we're right in the middle of it,'" I replied, hoisting Ren into my arms as Shara roared to the sky, clasping his fingers above his head to channel a gargantuan sphere of sound between them, the sheer pressure distorting my vision through the vibrations.
Ren, despite the looming end of our lives, managed a shaky smile. "Well, not exactly how I expected this to play out but... guess our little plan for a Guild's got to have a pin in it, I really hate that saying." Shaking her head I handed her back the weapon she lost, meeting her gaze one last time. "Wait, you-"
"'Just one, hunter,'" I saw her tense before I swung her wide, tossing the girl safely out of harm's way. By now, there'd be no time for me to escape this attack, the blast would either kill me instantly or send me flying into the ocean, though I might as well be landing on concrete. I wasn't afraid, rather, I... couldn't feel it. Just, tranquillity I guess? Was this how death felt when you knew it was coming? I mean, I'm scared but I don't feel my body locking up... Looking down at my ring, I sighed a smile. "Not yet, I got a promise to keep, right?" The amethyst gleamed as I held out my paws, standing firm against the trembling earth.
I inhaled slow and steadily, just like Safi'jiiva, I let the energy of Organ Isle flow through my legs and to the tips of my fingers. Light gathered around me, expanding into a Protect that shimmered in the sunlight, the Elder Dragon bathed too in its radiance. Not a single thought intruded, though I wasn't going to die here, I promise I won't. Do whatever it takes to fight, whatever it takes to live.
The Everwyrm released the spirit bomb of sound directly into the ground, though the radius expanded to clash with my barrier, my whole body gripped for dear life against a force that overwhelmed my entire aura. I bore my fangs in protest, the ground split and curled behind me heels threatening to break at a moment's notice. My blood felt like bursting from my skin, arms groaning with agony to be let free.
Chips of my barrier flaked off from the edges, my energy was nonexistent at this point. I felt my hold slipping bit by bit, I couldn't stop this. Shara held its wings wide, remaining upright to release all the pent up energy contained in the sphere. It sank further, an unearthly rumble sending large fissures through the ground under me. Then, the sand was sent rushing toward the surface for newer land to reshape the environment, a mountainous explosion blocked out the sun, and my barrier shattered before my eyes, throwing me back into the haze.
My body was being ripped apart by the debris, or that's what it felt like, then... nothing, I struck something with my back but it was a numb pressure and nothing more. I... couldn't hear, see, or even taste anything, I... think I lost. ... ... ... ... ... ...
This, wasn't how I wanted this to end.
I stirred, opening my eyes to find I was... sitting in a booth? Once the light adjusted in my eyes, I could see a window to my left, golden light beaming through as though the sun had risen recently. I gasped, almost standing up had my body not ached. The cafe my parents owned was bright but so empty, left hollow and vacant. Looking down at my hands I was human again, that's twice this has happened, why? "I'm... home?" The words felt exciting yet terrifying.
"Not entirely, but I felt this would help put your mind at ease," For the second time I nearly fell from my seat, snapping my neck toward the voice of an old acquaintance masked by a golden veil over her eyes. That motherly smile resting on her lips. "Hello again, Zen - you've been busy?"
"T-Trinity?" This is a lot to bear. Rubbing my head I paled. "Cr - erm, I'm dead? Great..." Yui is going to kill me.
"Not particularly," Trinity offered me a cup of tea from her side, one that took slowly to calm my nerves, heck, even my mind felt clairvoyant. "I'm sure you've noticed how mellow you are, since we are within my world, I'm able to put your heart at ease to think rationally; I hope you don't mind?"
Sipping my drink I shook my head quickly. "No-no, I'm grateful actually... I... wait," I pointed a finger at her with a deadpan. "Aren't Gods not supposed to pick favourites?"
She giggled behind her hand, veil raising to indicate her brow moved. "And who made up that rule? I certainly don't recall it ever being written in stone - besides, I believe my involvements are substantial enough." Trinity replied, offering a sad smile. "You've been through a lot lately..."
Lowering my head to stare at my reflection in the tea I couldn't hide anything from her. My ability to see auras was one thing, but a Goddess? I might as well speak everything on my mind. Looking up, Trinity didn't say anything, waiting for me to speak regardless. Biting my cheek, I made a selfish request. "How do I beat Shara Ishvalda? I can't... win with my abilities, I'm too drained to do anything substantial now, I... I lost." Of all Monsters, I finally came to my crossroads. Valstrax drained much more than I realized, and now the others would pay for my costs.
Trinity was frowning, though it didn't look malicious, rather, she was thinking, the scarf concealing her eyes moving until one of its ends flicked against my nose. "I can't do much, otherwise it will cause more harm, even for you I can't risk billions for," I nodded.
"I understand - I wouldn't want you to," My smile made her lips curl slightly, placing her hands together on the table.
"You've spent nearly two years closing Rifts alongside natural Monsters, in that time, the remnants of the ruby I gifted you have reacted in kind, drawing you toward these threats," Trinity looked around the cafe. "I could use it all to finally send you home, Yui too if you desired that, or... I can grant you one last edge against this Old Everwyrm," My heart twisted and caved at her words, eyes shaken and wide.
"It has always been your choice to make, your virtue-" Her hand raised before me, waiting for my hand. "I don't know when you'll accumulate enough energy to return to your world, so, I ask you, Zen Amadeus; Will you return to your Old World, the one you've longed to see or will you save this New World at the cost of your own heart's desires?"
I never told Yui... about the days I wanted to see my sister again, my best friends, what became of Taka and Kazu's kid. I missed my parents, I missed everything so normal about my life that I forced myself to mindlessly train for hours in private just to bury those feelings. I had a feeling the remnants of the ruby were gathering slithers of ether left by the Rift-Monsters, maybe... I could've used them to go home with Yui if possible. Now, all that progress was split between two choices. My own happiness or a world that in the grand scheme of things was a fraction of a grain of sand on a beach.
"How can you get it!?" She spun right around, and... was crying, I... made her cry. Now that pit in my chest only constricted. "You'll be home with your family and friends again! And how I feel... the time I spent with you will just disappear!" She bit her lip. "Call me selfish, but... I'm so scared! Because I'll lose someone very important to me."
"I ran away two years ago... they wouldn't let me pursue anything other than their stupid 'Lunar Guard', and all the taunting was just... aggravating! Sure, I've had fun but... it's just me," Her head was low, hood hiding her eyes as tears dripped to the ground. I wanted to say something... but what? What can I say right now, what should I say? "Then I met you, you helped me, laughed with me, comforted me... I... I don't want you to go away..."
Back then, I did get it, I just was too much of a coward to admit that's how I felt.
"Trinity?" She looked to me, seeing the tears running down my face as I gripped the table, turning away from my home, face scrunched up in agony. "I... made my choice."
I'm sorry I'm such a selfish person.
[No POV]
Anyone who held the strength to stand could barely move from their spots, debris gathered on either side, they were cornered and backup was out of the question, keeping even Jack from intervening from afar. Despair and dread filled the air and gripped their hearts.
The worst of them all was the bat pony, she held nothing but sorrow, not even rage could surface above her ocean of grief, staring down at her armoured hooves stained with her own blood, a horrifying image of it being Zen's twisted in her head. Shara didn't charge, not even a roar after triumphantly disposing of the Lucario. The air rose with a dull trepidation, a few sparks gathered at the tips of its wings as sound erupted outward in a blinding torrent.
"You were a good partner, Topaz," Ren combed her hair, smiling slightly as her vision blurred. "I'll seeya the next time around, big brother."
Mira curled herself around her allies, never once taking her eyes off the gathering tension between Shara's wings, caging its face. "I'll protect them, I will like Mama would!"
"So this is it? Down a friend, standing with a human, a treasure hunter, and a monster," Topaz managed a small laugh. "Well, certainly an unforgetting life."
"...I'm sorry Mom, Dad, Vega... I tried my best..." Yui closed her eyes, tucking the necklace with her ring close to her chest. "I'm sorry... Zen." ... ... ...
*Boosh!*
The air grew a lot quieter, something sharp having cut the attack mid-conjuration. When their eyes felt the will to look, all were shell shocked to find that Shara was flailing to one side, a large figure grasping the side of its face with a silver claw wedged to its eye socket. The figure twisted their arm, locking the device to the Everwyrm's face to release several small explosions point-blank. The blinding force threw Shara forward, slamming headfirst into the wall of the battlefield, dropping the thick slab of granite atop its scalp.
The figure, who stood much as Ren would, rose to their feet after decoupling the claw. "A... human?" Yui murmured, flabbergasted through tears.
His armour consisted of a large white coat, the fur pearl-white across the hem, the collar tucked around his neck tightly. A red sash strung from under his collar and belt to hand by his thigh. The belt was large, bearing the mark of the Hunter's Guild with a collection of pouches and a glowing pendant containing green fireflies. His arms and legs were suited with dark, embroiled plate armour, hugging his slim frame tightly, the left gauntlet fitted with what appeared to be a Slinger much like Ren's only to fit the theme of the armour.
The last they noted was he wore no helmet, allowing his scruffy white locks dance in the wind, revealing a pair of pale red eyes. His hair dawned a dark crimson hairband with a pink rose. In his right and left respectively was a black sword and shield, their very structure layered like scales, the sword's blade split with bright purple light much like his shield. The pair radiating strength comparable to an Elder Dragon.
"Who... are you?" Yui murmured breathlessly, meeting his eyes as though they were familiar.
He blinked, inspecting his looks with a pleasant grin, admiring his weapons fondly, stars in his eyes. "Hehehehe, oooh Trinity wasn't kidding~! I'm human again, suckas!" Did he cackle... like Zen? "She even gave me my Alatreon gear? Oh-oh, do I have..." He swiped his hand, seeing something the others could now, his giggling intensified. "I do!? My precious little jewel slots..."
"I - wow, so this is who you really look like?" Topaz commented after a brief gathering of her thoughts, smiling slightly. "You're scrawnier than I expected."
Zen bashfully scratched his cheek. "Yeah... I didn't get out much - I'm more of a recluse back home."
"What's with the Hunter's Mark then?" Ren questioned as Yui continued to stare in awe, drying her eyes as the Elder Dragon ahead of them slowly began to rise, Mira slithered around to nuzzle Zen who chuckled at the affection.
"Hehehe, that tickles - ahem, love to explain but let's take care of big, yellow, and ugly before we're forced to swim home," He drooped. "I... can't swim in this armour."
"Zen..." He paused, turning to Yui to see her smile, holding back a few relieved tears. "Y-you look amazing."
He winked, feeling her worry fizzled away, he couldn't imagine that was pleasant to watch without knowing. "Now-now, that title is rightfully yours," He stood by her side, drawing his Black Dragon weapons forward as the Everwyrm reared its massive head toward them, dust cast aside by its roar. "Alright - Let's kick 'em where it hurts!"
"RIGHT!!"
"Oh, and take this-" Zen tossed Topaz a yellow jar of liquid, giving a wink. "It'll help regen your mana... I think?"
"You 'think'?" She blinked but ultimately sighed and tossed it back with an electrical current between her eyes. The heavens themselves practically opened up for her briefly. "Holy Celestia! Where has this been all my life!?"
"Maybe I shouldn't tell her it's made with a shroom that explodes." Zen grimaced before taking the vanguard, dousing himself in Mega Demon Powder and Armourskin, biting down on a yellow pill that effectively increased the health and stamina gauges in the top left of his vision.
Over their heads, Topaz used her newfound vigour to unleash a barrage of magic bolts to impede Shara's sight, blinding the beast though it still caged its face, building pressure between its wings as the team divided up, evading the massive beam that tore through the earth and toppled another distant mountain, even causing a large wave to crash into the island. Mira slithered on her bubbles, curling around to fire a sharp beam to slice the ground and Shara's hide, forcing the Everwyrm to stumble away into a smoke bomb, leaving it discombobulated to Yui retreat.
Ren stood firm, clasping her weapon for a single, instantaneous motion through its legs, leaving a devastating assault on its body with a nice scarlet finish. Growling, the wing curved to blast the earth, freeing dust that obscured the fingers that swatted the pair out its sight. It lumbered toward the bat pony and human leg rising had something solid not struck it in the muzzle, bringing its head lower. A scent of a Black Dragon actually forced Shara to hesitate, seeing the purple energy expel from Zen's sword and shield, practically blazing with Alatreon's strength. For a glimpse, Shara swore the legend loomed over the hunter's shoulder.
Another slam of the shield stunned Shara, its swipe missing while Zen backstopped, lunging with a flash of red on his blade's edge, the force flinging him up from his initial strike for a downward thrust of the shield, the draconic force ricocheting Shara's chin off the ground. While the Elder Dragon recovered, Zen and Ren stood either side of its head, clutch clawing to its face to grapple and thrust their blades through its scales, shredding the already weakened head further with a final, vertical slash.
Weak, Mira leapt high, sinking her teeth into its neck while choking the monster with her length. She kept moving to evade the wings sonic blasts, chewing scales and gashes wider. Snaking around, her cheeks were sucked inward to gouge out Shara's left eye with a deadly amount of water, Releasing her tail in time to avoid the monster's retaliation, giving itself breathing room with a hazardous sweep of sound while it wailed from the lack of a second eye.
Yui hid behind Zen who managed to deflect one of the beams with just his shield, though he did stumble. With her guardian at the ready, she crushed the last of her opals, blowing the dust toward Ren, the now semi-transparent girl sprinting to meet with Topaz on Shara's blinded side. Together, they plunged their swords through its scales, Ren acting as a stool for Topaz to double over the monster to bash it across the temple with the butt of her sword, removing that last layer of protection for its marred, cracked face. Zen then slid forward, performing a rising strike to Shara's chin, knocking the Elder backwards to use its wing on the edge of the arena again to steady itself.
"It's weak, we're almost there!" Zen cheered, thankful his temporary form came with the nuances of Monster hunter. A skull blinking beside Shara's icon. One blow to the head was all they needed, do that, and they win! "Oh no... Topaz!"
"On it!" She retreated with Ren, evading the sheer might of Shara's enraged roar as it destabilized the ground once more, fountains of rock and sand sent flying while they scrambled for solid ground. Not a moment later, the towering beast sunk back into the crust, swimming through the island toward the remaining mountainside.
Each side held on the final trump card, the be all end all. Zen swallowed two pills to bolster his strength further than before, swiping a whetstone over his blade three times to a glint. The Old Everwyrm howled high, wings curled to gather sound and vibration between its fingers, one more attack like that was avoidable, Zen knew this. But that was also Ishvalda's biggest opening. "Mira, taxi!" He waved her over as the monster bit down on his arm lightly, flicking up onto her tail. It stung but the slap of her tail threshed him high into the air, enough to bask in the whole battlefield.
Topaz put the last of her magic into her horn, squeezing our sparks to conjure a pale but stable disk of light in the sky, Zen's foot shattering it once he leapt further, sword folded back with a marron glow mingling with ominous amethyst. One sword strike or Pure Heaven Breaking Force. Clenching his muscles, Zen slit his eyes toward the large gash atop Shara's forehead.
"One more thing, if you don't mind," Zen spoke up, holding onto the red sea-shell necklace tenderly. "It didn't help in time before the blast sent me flying, but I stored that last attack into Counter," Trinity's scarf curved up curiously. "So I was wondering if you could let me channel it when I need it, just once?"
Trinity was silent a moment, then giggled behind her hand at his bashful request. "Zen, you certainly amaze me."
"I gave up my home for my new one, I hope you guys can wait a little longer because I'm not dying now!!" "COUUUNTER!!!" White light discharged from the red shell necklace to the Alatreon Sword, screeching as though it were a living legend reincarnated. Shara's frontmost fingers were severed from its wings, the brilliant silver flame burning through its attack, carving through its shoulder with an unbearable amount of heat, that once it made contact with the ground, detonated with a resounding flash of light.
The Earth Singing Wyvern cried out, the fissure carved through the mountain with ease, the impression in the earth several layers down where Shara collapsed in a bloodstained heap, dust rising from the epicentre. Through the dark clouds and ominous aura, all slowly began to fade, allowing the sun's rays to fully bask over the forgotten island once more. Up above, Jack whistled to himself, peering out from his hovel with binoculars, laughing triumphantly at what he saw.
Through the resting dust, Yui galloped to find Zen standing tall, staring silently back at the fallen Elder Dragon. He turned to look back at his approaching friends with a small wave, dirt and injures dotting his face while his right arm appeared limp, blood dripping from fresh wounds. "Hey... I think I won, ehehehe."
"Zen!" Yui immediately tackled him to the ground, hugging him tightly though he was unable to do anything to pull her away. Lying back with his good arm around her back, feeling her muzzle nudge his chin. "If you do that again, I'll kill you." She murmured, sniffing slightly.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," He sighed, tucking his head against her neck. "You're the best."
"Isn't that my line?" She smiled warmly, sitting on his lap while Ren helped to pull him upright, laughing away with Topaz smiling next to the pony form of Mira, the monster girl smiling pleasantly to herself.
"You're one crazy wolf - erm, hunter I guess?" Ren motioned at his change in appearance, making him rub his nape bashfully.
"Yeaaah, Trinity helped me out on that one," That made Topaz and Yui gape.
"She came back!?" Yui leaned close enough that Zen pecked her lips quickly to throw her off, it earned him a punch to the arm.
"Only to give me this edge over Shara, it's strange, last I checked my character was a chick but I'm not complaining," He boasted, patting his equipment, or until it turned a soft silver, deflating him quickly. "Aw, I'm out of time, gonna miss not needing aura to chat, shaaaame." Ren patted his messy white hair.
"Still our hunter, Wolfman," Ren clicked her fingers as Yui stepped off his lap for the transformation to finish. It didn't take long before Zen's posture shifted, becoming smaller and more animal-like. The light faded away, leaving only a Lucario in its place. "There he is in the fluffy flesh!"
"'I am not fluffy.'" He grunted, leaving him the butt of the joke until Mira approached, looking content after all the fighting, though even in her pony form she retained her injuries. "'Sorry, I can't really do much to heal you.'"
Shaking her head, Mira merely hugged him briefly. "I am happy you are okay, you beat the Elder Dragon, transforming like me."
"'To a degree-'" He waved his arm toward them all. "'-don't sell yourselves short, all of us did this, beating an Elder Dragon far more powerful than I could've anticipated, so thank you for putting up with my shortcomings.'"
"Ditto." The group replied.
Looking around, Topaz gave the deceased Elder one more look, shaking her head free of the Valstrax helmet. "We should gather what we can, this'll be quite the report, great." She muttered flatly.
"'I've got to take more notes too,'" Zen agreed, "'Every monster I can remember, I need to list everything instead of waiting, so that the next time an Elder Dragon shows its ugly side I've got us prepped.'"
Yui nudged his hip, smiling bashfully. "And time to, you know, handle what comes next, dork." She played with the ring on her necklace, watching him laugh nervously with that cute smile of his.
"That is very important, Yui Amadeus," He took great joy in seeing her face erupt into scarlet. Spinning on his heel to his allies he replied to them all. "'Ahem, we should probably find a way back to the camp, and to Jack, if he hasn't fainted or something.'"
"I can still hear you - or are you ignoring me!? Hello!? Ah, r-right, okay then!" His voice echoed from afar.
"Sadly," Mira added under her breath.
While everyone gathered their gear and felt the massive weight lift away, Zen held his footing, turning when his ear flicked in protest. Behind them, he met the single, red pupil that dilated at the sight of the Lucario. He paled in turn. "Oh, you've got to be fu-"
"Roaaar!!" Shara shook the island again, waves crashing from the disturbance that slipped by Zen's aura.
"You're kidding!?" Topaz gawked.
They turned, Ren drawing her longsword instantly, Mira converting back into a Mizutsune, Topaz levitating her own blade, Zen managing to conjure a thin Bone Rush with what little he had left, even Yui procured some materials meant to blind or mislead the monster once more. '"Round two it is then!'"
Shara pushed off its wings, clearly weak and holding onto its fading breath, the blood pooling by its left leg from Zen's devastating attack. Despite these fatal injuries, it brought its wings high, the finger taut with rage. Lifting itself onto its back legs to shadow the hunters bearing their fangs at the indomitable Dragon.
"I'm up for another 'bout, let's go!" Ren challenged the almighty Elder, everyone awaiting the sonic barrage to ensue again, or, had a sharp ringing not pierced most of their eardrums.
The clouds that remained were banished instantly by a red blur colliding with Shara's back, claws tearing strips off the monster. The team followed the silver body toward the mountain peaks, all unexpectedly shocked to find a one-eyed Dragon facing the Everwyrm. "No way...!" Zen breathed in his native tongue.
"It's alive!?" Yui was at a loss for words.
Valstrax hovered for only a second, rocketing down to carve a draconic infused wing across Shara's chest, the impact forcing the others to kneel just to stand against the gale-force behind Valstrax's speed. It swivelled out of reach of Shara's claws, pinning the weakened Elder by the throat for its wing to invert, carving down into its jugular like a knife, twisting before one final slam of the head silenced Shara Ishvalda forever.
In mere moments that dread filling Zen was gone, replaced with something he couldn't describe in Valstrax's eye. It inspected them from head to toe, giving them all a roar before posing its wings downward, releasing another crimson burst from its vents, vacating the island without a hint of malice to be felt. His gleaming form disappearing into the big blue world above, never to be seen again.
"'Well,'" Zen clapped his paws, immediately flopping onto the ground in exhaustion. "'Atleast it wasn't Nergigante.'"
"Ugh!" The rest soon followed in his stead.
[Zen's POV]
After the sudden climax brought to us by the totally not dead Valstrax, we finally found our way back to camp to patch up and head home. It felt like forever ago given the many events that have transpired, I honestly wasn't sure how this would've panned out. Looking back on the day I first met Valstrax's eyes, I feel like he led us here, he wanted us to find Shara and put an end to his rampage. But why? What makes Valstrax different from the rest? Maybe because he's nomadic or-
"You still reciting everything that happened?" Yui started me from my notes, almost scribbling down the page while she sat beside me against the mast, frowning disapprovingly. "I know you want to keep tabs on everything that's happened but you need your rest."
"I know, sorry I-" That look of hers again forced me to close the book, setting it down. "-Right, I will, promise." She nodded and placed her head against my shoulder, wrapping her wing tucked between us. This felt nice, and to let my guard down after so long felt great. "What's your take on Valstrax?"
"Probably as good as yours," Her eyes were closed, brushing the bangs to reveal the other as they opened toward me. "I've learned that not all monsters, Rift or otherwise, act as expected."
"I've been comparing them to their video game counterparts, but that's no longer viable given their intelligence." Much as that irked me, I suppose expecting things to pan out like a game would be a poor judgement. "Well, nothing to do now but look forward."
"Agreed, I still have a few sweet spots to beat that other adventurer to!" Yui grinned, holding her hoof high. "That mare won't beat me this time, hehe." No one should be this cute, period. "Though I wouldn't mind spending a little time to ourselves, i-if that's fine w-with you?"
I hooked my arm behind her waist, tucking her closer to my side with a sigh, closing my eyes to the blissful world around us. "With you? I'd go to the ends of the earth, remember?"
She giggled, "I do," This feeling, I think this is what made that choice easier. "Can't wait to say that again..."
I let my head rest atop hers, my wounds no longer itchy, a warmth wrapping around my heart. "You and me both."
Several Years Later...
"The End... or is it?" Zen drummed the nightstand lightly. "So, your rating? I went for a little more flair for the theatrics this time."
"Eight-out-of-ten," Came the reply from bat pony filly with amethyst eyes, and a messy mane a shade of charcoal with a single, lilac stripe just off to the left. She waved a hoof side-to-side heavily. "Kinda feel details were glossed over and *yawn* cheesy."
Zen deadpanned. "Geez, I end up with a critic tonight - guess we're skipping the part about me nearly dying... again,"
She just rolled her eyes, snuggling into her blanket, eyelids heavy. "Still sounds exciting..." She yawned again. "...I want to... fight an Elder... Dragon..."
Zen stared at the slumbering filly for a long time. So much has happened it made his head spin at times trying to keep up. He chuckled lightly, closing the journal that detailed his encounters with various monsters and ferocious Elder Dragons, a red scale stitched into the front, a faint remnant of Safi'jiiva's aura humming through his fingers. Leaning closer, he pecked the filly on the forehead. "Goodnight, Akira, try not to cause any trouble." He teased.
"Hrm..." She groaned in her sleep, turning over. "...night, Dad..."
Summer, Taka, Kazu, Asher, Merry, I know you'll never know but I'm okay here. Equestria's a crazy place, and I can't stop thinking about how I'll meet you guys again. Even if it takes years of my life, and I'm forced to break myself against dozens of dangers just to make it an inch closer, I'll find a way back to you. But right now...
I am home.
With a soft smile, the human turned Lucario shut the door softly. End |
A Concert for Ponyville | pre | Both Carrot Top and Lyra looked concerned, but Trixie said, "Hey, trust me! I know what I'm doing." She beamed. "I'm the Great and Powerful Trixie!"
As she trotted to the cottage after dinner, she mentally rehearsed the spell that she'd worked out. The last time Octavia had been in Ponyville, Trixie had tried to sneak past her, but had failed miserably. No matter how good her invisibility and inaudibility spells had been, she hadn't been able to get past the cellist. This had been humiliating; Trixie could handle her magic failing before a strong mage, but not a cellist with no magical training. So, once Octavia left, Trixie had decided to design a workaround. The result had been the advanced inaudibility spell that she'd used at the Gala. But even that was incomplete. There were ponies and animals who could smell through her illusions, and in tight quarters she'd be liable to bump into somepony and spoil the effect. So, at least for situations in which she only wanted to eavesdrop (as opposed to actually moving through some area), she'd still wanted a better spell.
She'd been stuck for a while until she'd stumbled upon Dinky and her friends one day. They had been playing hide and seek, and Scootaloo was it. As Trixie had watched, Scootaloo had taken a small ear horn out of her saddlebag and held it to her ear while turning in a circle. Soon enough, she'd stopped, and begun sprinting in one direction - where, as it turned out, Sweetie Belle had been hiding behind a thick bush.
She's using that horn to hear things from further away, Trixie had thought. Clever foal. And then, Wait a minute...
So, as she approached Fluttershy's cottage and all of its keen-nosed animals, she stopped well out of even Octavia's earshot and Angel's nose. Her horn glowed as she began to conjure up the equivalent of an ear horn; a spell just outside the window, to collect all the sound in the area of a wide dish, and then a sort of magical 'pipe' to pass it back to Trixie's ear. It took a few minutes -- conjuring wasn't Trixie's strong suit -- but the spell was created. Trixie put it to her ear and smiled, expecting to hear beautiful music.
"...play it again."
Trixie blinked. Octavia's voice sounded... strained. Like she was at the end of her rope.
"Okay," murmured Fluttershy, almost inaudible despite Trixie's spell.
The birds began to sing, but even Trixie could hear that something was wrong. One of the birds was off key.
"Stop!" said Octavia. "The yellow bird is still a semitone off."
"...sorry... I'll fix it..."
There was a silence.
"Well?" asked Octavia.
"Uh... er... Miss Natailey? Could you please, uh, go up a semitone, if that's alright?"
There was an annoyed chirp.
"She says she's trying her best--"
"It is not optional," said Octavia. Her voice was strained, as if she had been over this many times. "She is not singing correctly. The audience will hear this. As the musician, you must ensure that she is in tune so that the audience can appreciate the consonance of the melody. You do want that, I trust?"
There was silence again. Finally, there was a very quiet, "Yes..."
"It has been," said Octavia, now clearly attempting to throttle back her anger, "A long day. You have already spent substantial time resting silently. I am not trying to be... impatient... but we have no more time for you to hide in a corner. You must have your birds sing again."
"But I'm..." began Fluttershy. "I can't..." She lapsed into silence. "I'm sorry..."
"I don't want you to be sorry. I want you to follow my instructions." Octavia seemed to be getting angrier. "This is still the first piece, Fluttershy, and we are far behind schedule."
Fluttershy said nothing.
"Well?" Trixie winced, she could hear real anger in Octavia's voice. The cellist continued. "Do you not care? Is this some lark to you?" More silence. "Say something!"
There was still nothing.
After a long moment, Octavia stood. "I am going to the bathroom," she announced. "Use this time to get your birds in order. When I return, we will play it through, and I expect your birds to -- at the bare minimum -- play all the right notes." She stomped off.
As soon as the bathroom door shut, Trixie heard Fluttershy began to cry. "I'm sorry, bird friends... I"m trying, but I'm not good enough. Oh, why did I think this was a good idea? I should have said no at the beginning."
A bird chirped, and Fluttershy sobbed a little more. "I know. I need to... I need to tell her I'm not going to perform. I can't. But she's so mean and scary... maybe I'll just hide under my bed and won't come out."
The bathroom door slammed open, and Trixie realized, with a sick feeling, that Octavia had heard every word.
"Is that so?" the cellist demanded. "Is that how little you care for the time and energy I have expended? That you would literally rather HIDE from me than at least tell me, to my face, that this means nothing to you?!"
"I--"
"You have committed to a musical performance! You have an obligation to your audience, and to your hosts! That you would abandon them all is a disgrace, Fluttershy." Octavia's voice was a low hiss. "Forget your offense to me. What you propose to do to those who wish to hear you... is absolutely shameful. How would you like it if you went to hear a concert and you learned that the featured musician hadn't bothered to attend?"
"It's just... I can't..." Fluttershy's voice was almost inaudible even to Trixie's magic. "You said I did so many things wrong and I can't--"
"Would you rather I lie, and have you present a mediocre performance to Ponyville?" Octavia sounded even more enraged now. "Why do you think I am here? Just to tell you that you are wonderful, no matter how you actually sound? To give you an official endorsement, music unheard? How dare you try to use me and my title that way!"
Trixie couldn't move. Every time she heard a new sentence, it just got worse. It wasn't supposed to be like this!
"When I criticize your performance," Octavia continued,"It is a sign of respect. Both that I have taken the time to thoroughly analyze it and determine how to improve it, and in that I believed you capable of making such improvements. But every time I tried to help you, you refused to respond! Did you think that if you were stubborn enough I would come to accept your errors as 'good enough?'"
No! Trixie wanted to yell. She just isn't good at being criticized! Damn it! She knew that ponies like Lyra would interpret criticism as Octavia wished, and that they would be honored that the Court Musician had taken the time to dissect their performances and found them to be capable enough to make her exacting changes. She also knew that Fluttershy would not.
"I'm sorry if you don't respect me anymore," whispered Fluttershy.
Octavia did not respond to that for several moments. "If you will not perform, I will notify City Hall, and will arrange for a new musician. I will not allow you to ruin this concert. Hide under your bed if you wish, Fluttershy. You need not worry about me returning here ever again."
Trixie felt herself running down the path before she knew it. The door slammed open in front of her and Octavia left, slamming it shut behind her. Then her ears twitched and she looked up at Trixie.
"Was this a plan of yours, Lulamoon?" she hissed. "Some political scheme to draw a rift between the Poseys and myself?"
Trixie felt her stomach turn. "No!" she almost screamed. "No, really! I thought -- I just wanted to help!"
"She is obviously unwilling to put in the effort this performance requires. She clearly expected that I would simply accept anything she did and endorse it so that everypony who does not understand music would simply assume that it must be good. She is unworthy of this craft." Octavia brushed past Trixie. "And you knew this, Lulamoon."
"No!"
Octavia swiveled around with a hoof raised, and Trixie thought for a moment that Octavia would punch her. But the blow was to her left, and when Trixie looked, she saw Pinkie poking her head out of a bush. In her hoof was a large cake, which Octavia had just flattened with a blow.
"Not. Now," the cellist hissed.
Pinkie seemed to get the hint. "I'll... come back tomorrow." And she was gone.
Octavia turned to Trixie. "Music is the world to me. It is one of the most beautiful things ponykind has ever created. I cannot and will not work with a musician who cares so little about music that she refuses to correct herself when called out on an error, much less goes into a sulk. I will find a replacement for her, and then I will be returning to Canterlot. Good night."
"But -- but --" Trixie's voice caught. Wait. Luna asked her to be here. She can't just leave, anymore than I could run away from my job as Representative. I can use that to at least slow her down! "But Luna asked you to be here! If you come back early, she'll know you gave up--"
"Oh? You think I should stay here too, do nothing, and then lie to her?" Octavia's eyes blazed. "Perhaps that is your way, Lulamoon. Not mine."
Trixie wanted to yell at her, but she heard something else in Octavia's voice. "Octavia--"
Octavia looked away. "I will at least be honest with her, even if I fail her. I can do that much."
"Fail?"
"I would not expect you to understand."
Trixie thought back. Lyra had mentioned this cropping up in one of Octavia's letters. "You told Lyra you wanted to be as... reliable as Luna is."
"She is the Princess, the pony who controls the astral bodies." Octavia looked into the sky -- now a gorgeous starlit sky -- and her face seemed calmer for just a moment. "She raises and sets sun and moon each and every day, and has done so for time immemorial. She cannot take a sick day, or a holiday, or a moment's rest if that moment overlaps with the rising and setting of sun and moon. When I became her Court Musician, I vowed to myself that... if at all possible... I would be as reliable as she is. She gives that much to all of us. She deserves that much."
Her voice caught. "Until now, I have met every obligation and request. I have played at every rising and setting of sun and moon that she has performed in Canterlot, even when ill. I have performed at every concert she has asked of me, and written every composition. I have done everything in my power to promote good music. And now... now I have failed, and I must tell her I was not able to perform my duties." She shut her eyes. "I was misled about Fluttershy's dedication, but there is no excuse for failure. Still, I will tell her, Trixie. I will not lie to the pony who protects us all."
She looked at Trixie again, rage dancing in her eyes, and Trixie felt that Octavia would hate her forever for her part in getting Octavia to fail the princess. "Octavia, please..."
"I will say my farewells to Lyra tomorrow, and then I will leave on the next train. I will likely not return." Octavia turned on her hoof. "That is all, Lulamoon. I sincerely hope never to talk to you again."
Trixie couldn't think of anything to say, and she only watched her go. I should... no... I have to talk to Fluttershy. Get her back in the game, raise her spirits, fix this... I have to, if I want to be a friend... and not some horrible jerk who's only liked by the other Elements, by other ponies who are such good friends they can overlook... no! No, I can fix this!
She reached Fluttershy's door and opened it, only to be confronted by a hysterically sobbing pegasus. "Um, Fluttershy--"
"Go away!" Fluttershy buried her head in a big pillow. "Go away, Trixie! I don't want to see you anymore!"
"But--"
Angel Bunny hopped in front of the door, scowled at Trixie, and slammed it shut.
"But I--" Trixie looked around. "No! No, this wasn't supposed to happen!"
Nobody responded.
Lyra and Carrot Top were right. Trixie looked down, tears falling to the ground. I'm a terrible friend...
> Second Verse
Trixie was in an oversized courtroom, kneeling in front of the judge's bench.
"Trixie Lulamoon!" roared Luna Equestris. "You have been charged with being a bad friend!"
"I'm not guilty!" cried out Trixie. "I'm a great friend! I try really hard!"
"The evidence will show," said Blueblood the prosecutor, "That Trixie continually hurts anypony who has the misfortune of meeting her. She leaves all those she touches worse than she found them. In fact, the only ponies who can still stand her are the Bearers of the Elements!"
"That's not true!" Trixie cried. "I have other friends!"
"Name one," challenged Luna.
"Uh..." but it was hard for Trixie to remember. All she could think of was the ponies she had driven away in Neigh Orleans, Canterlot, and Ponyville. "I do! I swear!"
"From the Longest Night celebration, when Trixie manipulated an entire town because she was angry at our Princess, to when she turned her friend into a hairless bear with no thought for her own welfare..." Blueblood began to rattle off events.
"Stop it!" yelled Trixie. "I made mistakes, but I'm trying! I really am!"
"...and lastly," said Blueblood, after an impossibly fast and impossibly long list of Trixie's crimes against friendship, "When she infuriated Octavia Philharmonica and traumatized Fluttershy, a perfectly innocent pegasus!" He paused dramatically. "Fluttershy!"
The crowd booed. It seemed that Fluttershy, moreso than any other, was the one pony that it was impermissible to hurt. In fact, Rarity even cried out, "Hurting Fluttershy is the Worst! Possible! Thing!"
"But I--" began Trixie.
"The evidence is clear. Trixie Lulamoon, you are guilty of being the Worst Friend in Equestria!" roared Luna. The crowd, which seemed to include everypony she had ever interacted with, cheered like they were at a sports game. "And you will be given the maximum sentence!"
"I'll pay the fine! I'll try to be better!"
"Fine?" Luna laughed, a deep, mirthless blast of sound that sent Trixie tumbling backwards. "Under Vicereine Pinkie Pie's 'Everypony Must Be Friends' act, being a bad friend is the highest crime in Equestria! Trixie Lulamoon, I sentence you to being locked in a small dark room a million miles away from everypony so your mendacity and cupidity cannot drag them down!"
"But--but--," Trixie paused. "If I'm a million miles away, where will I get food?"
"Food will be teleported in with magic." Luna's horn glowed. "And let Equestria rejoice, as you will no longer be around to harm other ponies with your selfish depravity!"
Trixie screamed, and--
Trixie cried out as she fell out of the bed, cracking her horn again. Ow! Stupid dream with oddly specific logistics!
She looked at her bed, then her clock, then sighed. It was still-predawn, but Trixie was too wound-up to go back to bed. She wasn't sure what else to do, though. She could reread Don Rocinante, or she could stare at the wall, or...
She paused, then nodded to herself.
She could find a real friend to talk to. ***
The front door swung open and Carrot Top gave Trixie a strange look. "Trixie, are you okay? You never visit me this early."
"I didn't wake you, did I?" asked Trixie as she walked into Carrot Top's house. Overhead, the night sky was just starting to fade.
"Nope. Getting up early for the harvest." Carrot Top smiled as she poured Trixie a steaming mug of tea. "There's something magical about the first carrot of the fall harvest. If you'd like, I can send down a bunch to your Residency later. Didn't Pokey say you were trying to eat more vegetables?"
"Mmmm."
Carrot Top set the tea down and then sat next to Trixie. "What's wrong?"
"Everything."
"...is it the concert?"
"Yeah." Trixie sighed and let her head fall with a 'thump' to the table. "Octavia and Fluttershy got in a fight. Now Fluttershy's locking herself in her cottage for all eternity and Octavia is going back to Canterlot in disgrace. I'm a terrible pony."
"No--"
"I am!" Trixie said. "I tried really hard to do something good for Fluttershy, and all I did was make Fluttershy cry and make Octavia feel like a failure. And both of them hate me now." She rose her head up and then dropped it down again. "I really screwed up."
"We all make mistakes, Trixie. It's not just you."
Trixie managed to raise her head enough to glare at Carrot Top. "Oh yeah? When have you ever make a mistake like this? When have you done something bad enough to really hurt your friends?"
"Um. What about last week?" ***
"Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help! Help!"
Trixie stared as a mob of Carrot Tops ran down the main street of Ponyville, grinning like fools and repeating the same word over and over again. Ponies broke and scattered as they trampled everything before them, leaving destruction in their wake.
"I... think we might need to cancel our weekend plans," Trixie told Ditzy as the dozens of Carrot Tops bore down on them. ***
"You had one bad day," muttered Trixie. "But when I look at Raindrops--"
"Who told us all we were terrible ponies, and brought Snails to tears, after the Neighsure Crane thing?"
"...well, then there's Ditzy--"
"Who lied to Dinky about Sharpwhinny? And who knocked you unconscious so she could fight the Manehattan mafia ponies herself?"
"Cheerilee--"
"Went nuts with that whole drill sergeant thing."
"Lyra--"
"Almost broke your hoof when you told her Octavia was a traitor the first time she came to town. You told me about it later." Carrot Top shook her head. "We all make mistakes, Trixie. You. Me. Even Princess Luna. Just because you made a mistake doesn't mean you're a bad pony."
Trixie drank her tea, feeling a little stronger. "You're just saying that... you're a good friend and you don't want to hurt me--"
"No." Carrot Top frowned. "Trixie, you know that I care about Fluttershy, right? And Lyra really cares about Octavia -- you know that too. Do you think we'd have let you handle this if we thought you were a bad friend?" She draped a hoof over Trixie's shoulder.
Trixie felt better at that. "Thanks..."
Carrot Top poured another mug of tea for Trixie, and they drank in silence for a moment.
"I'm sorry," said Trixie at last. "I didn't listen to you and Lyra. I just wanted to get the concert going, to show what a good friend I was, and then move on to something else. I made it all about me, and so I didn't pay attention, and... well, it fell apart."
"You should apologize to Octavia and Fluttershy, not me." Carrot Top hesitated. "Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"Do you want me and Lyra to try to help you out? I can talk to Fluttershy. I think I can get her to give it another shot. And Lyra knows how to get Octavia to be more... agreeable."
It was tempting, Trixie thought. She could give up on this and go home. Let the competent friends handle things, and not worry about hurting anypony. But...
But I want to be a good friend! I want to be a pony that does good things, that helps others... I don't just want to take up space. I want to live up to the standards Luna expects of me, and that my friends almost always meet. I just don't know if I can...
"Carrot Top?" she asked. "Be honest -- do you think I can fix this? Me?"
Carrot Top smiled. "I know you can," she said. "I have complete trust in you. When the chips are down -- when I bet my farm, when Lyra was a hominoid, when Dinky was abducted, every other time -- you always come through. If you learn from your mistakes and try again, I am absolutely certain you can save the day. And I know every other Element feels the same way."
"Then..." She took a shuddering breath. "I want to fix this, then. I want to help Fluttershy, and I want to make sure Octavia doesn't have to tell Luna she's failed Her." She paused. "I know it's not about me, it's about Fluttershy, but she deserves to have this go well, and it'd be so good for her, and maybe I can help her get through this and pull off the show. And Octavia too, and..." She sighed. "I want to do something good for them."
The next thing she felt was a hug, and she smiled and nuzzled against Carrot Top's head. Carrot Top murmured, "Like I said. We believe in you."
"Thanks. And... thanks for listening to me."
"No problem. You'd do the same for me." Carrot Top broke off the hug and trotted over to pick up her farming equipment. "Any idea on how you're going to start?"
"I think so." Trixie rose. "Yeah. I know what to do." ***
The easiest option for talking with Fluttershy, would be casting an illusion on herself to look like Carrot Top or Ditzy, then talking Fluttershy into practicing with Octavia again. But pretending to be one pony in order to manipulate another was considered unfriendly in some circles.
Still, Fluttershy wouldn't let Trixie into her house, so that wasn't an option either.
Fortunately, Trixie had a third plan.
She lurked around Fluttershy's house until she heard sounds - Fluttershy was in the kitchen in the back, probably preparing breakfast for her animals. Trixie crept over and quietly knocked on the back door.
There was silence for a moment and then, very quietly, Fluttershy managed, "Who is it?"
"Trixie," said the showmare. "Can I talk to you?"
There was no response.
"I'll stay out here, okay? I won't come in. You've got these big thick walls between me and you. And... uh..." Trixie looked up and saw a large-ish window overhead on the second floor. "And if I'm being mean or annoying, you can dump hot water or something on me from the window and chase me away."
"Oh, I would never!" was Fluttershy's instantaneous reaction.
"Then Angel can do it."
"Angel wouldn't do that either! He's a sweet, innocent little bunny, and... and... Angel, where are you going?" There was a pause. "Angel, why are you taking the teakettle?" A few moments later, "Angel, stop!"
Trixie glanced up at the window, worried that Angel might have preemptively decided that Trixie was being annoying. Fortunately, a few moments later, she heard Fluttershy dragging Angel downstairs. "Bad Angel. If you do that again, I'll be forced to not give you a dessert at lunch." There was a pause. "I mean, uh, only half a dessert."
Trixie rolled her eyes.
The dessert negotiations concluded with Fluttershy promising Angel an extra cookie, and then Fluttershy began to speak to Trixie again. "Um... what do you want to talk about?"
Trixie smiled. "The concert in a few days. I--"
"I can't do it! I won't! I can't face Octavia!"
Trixie said, "What if I convince her to be nicer?"
"You can't, I tried but she said that she wouldn't let any mistakes pass her by, and then at the end she said she wouldn't help me anymore anyway."
"If I can get her to change her mind, help you, and be as kind as possible, will you try again?"
There was no response.
Trixie reflected on what she knew of the butter-colored pegasus. "I know you love animals, Fluttershy. They're your special passion."
"Yes," said Fluttershy.
"That's a very special ability. A lot of the ponies who want to help animals don't have it." Trixie paused for a moment. "The concert's to benefit a veterinary clinic."
"I know," said Fluttershy. "And I know they probably really need the money, but I just can't... I'm not able to do it... I'm sorry. I'm not brave enough."
"Carrot Top told me once that you once chased one of your chickens into the Everfree to make sure that she wasn't hurt by a monster."
"Oh! Uh... yes, I suppose..."
"That was really brave," said Trixie. "I never go into the Everfree unless I've got my friends with me, but you went all by yourself. You must really love animals."
"Well, yes..." She heard a scrunch, and guessed that Fluttershy was hugging an animal - probably Angel. "I just want to take care of as many as I can."
"If you're brave enough to face Everfree monsters to help an animal, can't you be brave enough to face Octavia? I promise, she doesn't bite nearly as hard."
Fluttershy giggled. "I thought I could, but then last night Octavia began to be really mean."
"If I can stop her from being mean again - I mean, she'll correct your mistakes, but she won't be mean - will you try again? For the animals? Please?"
"I... can you do that?"
"Yes," Trixie said. "And - if I can't, if she won't agree, I'll cancel the concert myself, okay? I promise you, she will only see you again if she promises me that she'll be kind to you."
There was a long silence, but then, Trixie heard: "...okay. For the animals." And Fluttershy sounded happy.
Trixie grinned. "Thanks, Fluttershy. I promise, this'll go well."
"And I - Angel? Where'd you go?"
Trixie jumped to her hooves and rolle to the side just before the water splashed down. She looked up at Angel, who was frowning at having missed. "Hah!" said Trixie, sticking out her tongue. "Nice try!"
Angel kicked another bucket out of the window, and this time Trixie couldn't dodge in time. Something grainy fell all over her.
"Huh?" Trixie sniffed it. It smelled kind of like that stuff that Dinky used to feed Fluttershy's chickens. "Chicken feed? Why would Angel dump chicken feed on me?"
"BAWK!"
Trixie turned to see a dozen chickens surrounding her.
"Okay," she said to herself. "They're just chickens. How bad could they be?"
Then she found out. ***
"Now, Angel," said Fluttershy. "It's time for your bath, and... what's that?"
Outside, it sounded like somepony was yelling, "Stupid birds! Why do you know how to flank?!"
Angel shut the window and then raised his ears and widened his eyes to look as adorable as he could.
"Ooh... I can't resist that face. Time for a nice warm bath!" chirped the yellow pegasus. ***
Trixie was back in town, having cast an illusion and somehow manage to slip past the evil chickens and their beaks of terror, and checked the sky again. The sun was just about up. Octavia would likely be done with her daily sunrise performance soon, and once she finished she would begin preparing to leave. Trixie had to stop her first.
As she reached the motel, she heard the faint sounds of a cello piece ending. She looked up in time to see Octavia slowly lowering the cello down on the balcony. "Hey, Octavia!" she called. "Can we talk?"
Octavia shook her head. "There is nothing to say--"
And then a mare jumped out of a chimney on a neighboring building. "Octavia!" cried Pinkie, clad in a black ninja outfit. "My old arch-nemesis!"
"...what?"
"You are the enemy of eclairs! The monster of mousse! The antithesis to apple pie!" Pinkie swept a hoof across her heart. "You journey across the land, convincing innocent and friendly ponies to live bland, tasteless lives, without a dollop of whipped cream or a single gumdrop to liven up their days!"
"No I don't!" said a flustered Octavia. "That is absurd!"
"But it ends here! With one bite of a Sugar Cube Corner chocolate-carmel crunchy croissant, you'll never diss desserts again!"
Octavia stared.
"Get ready! Here comes my PASTRY POWER!" Pinkie brought up what looked like another short cannon, then jumped back down the chimney and was gone.
Octavia looked down at Trixie. "...how much sugar does she eat, exactly?"
"I can't measure that high--"
Pinkie leapt out from the window of another neighboring building, blasting with her cannon. Croissants flew out towards Octavia, who had only a moment to dodge. Her hearing, though, seemed to save her once again, as she was able to throw herself backwards without even having to look at Pinkie. The desserts splattered against the balcony door.
Pinkie shook her cannon. "Aw, I'm out of deliciousness! Well... I'll be back! Back with the best kind of pastries there are! Pastries that are really fast and hard to dodge!" And she ran off.
Octavia could only watch her go. "...is this legal?"
"It's Pinkie. So probably." Trixie sighed. "But anyway. Can I come up, please? I really want to talk to you."
"There is nothing to say--"
"From one pony who doesn't want to disappoint Princess Luna to another. I just want a few minutes of your time."
Octavia paused and looked at her. "What?"
"She brought me up as her apprentice. She means the world to me. I don't want to fail her either." Trixie locked eyes with Octavia. "So can we talk?"
And Octavia gave a slow nod. ***
"Fluttershy agreed to try again," said Trixie, as she stepped into the room.
Octavia scanned Trixie's face. "And? What will her reaction be if I note that one of her birds is off-key?"
"Look... you know what she's like." Trixie waved a hoof in the air. "She's not good with, uh, hostility."
"I wasn't hostile. I corrected her, and she couldn't handle it. Trixie, if I am to help somepony, they need to be able to acknowledge criticism. Otherwise, I might as well speak at a wall."
"Maybe there's a nicer way to correct her."
"That isn't my concern." Octavia frowned. "My teachers were strict with me. I was strict with those I mentored, and the results are clear -- just look at Lyra, the greatest of those I taught, whose music has stunned all of Canterlot. That is how I teach, and it works... when the student is willing."
"She's not one of your music students, though. She barely deals with other ponies. I know you don't like changing your teaching style, but I promise you, if you be as nice as possible when correcting her, you'll get much better results."
"I won't get any. She canceled, Trixie. It is obvious she does not really care about the music."
"She does, but no, the music isn't her main concern," Trixie agreed. "She cares about the animals."
"Evidently, not all that much."
"Hey!" said Trixie, sharply. "Do you know about the Everfree forest?"
"Yes. Uncontrollable and full of monsters. What..."
"She went into it. Alone. To rescue one of her pet animals," said Trixie. "She can't fight. She doesn't have any useful magic. She's not good at flying. But she went anyway, because one of her stupid chickens needed her and she wasn't going to let it get eaten by a siren or something. She cares about those animals as much as you care about your music."
Octavia was silent for a long moment. "You know what I did out of my love for my music," she said. "You know to what lengths I went, with that Symphony, with my career on the line..."
"Yes. And I know, from Lyra, that there were times during your preparation of the Symphony that you drove away your friends. You did some things you regretted later."
She locked eyes with Octavia, and the two stared at each other for several seconds. Finally, Octavia said, "That is true enough."
"I'm not asking you to compromise your principles. I'm not asking you to get Fluttershy to play even if she isn't any good. I'm telling you that she wants to do this. She wants the animals in Manehattan to have somewhere they can go to have a bone set, or a cold medicated, or a warm bowl of soup if it's really cold outside. She wants to play, but she needs your help."
Octavia was silent for a long moment. And then she said, "I will speak to her again. I need to confirm this."
Trixie didn't complain about Octavia not trusting her. "Thank you."
"Do not thank me yet. If I determine that Fluttershy believes what you say she does, I will try again. But... Trixie, if she interprets any correction as hostile, I honestly cannot help her. It isn't a question of my willingness, then. All I can do is offer advice, and if it is rejected, even I can do nothing."
"She won't. Just... instead of saying, 'this is wrong and bad, play it this other way,' say 'this could be improved if you played it this other way.' Those are both true statements, right?"
"Yes..."
"Just try it. Say what's good as well as what's bad. Be as kind as you can be, and then you'll both get what you want. You want a beautiful concert, right? If phrasing your teaching in a certain way achieves that, isn't that the right thing to do?"
Octavia thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. Very well, Trixie. If I determine that she sincerely wants to aid her animal friends, and will work as hard as needed for that task, I will be as kind as I can when I teach her."
"This is going to be a great concert." Trixie smiled. "You won't regret this."
Octavia nodded again. "I hope not." And she walked over to her cello, closing its case. "There is no time to waste if the concert is to continue as scheduled -- we have lost much time. Is she willing to meet now?"
Trixie smiled to herself. "I think that she is." ***
The walk back to Fluttershy's was uneventful, and they were soon back inside the cottage living room. Trixie took up a quiet position in the corner of the room as the two other mares talked.
"I am sorry," said Octavia. "For my...temper last night."
"It's okay," whispered Fluttershy.
"Trixie tells me that you wish to perform at the concert."
Fluttershy steeled herself, then said, "Yes."
"Out of concern for Equestrian animals. She said you cared about them very much."
"I do," said Fluttershy. And then, before she knew it, she was talking more. "Fillydelphia has four times as many animals per block as Ponyville, but only twice as much veterinary capacity. Sometimes when animals get hurt in that city, if their owners can't take them to veternarians in other cities, they have to wait days for treatment. I really want Soft Hoof's clinic to be a success and to be big enough to help all the animals that need it."
Octavia inclined her head.
"And I'm sorry I wasn't any good last night, I was really trying hard and so were all my birds, but we just..." Fluttershy seemed to shrink into herself. "I'm sorry," she repeated.
"I forgive you." Octavia rose from the couch. "I will help you prepare, Fluttershy. And I will... be as polite as I know how to be. I will not let any mistakes pass by, but I will strive to treat you with compassion and grace. So long as you remain willing, I will work with you night and day to get you ready for the concert."
Fluttershy smiled slightly.
"But there is something I need you to promise me."
"What?"
"You must understand. For me, music retains an almost sacred quality. A musician who performs before a crowd is implicitly promising to play the best music they can, to justify the time and expense that the audience contributed. Fluttershy, I need you to promise me that you will work as hard as I do, and that you will ensure that your birds do the same. Otherwise..." Octavia paused. "Imagine if you funded the clinic, and then learned that they were giving the animals substandard, lazy care. I think you would be hurt and offended."
Fluttershy nodded. "That happened once."
"It did?"
"My investments... uh... I had some extra money, and I asked my bank manager to invest in three veterinary clinics. Two of them were great, but in one, they were letting the animals eat all the junk food they wanted, they weren't heating the rooms enough... it hurt." Fluttershy frowned. "I felt like it was partially my fault."
She looked at Octavia. "I won't make you feel like that," she promised. "I'll work as hard as I need to so that everything is perfect."
"And I will do the same." Octavia smiled. "Alright. Gather your birds, please. We'll start from the top." ***
"It's going well?" asked Lyra.
"Yes," said Trixie, taking a long swig of bourbon. "Thank Luna."
Trixie had checked up on the mares at three more points during the day. For two of them, things had been going fine. For one, things had slipped -- Fluttershy was shrinking a little, Octavia growing frustrated -- but Trixie had reminded them of their goals and had gotten them back on track. And, when she passed by one final time, she heard sweet and lively birdsong coming from inside the cottage. They were making progress.
Carrot Top grinned. "We knew you could do it."
"Thanks." Trixie kicked back in her living room chair. "And now I know I can do it too."
"How long will they be practicing?" asked Lyra after a few moments.
"Octavia made it sound like they'll have a long night ahead of them. But she also said she'd try to stop by and give me an update at dinner time. Which..." Trixie looked at her clock. "She should be coming along soon."
"There she is!" said Carrot Top.
Octavia was approaching the front of Trixie's house, looking tired but happy. Unfortunately, just as Trixie saw her, Octavia's ears twitched and she began to fling herself down.
"Oh no," said Trixie. "No, no, no..."
But Pinkie was already jumping out of a mailbox with a shoulder-mounted cannon emblazoned with the words "CUPCAKE CANNON." She shouted something and pulled the trigger, and the biggest cupcake Trixie had ever seen came hurling right where Octavia had been standing. And through that spot. And at Trixie's window.
"No!" cried Trixie as the cupcake smashed through it and spattered all over her floor.
"Nuts!" cried Pinkie. "Well, I'll--"
"Pinkie!" Trixie used her telekinesis to haul Pinkie Pie over, past the crouching Octavia and onto her porch. "Look at this mess!"
"I'm sorry, Trixie... I'm just trying to help Octavia." Pinkie's face grew horrified. "Imagine if she lives her whole life without even one itty bitty candy bar. Wouldn't that be horrifying?"
"...Horrifying or not, you can't just go around blasting projectiles in town." Trixie sighed. "Look... I know you mean well, but it's not working. Please, just accept that Octavia doesn't eat sweets--"
"I can't accept such a horrible thing!" cried Pinkie Pie. "I won't! Anything but that!" She clutched at her heart. "Say it isn't so, Trixie! Say it isn't so!"
"Then at least stop shooting them at her. You wouldn't like it if somepony shot broccoli at you, would you?"
PInkie wrinkled her muzzle. "I guess not..." Her ears flopped. "Alright, Trixie. I won't shoot any more pastry projectiles, no matter how yummylicious they are... and I'll clean this mess up." She smiled weakly. "Sorry again."
"Don't worry about it. And thanks."
As Pinkie walked into the residency to begin cleaning, Lyra and Carrot Top trotted out to look at Octavia. The cellist looked stunned. "Is this normal?"
"No, not really," said Lyra.
"That's a relief--"
"Usually we take a lot more damage than this by this point in the month." Lyra smiled. "I mean, it's been three weeks, and nothing's caught on fire, blown up, or been eaten by monsters."
"Yeah, we're getting off easy," said Trixie.
Octavia looked between the trio. "Life here seems very... interesting."
"Oh," said Trixie. "You have no idea." ***
"Think they'll be okay?" asked Carrot Top. Octavia had returned to Fluttershy's, Pinkie had finished cleaning, and Windowpane had already gotten a new window installed. The three were once again in the Residency's living room.
"I think so," said Trixie. "But I'll keep an eye on them. Don't worry."
"Good." Lyra sipped her daffodil wine. "And... I think it's going to be a great concert, Trixie. Really."
The showmare smiled. "With those two working together, I'm sure it'll be wonderful." |
A Concert for Ponyville | The Concert | Trixie knocked three times on Fluttershy's door. "Fluttershy?" she called. "It's Trixie! How's it going? Ready for the show?"
There was no answer for a few moments. Trixie was about to knock again when Octavia's voice sounded from within. "One moment, Trixie. I will get the door."
"Uh, okay." Trixie stepped back as Octavia opened it. "Is Fluttershy okay?"
Octavia nodded. She looked very tired, but content. "Yes. She is resting. Come in, but please, be quiet -- we should not wake her."
Trixie entered the house and went into the living room, where she saw Fluttershy sleeping on the sofa. She was smiling, and as she slept she occasionally blew a tuft of her pink mane up into the air before it settled over her face again. Across the room were several birds in cages and on posts, fast asleep despite the rising sun. Fluttershy's other pets were up and about, most in the middle of their breakfasts, but all were taking care not to wake Fluttershy or the birds. "Long night?" Trixie asked.
"We agreed that, in order to produce the best music possible, it was important to practice for as long as we needed until Fluttershy's birds -- and Fluttershy -- had mastered the music. We did not finish until just before dawn." Octavia was silent for a moment. "To be honest, I was skeptical that she would agree to work so hard. But between my... gentler comments, and whatever you said to her, she was willing." The cellist smiled slightly. "She is a strong pony."
"I know." Trixie smiled to herself. "A lot of ponies might want to count her out early, but when it really matters, especially with her animal friends, she's tough. I'm not surprise she mastered it all." The unicorn nodded as she levitated an empty tea cup to the sink. "But if you're done, why are you still up?"
Octavia cracked a smile. "In order for her to perform at her best, Fluttershy needed sleep. However, her animals also needed tending to. And... she insisted that, as she had worked so hard at my craft, that it would be fair for me to try my hoof at hers." She nodded at the bowls of food. "She showed me a checklist, asked her pet rabbit to supervise me, and so after she went to sleep I took care of the various chores to the best of my ability. I only just finished."
"She insisted?" Trixie blinked. She had never heard Fluttershy insist on anything, excluding that strange Fluttershy from another dimension that had earned the Element of Kindness. "How?"
"Admittedly, very quietly, and with more than a few apologies." Trixie couldn't help but chuckle at that. Octavia continued. "Still, she was right on all counts. And it would be hypocritical to support animal welfare in Fillydelphia while neglecting those closer to home. So I did my best to take care of the chores, and let Fluttershy sleep and recover some of her strength."
"How did you do?"
Octavia blushed. "I must concede that the rabbit found many reasons to correct me." Trixie giggled, familiar with Angel's brusque forms of correction. "It is..." she continued, "A very intricate craft, and Fluttershy's knowledge of every minute detail of how to care for every animal in this residence -- their individual diets, their exercise regimens, even their grooming sessions -- is something I doubt I could master if she gave me a month. But with the checklist she gave me, I was able to feed and check up on all of her pets." She smiled. "And I think her rabbit agrees."
Trixie looked around, and sure enough, she saw Angel standing at the foot of Fluttershy's couch. The bunny rabbit gave her a quick nod, then resumed his vigil, watching over the animals like the world's most adorable guard. "Yeah, Angel would let you know if you didn't."
The cellist checked the wall clock. "Still, we will need to wake her soon if she is to dress and prepare for the show. I can assist her--"
"No need to dress," said Trixie. "In fact, you can head on back to the motel. I'll get her there."
Octavia blinked. "Surely she must wear formal attire--"
"Nope." Trixie shook her head. "You're the musician -- you focus on the music. Me? I'm the showmare. I'm the pony who gets Fluttershy on the stage and shows her off to the crowd." Trixie helped Octavia up. "You can take a nap. I've got this."
"I cannot sleep now," said Octavia. "The concert is in an hour."
"Then at least get a donut or something." Octavia opened her mouth, and Trixie sighed. "Right, right, diet. Well... do whatever helps you stay awake. I promise you, I'll get Fluttershy there, in one piece, and looking just right for the concert." She beamed. "Come on. I think I've earned a little trust."
Octavia was silent for a few moments. "Yes. You have." She rose, then bowed slightly. "Until the concert, Lulamoon."
"See you there!"
Octavia left, and Trixie turned to Fluttershy's sleeping form. Don't worry. It'll all be worth it. I'll make sure of it. ***
Fluttershy cautiously eased a hoof up onto the doorknob, then dropped it back. "I'm scared," she whispered to Trixie.
"Scared?"
"I can't just go outside now. Ponies will see me." Fluttershy gulped. "I mean... not just one or two nice ponies. All of them." Her mane fell over her face. "Even Thunderlane!"
"Thunderlane?" Trixie blinked. "What's wrong with him?"
"What's wrong with him?" gasped Fluttershy. "Well..." ***
Fluttershy squeaked as she tripped, a few of the carrots coming out of her handbasket. She had fixed a nice picnic lunch for Angel and was taking it out to the backyard, but instead of reaching Angel, she almost fell on him. "Oh! I'm so sorry!"
"Hey, you okay?"
Fluttershy looked up to see Thunderlane holding a big cloud. He had paused and was looking down at her. "Need any help?" he called.
Fluttershy squeaked, dropped the rest of the carrots, and ran inside. ***
"He thinks I'm clumsy," sniffed Fluttershy. "And if he sees me again he'll call me Fluttercrash, or Butterfly, or some other mean name. I just know it!"
"Easy," said Trixie. She doubted Thunderlane even remembered the incident, and knew he wouldn't hold it against Fluttershy, but that wasn't important at that moment. "I--"
"But they'll laugh at me if I go outside. I'm--"
"Nope," insisted Trixie. "They won't see you at all."
Fluttershy blinked at the claim, and Trixie beamed. "Allow me to show you what the Great and Powerful Trixie can do! Abraca-Dinky!"
The pegasus giggled. "Abraca-Dinky?"
"Yeah, she wanted a few magical words for herself. But anyway, look at my front left hoof!"
Fluttershy did, then squeaked. Trixie had turned it invisible while joking with Fluttershy.
"See? Nopony can see it. Now, if you want, I can make you totally invisible as you walk through Ponyville. You'll be invisible to all." Trixie swept a still-visible hoof out, as if to emphasize the 'all.' "And not only that, but I, the Great and Powerful Dame Trixie Lulamoon, Hero of Equestria, will be across the street, making a huge scene! Every eye will gravitate towards me -- not one towards you!"
Fluttershy smiled, but it quickly faded. "That's nice, but... I have to be visible for my bird friends to see me. And the audience will see me on stage if my birds can. And--"
"Trust me," interjected Trixie. "I've thought this through." She smiled gently. "I promise you that you won't need to show yourself to anypony that you don't want to." She clasped Fluttershy's hoof. "Can you trust me?"
Fluttershy shut her eyes, but nodded.
"Great. I'll cast my spell on you, and we can get going!" ***
There were at least two hundred ponies gathered by the stage, which was decorated in a beautiful forested setting. The stands for the birds were indistinguishable from real tree branches, and the birds themselves, Trixie guessed, would pop out brightly against the greens and browns of the background. Rarity had outdone herself.
The final set of lights blasted around Trixie, and then she hopped onto the stage. The ponies who had been watching the spectacle dispersed, some home but most to seats in the audience. It was already looking pretty full, with almost every seat occupied and a substantial crowd standing or flying nearby, but Trixie would take every pony she could get. The more ponies, the more donations, and the more likely this thing would be a success. "Ready, Fluttershy?"
"I think so," whispered the pony. She was standing somewhere to Trixie's right, completely invisible. "But... there's a building on the stage. Is there where I should stand?"
The 'building' was an enclosure, about as tall as one pony and wide enough for two. It fit the forested theme nicely, as it was constructed of a few logs and had vines and flowers poking out of it. It looked to Trixie like an enclosure one might find in a formal park. I owe Tin Taylor and his crew a few favors for this, but it's worth it. "Yes," said Trixie. "Right inside there, see?"
Fluttershy moved into the stand, at which point Trixie dismissed the invisibility. The pegasus looked around and smiled. "Nopony can see me in here," she said. Indeed, it was only open on one side, and that side looked further back onto the stage. The birds -- who were flying in now and setting up on the stands -- could see her, but no ponies could. "Trixie, this is perfect..."
And then the pegasus was hugging her. Trixie blinked before returning the hug. "I'll put the invisibility spell back on when it's time to go. Now -- show Ponyville why we should all care for our little furry friends, okay?"
Fluttershy beamed as she nodded. "I will! I'll make them love all the animals in Equestria! Even the skunks!"
That would be quite a feat, Trixie acknowledged as she trotted into the audience. But if anypony could pull it off, she was certain that Fluttershy could.
"Hey!" Lyra ran over, Carrot Top right behind her. "How's everything going?"
"It'll be a great show." Trixie beamed. "Soft Hoof won't have anything to complain about."
"Are you sure?" asked Carrot Top. Her voice bespoke uneasiness. "This is a lot of ponies, Trixie... Fluttershy's never performed for more than four."
"I've taken care of everything. Don't worry. I paid attention this time, and it's going to be great! "
Lyra nodded. "Yeah, Carrot Top. Let's have a little faith in Trixie now. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"
Trixie paused. "Well..." ***
"Trixie?" The unicorn turned to see Pokey trotting up to her. "While you were paying attention to the concert, Corona took over Equestria and blew up Canterlot."
"...what," managed Trixie.
"Also, an Ursa's destroying the east half of town, Philomena's destroying the west half, parasprites ate all our food, and Scootaloo drunk the entire town's supply of coffee. The nobles dropped by, but they just stuck out their tongues, said 'neener neener', and left without helping us." Pokey frowned. "Also, you're engaged to Blueblood for some reason."
Trixie could only stare. "...I'm going home," she announced at last. "I can't deal with this."
"Good idea. There's somepony there called Antithesis who says she wants to see you. Looks kind of angry too." ***
The other two Bearers stared at her.
"What? You asked for the worst thing that could happen," said Trixie.
"...And now I know never to do that again," said Lyra.
Trixie grinned and jokingly shoved Lyra. "I'm just kidding. Come on, this is going to be great. Let's get seats. Who was reserving them, again?"
"You, I think," said Carrot Top.
"Yeah, you said you'd do it two days ago," added Lyra.
Trixie paused. "... well, then, to the fabulous seats that I reserved! For us! And did not forget about!" ***
"I don't think these count as seats," grumbled Lyra, but it was good-natured. The steps of Sugar Cube Corner, which were across from the stage anyway, were at least reasonably comfortable.
"Shh," said Carrot Top.
A few other ponies were back there with them, most notably Octavia, who had shut her eyes but had her ears determinedly perked in the direction of the stage. As Mayor Scrolls introduced the event, Trixie leaned over to her. "You're awake, right?"
Octavia opened one eye and glared at Trixie. The showmare grinned and scooted away. "Just checking."
"Where's Soft Hoof?" asked Carrot Top.
"She's not here already?" asked Lyra.
"I don't know," said Trixie. "She's so new that I don't know what she looks like--"
The birds chirped loudly for a few moments, quieting the chattering audience, and then Fluttershy began to play.
Trixie wasn't good at understanding music. She couldn't pick out melodies or themes or anything like that. But the music sounded beautiful to her, and she couldn't help but smile. This is good, she thought. No. This is great.
Even though she didn't 'get' the music, she could still love what she heard... and what she heard was indeed lovely. The birds were singing wonderfully, with little trills in just the right spots that seemed to make everything faster, and with so many different pitches that the music felt amazingly full and deep. It was like she was being swept along in some sort of ocean, and she could just let it wash over her and fill her head with amazing sounds.
Some of the birds began to blast shorter, sharper chirps, and it sounded almost like a dog. Trixie grinned as they imitated barking, yipping, and all the other sounds a loyal and joyous pup gave to its owner. They imitated the meow of a cat, and the oink of a pig -- somehow making it sound inquisitive and excited, instead of messy and smelly -- and many more animals. Meanwhile, the other birds played melodies and harmonies, carrying the animal sounds along, folding them in, as if to show that the every utterance of a happy pet was a small bit of music in and of itself.
Eventually, the birds making the animal sounds returned to the main themes, adding their voices to give the melodies and harmonies just a little more depth and width. The fastest birds sang rapid streams of trills in the highest pitches, giving the music a fast, vivacious feel. Trixie was reminded of Winona, whom she'd seen chasing Applebloom and Scootaloo in an endless circle one hot summer afternoon. Other birds produced slower, steadier, and stately bass notes, filling in the rhythm for the piece. And still others filled out the middle. It was almost symphonic in range, and Trixie marveled at the ability of Fluttershy to get that kind of sound out of two dozen birds.
When she looked at Lyra and Octavia, she saw that seemed to be in a world of their own. They sat completely silently, almost breathing in time with the music. Every now and then, when something happened in the music - when it sounded brighter, somehow, or faster, or somehow more 'full' - they would both smile slightly, as if at some joke only they understood. Trixie knew that she didn't have mastery on that level, and nor did most of the audience. But they didn't need to. This music was so good that it could be enjoyed by everyone.
When she looked at Carrot Top, she saw something else. The mare was staring at the enclosure, smiling to herself and nodding her head whenever Fluttershy elicited a particularly strong or complicated response from the birds. She's been helping Fluttershy get to this point for a while, Trixie thought. This must feel like a huge milestone for her... no wonder Carrot Top's happy.
And then she thought, And I helped. Fluttershy is putting on a great concert, for a cause she really cares about. Carrot Top's efforts with Fluttershy are paying off. Lyra and Octavia, who have crazy high standards for music, are able to enjoy this, not to mention the rest of the audience.
I helped make this possible.
I got it right. ***
The concert lasted for an hour, though it felt like thirty seconds. When it was done, Trixie was one of the first on her hooves to stomp her approval. "Bravo!"
"Brava," corrected Octavia. Her eyes had opened smoothly at the end of the concert, and she was on her hooves right alongside Trixie. She was applauding too. "Magnificent!" she called. "Sublime!"
"Yeah!" roared Lyra. "Go Fluttershy!"
Carrot Top stamped her hooves and cheered alongside them.
It took several minutes for the applause to subside, after which Trixie hurried up to the stage and helped Fluttershy sneak away under cover of invisibility. "Wonderful," she whispered. "Fluttershy, you're amazing."
Fluttershy's response was a soft, but clearly happy, squeak.
Baronetess Soft Hoof took the stage next. Trixie blinked a few times when she saw her. She was an earth pony with a soft, white coat, a pink mane, a bluejay as her cutie mark - and a long scar across her right eye. It was faded, almost blending in with her coat, but it still took a moment for Trixie to look away. I wonder what happened to her...
"Thank you, Fluttershy, for that gorgeous performance," said Soft Hoof. The crowd applauded again. "Now, as to business:
"When I was a young foal, living a carefree life in the province of South Everfree, I did some foolish things," she said. Her voice was soft and clear, reminding Trixie of a kindly old teacher. "I had a few friends with whom I had several adventures... some more foolish than others. One night, I went out with them to explore the Everfree, but I found myself lost in the dark and mysterious forest." She gestured at it. "No matter how hard I tried to get out, I only got myself more lost. I had no food, no water, night fell, and it grew very cold. And then, when I thought things couldn't get any worse... I ran into a timbrewolf."
She paused for a moment. "I would have died, but my dog Sunshine had been tracking me when I didn't come home that night. She caught up to me just in time, attacked the wolf and scared it away. Instead of being killed, I was only injured. And, thanks to the doctors, they were able to heal me of almost all of the damage - with just one exception." She gestured at her eye. "Thanks to Sunshine, my most faithful companion and one of my best friends, I survived. I owe my life to her.
"At first, I was just thrilled to be alive. But after that I began to wonder: what would have happened if my dog had been the one that had been injured? We didn't have a veterinary clinic in town. If my dog had gotten hurt helping me, I could have been healed, but not him. My savior would have languished in pain, with nopony able to aid him. That seemed wrong to me." She paused. "In fact, I knew that was wrong."
"Since then," she continued, "I have made it my mission to ensure that animals across Equestria have access to veterinary care. When a dog breaks a leg, or a bird fractures a wing, or a kitten gets sick, there should always be somewhere they can to where a kind, caring pony can make them feel better." She nodded. "Since then, I have led drives to open up six large veterinary clinics, all in major metropolitan areas with many more animals than could have been cared for in existing clinics. The foals in those towns can know that, should their pets be injured, somepony can take care of them. The older ponies, with their older pets who have stayed with them through thick and thin, know that their pets will be taken care of if they fall ill. Anypony in those areas with an animal they care about, a dog to cuddle when they are sad, a cat to play with when they want to have fun, a bird who can sing or a rabbit who can bounce or a pig who can play in the mud -- their pets are safe." There was more applause.
"Now I am leading a drive to build the biggest clinic yet. It will take up half a block in Fillydelphia, and will have the space to house three hundred animals at once. The challenge is great, but I believe that it is worth it. Our animals are precious. They are loyal, true, bringing joy to young and old alike! They produce fantastic art and music - you have just heard for yourselves the sweetness of bird song - and improve any community they inhabit." She bowed her head. "Please help me ensure that we can improve their lot as well."
There was silence for a moment.
And then:
"I pledge ten bits!" cried out one pony from the front.
"I pledge twenty bits!" cried out another.
Diamond Tiara began hopping up and down in front of her father. "Daddy, help the cute animals!"
"I pledge five hundred bits!" said Filthy Rich.
"Then I pledge six hundred!" said Sterling Silver, a pony whom Trixie knew did not like to be outdone.
"I pledge my piggy bank!" yelled Sweetie Belle, hopping onto a very confused-looking Big Macintosh with a little ceramic piggy balanced on her back. "That's twelve bits!"
"Sweetie Belle, nonsense," said Rarity, levitating her down. "I'll put in twelve bits for you. And for myself, shall we say thirty?"
Soft Hoof seemed taken aback by the sudden rush of support. "I - thank you!" she said. "Thank you so much! There are donation forms up at the front of the stage, please--"
The crowd swarmed them. ***
"That was incredible" said Soft Hoof to Trixie. The crowd was still filling out forms, and the Baronetess had moved to one side to answer questions and talk to ponies. "I've never had such a strong response. This town might fund more of the clinic by themselves than any other village."
"No problem," said Trixie.
"As the town's Representative of the Night Court, I would like to thank you - and the entire town - for your generosity, and for the beautiful concert." Soft Hoof looked around. "Where is Fluttershy?"
"She's... around," said Trixie. "She's kind of shy."
"Please convey my gratitude to her," said Soft Hoof. "I can tell, the concert made the difference. And inform her that, if she wants to do more concerts, I would be happy to bring her to any locations on my tour - all expenses paid, she's more than worth it."
"I'll let her know."
Soft Hoof smiled at Trixie. "I need to get back to the crowd. Thank you again." And then she was turning to Sparkler, who was smiling brightly and seemed very eager to donate some money. Trixie grinned to herself and then trotted away.
The showmare found Fluttershy, who was lurking in an alley. But she wasn't alone. A taller, orange-coated pegasus was embracing her. "That was lovely, dear," said the newcomer. "You've... you've made me very proud."
Trixie's eyes widened. Duchess Fragrant Posey? The Duchess wasn't wearing any formal clothing or jewelry, she had no attendants, and even her bearing seemed relaxed, but it was unquestionably the Duchess of Cloudsdale, Fluttershy's aunt. I didn't know she'd be here! Well, okay, her niece's debut, so maybe I should have expected it, but... she could have written ahead!
Fluttershy said, in a quiet but happy voice, "I'm glad you liked it, Auntie."
Trixie tried to back up, but bumped into a water barrel and fell on her flank as the two turned. Fragrant looked puzzled, but Fluttershy just smiled. "Trixie! It was wonderful! Thank you for your help!" She sounded incredibly joyous, her soft voice bursting with glee. "That was fantastic, and now all those animals will be saved and helped and loved... oh, Trixie, it was wonderful!"
"I'm glad--"
And then Fluttershy was nuzzling her. "I couldn't have done it without you," said Fluttershy.
Trixie blushed.
"You were behind this?" Duchess Posey looked at the crowd, still swarming Soft Hoof's donation forms, and then back at Trixie.
Trixie debated what to say. She settled on the honest, but not too braggy, "Yes."
"Then I thank you as well." Duchess Posey bowed her head, and Trixie's heart almost stopped. "You've... you've done a lot for my niece. I think I speak for both of us when I say how grateful we are."
The showmare didn't know how to respond. And then Fluttershy nuzzled her again, and she blushed some more.
Yeah, she thought, as she wound up embracing Fluttershy in a hug. Everything went off perfectly. I helped Octavia, and Fluttershy, and all the animals.
I am a good friend. |
A Concert for Ponyville | Trixie's Triumph | Trixie trotted back to her friends, a big smile on her face. Glancing behind her, she saw Rainbow Dash flying down from the cloud she'd been keeping stationary, presumably to congratulate Fluttershy. Turning back to her friends, she saw both Carrot Top and Lyra looking at her with obvious happiness. "That," she told them, "Is one very happy family."
Lyra hugged her. "I knew you could do it!"
"Of course! Was there ever any doubt?" Trixie paused. "Don't answer that."
"We knew you'd come through," Carrot Top chuckled as she pointed with a hoof at the crowd, which was still milling around the stage and filling out donation forms. "Looks like the concert was a big success. I don't think Soft Hoof'll have any trouble getting that clinic funded."
Trixie noted Duchess Posey leaving the alley and approaching Soft Hoof. "I think that's a safe bet. Although... maybe I'll chip in a few bits. Never let it be said that the Great and Powerful Trixie is without heart."
"I'll throw in some too," said Carrot Top.
"Me three! And Octavia will..." Lyra looked around. "Hey, where'd she go? It's not like her to run out right at the end of a concert."
Trixie turned to Sugar Cube Corner, but the cellist was gone. "I know she was here at the end," Trixie said. "I saw her clapping. Maybe she went back to her hotel?"
"No, she told me she wanted to talk afterwards. Something about a music group she's working on with this metal artist named Crescendo and a few other ponies; she wanted to see if I could check it out. She even asked me to recommend somewhere with good tea where we could talk." Lyra frowned. "I guess she might be in the crowd of ponies donating..."
"She shouldn't be too hard to find," said Trixie. "Lyra, you check the crowd up by the stage. Carrot Top, check the local cafes. I'll look in Sugar Cube Corner, make sure Pinkie Pie didn't drag her in there, tie her up, and start force-feeding her cake."
Carrot Top giggled. "You just want an early dessert."
"What can I say? The Great and Powerful Trixie has a Great and Powerful sweet tooth." Trixie grinned. "See you in five!" ***
"Octavia?" asked Mrs. Cake. "Yes, dear, I saw her. Pinkie took her down to the basement. Poor mare looked exhausted. Pinkie said she was going to give her something to perk her up."
Trixie frowned. "In the basement?"
"Well, Pinkie can be a little... confusing sometimes. But she's really a splendid baker." Mrs. Cake smiled. "Want a peanut-butter cookie? She just baked them before the concert."
"One to go, please." Trixie eased the basement door open. Was it her imagination, or did she hear maniacal laughter floating upwards? "Um. It looks kind of dark."
"She's putting together a Nightmare Night exhibit downstairs. She told us that we should dim the lights so it's more, uh, spook-a-riffic."
"Of course she did," murmured Trixie as she gingerly stepped downstairs. Was the Cakes' basement always this far down?
After a long flight of stairs, Trixie found herself at the bottom. The room was very dark, but the showmare heard what sounded like somepony struggling. Her horn flared, and she had a glimpse of ghost and spider decorations on the walls --
And then Pinkie Pie was standing right in front of her. She had a huge grin on her face. And a large knife in her hoof. "Hi Trixie! I'm glad you're here! I have a special treat just for you!"
It finally happened, Trixie thought, staring in stunned bewilderment as Pinkie Pie brought the knife up. Pinkie snapped, and now she's going to cut me into little bits and probably bake me into a cake or something. I survived Corona, and Grogar, and the salamanders and all the others, and now I'm going to be killed by a crazy party pony.
Pinkie slashed the knife down... into a large cake on a table right next to Trixie. "It's banana-chocolate-marscapone cake! You'll love it!" she chirped as she cut a huge wedge of cake.
Trixie just kept staring, mouth open, until Pinkie shoved the cake into her hooves. "Um... thanks?"
"No problem! I love giving treats to my friends!" Pinkie hugged Trixie, then hopped away from the bewildered mare.
Trixie dimly recalled why she'd gone down into the basement in the first place. "Hey! Have you seen Octavia?"
"Of course, silly! She's right over here!"
Trixie walked to the far end of the basement, where her horn illuminated Octavia. The cellist was lying on what looked like a gigantic marshmallow, sleeping quietly. The showmare blinked a few times. "Pinkie? What's going on?"
"You told me not to shoot desserts at Octavia anymore. So I decided I'd just put them right in her mouth! But she kept running away whenever I tried before, so I had to get her while she's asleep! After the concert, I saw how tired she was, so I got her to come in here and then I got the cake ready! Once she wakes up, I'll just stuff a ymmylicious slice of cake in her mouth and liberate her from the shackles of healthy eating!" She grinned. "Oh, once she learns how good chocolate tastes, I'm sure she'll thank me! And then we'll be great friends, and we can share dessert recipes, and she can introduce candy to her fancy concerts, and--"
Trixie shook her head. "Pinkie! You can't just force-feed a pony desserts."
"Of course I can, silly! It's easy!"
"No, I mean--" Trixie tried to figure out how to explain it. "I mean, you're not supposed to. It's illegal."
"Nuh-uh! My Nana said that you're allowed to force a pony to eat one dessert for thirty seconds as long as it's really delicious and you don't mean to harm them!"
"Why in the wide world of Equestria would that be legal?" asked Trixie.
"Well, Nana says..." ***
Two thousand years ago.
Celestia patrolled in front of her Royal Guards. There were a dozen all told, her top commanders and most powerful magicians. Each and every one of them could match any four of the lower-ranked Guards in any martial competition imaginable. They were all veterans of countless high-stakes missions for the Equestrian government. But the mission they were about to go on would still be the most challenging task they had ever undertaken.
"Ready?" Celestia murmured. Their target was in the very next room, distracted by her work -- though she wouldn't be for long. "Everypony?"
"Ma'am, yes ma'am!"
"Then go!"
The Guards burst into the room in a well-trained rush. The occupant jerked herself up to her hooves. "What is--"
"Attack!" ordered Celestia. "Tickle formation!"
"Tickle--?"
And then the Guards had swarmed Luna, each with a feather held tightly in their teeth. And they began to tickle her. All over.
Luna was quickly overcome with muffled giggles. She tried to brush them off, but Celestia blocked her telekinesis, and the Guards were tough enough to dodge the few strikes Celestia missed. Soon the blue alicorn was laughing helplessly on the floor. And that was when Celestia levitated the chocolate cake into her mouth.
"Mmmf!" Luna's eyes widened, but the guards stopped tickling and she was able to chew and swallow. There was silence for a moment. And then she said: "...alright, dear sister. I concede that this new invention, this 'chocolate cake' that your baker friend is so proud of, is indeed a delicious treat."
"And...?"
"And we can hire him as our castle baker."
"Yay!" cheered Celestia.
Luna giggled, using her magic to wipe a bit of cake from her muzzle. "Really, I would have tasted his cake eventually. I am busy--"
"A very dear sister of mine told me once, when I was staying up at all hours working out what to do about the Everfree, that one should never be too busy for dessert. But I'm glad you agree." Celestia smiled and dismissed the Guards. "Would you like another slice?"
"...maybe one more."
Celestia grinned.
"But you know," said Luna, as they went to the castle kitchens, "I could technically have you arrested for that."
"No you couldn't. I had the Courtiers make a little change in the laws..." ***
Trixie could only stare. "Pinkie, that's ridiculous!" she said.
"What, cause Corona's a big old meanie-pants? I thought you said she used to be a nice pony!"
"No, but -- I mean -- okay, Luna would never do that!" Trixie turned up her muzzle. "She is a serious and dignified ruler. She would never do something so silly as squabble with her co-sovereign over dessert! That's like saying she'd... get into pillow fights!" ***
At that very moment, back in the page barracks of Canterlot castle, a young page known as Night Vision -- really Princess Luna in disguise -- was cheering with some friends as another page, a perpetually happy one named Paperweight, struggled to balance five overstuffed pillows on her muzzle.
"Seven!" the watching pages cheered. "Eight! Nine! Te -- oh!"
For the top pillow was falling down off of the stack. Paperweight squeaked and tried to rebalance to catch it, but she tilted her muzzle too far, and a moment later she was attacked by five falling giant pillows. "Oh no!"
The pages helped her up, and Night Vision grinned. "Five pillows, for twenty seconds per pillow. I think that's a new record!"
"Care to match it?" Paperweight grinned. "Bet you a grilled cheese sandwich you can't!"
"You're on!" Night Vision grinned, then tilted up her muzzle. "Start piling them on!"
Three overstuffed pillows were immediately set on her head, and the pages began to count. "One! Two!" ***
"Well, it doesn't matter!" said Pinkie. She shook her head quickly and picked up a plate with more cake on it. "Desserts are wonderful! I can't imagine how much fun she hasn't had because she's scared of them! Now, I'm going to help her, and--"
"Wait!" Trixie stood between Octavia and the cake Pinkie was rushing at her mouth, with the result that the cake spattered all over Trixie's barrel. "...okay, ignoring that. But Pinkie, is this really what you want? To force somepony to eat your desserts? Aren't desserts best enjoyed when it's voluntary?" She frowned. "I mean, if you're forcing somepony to eat something they don't like, does it really matter if it's something delicious like candy, or yucky like, uh, okra?"
Pinkie paused. "But..."
"Well?"
Pinkie seemed to deflate a little bit. "Sure... but then she'll never eat sweets! She'll never know the sheer joy of a perfect brownie, or lemon bar, or cookie, or even a cup of ice cream!" She put a hoof to her head. "Can you imagine anything more tragic?"
"But this isn't the way. Just like Fluttershy and Soft Hoof didn't force ponies to give money to the veterinary clinic... they just showed them how great animals were, and then the ponies donated of their own free will." Trixie took Pinkie aside. "Do you really want Octavia to eat desserts regularly? Not just when you force-feed her, but of her own free will!"
"Of course!"
"Then what you have to do is make the most spectacular, delicious dessert you've ever made." Trixie spun Pinkie around so their muzzles were almost touching. "Make it so incredibly delicious, so obviously sublime, that Octavia won't be able to resist it. Show her, not by force, but by example, how incredible desserts are. That's what you have to do."
"But, what if I can't make a dessert delicious enough?" asked Pinkie. "Can we really stake the fate of Octavia's taste buds on that?"
"Yes! I'm sure you can bake something that even she'll want to eat if you try -- you're an incredible baker, Pinkie! And I will help you! Whenever you finish a test run, send me a sample, and I promise I'll be the most exacting critic you can find!" Trixie clasped her hoof. "Together, we can make a dessert that not only Octavia, but ponies everywhere will love!"
Pinkie grinned. "Wow! I had no idea you thought so much about my skills!" She jumped up and down. "Okay then! I'll do it!"
Octavia groaned, and her eyes fluttered open. "...Trixie? What's going on? Where am I?"
"Oh, I dragged you down to the basement of the bakery so I could force-feed you cake," chattered Pinkie. "But Trixie convinced me not to. Instead, I'm going to design a new dessert that even you want to eat! In fact, I'm going to start right now! Later!" And she ran off.
Octavia and Trixie looked at each other in the nearly pitch-black basement.
"...you live in a strange town," said Octavia.
Trixie grinned. "Wouldn't live anywhere else. C'mon, I think Lyra wants to talk to you."
"Yes, she mentioned that." Octavia got to her hooves. "I trust you will be with us as well?"
"You... want me there?"
Octavia hesitated. "...yes. I admit that we did not get off to the best start. I was still angry with you over the Ice Palace... incident... and then of course I associated with Greengrass, and you know the rest. But your actions over the past few days demonstrate that you are a mare worth befriending. And if you can forgive me my earlier betrayals, I can forgive the comparatively minor slights you made against me." She smiled slightly. "I would be honored to count you among my friends."
Trixie grinned. "Right back atcha." ***
"All in all, I think that went well."
Trixie sighed as she reclined on her sofa. Octavia had gone back to Canterlot -- but she'd given Trixie a warm goodbye before leaving, and had even invited her to her 'genre fusion' group's first recital in a month. Fluttershy too had returned to her cottage, but she'd had such a warm smile on her face that Trixie just knew she'd be a little more willing to get out of her house and do things like this in the future. Soft Hoof, Posey, Rainbow Dash, and the other Elements all seemed happy with her. Even Rarity -- who had been complimented by Soft Hoof for her designs, and who had apparently agreed to rent them to the Baronetess for future performances -- had stopped by the Representative's Residency to thank her.
Yep. This day could not possibly get any better. She paused. Well, unless I finally got that invincibility spell worked out for my window. But besides that.
That was when her hat glowed and a letter shot out of it. Trixie caught it with her telekinesis and floated it over. "Huh?"
"My faithful student," the letter began. "I have had several reports today of your recent activities -- from Duchess Posey, Baronetess Soft Hoof, and also my Court Musician. I am so incredibly proud of you. You demonstrated remarkable maturity and a thorough understanding of friendship..."
Trixie grinned. Alright. Maybe it could get a little better.
She settled back on the couch and continued to read the letter. And, as she did so, one thought kept running through her head.
I really am a good friend. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | pre | Peridot nodded. "Like Sombra's," she whispered. "I didn't know what to do and Eclipse was hurting so I called for help. And suddenly Darren comes out of the basement and wants to help."
"So we let him," said Eclipse. "He just put his claw on my head and said, 'I will take the dark magic from you.' I'm better now. And he was really careful, Dad. And he found Sombra."
"And he knocked him out," said Peridot, emphasizing the statement with a swing of her hoof. "Though," she muttered, "I didn't really see that."
"Darren didn't want us to see what he'd do with Sombra," said Eclipse, worry creeping into his voice. "He isn't gonna hurt Sombra, is he? I mean, I know he's an evil guy but bad guys go to jail, right? ...Dad?"
White was shocked. He tried to keep his ears up and kissed his children.
"Yes, they do. I'm glad you're okay," said White. "I'm gonna talk to Darren when your Mom comes back. You stay here, alright?"
Both nodded meekly.
"Alright," muttered White. He stood up and left, closing the door behind himself. There was a ton of new questions in his head and there was only one able to answer them.
"But I'm telling you, it's actually King Sombra!" Feather cried desperately.
"Look," said the Captain calmly, "Sombra was killed when the Heart was returned by Spike the Brave and Glorious. Even if a pony looks like Sombra it can't be him. Most likely, it's some lunatic trying to imitate him. I'm sorry, Rush, but we have neither the time nor capacity for this right now. Princess Cadance ordered that everyone go home until further notice. You should, too."
"There are two strangers in my house, Captain," said Feather angrily, "and I won't let them stay there. Isn't there anypony you can spare?"
The Captain rubbed his forehead.
"Take Blaze. Two hours max. Now get outta here."
"Thank you, Sir!" Feather beamed, relieved.
Feather had not worked with Indigo Blaze before. The stallion was a detective in his thirties, a bright yellow unicorn with a mane shaved so short that it was hard to tell the colour. He was wearing a coat to protect him from the cold. Maybe he had been outside the Barrier a few times; the coat looked worn. The way that Blaze carried himself suggested a bit of experience in the field.
"Thank you for doing this," said Feather as they cantered back to her home.
"Captain's orders," said Blaze nonchalantly. "So what can I expect?"
"There's Sombra," began Feather nervously, "but he's bound and gagged and his horn foiled. I think he's weaker than before. His eyes didn't glow and he has a sort of normal body, without all the shadows. And then there's this two-legged creature who calls himself Darren. He... he looks like a knight of some kind, he is armed with a sword and about six feet tall - "
"You sure about that?"
"Yes."
"Damn. Alright, what's the deal with that Darren guy?"
"I think he caught Sombra. Who else would have bound him? He looks very dangerous but he was actually the one who asked us to call the Guard. We barely exchanged two sentences, I have no idea what he is and what he wants aside from getting Sombra arrested."
They stopped at the house and Feather knocked.
"White, it's me!"
Her husband opened the door by a fraction and peered outside.
"Feather," he sighed, relieved, and let them inside. Indigo Blaze bumped hooves with White and introduced himself. Feather kissed White on the cheek to greet him.
"Are the kids still upstairs?"
"Yes."
"Good. I'm gonna bring them something for dinner... and keep them occupied."
White frowned and took her hoof as she turned.
"You sure?"
"Why, do you want to have me downstairs with you?"
"Alright, I see your point. See you later."
"I thought so," said Feather and smiled wryly.
"We're getting company," said Sombra as he heard some muffled voiced through the kitchen door.
"Shit." Darren stood up and took the tape roll.
"Oh, come on!"
He muzzled Sombra again, just in time for the door to open.
White Alloy came downstairs, along with a pony that wore a coat over his... coat. Darren faced the two of them. The pony's eyes widened, then, he tried to keep a straight face.
"Are you Darren?" asked the new guy.
"Yes."
"I'm Detective Indigo Blaze, Crystal Guard. Did you bind and foil this stallion?"
"Yes, Sir. He is King Sombra so I figured it the appropriate thing to do."
Blaze frowned as his eyes taxed the bound grey pony.
"He does look slightly similar. Grey coat, curved horn. But the Neighponese have those, too. You know," Blaze snorted, "the eye colour is all wrong, plus, where's the smoke and fear magic?"
Darren cleared his throat. "Apparently, he has not regained his powers after his resurrection."
"Yeah, apparently." Blaze shook his head. "Let's see what he's got to say to that." He pulled the tape from Sombra's mouth.
"You do know that ponies can't be raised from the dead, right? This is just messed up... I mean, I'm just walking down the street, minding my own business, when this guy turns up and knocks me out. Next thing I know, I'm in some star-damn basement. What is this? Some kind of sick joke?"
Speechless, Darren stared at Sombra. Would Blaze see through the lie?
"Who are you, then?" asked Blaze, his eyes narrowed.
"Not Sombra, that's for sure," snorted Sombra. "My name's Crimson Shard. I came here two days ago with the Crystal Express."
"He's lying," said Darren angrily. "He claimed to be Sombra a few minutes ago. He drained energy from my weapon to return to this form."
"Uh, actually, we never heard him say that," said White reluctantly. "Just you... Did you tell the children that story, too?"
"Then why is he missing his Mark?" countered Darren.
"I'd rather not talk about it," mumbled Shard. He was actually blushing! "It's rare but it happens, getting your Mark late."
"Sir," said Blaze, "I need you to come with me. The way I see it, you've been breaking and entering, the only thing that nopony doubts right now."
Darren groaned, the echo in his deep voice startling Blaze for a second. Trying hard to stay calm, Darren sighed curtly.
"I realize... how this looks. Strange creature appears in a basement with a pony taken prisoner. If you'll let me explain -"
"You can do that at the precinct," said Blaze. "Turn around."
"Light dammit, you're letting him go?"
"King Sombra is dead. There is no way in Tartarus that this pony is him. It's Mr Shard's word against yours... Why is it so cold in here?" Blaze turned to White, who pointed at the back door.
"I think I know why," said White. "Look, the door. The lock's broken."
Darren used the momentary distraction to run for said door and remove the bar.
"Halt!" called Blaze, lighting up his horn. Darren drew his sword and turned around. He pointed it at Blaze and cast a spell. Blue mist formed around Blaze's head and the water in the air froze, turning into tiny snowflakes. The pony held his head, bending over in pain as the cold numbed his thoughts.
"Detective!" White shouted, shocked. He ran to his side, trying to catch the guard who looked as if he was going to faint.
"I'm okay, I'm okay." Blaze panted, blinking rapidly. "I got this." He shook his head and tried to do magic again, but too late; Darren had already left.
"Horseapples!" cursed Blaze. He ran after Darren, through the door, up the stairs - he looked around - the creature was gone. He had not thought a biped could be this fast, in plate armour no less.
Frustrated, Blaze returned to the basement and cut the Sombra-lookalike loose.
"You sure about this?" asked White nervously, his eyes on Crimson Shard.
"Yeah. King Sombra is dead, Sir. I saw him explode, you can take my word for it."
Crimson Shard smiled innocently.
Darren pressed his back against the wall. He waited for a few seconds and listened. It seemed that Blaze had already given up. He must be under a lot of pressure if he even forgot to just look around the corner.
Next to the house was a small garden, seamed by an enormous hedge. It was already covered by a significant amount of snow from the freak storm. Darren hid behind it and peered around the leaves. The door opened and Blaze left the building, along with Sombra. They parted ways; while Blaze turned to walk roughly in the direction of the castle, Sombra looked left and right. He galloped away in the opposite direction.
Darren grimaced angrily. Ponies were simply too gullible. His honesty had so easily been wiped away by Sombra's lie. Apparently, glowing eyes were a big minus for credibility. There was only one option left; he had to find Twilight. It was clear that he was not welcome at White's anymore. Twilight was a princess and Darren knew that she had been to the Crystal Empire before. That meant that she was familiar with the royals here. His best chances were to return to the castle.
He snuck back to the basement and listened at the door. As he could not hear anybody inside, he slowly pushed against the door. There was some resistance; the door had been barred again. He sheathed his sword. This was a case for blunt force.
Darren shifted his weight and kicked the door in. The wooden beam splintered loudly under his heavy boot. He heard a surprised shout from upstairs and hurried inside. Stepping over the remains of the improvised lock, Darren snatched his backpack from the floor and, after a moment of consideration, the roll of duct tape.
The kitchen door opened. Without looking back, Darren ran outside. He had high hopes that the snow storm would cover him on his way to the castle. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 6: Darren's Statement | Darren was surprised by how short the way to the castle felt. Now that he knew the way he avoided taking as many turns as on the way out. The snow storm helped. There were so few ponies in the streets that he only needed to hide twice on the entire way and just for a short time; no pony wanted to stay outside for any longer than necessary.
He found the castle plaza deserted. There was a large archway that probably led to the main entrance of the castle; someone had closed it with an opaque makeshift curtain. The Crystal Ponies were apparently not used to dealing with actual winter weather or else they would have thought to build a proper gate. There was a stage but it was empty, too. Darren looked left and right before entering the plaza; he crossed it with quick steps. His boots left tracks in the freshly fallen snow. He hoped that more snow would fall to cover them again.
With one gloved hand, Darren pushed the curtain open, just enough so he could step through. He was now in a large chamber. In the exact centre was a pedestal of blue crystal. It looked like a pair of stalactite and stalacmite with a gap in between. The main piece was missing; thousands of small crystal fragments covered the floor around the pedestal. Was this the reason for the snow and ice? Had the spell that protected the empire been countered? Darren kneeled down and palmed a shard. It felt cold, like everything else. The colour was the same as the heart's on the banners he had seen outside. Maybe this was - had been - the famous Crystal Heart. If he had not known better he would have taken it for a piece of glass. He decided to take the shard and ask Twilight about it. Once something like this crystal was shattered it could not be fixed anyway so there was no harm in taking a piece.
His thoughts were interrupted by a strage sensation. Darren suddenly felt very light. He yelped in surprise as his feet were lifted off the ground. A grey shimmering force field engulfed him. Darren pressed his hands against it; it resisted him like a tough tent skin, adapting to his movements but holding him im place.
"Light damn it," Darren cursed. Slowly rotating in midair, he caught a glimpse of his captor.
Blaze had found him. His horn was aglow; he had conjured the force field and held it in place with his magic.
"Hello, Darren."
"Hello, Detective," replied Darren flatly.
"You know, after that Sombra incident, I had a feeling you'd come here," said Blaze. He seemed happy about his deduction being true but at least there was no arrogant swagger in his gait as he stepped closer.
"I," said Darren, "did not. I was not even aware of this thing here." He pointed at the shattered artefact.
"Right," said Blaze sarcastically.
"Is there no way to convince you that I mean you no harm?"
Blaze frowned, thinking for a moment. He floated Darren to the ground but kept the magical bubble active.
"There is a spell. If you come with me, we can sort this out."
There was a short silence.
"Alright," said Darren finally.
He landed heavily on both feet as Blaze released him. Darren unbuckled the belt that held his scabbard and offered his sword to the Detective. "I will comply. It appears to be the only way I can prove to the guard that you released King Sombra."
"Let's just hope for both our sakes that you're wrong," sighed Blaze, the hair on his neck standing on end.
Darren was in for another surprise when he entered the Guard station. It was huge and it was packed with ponies, both guards and civilians. Everyone went silent when he and Blaze entered. Scared looks were cast at him, whispered questions filled the air. Darren towered over everybody. He was of average height for a human but still easily two feet taller than Blaze. A few guards perked up, alert and ready. Blaze, with Darren's sword on his back, maneuvered them through the crowd. After a short talk with the guardspony at the counter and passing the sword on to him, he led Darren to a room at the back.
The chamber was small but still big enough for a table, two chairs and a plank bed. There was a single window but not in the outer wall. Darren could see another room behind it. He wondered how the ponies managed to produce such a large and even glass panel. Probably magic. The lights inside both rooms lit up as they entered. He looked at the ceiling. Of course: Crystals again.
Blaze gestured for Darren to sit down, which he did. Another pony entered the room, this one a white earth pony with a mane as red as fire. He was wearing armour which was slightly more ornate than the ones Darren had seen on the other guards. The newcomer whispered something to Blaze, then left and sat down on the other side of the window. His expression was grave; he was probably Blaze's superior.
"So, how does this work... Sir?" asked Darren.
"I will cast a spell on you," explained Blaze, "but first, I need your written permission. It's an invasion of privacy beyond a mere statement. It's not the same as just talking."
Darren frowned, which Blaze could not see because of the hood. "Are you going to read my mind?"
Blaze shook his head. "Not exactly. I will be able to receive thoughts and memories that you intentionally send to me. It is a telepathic connection so you won't be able to lie. That's why it can be used to find out the truth."
Thank the Light, thought Darren. Last thing I need is a mentally scarred guard whimpering in a corner.
"One can still lie with the truth," he said slowly.
"That's right." Blaze nodded. "And that's why I will ask you the questions before we do this. You will answer them through the spell. That way, we can control the narrative." He lit his horn. A piece of paper and a fountain pen appeared on the table with an audible plop. Blaze slid the sheet over to Darren. "Sign here." He pointed at a dotted line at the bottom of the form.
Darren bent forwards to read the paper.
"I can't decipher any of this," he admitted.
Blaze did not bat an eye.
"'I hereby allow the officer in charge of the investigation to cast a truth spell on me to receive an unquestionable statement concerning my involvement or lack thereof at the place and time of the crime stated above.' Meaning, you either confirm or deny that you did the breaking and entering. Or trespassing or whatever you did in that basement. And if there was a reason for your actions that concerns national safety, we can find out about that, too."
Darren took the pen and signed.
"That's a long name." Blaze raised an eyebrow.
"Darren Houndslayer," explained Darren. He hesitated, then added, "I did not want to shock you."
Blaze paled. He made the sheet and pen disappear.
"Ready?" he asked hoarsely.
"Eclipse! Peridot!"
Eclipse opened the door and peered into the hallway.
"Yes, Mom?"
"Can you come down, please?"
The siblings rushed downstairs, Eclipse with his wooden shield tucked under his small wing, Peridot with a slightly ruffled mane. Feather welcomed them at the foot of the stairs.
"Oh dear, you can't go like that," she said, trying to straighten Peridot's mane.
"Ugh, Mom, the mane's fine, what - what's going on?" said Peridot.
"We're going back to the castle," said White. "The princesses announced that they would perform the Crystalling. The neighbors just told us. Come on, hurry up or we're going to be late."
"What about Sombra?" asked Eclipse. "Did they arrest him?"
White shook his head. "That wasn't Sombra in our basement."
"Really? It sure looked like him." Eclipse shivered. "He even had the fangs."
White smiled mildly at Eclipse, trying his best to cover his doubts.
"I told you, son, Sombra's dead. That was just a look-alike. Now, come on. We need to hurry, there's still that snow storm going on outside."
"Why did you enter White's basement?"
Indigo Blaze is standing in snow that goes up to his barrel. He cannot feel the cold but he knows that it must have been there. Darren is right next to him, lying on the ground in an awkward position. As the armoured biped sits up, Blaze sees the exit of a magical portal fizzle out. He looks back at Darren and recoils. His eyes are glowing! Cold, icy blue eyes stare through him, at the place where the portal has been a second before. A fearsome tattoo, like a lightning bolt or an abstracted blade, runs across Darren's left cheek and down his neck. Being only two feet away, Blaze easily sees the confusion on Darren's pale face. Darren pulls up his hood to protect himself against the wind.
"Twilight!" shouts the knight. "Arcus! Jonathan? Levinia?" He stands up, curses and walks away.
The scene dissolves and Blaze sees Darren standing in front of the Barrier. He watches his futile attempts to step through. Blaze shivers from head to hoof as he understands that Darren can cast a dark and powerful portal spell. Terrible screams echo through the sinister gateway, grinding at Blaze's nerves but leaving Darren unfazed.
He is now standing in a poorly lit, abandoned study. Darren has just arrived, too, and looks around with curiousity.
Again, the scene shifts; they are in the Throne Room. Darren exits from a trapdoor in the floor just before the throne and makes his way to the door. He opens it and Blaze quickly follows him. A single guard is standing at attention before the portal.
"Hey, what are you -?" Darren hits the guard, who goes to sleep immediately, and mutters an apology.
They are in the streets and Darren keeps running until he stops at a house with a back door. He discovers that the door is not locked and enters. He sits down on the couch with a sigh.
"What is your relationship with Crimson Shard?"
They are back in the abandoned study. Darren picks up a red, curved horn. After examining it, he puts it into his backpack. Is that Sombra's horn? It is the only thing that comes to mind as Blaze lets his gaze wander across the room that is filled with busts of the tyrant. His eyes widen in shock. Darren's memory is showing him Sombra's hidden lair!
Blaze felt his hold on the spell slipping. He felt dizzy as he realized that he was back at the station. Of course, they had never really left... But as long as the spell was active it was like a dream; you forgot where you actually were. Darren sat in front of him, across the table. He did not move. Blaze realized that Darren waited for him to pull himself together. He lowered his head, scrunched up his nose, and re-cast the spell.
"What is your relationship with Crimson Shard?"
Darren walks down the stairs of White's basement and draws his sword. Unseen by the Darren in the memory, Blaze walks around the couch and discovers the grey unicorn. His red horn is not yet foiled and Blaze recognizes it immediately. His insides turn as the pony tells Darren his name and attacks him. Relief washes over Blaze when Darren overpowers Sombra with a foreign strangulation spell.
"I should kill you," says Darren. "Not a big loss for the crystal ponies, I suppose."
"No, we need him for questioning," says Blaze automatically. He slaps his forehead and scoffs. Nopony can hear him now.
That is when a young filly appears at the top of the stairs.
Blaze's surroundings shift once again. Sombra is on the couch, bound but still not foiled. Darren and the young pegasus colt, White's Alloy's son, are standing next to him, watching him.
"Are you okay?" asks the colt.
"I am alright," says Darren, his voice surprisingly kind despite the echo. "Sorry for breaking into your house."
Blaze opened his eyes. His head hurt and he needed to take a few steady breaths to make the grey fuzzy stuff retreat from the edge of his vision. He stared at Darren. Darren looked back at him. The knight lowered his hood and their eyes met. Now that he had already seen Darren's eyes, Blaze managed to look back without flinching. In the corner of his eye, he caught movement on the other side of the glass. He felt ashamed.
"Shit," whispered Blaze.
"Indeed. As you can see," said Darren slowly, "Kalar Thanagor Sombra a'lok gorum enthu'ras."
Blaze blinked slowly. "What?" |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 7: Dark Crystal, Love Crystal | The snow storm was as strong as ever when the first ponies returned to the streets. The citizens of the Crystal Empire had a hard time ploughing their way through the white carpet that already went up to their ankles. The prospect of witnessing the Crystalling was still worth it. Even the campers who had waited all night on the castle plaza had been ordered to go home and they were the first to return.
Eclipse, Peridot and their parents were among the crowd that wandered to the castla plaza. The ice could not dampen their anticipation of the great event. What would the royal heir look like? They had heard it was an alicorn. That had to be quite a sight. The announcement of the princesses to fix the Crystal Heart with the love and admiration of the citizens was not only flattering, it was going to be their salvation. Everypony was happy to give all their trust and support to the royal family who, along with their friends, had saved them twice already. Eclipse used his wooden shield to protect himself and Peridot from the falling snow while White Alloy cast a small spell to float bigger clumps out of the way when they got stuck in it.
There was one exception from the crowd. A single, dark grey unicorn with a curved red horn ran away from the castle, towards the barrier. Sombra dashed along the streets so fast that it almost looked as if he was flying. The cold did not bother him much; he was sweating. Steam rose from his nostrils as he used all his stamina and determination to get as far away from the Empire as possible.
He had to get outside the Barrier. He needed to know what he was supposed to do. Only the Umbrum would be able to help.
Sombra reached the edge of the city an hour later. The snow storm hat covered the entire sky and the ice rain was everywhere. It it was hard to tell where the red Umbrum crystal was. Still, he found the formation on a familiar hill.
"Mother!" he shouted against the howling wind.
The crystal formation did not answer.
"Mother!" he repeated, stepping closer and touching the blood red surface.
"Mother, answer me! I have returned! Grant me your powers once again!"
Finally, the crystal answered. A dark presence stirred in the spikes and focused its cold gaze on Sombra.
Oh, look who's come back. It's the failed king, it sneered.
"Please, help me!" shouted Sombra against the wind. "You must know how to get them back. Am I not your champion? I will free you once I have reclaimed my throne!"
Champion? Thousands of hissing voices cackled, their echoes reverberating in Sombra's mind. The Umbrum laughed at him, full of glee and anger and hatred. You are no champion. We unleashed your might, your shadow self, and you managed to fail not once but twice!
"I - I'm sorry! Give me another chance and I- -"
Never! You had your chances! the Umbrum snarled. We have sent a new champion. He will free us! You may rot in Tartarus, good-for-nothing disappointment that you are. Even if we could, we would not awaken you again! Your powers were inside you, not a trinket that can be passed from a pony to another. Fool! If you lost them, they are lost.
"But... but I am one of you! You said I was your son!" Sombra could not manage to keep the panic out of his voice as he caught himself begging.
You are; but what of it? An offspring that cannot free his kin, what is he worth? Go away, Sombra, and die! Die at the hooves of the princesses! They will find you and do away with you, and good riddance, too.
Sombra was speechless. He felt the colour drain from his face. His belly was numb, like a bag filled with ice. This could not be happening! How could his own people cast him away? After having to grow up alone, discovering his powers alone, ruling alone, they would not take him back? He had no place in the Empire and no place with the Umbrum?
"Please, just let me come home to you," he croaked, pressing his hooves against the cold red stone. "Please."
The crystal remained silent. Sombra begged for a long time but no plea and no offer was answered. The Umbrum had left him.
He staggered away from the crystal, his vision blurring. Sombra was all alone, a little grey pony in the snow storm. He had thought that the pain of dying was terrible but, as it turned out, the pain of being completely and utterly left alone was much, much worse.
"As you can see," said Darren slowly, "you really just released King Sombra."
Blaze's reaction was not what he expected. Instead of shock, there was confusion. Blaze stared at him with disbelief.
"What?" he said, a word in a language that Darren did not understand.
"Pardon?"
Blaze said something again, getting a clueless frown from Darren.
"I think Twilight's translation spell just wore off," he assumed.
Blaze shook his head, trying to signify that he did not understand, either. He turned around and gave a short wave towards the window. The pony with the fiery mane stood up and joined them in the interrogation room.
"Captain," said Blaze, "we have a problem."
"I figured. You've been staring at the creature for an entire minute."
"The spell revealed that Mr Houndslayer was trespassing but did not commit a burglary. Also that he actually captured Sombra."
"What?!"
Blaze's ears splayed back. "Also, the truth spell countered another active spell. Darren can't understand our language anymore. I'm trying to work around it but it would help to find a pony with some lingual expertise." He hung his head. "We actually had him. We had Sombra. But I did not believe that somepony could rise from the dead. Apparently, Darren's sword managed to do just that. We'll have to start a search."
Coral Spark frowned and rubbed his muzzle, deep in thought. He looked at Darren who met his gaze and gave him a polite nod.
"I'm not so sure about that. Did the... new Sombra commit a crime after rising again?"
Blaze hesitated. "None that I know of."
"Well, then I suppose he's innocent."
"Sir?" Blaze was not sure if he misheard the Captain.
"On what grounds would you search for him, hm? The crime of being alive? He died, didn't he?"
Blaze nodded slowly. "I saw him explode. I even told Houndslayer."
"Then he paid for his crimes. Death is a capital punishment in the Griffin Kingdom. We don't even have a death penalty. Sombra just died because the magic of the Crystal Heart blasted him. He may have been a cruel, arrogant bastard but he still would have gotten a trial and, most likely, a life sentence.
"On top of that," Spark continued, "there's the reformation cases. You know, Princess Luna, Discord, Starlight Glimmer... I'm sure you read the news. If Sombra really regrets what he's done, who knows what the judgement will be."
"With respect, Sir, I'm surprised to hear this from you," remarked Blaze.
Coral Spark frowned. "I didn't say I have sympathy for the prick but we have to consider the possibilities. A pony risen from the dead, that would be a first. But Princess Luna's case is a little similar. We can't ignore that."
Blaze hummed, not entirely convinced.
"What about this po-, creature here?" asked Spark. "You said he managed to defeat Sombra?"
"Yes, Sir, and he did not even break a sweat. I think the 'king' is back to being a regular unicorn."
"Okay, Indigo, we're gonna do this: We will keep our eyes peeled, just in case, but if Sombra doesn't stir up trouble we can't arrest him. I will inform the Princess and Prince. We will search for him but that's because we need him as a witness."
"Understood." Blaze saluted. "What about Houndslayer?"
"Did he steal anything?"
"No, Sir. He wanted to hide. I do not know yet how the children are involved. The colt seems to like him."
Spark smiled wryly. "Maybe they invited him without permission from the parents. Rush is off duty tomorrow but interview her and the husband as soon as you can."
"Yes, Sir. There's something else. Houndslayer punched a guard in the castle, to escape when he accidentally found the throne room."
Spark thought about that for a moment. "Then find out who was on duty today and bring them here. We're gonna get to the bottom of this. Tonight, Houndslayer gets a room in the dungeon. And get a notebook until we find a translator." Coral Spark rushed out of the room, leaving a slightly frazzled Blaze behind.
Blaze turned around to face Darren, who looked at him expectantly. He had watched the entire conversation without making a movement or sound. Blaze had not even seen him breathe which freaked him out a little. He wondered how much information Darren had gathered from the gestures.
"Sorry about that," said Blaze. "Wait here," he added, pointing at the desk. Blaze quickly left the room and cantered to the counter. The station had emptied somewhat; most of the ponies who had come here in the panic caused by the snow storm had left again for the Crystalling. A few unlucky guards had to hold the fort, Deep Print being one of them.
"Hey, Print, got a fresh notebook for me?" asked Blaze.
"Sure, here you go. How's the interview going?"
Blaze rolled his eyes. "Made some progress but now another problem popped up. Gotta deal with it somehow."
"Good luck, then."
"Yeah. Thanks."
Darren waited patiently for Blaze to return. After two minutes, the pony was back with a book in his magic. He slapped it onto the table without much of a care. Pulling his chair around the table, Blaze gestured for Darren to stand up. Blaze positioned both seats next to each other, facing the window. Both sat down again - with a bit of distance between them. Blaze's horn lit up and the fountain pen reappeared.
Now Darren understood where this was going. He nodded and pulled the notebook closer.
Blaze opened the book and drew a sketch on the first page. First, a simplified castle and a stickpony lying inside it. Then, next to the pony, a stick version of Darren with a sword. Blaze also drew a group of tiny birds and spirals that circled around the pony's head. Darren snorted as he recognized the birds. Then, he grew serious again. He nodded and pointed first at the stickman, then himself.
"Yes, I did that. I'm sorry."
Blaze kept drawing. Another stickman appeared on the paper, this time, in a box. As Blaze added vertical lines to the box, Darren sighed and nodded again. He was not surprised to get into jail for this. For how long, though? And would he get a proper trial? What did the ponies consider a proper trial anyway?
"May I have the pen?"
Blaze tilted his head and hesitated. Darren pointed at the pen.
After getting the writing instrument, Darren pointed at the detained stickman and added a sun and moon, then another sun. Before he could draw more, he was stopped by Blaze's hoof. To Darren's relief, the pony crossed out all celestial bodies except for one moon.
The page was full so they turned it over. Blaze drew a big castle and inside it a stickman, flanked by two ponies. A third pony stood before a stylized throne. The pony had a horn, wings and a long mane and tail. Blaze gave the alicorn a crown - she was a princess. One foreleg pointed at Darren. He hoped that this meant that he would get a fair trial for his trespassing. Was it normal that they went to the rulers for something like this? Was the crime rate so low in this country that they did not need a judge? This could either mean very harsh or very harmless punishment. Darren had no way to tell. Still, he understood that he was meant to remain in custody for a while longer until this was sorted out. Darren just hoped that he would find a way to contact Twilight before this got out of hand.
Blaze began another sketch. He drew a stickman, then, next to him, an apple, a stylized loaf of bread and a block with holes, probably cheese.
Darren shook his head. He did not need to eat. Blaze looked at him incredulously so Darren took the pen and crossed the food out, then gave the stickman a smiling mouth. He usually did not smile but he hoped that Blaze would get what he meant with this.
"I will be alright without food," said Darren, leaning back in the chair.
"If you are sure about this..." Blaze magicked the pen and notebook away and stood up. "Let's get you to the dungeon."
Darren had the impression that Blaze wanted him to follow. They left the interrogation room. There was a flight of stairs at the opposite end of the corridor. They followed it downwards, into the bowels of the station. The basement corridor had smaller windows just below the ceiling; no one would be able to crawl through them. The left side was seamed with heavy doors. Blaze opened one of them and led Darren inside. A bed, table and toilet were the only furniture. A single window and a crystal lamp under the ceiling provided some light. As Darren entered the room, he saw that the other side of the door lacked a handle. He dropped his backpack on the table and sat down on the bed.
Blaze smiled awkwardly and left the room. The door closed with a metallic clanking. A key turned in a lock. Darren listened as the hoofsteps grew quieter and trailed off eventually.
Blaze was sure he had missed the beginning of the Crystalling when he gallopped to the castle plaza. He could hear the happy cheers of the crowd over the howling wind of the snowstorm. Thankful for the coat he had gotten used to wearing, Blaze had still taken the time to go home and get a hoodie. That had cost him valuable time; he dashed through the streets and came to a skidding halt behind a surprised family in the back row.
"Sorry," he muttered, brushing the snow off his coat and trying to catch his breath. "Has it started yet?"
The lower part of the castle that contained the pedestal of the Crystal Heart had been hidden by heavy curtains. Eerie lights shone through the cloth as if there was a silent disco party going on behind it. Some ponies looked at each other in confusion. Then, everything became clear when the royal family finally appeared. They stepped onto a platform which was decorated with a large heart-shaped frame. Another pony, a yellow unicorn who was probably the crystaller, held a baby in his hooves. That had to be the heir. Six other ponies accompanied the family. Blaze recognized all of them; the purple alicorn was the famous Princess Twilight Sparkle and the other five mares were her best friends, the Element Bearers. And, of course, there was Spike, the young dragon that defeated Sombra. Blaze had only seen him from afar; the crystal statue of Spike was definitely much larger than life, though.
The parents lit their horns to cast a spell. The heir giggled with delight when their magic slowly lifted her into the air. The crystaller announced her as the newest member of the Crystal Empire. Blaze noticed that he did not mention her name. The alicorn baby spread her wings widely and smiled at the crowd, radiating with golden magic as if she was a little sun shining upon the city.
"She's so pretty!" sighed Peridot happily, pressing her hooves together. She could not keep her eyes off the heir.
The tiny alicorn baby floated in front of the gathered city state, radiating joy and benevolence. Eclipse wondered if she was flying of her own accord or magically supported by her happy parents. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her husband, Prince Shining Armor, were both magically adept ponies, as Dad always said. Eclipse believed they had to be. One day, he would stand among the guards beside them, protecting the heir with his life. The thought made him giddy with anticipation. Now that he looked at him, Shining Armor seemed kind of exhausted; his wife, too.
"Is it just me or are they looking tired?" said Eclipse.
"Well, they do have a baby at their hooves," laughed White Alloy. "Also, they probably stayed awake until they found a way to fix the Crystal Heart."
The cheers and exclamations of admiration throughout the crowd grew and reached an apex when everypony bowed and kneeled down before the heir. Eclipse's family bowed along with everypony else. He felt as if his heart had grown to twice its normal size. The love of all the ponies around him washed over him like the biggest hug in the world, except he felt hugged inside his soul. It felt almost a bit weird, maybe because he had never experienced anything like this before.
There was a tiny shiver than ran down his spine; Eclipse could not place it. For a short moment, he wished that the blue glowing magic that spread over the plaza would die away. He shook his head and stood up again.
"Look," said Feather, "everypony's love is manifesting!"
"Mani-what?" asked Eclipse.
"It's becoming visible. There, the crystaller has this small shard in his magic, see? He's absorbing the love into it. That blue magic."
"Probably to restore the heart," muttered White thoughtfully. "I don't know how they do it, though. He must be some kind of important wizard."
The crystaller, a yellow stallion with orange hair, was wearing a blue cloak embroidered with stars. After the love magic had been absorbed by the crystal shard, he quickly ran into the part of the castle that was hidden behind a heavy curtain.
Another wave of light washed over the city and changed everypony.
"Mom! Look - I've become a real crystal pony!" cried Peridot happily. She waved her hoof in front of Feather. Her mother hugged her and smiled widely. Her eyes were shinier that usual. Eclipse looked at his own hooves, and found that he, too, had turned into an actual crystal pony like everypony else. His coat was now slightly see-through and his usually ruffled, wavy black mane was now well-groomed. He could see his own reflection in his father's coat. Everypony glittered and shone, thus reflecting the powerful magic of the Crystal Heart.
And really, the Crystal Heart had been restored! The snow storm slowed down almost immediately; the wind stopped blowing ice into everypony's faces and the cold streets warmed up again. Eclipse joined in the cheering of the citizens that had somehow managed to grow even louder. He tackle-hugged Peridot and waved his shield to greet the heir and the Prince and Princess. Eclipse felt as a part of something greater; he was now a crystal pony among his own kind.
This was the best day of his life. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 8: Late Appointment | "Pardon me - excuse me - Hi, nice to see you again - excuse me -"
Eclipse turned around. A bright yellow unicorn who was wearing a dark hoodie and a long coat tried to make his way through the crowd. Eclipse realized that the stallion was heading for him. His manestyle had not improved through the Crystalling ceremony - it was too short for that - but his coat was translucent and glistened in the sun.
"Hi, Mister," he said, unable to keep the confusion out of his voice.
"Hey, buddy, how you doing?"
Eclipse frowned, getting slightly suspicious. "I'm okay, I guess. Who are you?"
"Detective Blaze!" said Feather, "You made it to the Crystalling after all. Done for today?" She bumped hooves with the Detective and smiled. "I hope you didn't have too much trouble with that Darren character."
"Actually, that's also why I'm here," admitted Blaze. "Sorry, Rush, but I have to ask your family more questions about him."
"Can it wait? We want to celebrate at home, have a nice dinner and all that." White looked at Blaze with raised brows, strategically putting a hoof on his daughter's shoulder. Blaze's ears went down.
"Tomorrow will be fine," he relented. "Could you come to the precinct around ten?"
White nodded. Tomorrow was a Saturday. Eclipse did not like the idea of having an appointment on a Saturday morning.
"Do we have to come along, Mom?" he whined.
"Yes, honey, but I'm sure it won't take that long. And when the questions are over we can go to the market and get some corn-on-the-cob for you two."
That appeased Eclipse. He looked at Peridot and saw that she also welcomed the idea of having their favourite snack on two days in a row. She obviously had not forgotten that half of her last one was currently lying in some gutter behind the crystal castle.
Eclipse still groaned when he was woken up the next morning and discovered that his coat had returned from crystal and translucent to normal and slate grey. He was reluctant when he had to leave the shield at home and he dragged his feet when they went to the precinct. Peridot nudged his side, trying to cheer him up by pointing at the now clear sky and some birds that chirped their songs on the rooftops and in the trees.
The precinct was a really big house made of green crystal. Eclipse could not help but stop sulking when he saw all the guards walking around, sitting at typewriters and talking to ponies. The corners of his mouth curled upwards, earning him a happy hug from Peridot.
"We're going to do this as follows," said Detective Blaze when everypony was seated in a small office. "First, you kids will stay in here and I'm going to talk to your Mom and Dad. Then, I will talk to you two but your parents will be with you. After that... well, we'll see."
White and Feather nodded. Feather seemed unsurprised. She had already brought along two sandwiches and a card pack.
"I have to admit this is embarrassing for me. Not only did I let Darren get away, I also shared information with you that turned out to be wrong. I released Sombra, too." Blaze's ears were pinned back during almost the entire conversation. He had told Feather and White everything he knew. White confirmed that Darren had come through a portal or, to be precise, that he claimed to have arrived through one. Up to now, the interrogation had become more of an actual conversation.
"He was honest about everything," said Feather, rubbing her neck. "Even though we preferred to trust Sombra instead of him, he fully cooperated with you?"
Blaze nodded. "Yeah. Is there anything else that he told you? Names of ponies, maybe? And what did he say to the children?"
"Darren claims to have healed - well, temporarily healed - Eclipse," said White. "He also suggested we see a doctor about his sickness. Eclipse said that he was suffering from dark magic, some kind of curse; he couldn't tell. What he was sure about was that - whatever it was - it hurt him a lot and after Darren touched him the pain was gone."
"I think the kids both like Darren," said Feather nervously. "They helped him to bind Sombra."
"He didn't mention any other names, though," said White.
"He didn't say anything about the Crystal Heart?"
Both parents shook their head. "No."
Blaze sighed. "Alright." He stood up and opened the door.
Eclipse and Peridot trotted inside, Peridot holding the card pack in her hoof. She put it on the desk when they sat down next to their parents.
"You two okay?" asked Blaze. "I hope you weren't too bored."
Both shook their heads.
"Is the knight alright? I heard you arrested him," said Eclipse.
"Yes, we did," said Blaze, "and there's a reason for that. He fought against King Sombra and defeated him. But he also broke into your parents' house. Did he want anything from you?"
"No," said Eclipse at the same time that Peridot said, "Yes." Both flinched and looked at each other accusingly.
Blaze was confused. "Peridot, you go first. What did he want?"
"He wanted some ropes," said Peridot, "to bind Sombra. We didn't know where to find any so we got duct tape instead. That was really useful, we could use it to muzzle Sombra, too. And I found the aluminium foil," she added proudly.
"Er, okay," said Blaze, making a note on his clipboard. "Why are you saying Darren did not want anything?" he asked Eclipse.
"I forgot the tape," admitted Eclipse sheepishly. "But besides that, he just wanted to help me."
"Help you with what?" Blaze asked carefully, curious to see how Eclipse would describe his side of the story.
"I felt really sick. That was the first time ever. I've never been sick before, not even once. Peridot was there but she didn't know what to do. She... she called for help. Loudly." Eclipse looked over to his sister who nervously shuffled around in her chair. "Then, Darren came in and wanted to help."
"Did he come through the kitchen door or through the front door?" asked Blaze, gesturing with his hooves.
"Kitchen door," said Eclipse and Peridot simultaneously.
"Was he armed?"
"No," said Peridot. She giggled. "He wasn't even wearing his armour. He's got grey socks. I think he really needs to wash them, he smelled funny."
Blaze smirked. "Alright." He made another note. "Wait. How do you know he had armour if you only saw him without it?"
"Because we met him behind the castle," explained Eclipse. "He jumped down from a high window. That was some surprise."
"What?" exclaimed Feather, alarmed. "When was that?"
Blaze shook his head. Feather reluctantly closed her mouth and leaned back.
"When we went home from the festival." Eclipse shrugged. "We wanted to take a break and come back to the Crystalling after that."
"Hah, 'surprised,'" laughed Peridot. "He scared us. We've never seen anything like him. I mean, he's reeeally tall."
"And has that ginormous sword, like an adventurer - or a knight!" added Eclipse with awe.
"And eyes that glow like blue ice," said Peridot in a half-scared, half-fascinated whisper.
"What happened when you met him?" asked Blaze.
"Errr... I screamed," said Peridot slowly.
"Like a little filly," grinned Eclipse. Peridot stuck out her tongue at him.
"I am a filly, dummy. At least you didn't drop your corn-on-the-cob," she said sulkily.
"Guess you should have eaten faster," retorted Eclipse in a sing-song-voice.
Feather cleared her throat.
"Sorry," said Eclipse. "Anyway, he ran away and we ran away and that was the last we saw of him before, you know, he came in to save me." He ended his story with a small voice. "I'm really glad he did. I've never been so scared in my life."
"Thank you for telling me all of this," said Blaze. "Did Darren say anything about anypony, maybe mention names, places he's been before...?"
Eclipse rubbed his muzzle. "Dunno," he said slowly.
"I don't know if it's important, but... he said he's a dad," said Peridot. "And a hyoo-man. That's his species."
That caught Blaze by surprise. That tall, creepy creature was a father? He had not even thought about the possibility. It made sense, of course; if there were male humans, there were most likely females, too. And little humans - children - with shorter legs and cute faces, whatever that meant, and higher voices... just like ponies. But what if Darren was a father and he could not see his family again? He had not said anything about a mate. Maybe the names he had called in the memory statement were family? Were they knights like him? ...Maybe he did lie, if only about that?
"Do you have any idea what he has to do with Sombra?" Blaze asked, getting back to the task at hoof.
Eclipse shook his head. Peridot shrugged.
"Not really," she said. "I think he wanted to - to kill Sombra but he didn't want us to see it. Maybe he changed his mind when he saw I didn't like the idea. We just put him on the couch instead. Sombra, not Darren," she clarified, rolling her eyes.
"Darren must have heard about Sombra somewhere else," mused White. "I think he knew who he was dealing with."
"Thank you, everypony," said Blaze. "You helped a lot."
"Can we go and see Darren?" asked Eclipse hopefully.
"Maybe later," said Blaze. "If your parents are okay with it. But I need to talk to the Captain first. We have to discuss my report. Are you going to be okay until then?"
White and Feather looked at each other and nodded.
Sombra woke up to the sound of birdsong. He squinted his eyes. Everything was so bright. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the light of the sun, Sombra remembered the conversation with the Umbrum. He groaned and staggered to his hooves. It had been a good choice to get back to the Empire as quickly as possible. He was already tired and hungry, the stars knew if he would have made it back after a night in the Frozen North. Where would he go? Should he leave the Empire and find a place to hide in Central Equestria? But how would he get onto the train without being recognized? No, this would not work. He had to hide in the Empire.
But first, he needed to find some food. Sombra slowly walked towards the city. If he was lucky he would pass an orchard with fresh fruit. After that - he had no idea. Maybe he could find a cloth to wrap around his horn. If he did not smile too widely he almost looked like a normal unicorn. Except...
With a pang of fear, Sombra cast a quick look at his own flank. He still had no Cutie Mark. As an adult, that made him stick out like a sore horn. Great.
He had to make do somehow. At least it was almost another year until the next Crystal Faire. One year before the Heart could turn him into dust with its magic. One year to create the perfect disguise and get the Tartarus out of here. He wiped his eyes and set one hoof in front of the other.
The cell was as cold as the snow storm from before. Darren knew it was his fault but could not help but worry about the little ponies and their family. What if Sombra came back? They had no way of defending themselves against a unicorn with combat experience. Even though he had defeated Sombra, Darren knew that the former king was not that weak. He had only managed to surprise him and interrupt his spell.
With a hint of guilt, Darren's gaze fell upon a bird that lay beneath the small window. A few hours ago, the delicate creature had sung a song on the windowsill. Darren had not killed for so long that he did not even hesitate. Now the bird was on the floor, still beautiful but also cold and still, a tiny but harsh reminder for Darren to never lose control again. He could not affort to harm the ponies. He had to find a way to deal with his bloodlust. How was he supposed to do that? There was no way to just sneak outside and decimate the wildlife. He needed another solution, and fast.
Darren stood up when he heard the key clacking. He quickly hid the dead bird by shoving it under the bed with his foot and folded his hands behind his back. The cell door opened and Darren saw Blaze, accompanied by two more guards - and White Alloy's family.
"Darren!" Eclipse cried happily. "You're okay!" He wanted to run over to him but his mother stopped him. The grey colt sighed and waited at the door, sheepishly waving at Darren.
He gave Eclipse a friendly wave back.
Blaze gave him an encouraging nudge and lit his horn. The notebook reappeared in midair and Darren caught it. He opened it and pointed at the picture of the trial.
"What about the trial?" he said. "Why are they here?" He pointed at the ponies.
Blaze nodded. "They will be present at the trial," he said. To make sure that Darren understood, Blaze quickly drew two bigger and two smaller stickponies next to the guards in the sketch. He turned to the visitors. "I'm sorry but he can't understand what we're saying. It seems that there was a translation spell on him that wore off when I questioned him. Now we have to use this notebook to communicate."
"Oh," said Feather and White.
"Aw." That was Eclipse. His ears folded down and he hung his head.
Darren saw the disappointment on the filly and colt's face and shrugged apologetically.
"Sorry, you two."
"Don't worry, Mister, we won't let you down," said Eclipse. "I'm sure we can sort this all out with the Princess's help."
"Come on, let's leave Darren alone," said Feather. "You're going to see him tonight at the trial. He needs to prepare for meeting the Princess."
Peridot managed to wiggle out of her father's grip and tried to get past the guards.
"Hey, kid!" said one of the guards, wrapping his hoof around her. "You can't approach the prisoner."
"But I want to give him this." She put a little box on the ground and slid it over to Darren.
Darren looked at the small carton, then at the adults. The parents and Blaze nodded so he picked the box up and opened it. It was a pack of playing cards.
"Thank you, Peridot," he said.
She smiled at him, gave the guard a defiant grimace and stepped back to her parents.
Blaze left the notebook on the bed. He concentrated and used his magic to cast a spell on the book. It wiggled and vibrated, then split into two identical copies. Blaze took one of them and stored it in his long coat. He nodded at Darren and herded the family out of the cell. The guards gave Darren a sceptical look. Then, they followed Blaze and shut the door from outside.
"So we can agree on this?" said Coral Spark. "You're going to tell the Princess what has happened so far, then the statements of the Whites, then Darren's statement. And try to stick to the facts. I know it's hard when you cast a truth spell but don't get confused by all the details."
Blaze nodded. "Yes, Sir. I'm still not comfortable in this role. Why can't we get Darren an attorney or something?"
"We have three attorneys in the city right now. One is sick in the hospital, he had an accident. The second is too scared to meet Darren. Also, she's busy with a big case. The third one is willing to take the job but hasn't shown up yet. We can only assign her when she arrives at the precinct. She hasn't answered any of our messages. Until then, you keep an eye on Darren and try to find out more about the names he mentioned."
"Sir, about that," said Blaze hesitantly. "Three of the names didn't ring any bells. One sounded like a foreign name, maybe another human. But the fourth might be a lead: Twilight."
Spark raised an eyebrow. "Twilight, as in Twilight Sparkle, the Princess?"
"Possibly. I think it's worth a try to tell Princess Cadence. They are childhood friends, as far as I know."
"Good idea. And get Houndslayer something to eat. I know he declined to take any food but we can't keep him locked up without taking care of his basic needs. Also, try and find somepony who might be able to cast a translation spell."
"Understood."
"Princess! Princess, please wait!"
Cadence sighed and closed her eyes for a second. Then, she turned around, putting a slightly strained smile on her face.
"Yes? What can I do for you?"
The guard, slightly out of breath, stood at attention. He saluted.
"Ma'am, there is an urgent case for the Crystal Court."
Cadence cringed inwardly. And here she had thought that, after yesterday, she would have the chance to spend a calm and relaxing evening with her husband. Shining Armor had convinced Sunburst to look after Flurry Heart for the day. Only dealing with the aftermath of the Crystalling had turned out to be quite the ordeal. The city was not buried under ice and snow anymore but there were still dozens of worried citizens. The Crystal Court had not been this crowded in weeks. And on top of that, the guard had arrived after she had just addressed the last case of the day. Cadence raised her eyebrows.
"For today?" she asked, already rescheduling her evening in her head.
"I'm sorry, Princess, but you'll see that it can't wait."
"Follow me, please," said Cadence and trotted back to the Throne Room. "So," she said, flicking her curly long mane back, "what are the details?"
"There is a creature that broke into a house. Also, - it's - possible that - Sombra has returned."
Cadence stopped so abruptly that the guard almost ran into her rear. She felt her left eyelid twitching and her heart speeding up to twice the normal pulse.
"Would you care to repeat that?" she said slowly.
"There is a creature that -"
"You know I meant the other part," deadpanned Cadence, raising her eyebrows.
The guard shifted his weight nervously. "Yes, Ma'am. About Sombra being back - here is the report from the local precinct." A shaking hoof passed a folder over to her. Cadence took the file and flipped through it.
"It says that there's a grey unicorn with a curved horn that might be Sombra," she muttered. "And this Darren claims that he defeated him. The unicorn escaped but the creature is in our custody?"
"Well, in the City Guard's custody, Ma'am," clarified the guard. "He is accused of trespassing, possibly breaking and entering."
"I see," said Cadence. "Bring him here immediately. I will listen to his side of the story."
"Yes, Ma'am." The guard saluted once again and left.
Darren followed Blaze through the castle corridors. They were flanked by no less than eight other guards, including the white earth pony, Blaze's superior. He tried to memorize the path that they took through the castle. Being undead helped; he found that he had no trouble remembering the rooms he had passed on his way out.
Blaze looked more nervous than yesterday when he had tried to arrest Darren in the basement. Darren felt tempted to try and calm him down but was aware that any unexpected behaviour was not the best move right now. He estimated that he could take down five of the guards without breaking a sweat but, without his sword, Darren was unable to cast any spells. They would overpower him eventually. Even the Captain was probably a formidable opponent. His build and gait suggested a warrior's training. After sparring with Arcus Tangens for weeks, Darren had learned to respect Earth Pony strength, agility and stamina. He did not currently want to escape anyway; maybe he could explain to the Princess that he knew Twilight. Somehow.
They entered the throne room. A guard announced their arrival in a loud voice. The throne was now occupied by an alicorn. Darren recognized her from the newspaper photo. She was much more beautiful in reality, slightly taller than other female ponies but also slender without looking underfed. Her coat was pink and her mane and tail curly and long; she looked like real royalty, more so - Darren admitted to himself - than Twilight. Additionally, she was wearing regalia: a small crown and a chestpiece that was apparently of purely decorative nature. Her Cutie Mark was a blue heart that strongly resembled the heart pictures Darren had seen on the streets. That suggested that she was a powerful being, probably connected to the Crystal Heart in some way. Another pony was at her side. He was the white unicorn, perhaps her husband. He was wearing plate barding but it was light and even more ornate than the white earth pony's. Was he an actual guard or did the royals just wear armour for show?
Darren noticed that the White family was also present. They stood at the side of the hall, the two children between their parents. Once again, Eclipse gave Darren a small wave. This colt really seemed to like him, Darren realized with a pang of guilt.
They had reached the first step before the throne. Blaze and his superior bowed; the other guards stood at attention.
The Princess stood up and took a cautious step forward.
"You may present your case." Her voice was firm but lacked any hostility. She looked at Darren with a small frown on her face, as if she was trying to remember something.
Cadence tried to hide her confusion when she saw the accused for the first time. The report had not included any pictures of the foreigner; she had assumed by the description that he would be similar to a diamond dog or a minotaur.
"This is Darren Houndslayer," said Detective Indigo Blaze, pointing his hoof at the armoured biped next to him. Blaze was wearing his trademark coat. Cadence remembered meeting the guard for the first time. That had been half a year ago. She had liked him immediately; his natural air and expertise in combat situations made him a nice addition to the City Guard. Blaze still pointed at Darren Houndslayer who, to Cadence's surprise, bowed deeply before her. Half his face was hidden by the hood of his cloak. Was this a custom of his people?
"Houndslayer is accused of trespassing and of assaulting a royal guard. He appeared in the castle yesterday, while everypony was preparing for the Crystalling. He knocked a guard unconscious on the way out and hid in the basement of White Alloy and Feather Rush," Blaze went on, "where the dark magic of his sword revived Sombra, whose horn Houndslayer had taken trom his secret study."
Cadence and Shining Armor looked at each other in alarm.
"Where is the sword?" asked Shining.
"Here." Captain Coral Spark beckoned a guard to step forward. The pony revealed a long package he had brought with himself. He unwrapped the blanket that was bound around it, carefully avoiding to touch the sword itself. The weapon was a two-hoofed blade, engraved with foreign runes that ran along the blood groove. White mist rose from the blade as if it was very cold. It was larger than any sword Shining had ever seen - which made sense since it belonged to a -
"What did you say his species was again?" asked Shining.
"A human, Sir."
Shining nodded, giving Cadence a look.
"Go on," said Cadence.
"It seems that Houndslayer had not intended for his weapon to revive Sombra. He noticed it when he returned to the basement..."
Darren calmly waited while Blaze delivered his report. He only recognized a few words; his name, 'human' and the names of the ponies. The rest was gibberish to him. So he watched the Princess's reactions. She appeared nervous but not as scared as Darren had expected. Her husband kept staring at him as if trying to assess him.
Eventually, Blaze stopped talking and the Princess asked him some questions. Then, she walked over to the family and talked to them. She nuzzled the children affectionately. The parents let her proceed without protest; apparently, that was customary among ponies.
Blaze gave Darren a reassuring smile who managed to suppress an amused scoff. If the Princess was acting this casual, there was a good chance that Darren would not face a harsh sentence.
The Princess seemed thoughtful. She looked at the family, then Darren. Slowly, she asked Blaze something to which he replied, "Jonathan, Arcus, Levinia and Twilight."
"Twilight? Twilight Sparkle?" was the Princess's response.
Blaze shrugged and said a single word that could mean, "Maybe."
She talked with her husband, then he gave an order that made the guards look surprised. One of the royal guards at the door left and closed the portal behind himself. While he was gone, the Princess exchanged more words with the Prince.
Finally, the guard form the door returned with a small mirror in his magic. He passed the item on to the Princess who gave it to her mate.
"Are you sure about this?" said Shining Armor, holding the mirror in front of himself.
"No," said Cadence. "It's possible that Houndslayer meant another Twilight but there is an easy way to check. This enchanted mirror was a gift from our Twilight. She gave it to me a while ago and said I could use it to talk to her. Maybe we're lucky and she's at home." She positioned herself in front of the mirror, touched it with her hoof and said, "Twilight Sparkle."
Suddenly, the mirror gave off a blue glow. A few seconds passed, then, the face of a rather surprised alicorn appeared in it.
"Oh, hello, Cadence! Is everything okay? You look worried. Is Flurry Heart alright?"
"Yes, we're all fine," said Cadence. "Twilight, we are currently in the Throne Room with a human. You mentioned them a while ago. It's possible that he knows you, too, so I hoped you could tell me about them." |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 9: The Prince's Sister | "A human? You found a human?" Twilight exclaimed, her voice rising to an excited squeak as she almost hyperventilated. "Who is it?"
Shining Armor cleared his throat. "He calls himself Darren Houndslayer."
The mirror almost fell out of his magical grip when Twilight all but shouted, "You found him! Oh, Shining, I'm so happy -"
"Wait, please, Twily, there is a problem," Shining interrupted her.
She frowned. "Is he okay? It's been almost a year since we passed the 'Missing' posters around."
"You see," said Shining matter-of-factly, "For one, he broke into a house..."
Twilight's voice filled the throne room, slightly distorted by the magic of the mirror. Darren perked up when he recognized it. Her tone suggested that the Princess and her mate were bringing her up to date. He decided to make himself heard.
"Ahem." Darren cleared his throat.
Cadence and Shining turned their heads towards the source of the sound.
"Ah, Princess," said Blaze, "there is the problem that we can't communicate anymore since his translation spell wore off. What should we do?"
"Translation spell?" came Twilight's voice from the mirror. "I can help with that! I cast the first one, don't worry about that." She hummed thoughtfully. "Either the previous spell lasted unusually long or Darren just arrived. Did you get a chance to ask him about that?"
"Detective?" asked Cadence.
"According to his statement, he arrived a few days ago," said Blaze.
"Well, that explains it," said Twilight. "There must have been some phenomenon that threw his portal exit off the timeline. How did you communicate with him after -"
"How fast can you get here?" Cadence cut her rambling off. "No offence, but your friend is scaring us a little. We need to sort this out as quickly as possible."
"Hm," hummed Twilight. "I need to tell Spike and the girls that I need to return. The train leaves twice a day so it would take me until tomorrow morning. I should also ask Jonathan and Arcus if they could come along."
"Are those your friends from the adventure you-know-where?" asked Shining cautiously, well aware that they were in the presence of guards and civilians.
"Yes. I promise we'll find a way to resolve this," said Twilight. "I'm sure it's all just a big misunderstanding. Darren is a nice and honourable person; you can trust him, Cadence. I know he seems a little scary but he saved my life more than once."
"With respect, Ma'am," Coral Spark spoke up, "Sombra is still on the loose. What about him?"
"You heard him?" Shining asked Twilight.
"Loud and clear. This mirror really is something." Twilight sighed. "Well, this is cause for concern. Maybe you should put up posters that show what he looks like now. I'll tell Princess Celestia and Luna after this conversation so they can brief their Royal Guards, too. And about my arrival: Should we meet at eleven-thirty at the train station?"
Cadence nodded. She said goodbye to Twilight and the mirror stopped glowing, ending the connection. She faced the guards.
"Alright. Since the White family is willing to forgive Mr Houndslayer for his trespassing and not pressing any charges, we can drop the issue. The assault on the royal guard is a different matter and will be discussed on Monday.
"Captain Spark, please coordinate your efforts to catch Sombra with Prince Shining Armor. Return Mr Houndslayer to the precinct. Until this is over, he needs to stay in your custody. But make sure he is comfortable. And he can have visitors if he wants." Cadence looked over to Shining. Had she forgotten anything?
"His weapon," he whispered. "Where to keep it."
"And he can have his sword back. If Twilight trusts him, we can, too."
"To some degree," muttered Shining under his breath, loudly enough for Cadence to hear him, yet he still nodded in reluctant agreement. She knew he had to be more careful than her - it was his job - but her trust in Twilight was absolute.
Everypony bowed, except for the four guards next to Houndslayer, and left. The grey pegasus colt - Eclipse - hesitated and cast a nervous look on Shining Armor. His sister nudged him before he could fall behind and they followed the guards.
When Cadence and Shining were alone, she slumped onto the throne, massaging her temples, and stared at the ceiling.
"I hate politics," she groaned. "I hate trials. I'm still not ready for this."
Shining hugged her and gave her a kiss.
"As far as I could see, you managed pretty well. Smart move to ask the family directly. Now we can focus on the other part of the case and on trying to find Sombra."
"I hate him, too," sighed Cadence.
Blaze accompanied Darren back to his cell. A tray with some food was on the small table, along with a jug of fresh water, a towel, and an empty bowl. The guard that had waited for them beckoned Blaze aside and muttered into his ear, "We found a dead bird under the bed. Removed it before bringing the food."
Blaze frowned. "What was the cause of death?" he asked cautiously.
"Unknown. Had the coroner have a look even though it's not a pony. He says it was dark magic."
"Thanks for the info," said Blaze, patting his colleague on the shoulder. "See you later." The guards left. Now Darren and Blaze were the only ones in the cell.
Blaze took the package from his back and gave it to Darren. The knight unwrapped the blanket and incredulously looked at his sword.
"Are you sure about this?" The doubt in his deep voice was obvious.
"Keep it," said Blaze, nodding.
Darren took out his copy of the notebook. He rummaged in his backpack and found a battered quill and inkpot. Sitting down on the bed, Darren patted the spot next to him.
Sighing, Blaze followed the request and planted his bottom on the bed.
"Alright, let's recap," he said and took the notebook.
He drew four stickponies, two of them small: The White family. Then, he added a stickman. The ponies were given smiles. Blaze hoped that Darren would understand. If not, they would be able to tell him soon enough; until then, Darren would have to be patient. He began another picture: A unicorn with a curved horn, chased by ponies with spears.
Blaze also drew a train that drove towards a castle in a circle, then, an alicorn that emerged from the train. Darren inhaled to ask something but Blaze already added a moon and sun to signify that the meeting would be on the next day. When Darren pointed at the alicorn, Blaze realized that he did not give her any features to tell her apart from the previous stickponies. He decided to draw Princess Twilight's Cutie Mark: A six-pointed star, surrounded by five smaller stars.
Darren hummed. He lowered his hood and looked at Blaze. There was a twinkle in his eyes, something that Blaze had not thought to be possible.
"Finally, some good news." He pointed at the alicorn with a slightly shaking hand. "Twilight Sparkle," he said firmly.
Blaze nodded.
"Yes," he confirmed. "Tomorrow."
"To-morrow," Darren repeated the word.
Darren sat in his cell, staring at the opposite wall. He could hardly believe how everything had turned out. Twilight would be here soon. Once the spell was cast, Darren would be able to explain himself and get the hell away from the Crystal Ponies.
He raised his hand and looked at its back. It was still shaking. At first, he had thought it to be an illusion but now he was certain. Darren had not expected to have peace for long. The bird had been a fairly small creature. He had to hold on for a bit longer. Deep down, he still trusted Jonathan's promise that the Light would free him from his curse. The hope of never having to harm anyone again was the only thing that kept Darren from using his sword against himself.
He lowered his hands, pressed the palms against the mattress and exhaled slowly. There was one more thing he could try to put off the inevitable. Darren remembered himself giving the advice to his own daughter.
It was an especially harsh winter in Lordaeron. In February, they had just enough to eat every second day. Darren and his wife often refused their own rations, giving them to the children. But with seven people sharing a roof and only one paladin in the family, there still were days when the older siblings had to make do with less than a piece of bread. One evening, Arianna, the oldest, suddenly left the house.
Darren found her in the back alley, digging out a small bush.
"Anna, what are you doing?" Darren asked, crouching down next to her. She did not look at him. Darren noticed that her eyes were bloodshot, her cheeks wet.
"Come on inside, it's freezing out here."
"Maybe we can cook the roots," said Arianna without stopping her digging. Her fingers were red from the cold. "We gotty try, right?"
"They're not edible," said Darren, carefully taking her hands into his own. "Your mom already tried using them a week ago."
"I d-don't care," sobbed Arianna. She slumped back, relaxing into Darren's embrace. "I'm so hungry, Dad, I'm so hungry."
"I know," whispered Darren. He hugged Arianna and stood up. She automatically followed his movement until they were both standing and hugging.
"How do you do it?" she asked hoarsely. "How can you stand it?"
"I -" Darren hesitated and exhaled noisily. As always, he found himself unable to lie to her. "I try not to think about it. You know, Anna, there is a way to make it at least a little more bearable," he said as he lead his daughter back to the house.
"When we sleep, our body slows down." He opened the back door and they entered. "We breathe more slowly and we also move less. So it's a way to save strength. The farmers sleep more in Winter than in Summer."
Arianna brushed a bit of her blonde hair out of her face. They climbed the narrow staircase that led up to the second floor. She went into the bedroom. Frederick, Darcy and Brannon were already asleep, huddled together under three layers of bleached out woollen blankets.
"Where's Janek?" asked Arianna, taking off her shoes.
"Must be sleeping in our bed tonight," said Darren thoughtfully. They had actually three beds but because of the cold one was currently not in use. The kids took turns at sleeping in their parents's bed; with only three people sharing it instead of four, it was the least crowded and therefore a favoured spot. Darren sat down on the edge of the frame as Arianna slipped under the blankets. Fred shifted his weight, his eyes still closed, and mumbled something. She stroked her youngest brother softly and lied down next to him.
"At least when I sleep I don't feel the big hole that used to be my stomach," she tried to joke, whispering so she would not wake her siblings.
"Light, bless my girl," whispered Darren as he did every night. He bent down to kiss her on the forehead. Quietly, he stood up and left his children sleep, slowly closing the door behind himself.
Darren took off his armor. He needed longer than usual for it; his hands were still shaking and he felt slightly dizzy. At least there were a blanket and pillow on the bed, making the cell almost luxurious. Darren lied down and rolled onto his side. Putting his arm under his head, he tried to get comfortable.
Most people assumed that the undead could not rest but that was not entirely true. While many resurrected creatures actually could not sleep, Death Knights had the ability to do so. When they had been under control of the Scourge, they had been forbidden to rest. Darren had gotten used to it through the years. After he had broken free of the Lich King's grasp, he still would not sleep at night. It had its advantages. He could stand watch twenty-four hours a day which had proven very useful, especially on one-man assignments. But Mother Nature had not developed sleep without a reason. There was even a Dragon Aspect for sleep, just as there was one for time and another for magic... Darren remembered how, back in the days before the Scourge, a man from his unit had begun to hallucinate after three days without sleep, not to mention how irritable and clumsy he had become.
Darren hoped that the rest would clear his mind - or at least numb it until he was released from custody. It was worth a try. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax.
On Sunday, Twilight arrived at the Crystal Empire's Central train station at precisely eleven-twenty-one, which gave her and her friends some time to orient themselves. Arcus Tangens and Jonathan had agreed to come along; Spike needed to mind the castle while the other ponies were otherwise busy. After being away for a few days, work at home had already piled up.
Arcus was the first one to spot their welcoming committee.
"Hah, I can see Princess Mi Amore Cadenza," he said happily, pointing at the ponies that approached the track. Cadence was not alone; Shining Armor and two guards were with her. The guards were not in uniform or armour but they gave Jonathan wary stares which he tried to ignore.
Twilight waved at Cadence and Shining Armor and ran towards them. After hugging and greeting each other, they introduced their entourage.
"Cadence, this is Jonathan Baker. As you can see, he is also a human. And this is Arcus Tangens. He was with us on Azeroth so he knows Darren, too."
"Nice to meet you, Princess," said Arcus and bowed down.
"Please, there's no need for that," said Cadence. "This is not a formal occasion, you don't have to bow." She put a wing around her husband. "This is Prince Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guard."
Jonathan scrunched up his face, remembering something. "Sir," he said, "aren't you related to Twilight?"
Shining nodded. "We're siblings," he said, grinning at Twilight who grinned back. Then, he pointed at the guards. "This is Indigo Blaze, who was present at the hearing and managed to talk to Houndslayer before the spell wore off. And this is Abrasive Paper, also a city guard." Both ponies nodded politely, Blaze with more enthusiasm than the muscular blue earth pony next to him. Slightly proud for maintaining a straight face when hearing the names, Jonathan nodded back at them.
"So, you found Darren?" he asked.
"Yes, we did," said Cadence. "Twilight, if you don't mind we should go to him right away so you can cast the translation spell."
Twilight nodded. "Of course."
"What about Sombra?" asked Arcus.
"Not here," said Shining quietly. "That's still classified. Only the guards know of the warrant."
"Oh. Sorry." Arcus grimaced uncomfortably.
"It's okay as long as you don't mention the news in public. Yet."
Arcus waved it off. "Nevermind then, Sir, I'll wait until you are alright with sharing the info."
Shining Armor led the way to the castle. Jonathan and Arcus enjoyed looking at the magnificent cityscape. Arcus pointed at several houses and gave Jonathan a small summary about their history and individual features. Jonathan only registered half of it; he was too impressed by the sight of it all: An entire city made of crystals. He wondered if this was something you got used to.
"Do all humans have white hair?" Shining asked Twilight. "I could see some of Houndslayer's mane. It was grey and long and almost as white as Mr Baker's."
Twilight chuckled, amused by the question. "Okay, brother, one: Humans don't call it a mane, just hair. And two: No, they have different hair colours. But the range is not as wide as ours. Sometimes, they dye it. A human's natural hair color is red, blonde, brown or black - or something in between. I think both Jonathan and Darren's hair lost their colour after they died."
"They what?" Shining stopped abruptly and stared at her.
"Oh, didn't I tell you? I thought I had mentioned it sometime. See, Darren is undead. Jonathan used to be, too, but the Light healed him," said Twilight as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"We have a zombie at the precinct?" That was Blaze.
Twilight frowned at them. "He's just undead, not a zombie. And didn't you notice his eyes?"
"No," said Shining Armor sceptically. "They were hidden under his hood during the entire hearing."
"I saw them," said Blaze. He exhaled. "They glowed. Blue, like ice from a glacier. At least that explains why he didn't want to eat anything. Please, Princess, tell me he won't develop an appetite for brains anytime soon."
Twilight laughed. "I promise."
"Always with the brains," muttered Jonathan with a hint of annoyance. "Wait a second." He touched Twilight's shoulder. "What about the other thing?" he asked, suddenly alarmed.
Twilight's eyes widened. The curse forces him to kill on a regular basis, she remembered. "Shining, we may have a problem," she said. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 10: Reunion | "What problem?" asked Shining Armor. "You sound so serious."
"Uh, er," stammered Twilight, "there is one thing, you could call it a side effect of the curse Darren has..."
Jonathan decided to jump to her aid. "Darren is forced to kill - or at least hurt - others," he said quietly so only Shining would hear him. "That wasn't a problem in Azeroth when we were basically surrounded by deadly enemies all the time. Now, though..."
Shining's eyes widened in shock.
"But what about Silvermoon?" asked Twilight. "He didn't kill anybody there until we escaped."
Her brother's eyes went even wider as he heard Twilight talk about killing with such a casual voice.
"Still didn't spare his sparring partners much pain," said Jonathan bluntly. He eyed Arcus. "Except for one. But they had healers nearby so they could overlook it to a certain degree."
"I see," said Twilight slowly, tapping her chin. She sighed. "I hope he's okay. He really hates that curse. I have no idea how he's dealing with it right now. Darren has a lot of self-control but Celestia knows for how long that will help him to hold on."
Darren is inside a blue crystal house. Eclipse and Peridot are lying on a couch in the middle of a tiny bedroom, huddled together under three layers of blankets. They are asleep. Darren realizes that he is in full armour. Trying not to wake the ponies, he slowly steps backwards - but before he can reach the stairs, Eclipse wakes up and looks directy at Darren.
"How? How do you take it? How can you bear to be so hungry?" asks the colt. He stands up from the couch. Eclipse raises his forelegs, rising into the air like a conjurer. His eyes glow in an eerie green light and he breathes out black smoke.
"I'm so hungry," slurs Eclipse. He is floating towards Darren, a puppet with the dark smoke as a puppeteer.
Darren raises his arms to catch Eclipse but his hands only touch smoke and dust. The colt's eyes are like tunnels as he pierces Darren with his gaze.
"Do you think," he says, "we can cook Blaze? I tried to dig him out, you know."
"What?!"
Eclipse touches Darren's cheek and forces him to turn his head.
Suddenly, they are in the garden behind the house. Peridot is sitting in the dirt, digging at the head of Detective Blaze. The Detective is buried in the ground with only his head sticking out. Blaze angrily stares at Darren.
"Your kind should not outstay your welcome on these grounds," he says.
Peridot keeps digging the earth away at his neck. Her eyes are reddened; she is crying.
"I can't get him out, it's so cold and my hooves are numb," she whines, shuddering. Her hooves are freezing over, turning blue. She points at Darren's feet, at the brown grass around them. "That's your fault," she says.
Darren flinches backwards, shocked: Everywhere he steps, the sparse grass on the ground withers and dies. The earth beneath his feet is hard and cold. Snow is falling from the overcast sky, quickly covering the dead grass with a white blanket.
Eclipse floats around Darren, placing himself between the knight and Peridot.
"Stay away from my sister!" he snarls. The green glow of his eyes turns into an icy blue. "She's mine; I get to kill her first. You'll have to wait your turn, knight." Eclipse grins widely, too widely even for a pony; his mouth is like a slit that cuts his face in half, like an open wound. There is no reason in his demeanour, only madness, wrath... and the greed of a Lich.
That is when Darren's reflexes take over. Without a second thought, he draws his sword and runs it through Eclipse's barrel. The colt's eyes break and the blue light inside them dies away as he exhales.
"What have you done! He's just a colt!" Blaze jumps out of the ground - as if he had never been stuck - and wraps his forelegs around Eclipse, violently ripping the child's body out of Darren's hands.
"I know what you are, you murderer! You have the same eyes!" Blaze declares. Clutching Eclipse's body tightly, he points an accusing hoof at Darren and screams a single word at the top of his lungs. It is a warning for everyone in the neighborhood to run for their lives, the dreaded word that has accompanied Darren for almost twelve years.
"SCOURGE!"
Darren almost drops his sword. He wants to avert his head in shame but he finds that he cannot turn away from Blaze.
"ENOUGH!" booms a thundering female voice.
Before Darren can react, Blaze's expression freezes. He does not move by an inch. Darren waves his hand before Blaze's muzzle. The pony does not even blink - or breathe.
Neither do Eclipse or Peridot. Time has stopped. Even the falling snow remains in midair. It is suddenly very quiet.
A blue wave of magical energy rushes through the garden, dissolving Blaze, Eclipse and Peridot into blue smoke that is carried away by the wind.
Darren spins around. A dark blue alicorn approaches him. She has black regalia, decorated with a crescent moon. Her long mane and tail float in the breeze. Thousands of stars are glittering inside it, making her resemble a titan-like goddess.
"Hello," she says calmly. Thankfully, the volume of her voice is back to normal. The pony smiles faintly. She is even taller than the Crystal Princess; the tip of her horn is at the height of his solarplexus.
"Are you Darren Houndslayer?" she asks.
Darren nods, still slightly shocked by the events that have unfolded before him. He feels disgusted with himself and his thoughts.
"You humans have the most disturbing dreams," sighs the alicorn, "But yours are the worst yet. I am glad I could reach you in the end.
"My name is Luna."
The sister of Princess Celestia! Darren quickly kneels down and puts his sword on the ground. "Princess," he says.
Luna laughs softly.
"Rise," she says, gently touching his shoulder. "There is no need for formality; we are inside your mind. Twilight told me about you. It was quite a while ago. I have a drawing of you in my office. But the picture was black and white. I thought your eyes would be yellow, like Jonathan's," she muses.
Darren's eyebrows knit together in confusion.
"After she exited the portal without you, Twilight and her friends were devastated. They made 'Missing' posters of you." Luna frowns as she sees Darren shake his head.
"Im am endangering her and all the ponies," he says. "The curse -"
"No excuses," Luna interrupts him. "Your dream revealed the truth, as confused as it may have been. Obviously, you are feeling terrible guilt for what you have done in the past. I know that feeling when I see it, Darren. Twilight told me what the Scourge is... and so did Jonathan." She looks into Darren's eyes, her gaze like steel. "You did not really kill anypony in Equestria, did you?"
"No," sighs Darren. "Thank the Light I did not."
Luna closes her eyes for a second, visibly relieved.
"So the colt represented someone different, I suppose?" she presses on.
"Yes. Several people, in fact." Unwilling to share his memories with the alicorn, Darren does not add anything else.
Luna frowns sadly.
"I don't think I can help you by just fixing this dream," she says slowly. "It was already very hard to freeze and drive the spectres away. Your mind is extremely resilient. There are many barriers inside of it. 'Tis like peeling an onion." She paces up and down in front of him. "You remind me of some guards... after the war with King Sombra. I fear you will need to have more nightmares before your soul catches up with your memories. I sincerely hope that, given time, you will be able to forgive yourself."
"I see," mutters Darren. He crosses his arms and, trying to change the subject, he asks, "Princess, how did you find me?"
"Your dream was too... vibrant to be overlooked," deadpans Luna. "Also, I had a magical mirror conversation with Twilight yesterday." She smiles apologetically. "Since I cannot influence this healing process, I hope I can help you with something else?"
"I don't know." The corner of Darren's mouth twitches. "There will be another hearing. Twilight is on her way to the Crystal Empire." He pauses. "Princess, I... attacked a guard in the castle," Darren confesses.
Luna raises her eyebrows.
"I knocked him unconscious," Darren admits. "I doubt he suffered permanent damage but that is still an offense that will be punished, is it not?"
"Why does that worry you so much? Scared of spending time in a dungeon?" Luna smiles wryly.
"I do not fear for my safety," grunts Darren, "but for everyone else's in there."
Luna sighs. "You are aware that the curse will most likely fade away now that you are not on Azeroth anymore?" She gently touches his side. "Just hold on a little bit longer, Darren. Your friends will be here soon. Don't be scared to trust them." Her lips part into a friendly smile. "And I am sure you won't let them down."
Twilight, Arcus and Jonathan followed the Detective as he led them down the stairs and to Darren's cell. Jonathan and Arcus exchanged looks; both remembered the time when they had walked down Undercity's dark hallways to the hall of the Banshee Queen. At least this situation was much less serious.
Blaze stopped at a door that looked identical to all the others. The only way to tell them apart was by a small label next to the handle. He unlocked the door and stepped aside to let the three guests inside. The two guards that had tagged along positioned themselves on both sides of the door. The cell was not big enough for everyone at once.
Darren was sitting on the bed, looking down on a few playing cards that were stacked on a small table. Apparently, he had been playing a game alone. Twilight noticed that the ponies on the cards looked slightly cartoonish as one would expect on a foal's playing cards. When his guests arrived, he stood up.
Before Darren could say anything, Twilight dashed towards him, leapt into the air and hugged him.
"It's so good to see you!" she cried happily. "Are you okay?" Darren hugged her back for a second. She let go of him and dropped to the ground.
"Twilight, the spell," Jonathan reminded her.
"Oh, right." She grinned sheepishly at Darren and gestured for him to stay still.
Darren already recognized the look on her face. He relaxed and let his hands fall to his sides, waiting for Twilight to perform the translation spell.
She focused her magical energy into her horn. It glowed when the force was released. The pink magic field expanded and there was a white flash that made everyone blink.
"Did it work?" Twilight asked nervously.
"Yes," said Darren, now genuinely smiling for the first time since his arrival on Equestria.
Arcus stepped forward and stretched out his hoof. Darren hesitated, then shaped his hand into a fist and bumped the hoof to greet his friend.
"You look different," said Darren. He raised his eyebrows. "You have gained... considerable weight."
"Well, thank Goodness," snorted Arcus. "After that ordeal in Quel'Thalas, it was touch and go for a while. Really helps when your wife is an awesome cook. Me, not so much." He grinned - but when he saw the expression on Darren's face the grin trickled off his muzzle. "You okay?"
"Yes," said Darren a little bit too quickly.
Twilight's ears folded down. She wondered if he was thinking of lost family.
Jonathan decided to cut the awkward silence short and stretched out his hand. Darren shook it with a firm grip.
"When did you arrive?" asked Jonathan.
"A few days ago," said Darren. "Something went wrong with that portal of yours. Something must have interfered with it," he corrected when he noticed the defensive glare from Jonathan.
Twilight rubbed her chin. "It threw you off-course in both time and space," she said. "I must remember that this can be a problem when travelling by portal. Darren, I'm really very sorry about all this." She grimaced.
Darren shook his head. "Doubtful it was your fault." He folded his hands behind his back and looked at the visitors expectantly, especially Blaze. "So what now?"
"The second hearing will be tomorrow," said Blaze, "but now that we can understand each other again, I guess I'm off the hook with preparing for it." He grinned. "The statement has already been relayed and the White family has decided to forgive you."
"What will be the compensation?" asked Darren, all business-like.
Blaze frowned, confused. "I - I just said that they forgive you. You know, Sir, for trespassing."
"I do not have to pay a fee, serve time...?"
"Er... no."
"I must meet them to express my gratitude," stated Darren.
"I'll ask them if that's alright," promised Blaze. He shook his head, still bemused by Darren's expecting more severe punishment.
"The hearing tomorrow...?" began Twilight.
"Will be about Mr Houndslayer assaulting the guard in the castle," said Blaze. He turned to Darren. "We found the guard and he had a slight concussion, we'll see how the hearing turns out. The attorney still hasn't shown up which is kind of unlike her. We don't have anypony to represent you at the hearing," Blaze admitted.
"I will represent him, then," said Twilight instantly. She looked at Darren. "If you're okay with that."
Darren nodded. "Of course."
"Hey, Eclipse! Come and look at what I found," called Peridot, leaning out of the bedroom window on the second floor.
Eclipse jumped from the lower branches of the ash tree behind the house. He fluttered his little wings to slow his fall and landed on all four feet.
"Coming!" he called back. Picking up his shield, he dashed to the house.
When he entered the bedroom, he found Peridot sitting on her haunches, surrounded by all of the books that they owned. There were almost two dozens of them. She had opened most of them and marked pages with some of the bookmarks she had made at school.
"Hi," she said, raising her head. "You gotta see this." As Eclipse sat down next to her, trying not to step on any of the books, she shoved the one she had been holding under his muzzle.
The book was his. Eclipse had read it so often that the binding was a little ripped on the edges. He had tried to fix it with magic tape but a few pages were still askew. Eclipse leaned back to look at the picture.
"That's a knight," he stated flatly. "sooo... what?"
"Exactly! It's knight, not a guard. I've been thinking. We have the Royal Guard and the City Guard. But this picture shows a pony in completely different armour. And I'm pretty sure I've seen armour like that in the museum before. Do you know what that means?" whispered Peridot, her eyes widened in excitement.
Eclipse shrugged. "That there used to be not just guards but also knights?"
"Yes!" shouted Peridot triumphantly. "But that's not the big question! The question is- "
"What happened to the knights?" finished Eclipse thoughtfully. "Huh. You're right, that's weird."
"Thanks." Jonathan smiled at a slightly shocked well-fed pony behind the counter. She gave him a forced smile and turned away to serve Arcus.
Jonathan took his tray and carefully walked over to the round table where Darren and Twilight waited. The City Guard Cafeteria was not the biggest but alright for ponies who worked in shifts. Bright, slightly purple crystals lit up the white tiled floor. Even the walls were tiled up to waist height. It was too loud for such a small room; Jonathan did not like it. Today, Blaze's superior, Coral Spark, had agreed to let them eat here. Twilight shifted her chair to make some room and Jonathan put the tray down.
"Ah, crap," he muttered. He had forgotten the knife and fork. "Be right back."
"So, Darren, what did you do the last few days?" asked Twilight. "I mean, uh, besides getting caught for -" she lowered her voice, remembering where they were, "- assaulting a guard and releasing King Sombra? Uhh, sorry I asked." She blushed, embarrassed. "I guess I just wanted to know how you are."
Darren raised his brows. He leaned back and exhaled, watching Jonathan and Arcus joining them at the table. Arcus pulled a fourth chair closer. The chair scratched across the tiled floor with a sharp squeak which made Twilight's eyes fold back. The guards from the neighbouring table raised their heads, earning an apologetic smile from Arcus.
"Since Blaze is not here yet..." Darren put his elbows on the table and bent forward, lowering his voice as well. "Barely holding on. Isn't there a place like your Everfree Forest nearby?"
"With wild, dangerous animals?" Jonathan frowned.
"Sorry." Arcus shook his head. "No such luck."
"What do we do?" whispered Twilight, nervously looking around.
"Stop that. Please," said Jonathan quietly, giving her a deadpan look. "That twitching around of yours is what makes you look suspicious."
"Sorry," she muttered, grimacing.
"What... does it feel like?" said Arcus hesitantly.
Darren twitched, then looked at the earth pony. There was a pause.
"Like a vicious hunger. I am dizzy. Also, highly aggressive."
"You don't look that angry to me," said Arcus incredulously.
Jonathan pointed at the jug of orange juice that stood on his tray. It was frozen over. So was, in fact, all the food on the table.
"Oh." Arcus bit his lip, his ears folding down. "I see."
Jonathan lifted a salad leaf on his fork, inspected it and dropped it back on his plate. "Great," he groaned. "So much for lunch."
"I apologize," pressed Darren through his teeth. "Maybe Twilight can reheat it with a spell."
"If you're hungry, maybe you should eat something, too," said Twilight, more as a joke than anything else.
Jonathan's eyes widened as he realized something. "Wait a second." He grabbed Darren's arm. "What if you're just that? Hungry?" He smirked. "Like I was when I came to Equestria. It started after a few days. I got that hunger and I also fell asleep at night. That needed some getting used to."
Darren shook his head, pulling his arm away from the priest.
"Unlikely. The Light healed you. I do not have... access to it anymore."
Jonathan frowned. "Wait, what?" Anymore?, he mouthed.
"Stop, stop, let me get this straight," said Arcus, waving his hooves. "Are you saying that Darren is - somehow - getting healed?"
Jonathan shrugged, grimacing. "Maybe. I mean, maybe the Crystal Heart..."
Twilight stood up. "Of course! That must be it! Darren, that could be - we must test it! Here," she shoved her plate under Darren's nose, "you should try some food!"
The knight just glared at her. Twilight fought the sudden urge to use her magic and put up Darren's hood, just so she would not have to see his cold blue eyes.
Jonathan cleared his throat. "Princess, you shouldn't push him."
Twilight lowered her gaze. "Sorry," she mumbled. She turned to Darren. "I didn't mean to. I just hoped..."
"Don't mind that," he said curtly. "I will try to eat later. Not here." He raised his brows and jerked his head towards the guards.
"Still, is there anything we can do?" asked Twilight desperately.
Darren hesitated. "One thing comes to mind."
"I think I know what. We'll do it. We'll stop you if we have to," promised Jonathan in a tone so serious that Twilight gulped.
"With any means necessary?" countered Darren.
"Yes. But," said Jonathan slowly, "I don't think it'll come to that. We should still wait a bit and see if the Heart really does something and the bloodlust fades. If not - I'll pray about it. Maybe the Light can help us out. It's my job, about time I did it, I guess."
"I can offer three days," said Darren after a while. "More seems unrealistic."
Arcus and Twilight exchanged uneasy looks.
A quiet plink made the two ponies jump. The orange juice was melting again.
"Let's eat," muttered Twilight without any enthusiasm whatsoever. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 11: The Teacher | "The plants in the Crystal Empire are not really made of crystals." Coelistine wandered up and down in front of the blackboard. "Neither are the animals. It's like with our coats. They just look like a crystal from the outside and only when we are happy or feeling love.
"I have prepared a little something here." He stepped closer to his desk. The class, consisting of twenty ponies with their age ranging from six to eight years, followed every one of his moves. Coelistine pointed at a glass and a jug of water.
"Now, look here," he said, lifting the jug up with his magic, "when I fill this glass, which is made of quartz crystal, with water... like so... what can you see?"
A few hesitant hooves were raised.
"Snow Cloud?"
"There is water in the crystal glass?" offered an earth pony filly shyly.
"That's right. But when we drink water, what can we see?"
"Oh!" Her eyes widened in understanding. "We can't see the water anymore!"
"Exactly. A real crystal, in its true form, is often transparent. Some are not, like Magnetite or Sphaleite. But Crystal Creatures like us ponies are never, ever transparent. Our coat is imbued with magic that only makes us seem translucent but actually bends the light around us." He made a motion with his hoof around the glass.
"Imagine if we could see the food being digested," whispered a colt. "Gross!" His neighbor stuck out his tongue.
"Mister Coelistine!"
Him again. Coelistine closed his eyes for a second.
"Eclipse, it's nice that you are so curious but can it wait-"
"But this time, it's related to the subject," insisted Eclipse, bobbing up and down on his seat with both his forelegs raised. "I am happy, in general, so why don't I have a crystal coat?"
"Er... Some ponies that live here, like you, are descendants from outside the Empire. Your coat is different than ours, it's a bit softer, too. The magic in crystal coats makes a pony a tougher worker, or guard, than the regular Earth pony. On average, we have less strength, though. So, to be clear, there's nothing wrong with your coat."
"What about knights?" asked Eclipse. The class became restless and whispered among each other.
"Knights?" Coelistine hesitated. "We don't have any knights. Only Guards."
"But before? Weren't there knights before Sombra's reign?"
Before Coelistine could answer, the bell rang, a melodious ding-ding from the school tower.
Saved by the bell, the teacher thought, and said loudly over the rustling of the students packing their things, "Please write a summary of what you learned today about crystal creatures. Name three examples of differences between those and actual crystals."
As he packed his own things and went to the sink to empty the glass, Coelistine felt somepony standing behind him.
"Yes, Eclipse?"
"Mister Coelistine, I'm adopted." Eclipse shifted his saddlebags around on his back.
The teacher raised his brows. "I figured," he said cautiously.
"The pegasi have something like knights," said Eclipse. "They call it the Phalanx. I've read that there used to be city states. Now they are integrated into Equestria but they still have those armies."
"I wasn't aware you were interested in military history," said Coelistine, wiping the glass dry with a towel.
"When I grow up I want to become a Royal Guard," said Eclipse proudly. "Like Prince Shining Armor. Or a knight like... Or a knight."
"I see. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there are no knights in the Empire. I think there used to be an order of knights very long ago," he added, rubbing his chin, "but they disappeared shortly before the reign of King Sombra. It's possible he..."
"... made them disappear?" finished Eclipse, frowning.
Coelistine winced uncomfortably. "Yes."
To his relief, Eclipse nodded and did not ask anything else. "Okay then. Thanks, Mister Coelistine. See you tomorrow, Sir!" The colt waved, then ran outside to find his sister who was in a different class.
Coelistine stood in the empty classroom, his eyes on the glass. He knew that Eclipse had been adopted by the White family shortly after the Empire's return. It had cost him some restraint not to see Sombra when looking at the dark grey colt with the black mane. It had helped that Eclipse was so cheerful and uncomplicated, more that one would have expected from a recently adopted pony. On top of that, he was a pegasus, not a unicorn. Plus, his eyes were a deep blue, not the red irises of the tyrant. The only bad thing that could be said about him was that he sometimes asked too much in class, disrupting the flow of Coelistine's teaching. That did not worry him too much, though, better if Eclipse was this way than passive and apathetic.
It was a sad coincidence that the colt resembled Sombra so much. Coelistine had caught his classmates giving Eclipse a hard time because of it. His sister had jumped to his side, defusing the situation, but Coelistine still remembered that Eclipse had asked no more questions for the rest of the week.
Coelistine smirked. As a teacher, he was not supposed to have favourite students. But Eclipse's curiousity had once again spiked his own. Now he caught himself wanting to know more about knights.
The market was full as always. Coelistine wandered across the plaza in a zig zag pattern, looking for the apple stand. He had always liked apples. After finding out that the Element of Honesty loved them, too, he liked the fruit even more. Today, he had run out.
He spotted the green flag fifty yards across the plaza. Coelistine trotted over, making his way past two ponies that enthusiastically argued over the prize of a bag of peanuts.
"Excuse me," he said, gently pushing through the narrow gap. He immediately bumped against something - no, somepony.
A young stallion had been hiding around the corner of the peanut stall. His eyes darted from the bag of fruit he was clutching to Coelistine's face. He had been stealing from a vendor! The dark brown hooded cloak he was wearing failed at hiding his face since it was about two sizes too small for him.
"Sombra?" mouthed Coelistine incredulously. There was an extreme, even impossible, likeness. If he had not known that the pony was dead, Coelistine could have sworn he was the real deal. The stallion's emerald eyes widened in shock and he dropped the bag. He lit his horn. Green magic picked up the stolen fruit and the thief bolted.
"Hey! Wait!" Coelistine ran after the stallion, turning over crates and barrels as he tried to keep up. Angry shouts followed him as he stayed right on the thief's tail, thankful that the hours of gallopping in the evening finally payed off.
He cornered the stallion in an alley two blocks away from the plaza. Both of them were trying to catch their breath, staring at each other. The thief's hood had fallen back, revealing a mane as dark as obsidian. Coelistine had not noticed it before but the stallion's curved horn was wrapped in a cloth as if injured. The stallion spoke.
"Please... please, I don't have any money," he panted.
"What?"
"I can't pay," explained the thief. "I would've if I could, I swear." He talked with the scratchy voice of somepony who wanted to avoid a visit to the City Guard at all costs.
Coelistine sighed, brushing back his mane. He kept a distance of a few feet but made sure to stand in the middle of the alley so the stallion could not run past him.
"I don't want to report you. I don't even know who you are. You look like somepony I know, though."
Please don't be him, he thought.
"You and the rest of the Empire." The stallion groaned as he realized his slip up. "Crap."
He huffed in exasperation and eyed the alley behind Coelistine. Once again taking the bag into his magic, the stallion ran towards freedom - but Coelistine tackled him and threw him to the ground. The two of them rolled into a bush, entangled, and were stopped when the thief's back hit the wall of a house. He called out in pain, wincing. Coelistine used the chance to grab the cloak and lift it.
The stallion had no Cutie Mark.
"It is you," whispered Coelistine. "I can't believe it."
Sombra ripped the cloak from his grip. Eventually, he broke free and stood up.
"I'll have to kill you," he said hoarsely, frowning at the teacher. Coelistine shivered. He had to act fast if he wanted to get out of this in one piece. Maybe he could distract Sombra, confuse him enough to escape.
"Why? It's not like you." The teacher rose and brushed the dust off his forelegs. "You've always been a nerdy kind of guy. And really nice, too."
"Not anymore," said Sombra coldly. "I have... what are you saying?"
"You wanted to be one of the heroes."
Sombra squinted his eyes as he recognized the teacher. "Mister Coelistine?"
"I still remember you running around the school yard, playing with that filly. What was her name? Hope? By the stars, you've really payed for all the shit you've done, haven't you." He scoffed with contempt and even though his heart was beating so fast that his neck felt half its size, Coelistine pressed on. "You even died. Usually I woudn't say it but I think that's a fair consequence for slavery and high treason."
Sombra stood frozen and looked to the ground. Was that guilt? Shame even? Had he hit a nerve?
"Don't say her name," he said, his voice cracking.
"Sorry, kid." Coelistine took the bag of fruit from the ground and tossed it over to Sombra. The bag was not caught. It fell to the ground and a few pears rolled out. "I had hoped I'd been wrong. When you seized power I didn't even recognize that colt anymore."
"Me neither." Sombra avoided his gaze. He took the bag and turned to run again.
"Hey!" called Coelistine even though his mind called himself an idiot. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Thanks." Sombra put up the hood and disappeared around the corner.
Thank the stars for my big mouth. That had been really close. Coelistine exhaled and flopped to the ground as his knees gave. He wiped the sweat from his face with a shivering hoof and felt the sudden desire to have a strong drink.
Arcus annoyed the two guards at the door. He kept walking in a circle in front of them, waiting for the portal they were guarding to open. They looked straight ahead but Jonathan caught one of them following Arcus with his eyes. He smirked and leaned against the opposite wall, arms crossed.
Finally, one wing of the large door swung open and Twilight stepped outside, followed by Detective Blaze, Abrasive Paper and two more guards. One of them was without armour and had a bandage around his head. Still, the way he walked alongside the others was a giveaway. Jonathan winced inwardly, guessing where the bandage came from. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor did not follow; they remained inside the Throne Room. There was probably a second door through which ponies could enter or leave the room, mused Jonathan.
Arcus stopped his pacing and turned to Twilight and Darren.
"How did it go?" he asked nervously.
Detective Blaze eyed the guard with the bandage. The pony frowned back at him. Then, without further comment, the three guards left; only Blaze stayed behind.
"So, when?" Blaze asked Twilight.
She rubbed her chin. "Today, I think. Please give me two hours, I'll have the money until then."
"Understood. Thank you for your cooperation, Princess. See you later."
"Er, yes, see you later, Detective," said Twilight awkwardly, giving him a broad smile. Blaze turned to walk away when he thought of something. He looked over his shoulder.
"By the way, you did really good. This your first time representing somepony?"
Twilight blushed. "Yes," she admitted.
"I have seen attorneys less prepared than you, Ma'am." Blaze grinned and left, his cloak swaying as he picked up the pace.
"That went well, I think." Twilight smiled at Darren.
"Yes. Thank you for your help. I will repay you once I-"
Twilight shook her head.
"No," she said. "I won't have that. You need to get settled first, Darren. Anything else can be discussed after that."
Darren lowered his hood to look Twilight in the eyes.
"If you are sure."
"Is anypony going to tell us now?" said Arcus impatiently.
"I was supposed to pay 8,000 bits for battery, but - ," Darren raised an eyebrow, "- since I saved Eclipse from dark magic, the fee was reduced to 5,000." He adjusted his backpack and scabbard as he spoke. The backpack was significantly larger than before. Jonathan suspected that Darren had put his armour inside of it. That would explain the metallic noises the pack made when they walked.
"That's still a shitload of money," said Jonathan, his eyes wide. "You gonna be alright?"
Darren hesitated. Twilight stepped forward before he could reply.
"I'm going to pay it," she said. "Since I'm not a princess of the Empire I can't pardon Darren. But the least I can do is help out."
"Oh, good." Arcus was relieved. "So that's what the talk with Blaze was about. Good thing it's not a prison sentence! That would have been a problem."
"Actually, I suggested the fee," said Twilight. "I'm just really glad they did not ask why. Come on, let's go. I'd like to go to the bank."
"So, Darren," said Jonathan as they walked along the corridor, "do you have an idea where you gonna stay? The City Guard's hospitality probably expired after this, er, hearing."
Darren smirked. "True. I hope to exchange my old money for bits. It's mainly gold and silver, that should suffice for a week or so. Still, I will obviously have to work and rent a house. That is, after..."
"...solving the other problem," finished the priest. "Any new impressions you might wanna share?"
Darren shook his head. "Same."
"Still hungry?" Jonathan pressed on.
Arcus rolled his eyes.
"Jon, why in Tartarus are you so convinced it's going to be the same with him as it was with you?"
"Same curse, same cure?" suggested Jonathan, wrapping his scarf tighter around his neck; Darren's cold aura made even him shiver. He frowned, biting back another comment.
"Darren's not a priest," said Arcus. "I'm still not convinced about the Crystal Heart -"
"If you don't mind," Darren cut him off, "I'd like to try dinner today."
"Oh!" Twilight beamed. "I'll invite you!"
Jonathan huffed. It was rare that Darren interrupted someone. Was it really the best thing to pamper the knight like this? Maybe they should just leave him be? At least Twilight should not carry the entire load of helping Darren out, Princess of not. He cleared his throat and raised his brows, saying firmly, "Let me. You got the fee covered, I've got this covered, alright?"
Twilight's ears folded back. "Sure. Of course. Right, it would be weird if I... yes."
"Are we good, Princess?" said Jonathan, giving her a friendly smile.
Twilight nodded, her ears still down. The fur all over her back bristled.
"Anyway," Arcus changed the subject, "Got to catch the night train. I called in sick for today, just in case, but I can't pull that off for two days in a row without seeing a doctor." He grinned. "Still worth it, though. Great to see you didn't get lost in the Twisting Nether, Darren." His expression grew serious. "You're gonna be okay."
The cold subsided a little. Arcus stretched out his hoof and Darren bumped it with his fist.
"Take care," said Darren, "and... thank you."
"Anytime. And if you need somepony for advice or any help, just call me."
"Call you? How?"
Jonathan grinned widely.
"When we've eaten, I've got a really cool surprise for you." |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 12: Solo Act | "Pah!" Little Bluebell spat out her food, spraying mashed bananas all over Coelistine's muzzle. He sighed in resignation, floating a towel over from the kitchen. As he wiped his daughter's face, then his own, the doorbell rang.
"What, at this hour?" asked Azalea. "Did you invite somepony?"
"No..." Coelistine got up and cantered into the hallway. Looking back at his wife, he added, "I'll make it quick."
He opened the door. A young grey stallion, huddled into a a worn cloak two sizes too small for him, looked at him.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me... What do you want?" asked Coelistine curtly. He could feel heat rising to his neck as anger took over, suppressing the fear he had felt earlier.
Sombra lowered his gaze.
"To thank you for not telling on me," he grumbled.
Coelistine laughed bitterly.
"Of all the ponies," he muttered through clenched teeth. "That's not all, is there?" he asked in his normal voice.
"I didn't know where else to go," said Sombra, his face flushing, and his ears folded down.
"You've got no secret hideout or anything?"
Sombra shook his head.
"That one's in the castle. I can't exactly waltz in there."
"Well, you can't stay here, either," said Coelistine coldly. "I suggest you conjure yourself a crystal cottage."
There was a silence. Sombra cleared his throat.
"I - I can't."
"Honey? Who's at the door?" That was Azalea. She stuck her head into the hallway. Bluebell was sitting on her back, giggling happily.
Coelistine shifted his position to hide Sombra from their gaze and vice versa.
"Nopony important," he said, trying to keep his voice casual. "I'll be just a minute." He pushed Sombra from the doorstep, joined him outside and pulled the door shut.
"I don't care," he hissed, "how powerful you are. You are not going to stay at my house, with my family!"
Sombra frowned angrily.
"I wasn't going to do anything to them," he hissed back. "Even if I could, I wouldn't hurt a foal. Ever." He stepped away from Coelistine. "I had just hoped that at least one pony could see me for who I am. So what you said earlier, that was a lie?"
"No. I did like you when you were younger. You were smart, nice and one of the best students I ever had," admitted Coelistine. "But! You wasted it all. You took the Crystal Heart, you enslaved hundreds of ponies, you cursed the Empire to vanish for a thousand years!" He stomped his hoof in anger.
"You think I don't know that?!" snapped Sombra. "I risked everything, everything, for some bucking liar! I even died for them, only to be thrown away like a broken tool!" He clasped his mouth with his hoof when he realized he had been shouting in the street. Sombra took a breath as if to steel himself. He grabbed Coelistine's shoulder, looking at him with pleading eyes - eyes that were emerald green, as they had been when he had been a colt. "Please, just hide me for one night! I swear, you won't ever see me again."
"You didn't seize power for yourself?" Coelistine's eyes widened. "Who -?"
"I'll tell you - if you let me stay," said Sombra, pulling his hoof back. He lowered his head, bowing down deeply before his former teacher. "Please."
Coelistine felt heat creep up his face again. The former tyrant, groveling at his hooves! What was he playing at? If he had his fear magic he could just turn into a dark cloud and fly away, couldn't he? Could Coelistine risk letting Sombra into his house? And yet... If he had stolen food from the market maybe he really was powerless. Maybe that had happened when Spike the Brave and Glorious had shattered him. But how could he have survived this? Would his powers come back? Too many damned variables!
An image of Princess Cadence and her husband came to his mind. If anything went wrong he could always alert the Royal Family. He had to trust his gut with this. Coelistine grabbed Sombra by the cloak, pulling him upright.
"Stop that, what if somepony sees us!" He opened the door. "Just hurry up and get inside."
"This," said Darren, "is really good. You have been here before, haven't you?" He put another large heap of stew onto his plate.
Twilight smiled. She had already eaten her portion; Jonathan was still chewing. He ate about three times as much as her on a regular basis. At first, she had wondered whether the Light was not done healing him. After a few weeks without change she had come to terms with the fact that Jonathan's body just burned food faster than most others she knew. One could almost be jealous of him - he never needed to watch his weight.
"We - I mean, Spike and the girls - we visited the inn the last time I was here," she said. "To cheer me up, actually."
Darren raised his eyebrows. Then, he turned his head and waved for a waitress to come over. A nervous earth pony stepped closer to the table, giving him a shaky smile.
"I'd like some mead, please," he said calmly. "The strong kind. And more stew."
The pony nodded and all but ran for the kitchen.
"Sheesh." Jonathan frowned darkly, looking after her. "And the Princess is sitting right here," he said to Twilight.
She shrugged uncomfortably.
"Maybe she did not recognize me," she offered hesitantly. "It's a bit dark in here."
Darren looked at Twilight. The cold blue glow of his eyes, bright in the dim-lit room, met her gaze.
"That is probably not the reason. Still, it appears... that Jonathan was right." He put down the spoon thoughtfully. "Thank you, again."
Jonathan nodded. He emptied his own drink and pushed his plate away. Leaning forward and putting his elbows on the table, he lowered his voice.
"So, what now?"
"I am not finished," stated Darren. He nodded politely when the waitress returned with his drink. White foam ran down on one side of a gigantic tankard.
"Whoa." Jonathan grinned. "You never seize to surprise."
Darren raised an eyebrow, taking a sip. He eyed the tankard, apparently content, and drank more. Then, he set the beverage down and frowned.
"Sombra is still on the loose," he said quietly. "I cannot let this slide."
Twilight sighed. "Darren, the Guard is taking care of it. The City Guard is teaming up with the Royal Guard to find him. I think we should let them do their jobs." She grimaced. "Look, Darren, I know you think that his escape is your fault but it really isn't. He would have found another way - sooner or later."
"That and you need to get a job or I'm gonna have to pay for your food all the time," said Jonathan, smiling wryly. "And make no mistake, business is going well but there are limits."
"Business?"
"Uh-huh. Enchanted items shop. Hey, which reminds me! I made a gift for you. Been a while but I kept it just in case."
"We never gave up hope to find you," said Twilight, smiling warmly.
Jonathan rummaged in his bag and found a small bundle. He turned it in his hand to inspect it.
"The paper's gotten a bit crumpled. Eh. Here you go." He unceremoniously handed the small package over to Darren. "Go ahead, open it."
Darren took the package and ripped the paper off. It was a mirror. The wooden frame was simple. The glass was extremely clear, not one of those cheap brass mirrors. The reflection of his tattoed face, completely undistorted, looked back at him.
"I cannot accept this," he said, quickly looking away from his image.
"Just touch it and say the name of a friend," insisted Jonathan.
Darren gave him a deadpan look. Jonathan tried to smile, feeling stupid. He had forgotten that Darren had not been in Ponyville yet. That meant that, the citizens of the Crystal Empire aside, the knight only knew two ponies there - one of which was dead.
"Arcus Tangens," said Darren reluctantly, touching the mirror's surface with his thumb. To his surprise, his reflection disappeared. The glass gave off a yellow glow, then the light faded away and he could see a familiar face.
"Already?" said Arcus, his voice slightly distorted and magically projected into the room. "I'm still on the train."
"I apologize," said Darren. "This was merely... a test."
"It's okay. Got your present, huh? Jon's given me a mirror, too. You can call me anytime. Well, take care, big guy."
"You as well." The image faded and was replaced by Darren's face again. He looked up, slightly bewildered.
"It only works with two mirrors, in case you're wondering. So, you gonna keep it?" asked Jonathan, smirking knowingly.
There were days when school was interesting, like yesterday, and then there were the boring days. Today had been especially boring, considering that Mom had promised Eclipse that he could come home one hour before lunch. She had given him a note, informing the teacher to let him go earlier, and that had been it. Eclipse was amazed by how convincing Mom's letter must have been. He counted the minutes until he did not have to listen to Miss Buttercup drone on about equations and symmetry anymore.
When he came home, the riddle was finally solved.
"We're going to the doctor."
Eclipse gave off a prolonged groan.
"Do I have to?" He put his saddlebags down with slightly more force than necessary.
"Yes, Sweetie, we do. Come on, raincloud. It won't take long and it won't hurt, I promise." Mom always called Eclipse a raincloud when he was angry or sad. He liked the nickname and she knew it. There were not too many pegasi in the Crystal Empire so it reminded him of what made him special. A pity he did not have his Cutie Mark yet. When Feather hugged him, Eclipse did not squirm but hugged her back.
"But why? I'm not sick anymore."
"I know, but we still need to check if you're okay. You see," she added after a moment of hesitation, "The... Um, Darren was the one who suggested that. Ind Daddy and I agree. It's just to be on the safe side." She gently stroked his cheek with her hoof, then put his saddlebags aside so nopony would trip over them.
"Well, then we probably should go to the doctor," agreed Eclipse. "I don't want it to happen to me again."
"Do you think Darren's going to be alright?"
Jonathan looked up from the sketch he had been drawing in his notebook. He grimaced.
"Think so," he said slowly. "I mean, he ate a lot. That hints towards recovery. Maybe he's not using up his mana like I did when I healed - but going from undead to alive's gotta require a lot of energy. He needs to, well, start a whole new diet." Jonathan grinned wryly. "The note I gave him? That's a list of recommended food and drinks."
Twilight's eyes widened.
"I didn't know you specialized in nutrition counseling. Wow..."
"Heh, no. I don't." Jonathan grew serious again. He looked out the train window, watching the landscape pass. "I went to Fluttershy's a while ago and let her check my vitals, to make sure I ate right and all. She's a good vet, judging from all the pets. Did you know she has a grown bear as a friend?" He raised his eyes, tearing his gaze from the window, then chuckled. "Flutters is such a druid," he joked.
Twilight nodded. She smiled.
"I guess that makes sense; a normal physician might have given you the wrong advice. Ponies can eat meat but we're still herbivores. The last thing we'd want is you getting..." she hesitated.
"Thinner?" Jonathan smirked, amused by her discomfort. "Princess, don't sweat it; I'm okay, I feel okay. Fluttershy said that some people just need to eat a lot. Like birds. Most of them literally must eat every day because of all the flying around. Or else, well, you get the idea." He made a throat-cutting motion, sticking out his tongue. "Though I guess it's probably different with griffins. Huh."
"I bet doing magic has a similar effect, in addition to your general constitution," Twilight mused. "I still would have preferred to stay a bit longer."
"Wouldn't we both," sighed Jonathan. "Vacation's always great. But you've got a castle and a library to run, I've got a shop to run, that's just how it is." He spread his arms in an apologizing gesture.
"I... I still don't know," said Twilight sadly. "It's strange that Darren wants to stay in the Empire. He's been angry most of the time. He tried to hide it, I know, but..." She spread her forelegs, frowning. "His entire room was covered by ice this morning, remember?"
Jonathan gave a noncommittal grunt. "He still seemed better than yesterday. And it all melted in a minute or so, as soon as he saw us. At least room service didn't see the ice. They might have thought the windows were broken." When Twilight still looked worried, he bent forward to look into her eyes. "Twilight, Darren's a death knight. We really should give him the time and space he needs. He's got the mirror. If there's a problem, he can always contact us. And remember, he said," Jonathan imitated Darren's deep voice and correct pronunciation, "'I should remain here until the matter with Eclipse is resolved.' Eclipse is that grey colt, right? Guess Darren feels responsible for him."
Twilight sighed.
"Yes, and I understand... but I just want to help him. We're his friends, why can't we take him to Ponyville with us? He could stay at the castle until he's adjusted and..." She hesitated when she noticed Jonathan's sceptical look.
"You're still worried. Okay. Remember when I didn't tell you about my Enchanting problem?"
"Oh. You mean it's like that?" Twilight frowned, rubbing her chin.
"Pretty sure. See..." Jonathan grimaced. "It's... a pride thing. Darren's an adult; if he wants to deal with his problems alone we can't force ourselves on him. It's not like he's in immediate danger or anything. I say let's give him the chance to try on his own."
"Alright. I think I get it... a little bit. But if there's trouble -"
Jonathan smirked. "We'll be there, no questions asked."
It was a warm and sunny day. Most of the days in the Crystal Empire were, and after the incident before the Crystalling ponies appreciated this even more. They left their homes to go to the market or have a picnic in the park. Many ponies worked today since it was a Tuesday. Those who had their lunch break sat outside their workshops and offices, munching on sandwiches or cool snacks.
Darren sat at a table in front of the Valiant Prince. The other inn guests - all crystal ponies - kept their distance, looking over to him and talking in hushed voices. He ignored them completely as he worked his way through a pile of newspapers. Whenever he saw something relevant he would rip out the page and circle the advert with ink. The rest went onto a steadily growing pile on a chair next to him.
... Furniture assembler - maybe, DJ - definitely not, teacher... which subject? Probably a no for now. Plasterer - maybe, boxing coach - not really, he was not sure how to adapt his fighting style to pony physiology. Gardener - no, bouncer: maybe...
Leaning back, Darren put down the quill and rubbed his eyes. After saying goodbye to Twilight and Jonathan, Darren had decided to leave the cloak and hood in his room. If he wanted to stay in the Empire there was no point in hiding who he was. Enough ponies had seen him with the Princess. Darren had the hope that this kind of news traveled fast among the ponies.
He neatly stacked the ripped pages and rolled up the rest. On his way in, he threw the paper into a trashcan and nodded at the pony behind the counter. Ten ads should do it. He would begin with the job offer he liked best and work his way down to the one he would get. Heaving a sigh, Darren climbed the small stairs and went to room 103.
Twilight had offered to take him to Ponyville but Darren had declined, explaining that he still wanted to figure out some things on his own. There was Sombra, there was the hunger - fading, but still present - and there was the mystery of the little pegasus colt. Darren thought it best not to leave the city before getting a clearer picture of where he stood in all of this. Additionally, he was used to working alone. The Princess had not seemed completely convinced when they had left.
Washing and drying his clothes took about two hours. Darren himself was next. The armour was stored in his now bulky backpack next to his bed, his sheathed sword was locked up in the closet.
To get himself into the mood, he drew the small book from his backpack and read a few lines. After gently touching Grace's intricate handwriting, Darren put the book away and turned to go to the first location.
He was stopped by the stallion behind the counter who eyed him nervously.
"E-excuse me, Sir, there is a message for you."
Darren raised his brows, surprised. He received a rolled up paper from the earth pony. When he opened it, Darren discovered that the message was written with a typewriter. Once again thankful that he had learned Equestrian letters through mapmaking with Arcus, Darren read the short note. Twilight's spell did the rest.
Mr Houndslayer -
if it is not a bother, please come to Dr. Passiflora's at 15 o'clock. Her office is at the junction of Palace Alley and Carpenter's Road. I will be waiting for your reply.
With regards, Feather Rush
A doctor's appointment? Maybe this was about Eclipse. It seemed they had taken his advice after all. If they wanted to see Darren so soon it was probably important. Even if not, it was safer if Darren went there.
"What time is it?" Darren asked the pony, slipping the paper into his backpocket.
"Uh... 14:50."
Darren ran. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 13: Scraps off the Table | Coelistine entered the guest room to see if Sombra was gone. He had not turned up for breakfast and Coelistine was not surprised to find an empty bed. The unicorn sighed and snatched a note from the tangled bedsheet. It was scribbled onto the label of a used sports magazine he had left lying around.
Thank you and sorry for the trouble. S.
He huffed and crumpled the note. Better to tidy up before Azalea came home with Bluebell. This was the one quiet hour he had in the day.
Darren found the house of Dr. Passiflora after fifteen minutes. He was surprised to discover it was unusually small. The only explanation could be that the doctor lived someplace else. The mustard yellow wooden door was framed by a group of colourful flowerpots. A sign on the door proclaimed in straight letters, "Dr. Passiflora, family doctor and Medical Thaumaturgy." After knocking twice, Darren took a step back and waited.
Muffled hoofsteps grew louder and stopped. An earth pony opened the door.
"It's open, welcome-" She flinched when she looked up at Darren, her blue eyes as wide as saucers.
"I'm here for the 15 o'clock," said Darren calmly to the shivering pony. The honeysuckle and daisies in the pot next to the door withered and died in a sudden cold breeze. "I am a little late. Is Feather Rush here yet?"
"Come in," the mare managed to say. "Your name, S-sir?"
"Darren Houndslayer."
"This way, please," she said in a voice that had risen an octave. The assistant led Darren through the narrow hallway and another, bigger, waiting room to the actual office. The flabbergasted ponies in the waiting room followed the two of them with their eyes. She knocked, then opened the door by a few inches and stuck her head inside.
"Doctor, Mr. Houndslayer is here." Her hoof was trembling ever so slightly.
"Thanks, please let him in," came a calm, professional voice from inside.
The assistant opened the door and stepped aside. Darren entered and saw Feather Rush and Eclipse, who were both sitting on a chair, turning their heads to look at him. Eclipse smiled, Feather almost went there, and the doctor behind the wooden desk paled and dropped the pen she had been holding in her mouth.
"I apologize for my tardiness," said Darren. "The message was delivered a few minutes ago."
"You are Darren Houndslayer?" The physician gaped at him. When she realized she was staring, she quickly closed her mouth and picked the pen up from the ground.
Darren just nodded and pulled a chair over next to Feather and her son. Feather raised her hoof in a half-hearted greeting. Darren bumped it and smiled briefly. She blinked back at him, surprised that he actually knew the pony greeting.
"Ma'am." He sat down and eyed Eclipse. The colt grinned at him widely.
"You look different without armour," he said. "Where is it?"
"I do not need it here, do I?" Darren smirked at Eclipse, quickly hiding his trembling fist.
Dr. Passiflora shuffled around in her notes, trying to order her thoughts.
"You are the... the one who helped Eclipse when he had his episode?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.
"Yes. I drew the magic from his body and absorbed it."
"I already talked to Mrs Rush and Eclipse about the incident. He was emitting a magic that can be described as black smoke?"
Darren nodded. "That is correct."
"How did you absorb it?"
"I put my hands on the boy's forehead and barrel and -" Darren frowned. "I am not sure how to describe it. I... claimed it. I felt the 'black smoke' leave Eclipse and enter me."
"Have you felt any different since you did that?"
"No."
Dr. Passiflora raised her eyes. She looked at Darren, then Eclipse, then Darren again.
"H-have you ever done anything like this before?"
Darren huffed. Was she referring to his glowing eyes?
"Several times. It was... an occupational hazard. However, this type of magic is unknown to me. It might be similar to Void Magic," he added thoughtfully.
"Void Magic?" Feather Rush interrupted them. "I've never heard of that one before."
"Ma'am, I would have been worried if you had. It is dark and dangerous sorcery. Do not worry," he added when he saw Feather cringing, "I am alright and I believe Eclipse is, too. Unless the diagnosis says something else?"
The doctor sighed and made a few notes. She shook her pen a few times; the ink seemed to be stuck. Her ears folded down and she frowned. Then, her features straightened out as she seemed to make a decision.
"I can't find anything wrong with Eclipse. But as long as we don't know where the magic came from, I'd like him to check in once a month. Sir, if the magic returns: Would you be willing to help again? I'm afraid I'm at a loss here."
"Of course," said Darren without hesitation. He turned to Feather Rush. "If the parents permit it."
Feather looked at Eclipse. The colt swallowed and nodded.
"We will," she said quietly. "Thank you."
"I do not know where that magic comes from. All the more reason to stay vigilant. You can call for me anytime, Ma'am."
"We will need your place of residence," said the doctor, readying her pen.
"I am currently staying at the Valiant Prince inn. I will notify both of you once I move someplace else."
"Sorry to drag you into this again," muttered Feather.
"I suggest you go to the hospital to get a second opinion," said Dr. Passiflora. "Until then..." she stood up. "Eclipse should eat and drink normally, make sure to do his exercises at school and stay away from any kind of medication. And please keep this confidential."
"Yes, of course. Thank you, doctor," said Feather.
"Thanks," muttered Eclipse.
Everyone stood up. Feather, with her foreleg around Eclipse, left the room, followed by Darren. He cast a last look back at the doctor. She quickly averted her eyes and took great interest in her notes.
"Mom, what does 'confidential' mean?" asked Eclipse.
"It means that it's a secret. You can talk to me and Dad about it but nopony else, okay?"
"Not even Darren?"
Feather chuckled and eyed the knight.
"That's fine, he already knows."
"Oh, good. And Peridot?"
"Please don't talk to her about it, honey."
Eclipse's ears went down and he sighed, disappointed. They left the hallway and stepped outside. Feather turned to Darren. She dug at the ground, opening and closing her mouth, chewing on unsaid words.
"Thank you," she said eventually. "After all the trouble-"
"It's alright," Darren interrupted her. "Just take care."
"Where are you going?" complained Eclipse. "Can't you come with us?"
"I have business to attend to," said Darren carefully. "Goodbye, Eclipse. Ma'am." He faked a smile, then hurried around a street corner.
As he exhaled, Darren raised his shivering hands. His head still hurt but al least it was less bad than a few minutes ago when he had used all of his concentration not to freeze the office, or worse, the ponies inside. The last thing he needed was to hurt a pony or even raise suspicion. He watched the bush next to him crumble to a wiry ball. The last time, food had helped. Maybe he should postpone the job search until tomorrow and pray that the hunger would subside in the meantime.
Darren wondered when he had last felt such a strong urge to kill. Maybe it was two years ago in the Plaguelands.
The caravan was slow. It had been raining for four days in a row and everyone was in a bad mood. Clayton tugged at his hood, shifting under the heavy cloak. Everything was brown - the trees, the ground, even the sky was tinted in a sickly reddish tone as if it was infected, too.
"I so hate the Plaguelands," he muttered to himself.
"Two more days until the Chapel," said Evergreen, giving him a tired smile.
"You heard that?"
"Yeah, sorry." Her smile widened into a grin. "You weren't as quiet as you thought."
"Two days. We'll be drowned in two more days," sighed Clayton. His armour clinked as he turned his head. "They okay back there?"
"We should have brought more men," said Evergreen, worry creeping into her voice. "The way we are right now, we couldn't..." she hesitated, shook her head and fell silent.
"Right. I'll tell Frazzleclack to feed the horses."
Darren watched the conversation from a nearby bush. Crouching down deeply so he would not be seen, he spotted twelve men and women, including three Night Elves, a dwarf and two gnomes. Too many. He cursed under his breath and retreated.
The wildlife had fled the rain and cold, surprised by the bad weather in June. Even the maggots could not enjoy the humidity. Darren had seen a pile of deceased worms, all of them the size of dogs, their yellow bodies half decomposed. The only upside to this was that his stench was hidden - the downside, of course, was that he had to find his prey elsewere.
Harming the Crusaders was out of the question. But what about the horses?
The next morning, Evergreen's shocked shout woke Clayton up. As he stumbled over to her, still half asleep, she grabbed his arm and pointed frantically at something dark on the ground.
"The horses! Light, they're-" She gagged and turned to the side, only closely missing Clayton's boots with her vomit.
Clayton could understand why. Two of their horses were a tangled heap on the floor, badly cut and barely recognizable. Their innards were still there but the poor creatures were most definitely dead and had been for at least an hour. Flies flew away when Clayton stepped closer, holding his nose. The ravens would not be far.
There was still a bit of ice melting away and he would bet that the horses had been completely covered by it not too long ago.
"Dammit," he cursed. "Come on, quickly."
Evergreen nodded and they both ran over to the rest of the group.
"What's going on, what happened?" asked one of the Elves, nocking an arrow.
"Scourge," said Evergreen, still breathing heavily. "Must have snuck up on the horses and killed them when we didn't look. I only noticed just now."
"We have to be extra careful," said Clayton. "We don't know how many there are. Might be a random ghoul, might be a death knight or a lich. Either way, we must burn the carcasses. Don't want to give them free mounts." He spat on the ground.
Darren watched the caravan move on, the smoldering carcasses left behind at the side of the road. He wished he could tell them that they were not in immediate danger. But if he had, they would not believe him. The alliance between the Argent Crusade and the Ebon Blade was still new and fragile and many crusaders still viewed the free death knights as members of the Scourge. It did not matter whether someone had done it of their own choice or not; murder was murder. Darren could not help but agree with the crusaders. That was why he would never find forgiveness, even from himself.
He yanked Bane's reins around and the undead griffin flapped his bony wings. As they ascended and flew in the opposite direction as the caravan, Darren swore to find an area that was more populated - preferably by blighthounds. They had so much energy that it would take longer until the next wave of bloodlust.
Sombra walked along a narrow alley, clutching the bag with fruit and a bit of bread he had taken from Coelistine's breakfast table. When the wife had looked another way he had grabbed the food and run outside, ignoring the surprised and worried calls from her.
He finally arrived at the park. It was already getting dark and the last visitors were young couples, taking walks and whispering sweet things to each other. The park was big enough to hide in, that much he remembered from his last visit. The trees were old, at least sixty years, and their and the bushes' leaves would provide lots of cover. Sombra trotted on a path parallel to the regular roads, trying to avoid other ponies. For once in his life, his dark grey coat was doing him a favour - it concealed him well in the shadows. He sat down between two large bushes and found some space under one of them, enough to stretch his limbs. Good thing it did not look like rain.
He opened the bag and ate an apple and the bread. Chewing slowly, Sombra watched a couple walk by at a few yards distance. If he did not snore nopony would suspect he was here.
It was unlikely he would be able to sleep anyway. At Coelistine's, he had hardly had a shut-eye, the memory of his so-called mother rejecting him replaying in his head over and over. The contempt with which the teacher had looked at him had convinced Sombra to keep his story short. After a few sentences, Coelistine had been satisfied and showed Sombra the guest room. Sombra suspected that he was not really interested in his tale and just let him in because it was the decent thing to do. They had even set a plate for him. But he had seen the suspicion in the mare's eyes and she would have connected the dots soon enough.
Sombra squeezed his eyes shut. He did not want to run. He wanted a fresh start. He wanted a life. But who was brave enough to take him in? Give him work? He could not go to a shelter, either. Most ponies would report him immediately. Or run away. Or even try to kill him, again. To them, he was not just some bad guy. He was a monster, the idea of evil. They remembered him as a dark cloud of fear that strangled the Empire. And he had shattered the Princess. He suspected that nopony but Hope knew that. She had been outside the Empire when he had cursed it and made it disappear so she was dead. She had been for almost a thousand years. Only the stars knew where in the Frozen North she had perished. And even if, against all odds, she had made it to a village, she was still long long gone.
The memory of her choked him. Hope, his only and best friend who had never given him up. And he had thrown her friendship back into her face for the lies of a dumb crystal. They could have figured his powers out. But he had blown that chance. Now he was truly alone. Sombra curled up in a fetal position and sobbed silently.
He woke up to the gentle sound of wind blowing through the trees. Sombra blinked rapidly, trying to remember where he was. So he had been able to sleep after all. He stretched his limbs and yawned. Wow, he felt not so bad. Almost rested. He let his hooves slide scross the dirt, looking for his food bag. Ah, there it was... and it was empty. Crap. Some critters must have stolen his food in the night.
He sat up and sighed. There was an inn across the street, the Valiant Prince, maybe he could snatch something there.
"By the stars," whispered Sombra, wiping a rogue leaf off his muzzle. "How in the world can a single creature eat that much?"
As he had expected, the inn's guests liked to have breakfast in the morning sun. And, to his surprise, the pale human knight was also there. He was sitting alone at a table for two. And he had been eating for an entire hour. Plates and cups were brought and taken by the bewildered waitress and the human still kept ordering food. He looked better than the first time Sombra had seen him; his mane was combed and he was wearing some kind of shirt, waistcoat and pants combination, along with the same heavy boots Sombra had seen as part of the armour. Sombra's eyes widened as Darren had his eighth piece of bread, along with the third egg and a gigantic pot of coffee. The knight's eyes still unnerved Sombra, their icy blue glow keeping the other inn guests from sitting closer than two tables away. He sighed silently, feeling a pang of sympathy for the human. But as long as he sat there, Sombra did not want to risk sneaking over to the leftovers at the neighboring tables. He rubbed his neck, still remembering the grip of the knight tightening around it. What should he do?
Of course, he still had his magic. Sombra concentrated his will on an abandoned half-eaten croissant. The croissant trembled in his weak green magical field and fell back onto the plate.
Sombra huffed, wiping sweat from his forehead. It was probably the cloth. He took the rag he had wrapped around his horn and shoved it into his improvised food pouch. Now he could try again.
Slowly, slowly... he carefully lifted the croissant into the air and, as soon as nopony was looking, he let it float over to the bushes he was hinding in. Sombra frowned, hoping that the inn guest was healthy, and devoured the croissant.
It was Prench, it was buttered, it was bliss. Sombra closed his eyes and smiled. But he was still hungry. He needed more. There, a family of three had left their table and their foal had declined most of her food. Jackpot. Sombra grinned and cast the levitation spell again. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 14: New Chances and Ancient History | Darren wiped his mouth with a napkin, leaned back and asked for the bill. That breakfast had been more extensive than he had expected. He had to reprioritize if he did not want to run out of money too soon. The pony waitress gave him a long receipt and he payed, adding roughly fifteen percent. He had no idea how tips worked in Equestria but the only thing it should hurt was his own wallet. In order to avoid a bad reputation he better erred on the side of caution. The waitress's eyes widened and she smiled at him. After wishing him a nice day, she took away the first batch of plates. When she left, Darren heard a gasp escape her. He turned around and saw the waitress staring at a jug of milk that was floating away from one of her tables.
"A thief!" she called, staring at the jug. She twitched, obviously angry she was not fast enough to instantly put down all the plates. The green magic field around the jug faded. It shattered on the ground, spilling its contents on the pavement.
Darren jumped up. His chair fell over with a clang. Ponies gasped and backed away, confused by the commotion. The waitress frowned at him, frozen on the spot. He scanned the area: there was movement in the bushes right next to the inn.
He dashed towards the shrubbery and saw the shade of a stallion running away. Darren smirked and tilted his head. It had been some time since his last chase.
Sombra gallopped into the park as fast as he could, looking back in panic. The knight had spotted him! This could hardly get any worse. What would he do to him? Deciding that he did not want to find out, Sombra skidded to a halt, almost tripping over a tree root, and changed direction. He was running across a paved path when the human tackled him, pinning him to the ground with his sheer weight.
"Oof!" The air was pressed from his lungs as his barrel hit the dirt. The knight sat on his back and held his neck in a firm grip of interlocking arms, forcing his chin up.
"Hello again," said Darren into his ear with a dark smile. "Nice of you to drop by." He raised his voice. "I got him!"
Sombra angrily hit the ground with his hoof.
"Mister Shard." Detective Blaze sat down opposite to Sombra, giving the unicorn a broad smile. He stretched the fake name like honey pulled from a jar: Shaaard. Then, the guard immediately grew serious. "That was really quick. I would have expected you to be across the border by now."
Sombra lowered his head and said nothing.
"I hear that you and Mr Houndslayer had a little race. Wanna tell me what that was all about?"
"Don't you already know that?" Sombra looked up at him defiantly.
Blaze spread his forelegs. "I wanna hear it from you. Humour me."
"I didn't do anything."
"Then why would Houndslayer chase after you? He said he caught you red-handed, stealing food. His words."
Sombra groaned.
"Yes." Blaze leaned forward, putting his hooves on the table. "Listen up. We have about a dozen eyewitnesses placing you at the inn. So there's no use denying it."
"I was hungry. I didn't take more than I needed to survive." Sombra's voice was flat, tired.
Blaze sighed and rubbed his eyes, leaning back again. "Then why didn't you go to a shelter?"
Sombra gave him a deadpan look. "I'm pretty sure you can figure this one out by yourself, Detective."
There was a knock at the door and a white earth pony stuck his head inside the interrogation room. "Got a minute?"
Blaze stood up, casting a look at Sombra, and left. He closed the door and turned to the Captain.
"He stole milk. That's petty theft. And kinda pathetic, too."
"I know," muttered Coral Spark. "He'll have to pay a small fee and that's it. As long as we can't pin anything on him, he gets to walk."
Blaze frowned. "Can't we make sure that he stays off the streets? If the inn guests were any indication we need to be careful there won't be a panic."
"If he steals food maybe he really has no money and nowhere to go," said Spark, rubbing his chin. "If he can't pay the fee until after next month we'll have to take him in anyway. It's kinda ridiculous if you think about what he used to do."
Blaze raised his eyebrows. "Yeah."
Spark heaved a sigh, making a decision. "Let him go. Tell him to go to a shelter if he gets hungry. Nopony in this city has to starve, for the stars' sake. Keep him under surveillance. One guard, but at a distance. We'll have to wait and see how this plays out."
"Yes, Sir."
Darren's reward for catching Sombra was a figurative pat on the back from the City Guard and an actual one-week coupon for free breakfast from the inn. The latter was more helpful than the former, Darren decided. That had been a good start of the day.
It went downhill after that. The first job Darren tried to get was as a bouncer at a nightclub. He was denied because the owner was worried nopony of the invited guests would even try to enter the club if a strange bipedal creature with glowing eyes stood at the entrance. He did not use those exact words, though. Most of the other vacancies had been filled mysteriously overnight, shrinking Darren's list down like ice cream in the Tanaris desert sun. At least some of the ponies had the decency to give him a proper reason for not employing him, such as the job requiring certain experience.
The first successful interview was at a grocery store close to the train station. Darren was surprised to find the owner, an earth pony called Peppermint, completely relaxed when he asked about the vacancy.
"Yeah, we've had minotaurs and griffins as customers," explained Peppermint. "So it's not that big of a deal to see you around. But I need some identification. You've got any insurance, a bank account?"
That was a problem. Darren did not own any documents proving that he existed, legally speaking. He asked Peppermint to give him two days. They bumped hoof and fist. Darren went back to the inn with mixed feelings of success and failure.
Back at his room, he rummaged in his backpack until he found the mirror Jonathan had given him. Knowing royalty did have its advantages.
The Compassionate Heart Centre had always been the most popular place in the Crystal Empire when it came to getting free food and, if you were lucky, a place to spend the night. At the chaotic return of the Empire, many ponies had lost their homes to the destructive power of King Sombra; others had lost their families to the mines. As time passed, those without a home had gotten a new one and those without family moved into smaller homes or quietly packed their things and left the city. Thus, the Centres had emptied. However, there were still those who somehow never managed to get their things in order. To prevent them from falling through the cracks, the Compassionate Heart Centre remained open.
A short line of ponies waited at the improvised line of tables that cut the small hall into two halves. In the other half of the hall, two ponies carried a large pot of soup inside. They set it down on a thick towel. There was also a basket with freshly baked bread. The line began to move.
Sombra eyed the three ponies before him. The first one was very old. His mane and coat had paled over the years and he used a crooked stick to support himself. The old stallion waited until the pony after him had gotten her fill. She was as old and wrinkled as him but she was a unicorn. After muttering a thanks to the cook, the ancient couple wobbled to a free table, two bowls in the mare's faint magic.
The third pony was chatty. He had talked while he was waiting in line: about his day, about the weather and how much it cost to just rent a room for one lousy week. It did not seem to matter to him that nopony listened. When he received his bowl, he told the cook, "Thank you, and might I add that soup of yours is a great as always, keep up the good work, laddie, I'll see ya tomorrow, won't I. There's gonna be cheese, there's always cheese on Fridays, dont'chanow," and he sat down at a table in the far corner of the hall.
Now it was Sombra's turn and he stretched out his hoof to get his own bowl. His hood slipped a bit and he quickly adjusted it so it would hide his wrapped horn.
"Thanks," he muttered like the old ponies had. He turned away and let his eyes wander around the room. Where should he sit? A tiny voice in his head suggested to leave the Centre and take the bowl with him. He forced it back and sighed.
"Excuse me, Sir!" Sombra twitched and almost dropped his soup when a hoof touched his shoulder.
"Y-yeah?"
"You forgot your bread. It's free. Here you go." The cook smiled at him, pointing at the basket.
Sombra nervously smiled back, making sure to keep his mouth closed. "Right." He took a piece of bread into his green magic and trotted over to a table next to the old couple.
The soup was hot and tasty. There was a large amount of carrots and tomatoes and just a hint of basil. Sombra decided to visit the Centre again tomorrow.
Coelistine trotted down the school corridor when he almost bumped into a student.
"Oops, sorry, Mister Coelistine!" That bright orange coat... wasn't she Eclipse's sister? Peridot?
"No harm done." He smiled. "Say, is your brother still around?"
"Uh, I think so, he wanted to play near the stairs."
"Thank you."
Peridot ran past him, towards the toilets.
"Hey, no running, young lady," Coelistine called after her.
She slowed from her gallop to a fast canter, grinning apologetically.
He still had five minutes until the end of the break. Coelistine left the building and let his eyes wander across the schoolyard. There he was. When Eclipse looked in his general direction, Coelistine waved for him to come over. The colt gallopped to him and skidded to a halt.
"Hi," he panted. "What's up, I mean, can I help you, Sir?"
Coelistine grinned. "I found something out about the knights. If you want to know more I can share it with you after class."
"Cool!" Eclipse beamed. "Can Peridot join us?"
"Of course." Coelistine nodded. "See you later, then. Room 1-0-2, at Three."
"Right." Slightly surprised that the conversation was already over, Eclipse returned to the stairs where two other colts were waiting for him. Coelistine noticed that he seemed embarrassed when they asked him something. He frowned and returned to the staff room to get his books.
When Eclipse entered the classroom Mister Coelistine had told him to go to, he found that Peridot was not the only additional guest. Two more students and one teacher were there, too. He nervously greeted Miss Petal, his history teacher. She was a rather old pony and known for being strict and straightforward. He did not know the other students; they were at least two years ahead of him.
Peridot grinned at him and patted the chair next to her. He sat down and expectantly looked at his teacher, as was everyone else.
"Hello, everypony," said Mister Coelistine. "You're here because, like me, you're interested in ancient history of the Crystal Empire. Eclipse here was the most recent pony to ask me about knights and I decided to do some research of my own about them. I want to share my findings with you because I think a discussion about them might turn out helpful for our understanding of the Empire's past. I asked your parents before I asked you, by the way, so you can tell them about anything we discuss here."
Miss Petal nodded gravely, the other students just waited, feeling slightly intimidated by the big announcement.
Mister Coelistine lit his horn and his desk opened. He levitated a pile of brown and yellow-greyish books out and put them on the desk. A cloud of dust rose from the ancient tomes and Eclipse sneezed. Two old scrolls joined the books. Coelistine cleared his throat.
"So, there really used to be knights in the Old Empire, we know that much already. These books are from the Crystal Archives so I'm afraid I can't let you kids touch them. They contain journals of knights from that time. I even found a map..." he unrolled one of the scrolls, "...that depicts the dwelling of said knights. As you can see, they had their own fortress outside the city borders, in the area that was not protected by the Barrier. As if that wasn't unusual enough, they also had a garden and wheat fields inside the fortress." He pointed at a pale green square on the map. "See, there's some symbols for trees and agriculture."
"Are you saying that they grew their own food outside the city?" asked Miss Petal.
Coelistine nodded. "Exactly. They must have found a way to create their own barrier against the ice and snow."
"Or maybe," muttered Eclipse, "their plants grew despite the cold. Like super-tough snow trees or something."
"What were the knights called?" asked one of the older students. "Did they belong to an order?"
"According to these journals, they called themselves Knights of Ice and Crystal," said Mister Coelistine slowly. "And most ponies did not seem to like them much. There are reports of trouble keeping the peace in the city when they were around. The knights were the ones to fight enemies outside of the Empire."
"So they weren't in the city very often," concluded Peridot.
"Why didn't the city ponies like them?" asked Eclipse. "Shouldn't they show respect for the protectors of the Empire?"
Coelistine sighed and let go of the scroll. He took one of the books. Some of the pages were marked with snippets of paper.
"I should warn you; what I'm about to show you might be a shock." He opened it and turned it around so the class could see the pages.
The picture was a coloured woodcut. The colours were still vibrant and clear even though the book was very old. Somepony must have cast a spell to preserve the image so well.
A stallion, a slate grey unicorn in dark armour, stood tall on the edge of a cliff. His horn was straight but he still reminded Eclipse of Sombra. But the pony's eyes were grey and his short, curly mane was brown. He was casting a spell: green, black and violet sparks surrounded his horn. There was a determined look on his face, mixed with anger and joy. On the opposite page, the image continued. The beams from the knight's horn widened, hitting a large group of white wolves and bears. The attackers were thrown back by the beam. Some were lying on the snow with various expressions of pain and fear. Black crystals grew on their coats. One of the wolves was impaled by a black crystal that grew from the ground. Eclipse was glad that the picture was not too detailed. He shuddered.
"They used dark magic?" whispered Miss Petal.
"Yes." Coelistine closed the book. The slapping noise made Eclipse and Peridot jump.
"The Knights of Ice and Crystal were dark sorcerers. They conjured crystals and used Fear Magic to fight. But their magic grew unstable and out of control. There are reports of voices in their heads and terrible mind spells. It consumed them. They turned into shadow ponies and were eventually banished from the Empire and sealed away. The Princess and Prince from that time decided never to allow teaching Crystal and Fear Magic again. Shortly afterwards, the City Guard was founded. They and the Royal Guard are now the peacekeepers of the land. And that's why we don't have any knights in the Empire." He looked at his class expectantly. "Questions or comments?"
Five hooves shot into the air. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 15: The Pulse | "Yo, Darren, the fridges need a refill," called Peppermint across the shop counter. His voice was loud enough to carry through the long room, past the numerous chest-high shelves and into the storage room.
"Yes, Sir," came a faint call back from the storage room.
The corners of Pappermint's mouth twitched. He turned back to the customer and smiled. "This will only take a moment," he promised.
The customer, a pale pink unicorn with a purple and golden mane, nodded. She let her eyes wander across the wares on the counter. Peppermint always put small sweets and gadgets there. When the line was slow, the customers tended to buy the sweets even though their price was a bit higher than that of those on the normal shelves.
"I see you've employed somepony again?" said the mare in a polite tone.
"Ah, yeah, he's a catch. Strong, fast and punctual. And I think his manners are better than mine." Peppermint laughed hoarsely, then turned serious again. "Though some ponies can't seem to appreciate getting their wares on the shelves on time. Got a few complaints but only when he wasn't around... Ah, there he comes." He nodded over to Darren who walked over to the fridge with two baskets. He put the baskets on top of the shelves and moved their content - milk jars and butter - into the glass boxes on the boards. "Really useful to be tall, too," commented Peppermint. "Got a warehouse assistant and a security guy in one person." He grinned slyly.
The mare's eyes widened ever so slightly and she gasped a little when she saw the human.
Darren looked up and wiped his hands on his dark green apron. "Ma'am." He gave her a polite smile.
"Dear goodness, you've changed!" the mare said, then grimaced guiltily.
"Have we met?" asked Darren slowly. "You seem familiar. Your voice..."
The customer rolled her eyes. She chuckled nervously. "Actually, we have. Two weeks ago, in the palace."
Darren briefly shook his head. "I apologize, I can't place you."
"Let me help you with that," said the mare. She lit her horn and a shimmering light washed over her body. It grew taller and wings which had not been visible before unfolded. Her mane unraveled into lustrous curls and a small crown appeared on her head.
"Princess!" Peppermint knelt down so fast that he almost hit his head on the edge of the counter. Darren bowed before her but did not kneel.
"Sorry about the deception," said Princess Cadence. "I just wanted to see how you were doing." She frowned at Peppermint. "Please get up, there's no need for that."
The clerk rose to his hooves, looking at the ground.
"If I had known..." he said.
"Exactly," said the Princess. "So how much for the milk?"
"For you, Princess, it's free!" he said, trying to catch his breath.
Cadence shook her head. "I want to pay for it, just like everypony else should. How much?"
"Well - your Highness - if you - insist. Three bits."
She took a purse from under her wing and withdrew three coins from it. Peppermint accepted the money, still slightly rattled, and eyed Darren.
"When will your shift be over?" asked Cadence. "I'd like to have some coffee with you and talk, if you don't mind."
"In half an hour, your Highness," said Darren. One of his eyebrows was still raised and he seemed torn between confusion and amusement.
"Eh, it's okay if you take off," said Peppermint, waving his hoof. "Just stay longer tomorrow and we'll be good."
"Are you sure, Sir?"
"Get out of here."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Eclipse." The was a soft knock on the bedroom door. "Are you okay? Do you want to talk?" White Alloy's worried voice carried to Eclipse who was sitting on his bed. He had his wooden shield in his hooves and stared at the blue heart that was painted on it.
"I dunno..."
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"I don't know," repeated Eclipse a bit louder.
"I'm coming in." White pushed the door open. He trotted into the bedroom and stood before Eclipse. "Where's Peridot?" He askes softly. "Still away with the girls?"
"Mhm," hummed Eclipse without taking his eyes off the shield. Then, with a sudden movement, he flung the piece of wood onto the bed and said, "Dad, where did you find me?"
"Er. Y-you mean, when we -"
"We had this special lesson at school today," said Eclipse.
"I... see. The special... right. What did you learn?" asked White to play for some time.
"That there used to be Knights of Ice and Crystal who used dark magic to defend the Empire. They turned evil from using the magic and became Shadow Ponies and were banished into a crystal outside the Empire. And they had their own evil fortress and..."
"Whoa, whoa, slow down, buddy." White sat down on the bed, next to Eclipse. "Shadow ponies?"
"Yeah. Mr Coelistine says that's why we don't have any knights. Because they turned evil. We just have guards."
White rubbed his chin in thought. "That explains some things," he admitted slowly.
"Dad, where did you find me?"
"What does that have to do with your lesson?" asked White nervously.
"There was a picture. In the old book. There was a knight and - well, he had a brown mane and his eyes were different, too, but he still looked a lot like me. Or..." he muttered something into his pillow.
"Sombra?" guessed White.
Eclipse nodded, sniffing. He turned to White. The light of the lamp reflected in his blue eyes.
"Dad, am I a Shadow Pony?"
"It's great to see you're doing so well," said Cadence, giving Darren a sideways glance as they walked along a path in the park.
"Peppermint is a very considerate pony," mused Darren. "Even though he owns a shop that stays open from Eight to Six."
Cadence frowned. "What do you mean?"
Darren hesitated. "One, he is the only pony to hire me yet," he said. "And two..." he paused. "I used to call in sick for a few hours. On several days in a row."
"Oh?" Cadence said, unsure how to react.
"Well," said Darren curtly, "I am glad to report that this has not happened the last few days."
They passed a bench. Cadence turned around, sat down on it and patted the spot next to her with a hoof. Darren slowly sat down, at a respectful distance to the Princess.
"Was it the curse dissipating?" she took a guess.
Darren's eyes widened. Now that he thought about it, he had begun to eat regularly, and a lot. He also had to use the bathroom. He still hesitated to use the bathroom mirror, though he never would have admitted that to the Princess. And he did not feel so aggressive anymore. It had happened so gradually that he had not even noticed.
"Possibly," he said.
Cadence smiled. "Your eyes are looking much better than at the hearing," she said.
Darren twitched. Warmth rose up to his ears. "Ma'am?"
"Darren, they aren't glowing anymore. You see, I had the time to have a talk with your friend Jonathan. He described to me how he was healed. Today, he's got a pulse and everything. And his eyes are normal again, though he said they used to be blue, not yellow."
Darren froze. He glanced at Cadence, then at his own hands. Slowly, he raised one hand and held two fingers to his carotid artery.
There was a faint thumping. With his fingers still on the side of his windpipe, Darren stared at Cadence, who giggled.
"You didn't notice your own pulse?" she asked incredulously. "I thought something like this would catch your attention. Well, I guess nopony thinks much about their own pulse except when they have health issues or do sports..."
Darren did not react. His stare became distant.
"Are - are you okay?" Concern crept into Cadence's voice.
"Approximately sixty beats per minute," said Darren dryly, lowering his hand. "I think so, Ma'am - Cadence," he quickly corrected himself. He felt his mouth twisting into a smile. "I suppose I will get an appointment with Dr. Passiflora," he said. "She should conduct a magical scan, see if there is still any residue of the curse."
Cadence beamed and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea," she agreed. "Oh, I'm so glad you're feeling better, Darren! Does Twilight know?"
"No, I had not realized the... extent of my... progress," admitted Darren. He cleared his throat. "I will see to it that she knows, of course." His smile grew wider. "Thank you, Princess. The Whites will be pleased. I have not seen them since our last dinner a week ago."
"Wait, those are the pony family with the grey pegasus colt, right?"
"Yes. I agreed to attend Eclipse's appointments and they... wanted to give me their thanks that way."
The Alicorn smiled knowingly. "Did you enjoy dinner with them?"
Darren grew serious. "Yes," he said. "They bring back pleasant memories. Mostly," he added with a quiet voice. He regretted the words as soon as they had been spoken.
"Mostly?"
Darren's mouth became a straight line.
Cadence nodded, her eyes widening with realization. "You had a family?" she asked carefully. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to," she said quickly.
The knight just nodded. She was the Princess. He had to answer.
"Five children," he said, raising his eyebrow. "They all died, along with my wife." He rubbed his nose.
"How long ago was that?" whispered Cadence.
"Ten years." His voice felt like a scratch in his throat. "At least it was not me. But I was there. Once I regained my free will, I realized the implications..." He broke off.
A tear ran down the Princess's face when she saw the way Darren looked at her.
White took a deep breath and sat up very straight. He had feared that this day would come soon - he had almost expected it after the episode with Darren. But he still was not prepared.
"Alright," he said. "Listen. Actually, it wasn't us who found you. That was the Guard when they searched the borders for lost ponies. They found you all alone in the snow. Since Mommy works in the Guard, she heard of it. And we discussed it and offered to take you in as our son."
"Yeah, you already said I was adopted," muttered Eclipse. "And that's why I don't really remember anything from before you found me."
"Adoption doesn't come with a memory wipe," snorted White. When he saw Eclipse's face, he winced. "Sorry. But we often wondered what your life was like before you got lost outside the Empire."
"Me too," said Eclipse. "I always thought that somepony bad hit me on the head or something... but maybe I never was in the Empire before that. Maybe I was just dumped by the Shadow Ponies for - for you to pick me up. Maybe that's why I have this black smoke magic and stuff!" His voice grew louder, challenging White to disagree.
"Maybe," muttered White. "But maybe you are just a colt who got very lost and was attacked by some weird magic when Sombra was revived."
"It doesn't add up, Dad," said Eclipse, shaking his head. "First, the smoke magic came, then Darren helped, and then Sombra returned. It can't have been him. That's what's so scary about it." He sniffed again and rubbed his muzzle. "I don't wanna turn evil, Dad. I don't wanna hurt anypony!" He whispered, "I'm really scared!"
White carefully put his forelegs around him. "Eclipse," he said, his voice full of pain and love at the same time. He hugged the colt until the sobbing subsided a little, then he broke the hug and looked Eclipse straight into the eyes. "Let me tell you something about Evil," he said. "Ponies are evil... when they do evil things and enjoy it... or think for some reason that they are doing good. When magic makes you do bad stuff, you are just sick, not evil. Tell me: Do you want to hurt me?"
Eclipse shook his head.
"Or Mom? Or Peridot? Anypony?"
Eclipse shook his head again, each time more firmly.
"What are you going to do when you feel that dark magic again?" asked White.
"Ask for help. For Darren to come and help." Eclipse smiled shakily. "Oh, I think I get it."
"You're not an evil pony, Eclipse. "I would have noticed if my son was turning into a twisted madpony, believe me." While smiled. "And even if you were a - a Shadow Pony, I think that's not even the point. The point is what you do with the powers that you've got. You'll always be my son. Nothing in the whole wide world is going to change that." He paused. "And I know you love us... because we love you, too. Just promise you won't try to solve everything on you own, okay? You can count on us. Always."
"O-okay."
White took the shield and held it in front of Eclipse.
"You want to become a guard, don't you?"
Eclipse nodded, slightly confused. "Yeah?"
"Why?"
"Because guards are awesome... they are strong and brave and they make sure everypony's safe!"
"You know what your Mom told me once?" White smirked. "Guards get scared, too."
"What?"
"Yeah. They train to get over their fears. They aren't superpowered ponies. They just do the best they can. Nopony would expect anything more. They set an example by striving for an ideal, even if that ideal is unreachable. It's like... with trees. They don't touch the sky but they grow upwards because they want to. Otherwise they'd be a tangled mess."
"Oh."
"I think you'll make a great guard," said White.
Eclipse beamed. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 16: Ruins | Darren slowly unlocked the door to room 103 and pushed it open without a sound. That afternoon had been utterly exhausting. Not physically, obviously, but still.
The time with the Princess had been a long overdue walk down memory lane. And it was the ugliest of roads, the kind with stones, puddles of mud and ambushes along the way. There was no way to go there and return without feeling the need to take a shower. As Darren sat down on the only chair in the tiny room, he groaned and rubbed his eyes. He needed to unwind, do something to keep his thoughts from circling.
The mirror. It had to be around somewhere. Darren got up and pulled the drawers of the nightstand open. There it was. He used his sleeve to rub the glass surface clean and made himself comfortable on the chair once again, saying, "Jonathan Baker."
It took a while until the mirror surface glowed and rippled. Then, Jonathan's face became visible. In the background, Darren could make out a shelf overflowing with parchment rolls and inkwells.
"Hey," said Jonathan, slightly out of breath. His voice was distorted by the mirror's projection. "Didn't notice you trying to call, sorry."
"You're busy."
"I usually am. Good thing about being your own boss is that you get to decide when not to be." The priest grinned. The image in the mirror spun for a moment when Jonathan sat down on a chair Darren could not see. "How you doing? Settling in?"
"More or less," said Darren hesitantly. "By now, every...pony is surprisingly comfortable with me. The White family especially."
"Those were the ones with Sombra in the basement, right?" Jonathan narrowed one eye, trying to remember their faces.
"The very same. Though last I heard, Sombra is on the loose again... but under surveillance. I managed to catch him." Darren smirked. "At breakfast in front of a cafe. He was stealing a milk jug. It was almost too easy."
Jonathan shrugged. "Works for me. As long as he doesn't do shit to ponies anymore. He doesn't, does he?"
"He gets his food at the local shelter. I suppose finding a job would turn out to be difficult for him."
"Wow. How the mighty have fallen." There was a pause. "You get a job yet?"
Darren nodded. "Storekeeper. Sort of. It pays alright."
"Go Death Knight." Jonathan smirked, then the grin trickled off his face. "Wait a minute... your eyes..."
Darren could not help it. He simply smiled.
Jonathan hit the table with his flat hand. "Awesome! Man, you got healed, didn't you?"
"I still eat a lot. But the bloodlust has settled down, thank the Light."
"Yeah, thank the Light indeed. Though it must have been the Crystal Heart, too." Jonathan frowned. "You should come to Ponyville. Everybody misses you, Twilight especially. We could go to the lake, catch up some more."
"I will, soon," promised Darren. "In fact, I have an idea with... whom..." He cut off, losing his focus as he remembered his most recent nightmare. He had dreamt of the Whites - and of his own family. Princess Luna had not been there.
"Er, Hello? Azeroth to Darren?" Jonathan raised a brow, knocking at the mirrorframe.
"Sorry," muttered Darren. "I just remembered something."
"Are you sure you're okay? You got that thousand feet stare going on for a moment."
"I used to take my wife and children to Lake Lordaeron," Darren said quietly. "We even got to see the Citadel Barrier once." He smiled sadly. "Darcy loved the colour of the force field. She said it looked like Stratholme Lilies."
"You still think of them a lot, don't you," realized Jonathan.
"Every day." Darren's voice felt like sandpaper.
"Me too. Lizzie, I mean." Jonathan sighed. "I left her behind to study in Lordaeron. And shortly after I was ordained, the Scourge took over. I killed my sister, Darren. My own sister."
Darren nodded, rubbing his nose. "Hm," he said. He had expected something like that after Jonathan had hinted at his sister's death weeks ago. Darren felt sympathy for the young Priest rising up, adding to his own pain. So much for distraction. He cleared his throat.
Jonathan took a deep breath. "Good thing that the Whites don't know. Not that it would help anyway. But it does explain why you're so fond of those kids." He tapped his fingers on the table on his side. "I've been thinking about what you said. About you not having access to the Light anymore. If you don't mind me asking: What were you... before all of it?"
Darren hesitated, frowning. Jonathan leaned back, raising his hand dismissively. "Nevermind -"
"I was a Paladin," said Darren quickly.
Jonathan's mouth formed a silent, "Oh." He blinked twice, then asked, "Well. Maybe... the Light will come back to you, too."
Darren shook his head. "You kept in touch with the Light before and after you died. But you know how the Death Knights came to be, don't you?"
Jonathan gulped. He shuffled around on his chair as he muttered, "Yeah."
"My point," said Darren, raising his brow, "is that there are things you don't come back from. Even if the Light would forgive me for... everything, I still would not dare to wield it."
There was an awkward silence, filling with the things the former undead kept carrying around and did not talk about. Jonathan tapped his fingers again. Darren said nothing, unable to think of a way to change the subject. To his relief, Jonathan had that covered.
"About visiting Ponyville. You can bring any stuff you want me to enchant. Free of charge."
"I appreciate it," said Darren. "All of it."
Jonathan nodded and the corners of his mouth twitched into a brief smile.
The sun was low in the sky and tinted the glittering roofs of the city red and golden. A swarm of birds fluttered into the sky, disturbed by a figure that walked past a group of bushes close to the Barrier. This part of the city was nearest to the force field border and provided the most cover. The green belt that surrounded the Crystal Empire was dotted with villages but hills were scarce. If you wanted to leave the Empire undetected, neither the train nor the exposed meadows were an option.
Sombra could have taken a more direct path but he was in no hurry. After days and nights spent on the street he clung to the glimmer of hope he had found when a small voice had whispered to him in the dark.
There is a fortress in the white.
The voice had echoed in his head, so quietly that at first he had thought it had come from a nearby window. It had sounded different than the voice of the Crystal. Sombra had nothing to lose and the prospect of a house where he could stay, no matter his past, was tempting enough to follow the advice. So he had packed his pathetically small bundle, enough food to last for four days - he had taken it from the shelter when they had served something other than soup - and his too-short cloak.
Sombra reached the Barrier after three hours of walking. He was glad that, for some reason, the cold hardly bothered him. Was it his heritage that made him mostly immune to the ice? It took Sombra a whole day and night to find a collection of large dark grey rocks embedded in the ice, just out of sight from the city.
Go around it, whispered the voice, so Sombra carved a curvy path through the snow with his body as he circled the rocks. His hoof stepped on something wooden. He bent down and pushed the snow off the frozen planks. There was a door. It must have been part of a portal long ago before somepony had pulled it from its hinges. Sombra looked up and realized that the rocks were not rocks but in fact ruins, leftovers from thick walls. He laughed. The voice had been right. Sombra pushed some more snow away and looked around to figure out what shape the building must have had before.
It had been a small house, connected to a wall. A guardhouse. Maybe this was the perimeter of that fortress. There, some dozen steps ahead, were the remains of another wall. The ground rose to become a hill, almost as if...
"It's been buried," muttered Sombra. He looked up and realized how odd the shape of the snowhill was. Did magic hold it in place? He walked towards it; the snow shimmered in the sun. Or was it really the sun? It was hardly visible in the overcast morning sky. How could it make the hill glitter and glimmer that much? Carefully, Sombra inched forward. Another step, and another, and the snow shimmered even more. The closer he came to the hill the harder it was to make it out. Eventually, the illusion faded away and he stood in front of more walls. Dark stone, similar to the spikes that dotted the landscape of the Frozen North, was the buiding material of the ancient fortress that stood in front of him. It had been preserved from time by the spell that had banished and hidden it. It stood on an actual hill, rising at least five stories high, and was surrounded by two thick walls. Sturdy towers marked the five corners of the fortress. There were hardly any windows, probably due to the weather conditions. Am empty flagpole was erected on the largest tower, a rectangular shape that must have been the last line of defense in case the fortress was ever under siege.
As Sombra marveled over the magnificent yet somehow gloomy sight, the voice killed the moment.
"We are not alone!"
He narrowed his eyes. Slowly turning his head, Sombra cast a look at the trail he had left in the snow. A second set of hoofsteps branched away from his own. Somepony must have followed him and hidden behind the guardhouse ruins. He smirked and lit his horn.
"Come out!" he called against the wind. "I know you're there!"
Something rustled behind the corner of the wall. A blue earth pony in a thick woollen cloak slowly showed himself. He was carrying a polearm. The curved double blade looked sharp. The pony did not bother pointing the glaive at Sombra. For one, he was out of reach, and secondly, Sombra could easily disarm him with his magic.
"Hey, Mister Shard," said the pony. As he stepped closer, he had the swagger of a well-trained, strong guard. "I guess I could pretend to be here by chance but what's the point?"
"Why did you follow me?" demanded Sombra.
"Orders. You're free to go anywhere you like. But you do understand the city needs to keep tabs on you, right? At least for a while, to make sure you're done with being evil." The guard did not look the slightest bit intimidated. How long had he been on Sombra's tail? He had probably witnessed his daily visits to the Shelter. Sombra's insides turned into acid at the thought.
"Mind if we get into the castle?" asked the guard. "It's really cold out here."
The magic around Sombra's horn faded away. He cast a skeptical look at the guard. The voice said nothing so he decided to take a leap of faith. It was not as if the guard could report anything right now.
"Alright." He frowned at the guard once again, then he turned around and frowned at the portal in front of him.
"Wow, that thing looks old," said the guard with awe. "I had no idea they built anything outside the Barrier."
"Neither did I," muttered Sombra, bending forward to inspect the lock. He peered into the keyhole and grimaced. "Step back."
The guard took half a step away from Sombra and waited, his face unreadable.
Sombra focused and cast a small spell. With a 'clunk', the lock opened. "Hah! It worked!"
"Good job." The guard's tone was mocking but Sombra could also hear some relief mixed into it. Both of them pushed against the heavy door but nothing happened.
"I think it opens the other way," said the guard.
Sombra blushed. "I knew that," he said.
"Yeah, right. You just needed the exercise."
Sombra scoffed and pulled at the portal's handle. The door opened with ease and both ponies went inside.
"I'm Abrasive Paper," said the guard while Sombra unlocked the second portal. "Might as well get comfortable with the thought of me hanging around. I brought my own food." He grinned wryly.
"Fine. Just keep your distance. I'm Sombra," said Sombra, "but you can call me Shard."
The next day, Darren kept his promise to work longer and left Peppermint's store an hour after it had closed. He glanced at the next clock, which happened to be the school's clock, and picked up the pace. As the bell struck Seven, he jogged along the road. The ponies that he passed turned their heads, slightly curious, but left him alone. A few seemed to recognize him. He paid no attention to them. Instead, Darren scanned the houses left and right until he discovered the sign he had been looking for.
Feather Cloud - Pillows, Blankets, Furniture.
Darren slowed down when he was only a few steps away from the door. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he peered through the wide display window. It showed what the sign said: A comfortable couch and two chairs were grouped together, with pillows and blankets expertly draped over them. The colours of the blankets were still strong so apparently the owner changed the decor once in a while.
The doorbell jingled when Darren entered. Silence greeted him. A pony trotted closer, her hoofsteps muffled by the carpets on the ground.
"How may I help you?" Her voice was steady but her smile a little too wide to be entirely convincing.
"Hello," said Darren. "I would like to buy a carpet."
"Do you have anything specific in mind?" asked the clerk carefully, her smile still plastered onto her face.
Darren smirked. "Actually, yes. It should be as long as that couch over there and sky blue. On both sides."
The pony nodded. "I see... er... on both sides?" Her grin wavered. "I never heard that kind of request before," she admitted, slightly confused.
Darren waited.
"Though we have a few blue carpets over here." She directed Darren to a far corner of the store and showed him a rack where dozens of carpets were rolled up. "This one," she said, straining a little as she lifted one of them, "is a soft plush carpet imported from Equestria. It's very in season and you can put it anywhere."
Darren rubbed his neck, tilting his head. "Do you have anything... tougher?"
The pony's eyes widened, then narrowed as she thought quickly. "Uh... yes!" She beamed again and lifted another carpet. "Here. This carpet is wool and linen flatweave. Specially made for high-traffic areas. You can put it in the Train Station's foyer and it will stay alright for years."
For years? Darren was sure that was an exaggeration. But it did not matter that much.
"High traffic sounds good," said Darren. "May I?" He stretched out his hand and rubbed the carpet's corner between his fingers. The threads were twisted together and woven very tightly. The knots were done by an expert. "Very good," he said. "How much is it?"
"One hundred and fifty-four bits," said the mare, her tone neutral.
Darren felt heat creeping up his ears. "How about a carpet half the size?"
Darren eventually settled for the larger carpet. The shopkeeper had offered him to split the payment into two. He would pay the second half in a month. As he carried the rolled-up cloth on his shoulder, Darren thought about his conversation with Jonathan. He almost walked past the Valiant Prince and only noticed where he was when a pony bumped into him.
"Sorry," muttered the mare at the same time as Darren said, "Excuse me." Then, they both looked at each other.
"Hi, Darren," said Feather, chuckling.
"Hello," said Darren. "Did you work the late shift?" he asked politely.
"Yes. It was exhausting. I'm on my way home. Oh, I see you bought a carpet? Does that mean you've found an apartment?"
"The carpet is not for the apartment. Which I do not have yet." Now was his chance. "Feather, I intend to pay a visit to Ponyville this weekend. If you wish, you and your family..." He hesitated. Feather looked at him with expectation. "...could come along," he finished quickly. Why was it suddenly so difficult for him to ask? There she was, a little turquise pony, and he felt as if he was facing a horde of Nerub'ar spiders without his sword...
Feather tapped her chin. Then, she smiled. "I wouldn't mind a little trip outside of the Empire. I need to talk to my husband, of course. The foals would love it for sure. They have never been to Equestria before. I can tell you tomorrow, say, after work? Or I'll leave a message if you are busy."
"Splendid," said Darren. "I will wait for it. Good evening, Feather."
"Good evening. See you then! I'll tell the foals you said hello." Feather gave Darren a friendly wave as she walked by.
"Please do." Darren smiled at the pony.
As Feather continued on her way, the smile slipped off Darren's face.
Did he have the right to do this? To just butt into that family? Was it not enough that he had to keep an eye on Eclipse? But Feather had actually seemed alright with the invitation, even appreciated it. If Darren had learned one thing about the ponies it was that they were extreme amateurs when it came to faking emotions. If things went south, he could always take his leave. He was bound to no one. Darren frowned darkly as he realized that this was also the downside of his situation. A pony that passed him in the hallway of the Prince flinched when he saw his expression. Darren quickly nodded a greeting and hurried upstairs. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 17: Hidden Qualities | Dear Darren,
we will be happy to come along to Ponyville. White Alloy took the liberty of picking the connection.
Please join us tomorrow at 8:30 at the Central Station, track 2, next to the information panel.
With best regards,
Feather Rush
With the folded note in his hand, Darren let his gaze wander across Central Station. The clatter of hooves on stone echoed troughout the gigantic hall. He wondered how long it had taken the blacksmiths and crystal carvers to create the intricate ceiling. Hundreds of crystal rectangles covered the sturcture of woven iron. The light danced over the passengers in white, pink and yellow. Darren read the sign that told everyone where to find Track 2 and nodded. As he descended the stairs to the tunnel connecting the entrance and Track 1 to the rest of the station, Darren had to be careful not to knock anybody over with his rolled-up carpet. His sword was sheathed and secure on his back. The last time he had carried it around had been over two weeks ago. He had never thought it would feel strange to bear it again. He was not used to the stares anymore. Or was it just that the ponies in the neighborhood had gotten used to seeing a human around?
He climbed the stairs to Track 2. The echoing noise from the tunnel subsided a little. Everything was incredibly clean, very much unlike the Deeprun Tram, the only means of public transportation - besides ships - Darren had used before. He had to admit that the absence of Gnomes felt like something of an improvement. The ponies were taller than Gnomes; it was easier not to run them over. Nobody liked walking with their eyes on the ground all the time.
The information panel was right between the tracks Two and Three. White Alloy, Feather Rush, Peridot and Eclipse stood huddled together. Feather and Peridot were wearing light cloaks; White was equipped with a pair of slightly worn saddlebags. Darren was confused by the lack of further baggage; then he realized that the ponies only needed to bring snacks for the journey and probably a blanket or two. He, on the other hand, had brought a spare set of clothes along with food and water and a few things he never parted with. It was force of habit after not having his own place for years.
"Darren! Over here!" Eclipse had spotted him and waved at him enthusiastically.
Darren waved back with the hand holding the note. He set the carpet down like a pillar, leaning the cloth against his chest, and bumped his fist against the hooves of the parents. Feather's eyes wandered to the hilt of his sword. Darren smiled apologetically.
"It's the safest place to keep it when I'm out of town."
She frowned, then nodded. "Let's go, the train leaves in ten minutes," she said.
They all approached the edge of the track. Feather pulled Eclipse back with her foreleg. "No closer than three steps, honey," she warned him, pointing at the line that was drawn on the ground. Darren raised an eyebrow.
White squinted his eyes. "There she comes," he said.
Peridot flinched when an array of crystals next to the panel suddenly buzzed. In a mechanical voice, they declared: "Track 2, arrival: The train to Baltimare via Cloudsdale, Canterlot, departure eight-fourtyfive. Mind the gap."
"What the hell was that?" Darren stared at the array.
Peridot giggled when she saw that he was more surprised than her.
"They enchanted the crystals to tell everypony the schedule," said White, unable to hide a grin.
Darren looked at White. "Couldn't a pony do that?"
"What kind of job would that be, sitting at a resonance crystal all day and saying the same stuff over and over again? Nopony in their right mind would do it. It's way less effort to just install a few crystals that can read the information aloud."
Darren considered that for a moment as the train approched the platform. It was a noisy monster of steam and metal but at the same time it looked... fast. The design was smooth and, of course, included crystals. Everything about it said, "I am new, I am tough and you better sit your rump down before we roll out." The train stopped with a hiss and all along the wagons doors sprung open. Ponies poured out of the train like ants from a corpse. Most of them had little to no baggage. Darren noticed that not all of them were crystal ponies. He even spotted a griffin further down the track. With a pang of guilt, he remembered leaving Bane behind when he had turned his back on Azeroth.
"Come on, everypony, and don't get lost," said Feather, herding her two children towards the train. White followed suit. Darren quickly put the carpet back on his shoulder and stayed on their tail. When he stepped onto the train, he noticed a gap between the train and the platform. That was probably the one he was supposed to mind. It was not even that big; only a very clumsy pony with small legs would have gotten their hooves caught in it.
The train compartments were separated by chest-high wooden walls. Feather and White sat down next to each other in the way that ponies sat on blankets. Peridot and Eclipse had a little fight over the window seat. Their parents exchanged a look, then White switched over to the opposite bench so both children could look outside. Darren occupied two seats: His carpet was put down on one and he sat down on the sixth. He hoped he would not have to pay for an extra ticket. Feather had told him they could be bought on the train itself which was probably an advantage if you were in a hurry.
The inside of the train was surprisingly quiet due to soft carpets that covered the floor and wall space between the windows. The excitement of Eclipse and Peridot was contagious. They pointed at things they saw in the station and invented names for them. Darren smirked when he saw how much fun they had. Feather and White urged them both repeatedly to sit down. That was when Darren heard a shrill whistle, then the thumping of closing doors. A slight jolt went through the train as it accelerated. The train station went sideways and disappeared from sight, replaced by houses that flew by at an ever increasing speed.
"I'm beginning to think this is bigger on the inside." Abrasive Paper's voice echoed through the cavernous hall. The dark stone made everything look much smaller than it really was but there was so much space to begin with that it did not make that much of a difference.
"It's big enough on the outside," said Sombra, annoyed, and kept walking. It was cold but not as icy as outside where the relentless winds kept blowing. They could hear their howls and sighs all throughout the castle. That and the fact that everything was so dark and abandoned made one shiver after another run down Sombra's spine. He could have sworn there were voices in the winds. He did not like it one bit.
"Any idea who lived here?" Abrasive Paper asked.
"No."
"Must have been some megalomaniac villain. The vibe sure fits. Sure it wasn't you?"
Sombra rolled his eyes in an effort to cover his nervousness and pushed the door open that marked the end of the hall. He almost stumbled when he saw the garden.
The glass house was tall; it covered an entire courtyard. Sombra suspected that it was not really glass but crystal or maybe even enchanted ice. Long rows of fruit-bearing trees and bushes were lined up from wall to wall. Little bits of sunlight that reached the garden were somehow multiplied by the panels above, tinting the garden in a bright, clean light that left few shadows. Birds were chirping somewhere, the only sound in the surprisingly windless garden.
"Are those fruit I smell?" Abrasive Paper had entered the garden. He cantered around Sombra and disappeared behind the next bush. "Yep, plums." He slurred the words as if he was chewing on something.
Sombra followed the voice and found the guard eating fruit from the closest tree. The tree was special: It bore not just fruit, it was blooming at the same time. The tree next to it looked the same. Sombra suddenly realized how tasty it smelled. The food he had brought was already used up. Being in the cold had made him hungrier than anticipated. Using his magic, Sombra pulled ripe plums from the tree.
"So you have never been outside the Empire before?" Darren asked Peridot.
"Nope! This is my first train ride ever! Our teacher said we would visit Canterlot in half a year but that's still sooo far away."
"Why aren't we going to Canterlot?" asked Eclipse. His mood had soured when he had realized they were traveling to a small town in, as he said, the middle of nowhere. "I bet it's much more interesting than Ponyville."
"Ponyville isn't that far from the Capital," said White patiently. "In fact, it's only two stations away. We need to change trains in Canterlot. So we'll get to see the train station, at least."
"Small consolation," muttered Eclipse under his breath. "And why did Darren get to bring his sword if I can't bring my shield?"
Feather sighed quietly, her chin set. She raised her eyebrows at White, who just shrugged. Darren suppressed the urge to chuckle and said, "I did not want to leave it unattended in case of Sombra visiting while I was away."
"Oh." Sobered up, Eclipse sat up straight. "Sorry, I forgot."
"Don't worry, it's unlikely that he would do it. It's still better to err on the side of caution. At least this way, I always know where it is: There." He pointed at the sheathed sword next to the rolled-up carpet with a grand gesture, making Eclipse laugh.
"I can see Cloudsdale!" cheered Peridot. "Look! Awww, it's really made of clouds!"
"Did you learn about it at school?" guessed Darren.
"It's a pegasus city," explained Eclipse. "They have enchanted roads and stuff so non-pegasi can live there and visit, too. I wonder if anypony has ever fallen off their yard."
"Let's assume not," said White uncomfortably. "I'm sure they have some ponies that keep an eye on the city and if anypony ever falls, they rush over and catch them," he added cheerfully.
"Or they put up nets," offered Darren. Or the ponies just die, he added in his mind. Like Levinia.
"Tickets, please!" The train conductor had just entered the compartment. "Thank you. Tickets, please..."
A general buzz and shuffle started when everyone rummaged in their bags to find the short piece of paper. Darren just pulled out his wallet and said, "One to Ponyville, please. Or two, if the carpet counts as one seat."
"One ticket, then. Ten bits," said the conductur, turning around, "Here you - ah, er -" His eyes went up to Darren's tattooed face, the rolled-up carpet, and the sword next to him. "- go." The conductor's face flushed and his ears went down as he accepted the bits, trying in vain to conceal his embarrassment by smiling nervously.
"Thank you," said Darren evenly, even though he felt annoyance at the predictable response. He took the ticket from the conductor's trembling hoof and stored it in his wallet. Feather showed the conductor her four tickets and gave him a rather cool smile when he checked and returned them. As soon as he was gone, her stiff smile turned into a frown.
"I'm sorry, Darren," she said warmly. "You must be tired of this by now."
Eclipse and Peridot grimaced awkwardly as they realized what had just happened.
"That pony was scared of you, wasn't he?" said Eclipse quietly. There was some kind of plea in his voice as he looked up to Darren.
Darren nodded, his throat feeling dry when he said, "Yes." He raised his brows. "It's a natural reaction; he has never seen a Dea-, a human before."
Eclipse grumbled something to himself, then he looked at Darren and declared, "Well, I'm not scared of you!"
Darren smiled. "I know." He ignored how his stomach twisted when Eclipse showed the same expression of confidence his oldest son had once worn.
White cleared his throat. "I think it's time for a game," he said cheerfully. "Anypony got any requests?"
"I would have brought my cards, but -" Peridot stuttered when she remembered she had given them to Darren.
The knight reached into his bag with a crafty smirk. Peridot beamed as he pulled out the ridiculously colourful pack.
"Do you know any good card games?" she asked, excited and wide-eyed.
Opening the pack at the bottom, Darren swiftly caught the cards. He shuffled them with a speed that made White and Feather exchange looks, then he used one hand to split the stack in the middle and turn one half around the other. Eclipse and Peridot gaped at him in awe.
"Kid," he said, "I used to serve. I know all the card games." |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 18: Friendship Castle | The plums were tasty. Sweet, juicy and filling, too. Sombra wiped his mouth. He swallowed hard when he realized something. If the food was fresh there had to be somepony who grew it. Which meant that they were not alone. Weird that the voice did not warn him. It had been so perceptive before. But he had to check nonetheless.
"Wonder who'sh taking gare of dis garden," said Abrasive Paper, still chewing.
Sombra squinted his eyes when he heard a faint rumble that quickly moved closer. The ground shook, but only a bit, and it sounded as if masses of water were approaching.
"Shit!" The guard jumped to his feet and grabbed his glaive. "Run!" he shouted, pointing in the direction where they had come from. Sombra decided that that was a reasonable suggestion and followed Abrasive Paper who, of course, had to be a better sprinter than him despite the bag and weapon he was carrying.
Dashing through the still open door, they swung it around and slammed it shut. They looked at each other, all ears turning towards the door. The hinges rattled, a noise that grew stronger each second. Both ponies ran for their lives.
Back in the garden, the rumbling subsided as a heap of brown stones emerged from the ground. The rocks lifted into the air, flew around each other and quickly assembled themselves into a bizarre shape. The creature had two massive arms, a small head atop a broad rock that was faintly shaped like a ribcage, and flaming eyes. A few rocks danced around its lower parts as if they could not decide on the number of feet it should have.
"Where they go?" rumbled the creature, sounding disappointed.
Next to it, water rose from the dirt below and formed a wave. It, too, had arms, but they were made of the purest water. White foam wandered around the liquid creature's body. It looked at its companion with two yellow dots where one could imagine a face.
"Dunno," it glugged. "Did you sssee who idd wasss?"
"Nay. Maybe they new."
"Or maybe not ourrr masssters at all," replied the water creature. "Better be carrreful."
There was another rumble and splash and both creatures disappeared into the ground again.
After changing trains in Canterlot, the remaining journey to Ponyville took only half an hour. The Ponyville train was called Friendship Express, another hint towards the fact that ponies valued harmony more than technology. It was decorated with maudlin motives - lots of hearts, pastel colours and organic shapes. Feather played card games with her children. White and Darren looked out the window and watched the landscape flying past them. The fields were a patchwork of green and yellow, dotted with trees. They passed blooming orchards and small settlements with straw-covered houses. Darren felt reminded of Lordaeron before the Plague, when the skies had been blue and clear, not covered by a looming cloud of green and brown mist.
He was thankful that White did not talk. It gave Darren the chance to appreciate Equestria in silence. This place was strange and yet felt real to the point of obtrusiveness. The Frozen North had felt more familiar to Darren than the pastures around him: it had been almost void of life. Darren had not seen this much green since Silvermoon. However, there was a difference. The Elves had put a lot of effort and magic into their city and the result had still been something artificial. But Equestria... Even though it was obvious that the ponies took care of the land, there was a wildness in it as if an ancient soul breathed in it. In retrospect, Darren realized that the Scourge had not only destroyed the lands of Lordaeron and poisoned its people. It had also taken its soul, its very essence. That was such a tremendous loss that he felt his stomach shrink as he understood. He had committed the ultimate crime: He had slaughtered the Innocent, which was evil enough on its own, but he had also taken part in killing a land.
White looked at him, a small line of worry between his brows. Darren ignored him and kept watching the landscape, trying not to show what was going on inside his head. He promised himself to never tell the ponies what he had done.
To his relief, the train soon slowed down and arrived in a quaint little town. The conductor - a mare with an unusually short mane and tail - walked through all the cars to the back of the train and told everyone loudly that they had arrived in Ponyville. White jumped from his seat and put on his saddlebags. Feather gave Darren the pack of cards back. Her husband used his magic to float the carpet outside the car so Darren could quickly take his sword and bag. They herded Eclipse and Peridot off the train and onto the single platform that made up the station.
"Darren!" That was Twilight Sparkle. Ponies respectfully stepped out of her way as she cantered towards her guests. Unfurling her wings to do a little jump, she hugged Darren. Feather's eyes widened in surprise. "And you must be Feather Rush and White Alloy! Nice to meet you!" She turned to the baffled ponies and shook their hooves. They responded with a "nice to meet you, Princess" and slightly awkward smiles.
Eclipse and Peridot, suddenly shy, stared at Twilight as she was greeting their parents.
"Welcome to Ponyville," she said with a beaming smile. "Let's get your things to the castle, then we can do a little tour and have lunch."
"The castle?" White stammered. "We wanted to book two rooms in the local inn..."
"No way," said Twilight. "You and Darren are my guests, you don't have to book rooms. There's plenty of room at my home, don't you worry."
Darren raised his eyebrows. "I thought you lived in a library."
For half a second, Twilight's smile wavered. "It was destroyed when Tirek attacked Equestria," she said. "But the Tree of Harmony grew a seed and that became a castle. I moved there with all the remaining books and opened a new library. Oh, in case you're wondering, Jonathan is working, that's why he didn't come. Arcus, too. Fluttershy and Applejack could make the time, they are waiting in the throne room."
Darren remembered the two names from Twilight's stories but he could not recall which one had the yellow coat and which one was orange.
"Princess, how can we accept this honour?" White Alloy said nervously.
"What do you mean - oh, all right," laughed Twilight. "Look, I'm just a pony, too. Please, you can call me Twilight."
"As you wish, Pr-, Twilight," replied Feather quickly. She exchanged a look with White which Twilight did not see because she was walking ahead of them. Darren gave them a nod to reassure them. Just like Cadance and Luna, Twilight preferred to keep formalities to a minimum. Darren liked that about her but he also knew that it could confuse common folk when the royals behaved like everyone else. You somehow just expected them to be snobbish, even if they were known to be kind rulers.
"What's the Tree of Harmony?" Peridot piped up.
"That's a magical tree in the Everfree Forest," said Twilight. "It's made of crystal... I think. The Elements of Harmony have a special connection with it."
They followed a broad street through the centre of town. Darren saw that the ponies gave them curious looks. Many seemed comfortable with the sight of him, more so than in other towns. Was it because of Twilight? Since it was close to midday, many took a break from their work and went home or visited the few restaurants they passed by.
"Five friends and I used to bear the Elements of Harmony for some time," Twilight continued. "They are powerful artifacts and each of them represents another aspect of the Magic of Friendship. But we gave them back to the tree to heal it when it was sick."
The road led them past an unusually large square. The middle of the plaza was paved with a beautiful stone ornament depicting a tree. The corners of the rectangular pavement were marked with four small trees in pots. Twilight gestured towards the ornament.
"This is where the Golden Oaks Library used to be. The little trees are saplings from new oak trees. The old oak," she cast a look at Darren, "exploded. We couldn't retrieve anything from the remains except for the roots." Darren noticed a certain look in Twilight's eyes, one he had seen several times when they had worked on a plan to rescue their friends from captivity. "Anyway, we're here," she added quickly.
"Whoa..." Eclipse and Peridot gaped at the magnificent structure.
It was very Equestrian. More crystals, reminding Darren of the Empire's castle, and more pastel colours. Blue was the dominating one. A star silimar to Twilight's Cutie Mark adorned the castle's highest tower. The entire building resembled a tree. The main portal was in the broad trunk. Twilight smiled, her focus apparently shifting from the past to the present.
"Welcome to the Castle of Friendship!" she said proudly.
Wheezing and panting, Sombra and Abrasive Paper leaned against a wall. They had run through a seemingly endless series of corridors which would have looked identical had it not been for the occasional window or colourful tapestry. The first few halls had been illuminated by large crystals. Now they only saw unlit torches in the dim light of Sombra's horn.
"Hey, look, it's you," said Abrasive Paper, his hoof pointing at one of the tapestries. "Oh, wait, his mane's different," he added nonchalantly when Sombra rushed to his side to take a glance at the woven picture. He gave the guard an annoyed glare. Touching the tapestry, Sombra discovered that it was soft and warm, not cold and brittle as one would have expected.
"They're performing..." Sombra took a deep breath. "...a ritual of some kind. No, it's a fight..."
The unicorn on the tapestry stood in front of a horde of white wolves, a few more grey-coated, black-armored spellcasters behind him. All of their horns were aglow, the effect produced by silver, black and purple threads stitched onto the image. Their spells gathered in a dark cloud, shaped like a creature Sombra had never seen in real life.
"Weirdest squid ever," chuckled Abrasive Paper.
"I'm pretty sure they usually don't have two legs and tentacle arms," said Sombra dryly. He looked at the guard. "And the cloth is warm." He went over to the next tapestry which showed a similar scene, only with a cloudlike, slim purple creature instead of the messed up squid monster. The images went on like this; each displayed grey warriors and spellcasters fighting animals or foreign ponies coming from the ice, using purple magic, monsters and sharp weapons. Their enemies usually looked at them with terror, twisted limbs showing pain and anguish. Sombra was not sure if it the artists had just overdone the poses or if it had been their idea of a powerful military force. The determined faces and ruthless fighting style of the grey ponies sent a shiver down his spine.
"The air is warm," Abrasive Paper corrected him. "Walls, too. Like the other hallways. There must be a fire somewhere."
Sombra tore his eyes from the glorified fighting scenes. "Not necessarily. It could be magic, like the crystals in the other halls."
"Still, a source of warmth means there's probably somepony around. Better be careful."
"Right, so they don't notice us stomping around causing floods and earthquakes."
"Yeah. That." The guard scoffed. "I'm gonna look for a place to sleep. Preferably not a dungeon. Sound good?"
"Welcome!" The chipper voice of a pony used to smiling greeted them when Twilight's magic opened the castle's portal. "I'm Starlight Glimmer," said the mare. She was a pink unicorn with a purple mane that had light turqoise streaks in it. She gestured for them to enter. Tilting her head back to look at Darren's face, she showed no surprise. Only her smile grew a little stiff when she saw that he was not smiling. Her hind leg twitched as she resisted the urge to shift away from him.
"Thanks for preparing the table, Starlight," said Twilight warmly. "I'll go and tell Spike and the girls we're here. Can you please show Darren and the Whites their rooms?"
"Sure," beamed Starlight. She led the way to a staircase, casting a quick look back to make sure she was being followed. "This way, please, everypony - I mean -"
"It's alright," said Darren calmly.
"Oh-okay! Sorry!" Dear Light, the mare was growing more nervous with every second. It was even worse than with the train conductor. Did she feel that guilty for the slip-up? Strange. Darren frowned.
"How do you know the princess?" asked Feather.
"Well, uh, we're friends!" said Starlight. "We, er, met in a small town. I don't really want to go into details, if you don't mind... let's just say that I'm kind of her student." She chuckled awkwardly. "This is you room, Mrs and Mr White..."
Feather smiled warmly. "I'm Feather Rush," she said. "And this is Eclipse..." - "Hi!" said the colt - "...and Peridot."
"And I'm White Alloy but you can call me White. There's no need for the Mister."
"A-and you are Darren, right?" Starlight asked for confirmation.
Darren nodded. "Nice to meet you, Starlight Glimmer." He decided to smile.
Her own smile almost distracted from the tiny frown on her forehead. She cantered over to the next door, banging her hoof on the edge of the frame, and declared it to be Darren's room, also that they would meet in the entrance hall in ten minutes if that was okay.
The Whites said, "See you later," and disappeared in their room. Darren entered and closed the door of his own room. He put the rolled-up carpet down and hung the sheathed sword onto the back of the door. His bag went into the large closet. He threw the cloak onto the bed and went back into the hallway.
The clatter of hooves indicated the direction into which Starlight had disappeared. He went down the stairs and saw a door at the end of the hall. Starlight's tail had just disappeared behind it. The door had not closed completely. Darren heard voices from inside and hesitated when he recognized Twilight's voice.
"Starlight, are you alright? You look terribly nervous. Did something happen?"
"Happen? No, no, I'm totally fine. Yeah." Not even Darren was convinced by that. "It's just..." There was a pause.
Another mare spoke. The voice was so soft thatDarren could not make out the words.
"What's there to be scared about?" said someone else, this time a colt. "Was he that intimidating? I thought you said that Jonathan was taller."
"He is," said Twilight, "but Darren... well, how do I put it?"
"He's a warrior, isn't he?" said Starlight. "He had this huge sword on his back and this vicious tattoo on his face and I think he - he saw right through me! It's like those eyes are ice - they could drill right through - through...," she stammered in a panic.
Darren frowned, his hand hovering over the handle. It seemed that even though the curse was gone ponies still felt cold around him. His hand clenched into a fist. Maybe he had decided too soon to visit Ponyville.
"Sugarcube, how 'bout y'all take a deep breath," said another mare. "Did he say anythin' mean to ya?"
"N-no, not really. It was just the way he looked at me, you know..."
"Starlight, I swear I didn't tell him anything about your past," said Twilight. "I would never do that. Darren can..."
"Twilight, the map!" said the mare that had called Starlight a sugarcube. "It's glowin'." There was a pause when everyone was probably looking at the map.
"I've seen that Cutie Mark before," muttered the unknown quiet pony. "Could it be..."
The rest of her sentence was drowned by a terrible scream.
"Darren! Help!"
Feather. Darren spun around, the overheard conversation forgotten, and rushed upstairs taking three steps at a time. He could hear Twilight and her friends running after him. He found Feather standing at the open door of their guest room, waving for him to quickly come inside.
"It's Eclipse, he - I don't know - dark magic again -" she stammered.
Darren ran past her, nodding to show he had understood, and found a familiar scene.
Eclipse was in midair, black steam rising from his coat and mouth. He flapped his small wings, trying in vain to regain control over his body which floated in the air as if underwater.
"Mom!" he wailed. "Mom, it hurts!" Tears ran from his wide, glowing eyes.
"Mister Darren!" begged Peridot, clutching her father's leg as they both helplessly watched her brother writhing in agony.
Darren leapt forward and grabbed Eclipse's leg, pulling the colt down onto one of the beds. As soon as he touched him, the cool sense of purpose was gone. His heart pounded against his ribcage and cold sweat ran down his neck. Was that fear he was feeling?
He stretched out his hand - strange, it was shaking - and felt for Eclipse's forehead. It was time to free the colt again. Darren closed his eyes to concentrate better and reached for the dark hole in his own soul...
Nothing happened. Darren pulled away from Eclipse, trying to stay as calm as he could. Why did it not work anymore? Since when could he not drain magic?
Of course... The curse was gone. He was not a Death Knight anymore, just a human...
The only way left to do this kind of magic was with his sword.
"Be right back," he muttered, gently pushing Twilight and an orange mare aside as he ran to his own room. He pulled the weapon from the hook at the door and unsheathed it as he dashed back to Eclipse, dropping the scabbard on the carpet of the hallway. He skidded to a halt in front of the bed and raised his sword.
"What are you doing?!" shrieked Feather, aghast.
Darren hesitated, suddenly realizing what he must look like pointing a runeblade at the little colt. For the first time since his death, he felt his face turning red hot. He lowered the weapon.
"Feather, I swear I would never hurt your boy," he said, trying to put all of his sincerity into the words. "I want to use the sword as a focus. Like... a wand. Or a horn, if you will. To pull the dark magic from Eclipse."
Feather stared at Eclipse, then Darren. Finally, her gaze settled on her husband.
"You'll just point it from a distance?" asked White cautiously. Peridot, her forelegs still locked around his, looked up at him and nodded wildly.
"Yes!" replied Darren sharply. He waited, his trembling hand pointing the sword at the ground, until White finally nodded.
"Do it," he said. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 19: Call of the Map | "You better stand back for this," said Darren as he raised his sword and pointed it at Eclipse. The colt stared at him, wide-eyed and helpless. Even though he was a pony his expression was much like that of a human boy. Darren had to remind himself that he was helping him by doing this.
Darren focused his thoughts to reach for the magical power in Eclipse's soul and found it. This time, something did happen. It had only been a few weeks but the dark force in the colt had already grown stronger. A swirling mass of hardly contained emotion and might pressed Darren's power back, resisted him. He grunted as he readjusted his grip on the sword, adding his other hand and going into a more stable stance. Eclipse groaned uncomfortably. Then he whimpered as Darren increased the pressure of his spell. Darren felt as if he was pushing against a flexible wall. He was not able to get through it and however often he tried, he only bounced off.
"Eclipse, you need to help me!" Darren pressed out. "Let the power go, I will take it!"
"I can't, I don't wanna hurt you!" Eclipse cried.
Darren could see in the corner of his eye how the yellow pegasus squeaked and stumbled a few steps away, bumping into the orange pony. Great, the audience was getting nervous. That was the last thing he needed. He tried to keep his voice even when he said, "I'll be alright. Just let go."
The instant Darren had said it, the magic inside Eclipse exploded. A sinister current of pitch black energy streamed from the twitching Eclipse at an alarming speed, surrounding both of them with a dense cloud of smoke. Darren felt that Eclipse was still resisting. It was incredible; the colt was already too strong for a single opponent to handle. The dark clouds assaulted Darren, trying to hold him, enter his head, throttle him...
Darren feels the fearsome power enter his mind and freezes. He cannot shake it, the shadow monster is creeping into the back of his head and heart, rummaging around, forcing his deepest shame and fears to the surface... He is in the Capital City of Lordaeron after Prince Arthas has murdered the king, slaughtering families he had known for years... No, he was fighting Eclipse's magic! He is standing on a snowy hilltop in Northrend, watching as ghouls, skeleton warriors and liches storm the defenses of an Alliance outpost... he is descending from the Ebon Hold on his undead griffin, brandishing his runeblade to wipe the Scarlet Crusaders from the face of Azeroth... He is watching Twilight as she shivers and shies away from the cold stormwind he had released -
"Darren!" A hoof grabbed his shoulder, trying to pull him away from Eclipse. Twilight had jumped up and lit up her horn, ready to fire a spell. "What's happening? Should I cast a shield spell?"
Darren's eyes widened when he realized where he was. He was still locked in an impasse with Eclipse, neither of them retreating, neither able to completely overcome the other's attack. Hitting the colt with his sword was out of the option so Darren could only try and keep the magic from overpowering him.
"I can't do it," he panted, his hands shaking as he did his best to keep his defenses up. "He's too strong already! The only way is if Eclipse stops it by himself."
Peridot gave off a terrified whimper, hiding behind her father with her ears folded down.
"Daddy!" she cried, tears running down her face. White took her on his back and quickly left the room. His face was full of doubt. He was probably wondering if he had done the right thing by trusting Darren.
Feather was also crying. But she still stepped through the haze towards Eclipse, trembling from head to hooves, and eventually managed to get close enough to hug him.
"Careful, Ma'am!" Darren warned her. Twilight's grip around Darren's shoulder tightened.
"This is my son!" There was a fire in Feather's eyes when she looked back at Darren. "I won't lose him to this darkness!" Turning back to Eclipse, she stroked the twitching colt's black mane. "Eclipse, sweetie, you need to calm down," she whispered, he voice hoarse as if she had been crying for weeks. "Can you do that? Just look at me."
When Eclipse reacted to her soothing words by looking at her, she winced: His blue eyes were still aglow, a dark light just like Sombra's magic. She kept stroking his mane with a trembling hoof.
"We're not gonna hurt you, sweetie... I love you so much, Eclipse - my brave little guard - yeah, just look at me. You can do it. Just breathe." Eclipse stared at Feather who smiled at him in the way only a mother could and, finally, he blinked.
Darren felt the pressure from Eclipse's dark magic subside and cautiously lowered his sword. There was a strange ringing in his ears.
The black smoke slowly dissipated as Eclipse's gaze grew more alert, more focused. He stopped trembling and twitching and raised his head, taking a deep breath.
"Mom!" He hugged her back and cried, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" The sinister glow from his eyes was now completely gone. Feather sniffed and fell back on her rump, holding Eclipse tightly to her chest.
"It's fine, it's okay, we're okay..." she muttered into his ear.
A collective sigh of relief escaped everyone, including Darren, and he smiled briefly as Twilight stepped away from him.
"Well done," he said to Eclipse despite the terrible headache that was throbbing in his skull. "I'm sorry if I scared you," he added hoarsely. The images he had seen during Eclipse's shadow spell were still before his eyes.
Eclipse shook his head. "No. It w-was me, I scared all of you. And myself, too..." He helplessly spread his forelegs. "I'm so, so sorry! I don't know what this... is. I'd never wanna hurt you guys! I didn't mean to hurt you, Darren!" Still hiccupping, he wiped his muzzle and buried his head in Feather's mane.
"I'm alright, you didn't hurt me," Darren lied. He wiped his mouth. How much of his memories had Eclipse seen?
"We better rest a bit before we do anything else today," said Feather, grimacing.
"Of course," said Twilight. "We'll make some sandwiches and bring them up to you. Dinner in Ponyville is just as nice as lunch. I think we should talk about what happened," she muttered the last part towards Darren and he nodded.
She smiled awkwardly at Feather and Eclipse and left the room, taking the two other mares with her. Darren suddenly noticed that there was also a little purple and green dragon by Twilight's side. He had not said anything for the entire time. Now he put his hand on Twilight's side, reassuring her or looking for reassurance himself.
They found White and Peridot a few steps into the corridor, anxiously waiting for news.
"Everypony's back to normal now," said Twilight to White. "The dark magic stopped. Eclipse is resting, I think you can go back in, he'll be happy to see you."
Peridot nodded and gallopped back into the room. They could hear her tackle-hugging Eclipse. White nodded at Darren, unable to get anything out, and quickly followed her inside.
Darren picked the scabbard up from the carpet and sheathed the sword.
The Throne Room was unusual. Six high-backed crystal chairs plus a smaller one stood around a large table. The decorated roots of a large oak hung above, adding something organic to the otherwise plain crystal cave. Darren counted three exits. He sat down on one of the empty seats which was marked with a cloud and rainbow lightning symbol. Twilight was restless, she paced up and down the room like a caged tigress.
"Thank you for joining us," she told Feather, who was sitting on another chair, this one decorated with the symbol of three balloons. "I guess I can speak for all of us when I'm saying we're all still a bit shaken from all of this. Is Eclipse really okay?"
Feather nodded. "Yes, considering what has happened. White is looking after him right now, and thank goodness Peridot still isn't scared of her brother! I'm just glad we were around when it happened. And Darren. I would have had no idea what to do."
"What I tried did not work," said Darren, taking a deep breath. "Even with the sword. You managed to calm him down. I..." he tensed up as his stomach cramped and heat rose to his head. "This is beyond my ability. He was too strong."
"You did your best," said Twilight. "Nopony's blaming you for what happened up there."
"Um... if you don't mind me asking... but what exactly happened?" asked the pegasus through her long pink mane. "It looked as if Darren was trying to absorb the dark magic somehow..."
"You're right, Fluttershy," said Twilight. "But Eclipse was already too strong. What I don't understand is where that magic comes from. He's not a unicorn! Just a regular pegasus colt. He shouldn't be able to do any magic except weather spells!"
"Maybe he ain't so regular after all," said the orange earth pony. She took her hat off and set it down on the table. "And it din't seem to me like it's been happenin' for the first time, either."
"It was the second time," said Feather. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."
"Oh, right, sorry, pardner. Ah'm Applejack."
"Applejack, you're right. The last time, Darren absorbed the magic. We had hoped that Eclipse would not have an episode like that again but..." She sighed sadly, her ears splaying back. "I won't lie, I'm more than worried. I wonder how often this is going to happen. And if we can even deal with it."
Twilight stopped pacing and finally sat down on her own chair. "I guess that depends on how well Eclipse will be able to control it. This magic... it looked a lot like Sombra's. Did you see it, too?" She turned her head when there was a knock at the door. It opened and the little dragon entered with a tray of snacks. Behind him, Starlight brought another tray, this one with glasses and apple juice. They both set the trays down and sat down on the two remaining seats.
"Yeah," said Applejack, taking a glass and filling it with juice. "And Ah reckon it would be a strange coincidence if the kid learned it from Sombra." She downed the glass and refilled it.
Darren slowly shook his head. "He did not. He was probably born with it. Some people just have an affinity to certain kinds of magic, maybe it is the same with you ponies."
"Again, what we saw wasn't pegasus magic... or even arcane magic." Twilight grimaced. She spread her forelegs in frustration and levitated a drink from the tray.
"You had a name for it," Feather said slowly. "At the doctor's appointment. I forgot. What did you call it again?"
"Void Magic," answered Darren.
Fluttershy shuddered. "So the poor thing has the magic of... emptiness?"
"What does that even mean?" asked the dragon.
"I wish I could tell you, Spike," sighed Twilight. "I never studied that kind of magic. But if it really is like Sombra's magic, then we may have a starting point to understand it. If they both do the same thing with their victim...
"Darren, we only saw the magic but you're the one who experienced it first-hoof - first-hand," she corrected quickly. "What did it feel like?"
Everyone looked at Darren who was lost for words. How could he describe something so foreign to the ponies? Only Twilight could probably understand a little what he had gone through. Darren knew that she had faced her share of fearsome magic over the years. As the silence stretched out, he cleared his throat.
"It was cold," he said eventually. "Inside. Void magic attacks the mind. It forces people to relive their worst moments. It creates nightmares while you are awake. Anyone affected is paralyzed by that." Now he had their undivided attention. "The Light is very powerful against Void Magic but other forces not so much. I could only resist Eclipse for this long because of years in the field."
"The field? What field?" Spike was confused.
"Fighting against people who use Void Spells," explained Darren matter-of-factly. "Black priests, warlocks. Necromancers, death knights."
"Oh..." The dragon grimaced uncomfortably.
"That really sounds a lot like Sombra's magic," said Twilight quietly. "He locked the door to his own study with a spell that did exactly what you just described. I faced my worst fear when I tried to open it. And as you said, only powerful positive magic can defeat it. The Light, Friendship, Love or Alicorn magic." She smiled at Feather. "You did just the right thing, then. A mother's love is very powerful."
Darren took a sandwich from the tray and ate it. Starlight and Spike looked at each other with a satisfied smirk. There was a pause when everyone else also began to eat. After her second sandwich, Twilight sat back and rubbed her muzzle in thought.
"Well, the bad thing is that we can't really figure out where the magic comes from... yet," she stated. "And there's one more thing. It may be an ability Eclipse was born with - but if that's true then it's an ability that has manifested itself only recently. What triggered it? Feather, can you tell us what happened the first time?"
Feather shook her head. "Sorry, no, I can't. I don't know because I wasn't there. We, I mean, White and I, we were still on our way back home from the Crystalling..."
Applejack's eyes widened. "Ya mean the first Crystalling that went awry 'cause Flurry Heart shattered the Crystal Heart?"
Feather nodded.
"Of course, that's it!" Twilight jumped up and paced across the room. "The shattering released a strong wave of the love energy that was stored in the Heart. It must have been the cause for Eclipse's reaction!" She stopped walking and spun around to face Feather. "But the second time? It was here in Ponyville and we don't have a Crystal Heart."
Everyone fell silent, looking at the table.
"I ain't sure if that's it, but," said Applejeck slowly, "we were talking and the map suddenly did that glowing thing again."
"Yes, it activated to show us a new friendship problem we were supposed to solve," mused Starlight.
"Aha! The map is a seed from the Tree of Harmony!" Twilight grinned with excitement, obviously in the zone. "It makes perfect sense. Harmony magic is just another word for the Magic of Friendship. So, again, we've got a surge of positive magic that happened close to Eclipse. And the Shadow, I mean the Void Magic inside of him reacted to that. Hm... I guess that means that Eclipse is most likely to have an episode when he is exposed to powerful positive magic." The smile trickled from her face as realization hit her. "That means if he doesn't want it to happen again, he should stay away from sources of that kind of power."
"Aw, doesn't that mean he's got to stay away from events like the Crystalling?" Feather asked sadly.
"I'm afraid so," agreed Twilight. "He should only attend if he can completely control his Void Magic."
"He probably does not even understand what his powers are," said Darren. "He would have to train to gain conscious control over them." He hesitated. "I can help with that at least. I do have the most experience with it."
Spike stood up. "That's all great, but may I remind you all of the urgent friendship problem? The map never lights up without a reason." He crossed his arms with the confidence of an experienced organizer. The only thing missing, thought Darren, was a clipboard.
Twilight sighed. "You're right. I completely forgot, sorry. But the map is smart. It wouldn't ask us to solve a friendship problem if it wasn't important, we can't just ignore that." All the glasses gathered on the trays which in turn rose into the air and set themselves down on the floor. The table instantly glowed in a faint blue light. Its surface rippled and unfolded into translucent layers of an intricate landscape model. Darren and Feather marveled at the detailed map in front of them. Two symbols floated in an area close to the map's edge. The rocky land there was tinted in shades of white, and grey.
"Wow! Is this a real life representation of Equestria?" Feather asked.
Twilight and Applejack nodded simultaneously.
"The problem is in the Crystal Empire," said Spike. "Well, that can't be a coincidence. And it's your Cutie Mark, Fluttershy!" he added with a grin. Darren cast a quick look at Fluttershy's flank. The three butterflies on her rump matched the ones on her chair and the symbol floating above the little representation of the Empire.
"Yes," admitted Fluttershy, sounding much less excited than Spike. "I did feel the map's call earlier. But who has the other Cutie Mark? It looks a bit like Trixie's. I've seen it before, I just can't remember where."
"No, hers is a moon and a wand, not a sword and a wand," said Starlight. "A sword and a wand... maybe it'a a wizard or a royal guard?"
Fluttershy giggled suddenly, hiding her grin behind her hoof. "Oh, now I know," she said happily. "It's not a pony. It's Jonathan!"
"Sugarcube, Jon doesn't have a Cutie Mark," said Applejack carefully. "Humans don't have those. Or do they?" She turned to Darren, raising an eyebrow.
"No, we do not." Darren could not help but smirk.
"He did have one when Discord played a prank on him, though," explained Fluttershy. "Discord used his chaos magic to turn Jon into a pony." She bit her lower lip, trying not to laugh. "It was actually a funny prank, that is, when he did it the second time. Jonathan was a pegasus. And he looked really... good." To Darren's surprise, she blushed a little at the last sentence. "Anyway, that was his Mark, I'm pretty sure about it."
"So Fluttershy and Jonathan suddenly have a friendship quest in the Crystal Empire." Starlight raised her brows, rubbing her muzzle. "I kind of hoped it would be me. Just after reconnecting with Sunburst it would have been nice to go there." When Twilight opened her mouth, she already waved it off. "I know, I know, somepony needs to mind the shop anyway. I hereby volunteer, again."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate it," said Twilight happily.
"Yeah, sure," Starlight replied with over-the-top enthusiasm and a nervous chuckle. Did she dislike Jonathan? Or was she unsure about working at the shop?
"As I said, the map notices things." Spike seemed pleased with himself.
"If Jonathan and Fluttershy have to go to the Empire anyway, Jonathan might as well help with teaching Eclipse," mused Darren. He looked at Feather expectantly.
"Alright," sighed Feather, "I'll talk to White about it. Please don't decide anything until we've discussed it."
Twilight nodded slowly and with a frown. She was always eager to get things done quickly. Darren knew that it could be hard for her to wait for other people to make their decisions.
"And this Jonathan," Feather went on, "isn't a pony, either? He's a human like you?"
Darren nodded. "We are from the same world. The same country, even. Jonathan is younger than me, around the same age as Twilight and her best friends. I can assure you, he is a good man. We've been through a lot together. He is a priest - that more than qualifies him for teaching how to control Void Magic."
"Don't tell me he uses it, too." Feather groaned, unconsciously tugging at her mane.
"Occasionally. He normally channels magic opposite to that. They're two sides of the same coin, Feather, and he learned to wield both of them. It takes a lot of discipline and self-control to do that. Jonathan... knows his stuff. Also," Darren raised an eyebrow, "he can put up a forcefield of pure Light to protect everyone from Eclipse's magic."
"Oh, yes, I've seen him use the Light before," said Fluttershy, smiling warmly. "I asked him for help when one of my critters was so sick that she would have died. He healed her and now she's all right and back with her family."
Good timing, pegasus, thought Darren.
Feather's eyes went wide. "I see where you're going with this," she admitted. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 20: Enchantment Shop | When White agreed to go to Jonathan's, Darren had already unpacked, introduced himself properly to Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike and found the castle's library. As he wandered along the countless rows that went up to a ceiling at least twenty feet high he looked for a book that might tell him more about magical ores and weapons.
He had expected that his sword would work as a moderately adequate focus for his magic. Still, the fact that it did not even properly channel dark spells anymore had been a nasty surprise. It was as if it was just a runeblade now, without the mysterious properties of the metal. Saronite was not only lighter than steel. It was produced by smelting an ore which was named after an Old God. Darren had always suspected that the ore was more than just a tough material. Every living being who wielded a saronite blade eventually went mad. Maybe Death Knights could only use them 'safely' because they were already cursed, undead and plagued by bloodlust... What Darren did not understand was how the blade could have been cleansed. And when?
Maybe it had something to do with that stallion, Sombra. He had to learn more about the shadow pony. The forces of the Void were too dangerous; if Darren just accepted that the sword's magic had gone elsewhere it might bite him in the arse later on. Unsolved problems had the habit of re-surfacing one way or another and anything involving dark magic meant big trouble in the long run. Take Frostmourne, for example. A paladin finds a runesword in the ice. First thing he does is slay hordes of undead and thus save his knights. Second thing he does is make himself Lich King of the Undead and slay the very same knights. In a way, Darren was relieved that his sword had turned more normal. At least now he could focus on getting better and training Eclipse without having to worry about any grisly side effects of his blade's magic.
Leaning dangerously far away from the ladder he was standing on, Darren pulled a book called Advanced Spells by Clover the Clever from a shelf that was too high for ponies to reach without magic or flying. He added it to a small pile under his arm. He hoped that he would have time to read the books tonight. If not, he would have to make a list of the titles and borrow them from the Empire's library. Given that they even had those books. Twilight was as powerful as an Archmage and Darren doubted that every city had one of her sort. Her collection was probably unique. He was glad that during his paladin training he had been forced to study loads of books and librams. Otherwise, the sheer amount of reading involved would have deterred him from looking into the matter.
That was when the library doors creaked. Twilight Sparkle entered, along with White Alloy. They both looked around, trying to find Darren.
"Hello?" called Twilight in sort of a hushed shout.
"Up here." Darren descended a ladder and set the small book pile down on the next table. He strode toards White, fist outstreched. White bumped it reluctantly.
"I'm gonna be frank with you," he said flatly. "I'm not happy with this arrangement. Feather is the one who vouched for you, along with Eclipse. You're a knight, for goodness sake, and knights really don't have a good reputation in the Empire. And your weapon obviously isn't just for show. But after you apparently saved my son twice already, I'm going to give you the benefit of a doubt." Twilight grimaced as White stepped closer to Darren. Even though he was significantly smaller than him, as all ponies were, the look in his eyes told Darren how serious the stallion was. "Do not abuse my trust."
"I won't," said Darren earnestly. "I swear by the Light."
Twilight's eyes widened a little at the oath that sounded so unusual from Darren.
"Uh, right," she said. "Now that that's off the table, we can go and tell Jonathan, right, Fluttershy? - Fluttershy?" She spun around. "Where'd she go?"
Darren raised a finger and pointed at the far corner of the corridor. Behind the door, a strand of long pink mane twitched and was pulled out of sight, followed by something that sounded like, "Eep!" Apparently, Fluttershy had walked beside Twilight but decided to hide instead of entering the library.
Twilight went back through the door.
"Fluttershy?" she asked carefully. "What's wrong?"
A muttered reply came from the other side of the door.
"You don't? Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Another muttered sentence. "Oh." Twilight's ears went down. She turned to Darren. "Just a minute, please!" She smiled apologetically and pulled the door shut.
White gave Darren a flat look, then he walked away and admired the library.
Darren rolled his eyes and sat down at the table, opening the first book. Pretending to read it, Darren wondered what Fluttershy's problem was. If the pony's name was any hint, as pony names usually were, she was probably too shy to travel to the Empire with a stranger. Or maybe she did not have the time and forgot to check her calendar before agreeing to go.
The door opened and Twilight and Fluttershy entered. The pegasus took a deep breath to calm herself down.
"I will come to the Crystal Empire with you and Jon," she said quickly. "I'm sorry for the confusion."
Twilight nodded and smiled. "Let's go," she said.
The walk through town was uneventful. Twilight and White talked about the Crystalling, the royal family and White's profession, which was goldsmithing, and even though Twilight asked Darren one or two questions, he was too distracted to give her more than one-worded answers and she eventually gave it up. She greeted most ponies that they passed by, some with a "Hello" or "Hi!", others just with a wave of her hoof. Fluttershy did not say anything. She listened to the conversation between Twilight and White, nodding and occasionally risking a shy look in Darren's direction.
As he watched the ponies bustling around town, Darren constructed scenarios in his head. What if Eclipse had an episode and no one in the vicinity knew what was going on? What if nobody was there to calm him down, say, at school or on a playground? He had to put some kind of safequard in place, like a warning system. Maybe magical wards would be an option but he did not know how they might interact with Eclipse's magic. It would have to be a person. Somebody with the time to follow Eclipse around. He frowned as he adjusted the weight of the rolled-up carpet on his shoulder. Except he could imagine that White and Feather would not easily agree to another pony following their son around. But what if they did not know?
Ponies were not exactly stealthy, al least not in the city. Paved roads were the norm in the Empire. He could already see it before his mind's eye: some guard clip-clopping after poor Eclipse, following him around like a stalker... no.
They crossed a stone bridge over a small stream. It reminded Darren of the canal bridges in Undercity.
Levinia. He could ask Levinia. Nobody except Darren and Eclipse would know and she could warn him whenever the dark magic stirred within Eclipse.
Jonathan's shop was a small house on the edge of town, with a thatched roof and a clean white facade just like its neighbours. The only thing that made it stand apart was a wooden sign that hung above the door.
SPELL BAKERY
Below the curved letters was the exact symbol the map had shown earlier: A wand, crossed with a sword. The sign itself was in the shape of an unrolled piece of parchment.
Twilight pushed the door open. Darren had noticed that most Equestrian shops had doorbells but Jonathan's shop did not. Instead, the distinct smell of a library greeted him when he entered. The room was larger than Darren had expected. Various items were presented on shelves and showcases, ranging from mirrors over gemstones to small boxes. At the far end of the shop, a large shelf was stuffed with parchment rolls. That must be the one that Darren had seen through the mirror. A counter separated the front from the back. The floor before the counter was elevated - this way, pony customers could get almost on eye level with the human shop owner. There was also the constant scraping of a whetstone. Jonathan was currently bent over it, holding a gem glued to a short stick and frowning at the facets of the jewel.
"Just a second," he said, raising his head from his work. The whetstone slowed to a halt and Jonathan put the gem aside. "Oh!" He grinned and raised the safety glasses he had been wearing. His white hair was significantly shorter than two days ago. "Hi, guys. So you made it! And you are...?" he asked politely, wiping his hands on his apron.
"White Alloy. Nice to meet you." White stepped to the counter as if he wanted to buy something. Or maybe he just wanted to feel taller. "You're Mr Jonathan?"
Jonathan snorted. "Nah, just Jonathan. My last name is Baker, hence -" He pointed towards the door with both hands - "the sign."
"Very punny," said Darren dryly, putting the carpet down on the floor.
"We're in Equestria, man, how could I resist?" He and Twilight hugged, then he bumped his fist with Fluttershy's hoof. "What can I do for you?" Jonathan turned to White.
"They said that you were to go on a friendship quest," said White hesitantly.
"I am?" Jonathan shifted his weight, leaning on the counter with crossed arms. "How come?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at Twilight.
"You didn't feel the map's call?" asked Twilight, surprised.
"Ahhh, so that's what it was!" Jonathan exclaimed, chuckling. "I've been feeling that weird itch all over. I wondered what it was about. First I thought I'd eaten something I'm allergic to. But you're saying it's a map calling?"
"The map," corrected Twilight. "The Cutie Map, the one in the Throne Room. It activated to show us there's a friendship problem that needs to be solved."
Jonathan leaned away from the counter. "Wait. Rarity said something about this map. Isn't she in Canterlot because of it?"
Twilight nodded. "Yes, and Pinkie Pie, too. But now the map wants you and Fluttershy to go to the Crystal Empire."
"Huh. Alright. Uh, well, I'd need to ask Starlight to mind the shop again. Hope she's up to it. And what kind of problem?"
"We don't actually know," admitted Twilight. "The map never tells us. It's part of the solution to find out. But," she looked at White, who gave Jonathan a polite smile, "we have a pretty good idea what it might be."
"I see." Jonathan smirked. "I wouldn't mind another trip to the Empire. It's always nice to hang out with the other half of the human population."
Darren rolled his eyes. Twilight laughed, apparently unaware of the comment's double meaning.
"Great!" she said. "When do you think you can go?"
Jonathan looked at the ceiling. He pursed his lips and hummed.
"Not today. I need to finish this urgent order. And I guess Darren didn't bring the carpet for nothing. You want me to enchant it for you?" Darren nodded. Jonathan scratched his chin and straightened his back. "Okay, just leave it and I'll do it 'til tomorrow. Other than that, if this friendship quest thingy doesn't take over a week I'll be fine. Though I gotta tell Starlight not to forget watering Clara again. Last time, she hummed sad songs for a week, it was depressing as hell."
"Oh," Fluttershy muttered, taken aback. "We didn't mean to distract you from your work. I'm sure it's important."
"Don't sweat it, Flutters, the door sign did say 'Open'," Jonathan reassured her with a friendly smile. "Friendship quest aside, are you okay?" Concern crept into his voice as he eyed her.
Fluttershy cast a quick glance at Darren, then at White Alloy. She nodded.
"I - I think so," she said quietly. "Yes." She raised her head.
White stepped away from the counter, descending to normal floor level.
"We need to return home tomorrow," he said. "My family and I are going to visit Ponyville's, uh, tourist traps today." He hesitated, frowning in confusion. Darren could almost see the gears in his head turning. Was there even such a thing? Maybe they had Equestria's Biggest Apple or something of the sort. "How about we have dinner together?" White proposed. "That way, we can get to know each other a little better before making any rash decisions."
Jonathan nodded. "Sounds fair. I know a place. It's four streets down, across from Spirit's cafe. I'd kill for one of their hayburgers. Say, at Seven?"
"He's different from what I expected," said White after the door had shut behind them.
"How so?" Twilight curiously tilted her head.
White hesitated. "No offense," he started with a half-heartedly apologetic glance to Darren, "but Jonathan is more... well, like a pony."
"What?" Twilight giggled, then fell silent when she saw Darren's face. She lowered her ears and kept walking.
"As in, more approachable?" guessed Darren testily.
White gulped, his ears down. He looked like the kid in class who had just said something he'd thought had been smart at the moment. "Well..."
Darren sighed. "I usually am the grumpy one," he admitted. "I'm sorry. It's not... intentional. I wasn't always this way."
"Jonathan and Darren have both been through some terrible things," said Twilight. "Everypony deals with that in a different way, I guess. I..." she broke off, grimacing uncomfortably.
Darren stopped walking. He felt he should say something to relieve White of his worries. The stallion had put his son's life into Darren's hands. The least he could do was show it was not the wrong decision.
"Look, White," he said, "I can see your point. Letting a stranger give lessons to your boy, it's a risk."
"You're not," White interrupted him. "I just made a comparison. It's not... a very fair thing to do." He let out a long breath, biding his time. "I'm sorry. We still don't know each other very well. I only know that you're a knight, you used to fight necromancers, can use frost magic and know a lot of card games. And where you work. But that's about it. It didn't escape me that you listen more than you talk."
"Fair enough," grunted Darren.
"But," White went on, "I know that for whatever reason you do feel responsible for Eclipse's wellbeing. I can respect that. Maybe in time, we can become actual friends."
Darren's mouth twisted into a hesitant, lopsided smile.
Eclipse opened his eyes. He was in a foreign room. Castle. He was in Ponyville and - oh Stars. He buried his face in his hooves. Everything came back to him. The train ride, the shadows, Darren pointing his sword at him. Blinking rapidly, he turned his head around, frantically searching for a familiar face.
"Hi, sweetie." His mom sat on the edge of his bed. "How are you feeling?" She stroked his mane, affectionately running her hoof across his cheek and down to his muzzle.
"I... I don't know." Eclipse sat up. "Is everypony okay? Is Darren okay?" His voice rose along with the panic that wormed its way up from his gut.
"You passed out. But yes, we are all okay."
Eclipse sighed and sank back into the pillows. "Oh, good," he breathed. "Mom, what happened?"
"Peridot went to Sugarcube Corner with Spike and Applejack. And your Dad is at Jonathan's shop with Darren and the Princess. When they come back, we can take a walk to the lake. If you're up to it." The cheery tone could not hide the worry still entched into her face.
Eclipse tilted his head, confused.
"I dunno. I'm tired. But who the hay is Jonathan?"
Feather wrinkled her nose.
"He's the other human and a friend of Darren's. Princess Twilight seems to know him pretty well. Darren said that he might be able to help with..." She hesitated, grasping for words. "...with teaching you to control Shadow Magic."
Eclipse sat up again, suddenly feeling giddy.
"I get my own teacher?" Eclipse was not the slowest or the fastest in class. He was very interested in History and terrible at Math. So he knew first-hoof that with a big class, teachers could not always meet the needs of every single student with their lessons. Only rich ponies could afford private teachers. "Ooh, does he teach things like special moves and..." He paused. "Wait, Shadow Magic? Isn't that..." His face fell. Groaning, he rubbed his eyes. "Mom, are you saying that I'm 'special'? And need 'special' care?"
His mom recoiled a little.
"You're saying that as if it's a bad thing," she chided. "Yes, Eclipse, you are special. Everypony is, and everypony is special in a different way. And one of your... specialties is Shadow Magic, apparently." She added the last word hesitantly. "Your magic is very powerful. That's nothing to be ashamed of. But it's important that you learn how to control it. Do you understand?"
Eclipse nodded. Flashes of what had happened raced through his mind. He had fought against a knight! And it had been a stalemate! At first, the magic had just poured out of him without purpose or focus. But then, when Darren had told him to let go, he had done something. It had felt frightening and dark but also strong and strange... He had used his power to hold Darren and look at him. Look into him. Oh Stars, Darren probably knew that! Eclipse felt dirty. He had invaded somepony's privacy in a bad way. But the things he had seen... were they true?
"Mom," Eclipse whispered. "I gotta tell you something." He crawled across the blanket into her embrace. "When Darren and I... when we fought against each other... I did something. I could see... things. Like, like memories and thoughts. I think I saw Darren's mind!"
The grip of her forelegs around him tightened.
"W-what did you see?"
"I'm not sure if it's okay to tell you," Eclipse admitted. "They were somepony else's memories, Mom."
Feather chuckled proudly. Then, she sighed.
"That's true, honey, but your magic is dangerous. I think it's better if you tell me everything."
"O-okay." Eclipse sat back, trying to gather his thoughts. He sniffed. "Okay... Let me think. Um. At first, I pushed into his thoughts like... like trying to get through a door. And then I wanted to make him feel bad so he would stop trying to take my magic. But, Mom, I also kinda didn't want to. I just... did it. I looked at him, I mean, at his thoughts. And there were things that made him feel bad so I made him look at them too. Make him remember them.
"We were in that stone city. There were humans and monsters and skeletons. And the monsters and skeletons killed the humans. Darren also killed humans." Eclipse grimaced, feeling heat spreading from his chest and tears forming in his eyes. "He was on the side of the monsters." He cleared his throat, trying to keep talking despite the sobs that would not stop finding their way out. "And th-then we were in a land like the Frozen North with m-more monsters, I, I think they were undead, Mom, and Darren watched them k-kill human knights around a big tower. And he had this big skeleton griffin he was riding on, and, and," he took a deep breath, clutching his Mom's hoof, "and he was in a tent with the Princess and s-scaring her - but," Eclipse closed his eyes, trying in vain to fight the stream of tears, "then the Princess shouted at him, I mean outside of our heads."
"She asked him what to do," said Feather quietly. "Oh, Stars, Eclipse, I'm so sorry you had to see all that!" She hugged him again and kissed his forehead. "I'm so sorry!"
Eclipse hiccupped, snorting to get his nose free.
"I feel dirty but I don't wanna know how Darren feels! I think he knows what I saw!"
"But if that's true," Feather said slowly, "Then Darren... was evil."
Eclipse nodded.
"Oh yeah," he said. "What I saw was definitely evil. Much, much worse than anything I've ever seen in my whole entire life! I've never seen anypony kill anyone! He was like a totally different pony, I mean, oh, you know what I mean!" he grumbled and sniffed.
Feather rubbed her muzzle, deep in thought.
"And in those memories, he scared Twilight?" she asked.
Eclipse nodded again.
"But she still trusts him, I mean right now. Something must have happened..." Her eyes widened as realization struck her. "You said you showed him the things he feels the worst about?"
He nodded a third time but quickly stopped. His ears and nose were now completely clogged. He just wanted to run away. But he knew he could not run from himself. And being with Mom was better than being alone...
"It's like with Nightmare Moon," muttered Feather. "A reformation... Just like Princess Twilight said..."
"I don't get it," said Eclipse. "He is always so helpful and he protected us against Sombra. And then I find out he used to be worse than Sombra."
"But if Princess Twilight trusts him... And you're right, he is nice. Although sometimes a bit distant.
"Maybe that's why he wanted to get away from his world." She took a deep breath, looking nowhere in particular. "Maybe he wants a new start. But he still carries his sword around." Feather groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. "Ugh, this is so complicated! He looked so sincere when he said he wanted to help! And I believed him."
"Me, too," muttered Eclipse sadly. "I still want to. If I hadn't looked into his mind, I'd still trust him. But, Mom, he said he was sorry for scaring me! After I made him relive his worst moments! He said, 'Well done'!"
"I bet that's why he didn't tell us about his past. If this is anything like with Nightmare Moon, it might not even be his fault that he did those terrible things."
"I'm gonna tell him," Eclipse decided. "I'm gonna tell him that I know. And I wanna tell him I'm sorry for looking. If he really feels so bad about his past, that means he's good now. Doesn't it?"
Feather nodded slowly. She rubbed her muzzle.
"His eyes... they used to glow at first, ice cold. And now they don't. Eclipse, I think you're right. That's very brave of you, that you want to talk to him. But I want to be there when do it, young stallion," she stated firmly.
Eclipse smiled shakily.
"I would have asked you anyway," he admitted. "I don't feel 'specially brave right now." |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 21: Cards on the Table | The fortress was much bigger than Sombra had thought. No matter how many corridors, narrow stairwells and halls they searched, they could find no fire nor anypony other than themselves. Sombra's legs got heavier with every step and he almost heaved a sigh of relief when they stumbled upon a series of chambers that had to be sleeping quarters of some kind. Each room contained two beds. It looked as if the chambers were the home of guards or soldiers. The little furniture that was there had a funcional look to it; no ornaments, no finish or applications. Abrasive took a picture that stood on a small rectangular table into his hooves.
"Crystal pony," he muttered, putting the frame back. "Funny photo, though."
"Funny how?" Sombra stepped closer and took the picture into his magic. There were faint lines on the edges of the pony's head. When Sombra looked closely he could see single paintstrokes. "That's not a photo. It's a painting. A really old technique. I've seen it in ancient magic books," Sombra explained. "That picture is centuries old, from way back before, well, my reign. But," confusion made him lower his voice to a mutter, "it looks new." His gaze met the guard's. "Abrasive Paper," he began but was interrupted.
"Dude, nopony actually calls me that. It's one Tartarus of an unwieldy name. Just say Abs."
Sombra snorted.
"Alright, Abs. Look, the paint didn't faint. After centuries, it should have turned dark or yellow, depending on the pigment they used..."
Abs stared at Sombra.
"So you ain't a numbskull after all."
"Never said I was, grunt."
"Point."
Sombra put the picture back and looked around the small chamber. Now he noticed the untidy bedsheets and half-full mug of tea.
"Everything looks like they left in a hurry. I mean, a soldier would fold his blanket even when he has little time." Sombra tasted the tea, then quickly spat it out. "Cold, but only a day or so old."
"How could we have missed them leaving?" Abs frowned, his glaive scraping the doorframe as he turned to look at Sombra.
I am always close. You cannot hide.
"Maybe they didn't," Sombra suggested nervously. "We should get out of here!"
Abs sighed. "Wouldn't get far. Better to hide and try tomorrow. This place is a fucking maze and it's star-damned cold outside, don't you forget."
"Right... Stars dammit."
Abs set his weapon down and closed the wooden door. There was a key next to the door. He tried it on the lock and it fit. There was a satisfying click when he turned the key. Abs gestured towards one of the beds.
"That one's mine," he declared. Sombra noticed that the bedsheets were dark blue while the ones on the other bed shone in a pastel orange. They also emitted a faint flowery smell. After several nights in the shelter or, when those had been at full capacity, in the park, he could not care less about that. Sombra rolled his eyes, shook out the blanket and planted his rump on the mattress.
"Can we talk?" Feather stood in the doorframe, greeting Darren with a strange mixture of friendliness and caution. She looked tense; her mane was slightly out of shape.
He rose from his bed, putting aside the borrowed book he had been reading, and nodded.
"Of course. What is it?"
Daren could not help the sudden feeling of impending doom when Eclipse also stepped into the room, followed by his father. The latter shot him an angry look. Darren pointed at the bed with an open hand, inviting his guests to sit down. Feather and White shook their heads. Feather put her hoof on Eclipse's shoulder. Apparently, there had been A Talk.
"What can I do for you?" he rephrased his question.
Feather sighed and stepped forward. She opened her mouth.
"Eclipse told us what he saw. When he looked into your mind," White said bluntly before she could utter anything. "We... please explain to us why he saw that."
Eclipse peeked around his mother. He looked surprisingly calm. No - his hooves were trembling, his little wings were twitching and his face twisted into a half-smile that quickly morphed into a grimace.
Oh Light. Eclipse had seen his memories. Void powers or not, he was just a kid.
Darren heaved a long sigh, trying to bide his time. He had promised himself not to talk about this!
But now they knew. He had to explain his memories, he needed them to understand or, at least, he wanted to tell the truth... Darren remembered opening up before. Each time, the one listening had been a pony. Telling Twilight his worries had been a relief. Meeting Luna in his nightmares had been a blessing. Finally, sharing a glimpse of his pain with Cadence had been consoling. Darren hoped that this, too, would turn out alright because he did not want the colt to keep looking at him the way he was right now.
This is going to hurt, he thought. Better to get it over with.
"I see," he said aloud. "I suppose you are not asking about his magic but about my memories."
Eclipse and Feather nodded simultaneously. Eclipse sniffed and rubbed his muzzle. Darren felt his stomach cramping up with guilt: Eclipse had been crying; his eyes were slightly bloodshot.
Folding his hands, Darren hesitated. Where should he start?
"If there's one thing I've learned from Twilight, it's to... share trust," Darren said eventually. He noticed his northern Lordaeronian accent getting stronger but found that he did not care. "You deserve to know the truth behind what you've seen. All of it." He swallowed hard.
"You know I'm not from Equestria." The ponies nodded. "I'm from Azeroth. It's not as peaceful as your place is now. More often than not, it's getting torn apart by all kinds of conflict. I used to live in Andorhal, with my... wife and five kids. Then came the Plague and with it the war. It was..." He shook his head. "...horrid. What Eclipse saw was the second war I was in." He paused. As the Whites anxiously waited for him to continue, he found it difficult to do so.
"We were called The Scourge of Lordaeron. And the shoe fit. It was evil - by all intents and purposes. But - but I wasn't in control. It was dark magic - a curse that had enslaved my - mind, my body, everything. When it was over I was mortified... I'm... deeply... ashamed of what I did back then. I can't forget - the faces -"
His voice cracked as he remembered the horror of realizing his deeds. He had fallen to his knees, with the bloodstains from his latest victims still on his armour, face and blade. He had burst into tears, wailing over the loss of his life, his honour and his family. It had been the only time he had ever succumbed to deep emotions while he had been a Death Knight. The knuckles of Darren's folded hands turned white as he kept staring at them. He did not want to see how the ponies looked at him.
"There was a final battle at Light's Hope Chapel. The Light - it broke the dark spell on me and my comrades. All of a sudden, we were free. It was... as if a veil had been lifted. But I can't undo anything of what had happened." Now Darren was at a point where he could not stop himself. The words just kept on coming.
"Everything... everyone I loved... was gone. The only thing we could do was take revenge on the man who'd enslaved us. The souls he'd held captive were set free. That, at least, we got right. Then I went home, to Eastern Lordaeron. It's sick and dead, the ground poisoned, my town... long burned to ashes. People changed its name, call it the Plaguelands now. I earned my living by decimating the cursed creatures there. That's how I got my last name - Houndslayer." Darren smiled at his hands. "And then Twilight Sparkle and her friends came along."
The ponies were very quiet. He risked a look into Feather's direction. Her foreleg was on Eclipse's shoulder again. She looked back at Darren through teary eyes, with sympathy and sadness. Even White's stern expression had disappeared. He looked at the ground, wiping his muzzle and clearing his throat.
"Jonathan - he'd been under the same spell as me," Darren went on. His throat felt dry. "But Twilight accidentally took him along when she opened a portal to Equestria. And while he was in Ponyville, the Light lifted the final curse and he lived again."
White gasped incredulously. Darren winced as he realized what he had just implied.
"He... he was dead? I mean - un-dead?" Feather stammered. Eclipse's jaw dropped and he simply stared at Darren with wide eyes.
Darren nodded, giving her a sad, tight-lipped smile.
"A-and you, too," White concluded, pointing at him.
"Yes. Necromancy." Darren's face contorted with disgust as he spat out the word. "I used to be a paladin, a warrior of the Light. And they twisted me into a - a monstrosity, a force of Evil!" Breathing heavily, he clenched his shaking fists, forcing himself not to hit anything while the kid was present. Still, he could not keep his vision from blurring and his face from turning hot. "I hated it!"
"Y-you said that Twilight and her friends came," Eclipse whispered.
"Right." Darren took a deep breath through his nose to calm himself down. "Jonathan was looking for wand materials. He hired me as a guide. We became friends. When I found out about Twilight's home and the cure that came with it, I asked if I could join them when they returned to Equestria. Twilight accepted."
"And were you healed, too?" Feather asked, tilting her head.
"I was. Thanks to the Crystal Heart, I'm alive again," said Darren. "Back to human. You might have noticed the difference in my eyes. Though," he rolled his eyes and gave Eclipse a lopsided smirk, "the hair remained white."
That got him a shaky smile from the colt.
"I'm very sorry you had to see my memories," Darren told Eclipse. "If I could take them away from you, I'd do it in an instant."
"I'm sorry for making you remember," Eclipse said quietly. He somehow sounded less like the child he was; his voice was lower and firmer. "It was really scary. All the - killing and - monsters - Yeah, I'll probably have nightmares for a month." He chuckled without humour. "But Princess Luna is gonna look after me. Maybe you, too." He shrugged off his mother's hoof and she let him step closer and sit down at a little distance to Darren. Wet streaks on his cheeks glistened in the light that shone through the window. "But there's nothing we can to about your past, I guess. So, you really used to be evil. But now you're good again? Right?"
Darren smiled sadly.
"I try."
Feather turned her head to exchange a look with White.
"Why are you so interested in helping us?" White asked. "Are you - are you trying to make up for what you did?"
Darren shook his head.
"I'll never make up for that," he stated matter-of-factly, wiping his nose. "I just... like you fellas," he admitted and spread his arms. "You..." He exhaled, only now noticing that he had held his breath. "You remind me of my family. The one I used to have. You're not them, obviously. But I still don't want to see you hurt by the Void. Or by that Sombra character."
White sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"I believe you," he said. "You said that you were a father..."
"Used to be," Darren corrected softly.
"Used to be a father," White amended. "We can see how well you treat our kids." He gave off a short chuckle. "How you literally rush to help - without hesitation - every time we call for you. You're doing your best, Darren, I gotta respect that. How can anypony expect more than someone doing their best? I want to trust you. And now that you've been so honest... I think I can do that." He walked towards Darren, stretching out a foreleg that was only trembling a little bit. "So. We good?"
Darren cleared his throat. He stood up and firmly shook the offered hoof.
"We're good," he rasped.
"Thank you for telling us." Eclipse leaned over and gave Darren a careful hug. From up close, his short black mane looked very unkempt.
As the child's head touched his chest, Darren tried to grasp what had just happened. The Whites looked shaken and intimidated by the memories he had dumped on them and yet they still wanted to be friends! Twilight and Luna had been right. The truth had not destroyed the bond he had with this family. It had cleared the air. Darren was so relieved that a sob escaped him. He put a shaking arm around Eclipse and managed to give him two awkward pats on the back. When Eclipse let go, he smiled at Darren.
"We're good," Eclipse said, determination replacing the uneasiness on his face. "And I'd love to have you as my teacher."
Peridot's chin touched the tablecloth. She groaned.
"I'm hungry," she complained. "What's taking them so looong?" Dragging out the word, she managed to sink even further into her chair without lifting her head from the table.
"Please," said Twilight in a hushed voice, "we're in a restaurant." Her ears went down, looking around if anypony was looking. But no one cared that the only child at their table was bored. The soft clinking of cutlery on porcelain and quiet conversation filled the dimly-lit room. Twilight felt for Peridot. It was hard to remain patient when the smell coming from the other tables was so delicious.
Relax, Twilight told herself. That talk should soon be over. I hope they are okay...
Feather had not said what the talk with Darren was supposed to be about. Probably a discussion whether or not they would accept him as Eclipse's teacher. Twilight forced herself not to stand up and pace around the room. Instead, she checked the menu card for the eighth time. Her ears twitched. She cast a look over to Jonathan. He gave her a small shrug.
"Should I check?" he offered.
"Where are the other ponies anyway?" Peridot went on. "I thought at least the nice pegasus would show up. It was fun to play with her... though we still didn't go to the lake."
"Fluttershy can't come, she needs to feed her critters. And Applejack is at the farm with her family," Twilight explained absent-mindedly. She closed the menu card and shoved it back into the slim wooden box in the middle of the table. She had half a mind to walk back to the castle when, to her relief, the restaurant door opened and Darren walked in, followed by Feather, White and Eclipse.
They all looked kind of mangled. Darren's eyes were slightly bloodshot, so were Eclipse's. White and Feather both took a deep breath and put up their friendliest smiles as they passed the threshold. They looked like ponies who had just done something exhausting and were glad to go on to more pleasant things. Oh dear, had the talk been that bad? When they saw Peridot waving at them, they quickly joined her at the table. Chair legs scraped across the wooden floor as everyone shuffled around to make room for the newcomers.
Peridot lifted her head.
"Finally!" she declared, throwing her forelegs into the air. "We're, like, starving."
"Sorry, everyone! It took a bit longer than we expected." White raised his eyebrows and floated the menu card over to himself and Feather. "But it was important. I promise we'll go to the lake tomorrow," he added with an apologetic look towards Peridot.
"How did it go? What was it even about? If you're okay with telling us," Twlight quickly amended when she saw Eclipse's face.
To her surprise, Darren answered.
"We talked about my past. Under the influence of the Scourge." He crossed his arms and leaned onto the table. "They know. Eclipse saw it when we fought."
"Ouhhh." Jonathan grimaced uncomfortably. "But -wait - you guys are still okay with," he wiggled his hand around between himself, the Whites and Darren, "the teaching thing?"
Feather nodded and White said, "We are." They both smiled. "Everypony makes mistakes," White went on, "some... some worse than others. How we treat creatures who made them defines who we are, doesn't it?" He hesitated. "Also - we're friends. And the way I understand it, Darren is good now. We've only seen him being good anyway." He almost winced at how bluntly he had put it.
"Thank you, by the way, for your statement, Princess," said Feather quickly. "The one you made in the news about the events at the Summer Sun Celebration. It put some things into perspective."
"Oh." Twilight was surprised about the sudden change of subject. "You're welcome. I just wanted to make sure that no one would confuse Princess Luna with Nightmare Moon anymore. After what happened at Nightmare Night it felt like the right thing to do." Getting a confused look from Darren, she explained, "Princess Luna visited the festivities but everypony thought she was still basically Nightmare Moon. There was absolute chaos. It all worked out in the end but I learned that ponies can't always tell the image of a pony apart from the pony themselves. And that the past isn't all that defines someone." Her eyes widened as she made the connection. "Ah, I see! Sure, right! You're very welcome."
Jonathan just gaped at Darren who could not suppress a grin.
"Must have been some talk," Jonathan said dryly.
"You could say that." Darren accepted the menu card that White was offering to him. "How large are the portions here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Too small. Order three things. Minimum." Jonathan smirked and leaned back. "Avoid the hay. There's burgers without. I love the Griffin's Choice but fish isn't everybody's thing."
The waiter came along as soon as he noticed that the group was complete. He looked down at them along his grey muzzle but apart from that he seemed rather polite. Everybody ordered, Jonathan and Darren decided to share a small barrel of cider, Eclipse and Peridot both wanted spaghetti.
When the waiter had disappeared back into the kitchen, Feather leaned forward.
"So, Jonathan," she said, "I heard that you have a shop?" Right. The Whites had invited Jonathan to get acquainted...
"Yep. I basically sell enchantments. You know, like spells that can be stored in scrolls and used later. Or magic mirrors, that kinda thing."
"We heard that you are from... Azeroth, too?" Feather asked.
Jonathan suddenly seemed unsure. He looked at Darren who just shrugged and nodded. Jonathan visibly relaxed. No more secrets, it seemed.
"Mh-hmm," he said, fiddling with his napkin. "Let's see... My dad was a merchant, we had a little trading post halfway between the Capital and Southshore - a frequented route," he added. When Feather still gave him his undivided attention, he continued. "I studied Doctrine in Lordaeron, uh, that's our religion's teachings of the Light. So my sister took over the trading post, our parents had died until then. I also learned Enchanting, obviously," he chuckled.
"And you used to be un-dead, too?" Eclipse piped up.
Twilight dropped her fork with a clang. She dove under the table to find it.
Peridot's shocked gaze darted from Eclipse to Jonathan to Darren. Feather put a hoof around her for reassurance.
Jonathan cleared his throat. "Er. Y-yes. I was." He raised an eyebrow, giving Eclipse a lopsided smile. "Guess you really are up to date."
"How did you and the Princess, er, Twilight, meet?" asked White while Twilight reappeared above tablecloth level with the fork in her magic field and a blush across her muzzle.
"On a zeppelin on the way to Northrend." Jonathan grinned as he recalled the memory. "Ah, yeah, there were pirates and sea-snakes. And it was freezing cold. Didn't me bother at the time, though."
"Cool!" Eclipse beamed. Darren grinned inwardly as he saw the excitement on the colt's face. Pirates in Equestria were probably less deadly and ruthless than the ones on Azeroth.
"Actually, they were really mean," said Twilight as if she had read Darren's thoughts. "But we made it to the shore. You see, Northrend is a cold continent, in fact a bit like the Empire. And Dalaran has got a magic barrier, too. It's the Mage's City there. Anyway, Jonathan helped me to get back home to Equestria. We've been friends ever since." They exchanged happy grins.
"And you fought pirates," Eclipse insisted.
"Yeah. We fought pirates." Jonathan smirked. He opened his mouth but closed it again when he noticed that the waiter was back with their drinks. He needed to walk twice because of the cider barrel.
When everyone had their drink, White lifted his glass.
"To new beginnings," he said.
"Hear, hear," said Jonathan.
"Cheers," said Twilight and Darren at the same time. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 22: Test Run | When Dinner was over, everyone went back to their places: Jonathan to his own home, Twilight and her guests back to the castle. Darren excused himself as soon as they left the restaurant - he needed to take care of something before going to bed.
Once he was sure that Twilight and the Whites were out of earshot, Darren went in the exact opposite direction. He strolled through the now quiet streets of town, watching a few remaining ponies walk home and a pegasus stallion light the street lanterns with a long candle. Ponyville had electricity - but not yet in every street.
Darren felt calmer than he had been for a long time. Having to hide his past deeds had always hung over him like a shadow. Now that he had gotten the chance to explain himself things would hopefully be different. The White family saw him in a new light. Funny enough, breaking down in front of them had been much less shameful than what the confession had been about. As their conversation over dinner had progressed, Darren had watched them, especially Eclipse, and observed with relief that they were still friendly and respectful - even more so than before. White, who had always been somewhat reserved towards Darren, was now downright cordial. Twilight and Jonathan exchanged a lot of jokes and by dessert everyone was relaxed and happy. Darren suspected that the cider had also helped him to unwind.
He still wanted to implement the safeguard as planned.
Darren followed the paved road until the cobblestones were replaced by a dirt road. He passed the last house and found himself on the edge of a surprisingly dark forest. A narrow path forked away from the main road and led to a little cottage with a green roof. Was it covered by grass? It seemed like it.
Now he was at a sufficient distance from town. He did not want any of the ponies to see what followed next.
Twilight had explained to him how to do it. Darren took a deep breath and called into the quiet evening.
"Levinia!"
He had not even closed his mouth again when the wind picked up. The fresh grass on the edge of the road swayed in the sudden gust. Dry leaves, maybe a remainder from the recent "Winter Wrap Up", tumbled past Darren. He looked around, waiting for his friend to appear.
There she was. A little blue wisp of light soundlessly popped up next to him and quickly expanded until the glowing, translucent ghost of a pretty pegasus mare floated before Darren. She had the same long mane and tail as always. They flowed in an invisible breeze just like the hair of Princess Luna. When she saw that Darren was alone and calmly standing there, she visibly relaxed.
"Darren! Hi! This is a surprise." Her happy voice echoed inside of his mind. Darren knew that ponies could not see her except on Hallow's Eve which was called Nightmare Night in Equestria. To an outsider, it probably looked as if he was talking to thin air. "Are you okay?" She floated a little closer, frowning at him. "Is anypony in trouble?"
Darren shook his head.
"Not as such," he said. "But if you have the time I'd like to ask a favour."
"I'm dead. How busy do you think I am?" Levinia grinned. "Go ahead, how can I help you?" She put her head on her folded forelegs, leaning forward as if an invisible table was supporting her weight.
"There's this little colt," said Darren, "his name's Eclipse. He's got special magical powers. I need someone to look after him and call me when he loses control over them."
"You sound different than before," Levinia observed.
"Yes, well, that's what I sound like when I'm not trying to talk like..." Darren searched for words.
"Somepony who doesn't come from anywhere? A snob? A death knight?" suggested Levinia, smirking.
"You get the idea. I've grown rather fond of the boy. And his parents agreed that Jonathan and I teach him how to control his magic." He rubbed his chin. "I should probably mention that I'm living in the Crystal Empire."
Levinia made a somersault backwards, flapping her wings in excitement. She spread her forelegs.
"I'll do it!" she exclaimed. "I've been looking after a lot of ponies while you were gone. You know, mostly in the city. I push them out of the way when they overlook a carriage, I support old ponies when they cross the street, stuff like that. But it's a little sad that nopony can see me. Sometimes they say, 'Oh, I must have had a guardian angel looking after me.' That's nice but they never know it's me. Not begging for attention, mind you. But being invisible can really suck sometimes." She lowered her voice as if she could be overheard. "I'm just glad that I can visit Mara Dust."
Darren raised a brow.
"Ah, you don't know her. She's a really nice pony in Ponyville, the only pony I know who can see spirits. We're friends," Levinia stated proudly. "And she helps when I want to visit my daughter, too. Sorry, I'm rambling! How are you doing? I haven't heard from you since we both left Azeroth."
"I only arrived a few weeks ago," Darren explained. "Something went wrong with the portal."
"Oh." Levinia gave him a sympathetic look. "Where did you exit the portal?"
"Crystal Empire."
"Aha, I get it. That's how you met Eclipse, huh?"
He nodded.
"Well, I'll be happy to help! Distance doesn't matter to me, you see. I found out that I can jump basically anywhere just by thinking! I call it the Ghost Step." She snickered. "I was in Manehattan when you called me. Oh, it's so good to talk to a friendly face! How old is Eclipse?" Levinia immediately switched the topic again.
"Something around eight years," Darren guessed.
Levinia's eyes narrowed. "Do his parents know what you're asking of me?"
"No. And I'd like to keep it that way, at least for a while. I just had a serious talk with them and we need to keep building some trust before I can break the news there's a ghost looking out for their kid."
"Ugh, fine. But only if you promise me you'll tell them in, let's say, ten days?" Levinia insisted.
"Very well, I promise."
Levinia slowly floated closer.
"I have a question," she said, suddenly looking shy.
"What is it?"
"Since I'm invisible to others... I know you're not the cozy type, being a death knight and all... but if it's okay... can I hug you?"
Darren snorted and wordlessly spread his arms. Levinia beamed and rushed towards him.
The hug felt weird, like holding something between wind and a cold dry pillow. Levinia did not breathe - she did not need to, obviously, and of course she did not have a heartbeat. The embrace did not last long; she pressed her hooves against his back, then she let go and floated backwards.
"Thanks," she muttered. "That felt good. I'm sorry if it was awkward for you."
Darren shook his head.
"It was fine," he assured her. "I don't mind."
"Okay, good," Levinia sighed happily. "So, how should we do it, me looking out for Eclipse?"
"He's most likely already in bed," Darren mused. "The easiest will be if I describe him to you. Join us in the Castle of Friendship tomorrow and you'll see him. He's a grey pegasus, with a black mane, no Cutie Mark, blue eyes. Not a Crystal Pony but a regular one."
"Alright. Sounds like a plan! Well, see you tomorrow, then! Bye!" Levinia grinned, gave Darren a friendly wave and disappeared into a breeze. One second later, he stood alone on the edge of a forest. No - a little blue light danced next to him, bobbing up and down. It swiftly rose into the sky and faded away.
The next morning came suddenly and without warning. Darren found himself all tangled up with his blanket, shivering from the cold sweat on his back and face. Vivid images of his latest nightmare still occupying his mind, he stalked to the small water basin in the corner of the room. The cold water from the faucet was like a shock that drove the memories away, replacing them with clearer thoughts. He dried himself with the fluffy towel provided by - supposedly - the castle staff and put his shirt and vest on. His hair was a mess, too. After combing it, he tied it into a tight bun instead of his usual ponytail.
When he put his second boot on, Darren heard children's voices from the corridor. The Whites were up.
"Oy! Get up, Shard." Sombra groaned at the curt command from his guard/stalker/parole officer and squeezed his eyes shut.
"Already?" he muttered. He felt as if he had only fallen asleep an hour ago or so.
"Dude, it's nine in the morning. We gotta get moving." Abs was already wide awake, in his thick cloak and with the glaive on his back, and looking at him. "Move your flank."
"Whatever." Sombra rolled off the bed rather than standing up properly. Somehow, he managed to put his hooves under his barrel and ran a hoof through his mane. He squinted his eyes; the faint light that shone through the window was already too much.
"Tartarus, you look like a mess. You alright?"
"Hardly slept," Sombra mumbled. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to forget the voices that had constantly disturbed his sleep. They had woven through his dreams, tinting everything in the colour of anguish and mistrust.
"Nightmares?"
A hesitant nod.
To Sombra's surprise, Abs frowned. Genuine concern showed on his face as he eyed Sombra with a tilted head.
"Figures, considering who you are," said Abs, unlocking the door. "Come on, let's go. Maybe we can find that garden again."
When Darren left his room the Whites had already gone downstairs. He followed the distant chatter and laughs down two stairwells and along a hallway. The refectory was a circular room just like the library and the throne room. Golden chandeliers and generous windows lit the large round table from above. Twilight, Spike, Starlight and the White family were busy putting bowls and cups onto the table. The smell of fresh warm bread made Darren's mouth water.
"Ready?" asked Abs in a whisper.
"Ready," replied Sombra.
Abs opened the creaky wooden door and slowly peeked around it. His ears were straight up as he squinted his eyes.
"Nothing. It's quiet." He slipped through the door and cantered to the next fruit-bearing bush. "Apples, yeah!" He picked several of the delicious fruit and stuffed them into a bag he had improvised out of his cloak.
Sombra used his magic to gather his own amount of apples and they both hurried back to the door, hoping their theft would remain undetected.
You're trapped, laughed the malicious voice in Sombra's head.
They froze and exchanged terrified looks when the ground shook again.
"Shit," said Abs. He pointed at the door, almost dropping his breakfast-to-be.
This time, the rumbling and splashing was much closer than yesterday. They had no time to run as the earth before them parted and rocks emerged from the gap. Flying around each other in a wild frenzy, they quickly assembled into a huge creature. The elemental had two bulky arms and a broad chest consisting entirely of rocks and stones. Its fiery eyes were fixed on Sombra who, in shock, had dropped the apples he had gathered.
"Not so fast, young master," the earth elemental rumbled. Small stones danced on the ground as it moved uncomfortably close to him. Next to the creature, a fountain sprouted from the ground. It turned into a wave that also had arms and something distantly resembling the idea of a face.
"You mussst try the bananas," the water creature said. It sounded like a waterfall - if waterfalls could talk.
Sombra and Abs simply stared at the otherwordly creatures.
"Wh-who are you?" Sombra dares to ask.
"The keepers of the garden."
"We tend the treesss..."
"Grow the fruit..."
"Serve the Shadow," they said in unison.
"Er," said Sombra. "What shadow?"
"The Order," said the water elemental. "The Knights of Ice and Cryssstal."
Abs dropped his fruit.
"Dayum," he whispered fearfully, all of his previous swagger evaporated.
"Do you always eat that much?" Peridot asked Darren as he took his tenth slice of bread along with a new refill of cereals.
Nodding, he downed the remainder of his coffee. Now that the kid mentioned it he realized he was the last one eating. Slightly embarrassed, Darren cleared his throat.
"It's not a problem," said Starlight jovially. "We've always got enough for unexpected guests. So, you are going to the lake today?"
"Yes," said Twilight. "We're going to meet up with a few friends." She smiled. "You can join us if you like."
Starlight waved it off. "Trixie and I are planning to spend the day together. You guys have fun." She stood up and carried her plate as well as some honey jars into the adjacent kitchen. "See ya!"
Spike also rose from his seat. "I'm gonna meet with a friend, too," he said. The little dragon gathered his dishes and followed Starlight into the kitchen, muttering something under his breath about dice and potions.
"I guess that just leaves us," said Twilight to Feather. "I already packed the picnic baskets and," she grinned and cast a spell which made three baskets, a large parasol and an inflated beach ball appear before her, "a few other things."
Next to her left ear, a blue wisp sprung into existence without anyone but Darren noticing. She floated over to Eclipse and circled him his head if asking Darren a question.
Darren gave her a tiny nod and refilled his coffee for the last time.
"Thanks for the offer," said Abs with surprising politeness, "but we need to go." He bowed, quickly gathered the dropped apples and shoved Sombra through the door, leaving two dumbfounded elementals behind.
"Uhhh... what was that?" demanded Sombra, taking the apples into his magic so Abs could canter faster.
Coward! You always run!
"The Knights of Ice and Crystal," said Abs, "are bad news. Castle must be theirs. But they've been gone for centuries - even way before your reign of terror."
Sombra felt heat rushing to his neck.
"I don't know much. Most of the info is classified," Abs went on. "The Knights were some dark order established to protect the Empire from outside threats. They disappeared without a trace. This place... looks like it's been frozen in time when the last knight left. Maybe it was an all-out attack. They were banished. But not here, obviously. Maybe somewhere out in the Frozen Wastelands. Can I have an apple?"
Sombra wordlessly gave Abs one apple, eating another one himself.
"I think we should ged the tartarush out of here," Abs munched. "This place is creeping me out, plus I don't wanna spend the rest of my life in a gigantic fortress with only a villain and two elementals as company. I do have a family, you know."
"Former villain," muttered Sombra, slightly aggravated. "But you're right. Let's go back to the Empire where you can keep watching me going to the shelter for food."
He was glad the ever-present voice did not comment on that.
Ponyville's lake was not much more than a glorified pond. Darren noticed that the water was especially clear, though. While Twilight and Feather spread the picnic blankets on a grassy hill, White took the beach ball and challenged his children to a game in the water. Levinia floated lazily in mid-air next to Darren, this time in her original pegasus form. It was perfect weather once again, to Darren's bewilderment, until he remembered that pegasi could influence wind currents and cloud patterns.
"Aw, this looks like so much fun," sighed Levinia. "I wish I could join them. I loved to play ball with my muffin. Uh, with Ditzy, my daughter."
Darren nodded absent-mindedly. He turned around when he heard muffled footsteps approaching from behind. Levinia gasped and quickly faded away to turn completely invisible.
"This carpet is heavy," Jonathan complained mockingly. "But when you test it I wanna get a ride, too." He grinned and dropped the carpet to the grass with a grunt. Since there was a slight decline, the cloth immediately unrolled until it lay flat before Darren.
"Granted," said Darren. "How does it work?"
Before Jonathan could answer, a leaf green pony with a short blue mane and tail ran towards them.
"Hey, guys!" called Arcus Tangens happily. "Sorry I'm late, I forgot until Maple reminded me you'd be here today." Panting heavily, he stretched out his freckled hoof and bumped it with Jonathan's fist, then with Darren's. "I brought snacks," he declared, pointing at the light blue saddlebags on his back. His gaze fell onto the carpet. "Uh, why is there a carpet on the grass? You run out of picnic blankets? Hi, Twilight."
"You'll see in a moment," said Darren ominously.
"This is great, the gang's finally back together," said Arcus. "The only ones missing are Vol'Shalai and Levinia, of course, but still." He eyed the blue carpet, his ear swiverling around when the bubbling laughter of Peridot and Eclipse carried across the lake, which was good because this way he missed the guilty expression on Darren's face.
Jonathan said, "Sit down and hold the rim, like so." He demonstrated it by sitting on the carpet with his legs folded beneath him like a pandaren monk. Grabbing the blue cloth, Jonathan looked at Darren. "Then you basically think where you wanna go and how fast." The carpet twitched a little, then it lifted itself from the ground and hovered a few inches above the grass.
"Cool!" Arcus grinned. "If I liked flying then I'd want a mount like that. It doesn't even make a mess like a bat or a wyvern."
Jonathan let the carpet set itself down on the grass and stood up.
"Wanna give it a try?" he asked.
So Darren sat on the carpet. He did not like the way Jonathan had sat; in fact, he found it rather uncomfortable. He settled for sitting on his feet instead. Grabbing the rim with both hands, Darren felt slightly ridiculous. This was not the same as riding an undead griffin. Or was it? Maybe it helped to imagine he was telling Bane to start running. Darren took a deep breath, pressed his knees together, and hoped for the best.
The carpet made a sudden jump, almost throwing Darren off. He bent forward, trying to concentrate better, and the carpet steadied itself at the height of Arcus's head.
"Here we go," Darren muttered, deciding to try something else. He tilted his beck bone forward as if commanding a horse to change paces and pressed his knees together a second time. As the carpet began to accelerate it also rose further up. He could only hear Arcus stutter from below, "Wait a second, did you see his eyes?" when his improvised mount already rushed across the lake, over Peridot's head and past a group of nearby trees. It was difficult to steer; Darren decided to modify the rim with two loops as soon as he was home; the edge of the carpet almost slipped from his grip when he urged it to turn around and fly back to Twilight, Jon and Arcus. He managed to decelerate in order to avoid a collision with Twilight and as soon as he let go of the rim, the carpet dropped the remaining distance onto the grass, turning into a limp blue decoration again.
"That was... something," Darren said, only now noticing how hard he was breathing. His heartbeat was racing, too, he could even feel it in his gut and neck. He laughed.
Arcus stared at him.
"Dude, you're - actually - wow..."
"Alive, yes," Darren helpfully provided the missing adjective. He eyed the carpet. "I wish to try again."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Twilight. She and Jonathan had decided to fly with Darren. Arcus, still uncomfortable with flying, planted his rump firmly on the grass and took out a camera he had brought from the office.
"Come on, it's gonna be fun," Jonathan assured her. He put a hand on Darren's shoulder and offered Twilight the other one. Reluctantly, she hooked her foreleg in and sighed. "For your sakes. Okay. I'm ready... I think," she squeaked.
Darren grabbed the rim of the carpet and made it rise. He noticed that the Whites had stopped playing to watch the flight. He took the carpet higher and steered towards the nearby forest, the same one he had seen the evening before.
"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear," he could head Twilight from behind.
"May I remind you," he shouted over the wind, "that you have wings, Twilight?" She only yelped when Darren took a sharp turn around a tall pine and headed back to the lake again. Behind him, Jonathan laughed excitedly.
"Ha, I'm getting the hang of this -" Darren cheered but as he tried to slow the carpet down he realized that he had underestimated its speed. They rushed past the lake and almost hit Arcus. Darren yanked the rim around, Twilight screamed and used her magic to push the earth pony aside; they descended a little; the carpet was now once again above the lake.
As Jonathan shouted, "No, no, no, higher!" a mysterious force shoved the astounded White out of the way and Darren tried to convince the carpet to slow down further. They almost touched the water, the wind creating ripples on the surface, and Darren suddenly cramped up. He shouted "Stop!" at the carpet - but of course that did not work. His breath accelerated and his hands began shaking so much he found himself unable to steer. Eventually, he simply let go of the rim and his mount dropped onto the lake with a thud.
Confused and disoriented by the unexpected panic attack, Darren blinked away the stars before his eyes. Twilight and Jonathan stumbled away from the carpet and almost slipped into the lake. For some reason, there had not been a splash yet.
"What," said Jonathan.
Twilight gasped, tapping Darren's shoulder and pointed downwards.
"Oh my goodness, Darren, look!"
They were on an ice floe. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 23: Spells and Specialization | An ice floe. How the hell did an ice floe spontaneously appear on a lake?
As Darren still tried to process the impossible, the thin ice melted and cracked ominously. Then it suddenly gave way and Twilight, Darren, Jonathan and carpet splashed into the lake.
Spluttering and snorting, they resurfaced and swam to the lakeside. Twilight dragged the now heavy carpet after her in her magic.
"Are you okay?" White's worried call carried over the lake while Arcus put down the camera and jumped into the water. The trained earth pony swiftly swam towards Twilight who was already in the shallow area. He took the carpet from her and with a wet slap the cloth became a messy heap on the grass.
"We're fine!" Twilight shouted over to White after a glance at her human friends. Everyone flopped down on solid ground and laughed.
"Whew," said Jonathan, wiping his face. "Can we go again?"
"No!" Twilight said sternly.
"Oh, come on, you can't tell me it wasn't fun," Jonathan insisted.
Twilight did not grace that with an answer. "Thanks," she told Arcus who nodded and shook himself like a dog, thankfully at a distance.
Darren inspected the carpet. It was soaking wet but otherwise undamaged so he unfolded the woven cloth to let it dry in the sun. He gave a wave to the Whites who waved back and joined the crash test drivers at the lakeside.
"Good thing it's not as cool as yesterday," said Jonathan, taking off his shirt and pullover. He shook them, quickly wrung them out and put them back on. Darren did the same with his shirt and vest. A gasp escaped Feather when she got a glimpse of the large scar across his chest.
"My stars," she muttered, her hoof covering her mouth in shock.
The children exchanged confused looks. Darren did not know what to say. How was he supposed to console her? Yes, I was stabbed to death but it wasn't permanent? He opted to sit down and take his boots off instead.
"I can cast a spell to dry -" began Twilight but Darren simply waved it off.
"Honey," said White cautiously, touching Feather's side, maybe as a warning or to soothe her.
Jonathan grimaced. As he also sat down to take his shoes off, he explained calmly, "That's how it was done." When he saw the anxious look Twilight gave him, he added, "Guess why I always wear turtlenecks." He tugged at the collar of his pullover and turned his head to show them the deep scar that ran across his neck. It had not been a clean cut. Feather blushed.
"You said that you - you used to be undead," she stammered, staring at Jonathan and Darren in turn. "I didn't think about how -"
"Don't worry," said Jonathan. "I've grown used to it. It is what it is. But what's the point of shocking ponies? That's why I hide the scar." He gave her a reassuring smile.
Darren grunted something of a confirmation and wrung his socks out.
"Okay," Feather said quietly. "Sorry." Raising her voice to a normal level, she continued, "Is anypony hungry?" Eclipse and Peridot cheered; White and Arcus silently raised their hooves.
"Oh-hohoh, this is precious!" Arcus showed the newly developed pictures from his polaroid camera around. Twilight and Jonathan snickered about their own expressions when Darren had tried to stop the carpet. Peridot had a laughing fit when she caught a glimpse of them over Twilight's shoulder. Darren took one of the pictures. It was a little blurry but their hilariously contorted faces, ranging from excited to panicked, made him chuckle, too.
"You know what, Darren," giggled Twilight, trying to get serious again, "How would you feel about an album?"
"What do you mean?" asked Darren, giving the picture back to Arcus.
"It's a book, with pictures of your friends and of places you've been," explained Twilight.
"Ah, like a journal." Darren thought of the little book that was stored in his bag at the castle. He rubbed his chin. "I don't see why not."
"Here," said Arcus, passing all of the pictures to him, "you can start with these. And I'm gonna take some more of everypony if you guys don't mind?"
"Not at all," said White. Twilight smiled widely. Eclipse grinned at his parents.
"Group shot!" he shouted, throwing his forelegs up and flapping his little wings. His mother stroked his mane and chuckled.
"Maybe a little later when the humans are dried up," said White with a smirk. "And please make sure to send us copies."
Arcus nodded, already fiddling with his camera again.
Something tugged at Darren's sleeve. He looked up and saw Eclipse's mother standing next to him. Feather took Darren aside and asked, "Do you want to use that carpet as a flying cart?"
A cart? She probably meant a flying mount for carrying goods. Darren had already seen a few of them flying above the city, pulled by pegasi. And Twilight had once told him that she owned a hot air balloon.
"Basically, yes. Why?"
"I just remembered something important. You'll - you will need a license. Every flying cart requires one. If you use the carpet like a cart you can use the same sort of license. It doesn't even cost that much. I can help you with that if you want. I work at the City Guard so I know how the forms work."
"That's kind," said Darren. "I didn't know."
Feather shook her head and winked at him. "It's the least I can do."
The sun was still high in the sky. Darren leaned back and enjoyed it for the first time after years of darkness and cold. The Crystal Empire was sunny but the forcefield did not let all of the radiation through - mainly the visible parts, it seemed. While Darren let the beams of sunlight warm him up inside and out, the Whites and Jonathan decided to play with the beach ball; this time on dry ground. As Arcus adjusted some settings of his camera and took a picture of the game, Twilight sat on the picnic blanket next to Darren. She lay down on her side, facing the lake, and sighed.
"This is so nice and relaxing," she said. "Coming here was a great idea. I could use the break."
"Thanks," said Darren. "I apologize for dropping you into the lake."
Twilight laughed, "It will help us remember today. But where do you think the ice came from?"
Darren huffed and sat up. He was almost dry again but the boots would take a bit longer. He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, staring at the lake. The sun drew glittering patterns on the blue surface. Eclipse squealed with delight when he missed the ball by inches. The shrill, happy, childish shout struck a chord in Darren. His sadness and happiness mixed into a weird sensation that was hard to describe. He had thought that he would be reminded of Lake Lordaeron much more but this picturesque pond turned out to be entirely different from the majestic and dark, well, inland sea. All of this, the trip, sitting with Twilight, watching the Whites playing - it felt right. And, he realized, even though he would not see his family again in this life, he still had the memories and his love for them.
"What was the question again?" he asked.
"The ice on the lake, where did it come from? Was it you?"
"It can't be, I'm not a death knight anymore."
"But who else could it have been? I didn't do it and White Alloy didn't do it," countered Twilight.
"Neither did I." Darren heard Levinia's voice in his head. He winced, having forgotten that she was still there. "I was busy helping White."
"Isn't it possible you can do magic without your sword?" suggested Twilight.
Darren shook his head.
"I tried," he said. "But I needed the blade in order to cast the spell against Eclipse."
"Did you only try dark magic or frost magic, too?"
Darren's eyes widened. He had not thought of that. Twilight was right - the moment in White's basement aside he had only attempted to cast dark spells. The frost magic of death knights was based on the curse that bound them to the Frozen Throne. But maybe, after all these years, could he have tapped into the arcane aspect of frost magic as well?
There was only one way to find out. And now was a good time for it as any, away from the city and close to Twilight and Jonathan. If anything went wrong they could help contain the magic. It would be safe. He stood up.
"I'm going to try something," he said. The grass caressed his bare feet as he walked a few steps away from Twilight. In order to make it work he probably needed to think "cold" thoughts. But here, with his friends and in the warm sun, he did not feel hateful or particularly sad or angry. Darren racked his brain to come up with an alternative.
The lake. That might work. He closed his eyes and imagined going into the water and diving to the bottom. Huge masses of water pressing down on him, blue light from above, no air to breathe... and, of course, the cold.
It did not feel like enough. He needed something freezing... the Frozen North? No, better yet: Northrend... the Storm Peaks or even Icecrown... snowstorms, the aurora, dark blue rocks, looming black spires... A biting wind that chilled him to the marrow of his bone. Armies of undead monsters crawling and limping through the barren, hostile environment... Darren used the imagery to make a hole in his heart, a hole that needed to draw energy from his surroundings to be filled again...it was so easy that it shocked him.
"It's working!" Twilight cheered, blissfully unaware of what went on in Darren's mind.
He opened his eyes. The air around him had picked up and currents of icy wind surrounded him. The humidity from the air had condensed into snowflakes that danced around Darren. As soon as he was distracted by his success, the tiny storm calmed down and the air warmed up again.
"That was amazing!" said Twilight. "And, funny, it didn't feel as scary as it used to." She wrinkled her nose. "Maybe because the dark magic is gone and it's just ice?"
"Possibly." Darren shrugged. "It was... It was easy. I will try other frost spells later. Thank you, Twilight." He smiled.
The alicorn beamed at him.
"You're welcome! Oh, this is exciting! Now you can do arcane magic, too! Just think of the possibilities!"
"Ice cubes in a drink?" Darren said dryly.
"I, er, I thought more along the line of things like shields, crossing water or ice traps or... or... well, okay, ice cubes in a drink." She blushed and laughed.
"I will limit it to frost spells," said Darren thoughtfully. "The other spells I know require energy from living creatures. That's out of the question."
"What do you mean?" asked Twilight nervously. "What kind of magic do Death Knights actually know?"
Darren sat down and put his socks, which were finally dry, back on. He cast a look over to the playing ponies to make sure they were still busy with their game. Reaching for his boots, he explained, "Essentially, death knights can master three kinds of spells: Frost, Blood and Unholy. We usually focus on one of the three branches at a time. Frost spells use the thermal energy of anything that surrounds us. We reduce the temperature from, say, the air, and use the energy for other spells or moving the developing ice as we see fit."
Twilight raised a hoof as if she was sitting in class. Darren snorted.
"Yes, Miss Sparkle?" he said, pretending to be serious.
"Why don't you just tap into the energy of the leylines, like arcane mages and unicorns do?"
"I don't know," Darren admitted. "I'm not a mage. I suppose it has something to do with the curse of Undeath... When one doesn't have a living body to serve as a conduit something else has to pay the price and provide the power?" But, on the other hand, there are undead mages, he thought. There must be another factor playing into it.
Twilight rubbed her muzzle, slowly nodding. Darren decided to move on.
"Blood spells draw life energy from close bodies. It can be used to heal the knight. It also draws... a lot of attention. The knights that want to distract opponents from their comrades mostly prefer Blood spells."
"I've seen you do it," said Twilight quietly. "When you, uh, when you fought that elf, with Arcus. You... well, he didn't look so good afterwards..."
Darren felt his cheeks turning warm. Of course Twilight had seen it, she was very observant. What else did she notice that he would have preferred her to forget and overlook?
"I had no choice," he said quickly. "We needed to get out of that city."
Twilight looked at Darren with sympathy.
"And I saw that you stopped at a certain point. Darren, I know you feel really bad for what you did as a death knight. But isn't it also important to learn as much as we can from what has happened? Yes, you did cruel things and I can't explain that away. But if we understand how the science behind it works then maybe we can take the parts that weren't bad and use them? Wouldn't it be great if something good comes from all of it?"
"A valid point," Darren muttered. He rubbed his eyes with one hand and sighed. "But to make one thing perfectly clear: I can tell you what I know but I will not do any experiments with Blood or Unholy magic."
The intensity with which he looked at Twilight eventually made her avert her gaze. She nodded meekly, biting back her disappointment of missing out on magic experiments. Her ears folded down but she said quietly, "I understand."
"Very well... Anyway, that was the Blood Magic. Unholy spells are basically the opposite of the Light. They damage souls or draw from the forces that binds all things together to... do all kinds of harm," Darren said vaguely. "In a way, they're similar to Void spells."
"Hey, Twilight, are there any cherries left?" Arcus called while he stored the camera in his saddlebags.
"Sorry, all eaten up," Twilight answered.
"I suppose it's time we went back to the castle," suggested Darren, partially relieved that Arcus had interrupted his explanation.
"Oh," said Twilight, looking disappointed. She cast a glance at the sun. Sighing, she relented and rolled up the first picnic blanket. "Alright. But I'd like to know more about your magic. This is a one-time chance to get to knowledge from a -" as she saw that Feather and Peridot came into earshot, she lowered her voice, "- death knight."
Darren frowned. He watched Jonathan and Arcus as the earth pony showed the human his newest pictures.
"I'll tell you more," he promised, "but not today. Let's agree on a date and I will call you via mirror, alright?"
Twilght nodded and rolled up the second blanket.
Sombra and Abs left the fortress much faster than they had entered it. They ran along the seemingly endless corridors and thanks to Abs memorizing most of the way they made it out pretty quickly. The snow hit them like a wall as soon as they crossed the magical barrier that hid and conserved the castle. Sombra envied Abs for his much warmer cloak. They stayed close to each other, trying their best to plough through the cold blanket that covered the black rocks. To Sombra's chagrin, much of the path he had carved had already been filled up with snow overnight. When Abs saw Sombra's frustration he silently walked ahead. With Abrasive's earth pony strength and Sombra's magic - he managed to cast the occasional melting spell - they reached the barrier within a day. Sombra did not care that the voice called him a coward; he had never felt so happy at the sight of the Empire's pink force field.
Darren spent the afternoon with Twilight and Arcus while Jonathan decided to show the Whites around Ponyville. To Darren's relief, Twilight was not angry because he had refused to contribute to her magical research. He would have expected her to at least try to convince him one more time. But no, she was content with taking Arcus and Darren on a walk in the direction of the Everfree Forest.
They talked about their adventures on Azeroth, about Arcus's newest assignment which was surveying a complicated area close to the Castle of Friendship for some large public building and about the weirdest customers Darren had met in Peppermint's shop. Arcus had a laughing fit when Darren described how he had spent ten minutes explaining to an elderly mare why the special non-fat vegan mineral water from Manehattan was unavailable because Peppermint was aware that the mineral water he got from a local spring already was non-fat, vegan and, as Darren had said with emphasis, crystal clear... Before they reached the edge of the woods, Twilight took a turn and led them to a small cottage, the very one Darren had seen when he had called for Levinia. She knocked at the door.
After a few seconds, the door opened and Fluttershy peeked out through her long pink mane.
"Oh, hello," she said in that soft voice of hers. "I was just packing the last scarf. Come in." She stepped aside. Twilight entered, hugged Fluttershy and sat down on a comfortable-looking green couch in what appeared to be Fluttershy's living room. All the birdhouses, mouseholes and small open cages made Darren think of a petting zoo or an aviary. Arcus and Darren greeted Fluttershy with the obligatory hoof bump and followed Twilight inside.
"What a nice place you've got," said Arcus.
Fluttershy blushed. "Thank you! Oh, do you want some tea?"
"Sure!" Twilight smiled and leaned back.
Darren looked around and found a large pillow that was apparently meant to serve as a chair. He carefully sat down on it. His knees were now at the height of his chest. He shifted his weight to prevent himself from tipping over. Arcus occupied the remaining seat. Fluttershy's house smelled like herbs, chamomile and nettles. A suitcase with wheels, already packed and ready, sat next to a flight of stairs.
"How are you feeling?" Twilight asked Flutershy.
"Oh, I'm very nervous," said Fluttershy matter-of-factly and with a smile. She gave everyone a small teacup and saucer each and served them fresh herbal tea. The smell of nettles amplified. Fluttershy seemed to love drinking herbal teas. "Please be careful, the tea is still hot," she said. "I mean, I've been to the Crystal Empire before but I don't know Darren very well." She winced and cast a look at Darren.
Arcus frowned a little as he took a tentative sip from his cup.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy, Darren and Jonathan will do their best to solve the friendship problem," said Twilight.
Fluttershy nodded and drank from their own tea.
"I look forward to getting to know you better," she kindly told Darren. Her ears folding down, she gave him a brave smile.
"Where will you sleep?" asked Darren.
"Oh, Jonathan and I will get a room at the castle," said Fluttershy.
"I'm jealous," said Twilight with a grin. "You're gonna get to see my niece. You've got to tell me how big she is when you come back! Flurry Heart is the cutest thing there is," she told Arcus and Darren. "I love her so much." Her face assumed a dreamy expression.
"I haven't seen her yet," said Darren. He emptied his cup and put the saucer down on the coffee table. "Isn't she the alicorn that broke the Crystal Heart? Flurry Heart is the talk of the Empire."
"Oh," said Fluttershy, taken aback. "What are they saying?" she asked, nervously trying not to stare at Darren's tattoo and look at his eyes instead.
"She has the admiration and love from the entire city," Darren summarized, making a point of giving her a warm smile to reassure her. If she had the same disposition as his daughter Darcy he would have to be careful not to offend her with blunt answers.
"Oh, good." Fluttershy heaved a sigh of relief. "I was afraid that ponies would remember her more for shattering the heart than for the Crystalling."
Twilight set her cup down and stood up.
"Thank you for the delicious tea, Fluttershy!" she said.
"You're welcome!" Fluttershy beamed. "Let me just wash the dishes, then I'm ready to go."
One hour later, Twilight and the little dragon Spike, Starlight, Arcus, Applejack and a blue pegasus with a rainbow-coloured mane - probably Twilight's friend Rainbow Dash - waved at the train that swiftly rolled out of Ponyville's one-track train station. Fluttershy, Jonathan and Darren shared one compartment, the Whites the next one. As Fluttershy eyed the sword that hung next to Darren's newly enchanted carpet, Jonathan assumed his favourite sitting position and put his hands into each other.
"If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna take a break and meditate a bit," he said.
"Sure, no problem at all," said Fluttershy. "I've never seen you meditate before," she muttered curiously.
"Yeah, I usually do it at home or someplace quiet," Jonathan explained. "I pray every day but with everything going on today I didn't get the chance for a proper quiet time yet."
She nodded and Jonathan closed his eyes. He immediately relaxed as a faint golden light glimmered around his hands and the top of his head.
Darren's face fell as he remembered that he could not call for the Light's presence anymore. He quickly looked out the window to distract himself. Fluttershy said nothing until the train arrived in Canterlot.
There was a one-hour time gap between their arrival and scheduled departure from Canterlot so Jonathan suggested to visit the bookstore. Getting a confused look from Darren, he explained that most train stations in Equestria had a small cafe, a restaurant, toilets and a bookstore. Darren had to admit that books made waiting far more pleasurable than just standing at a track, reading the departure table for the umpteenth time and watching pigeons shit all over the place.
He still had trouble with the Equestrian language in its written form. The translation spell worked better with the spoken word and it did not help that the ponies used several kinds of fonts depending on the circumstances. If he had not learned a few letters by making a map with Arcus he would have had much more difficulty reading. Trying to decipher the titles on the books displayed, Darren told Jonathan, "I've borrowed some books from Twilight's castle."
Feather and the foals had disappeared in the direction of children's literature while White Alloy stood nearby, trying to decide between two books about the royal treasury of Canterlot.
"Hm, good idea," said Jonathan. "That spell of Twilight's gonna wear off eventually. You better practice reading and get to know the language while it's easy." Jonathan took a travel magazine and browsed through it, then put it back on the table. "What do you like to read about anyway?"
"Science and History," said Darren instantly.
"Art? Fiction?"
"Not really. With a few exceptions."
"Huh." Jonathan grinned. "Hey, I found something you'll like." He gave Darren a book that was bound into dark blue cloth.
Darren opened it. The pages were empty. It took him a second to understand. It was an album.
"Thank you," he said. "I do like it."
"I'm gonna take one, too," said Jonathan. "I have an idea." |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Forgotten Mother | They were many. They were one in purpose and desire. And old, so old that they recalled the rise and fall of the Shadow Empire.
It had been an eternity ago. For two thousand years, they had waited - imprisoned, confined, forgotten.
They had tried to escape, to rattle at the bars... it had taken a thousand years but they finally found out how to do it. Only one of them would be able to make it out. They had twisted him, transformed him, disguised into the shell of their former selves. It had been fragile, as fragile as a pony, but it had to do. They had cast their descendant out into the ice.
Unaware of his heritage, the scout had been found by the Empire. They had taken him in, raised him as one of their own, an orphan of the ice. They had taken him to it, and it had revealed his power to him. Terrified by his own self, he had come to them for guidance. They told him to take it, to bring it to them. They would shatter it and they would escape and reclaim their fortress.
And then it all went wrong.
The scout got caught, right in the act of stealing it. Inexperienced and weak as he was in his pony form, he was defeated by the Princesses of Day and Night. They banished him and encased his soul in the eternal ice. But it got even worse. The curse that banished the scout backfired and he took the entire Empire with him. A whole city, its land and its inhabitants, disappeared from the map for a millenium.
Thus, they had to wait for another thousand years.
They never would have thought that their scout would be such a failure. He managed to be defeated not once, but twice, and the second time was even more shameful. The shattered horn was all that had been left of King Sombra.
There was only one thing left to do. They had to make another one. So they cast out another. Again, the foal was found by the Empire. And again, it revealed his power.
Then, something happened that they had not even considered possible.
The scout returned to them. He was alive. But he was weak, useless, nothing in comparison with the new one: He was trash. They dismissed him; he was of no consequence, he did not even have a spark of their power inside of him anymore.
The new one would make their plan work. He would come to them, he would steal the Crystal Heart and he would free all of the Umbrum.
They were many but they could wait. What were a few years compared to two millenia? |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 24: Lesson One | On the second train, Jonathan and Fluttershy helped Darren to sort the pictures from Arcus. Jonathan had brought along a few more from his own collection: A photo of Twilight's castle at sundown, one of Twilight at a party and a third one that showed Arcus and his wife talking to Jonathan in front of a new house. He explained that the picture had been taken on the day his shop had opened for the first time. Arcus's wife was an exceptionally pretty mare. The Arcus on the picture had his foreleg around her shoulder and a happy grin on his face. They had just given Jonathan a potted plant which he was holding under one arm - a housewarming gift.
Fluttershy giggled a little when she saw the pictures from the carpet flight. Jonathan had bought a small tube of glue at the bookstore - they had offered an assortment of drawing and crafting supplies - and he arranged the pictures in the correct chronological order. As a finishing touch and because Jonathan insisted on it, Darren wrote his name in both Equestrian and Common on the first page.
Closing the album and storing it in his bag, Darren thanked them but declared, "No more reminiscing for today, though."
Fluttershy looked at him and said nothing.
Sombra wanted to enter the city in a very roundabout way to avoid the main streets but Abs would have nothing of it. He glared at the unicorn and gestured towards his cloak. Groaning, Sombra obeyed and took his hood down. Nodding and with his glaive at the ready, Abs went alongside him, thus making clear to everyone that Sombra was in his custody. They went through the entire city in this manner, drawing way more attention than Sombra liked. Abs ignored the looks and whispers like a pro, never urging Sombra to walk faster. But he did not need to ask anyway. At the shelter, Abs shouldered his weapon and smiled wryly.
"Well, see ya tomorrow, pal," he said.
"Huh? You're just leaving me alone now?" Sombra brightened up at the thought.
Yes, abandon all this baggage. You're weak and don't deserve any friends. Sombra had not known that you could hear somepony's sneer just in their voice. His shoulders slumped forward. The voice had caught him secretly wanting Abs to stay around. He felt discouraged.
"Ha! Course not." Abs jerked his head in the direction of a pony Sombra had not noticed before. It was another Crystal Earth Pony like Abs. He raised is hoof in greeting. The setting sun reflected on the sword hilt at his side.
Sombra rolled his eyes and entered the shelter. The new pony caught up with them. Abs gave Sombra a rough pat on the shoulder, nodded at the new guard and left without another word.
"So, what's your name?" Sombra asked without any enthusiasm whatsoever.
The guard looked at him and said nothing.
"We need to make a plan," said Jonathan. He and Fluttershy sat on Darren's bedspread in his tiny hotel room. Jonathan opened his bag and showed Darren the book he had bought the day before. It was the same kind of album as Darren's, except this one was bound in bright red cloth. "For Eclipse," he said.
Darren sat down on his chair. "Please explain."
"Eclipse is a kid, we can't teach him like we would an adult. If we told him to sit on some stone slab and meditate for two hours straight he'd be gone faster than Fluttershy can say, 'boring'. So I thought, 'why not do this like in primary school?' He is that age, isn't he?"
Darren nodded slowly. "You want him to write about his own progress and make notes," he said. "That might work. If he gets to draw pictures, too." He smirked. "It works almost always."
"That sounds lovely," said Fluttershy gently.
"Er, I guess so." Jonathan grimaced. "Well, how do you want to start? Do you want me to teach, too? Should we take turns?"
"That would be best," said Darren. "You should still join us right from the beginning. When we get to the first practical lessons I will need your help." He glanced at Fluttershy. "But it will be taxing to watch."
Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Will it hurt Eclipse?"
"If we do everything right, then no," said Darren.
"But he might hurt ponies that are too close," Jonathan said uncomfortably. "Flutters, I'm not sure you should be in the same room when we teach him. Would it be okay if you... won't join us and play with Peridot instead?"
"I..." Fluttershy's ears went down. "Maybe - No. I don't want to leave you alone," she pressed out. "If anything bad happens you might need somepony to help. Please don't ask me to go."
"It's your choice," said Jonathan.
Fluttershy nodded. "I'll be there," she said.
"So, uh, I suggest we first do the parts I can help with since I can't stay much longer than a week." Jonathan dived into his bag again and produced a piece of parchment and a quill. "I can put up a forcefield, that's good 'cause I guess Eclipse won't have any conscious control yet." He made a note on the parchment.
"You can teach him to find balance between the Light and the Void," said Darren, gesturing towards the sheet.
"Right. Meditation." Another note. "Do you think you can teach him that lightning thing? You know, modify it into a spell to focus his magic for moving stuff around?"
"A way to vent off excess energy?" Darren asked for clarification.
Jonathan nodded.
"Hm. Yes. I can do that."
Making a note, Jonathan leaned his head onto his hand.
"How often do you think we can give him lessons? Once a day? Two hours?"
"That seems like a lot. He's just a colt," said Fluttershy. "Why not just let him take the time he needs?"
"That would be preferable but we have to speed things along," said Darren. "Eclipse's magic is extremely dangerous. We can't let nature take its course as much as we'd want to."
"And sadly we can't block it, either. I heard the royal family did something like that with their kid." Jonathan sighed. "Would have made everything much easier. Buuut not with Void magic. Figures."
"Then I want to be there all the more," said Fluttershy, this time more firmly. "You will be busy teaching but I can calm him down when he gets upset, I promise."
"Actually, that is a good idea," said Darren.
Eclipse was upset. He did not understand his Math homework. He had tried to solve it with division but had failed spectacularly. The numbers had grown into long-tailed monsters he could not tame. He bumped his head onto the desk.
"I. Don't. Get it," he groaned. What a pity Peridot could not help him; she was at her best friend's home. He dropped the pencil onto his desk and slid off the chair. His head felt funny, like a balloon was swelling inside it. And his back hurt. He wanted to play outside.
"Eclipse?" A knock at the door. Eclipse quickly sat on his chair again, pretending he had been there all the time.
"Yes, Mom?" he asked innocently.
"Please come down, honey, Darren and his friends are here!" His mother's voice came through the door.
"Okay!" Eclipse grinned and ran to the door. His pencil fell off the desk. He bolted down the stairs, and skipped the last four steps. Feather had just opened the door for Darren, Jonathan and what-was-her-name-again-Fluttershy. Eclipse noticed the hilt of Darren's sword peeking over his shoulder.
"Hi!" he panted.
"Hi, Eclipse! Ready for some magic?" Jonathan asked with a grin.
"Yeah!" Eclipse beamed, making a giddy jump and flapping his wings.
Feather leaned closer to Darren.
"I thought it was dangerous," she whispered.
"Very," muttered Darren, keeping his eyes on the colt. "But the less afraid he is the less risky it will be."
Feather's mouth formed into a silent, "Oh."
"Where can we go?" asked Fluttershy kindly.
"We made some room in the basement," said Feather. "Follow me, please."
She led them through the kitchen, downstairs and took a turn. There was a door that opened into a second room that Eclipse found boring. The room was almost empty. Two large barrels and a few wooden crates were everything that was stored in here. And it always smelled a little funny.
"This is where we keep the potatoes and some vegetables," Feather explained. "Sometimes when it rains the water comes in through the walls. That's why we can't put anything else in here. Watch your step." Directly behind the door, two stone steps led down to the storage room. Little windows directly below the ceiling provided a dim light.
"I'll go get some light. Would you like something to drink?" Feather asked.
"Oh, yes, please, maybe some water?" said Fluttershy.
"Coming right up. Or down in this case." Feather grinned and left.
"It always smells funny in here," Eclipse complained, wrinkling his nose.
Darren put his sword and a bag down on one of the barrels. Then he set a smaller wooden box on the ground and sat on it.
"It will do," he said, "it's big enough for all of us. And when we get hungry we can eat potatoes." He winked at Eclipse.
Jonathan sat on another box. Eclipse flapped his wings and flopped down next to Darren.
"Okay, I'm ready!" he declared. "What do I do?"
"First, you get this." Darren opened his bag and gave Eclipse a red book and a pencil. Eclipse opened the book but it was empty. A notebook. "Don't worry," said Darren when he saw Eclipse's face, "there won't be a test. You can use this as little or as much as you want. But all the things you do want to write or draw can go in here."
Eclipse nodded. "Okay. Thanks!" He eyed the pencil. It was new and sharp.
"So, Eclipse, why do you want to gain control over Void Magic?" asked Darren.
"Uh..." Was that a trick question? "Because it's safe? Because I don't wanna hurt anypony. I dunno why else..."
"No, that's a good reason," said Darren. "When we train you we'll make sure no one can get hurt."
"You couldn't stop me last time," said Eclipse sceptically, eyeing the sword. "I hurt you really badly, in your head."
"That why Jon and Fluttershy are here, too," said Darren. "You see, when I made friends with Twilight she taught me something I'd forgotten. Your family and friends can be your strength. I can't counter enough of your magic anymore - but Jonathan can. And once you have enough control over your own powers he can go home and we'll keep training. Sound like a plan?"
That sounded reasonable. Eclipse nodded.
The door opened and Feather came in with a glass of water and a glowing crystal. She gave Fluttershy the water and put the crystal on the second barrel. Now the room was much brighter. With a friendly wave, she said, "I'll be in the kitchen."
"Okay. And Fluttershy?" Eclipse asked, turning to Darren again. "What does she do?"
"She's my friend," said Jonathan. "She's just gonna sit with us for a bit. Is that okay?"
"Fine, okay." Whatever. Fluttershy seemed like a nice lady. She didn't look like somepony who would laugh if he made a mistake.
"Before we can teach you how to control shadow magic you need to know what it is first," said Darren.
That sounded like the lesson was beginning. Eclipse quickly opened the notebook and readied his pencil. He wrote, Shadow Magic and underlined it for good measure.
He thought that Darren would keep talking but the human said, "Jonathan?" and Jonathan took over.
"Shadow magic is one of the two most powerful and primal forces in the world," he said. "Before the universe was formed, there was only one thing, and that's the Light. The Light was not as strong in every place and that's how the Void came into being. They're like two sides of the same thing. Like on a scale."
Eclipse quickly drew two circles. He wrote Light into one and Void into the other. "Is the Light good and the Void bad?" he asked.
"Ah," chuckled Jonathan. "Good question. No, not really. They just... they just are. It depends on how you use them. If you wield the Light it doesn't make you a... prince and if you draw power from the Void you're not necessarily a bad pony. But, to be fair, the Void is more chaotic."
"Oh, good," sighed Eclipse. "My Dad said something similar but I thought he was just trying to make me feel better."
"Your Dad is right. Look." Jonathan raised his hands and frowned. He looked like he was concentrating really hard. Around his right hand there was suddenly a golden, friendly glow. But the other hand held a swirling ball of purple and black haze that looked so dark that it seemed to suck the light right out of the room. Eclipse's jaw dropped. Jonathan was holding Light and Void at the same time!
"Two sides of the same thing," said Jonathan. He lowered his hands and the Light and Void spheres faded away. "I probably can't teach you to wield the Light in such a short time but that's okay. You're born with shadow magic. It means you're a natural and can find a balance if you have faith; you gotta trust in yourself and trust in the balance."
Eclipse drew two arrows between the Light and Void in his notebook and wrote, Balance.
"Your mother helped you to find balance," said Darren. "What did she say that made you want to calm down?"
That was difficult. Everything had happened so fast that Eclipse was not sure what exactly Mom had said. He rubbed his muzzle and thought about it.
"I dunno. She said she loves me and that I can do it. Oh, oh, she called me a guard!" he suddenly remembered. "I think that was it. I've always wanted to be a guard!" He clapped his hooves together. "I still want to. I even have my own shield!"
"Then remember that," said Darren. "When you feel the magic coming, you need to think of your mind making a shield around yourself. And keep the shadow around you. Don't let it get away from your grip. Then, you take it back into you."
"Oh, okay. Er... I don't know how to do that."
"You know how the Barrier protects the Empire? The big pink sphere?" asked Jonathan.
"Yeah..?"
"Pretend that there's a small bubble just like that around you that separates your magic from everyone around you."
"Uh, I'll try." Eclipse quickly turned a page and wrote, Shield. He huffed. "I don't have a pink pencil."
"That's alright, you can draw a proper picture later." Jonathan grinned. "I think that's enough theory for today. Let's do something practical. An exercise to keep calm."
He stood up and sat on the ground, folding his legs like Eclipse had seen him do it on the train.
Darren slowly stood up, too. He suddenly looked a little sad. Darren sighed and said, "I will join you." Then he sat down next to Jonathan but he did not fold his legs. He just sat on his feet. Even Fluttershy sat on her haunches, getting a surprised look from Jonathan and Darren.
"I know it from my friend Treehugger," said Fluttershy with a smile.
"Do you want me to sit like that too?" asked Eclipse, slightly confused.
"Only if you want to. Try to sit comfortably," said Darren.
Eclipse stayed on the box but he sat on his haunches like Fluttershy. He put the book and pencil away.
"Okay! Ready!"
"We'll just sit here for a bit," said Jonathan. "When you notice that you think about a lot of stuff you can count your breaths, from one to ten, or think 'in' when you breathe in and 'out' when you breathe out. Just feel how the air goes in and out of your lungs. And try to - to feel the love between yourself and your family while you breathe. We won't sit for long, just a few minutes. Okay?"
"Um... Okay." Eclipse wiggled his butt around until he felt completely comfortable. When he saw that everyone else closed their eyes, he decided to do that, too.
No more voices could be heard through the floor. Growing worried, Feather went into the basement and carefully opened the door to the storage room. Everyone was sitting there, with their eyes closed, and breathing slowly. The air around Jonathan was glowing a little. The others appeared to be normal. It was unusual to see her son sitting there so calmly. But it seemed to be alright. Feather quietly closed the door again.
"Eclipse?" That was Jonathan's voice.
"Yes?"
"You can open your eyes again."
He opened his eyes and blinked a few times. Everything looked brighter than before. Jonathan and Darren were once again sitting on the boxes.
"How did you feel?" asked Jonathan.
"It was a bit hard at first, to do nothing. And I thought of a lotta things. But then I counted and I just breathed and thought of Mom and Dad. I feel kinda good, a bit like after a nap but without the nap. What the hay was that?"
"Meditation," said Jonathan. "We're gonna do that every lesson. And it would be good if you try and meditate for five or ten minutes on your own, every day. In the morning or the evening, whatever works best for you. Can you tell your Mom to remind you?"
"Sure." Eclipse quickly jumped up and opened his notebook to write, Meditation 5-10 Min. He circled the note twice so he would not forget.
"So, what's next? Or are we done?" Eclipse asked.
"Do you want to learn more today or next time?" asked Darren. "Time is already up."
"Aw, come on, I wanna learn more. Please?"
Jonathan and Darren exchanged a look. Darren nodded.
"Alright," said Darren. "One more thing. We'll try to call for the Void. Just a bit of it so you can get used to using it."
Already? Eclipse winced and muttered, "Right..." What had he agreed to? He did not feel ready.
Darren smiled at him and touched his hoof for a second.
"We'll protect everyone. You'll be safe, nothing bad is going to happen," he said, standing up.
"Well, okay. I'll try." Eclipse sighed. "Let's do this!" he said with a courage he did not really feel.
Jonathan went over to Fluttershy who emptied her glass with quick gulps. Then, he knelt down and put his hands on her head. Jonathan muttered something but it was so quiet that only Fluttershy could hear it. She smiled and closed her eyes as if she liked what he said. His hands glowed and Fluttershy's smile grew even wider. Then, a faint Light bubble expanded around Jonathan's hands until it was big enough for Fluttershy to sit in. It looked like a soap bubble, only it was not rainbow colored but golden. Fluttershy nodded and seemed very happy and calm.
Jonathan stepped away from her and asked, "What did you feel when the shadow came out?"
That one was easy.
"I was scared," answered Eclipse. "Really scared. And I wanted to hurt... somepony. Anypony."
"Okay, this is gonna be a bit hard but try to remember that feeling just for a moment. And then make the shield in your mind. You take the shadow back into you. Remember the love and the breathing, okay? Shadow - shield - take it back," Jonathan said.
"Shadow, shield, take it back," repeated Eclipse nervously, standing up.
Darren took his sword out of the scabbard and held it in front of himself with both hands. But he did not point it at Eclipse. And he gave him an encouraging smile.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Eclipse nodded. He tried his best to remember how he had felt when the baby Princess's scary cry had surprised him. He already felt bad just thinking about it... and how he had floated in the room and looked like King Sombra... and it had hurt and he had been so angry...
"Okay, keep going but look at your hooves for a second," said Jonathan. Eclipse lowered his gaze and noticed that dark smoke rose from his hooves and began to circle around him. Startled, he gasped and felt genuine panic rising up. His heart beat so fast and hard that he could feel it in his throat.
"It's alright," said Fluttershy in a soothing voice. "We're not getting hurt. We're okay." And really, she looked happy and relaxed. With interest and a bit of a sympathetic look on her face, she sat in her Light bubble and watched Eclipse and Jonathan.
Jonathan looked a bit strained but he was still smiling. Eclipse noticed that he was now also inside a Light sphere.
"Shield," said Jonathan urgently. "Remember the shield! And count your breath!" He kept his hands up and muttered something. The bubble's light grew a little stronger.
Still feeling afraid, Eclipse risked a look in Darren's direction. His blade was glowing in a cold blue. It soaked up some of the smoke magic that came from his hooves. Darren looked okay, too. He was not smiling anymore but he did not seem scared, either.
"Take it back," Jonathan reminded Eclipse.
Right. They were okay. Now he had to take the shadow back. Eclipse counted his breaths and thought of the shield. He pictured a big pink bubble around himself that separated his dark shadow from everyone else in the room. At first, nothing changed. He breathed heavily, he wanted to stop, he wanted to run away or hurt somepony - No, he thought. I don't want to. I have a shield. I breathe in, I breathe out! I breathe in, I breathe out! I breathe in...
In, out. The smoke was still there but it stayed with him. Darren lowered his sword.
In, out. Eclipse felt slightly better. My brave little guard. That's what Mom had said. She trusted him.
In, out. Everyone was still okay.
In, out. The smoke faded away and Eclipse suddenly felt very tired.
In, out.
"Well done!" Jonathan beamed at him. He dropped his hands and the Light spheres around him and Fluttershy disappeared.
In, out.
Darren put his sword away and smiled, too.
In, out.
"Eclipse," said Darren. "You can stop counting. It's over."
"Oh. Right." Eclipse laughed nervously. "Sorry." He stretched his legs. He had not even noticed that he had stood stock-still.
"Very good! You did it," said Darren and he sounded genuinely happy.
"I did it. I... I did it!" Eclipse could hardly believe it. He had done it all by himself, he had called the shadow and put it away again! "I did it!" He jumped on the spot, overjoyed, and hugged Darren. "Thank you! Thank you!" Suddenly feeling dizzy, Eclipse stepped away from Darren and steadied himself at the barrel. The corners of the room turned grey, how weird...
"Whoa, whoa, you better sit down for a bit," said Jonathan and he and Fluttershy sprang to his side. Eclipse sat on his haunches and the greyness went away.
"I feel... tired," he said, yawning.
"I'll get Feather," said Darren.
Eclipse put his head on his forelegs and peacefully closed his eyes. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 25: Lightning | Sombra walks through a dark tunnel. There is no one else there; he is all alone. The rhythmic hammering of pickaxes on rock reverberates through the mine. He smiles darkly. He is close, so very close to freeing the Umbrum... something shifts and the tunnel disappears... He is weightless. He is without form. His mind, dark and powerful, is embedded in the swirling currents of space, twisting them, shaping them. He yearns to spread his might, to force anguish on all living things. He must break through, he must tear, the Light shall perish, he is -
Somepony gave off a loud snort. Sombra was immediately wide awake. His eyes snapped open and he almost fell off the plank bed.
He groaned and staggered to his feet. This was pointless. He could hardly sleep and once he managed to doze off he had those - You are weak! - nightmares. And they kept mixing up with other nightmares that made no damn sense. What time was it anyway? There was no way to tell in this place. He had to get out of here, this smelled like an orphanage for the old...
Sombra folded the blanket, donned his cloak and snuck through the dark hall, trying not to step on anypony who had not been given a plank bed. The snores and sniffs of approximately fifty homeless ponies filled the room. Every now and then, someone would groan or talk in their sleep. He was hungry. Maybe they had already put out the bread and soup in the chapel three blocks down the alley.
Leaving the hall, Sombra took a right and followed the bland corridor. The red glow of an early morning sun shone through the windows, tinting the opposite wall in a warm light and drawing abstract patterns. It was very quiet, his hoofsteps the only thing that could be heard.
As he left the buiding and stepped into the crisp air, the gruff guard from the day before was not there anymore. Instead, Sombra found Abrasive Paper waiting for him. The earth pony had left his thick cloak at home. His glaive leaned against a shoulder-high wall with the words Compassionate Heart Centre on it in large brass letters.
"Ready to catch some worms, early bird?"
Sombra just grunted and changed direction. Abs grabbed his weapon and swiftly joined Sombra's side.
"There's soup at the -"
"Chapel, I know." Sombra huffed. "Why do you keep following me around?"
"Orders," said Abs, stifling a yawn.
"No. I mean, why you specifically?"
"Once you figure it out I won't have to anymore," Abs replied cryptically. He smiled when Sombra just stared at him in confusion.
When Darren left the entrance hall of the Valiant Prince, a pleasant surprise was waiting for him.
"Good morning, Fluttershy," he said.
"Good morning," the pegasus said gently. She graced Darren with a warm smile. "How did you sleep?"
"I slept well," he lied, "thank you. You, too, I hope?"
"M-hm." Fluttershy nodded with the smile still in her eyes. They both turned to walk in the direction of the Market Box. "It's lovely weather today," said Fluttershy after half a minute of silence.
Darren chuckled. "Yes. But you came here for something, didn't you. Jonathan told me your plans for today and I happen to know that the jousting grounds are in the opposite direction."
Fluttershy stopped dead in her tracks and blushed. "Uh, well, I, I... yes," she stammered.
"Are you alright?" Darren asked, worried he had been too straightforward.
Fluttershy nodded, her pink mane bouncing along with the movement.
"I'm fine, no, I came here because I wanted to see if you were okay."
"Me?' Darren said, raising his brows in surprise and resumed walking. "Why?"
"Well, I just thought that... you seemed to be upset about something," Fluttershy said hesitantly. She flapped her wings once to catch up to him. "Maybe I can help?"
"I'm not sure what you mean," said Darren. He suppressed a sigh, glad that she did not know about his pile of regrets.
"You - you looked so sad before we meditated yesterday. I'm sorry if I'm prying, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"You're very observant." Darren sighed. "I miss the Light. I could wield it once. Years ago. Meditation is still good for the soul but it's... not the same."
"Oh," Fluttershy muttered. "Were you a priest?"
Darren shook his head. "Paladin. Do you know what that is?"
To his surprise, Fluttershy nodded. "Warriors of the Holy Light," she said, maybe quoting a term she had heard from Jonathan. "When Twilight came home after her adventure she was so sad that they lost you. I helped to distribute the 'Missing' posters across Equestria. And we talked a lot... about all of it. She was worried something awful might have happened to you. Jonathan said, 'He'll be fine' but you know Twilight." She smiled apologetically. "She just got more worried than she was already. She said that ponies might be scared of you and hurt your feelings..." Fluttershy halted again. "I - uh, I asked her why... and so she told me. If I hadn't known Jonathan by then, I would have been really scared just by thinking about death knights."
Darren's eyes widened in shock as Fluttershy explained, "Twilight has this book about the history of Azeroth. She got it as a Hearth's Warming gift from Jonathan, with personal annotations and everything. I borrowed it a while ago and I, well, I skipped the gory parts but I read the entire chapter about Kel'Thuzad and the Scourge." Fluttershy proudly raised her head. Her shoulders sagged forward when she saw Darren's dark frown. "Anyway, that's... why I know what paladins and death knights are," she finished meekly.
He just gaped at her, dumbfounded. He never would have expected that Fluttershy, the timid one, would have had the heart - or the possibility, for that matter - to read a book about the Scourge. According to the stories that Twilight had told him Fluttershy was kind but she usually avoided conflict and dark subjects, she was easily scared and preferred the company of animals over that of other ponies. Apparently, there was more to that pegasus than met the eye and Darren chided himself for being prejudiced against her.
"You must have felt terrible back then," Fluttershy empathically offered Darren the understatement of the year.
He cleared his throat.
"Er. Yes. I did."
Fluttershy's ears splayed back and she bit her lower lip, suddenly unsure again.
"I'm sorry. I guess it's not my place to say. It's just that you're the second human I've ever met and I wanted to know more about your kind. I thought you might feel lonely."
Darren smiled.
"You're very kind, Fluttershy. But there's no need to worry about me. I have friends here." His smile grew wider and he shook his head in fascination. "You're so much like my daughter. She had the sweetest soul. You could have put a snarling, double axe-wielding orc before her and she would have offered him her favourite toy to cheer him up."
"Oh, thank you," said Fluttershy, her cheeks red hot from the compliment, "but cheering ponies up is more of Pinkie Pie's specialty. And I'm not really that brave, Rainbow Dash is much braver..."
"Don't sell yourself short," Darren said. He winced as the bell from the nearby school tolled eight times. "Oh, damn. The time. I have to run or I'll be late for work."
"Right. Sorry for delaying you," Fluttershy apologized once again. "Have - have a nice day!" She gave Darren a wide smile.
"You too, Fluttershy. See you later!" Darren called, already jogging ahead.
The Market Box did not have any music boxes or radios. Yet today, a cheerful whistle filled the air, accompanied by heavy footsteps. The whistling stopped, followed by a grunt and the sound of glass sliding on polished wood.
"Well, somecreature's in a good mood today." Peppermint looked up from his calculations, smirking.
"Hm? Uh, yes, Sir," Darren quickly replied, wiping his hands on his apron. He straightened his back and wondered if he should bring two more ten-litre oil jars to the rack.
"I already told you, you don't need to call me that, Darren." Peppermint rolled his eyes. "You've been here long enough to drop the 'Sir'. I'm a shop owner, not a guard."
"Yes, S- Alright," Darren amended. "Force of habit," he sighed.
"Seriously, though, where the hay have you been over the weekend? I wouldn't say your personality did a one-eighty but something definitely happend," Peppermint went on, putting his receipts into a drawer in the back of the counter.
"It was an... interesting weekend," Darren admitted, tilting his head. "I was in Ponyville."
"Ponyville, huh? Isn't that some town behind Canterlot? They's infamous for attracting trouble like honey does..." Peppermint's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Ah, no, no, no way... You're not a changeling, are you?"
"A what?" Darren's brow furrowed in confusion. His employer had suddenly adopted an extremely suspicious look.
"A changeling! A shapeshifter, a love drainer. Your eyes, didn't they glow blue?" Peppermint's eyes narrowed.
"Seriously? You accept my services and just now, after weeks, you question my identity?" Darren could not believe it. "What happened to, 'We have griffins as customers'? And to be clear, I'm not a changeling; I'm human, moreso than ever, in fact, you -" Realizing where he was headed, Darren ground his teeth and swallowed the insult that sat on his tongue.
"Sorry," Darren said curtly. He took a deep breath. "I still don't know what a changeling is. Pony subspecies?"
Peppermint's mouth opened and closed again. He blushed, looking to the ground in embarrassment. "Tartarus if I know. I just read that they can take the shape of any creature. They invaded Canterlot and almost prevented the royal wedding." He eyed Darren. "Dunno what came over me."
"Pony paranoia," Darren snorted, shaking his head. "No... to be fair, that happens to practically any species. Humans are escpecially good at it. I'll forget it if you do, Sir."
"I'll drop the charges if you drop the Sir," said Peppermint, rubbing his neck.
"Deal."
"Sorry," Peppermint muttered, almost inaudible.
They exchanged stiff smiles and both returned to their tasks. Darren grumbled under his breath, his good mood evaporated. He did not pay attention to the now frozen oil as he went back into the storage room.
Peppermint was quick to let the matter slide and the rest of the week went by in peace. Sometimes, after he had to deal with a difficult customer, Darren noticed that he had accidentally frozen food that stood nearby. To his relief, nothing else was affected by his involuntary frost spells. He decided to practice his own magic late into the night, paired with more meditation, and conduct different experiments.
Darren found out that, given that he focused really hard, he could willingly lower the temperature of anything near him. When a crow landed on his windowsill, attracted by the bread he had brought to his room, he froze its claws to the ledge for a few seconds before getting a bad conscience and releasing the flustered bird.
On Thursday, late into the night, Darren returned to the inn with cold, wet boots. He had managed to walk across the park's small lake by freezing the water directly below his feet into an icy path that melted away a few steps behind him. Even though he mainly honed his magic skills to keep control over them, Darren found that it was also a fun distraction. There was a thrill to walking over a water-filled basin in the middle of the night, relying only on his concentration, sense of balance and a thin layer of ice. If he had slipped it would have made for an uncomfortable way home.
He soon discovered another upside of his abilities. Inspired by the refrigerators in Peppermint's shop which needed a constant supply of ice from the Frozen North, Darren bought three watertight boxes of different size. He put them all into each other and filled the two spaces in between with straw and water respectively. Now he had the possibility to preserve food which he did not want to eat right away - until he could afford his own kitchen.
Every day, when work was over, Darren and Jonathan went to White's to train Eclipse. Fluttershy's involvement was actually minimal. After his first successful attempt at shadow magic, Eclipse had lost most of his uneasiness and was eager to continue the lessons. Darren himself found that the shared meditation time helped him to wind down. Watching the colt grow more sure of himself also did its part. After only four days, Eclipse managed to call for the shadow, focus it into a tight beam of dark lightning and hit a wooden box he had actually aimed at.
The box splintered with a loud bang. Darren instinctively raised his arms and ducked. Jonathan quickly called up a shield of Light around himself and Fluttershy. Pieces of wood and carrots flew across the room and bounced off the glowing sphere.
"Eek!" Fluttershy squeaked, startled by the sudden explosion, and hid her head even though Jonathan's shield protected her.
Panting heavily, Eclipse risked a look at his teachers. The purple haze that had risen from his eyes during the spell quickly faded away.
"Was... was that right? Was it supposed to blow up like that?" he stammered timidly.
Wiping carrot mash from his arms, Darren chuckled.
"Sorry. I suppose I could have warned you. But you just cast an advanced spell, kid. Once you fine-tune it a little, you'll be able to move things around without detonating them. Creatures, even."
"I really, really don't wanna explode my Mom," Eclipse stated firmly. He shook his hoof which felt as if a thousand ants were crawling over it. "My leg feels funny," he said.
Jonathan dropped the Light shield and exchanged a look with Fluttershy. Aside from the surprise she seemed to be okay.
"Does it feel as if you sat on it too long?" Darren asked, kneeling down to have a look at Eclipse's hoof.
"Yeah, kinda..."
"Keep moving it to get the blood flowing," said Darren. He took a good look at the colt. "You alright?"
Eclipse nodded, still shaking his hoof around. "I'm fine, I guess. Whew! Wow. I just blew up a - a carrot box." He stared at Darren. "And I sprayed carrot mash all over you," he realized. "Sorry!"
"It'll wash out. There's a trick for every kind of stain," said Darren.
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, knowing full well that carrot stains could be removed in almost the same way as blood.
Hooves clattered on the stairs to the basement and Feather burst into the room.
"I heard a bang! What happened? Are you okay?" she called, frantically turning her head to look for Eclipse.
"I'm fine, Mom," drawled Eclipse, slightly annoyed. "We're fine."
"Oh, honey, you're all covered with -" Feather wiped the squirming Eclipse's face with her hoof. "- are those carrots?" she asked incredulously. Her eyes darted to the scorchmark where the carrot box had stood a minute ago.
"Sorry about that," said Darren. "I'll pay for it."
"No, it's fine, I'll just - My goodness, you're covered in mash, too," Feather realized. "What the hay did you do?"
"Errr, training?" Eclipse offered.
"Oh, yes, it was very impressive, and, uh, loud. You see, Eclipse has learned to focus his magic into a beam," Fluttershy explained.
"A - beam?"
"Yeah, a beam of lightning! Mom, remember how at first I just, like, had this dark smoke all around me and couldn't control it? Well, now I can! I can direct it somewhere nopony gets hurt! And Darren says that, with more training, I'll be able to not explode things when I do it!" Eclipse beamed at his mother, grinning from ear to ear while carrot juice dripped from his muzzle, mane and chest.
Feather rubbed her temples and heaved a strained sigh.
"I see," she said finally. "Well, let's get you cleaned up, alright? And we," Feather shot a sharp look at Darren and Jonathan, "are going to discuss this later." She turned to Fluttershy who immediately shrunk before her. Feather's gaze softened as she smiled at her. "Not you, my dear, I know that you don't teach him that nonsense." She led the still giddy Eclipse upstairs, leaving his teachers behind without another word.
Fluttershy awkwardly cleared her throat and fiddled with her mane.
"That concludes today's lesson, I suppose," Darren commented dryly.
"Well, tomorrow's our last day in the Empire. We can show Eclipse a bit of practical use for the Death Grip you just taught him." Jonathan grinned slyly. "After all, there's a trick for every stain."
Darren gave him a deadpan glare, wordlessly slung the sword belt around his shoulder and left the basement.
"That's what it's called?" Fluttershy whispered to herself in shock.
"What did you teach my son?! You never said anything about fighting!" Feather stared daggers at the two men who felt significantly smaller than usual. "That box is trash! The power he must have used..."
Jonathan raised a hesitant hand, trying not to conjure up a shield just in case the fuming mare decided to spit fire. Instead, he said, "Ma'am, the power already is inside of him. And he needs to know how to get rid of excess energy. If he doesn't, well... uh..." He looked at Darren for help.
"If he doesn't, the shadow magic slips from his control," said Darren. "That's what happened in Ponyville. Better to obliterate a box than somebody's mind."
Feather's ears folded down and she visibly deflated.
"He could do that?" she whispered. Steadying herself at a chair, she exhaled and rubbed her forehead. "Merciful stars..."
Darren and Jonathan nodded in unison.
"His magic could make him insane and everybody else with him," said Darren. Something in his tone made Feather believe him without further question. "That's why he needs to learn control - and not because of some desire of mine to play teacher."
"I need a drink," said Feather. She unlocked a kitchen cabinet and pulled a bottle with a copper-coloured liquid from it. A hint of pine, oak and caramel filled the air.
"Feather," Darren said quietly.
Her hoof, outstretched to take a short glass from a wooden board, halted.
"I made your husband a promise," said Darren. "I will honour it. Jonathan needs ro return home tomorrow but I will remain in the Empire and keep teaching Eclipse. Once we are done he will have proper respect for his powers but he won't have to fear them anymore. I've already learned some things about him. He is... tenacious and very eager to learn. He doesn't fool around because, despite his age, he understands what's at stake here."
Darren took the glass from the board and two more along with it. Pouring a little from the drink into all of the glasses, he continued, "His compassion is what kept him from lashing out and attacking others. His power is dark - but his heart, that's full of light. A kind heart. It will... guide him. And it will safe him." He held his hand over the drinks. "Trust me on that." With a smile, Darren gave Feather one glass and Jonathan another.
Feather stared at the two ice cubes which definitely had not been in her glass a moment ago. Jonathan smiled wryly and raised his glass, making a silent toast to her. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 26: The Skeleton in the Cupboard | He loved magic. In fact, he liked it so much that he had dedicated his life to studying it. If anypony had a question on what spell to use to solve a problem he was the unicorn to go to. His crystal collection was nothing to be frowned upon and he always kept his eyes peeled for interesting artifacts. Sadly, the latter were few and far between and so the artifact collection was significantly smaller than the rock collection. Today, at the market, he had been lucky, though. The pony at the stand with the knickknacks had stumbled upon a rare crystal from the ice and wanted to sell it for a ridiculously low price. It had been a must-buy.
Walking home, thinking about which books he would consult to properly identify the stone, he gasped, staggered and almost fell flat on his face. Rubbing his hoof and squinting his eyes in pain, Sunburst looked up. He could feel something was wrong. He had never been good at casting magic but that did not mean he would not notice when somepony cast a powerful, dark spell. The new gemstone in his saddlebag forgotten, Sunburst spun around and ran towards the castle.
"Cadence! Shining Armor! There you are!" Panting and wheezing as he ran towards them through the park, Sunburst hardly managed to raise his eyes at the royal couple. "We have... a problem."
"Sunburst! Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Princess, I just..." He inhaled deeply. "I ran all the way from the market," he huffed. "Anyway! I noticed somepony casting dark magic! I don't know who or where but I thought you should know. Phew." He slumped down on his haunches, running his hoof through his orange mane and making it even messier than it had been before.
The alarmed Cadence gave Flurry Heart to Shining and frowned.
"Dark magic? What kind of dark magic?" she asked, conjuring up a glass of water which the thankful Sunburst quickly downed.
"I'm not sure... but it felt like the exact opposite of the Crystal Heart's magic," said Sunburst, wiping his muzzle with a hoof and returning the glass to Cadence who made it disappear again. "Hi, Flurry!" He smiled at the foal in Shining's foreleg and the baby beamed back at him, making his heart melt as she did every time. Growing serious again, he expectantly looked at Cadence.
"Hmmm." To Sunburst's surprise, Cadence smiled knowingly. "That could be Eclipse."
"Who?" asked Sunburst and Shining in unison.
"Eclipse, the little pegasus colt who was here a while ago as a witness... You don't remember?" Cadence asked her husband.
"To be honest, I do remember the case but I forgot the names," Shining admitted. "I thought the whole thing had been taken care of."
"A colt? How does a colt know dark magic?" Sunburst recoiled. "That's terrible!"
Cadence shook her head. "It's dangerous, yes, but Twilight's friends are taking care of him."
"Oh good, they - wait, they're here?"
"Fluttershy and Jonathan are," Cadence clarified. "And Darren, too, but he lives in the Empire anyway so he isn't staying at the castle."
"Hm," Sunburst wrinkled his nose. "I don't know those stallions. And who is Eclipse exactly, and how -"
Cadence chuckled. "We'll tell you everything we know," she promised.
"But we should check whether it really was Eclipse," said Shining Armor. "If it's not him it might be Sombra or some other threat."
"Definitely." Cadence nodded. "Can you take the detective from the City Guard along? Indigo... Blaze? He's a unicorn, too, he'll recognize the magic if it was the same one Eclipse used at home. But please be careful, maybe have a look without revealing yourself first."
Shining nodded, ignoring the slack-jawed Sunburst. He gave Flurry Heart back to Cadence and straightened up, putting on his captain face.
"If it's Sombra I'm going to bring him in," she said sternly. "Sunburst, are you ready?"
"Wha-what do you mean, 'ready'? I'm supposed to come along? Of course, I felt the magic, didn't I..." Sunburst sighed. "Alright, but are you serious about bringing Sombra in, just like that, without more help? And if he's really back, shouldn't we have noticed?"
"Uh..." Looking for help, Shining turned to Cadence who smiled apologetically.
"As I said, we'll tell you everything later," she promised. "Please go with Shining and find out who it was. I'll ask Fluttershy and Jonathan as soon as they come back. And I'll give Captain Spark a mirror call and tell him you're on the way."
Sunburst nodded and quickly followed Shining Armor who was already a few yards ahead.
Sombra might be back and a colt uses dark magic? And what the hay is a mirror call? I really need to catch up with what happened, Sunburst thought.
"Sir." A unicorn with a yellow coat lighter than Sunburst's and a short blue mane saluted. His eyes darted over to Sunburst, lingering for a second on his wizardly cloak, but otherwise the detective did not acknowledge his presence.
"Detective Indigo Blaze, meet Sunburst," said Shining Armor. "Thank you for joining us." He started walking and the three of them quickly left the City Guard's station behind. "How much do you know?" he asked the guard as they hurried to get to White Alloy and Feather's home.
"A source of dark magic has been detected. We're to investigate; possible source is Eclipse of the White family," said Blaze curtly. His voice was slow and calm but the look in his grey eyes was as hard as steel, full of purpose and determination. When he saw how nervous Sunburst looked back at him, his expression softened. "You're here to help with that, I assume?"
"Er, yes, I was the one who felt an echo of the spell," Sunburst explained. "If whoever used it does so again, I'll know."
Blaze nodded and smiled confidently.
"Alright, let's take a look," said Shining. "Detective, lead the way."
They did not need to go far. As Blaze turned around a corner close to the White's, Sunburst noticed two strange creatures. When they saw the group they exchanged a look and came over.
Sunburst could not help but gape at them. They both walked on two legs like minotaurs, had white hair and hardly any fur which explained why they also wore clothes and shoes. The shorter one who also looked more muscular then his friend was carrying a huge sword and, to top it off, a vicious tattoo decorated his left cheek. Were they the humans Starlight had talked about? Sunburst had not imagined them to be this tall or intimidating. Now the younger one spoke.
"Captain!" he said, giving Shining Armor a friendly grin. "That's a surprise! Did you come to check up on the Whites? Hello, Detective," he added politely and nodded at Blaze who nodded in reply.
"Actually, yes," said Shining Armor, slightly taken aback. "Is everything okay?"
The human nodded and raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, everything's fine," he said. He exchanged a confused look with the other one.
"We were just there," said the one with the sword. His voice was much deeper and sounded less excited to see them. "What's this about, Sir? Trouble?" He tilted his head by a fraction.
"There's no need for the Sir," said Shining Armor with a grin. "You're not a guard, it's okay if you call me Shining."
"They keep telling me that," muttered the human but all the while there was a twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Old habits die hard. I'm Jonathan," his friend decided to introduced himself to Sunburst.
"Darren," said the other one, smiling briefly.
"I'm Sunburst. Nice to meet you. Are - are you humans?" Sunburst asked cautiously.
"Yep," said Jonathan. "How'd you know?"
"Starlight Glimmer told me a little about you," Sunburst told Jonathan. "You're... not what I expected," he admitted awkwardly and quickly added, "She mentioned that you're an expert at Enchanting."
"Wouldn't say an expert but thanks for the flowers," said Jonathan jovially.
Shining Armor cleared his throat. "Sorry to cut this short but did you notice anything unusual? Sunburst said that he detected some dark magic earlier today."
"When exactly?" Jonathan asked. "Mayyybe around five-thirty this afternoon?"
"Er, yes, pretty much," said Sunburst, surprised. "But you said that everything's okay..."
"Because it is. We were there. It was safe," Darren said slowly.
"H-how can dark magic be safe?!" Sunburst sputtered, gaping at the two humans. "It could hurt somepony!" A shiver ran down his spine when a sudden gust of cold wind blew by.
"It did not," said Darren. "There's no need to be alarmed."
"Well, who was it?" demanded Blaze. "Was it the colt?"
"Yes," was Darren's short answer.
"And?" Blaze pressed on.
"He cast a spell and nobody was hurt, end of story. Eclipse practices his magic so he won't accidentally use it on ponies. And we make sure that it's safe while he does it," Jonathan said, looking slightly annoyed. "With magic shields and whatnot."
"We'll need proof that it was him," said Shining with a sigh. "It could be somepony else and we can't be sure until Sunburst compares the magic -"
Darren's frown made Sunburst instinctively retreat by a few steps. There was something off about this human. He could not put his hoof on it but Sunburst knew he sure did not like that hard stare. He decided that he did not want to get on Darren's bad side. Ever.
"Eclipse is asleep," Darren stated. "You will need to return tomorrow."
Jonathan's eyes wandered over to Darren. He appeared to be as unsettled by Darren's defensive glare and hard tone as everyone else.
"Uh, Darren," he said nervously, "overprotective much? They're the Royal Guard and the Gity Guard -"
"This is not the time to bother the boy," Darren said slowly. "He's tired and needs to regenerate before he can cast another spell."
"I insist," said Shining, his frown almost matching Darren's. "It's a matter of national security. How else can we tell if it's the same kind of -"
"Well, was it like this?!" With a quick movement, Darren unsheathed the sword and thrust his free hand forward.
Shining Armor and Blaze both gave off an alarmed shout and their horns lit up; Jonathan pointed his hand at Shining Armor; Sunburst staggered backwards and immediately hit a fence with his flank.
However, Darren did not swing his sword forward as Sunburst would had expected. Instead, a current of dark purple energy gathered around his free hand. The energy turned into lightning and discharged into a nearby flowerpot. The pot was thrown a few yards into the garden behind it and toppled over. Tiny arcs of lightning crackled and faded away. A few petals floated to the ground. Silence fell as everybody gaped at the falling petals, then at Darren whose hand was still outstretched. There were a few gasps and shocked shouts as passers-by gallopped away.
Shining Armor and Blaze blinked, completely flabbergasted. They were surrounded by a sphere of golden light. Jonathan, who had been slightly faster with his spell than Shining Armor, lowered his hand and the barrier disappeared. Then he turned to Darren.
"The fuck?!" he shouted at him. "Are you out of your damn mind? We're on a public street! Dude, I know you like Eclipse but seriously, you need to chill!"
Darren sheathed his sword and huffed, rolling his shoulders as if to shake off his anger.
"In case you're wondering, the spell was exactly like this," Sunburst squeaked.
"He what?!" Twilight's voice was so loud that Jonathan's face conforted with pain and he quickly stretched out the hand that held the mirror.
"Yeah, you heard right. Darren basically attacked a flowerpot on the street." Jonathan sighed and eyed Darren who was sitting next to him. "He apologized and the," he snorted, "the pot is okay and since Shining Armor got the confirmation he wanted they let us go but... you know."
Twilight groaned and rubbed her forehead. The room behind her was moving as if she was pacing up and down in her throne room, holding the mirror in her magic.
"This is bad," she said nervously. "Are you sure you're not in trouble? You used dark magic in front of my brother! He's the head of the Royal Guard! And Detective Blaze is from the City Guard, I can't imagine they would just let it slide!"
"That's what I said," Jonathan grumbled. "Guess Mr Houndslayer got a little carried away when they wanted to wake up his best friend," he snarked.
"What were you thinking, Darren?" Twilight's accusing tone made all the tension slip away from Darren.
"Not enough," he admitted. "I - don't know what came over me. Suppose I'm not always as calm... as I want to be." His bed creaked when he leaned forward and rubbed his nose. Covering his mouth with a fist, he frowned at the opposite wall, the epitome of grumpiness.
"Darren," Twilight sighed. Sympathy showed on her face as she softly addressed her friend. He lifted his head to look at her. "What's really going on?"
"I - I don't know," Darren muttered. "I'm sorry I handled this so badly."
"Are you angry at somepony? How can we help you?"
"I'm... not," Darren muttered. "That's what is confusing. I'm just... angry."
Jonathan hummed, deep in thought. He scratched his neck and grimaced. He had an idea. Jonathan did not like it but he had to make sure...
"Twilight, would you mind if we talk alone?" he asked.
"Oh. Uh, of course not. See you later, then," she added, trying to sound chipper despite her disappointment, and her image in the mirror disappeared.
Jonathan put the mirror on the table and leaned back. He waited.
Eventually, Darren stood up and put his hand on his hips. Still looking at the wall, he said, "You know something."
"Yeah." Jonathan sighed. "I got an idea what might be bothering you. I'm a priest, you know. Back home, people came to me once in a while when they had problems, like when felt guilty about something and couldn't tell anybody else. Even after I died. Especially after I died. Believe me, not every Forsaken just moved on when they actually realized what they had been through."
Darren turned his head, eyeing his friend. "What do you mean?"
"Confession, obviously," deadpanned Jonathan. "I thought you used to be a paladin, shouldn't you be aware -?"
"I know how Confession works," grunted Darren. "It's just that it's been a while. Twelve years, I think."
"Well, if you want to..."
"Why are you offering me this now?" Darren asked, curious. "It's... unexpected."
"When you... snapped and threw that pot around I realized something," said Jonathan slowly. "I've been in my share of battles, too, but what you've been through... constant war for years and years... My experiences don't even come close to that. I wasn't there when the Scourge slaughtered the people of Lordaeron City. I wasn't there when Arthas sent the death knights to destroy the world. Not to mention Icecrown... How does somebody even deal with that?"
Darren looked away, facing the wall again.
"That shitload of pain, don't you wanna get rid of it?" Jonathan said quietly.
"How?! How do I get rid of that? Of course I'm angry!" Darren suddenly exploded, shouting at the wall. "I keep telling myself it wasn't me that - did those things! I keep telling myself that the truth set me free, that I'm healed. But guess what, I am not!" He panted, pressing his hands against the wall, and hung his head. Ice flowers bloomed on the windowglass. "Ever since I'm back to human, it's all coming back! Every night I close my eyes and I'm right back on the battlefield. See bodies dropping left and right. See them rise again as ghouls and monsters... And I can't do shit about it! And I'm the one that should have died - 'cause I put'em there!" He spun around and there was a cold fire in his eyes that scared Jonathan when Darren looked at him.
"I left Northrend but Northrend didn't leave me, Jonathan. Do you know that every time I enter a room I count the exits? I try to distract myself with work and by teaching the kid. I exhaust myself with exercise. Last night, I slept for four hours..."
"You didn't tell the Whites about that, did you?" asked Jonathan cautiously.
"Of course not." Darren sat down on the only chair in the room, wringing his hands. "The only one who really knows, besides you, is Luna. And she can't do much, either. Says that my soul needs to catch up with the memories, that I need to forgive myself." He laughed humourlessly. "How could I." He quickly wiped his nose.
Jonathan closed his eyes and thought of his sister.
Light, help me find the right words, he prayed. As a little warmth and confidence filled his heart, he opened his eyes again.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I mean, the people... that we killed... their souls are okay now, they're with the Light. I think they'd forgive you if they could talk to you." Jonathan stared at the window, at the intricate ice pattern that made it impossible to see through the glass. He racked his brain for inspiration...
"Exercise is good... and the meditation." he offered. "And good company, too. I think Feather and White are warming up to you. But, man, you gotta find your centre again. This is not Azeroth. This place... is safe. You need to actually realize that."
Darren nodded curtly in agreement.
"I dunno what else to say," Jonathan admitted. "But I can listen... whenever you want to vent." He shrugged helplessly. "Although... although there is one more thing I can do. It's not permanent but it can definitely help you to sleep a little better tonight."
"You want to say a Holy Word, don't you."
"Yeah. That is, if you want me to."
"Please." Darren's voice broke as he said the word with a longing that made Jonathan feel awkward and embarrassed. He had never seen Darren so vulnerable. What a proof of trust that was... Jonathan felt how his respect for Darren grew and wondered if he could be this open to anybody.
They both stood up. Jonathan put his palms against each other and tried to center himself. Then, he held both hands over Darren's head. He reached for the Light inside himself and said the words of the Prayer for Serenity. As the familiar golden glow showed itself around his hands, the feeling of unconditional love and forgiveness flooded his heart, spreading through his entire body. Darren closed his eyes and Jonathan knew that he experienced the same sensation.
Jonathan retracted his hands and since he did not know what else to do with them he crossed his arms. He averted his eyes and stared at the window again, to give Darren time to regain his composure.
Darren cleared his throat and Jonathan pretended to be stricken with momentary deafness when Darren went to the basin and noisily cleaned his nose.
"Thank you, priest," said the death knight hoarsely.
"Anytime, my friend." Jonathan smiled and rubbed his nose. "How about going for a walk?"
"Good idea. Time to get moving," Darren agreed. "And I've got to show you something I found out at the park yesterday." He snatched a large towel from its hook. "Just in case the trick doesn't work," Darren explained with a grin. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 27: Best Friend | It was late when Jonathan returned to the Crystal Castle. He was exhausted but also relieved. Now that he knew what was going on with his friend he had a chance to support him. Good thing that he 'invented' the mirrors. He would have been a prick if he just went back to Ponyville without leaving Darren a chance to contact him.
Darren's magic trick had turned out not to be trick at all but a death knight's spell, the Path of Frost. It had been a lot of fun to walk across the lake and kind of badass knowing that not even ponies could do that. Except maybe Twilight, but Jonathan decided that did not count. Darren had managed to expand the Path of Frost to include Jonathan. As long as he stayed in close range to Darren, the lake surface froze beneath his feet, too, forming an ice floe similar to the one Darren had accidentally conjured in Ponyville. They had not needed the towel; Darren had kept perfect control over his spell the entire time.
When they parted ways, Darren had looked significantly better than earlier; they shaken hands and Jonathan ran to the Castle, fully aware that Fluttershy must have already had dinner.
Sombra liked weekends. On Saturdays and Sundays, the shelters had more helpers which meant a higher chance to find a place to sleep. But this time he had not been lucky. Maybe he should have asked sooner, maybe before sunset.
"Sorry, we're at full capacity," was the answer he got at each and every place. With a frustrated sigh, Sombra headed for the park. Yet as soon as they were out of earshot from the streets, Abs stopped walking.
"What?" Sombra snapped angrily.
Abs frowned back at him and squinted his eyes.
"My son moved out last week," he stated.
"Congratulations." Sombra looked around, looking for a dry spot. Maybe he could sleep in the gazebo. If nopony had taken the spot yet.
"What I mean is you don't have to sleep here. I got a free bed."
"Oh." Sombra turned around. He eyed Abs sceptically. "Why? Pity?" he snapped. "Had enough of following a hobo around?"
Abs hit his face with a hoof.
"Don't be stupid. I have a free bed," he repeated, raising his eyebrows.
You don't deserve a home.
Shut up, Sombra thought.
"Well..." Sombra eyed the pillowless, cold gazebo and had to admit to himself that accepting charity would be better than proudly freezing on his not-bed at the lake. Which, by the way, showed patches of ice on it so it had to be colder than Sombra had initially assumed. "Alright. But I guess you'll want something for it."
Abs rolled his eyes.
"Just help me with the laundry and we'll be even. Your..." he wrinkled his nose, "cloak really needs it. And not a word to my son about who you really are."
"But you just said that he moved out," Sombra said, confused.
"The other son, smartass."
"Your marefriend..."
"Don't have one." Abs waved impatiently. "Let's go."
Abrasive paper lived in an apartment on the third floor of a block south of the City Guard Station. There were three rooms and a bathroom. The place felt small and big at the same time; small because of the narrow hallway, big because only two ponies lived in there. It looked surprisingly clean for the home of a guard who did not have a marefriend. And the flowers on the windowsill added something of a feminine touch to the otherwise mainly white and blue surfaces. Sombra stood in the doorframe and hesitated.
"Yo, Deep! I'm home," Abs called into the room adjacent to the living room. He put his glaive into a corner next to a large closet. Somepony grumbled an answer from behind the closed door. Abs shook his head with a grin and eyed Sombra. "You gonna stand there all day? Come on, let's set the plates. And put the cloak over there." He pointed at a basket that was visible through the open bathroom door.
Sombra did as he was told, then he trotted over to what had to be the kitchen cabinet. He opened a random door and found bowls. The next door revealed the plates and cups.
"How many plates?" he asked hesitantly.
"Three." Abs rummaged in the refrigerator and took out eggs and milk.
While Sombra set the small table, Abs made pancakes with a speed and precision that surprised Sombra. The delicious smell of maple syrup and cherries filled the room as Abs put two glass jars on the table. That was when the door to his son's room opened and a teenaged crystal earth pony, his coat the exact same blue as Abrasive's, shuffled into the living room. His dark brown mane and tail were unusually long for a colt.
When the colt saw Sombra, he frowned and squinted his eyes.
"Er, hi," said Sombra awkwardly. "Crimson Shard." He stretched out a hoof.
"Shard, meet my second son, Still Waters," said Abs. He put a large plate with a pile of fresh pancakes onto the table and slid onto a chair. "Let's eat."
After briefly bumping Sombra's hoof, Still Waters sat down next to his father and pulled the pancake plate closer. Using a fork, he pulled two pancakes onto his plate. He froze in mid-movement as he noticed that Sombra had not sat down yet.
Abs jerked his head in the direction of the empty seat and Sombra quickly complied. Content that the meal could now begin, Still Waters reached for the maple syrup jar.
As the silence kept stretching out, Sombra's eyes wandered across the table. He took one pancake and some cherries. While he bit into the pancake he made sure not to show much of his fangs. His own chewing sounded ten times louder than usual to him. Feeling immensely thankful that there wasn't a ticking clock, Sombra wondered if the meals in this home were always that quiet. You could have heard a pin dropping in here. And to top it all off, the voices were pestering him again.
Worthless! Useless. Get out of here! The shadows are waiting for you...
"School was okay?" Abs finally asked.
"M-hm," was Still Waters's eloquent reply.
"Good."
They kept eating in silence.
Sombra felt sweatdrops running down his neck. He was out of place, he should have known it. Fighting the urge to just bolt and leave the house, he kept on chewing. His throat was terribly dry so he quickly drank some water from the glass Abs had put there for him.
Weak. Pathetic.
"How do you know Dad?" Still Waters suddenly asked.
"Work," Abs quickly replied for Sombra. "Shard isn't a Guard, though."
"What are you, then?" The colt's bright blue eyes pierced Sombra's who shrank into his chair. Still Waters smirked when he saw his reaction, obviously amused by the fact that an adult pony was intimidated by the simple question.
Coward. Return to the shadows! Return to the fortress! the voices urged. Sombra exhaled deeply, trying to ignore it.
"Uh... a historian and a - wizard," Sombra offered hesitantly. "I - I know a lot about the Empire's past. But I, er, lost my... job a little while ago." He grimaced.
"Argh. That sucks." Still Waters's frown was sympathetic. "Can I ask you some questions later? There's this game I play with my friends. I need info on how ponies used to live in the Frozen North about twelve-hundred years ago. And what creatures lived there."
"Sure. I... think I can help with that."
"Awesome," Still Waters declared calmly.
"Knew you'd get along," said Abs contently, putting the last bit of pancake into his mouth.
The next day was a Saturday which meant that there was no school for the foals. Eclipse was busy, though - he had to catch up on his homework. Yawning and leaning back from his calculations, he let out a long groan.
"Why is it always Math? Ugh!"
"Well, you always put it off," said Peridot with a chuckle. "If you wanna graduate you gotta know how to multiply and do fractions and stuff." Lying on her bed, she was busy arranging pony dolls around one of his history books which served as a makeshift table.
"Can't you help me instead of playing with your dolls? And you took my things again!" Eclipse complained.
"Well, sorry," said Peridot, taken aback. "I can't go hunting for glacier wolves with only three ponies. I needed reinforcements. And a map." She pointed at Eclipse's toy guards and the book. When she saw his frown, she sighed. "Okay, okay, I'll help you..."
"Yes!" Eclipse cheered.
"Why didn't you do it yesterday anyway?" Peridot asked as she slid off the bed to look at Eclipse's homework. "Ew, that's a lot. Now I get why you're annoyed."
"I fell asleep," Eclipse admitted, blushing.
"Huh?!"
"Well, my lessons are exhausting," he said, raising his hooves defensively. "I learn a lot but it takes a lot of energy, too, you know."
"You're taking extra classes? I didn't even know about that. Where? What subject?" Peridot inched closer to her brother, her eyes wide. "Tell me everything!"
"I can't, I'm not allowed," Eclipse said angrily, crossing his forelegs. "Mom said it's confidential."
"Confidential? I'm your sister! You can tell me," Peridot said, looking insulted.
Eclipse bit his lip. Could he trust Peridot to keep his secret? She was his best friend. Mom had never told him to keep anything from her before. And it was a big secret, he knew that much. But, he had to admit to himself, he was getting better at his magic. Maybe it was okay to tell her now. It was so hard that he could only talk to so few ponies about something so big. He wanted to assure Peridot that he could control his powers, that nopony was in danger anymore.
"Okay," he said quietly. "Wait a second." He stood up and closed the door. "You must promise to me that you'll never, ever tell anypony about this!"
"Fine." Peridot sat down on the bed, expectantly looking at Eclipse.
"No," said Eclipse, sitting down next to her and looking deeply into her eyes. "You must swear it."
"I..." Peridot swallowed uncomfortably as she realized how serious Eclipse was. He stared at her with wide blue eyes, his ears down and wings unfolded, and she relented with a sigh.
"By the Heart and by the snow,
By the shadows down below,
If I ever break this vow,
May the Princess cast me out," she recited, raising one hoof and putting the other over her heart. "There. Now tell me already, yeesh."
Content with her promise, Eclipse nodded and took a deep breath.
"I'm taking lessons in shadow magic," he whispered, his eyes automatically darting to the door.
"What?!" Peridot exclaimed.
"Shsh!" Eclipse put his hoof on her mouth. "I'm not supposed to tell you, remember?" When she nodded silently, he let go of her muzzle. "Every day after school, I go to the basement and Darren and Jonathan teach me stuff," he explained. "It's so I don't hurt anypony when my magic wakes up."
"What kind of stuff?" whispered Peridot anxiously. "Like - like shadow clouds?"
Eclipse shook his head.
"No, I learn about the Void and the Light," he said. "My shadow magic comes from the Void, you see."
"Errr, no, I don't." A confused Peridot shrugged. "Never heard of it."
"Ah, wait! I've got a notebook." Eclipse jumped off the bed and crawled beneath it, pulling his paper box out. He removed the lid and found his red book. "There," he said, climbing onto the bed again. Opening the book, he showed Peridot the pictures and notes he had made.
"Jonathan showed me the Light and the Void," he whispered. "And I can willingly make my shadows now and I can make them disappear again. And, and I meditate, like this." Eclipse sat on his haunches and closed his eyes, breathing slowly like he had been taught.
"You're just sitting there with your eyes closed. Boring," Peridot commented sceptically. "I think you're making fun of me," she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
Eclipse opened his eyes to shoot a deadpan glare at her.
"Well, duh, of course it looks boring, it's supposed to calm me down," he said. "I can shoot lightning, too, but since I still explode things when I do it I guess I better don't show you."
Peridot threw her hooves into the air.
"Now I know you're making fun of me!" she said angrily and stood up. "Are we going to do your homework or what?"
"I'm not kidding!" said Eclipse, his voice rising without him noticing. "I promise! I just wanted to tell you that it's safe."
"Ha ha, very funny. Explosions aren't safe, dummy," said Peridot, rolling her eyes.
"I - well, no - but I - I'm not there yet, Darren says that in the end I can just move stuff -" Eclipse stammered. This was not going the way he had hoped. He could feel his cheeks turning hot. He ran over to Peridot and clutched her hoof. "Please, just hear me out -"
Peridot huffed and threw her mane back.
"I just wanted to tell you it's safe. That I won't hurt anypony with my shadows..." Eclipse sniffled and wiped his nose. "I'm not kidding, I promise," he repeated with a hiccup.
His sister sighed and slumped down on the bed. Seeing how upset Eclipse was, all of her anger evaporated. She patted the spot next to her and Eclipse sat there. Peridot put her hoof around him.
"I'm sorry. It just sounds so weird," Peridot said. "But I didn't wanna hurt your feelings. Can't you show me just a little bit? So I know you're telling the truth?"
"I... I guess..." Eclipse sniffled again. "Er..." What could he do that was just enough shadows to prove him right? "Alright, I'm gonna show you." He jumped off the bed and stepped away from her. "Just promise not to freak out, okay?"
Peridot nodded, her eyes as wide as saucers. She sat up, unconsciously hugging herself.
Eclipse closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then another and another.
"Well?" demanded Peridot impatiently.
"Shut up, I need to concentrate," Eclipse chided her.
"Sorry," she muttered.
Eclipse opened his eyes. Peridot quickly shoved a hoof into her mouth to muffle her scream. Dark purple smoke rose from his blue eyes, the whites now tinted pitch black. As he looked at her, he raised his forelegs until he was rearing. More creepy darkness seeped out of his coat and his mouth as he floated a few inches above the carpet. His black mane and tail flapped around in a wind that Peridot could not feel. He looked like a dark mage, like something from a Nightmare Night story... Then, he frowned and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. The smoke dissipated and Eclipse dropped to the floor, landing firmly on all four feet. He opened his eyes again and, thank the stars, they were not creepy anymore but back to normal. Wiping his forehead, he heaved a sigh.
"Do you believe me now?" he said smugly.
Sweating, speechless and hugging her favourite pillow, Peridot just nodded frantically.
"Good." Eclipse smiled but the grin quickly trickled off his face. "You - you're not scared of me, are you?"
Peridot actually felt really scared but she knew that telling him that would have been the wrong answer. And she was right because, when she shook her head, Eclipse instantly heaved a sigh of relief and ran over to hug her. She hugged him back, running a hoof through his dark grey fur. It felt completely normal, warm and soft - her little brother's coat.
"I need a glass of water," said Eclipse, grimacing uncomfortably, and let go of her. "That was so exhausting."
"Me, too," Peridot said quietly.
"Thanks for not freaking out," Eclipse mumbled. "I love you, you're the best!" He hugged her again.
"I - I love you, too." Peridot gave Eclipse a shaky smile.
They both jumped when White Alloy's voice rang through the house.
"Are you done with homework? We need to go!"
Eclipse paled and his ears folded down as he remembered.
"The appointment!" he gasped. "Crap! I totally forgot..." He snatched the notebook, shoved it back into his treasure box and hid both under the bed. Then he opened the door and ran downstairs so fast that he almost tripped over his own hooves.
The first thing Darren noticed were the new flowers. Fresh daisies sat in the pots next to Dr. Passiflora's door, reminding him of the last time he had been here and made the previous decoration wilt away. Before he could knock, frantic hoofsteps approached from behind. He turned around.
Eclipse and Feather were late. They smiled at him, breathing heavily, and nodded a greeting. Darren knocked at the yellow door.
"So, let me get this straight." Dr. Passiflora crossed her forelegs and leaned onto her desk. "Your powers are coming from a primal force called the Void?"
Eclipse and Darren nodded.
"And you can cast shadow spells, using that power like a unicorn would use leyline magic?" She raised an eyebrow.
Feather and Eclipse exchanged helpless looks but Darren nodded again.
"Y-yeah," Eclipse said hesitantly. "I can show you if you want to - but," he scratched his neck in embarrassment, "it takes a lot out of me... Every time I use my magic I feel really tired afterwards."
"That's all? No residual emotions? No fear or pain as you described having the first two times?"
Eclipse grinned and spread his forelegs.
"Nope."
The Doctor sighed and scribbled some hasty notes onto her protocol. She leaned back and frowned at Eclipse. Her eyes darted over to Feather.
"Has he shown any signs of discomfort or pain since he started taking these... lessons?"
Feather put her hoof around Eclipse's shoulder. His ears were folded back and he appeared intimidated by all the questions. Avoiding to look at the physician, he stared at a small potted plant that sat on the table. Whispering some encouragement into Eclipse's ear, Feather looked at Darren who shook his head again.
"No," she said. "Actually, Eclipse seems happier than he used to be. He does this meditation thing..."
Dr. Passiflora raised her brows. Her mouth curled into a smile.
"It calms him down. I think," Feather finished with a hint of doubt in her voice.
"I see. Well, I'm at a loss here anyway," sighed the Doctor. Opening a drawer, she produced a sheet of paper. She wrote something down, then she said, "Please make an appointment with my assistant for next month. And take this -" she gave Feather the slip of paper, "- to the pharmacy. Eclipse can take it when he gets tired after... casting spells." She exhaled and looked at Eclipse. "You're a lucky young stallion to have such good friends." She gave Eclipse a friendly smile. "But don't overdo it, okay? Your magic might still be dangerous. Once a day is more than enough. We wouldn't want you to get too tired, would we?"
Eclipse nodded, finally looking back at her.
Dr. Passiflora opened her drawer again and gave the surprised Eclipse a chocolate bar.
"Now, off you go." Eclipse grinned and, pulling the wrapping from the bar, he slid off his chair, ready to leave.
"Thank you for your time, Doctor," said Feather with an apologetic smile.
After they had exited the office, Darren cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, Feather, may I?" He pointed at the sheet of paper.
"Sure..." Feather muttered, handing the note over. Half of it was printed, the rest was the Doctor's writing and signature.
"'Major Mana Potion,'" Daren read aloud. "'Main ingredients: Water, Leaf of Vision, Ice Carnation.' Hah!" He chuckled. "I actually know this one."
"You do? And? Is it any good?" Feather uttered anxiously, throwing a glance over to the oblivious Eclipse who browsed through a picture book in the waiting room, happily humming to himself.
Darren gave the receipt back to her.
"It's a good potion," Darren said with a shrug. "And I don't know of any side effects. But..." He hesitated. "It's for advanced mages. I think the Doctor does not want to admit how powerful Eclipse's magic might be."
"How -" Feather lowered her voice and continued in a whisper, "- how powerful are we talking here?"
Darren rubbed his nose. He sighed and scratched his neck as he struggled to find the right words.
"Before I was killed, I used to be a Paladin, remember?" When Feather nodded, he grimaced. "The strength of my spells back then was equal to Eclipse's power as it it now," he admitted. "Given time, he might even grow twice as powerful."
Feather just gaped at him and wordlessly pointed at Eclipse.
Darren sighed and jerked his head in the direction of the door.
"Come on, Feather, let us get out of here and get those potions for your son."
She closed her mouth, swallowed hard and nodded. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 28: Destiny | Jonathan and Darren decided to make Eclipse's last two-teacher lesson something special. It took a bit of convincing - with intense help from Fluttershy - but Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor agreed to let them use a hall inside the Crystal Castle. To keep Eclipse's secret safe, the royals told their guards to stand watch at the door and prevent anypony uninvited from coming in. With the help from Fluttershy and Sunburst, Darren and Jonathan spread boxes on the floor and hung balloons from the high ceiling. They pushed the tables and chairs against the far wall and prepared a crystal jar with berry juice.
After a quarter-hour of meditation in the Whites' basement, they treated Eclipse to a milkshake Jonathan had made in the morning. When Feather and White realized they were up to something, they insisted on coming along to the castle. Peridot complained when they told her she could not come along, especially since they did not explain to her what the trip was about. In the end, she relented and agreed to visit a friend instead.
Half an hour later, Eclipse's parents watched in a mixture of amazement and fear as he summoned a dark cloud of shadows. Surrounded by Light spheres from Jonathan and hugging each other for comfort, Feather and White gaped at their eight-year-old son while he jumped around the hall, hitting box after box with bolts of dark lightling. Purple smoke rose from his eyes but the hint of a smile lingered on his face while he frowned in concentration to focus his magic. The boxes were empty, though, and since the hall was so large the splinters did not fly far. Fluttershy was still glad she could hide behind Sunburst who had conjured up his own force field - just to be on the safe side. After a week of watching Eclipse train, his shadow magic did not scare her as much anymore. When he hit the last box, which was also the biggest, Fluttershy spontaneously jumped up and applauded him by stomping her hooves on the ground.
Eclipse blinked a few times and the eerie light from his eyes faded away.
"Thanks, Fluttershy!" he said with a grin. "Oh, hey, hey, it didn't explode this time!" he realized happily, pointing at the box that had simply slid a few feet across the floor. "That's what you meant, right?"
"That was really impressive," Fluttershy kept praising him.
"Yeah, very good," said Jonathan, also with a boyish grin on his face. He went to the table that had been pushed against the wall and poured two glasses; one for Eclipse and one for himself. "Here you go, pal."
Just like Jonathan, Eclipse downed the glass as if he had not drunken anything all day and wiped his mouth.
"Whew," he said. "Thanks. That was awesome!" He giggled, encouraged by his success. He hardly noticed his father's deep frown or his mother's surprised chuckle.
"We're not quite done yet." Darren pointed at the balloons above them.
"I've got this!" Eclipse declared. "That juice was great, I'm super refreshed!" He grunted as he strained to summon his power once again. Letting go of the dark current, he directed it at all of the balloons at once. They burst with a synchronous bang and rained streamers down on Eclipse, which made him laugh. He ran over to his parents, his hooves clattering on the crystal floor.
"Did you see that, Mom? I did it, I can control it now! It's gotten so easy!" When he stretched out his forelegs to hug Feather, Eclipse bumped against the sphere Jonathan had conjured. "Ouch!" Rubbing his muzzle, he glared at Jonathan. "Not cool!"
"Sorry." The priest relaxed and the Light sphere disappeared.
Eclipse jumped over to Feather to hug her. She took him into her embrace and stroked his mane.
"Wow," she said. "You're really powerful. But, you know, you can't use your powers in the open like that."
"I know. They look scary and stuff. But, Mom -" Eclipse began but he was interrupted by White.
"You shouldn't use them at all," he said sternly. "Just look at this!" He raised his hoof, pointing at the splintered boxes. "Your power is destructive and dangerous. Can't you see that? Feather?" he asked his wife for support.
"I... I don't know," she said hesitantly. "I think I'm okay with it..."
"Perhaps we should pack it up and..." Darren began but his sentence remained unfinished. He quickly sheathed his sword and spun around to face the door. Somepony was knocking at it with emphasis.
The big pair of double doors swung open. Two royal guards in full armour and with halberds entered and they did not look happy. One of them seemed a bit small compared to the size of their halberd.
"Uh-oh," Jonathan mouthed as the guards walked directly towards Darren.
"Sir, you need to come with us," one of the guards said with a gruff voice.
"What is this about?" Darren asked, immediately changing his tone from child-friendly to business. "We did not want to be disturbed - did the Princess not order it?"
The guard opened his mouth but Eclipse was faster.
"You can't take him again!" he shouted angrily. "He didn't do anything wrong!"
"Stay back, lad," said Darren, raising his hand. "I'll be fine -"
"No!" Eclipse shouted and dashed towards the guards.
Feather gasped in shock and ran over to Eclipse, trying to pull him away.
"I'm terribly sorry," she said, struggling with the unruly colt writhing around in her grip. "Please, make it quick, okay?" Her voice quivering with doubt, she tried her best to gain control over Eclipse who was becoming more upset by the second. "Honey, please," she begged him to calm down.
White came to her aid and together they managed to put a distance between themselves and the guards.
"He's so strong," whispered Fluttershy anxiously to Jonathan.
"Must be his powers," Jonathan muttered back, flexing his fingers and preparing for a spell. "Darren!" he said aloud.
Darren moved towards the guards and several things happened at once. As he turned to leave with them, they raised their weapons to switch sides; Eclipse, scared by the sudden movement, screamed, "No!", spread his forelegs and floated into the air, his eyes glowing with purple fire; Jonathan summoned a sphere of Light around the guards.
Surprised by Eclipse's outburst of magic, the guards staggered and spun around to face the colt. Time seemed to slow down for Eclipse; he only saw the halberd slipping from the hoof of the shorter guard, its sharp blade falling exactly in Darren's direction. Without thinking, Eclipse thrust his hoof forward and a string of shadows raced towards his friend. The shadows hit the ground and a deep red crystal sprouted from the floor, deflecting the halberd. It fell to the ground with a clang that echoed through the hall.
The silence that followed was deafening. Eclipse blinked at the perplexed guards.
Darren heaved an exasperated sigh and frowned at Eclipse. A thin wall of ice that had been standing between himself and the guards crumbled and melted into a puddle at his feet.
Jonathan smacked his own face. He raised his eyebrows at Eclipse and silently pointed at the puddle.
Eclipse fell to the floor, his knees were suddenly so weak. The puddle... a wall of ice... He stared at the scene and understood. There had never been any real danger. Darren had conjured up his own shield. And he, Eclipse, had just made a big fuzz over nothing.
"I'm sorry! I - I didn't think -" he stammered, staggering backwards. He bumped into his father who twitched and gaped right back at him, his face full of fear. "I'm sorry!"
The guards, slack-jawed and uncertain, looked at Eclipse, then Darren, then Eclipse's parents.
"Uhm..." said Jonathan with a nervous grin. "We can... explain?"
Behind Sunburst, Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind her wings.
White made a face and averted his eyes, ashamed for his son.
That was it. Eclipse had enough of hiding and apologizing. He did not want to keep his powers secret from the rest of the world for all his life! It was about time to tell everypony how he felt. He huffed and stood up.
"No," he said. "I can explain." Walking towards the guards on shaking legs, he took a deep breath. "I thought that weapon was gonna hurt Darren. That's why I made the crystal. But I'm not gonna hurt anypony."
The guards both lowered their halberds to point them at him, the colt whose powers were so alike to Sombra's. But Eclipse simply stopped walking and looked up at them.
"I know what you're thinking," he said. "'His magic looks just like King Sombra's. He must be Sombra or a monster like him.' But I'm not like that." He hiccupped as his cheeks turned hot. "I'm Eclipse! My Mom is F-Feather Rush and my Dad is White Alloy. Peridot is my sister and all - all I ever wanted to be is a guard! And to protect the Princess and the Crystal Heart - any my friends and family..." He sobbed as the shame and sadness overwhelmed him. "But I can't be one, can I? I'm, like, the exact opposite of a guard! You'd never let me join them! Would you, Dad?!" He spun around, facing his father, his cheeks wet and legs trembling like leaves.
"I never said that," muttered White, taken aback.
"You didn't have to," said Feather quietly. "It was kind of obvious, honey..."
"Guess my power is just too scary," Eclipse went on. "But I can take it all back. If that's what it takes to make you safe I can take it all back." With a pained smile, he lifted his trembling hoof and closed his eyes. An otherwordly tone filled the hall, a high-pitched hum, and the crystal that Eclipse had created vibrated like the string of a harp. Then, it dissolved into a dark haze and disappeared. Still sniffling and sobbing, Eclipse wiped his muzzle and turned away.
"We did not teach him that," Jonathan whispered nervously into Fluttershy's ear.
White exhaled slowly. He felt guilt rushing through his gut, hot and stinging him on the inside. Why did he doubt his son so much? What kind of a father was he? First, he encouraged him not to be scared of his own powers and then, after actually watching him use them on purpose, he backed down? Pathetic!
He could do better. He had to do better. This was not just about his pride or about the safety of everypony. It was about Eclipse's future. Looking at Feather, his fearless wife from the City Guard, he made a decision.
"I didn't imagine that you'd be so powerful," he rasped. "With that shadow and the crystal. But the way you use your magic, that says a lot about you. You're not - scary. You're couragious and loyal and... kind. I - you're -" White's eyes widened as realization struck him. "You're perfect guard material," he said, hardly believing his own words. "You know what, if you want to do that you should do it. I'm not gonna stop you. I Promise."
"Dad!" Eclipse cried. He ran into White's embrace and hugged him as tightly as he could. "Thanks, Dad..."
"No, thank you for changing my mind," muttered White, holding Eclipse's head against his chest. "Merciful stars, I've been an idiot!"
"Oh, my," said somepony. Eclipse raised his head. Had that been Fluttershy? "Look!" she said, pointing a shivering hoof at Eclipse's flank. He wiped his muzzle again and could not help but smile.
It took them all a while to clean up the hall, to carry out he splintered boxes, remove the water puddle and sweep away the streamers. The mixture of water and paper made for an awful mess that none had anticipated. In the end, the two guards had a heart and helped; they leaned their halberds against the wall and carried the largest box outside. Feather and White managed to locate a broom closet and Jonathan went to inform the Princess about what had happened.
The guards, still overwhelmed by the revelation of Eclipse's powers, kept a little distance to him. They taller one, a purple crystal earth pony, explained why they had wanted to take Darren with them.
"Somepony threw a brick through your window," he said. "The City Guard told us that you were here. We just wanted to show you and ask what you want to do about it."
"You were not going to arrest me?" Darren asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, Sir."
"This would be funny if not for the brick," said Darren dryly, putting the bucket down that he had been holding.
"Though Eclipse is probably glad it gave him a chance to be honest with his dad," said Sunburst, "In retrospect, I mean." He jerked his head in the direction of Eclipse who was busy carrying a paper bag with splinters across the hall. "Though I bet you my mineral collection nopony expected his Cutie Mark to look like that."
"A white tulip... no, I suppose not," said Darren thoughtfully.
"What does it even mean?" Sunburst asked, leaning onto his broom. "I kind of fail to see the relevance to, you know, all of this."
Fluttershy tapped his shoulder with a hoof.
"Excuse me..." she said. "I think I have an idea." She cleared her throat. "A white tulip usually stands for purity, new beginnings and, uhm, worthiness..."
"Oh." Sunburst scratched his bearded chin, then shook his head with a laugh and adjusted his glasses. "Okay. Well, I guess he did make a new start... By the way, where the hay is Jonathan? He should be back by now."
As if on cue, the doors of the hall opened again and Jonathan entered, followed by Prince Shining Armor. When Shining saw the wet floor and the cleaning crew, he chuckled. His guards snapped to attention as soon as they saw him and saluted him. The Captain saluted, looked around and found Eclipse.
Eclipse noticed the Prince walking towards him and winced. The paper bag fell from his grip and bits of wood tumbled out.
"P-prince Shining Armor!" he stammered with something like terrified admiration.
"Hello, Eclipse," said Shining with a friendly smile. "I heard you earned your Cutie Mark! Congratulations!"
Eclipse forced his mouth to close and nodded slowly.
"I came to see if you are okay," Shining went on, concern creeping into his voice. "You gave my guards a bit of a scare there."
"Sorry," Eclipse squeaked, his ears folding down. "Am I gonna get banished now?"
"What?" Shining jerked his head back. "No, of course not! Everything's fine." He exchanged a look with the guards. "At ease," he said and the two armoured ponies relaxed. "Report."
"Sir, we came in to inform Mr Houndslayer that somepony threw a brick into his apartment. When we turned around, the colt used his magic and I," the guard gave off an embarrassed cough, "I dropped my weapon. But, er, thanks to his crystal no one was harmed."
"See?" said Shining. "It's okay. Nothing bad happened. Well, from what Jonathan told me, you overreacted a little but than can happen to anypony."
"I - guess so," Eclipse muttered, relieved that his hero took the matter so lightly. "Th-thanks for not arresting me - Sir!" He tried to imitate the guards by standing stiffly and saluting.
Shining Armor laughed. "It's a bit early for that. But when you're done with school, you can apply for training as a guard, deal? Come on, let's bring you home." He nooded at Feather and White, who had silently watched the conversation, and they sprang to Eclipse's side.
Fluttershy suddenly gave off a gasp. Everybody's head turned to her and she blushed violently.
"Sorry," she said with a lopsided smile. "It's just that my Cutie Mark... I think the friendship problem has been solved."
Jonathan grimaced uncomfortably. His hands twitched but he kept them on the broom.
"Yup, itch is back," he pressed out. "Agh, uncomfortable," he muttered with a huff. "Let's get out of here before I do something embarrassing."
Saying goodbye to Jonathan and Fluttershy was hard for Eclipse. Over the week, he had gotten used to having them around. The entire White family accompanied them to Central Station, along with Darren and Sunburst. Fluttershy gave Eclipse a tight hug, Jonathan did the same even though he always told everyone he was not the hugging type. The four o'clock train already rolled in when Eclipse let go of Jonathan.
Darren and Jonathan shook hands and patted each other's backs, Sunburst told Fluttershy to say hello to Starlight for him and Feather took Jonathan aside for a moment.
"Thank you for your help," she said seriously. "I don't know what we would have done without you. I'm sure Darren will be a great teacher but I gotta admit it, it was good to meet another human."
"I get what you mean," said Jonathan. "But, besides Twilight, Darren's my best friend. You can trust him no matter what, you have my word. And - well, thanks for letting me stretch my wings for a bit. It was kinda nice to do some priestly things, you know." He grinned. "Bye, Feather." He offered her a fist to bump.
Feather ignored the hand and gave him a hug instead.
"Oh. Okay," said Jonathan. "Alright, enough, we don't wanna make your husband jealous." He gently pushed Feather away with a smile.
"Yeah, well, thank you two," said White. "Take care and say hello to the Princess!"
"Um, Jonathan, we need to go," said Fluttershy. "The train..."
"Right! Bye, everyone! See you sometime!"
As soon as the two had entered the car, the door slid closed with a hiss. A sharp whistle rang through the station and the train accelerated.
"Bye!" Eclipse and Peridot waved at the train as it disappeared in the distance.
The guards had been right. Somepony had thrown a brick into Darren's apartment. When he entered the room it was as cold as the air outside. Splintered glass was spread all over the table and the floor.
"Shit," said Darren. He stepped over the glass shards, crushing them while he did so, and gingerly picked up the brick. There was a sheet of paper wrapped around it. Darren unrolled it and deciphered the crude large letters. They had been written with a red pen, giving them something of an ominous vibe. Darren passed the sheet on to the landlord who had watched him through the door.
"Do you know what this means?" he asked politely.
The earth pony took the paper. His eyes widened as he read the note.
"Thats, uh, that's from an old story," said the landlord hesitantly. "It's a spirit of cold wind and, er, hatred. I-I don't know why they wrote it but I think it would be best if you found another accomotation, Sir. We can't afford to get a bad reputation."
Darren sighed and put the paper on the table. He said his thanks to the landlord and when the pony left, Darren closed the door. He rummaged in his closet until he found one of his gloves, put it on and started picking up the glass shards.
"Need anything else?" Abs threw two blankets and pillow onto the mattress that he and Sombra had carried from Still Waters' room into the living room.
"No, I think I'm good," said Sombra, unfolding the blanket. "Thanks. I know you don't have to do that."
"So do I. Breakfast is usually at five-thirty," said Abs. "I got the early shift, need to follow some weird unicorn around the city. Well - let's just hope he won't get up so early." He winked and went into the bathroom. The door slammed shut and very soon water rushed through the pipes inside the wall.
"That pony is so weird," Sombra muttered to himself. But even though he was confused by Abs's antics, he still felt immensely grateful for his unexpected help. He was so damn tired... He had never gotten used to sleeping outside or in a hall with fifty other ponies beside him. Sombra already looked forward to getting a long, quiet, good night's sleep. Oh yes!
What bothered him a little was the incredulous look on Still Waters's face when Sombra had stood up from the dinner table. But he had not commented on Sombra's blank flank. Instead, Still Waters went into his room, beckoning for Sombra to follow him. They had spent the evening talking about the colt's game - which turned out to be a pen and paper game about a group of adventurers wandering through the Frozen North and fighting monsters. Sombra found it surprisingly easy to recall his knowledge he had of the North. He described some of the creatures from the ice and he and Still Waters drew sketches and complicated tables for hours. Eventually, Abs had knocked at the door and told Sombra to help him move the mattress.
As Sombra lay on the mattress in the quiet living room, the moonlight shining through the thin curtains, his gaze fell upon a framed picture on the wall. It was a family picture. Four ponies, all of them crystal earth ponies, stood in a group, two of them in ceremonial armour. The two foals on the picture, one blue and the other green, smiled happily. The stallion was Abrasive Paper, as tall as he was now but slightly less muscular. The mare next to him had a green coat. The cold moonlight made her look paler than she must have been. One of her forelegs held a glaive, the other was clutched by the smaller colt, Still Waters.
There was a second picture right next to the first one. On that one, there were only three ponies and they looked significantly older. As far as Sombra could tell it was very recent: Abs without armour and both of his sons standing at his side. The older one was a stallion now, as tall as his father albeit not as trained, and the other had the same long mane as today. All of them did their best to smile but Sombra still noticed the small frown between Abs's eyes.
Sombra felt his blood run cold as he put two and two together. Abrasive's wife had been a guard. And now she was dead. She must have been killed in the war. There was no other explanation.
For how many deaths was Sombra responsible? At his idiotic attempt to free the Umbrum, how many ponies had lost their lives in the mines?
He pulled the blanket over his head and rolled over, turning his back on the wall and feeling like the biggest asshole on the face of the planet.
Darren Houndslayer the Frost Death Knight could not sleep. He stared at the ceiling and huffed indignantly. A cold gust of wind howled through the broken window. Hooves clattered on the street. Leaves rustled. An owl hooted. A dog barked four times. Every noise in the nightly silence sounded thrice as loud. It was infuriating.
He had to admit it to himself. He was not used to sleeping outdoors anymore. Great.
Darren sat up and squinted his eyes shut. Maybe he should meditate to get what little regeneration he could. Or...
His gaze fell onto the note on the table. WINDIGO, it said. Maybe there was a way to get his sleep after all. Darren rolled his sleeves up and smiled.
Ten minutes later, he was snoring peacefully. A thick layer of blue ice covered the window, refracting the moonlight into a thousand glittering stars.
Abs had a deep sleep. He was, in fact, quite proud of the fact that he could get his shut-eye standing in a hallway while pretending to guard a door. Not that he would ever admit that to Captain Spark. But tonight, his head jerked up when he heard a thud in the living room. That had been an unfamiliar sound. Unfamiliar sounds usually meant trouble. He blinked a few times, then he remembered his guest.
He turned around and tried to fall asleep again. Another thud. Then, a groan. Abs heaved a sigh and got up. He carefully opened the bedroom door and tip-hooved into the living room.
Yes, the noises came from Sombra. Lying on the floor next to the mattress, the slate grey unicorn was all tangled up with his blanket, groaning and talking in his sleep. A faint purple glow shone through the bandage that covered his curved horn.
"Leave... nothing... shut up - shatter... unh... no! ...devour..." Sombra's legs twitched as if he was fending off something. He was obviously having a nightmare.
Abs hesitated. It was rude to wake somepony up but he could not shake the impression that Sombra would thank him for it. He walked over to the writhing stallion and stretched out a hoof. Before he even touched Sombra, the unicorn gasped and kicked into the air. Sombra's eyes snapped open and he inhaled with a deep gasp as if he had been underwater.
"Gaaah!"
Abs winced and staggered backwards. Sombra's eyes had changed. Usually an emerald green, his irises were now of a piercing red, the pupils slitted like those of a snake. The whites were aglow in a sickly green and purple smoke curled upwards from the corners of Sombra's eyes.
"What the f-! Sombra!" Abs ran to grab his glaive.
"It's coming!" Sombra shouted at him. He jumped to his hooves and looked left and right, panting heavily. Abs gasped and pointed his weapon at the shadow pony. "It's here!" Sombra wailed at him like a colt. His behaviour, Abs realized, was in stark contrast with the menacing air his appearance gave off. Sombra was scared - thoroughly, properly terrified of something. Abs lowered the glaive, unsure what to do. Now Sombra leapt forward and grabbed the shocked earth pony with his hooves, shaking him. "Nopony's safe! They found me! They're here!"
"Wh-who's here?" Abs shouted back, instinctively trying to match Sombra's volume. "Sombra, who is it?"
"They found me!" Sombra repeated. Abs shuddered, the insanity in the unicorn's eyes creeped him out more than the eerie light shining out of them and that had to say something. What was he supposed to do? Slap him in the face to ground him? Arrest him? Alert the Guard? Yes, he should -
"Nooo!" Sombra screamed, looking at something Abs could not see. The unicorn lit his horn and this time, there was not the green glow of his regular magic. The bandages were ripped of by the sheer blast of dark energy that exploded from Sombra's horn. Thick, suffocating smoke broke forth from Sombra's coat, mouth and eyes, enveloping him, shrouding him.
Abs shrank against the wall, cowering before the monster as his fear paralyzed him. Sombra's body was gone; instead, there was a cloud so dark that it seemed to suck all the light out of the room. The red, curved horn was still visible and, just beneath it, a glowing pair of eyes that had lost all likeness to those of a pony.
The creature snarled at Abs, a sound straight from Tartarus, and the cloud rose from the ground, filling up the tiny apartment. Then, with an enraged wail, Sombra lit his horn and the windows shattered outwards with an ear-deafening explosion. The cloud rushed outside and into the sky - and it was gone.
Breathing heavily, Abs stared at the broken windows. His ears rang in a high-pitched tone and he felt dizzy. Still Waters, he thought, struggling desperately to get on his feet. Is my son okay?
From outside, he could hear the first screams. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 29: To Arms! | "To Arms! Get the defenses ready!" Shining Armor ordered, sending both Captain Coral Spark and his own officers gallopping out of the Throne room. He turned to Cadence and sighed. "Sombra will probably go after the Heart again - or Flurry. Should we stick together or keep both separate from each other?"
"I will not let Flurry Heart out of my sight," said Cadence coolly. "But we could do what the Elements of Harmony once tried and create a decoy for Sombra to find. As long as the Heart remains in the Palace I can redirect its power to the Heart's chamber. Sombra will think it's still there and we can hide it somewhere else to win us some time."
"But you will need to keep the Heart close for your magic to work," said Shining. "Sombra can follow the stream of magic. And if he gets to you he has both possible targets in hoof's reach."
"Let him try." Cadence set her chin, holding Flurry Heart to her chest. The baby babbled, unable to comprehend what the big ponies were talking about. "The Elements of Harmony are still a train ride away," she sighed. "Twilight could teleport here but not with six other people in her tow, not over this distance. They can be here in four and a half hours."
"We still have the Alicorn of Love," Shining said with a reassuring smile. "We will defeat him before he can steal the Heart again."
Eclipse was tired. His parents had told both him and Peridot to stay in their room.
"Sombra is back," White had said, "and he has his powers again. You are not going anywhere until we know the streets are safe again."
Now they were supposed to sleep. But there was such a ruckus on the streets that they could not shut their eyes. Guards kept running up and down the paved roads, ponies barred their doors, some even nailed their windows shut which felt like an excessive and pointless precaution to Eclipse.
"You know what the weird thing is, Peridot?" Eclipse said, looking up from his history book.
"Hm?"
"I have the same powers as Sombra, right?" Eclipse said with his eyes on the ceiling. A few stars were glued to the areas above both of their beds, cut from the dried leaves of a bioluminescent tree. He squinted his eyes; the faintly glowing dots doubled.
"Yeah." Peridot sat up, pushing her blanket away. "Sooo... what?"
"I had the chance to train with my powers. Sombra didn't do anything obvious since his resurrection - until today. How can he be so strong that everypony's going crazy about it?"
"Well..." Peridot turned until she was lying on her belly. "One, he is super powerful in the first place. And he's much older, he could have trained back when he was preparing for his first reign. And three, he is evil. He wants to steal the Crystal Heart again, everypony knows about that. So even if he was only as strong as you it would be a big problem."
Eclipse rubbed his chin, nodding slowly.
"Okay. Thanks, I guess." There was a minute of silence. "Peridot?"
"Yes?"
"Do you believe what Darren said? That there's a pony ghost watching over me?"
"I... I dunno. I think he meant it as a metaphor. Like, the ancestors are looking out for you, that kind of thing," Peridot said quietly.
"Yeah. I mean, ghosts aren't real. Right?"
"Exactly." Peridot turned around with a tired grunt and mumbled, "We should really try to sleep. Good night, Eclipse."
"Good night." Eclipse exhaled slowly.
He closed his eyes but he was still wide awake. This was so annoying! What was it that kept him from calming down? It was as if a sinister cloud was constricting his heart. He was nervous, he was upset without knowing why. His stomach cramped as Eclipse realized that he could feel the dark magic of Sombra apporaching. There was some ugly connection between them, like a thorn in his side. He felt tainted, even more than he had felt before his training. Only this time, he knew it was not his own darkness he felt but somepony else's.
Wasn't there anything he could do? Maybe he could look into Sombra's mind like he had done with Darren. Maybe he could stop him if the sheer force of the guards and the royal family did not work. He could show Sombra his own bad memories and then the guards would be able to take him down. That seemed like a good plan.
Eclipse tried to be very quiet and listened. Peridot was already snoring. Perfect.
He pushed the blanket aside and slid off the mattress. He slowly, slowly pulled his treasure box out from beneath the bed. Then, he emptied his red pair of saddlebags. The school books, the pencil case and his sports towel were all useful to create a bump under his blanket. Eclipse added a scarf and coat for good measure. Now it looked as if he was still sleeping in his bed.
Moving as fast as he could without making any suspicious noise, he packed the saddlebags with his red notebook and his new mana potions. After a moment of consideration, Eclipse wrapped the potions into another scarf. He did not want the glass vials to get crushed or clink around when he was walking. Eclipse put the saddlebags on and took his wooden shield. Now he was ready.
But how should he get outside without his parents noticing? If he opened the bedroom window, Peridot might awaken. Then he had an idea. The bathroom had a window, too. It was small but not too small for a colt.
Eclipse did not remember the hedge below the bathroom window to be so... edgy. It did not have thorns but that was the only redeeming thing which could be said about it. The thin, gnarled branches cut his barrel and legs in a few places. Gritting his teeth, Eclipse rolled off the shrub and brushed some leaves off his coat. At least he had been able to slow his fall by stretching his wings. A pity he could not yet fly properly, that would have come in useful. But for the first time in his life, Eclipse was genuinely happy that he had a dark grey coat and a black mane. He picked his shield from the ground and disappeared into the shadows as if he had practiced it.
"Darren!"
"Ow!" Darren hit his elbow on the sink, turning around to face the unexpected visitor.
"Oh, sorry, sorry! Are you okay?" Levinia grimaced, rubbing her hoofs against each other in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's fine," Darren grunted, rubbing his hurting arm and lowering the towel he had been holding. "But it's late. What's wrong?"
"Eclipse is on the streets!" Levinia cried. "He snuck outside just a minute ago."
"Shit!" Darren put his socks and shirt back on in a hurry. "Why?" he asked, reaching for his boots.
"I don't know. But he packed his mana potions, notebook and shield. And he went in the direction of the castle. I think he wants to face Sombra on his own!"
Darren closed his eyes for a moment. If Levinia had been alive, she would have felt very cold; ice flowers formed on the window glass and the water in the sink hardened into a solid block.
"That kid is getting ahead of himself. Probably thinks he can stand a chance now that he's got moderate control over his powers." Darren kept cursing under his breath and grabbed his sword belt. Securing the weapon on his back, he said, "Thank you for telling me. Please go to the Princess and Captains and tell them as well."
"How am I supposed to do that?" Levinia asked, annoyed. "I'm a ghost, remember? Nopony except you ex-undead humans and Mara can see me!"
"Write a note, move some objects... hell, breathe on a window and leave a message on the glass. Never tried to get creative?" Darren snarked, opening the door.
"I'll think of something." Levinia growled, throwing an angry glance at Darren.
Darren hesitated, his hand on the handle. He sighed and looked back at the ghost, regret etched into his face.
"Sorry," he said.
Levinia smiled with her eyes. "I know. You're worried, I get that. Eclipse might be getting himself into grave danger."
"Yes."
"Go ahead, find him and save him before he does anything stupid," Levinia said softly.
Darren nodded, giving her a brief smile.
"And, Darren? Please don't die."
"I'll do my best." Darren shut the door and ran down the hallway while Levinia disappeared in a flash of blue light.
"Sh, sh, sh," Cadence tried to calm down Flurry heart. Holding the foal in her magic, she conjured a plush pony and gave it to her daughter to play with. "Flurry is upset, she can feel the tension," she explained apologetically.
"That is to be expected." Captain Coral Spark raised an eyebrow and adjusted the grip on his glaive.
"But if Sombra is close," added a pegasus guard called Flash Sentry, "he would probably feel her magic anyway so a little noise won't make any difference."
The two dozen guards that surrounded them shuffled around uneasily. An eerie, cold wind blew through the throne room. Flurry whimpered and held her plush pony tightly. The cold wind came closer. Cadence could tell where it was by the shiver that made its way through the guards.
Suddenly, one of them lost his weapon - but not the way that somepony lost something when they stumbled. The wind wrung it from his hooves. When he let go, he staggered backwards to regain his balance. He gasped as the halberd rose into the air.
"Who are you? Sombra?!" shouted Cadence, hugging her daughter tightly and lighting her horn - like the Captain and all the other unicorns. Her beautiful curly mane swept around her as she frantically turned her head. "Show yourself!"
The halberd rattled, then spun around and floated to the ground with its tip first. With a terrible screech, it scratched at the crystal floor.
Then, it stopped, clattered and was still. The air remained cold but the chilly spot did not move anymore.
Cadence lowered her hooves from her ears and stepped closer to the lines.
"'Save Eclipse,'" read Spark aloud. "Wait, isn't that -?"
His guard yelped. He had stretched out his hoof to pick up the glaive when it moved once again. It poked at the ground as if to say, "here," then rose above their heads and pointed east.
There was a moment of silence. The guards all looked at their princess, waiting for her decision.
"Split up," Cadence ordered her guards. "There is a little grey colt sneaking around the castle and he needs our help. And don't make the mistake to confuse him with Sombra. The colt is a pegasus with blue eyes. If he uses his powers, try to appear non-threatening and you will be fine. Just tell him that I sent you and that you are not going to arrest him but help him. And please don't arrest him, Captain. You'll thank me later."
Captain Spark saluted, his brow furrowing.
"Ma'am, just to be clear, what powers are we talking?"
Cadence smiled humourlessly, hugging Flurry Heart closer. "Shadow powers."
There were a few advantages of being undead. One of them was that you did not breathe. Thus, you could not run out of breath. But on the other hand, Darren reflected as he leaned against a fence and held his side, you needed to make sure you did not lose any body parts along the way. He liked his current condition better. At least he knew where all of his entrails were.
He cleared his throat and looked ahead. There, only one more block and then he could argue with some guards that he really, really needed to see the Princess even though she was extremely busy defending her castle. He would have to do his best Paladin impression.
Indigo Blaze could not believe it. The best pony in his squad kept fidgeting around like a newbie. He tried not to show it but Blaze had known Abs for long enough to recognize when the stallion was shaken. He walked over to the armed guard and poked his side.
"Dude, what the hay is going on?"
Abs twitched, something Blaze had only seen him do four times during his service.
"You sure you wanna do this?" Blaze asked in a low voice.
"Yeah." Abs nodded, shifting around on the spot. "I really do. He fucking broke my home from the inside out. You should see my son, he's..." He angrily chewed on his tongue. "Sombra will not get away with this."
"Alright," said Blaze, frowning, "but make sure to keep your emotions in check. That's an order."
"Yessir." Abs straightened up even more and fixed his eyes on the Crystal Heart that slowly rotated before them.
A few steps away, Shining Armor was in a hushed conversation with Sunburst. They talked quickly and Blaze could not make out what they were saying.
Everypony shivered as a gust of cold wind brushed past them.
A tiny cloud of shadow, barely more than a whiff of darkness, slid through a castle window. The shade dropped to the carpeted floor of a hallway and twisted around itself. It grew and grew until it had the size and shape of a pegasus colt.
"Whoa," said Eclipse, rubbing his foreleg. That had felt weird. He had not expected it to be this easy to turn to shadow completely. His legs and ears were itching all over and a funny feeling of power had taken hold of him. Eclipse felt for his saddlebags and shield - they were still with him, right where they belonged.
Now he was inside the castle. He had never been in this wing so he had no idea where to head next. How was he supposed to find Sombra? He thought about that for a moment. Sombra would probably want to steal the Crystal Heart again. Or he would want to destroy it, which was even worse. So he would go and look for the Heart first. And then he would fight against the Guard. That made sense.
So if Eclipse managed to find the Heart, he would most likely meet Sombra, too. He frowned. He could still feel the vague presence of Sombra's evil magic which was - there was a sharp sting in his gut - so similar to his own. He should just head towards the dark magic and he would find Sombra.
Eclipse swallowed hard, readjusted the grip on his shield and began to run.
The castle's portal was heavily guarded - no less than a dozen ponies stood there, four of them unicorns, equipped with crystal wands. These battlemages had the same focused and stern expression as their comrades even though they wore just light robes. Darren remembered faintly that it was easier to enchant cloth because it was organic material. Enchanting iron was rather difficult and only the most experienced smiths of magic were able to do it. Blessing armour and weapons to empower their bearers against the Undead and demons was easy in comparison.
The portal itself was closed and the faint pink shimmer of an arcane barrier discouraged from touching its surface.
Darren slowed down and approached the guards at a hurried but steady pace. He kept his sword sheathed so he would not appear hostile.
The two guards at the front crossed their halberds to block his path.
"No one is allowed to enter the castle," one of them, a stout earth pony, declared.
"My student - is in there, and he wants to - fight Sombra," said Darren, still slightly out of breath. "He's a nine year old colt."
The guard started, then curtly shook his head. "Your student?"
"How would he have gotten in there in the first place?" the other guard, also an earth pony, chimed in. "And wouldn't the Princess know?"
"She probably does by now," Darren said. "I sent someone ahead to warn her. Please, I need to find him before he finds Sombra!" He could not keep the urgency out of his voice.
The first guard shivered a little. "I'm gonna check," he said. "Stay right here." He turned on his heels and cantered towards the portal, then, he started a hushed conversation with one of the mages. The unicorn cast a spell, their eyes closed, and the guard nodded.
Darren tried his best to appear patient. As he struggled to keep a straight face even though every second counted, he reminded himself that striking down the guards would be counterproductive. It would have been so easy to just plough his way through them. Though the sheer number of them would probably be a match even for him. His stomach turned as Darren felt a rising urge to rip the runeblade out of its scabbard - and the guard's heart out of their ribcage. He clenched his teeth and took a deep breath. And another. And another.
The pony before him was well-trained. Darren noticed the drop of sweat running down on her forehead as she tried not to look into eyes of the human that towered over her. Were his eyes aglow with cold magic right now? Darren had no idea.
Quickly, the first guard returned and said, "You may pass. Stairs on the left will lead you to the Heart's Wing."
"Thank you, Sir," said Darren, already running again. "Sorry about the cold!" he called over his shoulder.
The guards shook their barrels and a thin layer of ice sprang off their barding.
"What the hay?" said one of the mages, exchanging a confused look with his neighbour. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 30: Lies of Truth | Eclipse still had no idea where he was, in terms of where exactly in the castle. But he could feel that he was getting closer to Sombra. The pressure on his chest tightened. He took a deep breath to calm himself. Around that corner up ahead, he could hear guards, their armour clinking. And they were talking. Were they not worried Sombra could avoid them if they were so loud?
"He must be around here somewhere," one of them said, and the other one gave off a curt sigh. "Keep going," he said with a gruff voice to which the first one replied, "Yes, Sir."
Taking another deep breath, Ecpilse focused his thoughts on the task ahead. His body shimmered and shifted into dark smoke that slid up to the ceiling. No way they would catch him up here. He had to get to Sombra, and fast. The last thing he wanted was for the bad guy to hurt anypony before Eclipse could confront him.
Shining Armor's ear twitched when he heard a commotion at the end of the hall. He exchanged a look with Sunburst who visibly tensed up.
"Detective!" a vaguely familiar voice called out. Then, Darren Houndslayer came into view at the doors. The two ponies that guarded it with halberds took a step away when the human entered the room. He looked angry, no, make that nervous. Just like the time before, Shining could not help the shiver that ran down his spine. Even though Darren kept being polite and cooperative, there was something unnerving about having a human almost twice a pony's height storming into the room you were in. Darren's blue eyes darted around the room, counting the doors or maybe the guards, then, he bumped his fist against Blaze's outstretched hoof.
"So he wasn't here yet?" Darren asked, nodding at Shining and Abs. "Sombra?"
"No." Blaze slightly shook his head. "We got a warning that a little colt is running around the castle, though."
Darren huffed and his frown deepened.
"Yes, I'm looking for him. Would have thought he'd run into a guard eventually. Apparently not. No sign of him?"
As Blaze shook his head again, shrugging apologetically, Darren raised a brow. He turned to Shining Armor.
"Sir, with your permission," the knight began.
Shining nodded. "Alright. Blaze, Abs, you two join him. Find the kid and bring him here. If you encounter Sombra, try your best to lure him here. He'll probably look for the Heart anyway; better to catch him on our own terms." He looked at Sunburst who nodded, a smirk playing around the scholar's mouth.
He is rushing through the corridors and halls, his shadow form swift and deadly. The castle is surprisingly void of guards - where is everyone? He would have expected those feeble pony creatures to swarm the palace by now, frantically looking for Sombra. No matter; he is getting closer to the powerful crystal, he can feel it - he materializes into the dark-furred unicorn, catching his breath -
Sombra blinked a few times, gasping for air as he leaned against the wall. He shook his head. Everything felt wrong. He was dizzy as Tartarus, and he did not know where he was until he recognized the crystal lamps on the walls.
"Oh, Stars..." He leaned over and covered his mouth, feeling ready to puke. He had done something but he was not sure what. The only things he could remember was exploding glass and Abs pointing his glaive at him, his eyes widened in terror...
This is all the Heart's fault! he thought, suddenly enraged again. I must - I gotta get out of here - I must destroy it! Once it's gone, I can - He could do nothing. Sombra sank to the floor, holding his head with foth forelegs. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt - it felt as if it was going to explode. It was so tight, so tight... as if something else was trying to take its place inside of it. He was so close to figuring it out - he had to get out, get help - he was weak, he must destroy the Heart - he -
He -
The shadow returned, dissolving Sombra's shape once again into a dark cloud.
"There he is!" Abs shouted, his eyes fixed on the hazy smoke that rushed past them. Darren, Abs and Blaze broke into a sprint, dashing after the cloud.
"We're close to the Crystal Heart," Blaze said between two breaths, exchanging a worried look with the other guard.
"Damn it!" He lit his horn, opening the portal they were storming towards. Their armor clinked with every step they ran, in stark contrast to Darren's light clothing. The dark shadow had already passed through the cracks of the door, leaving the two ponies and human in the dust. Blaze lit his horn - the portal swung open. Darren unsheathed his sword and they ran after the haze. His eyes widened as he realized they were already too late.
Sombra was floating right next to the Heart. The blue crystal, still rotating above the crowd of ponies, shone its light upon a stock-still Princess Cadence. Her head was lowered as if she was trying to cast a spell against Sombra. Flurry Heart writhed around in her foreleg, almost falling from her frozen mother's grasp. She cried, unable to understand why Mommy was not moving anymore. Captain Coral Spark had also sprung into action, defiance etched into his unmoving face, his hoof raised as he ordered his guards to fight the intruder.
It would have looked funny if not for the terror of realizing how powerful Sombra was: All of the guards had been bewitched; they all were unable to lift a hoof, everyone glaring at Sombra or into nothingness in helpless anger.
"How did he - we didn't know he could do that!" Blaze panted in shock.
"Neither did he," said the Shadow, his red eyes void of any feeling except for cruel joy at the weakness of the guards.
"That's - that's not Sombra," whispered Abs. He cleared his throat. "Who are you?" he demanded.
"What do you care?" The Shadow laughed, a low rumble that sounded wrong coming from a pony's throat. "You're just a pathetic weakling, unable to even keep your own home safe!"
The temperature in the room suddenly dropped, a gust of wind rushing through the hall. Darren raised his sword at the shadow, anger overwhelming him. Oh, how he had missed this...! He curled the fingers of his free hand, trying to use his Death Grip on the shadow and pull him closer. But the shade just kept on laughing. It grew and grew, blotting out the light that fell through the windows, extinguishing the glow that shone from the Crystal Heart. The dark cloud whirled around Darren as if it was alive, black flames assaulted him, swallowed him up -
Oh no, not again, he thought -
He managed to catch a breather as the winds formed a tight bubble of cold air around him, pushing the shadow back. The blue ice and snow that formed around Darren felt so familiar, the rage that was building inside, the urge to get his hands onto the monster to tear it to shreds - Darren shook his head and tried to focus. He had to knock the shadow unconscious somehow, get to the creature that was possessing the unicorn, for there was no other explanation for his sudden cruel, mad behaviour...
"Darren?" That was Blaze. "What are you doing? I can't - I c-can't - Oh Stars, your eyes! You..! No! No! Have mercy!" Blaze's howling cry, filled with cold, naked fear, made Darren's hairs stand on end. Other ponies began to scream as if they were being torn apart.
The shadow was using Void Magic on the ponies, that had to be it, he had to hurry before everyone went insane, himself included... Darren swung his blade, trusting his intuition and muscle memory to guide his hands as he hoped to hit the shade. He knew that his sword would not just cut solid things; he was probably the only one who could fight Sombra in his current form if all the unicorns were incapacitated. The screams grew louder as he deflected a black tendril that lunged towards him, dissolving it into smoke... He could hear someone calling his name... Darren screamed with rage and desperation as he kept trying to fend off the assault, his arms getting unusually heavy... Worst of all were the cries of the foal, piercing his heart like needles... he had to fight it off, he had to hold on - if only Jonathan were here, he would have been a tremendous help right now... or Twilight...
Hooves are thundering through the streets, a neverending drumming against the stone pavement as the guards are quickly regrouping. In the first ten minutes, Blaze's group has been reduced from a head count of thirty down to six. Abs has been the third to fall, a tendril of shadowy energy erupting from the ground has smashed him against a pillar, snapping his neck. Blaze has had no time to mourn him or even hide the lifeless body from the invaders. He has to keep moving. He pushes his pitifully small group into an alley. Two slide to the ground, gasping for air as if emerging from deep waters. One guard, a female, rips her helmet off and starts sobbing uncontrollably into her hooves. Her neighbour gives her a slap in the face to bring her back to her senses, the fear in his own eyes in stark contrast to the swift movement.
"What are those things?!" another guard asks, anxiously looking over his shoulder. "Where did they come from?"
"I haven't the slightest," admits Blaze, wiping his brow. He has already lost his own helmet fighting their way out of the castle. The things are supposed to protect you from trauma but they always impair your movement... He peers around the corner, quickly retracting his head again as he witnesses the monstrosities roaming the streets, chasing screaming ponies around the city. They are made of flesh and smoke and darkness, absurd creatures that would belong into the stories of fisherponies from the Dark Sea. They have too many limbs, too many lidless eyes and their snarls are like the howls from a bottomless abyss. Hulking beasts with strong arms of shadow erupt from pitch black tears in the fabric of reality, they literally seem to pop out of nowhere. Black crystals sprout from the ground, the walls, the bodies of fallen ponies. Unicorns, their eyes blank and mindless, are firing bolts of black fire at their fellow citizens, other ponies are trampling down everything in their way.
Blaze urges his guards to get a grip. Once again, they dare to press forward, trying to find the others, trying to make sense of everything. If they reunite with the Captains and the Princess, they might have a dim chance of escaping this hell.
A shrill scream makes Blaze's fur stand on end. Another one of those shadow creatures has appeared. Reaching forward with dozens of translucent tendrils, the otherwordly thing plucks two more of his ponies off the ground like fruit from a tree. Instinctively, Blaze uses his last strength to summon an unstable shield bubble around him. With a swift strike of the monster's wriggling limbs, the guards are torn apart. Bits of them are bouncing off the shield. Blaze cannot avert his eyes - because behind him, the same thing is happening. He can tell from the sickening smell of blood and innards and also from the fact that the screaming has stopped.
In the distance, Blaze hears the Crystal Heart shattering. A shockwave runs through the city, almost tipping him over. Purple explosions erupt from the castle, accompanied by the terrible, long shout of a stallion who has lost everything.
He swallows hard and turns around, clutching his blade's hilt like a liferaft. The guard that has been crying is standing stock still, everypony else has been claimed by the darkness. Everypony else he could not protect.
As Blaze gazes into the lifeless eyes of his friend, a mad grin slowly spreading on her face, he feels ice cold inside. She opens her mouth and says something in a twisted, hissing, snarling language that he does not understand. His vision is blurring; the world is shrinking down to a tunnel, getting consumed by black fire. As a thousand voices whisper to him, mocking his weakness, Blaze gives in to oblivion.
They are everywhere. Creeping, crawling, chittering, clicking, their wings buzzing like a hundred hornet nests... their charcoal hooves, riddled with holes, are stroking her fur, their fangs scraping at her neck so softly and intimately that she cannot stop screaming at them for the intrusion, the violation of countless huge ants crawling over her body. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she tries to remind herself that it is not real, that the changelings that are clinging to her are not there, that Flurry Heart is still in her hooves. Cadence releases a burst of arcane magic to free herself. The black insectile creatures retreat from her, grinning, enjoying her fear. They step aside, making way for the tallest of them, the Chrysalis as she calls herself... As the changeling queen sneers at Cadence, dragging a large green pod beside herself with her green magic, the Alicorn of Love realizes that her husband is in that husk. Chrysalis stops just long enough to let her see who is in her grasp, then the changelings jump at Cadence again. Shaking with helpless fury, Cadence howls in terror and starts running.
Abs feels disoriented. He blinks several times, shaking his head. The city is changing around him. Structures are crumbling away, revealing an older version of themselves. The sky is overcast just like is was that day, that fateful day when -
"Quickly, form lines. Archers in the back, WIzards in the middle. Join me, my friend."
His heart leaps as Abs recognizes her voice. Whisperwind.
Abs hurries to join the side of his wife as she is giving her squad orders. They are facing the approaching shadow of Sombra. The gigantic dark cloud is rushing towards them, knocking civilians over that have not made it home before the attack.
Whisperwind's eyes shift over to Abs. She smiles softly even though the steel in her eyes is ready to show. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he feels as if this has happened before...
Sombra snarls, a deep growl that makes the guards shiver and move together more closely.
"Steady," says Whisperwind simply, facing the approaching cloud. She rarely raises her voice. She does not need to. Her movements are so quiet and elegant, her light armour never clanking or creaking. Her mane, woven into a beautiful braid, never rustles in the breeze. Everypony, especially the stallions, tend to grow quieter and calmer around her. She is unbreakable, unwavering, her kind and loyal heart irresistible. She calls Abs her friend but she does it in a tone that leaves no doubt how dear he is to her and what she would do for him.
Abs shivers... There is something familiar... in the way her ear is twitching in alarm...
As the black crystal sprouts from the ground just beneath Whisperwind's barrel, impaling her heart in an instant, all Abs can do is scream.
Mommy is not moving anymore. She is looking at nothing. Flurry Heart wriggles around in her hooves, trying to get her attention. Mommy does nothing. Flurry is sad: She is always nice to her, why is she different now? Flurry whines impatiently. Mommy must be there for her! It is scary that she is not. Her whining turns into crying when Mommy starts shaking. She is shaking so hard that she drops Flurry! The baby flaps her big wings to land safely on the ground. Is she abandoning Flurry? She looks so unlike Mommy, like somepony Flurry does not know. Maybe she is not even Mommy anymore! Flurry feels lonely and scared. She tugs at Mommy's hoof. Mommy cries. Flurry retracts her hoof, confused. Is Mommy hurt? Now Mommy cries louder and makes funny scary movements. All the other ponies, too. Flurry covers her face and sobs, her wailing echoing through the chamber as it easily drowns the cries of everyone else.
Darren is still in a settlement but the houses have changed. They are not built of crystal but of stone and wood, the straw-thatched roofs burning. Women and men, standing in a long line from the town fountain to everywhere else, are passing buckets of water from one to the other. Some citizens are running to the fortress to get the mages.
Darren has already donned his armour and is running towards town square. Drawing his sword, he joins his comrades in the fight against the approaching undead. The zombies look familiar to him; even though their faces have been distorted by the Plague, swollen and rotting and discoloured, he still recognizes them. The one at the left used to be Brad, a drinking buddy. The one in the middle is a woman who had sold him bread many times, Farina. The next one - His stomach is protesting. Darren's grip around the sword hilt tightens. He tries to keep it abstract, to think of the undead as the puppets that they are. They are not people anymore, just the Scourge wearing masks to demoralize him. A pity that it is working nonetheless.
Closing ranks, he and his fellow paladins are calling for the Light, smiting the first row of zombies with golden fire summoned from the ether. Their charred corpses crumble to the ground but are soon replaced by the following Scourge. Darren swings his double-handed sword, the heavy, straight steel blade cutting off the arm of a zombie right next to him. He smashes the side of his fist into their skull for good measure. The zombie groans like a human, giving Darren pause.
His eyes widen with shock as he looks at his comrades. They have already fallen, overrun by the endless waves of undead. Even Keagan is lying on the ground, his chestplate pried open, the hammer fallen from his grip. The look that remains in his empty eyes is one of disgust and fear, and directed straight at Darren. Unable to bear seeing such an expression on the face of his best friend, Darren turns away, his gaze inadvertently falling on the bodies again. Townsfolk... soldiers... clerics... children... even the animals: not a single life has been spared.
Darren looks around in the hope to find anybody still alive in this chaos. He is feeling numb. His thoughts racing, he parries the strike from a knight. Using the momentum, he twists his blade and stabs the opponent's chest. The knight gurgles, spitting blood on Darren as he drops his own weapon. An accusing frown is lingering on his face as he goes down. Darren retracts his blood-stained sword from the twitching body with a grunt and finds that it is no more made of steel but of blue saronite. The wicked edge is ragged and a line of runes runs along the blood groove.
Well done, my warrior. A cold, merciless voice echoes throughout his mind. Shake off this mortal coil! Revel in the blood and death of the weak! Kill them all before they kill you!
Darren gasps, his back is cold with sweat, his breath is shortening. He recognizes that voice. It has accompanied him throughout his nightmares and throughout the living nightmare that his death has been. His vision is turning hazy, the faces of the fallen at his feet are blurring into each other. He knows all of them. He knows each and everyone of them...
Useless baggage...
His friends... he cannot help the tears forming in his eyes - even though he suspects that some foul magic is at play, making him relive this jumble of memories. Darren sets his jaw and runs home. He must know if Grace and the kids are okay... but then he stops as he remembers. They are not at home. They are four alleys away from here... He dashes through the streets, ignoring the whispers, ignoring the fire and the screams and the desperate fighting of the last people still standing...
There they are. Grace's right arm is still holding their youngest, Arianna, against her chest, while her other arm cannot be seen anywhere. Her braids are undone, the golden hair spread over her shoulders like a veil, sprinkled with her own blood... Janeck, Brannon, Darcy, Frederick... they are all here, on the ground, still and pale and bloodied... They have tried to run away and leave Andorhal before the rise of the undead. In the end, they have not gotten further than three hundred yards. A crow lands on Janeck's leg with flapping black wings, cawing, ready for a good meal. Darren looks away, he does not want to burn those images of his loved ones into his mind... but it is already too late. He knows that he will never forget them.
As a dark shadow rises out of Grace's chest, springing from her heart like an unraveling snake, Darren recoils in terror. He readies his sword but the shadow does not attack him. It just laughs at him with a deep, joyous, mean cackle...
Greetings, Darren Childslayer, says the Void Lord smugly. What a pleasure it is.
Eclipse is dashing through the corridor as a cloud of black smoke, creeping over walls, floor and ceiling... There, a disturbance at the door up ahead... He glides to the floor and turns back into a pony.
"What!" Eclipse gasped as he saw the scene before him: Darren, the Detective, Abrasive Paper, Princess Cadence, Flurry Heart and all the other guards - they were running around screaming or sitting in the corner, sobbing quietly. Some just stood there, gazing into nothingness. Dark shadows encircled them, especially their heads and hearts, all directed by a looming cloud of Void that floated right above them.
That had to be Sombra.
Eclipse knew he had to act quickly. He was ready! Screaming wildly to encourage himself and trying not to think about what he was doing, he charged at the cloud. He raised his shield, intending to strike the shadow with it. Eclipse had some feeling that he might succeed where other ponies had failed. But before he was even close enough to touch the shade, it spun around - as if it had noticed him just now. The dark tendrils split and multiplied, rushing towards Eclipse. He rotated his foreleg, pushing a few of them aside with his shield, but that left him wide open for the others to seize him.
The cloud squeezed Eclipse tightly, lifting him off the ground and laughing. Its many voices shouted at him in a language he had never heard before. It was a hissing, clicking, gurgling sound, sending shivers up hand down his back. Eclipse desperately wiggled around in the Void creature's grip. Even though he was terrified he felt still more angry than scared - his friends were in danger, that was all that mattered. He had to save them, he had to defeat Sombra! But mean voices whispered inside his head.
Little child, you failed! They taunted, beckoned and demanded, all of it at once. Your friends are mine, now and forever. There is nothing you can do about it. You are all mine! Just give in, let me in and you will see the Truth! All will bow to beautiful chaos once the Heart is shattered! You are all worthless and weak, be glad to find a greater purpose in getting devoured!
"Don't believe him," a faint voice called from afar. It was muffled, as if the speaker was hidden behind a thick curtain.
"You liar!" Eclipse screamed at the cloud, his eyes flaring up in fury. He noticed that he saw everything differently again, a sign that he was using his Void powers. Encouraged by the boost of strength, he kept on, "Nopony's worthless! You're just a mean shadow and I don't believe anything you say. So shut up!"
Eclipse felt the darkness twisting inside of him but this time he knew what to do without anyone telling him. He released a burst of shadows, pushing the dark tendrils back like a magnet would push away another. Still afloat in the air, he was now in control. The black and purple darkness that rose from his eyes and hooves was his and his alone.
He could sense that the Void creature was furious even though it did not say anything. It just snarled at him with a noise that would have sent anypony else running for the hills. Eclipse had no time to be confused about his newfound immunity. He had to put it to good use and save his friends. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 31: The Bravery of a Knight | Eclipse thrust his hoof forward, lashing out at the Void creature with purple lightning. The blast sent the shade tumbling backwards. It hissed and snarled, the whispers in Eclipse's mind telling him what a big mistake he had just made. Trying to ignore the mean voices, Eclipse threw his hoof forward once more, striking the shade with a second lightning bolt. The bang that accompanied the flashing arc made his ears ring. Sharp crystals sprouted from the ground, missing the creature by inches... That was all he could muster, though. Eclipse realized that he had used almost all of his strength for just these three attacks. He was too weak after all...
"Don't give up," somepony shouted in the distance.
Right. Eclipse raised his wooden shield in case the creature would strike him again.
"Thanks, kid," said a deep voice, a normal voice, close by.
Eclipse's head spun around and he saw a rattled Darren standing up and picking up his sword. The human's cheeks were wet, his eyes bloodshot.
"I'll take over if you don't mind." He grinned humourlessly. "You loosened its grip, that's all I needed."
"Oh, uh, okay," Eclipse stuttered, floating back to the ground. He could feel the darkness ebbing away as the last of his power was drained by managing a soft landing.
Darren jerked his head, hinting at the back of the room next to the trembling Princess. Eclipse understood and nodded. It was better if he got out of the way. He hurried to Princess Cadence and found Flurry Heart lying on the ground and crying. He put his shield down, awkwardly picked up the foal and tried to calm her down with soothing whispers.
While Eclipse retreated, Darren had already charged. Holding the sword's hilt with both hands, he swung the heavy blade at the Void creature. The shade parried the first attack and dodged the next one but the third strike hit home. The creature screamed with a thousand overlapping voices, its red eyes burning with rage. Now it was turning more solid, leaving the cloud-shape behind. Eclipse thought that it resembled a mean version of a human ghost; it had formed two muscular arms, a skull-like head and a broad back. It had no legs, though, apparently that the creature did not need them. The bubbling, dark purple shape simply ended in a sort of tail that it dragged behind itself as it whirled and whooshed around Darren.
They exchanged a number of blows and strikes; Darren threw a rain of ice at it, using his sword to channel the magic. The creature threw black bolts of darkness back at him, sometimes hitting the human. But even though the attacks visibly hurt him, Darren appeared to be fighting with all that he had. His usually friendly eyes were now aglow with the cold magic from weeks ago, the runes on his sword glowing along with his spells. At one point, he stabbed at the creature and ripped some of the dark substance out of it, absorbing it into the sword. Eclipse did not like the expression on Darren's face: He looked focused - but also sad, terribly angry and... satisfied? Yes, Eclipse thought with fear, he's actually enjoying the fight...
"Just stay back, he can do this," somepony said, making Eclipse jump and almost drop the foal. A beautiful, translucent blue pegasus was floating next to him, smiling at him. She blinked twice, then the smile grew wider. "You can see me?"
Eclipse nodded slowly, his forelegs clutching the crying Flurry Heart against his chest.
"You must be getting stronger," said the pegasus. "Sorry I startled you. Are you okay?" she asked, worried.
Eclipse nodded again. "Are you," he cleared his throat, "Are you Levinia?"
"U-huh," she said, floating closer. "I helped you bit. Come on, let's watch and hope with all our hearts that Darren will win!"
The creature tried to strangle Darren with tendrils of darkness; in turn, Darren cast a spell that enveloped him in a force field of sickly green runes, protecting him from the attack. Darren cut the creature's arm - it cracked its tendrils like a whip, making him stumble as they wrapped around his ankles. They were moving faster and faster. Eclipse was getting seriously worried that the ponies that stood and cowered around them might get hurt in the crossfire. But there was nothing he could do but hold the foal.
Now Darren let out an enraged scream as his body seemed to radiate freezing cold. Like a pillar of frost, Eclipse thought with a shudder as he watched the knight stab and slash at the Void creature.
It changed its shape once again; the shade's features dissolved and turned into the body of Sombra. His eyes were emitting the dark not-light of the Void. Weird, thought Eclipse. Why did he turn back into Sombra?
"I think it's getting weaker," muttered Levinia.
Was it trying to conserve energy because Darren had wounded it? Evil red eyes aside, Sombra looked surprisingly normal and he was wearing a cloak two sizes too small for him. Eclipse admired Darren - but still: how did a single person weaken this terrible monster? Was there something protecting Darren that Eclipse did not know about?
The creature that was also Sombra charged at Darren, its curved horn aglow with dark magic. The shade's movements were still fast; both were locked in a dangerous dance, the clash of blade and magic terrifying and beautiful to look at. Sombra managed to tackle Darren, the momentum made the knight stagger backwards. A small pouch fell out of Darren's pocket. Its contents spilled on the ground, clattering as they hit the crystal tiles: some coins, a note - and a shard of blue crystal that shone in the exact same colour as the Crystal Heart.
"Leave it," Levinia said quickly when Eclipse moved towards the shard.
"But Darren -" Eclipse protested.
"No, stay back," called Darren, throwing a quick look at Eclipse.
Levinia shook her head and squeezed Eclipse's shoulder affectionately. "Wait," she whispered.
The shade laughed. He used the moment of distraction to cast an enchantment on Darren.
Darren is interlocked in a fight with a monster he cannot slay. For every move, every attack that he has, the Void Lord has a retort. He can feel himself growing weaker. He is failing.
"No," said Darren. He was slightly out of breath. But his attacks had been getting slower, his defense showed more openings. Even Eclipse could tell that much.
Give up...
"No," Darren said again, louder this time. He shook his left hand to get rid of some sweat.
You are the last one standing - but why still fight? The ponies have already lost! And you will serve me. Your little protective charm, you just dropped it.
"What?" said Darren, his eyes darting around. Eclipse did not like the look on his face. The human's focus seemed to be slipping; Darren looked back at Eclipse, then his head snapped back to keep an eye on Sombra, then he searched the ground -
"Shit," Darren breathed as he spotted the shard. The weapon in his hand shook.
Eclipse's ears folded down when he heard the mean voice echoing through his head. It grew stronger with every word, enjoying the pain that it caused like a rare and sweet fruit.
"The crystal shard... Ah... Now your mind is laid out before me, Darren. I can see it all! Your mistakes, your regrets, your pathetic weakness... your self-loathing... your rage."
Realizing that Sombra and Darren were in a mental fight as well as a physical one, Eclipse swallowed hard. This was really bad... He had a pretty good idea how the shade was attacking Darren. He must be tapping into Darren's memories just like Eclipse had done once. Eclipse's throat tightened up and his vision began to blur. He wanted to help Darren so badly, to give him back some of the strength he had been given by him.
The knight swung the blade at the laughing Sombra but he just deflected the strike with a lazy flick of his hoof. The shade laughed in hundreds of voices, a sound that hurt inside Eclipse's head, too.
Darren shivered. His breath shortened, almost turning into sobs... Eclipse felt acid fear rising up in his gut as he watched his protector losing control. It tormented him to see the big, strong human in such a state of despair.
"Levinia..." he croaked. "What do we do? We gotta help him!"
"Give in! You shall serve me," hissed Sombra, "After all, that's what you have always done best. There is no way you could ever redeem yourself, Darren Childslayer!"
No, thought Eclipse desperately, his stomach doing a somersault as he heard the name Sombra used. He mustn't believe that!
"Darren!" Eclipse called, shouting on the top of his high colt's voice to drown out the whispers of the Void. "You can do it! Don't let him win! Don't give up!"
"NEVER!" Darren thundered, his eyes lighting up once more. He swung his free hand upward and barked something in a wicked sounding language: the spell raised Sombra into the air, strangling him and interrupting the dark spell. As the unicorn struggled for breath, Darren raised his sword once again - and this time he would make it count.
For Eclipse, time seemed to slow down as he watched the blade falling. It sliced the curved horn right off of Sombra's forehead.
The horn fell to the ground with a clatter. Sombra's terrible scream was so loud that the glass windows shattered outwards. Black smoke exploded from the cut, rushing out of Sombra like vapour from a kettle. More and more dark dust poured out of his body, then it dissipated, leaving behind a slate grey, crippled unicorn: a heap of misery on the ground.
Panting heavily, Darren threw his sword aside with disgust. The cold fire in his eyes died out as his glare was fixed on the stallion who gasped and touched his forehead. Sombra shivered, his hoof twitching away from the wound. Red blood poured from it, running down his muzzle and dripping to the floor. Sombra squeezed his eyes shut in pain, then he blinked repeatedly in confusion.
"W-w-what are you doing here? Why am I in the castle?" He stared at the angry Darren, flinching backwards. "Did you just cut off my horn?!"
"He doesn't seem to remember much," said Levinia dryly. "Darren, what should we do?"
"The - the Princess will want to handle this," Darren rasped. He picked up and sheathed his sword. "We're done here."
Sombra sniffled, tears in his now normal green eyes.
Around them, the guards rose to their hooves as they regained their bearings. One of them gave off an alarmed shout as he noticed Sombra. They quickly helped each other up and grabbed the next best weapon - even if it was not their own - to point it at him.
"Wait!" That was Princess Cadence. She was awake again, shaking off the stupor, her gaze hard as she stood tall.
"P-Princess Cadenza!" Sombra's eyes were as wide as saucers. He stumbled to his feet and staggered backwards, trying to inch away from the guards.
The loud crying of a foal turned everyone's heads. Flurry Heart wiggled around in Eclipse's forelegs. Cadence lit up her horn and levitated her daughter back into her embrace.
"Thank you," she said to Eclipse, who simply nodded. "Take Sombra away and make sure that his injury is treated," Cadence ordered.
Four guards apprehended the trembling stallion without any resistance and disappeared with him through the door.
The Princess watched them leave, then she sighed. "Really, thank you, Darren and Eclipse," she said, her voice much softer than just a moment ago. "You saved us all from that creature."
"You saw what happened?" Eclipse asked cautiously, picking up his shield. "I, I thought you were under that spell."
"We were," said Detective Blaze, brushing some dust off his coat. "But we could feel it growing weaker. When that thing turned back into Sombra, the visions began to... erode. We were almost in control again."
"As if he focused all of his efforts on Mr Houndslayer," Captain Coral Spark mused. He frowned at Darren, his mouth twitching, but he left it at that.
"You were very brave," said Cadence. Eclipse noticed that her voice was trembling a little. "I guess Sombra used that horrible spell on all of us. You, Darren, you must have seen... the worst of things."
Darren said nothing. He just looked at Eclipse, frowning darkly. Was he thinking about what the shade had said?
"Well - I'd prefer if you kept the last name you told us," Abs said dryly as he switched weapons with his neighbour.
"So would I," said Darren. His face was flushing, his eyes avoided theirs.
Levinia floated over to him and touched his arm. To Eclipse, she was becoming less visible with every passing moment.
"Incredible - even though we were right next to the Crystal Heart, he could attack and chain down the minds of us all. It... scares me... to know that such an evil power exists." Cadence shuddered visibly.
Everyone jumped when the doors swung open with a bang. Shining Armor, Sunburst and several dozen guards dashed into the room.
"Where is he?" Shining called. "Where's Sombra?"
"We got him," said Cadence with a weak smile. "Darren and Eclipse... defeated him. The threat ist over." Shining Armor gaped at Eclipse who instantly felt a surge of pride. He puffed out his chest and grinned at the Captain. Cadence took a deep breath. "Darren, I have a question..."
"Yes, ma'am." Darren straightened up and put his hands into each other behind his back.
"Do you think it was really Sombra who did all of this?" Cadence said slowly. "He looked so surprised and confused, just as if he didn't know what's happening."
Darren thought about that for a moment.
"The Darkness left him when I cut off the horn," he said eventually. "It's very likely that he was possessed. The creature, it looked exactly like one of those - That... perhaps..." He huffed as realization struck him. "He looked like a Void Lord. A manifestation of shadow. It would explain why my sword is not corrupted anymore. The madness passed over to him. Or his renewed powers attracted the Void Lord. Either way -"
"Th-the madness?" Sunburst interrupted him, raising an eyebrow. "What madness?"
"The madness that comes with using the blood of an Old God as steel," said Darren curtly. "Simply put."
"An Old God?" gasped Sunburst.
"Blood as steel?" asked Captain Spark, aghast.
Darren sighed. He looked suddenly very tired. He opened his mouth.
"Okay, stop right there," said Cadence, rubbing her forehead. "Let's end the alarm first. Tell the Guards that the threat is over. I will take the horn. Then we'll all go home and calm everypony down. I want to meet again tomorrow morning for a proper debriefing, all right?"
Shining Armor and Coral Spark nodded.
"Yes, Princess!" said Spark, saluting her. Then he turned to the ponies that were members of the City Guard. "You heard her Highness. Let's move."
The City Guards left the hall one by one, some of them casting a quick, friendly look at Eclipse and Darren. A few of them flashed Eclipse a weak smile. They all looked still very nervous and shaken from the mental attacks. Shining Armour gave Cadence a kiss and stroked Flurry Heart's mane. He curtly waved his hoof for the Royal Guard to follow him. Sunburst bowed before Cadence, then he joined Shining's side as they left.
As the room emptied, Cadence let off a deep sigh and looked at Eclipse.
"Are you hurt?" she asked. "Outside or inside?"
Eclipse grimaced. "I'm okay, I guess. The Void Lord didn't get to hurt my mind, he just... grabbed me and said mean stuff. But he hurt all of you. I'm really sorry..." He broke off, unsure what to say.
"It's not your fault," said Cadence softly. "None of it. Do you understand?" She stretched out her hoof to touch his shoulder - Eclipse spontaneously hugged her. She was thinner than his Mom but the hug was comforting nonetheless. Cadence beamed at Eclipse. "You better go home, too," she said. "Your parents must be going crazy. They don't know where you are, do they?"
Eclipse paled. "Oh craaap. Yeah, you're right. - Princess."
"Our ways home," said Darren, "are mostly the same. And it is still dark. If you want, I will accompany you."
"Yes, please!" answered Eclipse quickly, his eyes lighting up.
"Go on, then," said Cadence with another smile for both of them. "I'll inform you as soon as we have news about Sombra," she told Darren. "And I will take proper care of the horn this time. I promise."
"Thank you," said Darren. "Your Highness." He bowed deeply before her.
Cadence did not say anything against Darren's formality. She nodded slowly. "You're always welcome." Suddenly, she smirked. "I wonder what Twilight is going to say. Her train is arriving soon and she still missed all of this. The Elements of Harmony might have ended the fight pretty quickly."
"Maybe - but maybe not," said Darren. "I would rather have her scold me for rushing ahead than lose her to the Void."
Eclipse nodded with emphasis. He shivered, stifling a yawn.
"Can we go home now?" he asked, poking Darren's leg.
Darren nodded. "Alright. Let's go, little guard." He winked at Eclipse.
Eclipse hesitated for a moment, fiddling with the handle of his shield. Then he blurted out, "Can I sit on your shoulders?"
"Thank you," Sombra said to the nurse. The mare who had just finished tending to his wound twitched and hurried away. Sombra's shoulders sagged forward. He gingerly touched the plaster the nurse had stuck to his head. The spot where his horn used to be was a pulsating furnace. There was still a little bit of a stump left but it felt as if a hot iron was stuck inside his skull.
As the nurse left the small chamber, another pony came in. She had a notepad tucked under her foreleg and the glasses on her muzzle indicated how much reading she had to do for her work. Her eyes fixed on the pad, she said, "I'm Doctor Rosemarey. I will give you something for the pain. Take it twice a day, before breakfast and dinner." She shoved a brown bottle into his hooves. "I need to inform you that your horn is not going to grow back. While we can mend bones and suppress any phantom pain we sadly can't replace that." She grimaced and turned to leave again.
Sombra quickly streched out a hoof to catch her shoulder. The doctor shrugged him off.
"Please, will I be able to do any magic again?" Sombra asked. His timid, pleading tone made her stop. She sighed and for the first time since she entered she looked into his eye.
"You can try," she said. "But even if you succeed, your magic will be weak. Take your time until the wound is healed or you will injure yourself further."
"I see." Sombra bit his lip and sighed heavily. "Thanks."
"Y-you're welcome." She hesitated. Her mouth opened and closed before she said, "You're not like I expected. I thought you'd be -"
"Evil?" Sombra cut her off. "I guess I used to be... before Spike defeated me... but - this, that wasn't me. In the Heart's chamber, that wasn't me." He stared at the blanket that covered his barrel. "I hardly remember anything. Did I - did I hurt anypony again?"
The doctor said nothing. She plucked up the blanket and pulled the curtains back. An early morning sun shone into the room.
"Twice a day, don't forget," she said softly. "Somepony's going to bring you breakfast." The doctor left the room and the door closed with a click.
Now that he was alone again, Sombra hung his head and let the tears flow. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Chapter 32: Loose Ends | Cadence had been right. Twilight did not appreciate that Darren had stormed into the castle without her. As soon as she and her friends arrived in the Empire's train station, she tackle-hugged Darren, both relieved and upset.
"You could have gotten badly hurt - or worse!" she kept repeating. It took some persuasion from Jonathan and the girls for her to see that Darren had not had a choice in the matter. In the end, she begrudgingly admitted that she probably would have had done the same thing. And yet, even though Twilight had relented, Darren felt guilty.
Twilight's friends, on the other hand, seemed surprisingly relaxed. Did they try to calm Twilight down before they had arrived? Darren knew that the six friends had a unique bond of friendship. At least he remembered all of their names by now.
"What I don't get," said Jonathan as they made their way through the entrance hall, "is where Sombra got that much power from in the first place. Didn't you say he was weak when he was restored?"
"Yes. In a way," said Darren, "it is my fault that all of it got out of hand. Were it not for the sword, Sombra wouldn't have had the chance to return. Or to accumulate power. The Void Lord probably needed time to take over and that is why he didn't try to destroy the Crystal Heart right away."
"Yes, maybe that's it," Twilight muttered, the corner of her mouth twitching as she thought about it.
"Please tell us, what's the special magic of that sword? I know it looks kind of... cold, but..." Rarity said, flicking back her beautiful mane.
Twilight cleared her throat. "The sword is made of Saronite," she said, trying to sound neutral.
"Yes, I already told the Princess," said Darren. "Cadence," he added when he saw Rainbow Dash's confused expression. "If any... living being is in prolonged contact with it, they go mad."
"What?!" Rainbow Dash blurted out.
"You're looking like you're doin' okay, though. But why in tarnation would anypony wanna use a weapon like that?" asked Applejack.
Darren stopped walking. They had left the train station. Taking a moment to orient himself, he looked around, then turned to the left, following the road that led to a restaurant. They had a good lunch menu. Maybe their breakfast was also acceptable.
"Saronite does have some advantages. It repels most kinds of magic, has less than half the weight of common steel and it's extremely durable."
"Getting kinda off-topic," Jonathan threw in.
Darren grunted. "Hm. Well, what I assume happened is that there was a fraction of Sombra's magic left in his horn, tying his soul to the mortal plane. When he sensed the sword, he absorbed the power within to recreate his body. He must have taken such a high amount - maybe all of it - that it overtook him - over time. Princess Cadence confirmed this morning that he's experiencing memory loss. Also, he appears to be a normal unicorn again. Minus the horn."
"Poor thing," said Fluttershy quietly.
"Ah dunno," said Applejack. "Not to sound mean or anythin' but to me it looks like Sombra had it comin' to him. If you mess around with dark magic it sure never ends well."
"But maybe he just wanted to live again, I mean: not having a body sounds reeeally boring," said Pinkie Pie. She stopped skipping along to read the sign of the restaurant Darren had been heading towards. "Ooh, it says you can eat as much as you can eat! That's perfect! Is anypony else hungry? I'm hungry!"
A waitress approached them. She quickly counted their heads and gestured towards two tables with eight seats in total.
"Where's Cadence?" asked Rainbow Dash, snatching a menu card from the table.
"Is she picking up the pieces?" Pinkie Pie chimed, her ferociously pink mane bouncing as she leaned over to look at the menu in Rainbow's hooves.
"The pieces? Oh, you mean because of the explosion," Twilight realized. "No, she and Shining are busy discussing with the Guards and Sunburst what they hay they should do with Sombra. She gave me a mirror call an hour ago, while we still were on the train."
"Yeah, woke me up two times," grumbled Jonathan.
"Sorry," Twilight added. "I didn't mean to shout like that."
Jonathan waved it off. He studied his own menu card. "Huh. Hey, Princess, what's, oh man, how do you read this, 'broo-ley'?"
"Oh, you'd like it, it's when you torch -" Twilight began.
"Maybe he'll be reformed," mused Applejack.
"That would be nice. But I suppose this time I don't want to be the one to help with it," Rarity admitted. "Even if it was not him that tried to destroy the Crystal Heart this time, our confrontation with him was real. I would feel extremely awkward around him."
"Just imagine how Sombra must feel," Jonathan said without raising his eyes from the menu. His tone made Rarity blush and hide her face behind her own card.
The light in the small room was dimmed; the curtains still closed. Beneath the window stood a single bed, facing a door wide enough to push it through. Sombra felt weird. The nurse that had brought him breakfast had hurried inside, slapped the tray onto the nightstand and rushed back out without a word. The food was tasty and filling. He ate everything, from the salad to the baked potatoe. There was even a small bowl of yoghurt and fruit. After breathing in the food, he downed the single glass of water. Sombra pushed the tray back onto the nightstand and stood up. He was glad that nopony had watched him eating. At first, he had forgotten that he could not levitate things anymore. His horn stump had crackled and hurt even worse than already. And then, when he realized that he had to eat without the cutlery, he had prayed that nopony would catch him with his muzzle covered in sauce. Back in the orphanage, the matron had insisted on teaching him and everyone else proper table manners. The lessons had stuck, Sombra had wanted to prove that he belonged.
He had always been a fast learner, especially when it came to magic. Now Sombra felt like a helpless foal again, much more than before losing his horn. He would have to relearn so much from scratch... He sighed and stepped to the window. It was a normal castle window: no bars, pretty curtains, a vase with fresh tulips on the windowsill. He had noticed the guards outside the door, though. He was a prisoner but apparently he was not considered much of a threat.
As the sun climbed higher, he paced up and down the room until his head hurt so much that he had to lie down again. Everything was spinning. A drop of blood ran down his forehead. He opened the drawer of the nightstand in hopes of finding a tissue. Sombra was lucky. Dabbing at the red on his face, he blinked. Images of the fight with the human returned to him. Everything was a haze. Trying to remember made his head hurt, well, more... When the Princess and Prince had questioned him, they had been only moderately surprised by his memory loss. Sombra suspected that they had their own ideas about what happened. He did not know how he had gotten into the castle or why the grey colt had been there. But it probably had something to do with the whispers. Those, at least, were gone, too. But the mere thought of facing the Royals again turned his stomach into knots.
Where had those voices come from? It had not been the Umbrum but something else, something even more sinister. Ever since the knight had cut off the horn, there was peace between Sombra's ears. Except for the searing pain where that part of him used to be.
Oh, Stars, everything was spinning... and his glass of water was empty...
The door opened, snapping him back into the present. The nurse from before was back. She snatched the tray from the nightstand with a quick movement, avoiding his gaze.
Sombra slurred, "Can I get some water, please? I feel dizzy..."
"I'll see what I can do," said the nurse curtly.
Sombra frowned. He was not welcome here. The nurse was just doing her job and that was it. His ears folded down. He felt half his real size. Would he get another chance at life or was it too late?
"We should totally have a party," said Pinkie Pie.
"I am not in much of a celebrating mood," muttered Darren, working his way through his third course, a pile of waffles drowned in maple syrup.
"Why not?" Rainbow Dash asked. "The bad guy is defeated, the Crystal Heart and all the Crystal Ponies are safe and that colt what's-his-name is okay, too."
"Eclipse. The fight was... taxing," said Darren slowly. He exchanged a look with Jonathan.
The priest raised an eyebrow. "You said it was a Void Lord?"
Darren nodded.
"Mind spells?" Jonathan kept digging.
Darren nodded again, pulling a face.
Jonathan grimaced uncomfortably as if he had seen something embarrassing or disgusting.
"Mind spells?" asked Applejack.
"Don't ask. Really. Don't," said Twilight, suddenly very serious. "But Rainbow's right, you did save the day. I'd say that's a good enough reason to celebrate."
"Maybe another time," Darren gave in.
"Whaaat?" Eclipse groaned. "But we saved the Empire!"
"That's no reason to neglect your education, young stallion. And you snuck out of the house at night, during a citywide emergency. There are consequences." Feather put the packed saddlebags onto Eclipse's back. The colt sighed in frustration, the sign turning into a prolonged yawn.
"Oh Stars, I've got only half of my Math homework." He rubbed his eyes.
Peridot grinned, donning her own saddlebags. "Bur you can tell everypony how you and Darren saved their flanks," she said. "I'd say that's worth a bad school day."
"And being grounded for three days," Feather reminded her.
"I dunno," said Eclipse. "Maybe. Bye, Mom." They hugged and the two siblings went off to school.
Eclipse had no idea how it was possible but the entire school already knew - or at least had suspicions - about the fight in the castle. As soon as he and Peridot crossed the threshold of the schoolhouse, he was surrounded by excited students begging him to tell them what really happened. He liked telling the story for the first four times although he left out the part about Darren getting attacked with evil fear spells. After that he just wanted class to start. Luckily for him, first period was Ethics and Harmony, a subject that was more on the easy side. Most of today's lesson still went over his head. Eclipse did his best to write along but there was a moment when Peridot poked his side, preventing his unusually heavy head from smearing his notes. Eclipse spent the rest of the school day in something of a trance. He managed to stay awake but he was glad that History was not today. He was so tired he barely managed to form coherent sentences.
After their long breakfast, Twilight and her pony friends decided to go to the castle and see how they could help. Darren and Jonathan left for the Valiant Prince. Jonathan frowned when he noticed the shattered window.
"Brick," Darren explained. He gestured at the bed. Jonathan sat down hesitantly.
Darren opened the closet, revealing a crate. He lifted the lid. Cold vapour rose from whatever was inside of it. He quickly withdrew a glass bottle and closed the lid again.
"Join me?"
Jonathan accepted. Darren had exactly two glasses. They did not match. He poured a little of the drink into each one. The men raised them silently and took a sip. Darren waved his glass around, watching the colourless liquid swirl around in it.
"You don't normally do that, do you?" Jonathan smiled wryly.
"No. But today..." Darren trailed off.
"You alright?"
"I think so. Sombra won't be a problem anymore."
"That's not what I meant."
"I know." Darren took another sip. "The Void Lord... made me have a little walk down memory lane." Darren's mouth twitched. "I was about to give up because of who I was. Eclipse saw that. And he cheered me on." He chuckled, shaking his head. "It's what kept me off the edge. And then I won. That was... new. Don't get me wrong; you, Arcus, Twilight, Levinia... you're good friends. But his faith, that was something else. It was absolute. Remember when I said only you and Luna understood? The kid actually does, too. That's why it mattered when he said, 'don't let him win'." He smiled lopsidedly.
"He'll become a great guard someday." Jonathan smirked, rubbing his chin. "But yeah... I think I get it. Guess sometimes we don't know what kind of friendship we need until we actually find it."
"Hm." Darren nodded. He emptied his glass and set it down on the small table. "Teaching him to really make use of his powers is going to take a while. Even though he's a fast learner."
"Shouldn't be a problem, right? Or are you going somewhere?" Jonathan asked.
Darren looked out of the broken window. He would have to find a new place quickly but somehow he felt that would be alright. The street was already bustling with crystal ponies beginning their everyday routine. Their voices and clattering of hooves could be heard from up here.
Strange, the things that you could get used to. A few months ago, he had been all alone in the Plaguelands, hunting the undead Scourge. It felt so far away now, in spite of the Void Lord's attack. Here, on Twilight's home planet, there was so much life and hope and... light. Darren looked back at his friend and smiled. This time, it reached his eyes.
"No. I'm not going anywhere."
"Oof!" Eclipse heaved his saddlebags off his back and staggered to the couch. "Moooom," he wailed.
"Yes?" Feather said innocently.
"Can I go to sleep after luuunch?"
Feather smiled apologetically and sat down next to Eclipse. The colt had dropped himself on the couch with all four legs outstretched, his face buried in a pillow. His little wings hung limp at his side.
"We wanted you to go to school so you would see what the consequences of staying awake and running off at night are. But yes, you can go to bed if you want to." She put a careful hoof on his head, stroking his black mane. "I'm glad you're okay. When you were gone, we were all very scared."
"I'm really sorry," Eclipse mumbled into the pillow. He hiccuped. "I feel so bad. I felt okay before, why is everything so weird now?" He rolled onto his back, facing his mother.
"When scary things happen, we sometimes go into shock. It keeps us from feeling all the pain or getting too upset. But after a while, the feelings come back. That's what's happening to you right now, honey..." Her voice was so soft. She gently stroked his fur. "You're safe now," she added. "Thanks to you and thanks to Darren, Sombra can't hurt anypony anymore. I don't like you didn't tell us you went - but," she chuckled, "I'm still very proud of you. You were so brave." Hugging Eclipse, she added, "You can always come to us when you're scared, okay? I love you, Eclipse."
Eclipse hugged her back, squeezing her as hard as he could.
"Thanks, Mom. I love you, too."
Feather felt her shoulder getting wet. They kept on hugging for a long while. |
Knights of Ice and Crystal | Epilogue | "Look at this - Sombra disappeared!" Peridot's hooves clattered on the wooden floor as she stormed into the bedroom.
Eclipse jumped up, dropping his book. "What?! How?" he gasped.
"'Authorities confirmed that after releasing the former self-proclaimed King two months ago, he has not been seen ever since. The City Guard was not ava-available for a comment,'" read Peridot aloud. She slapped the newspaper onto Eclipse's bed.
He picked the paper up and looked at the front page. No trace of Sombra, it said, and, Former tyrant in hiding? The article was so large that the small column on a changeling infiltrator had been pushed to the lower right corner.
"He probably ran away," said Eclipse. "Guess I would have done the same thing. Poor guy..."
"Are you seriously pitying 'King' Sombra?" Peridot asked incredulously.
Eclipse shrugged. He pushed the newspaper away. Hie gaze fell on the small golden badge that hung framed on his wall. He had gotten it along with a special commendation for the time when he would apply for training as a Royal Guard. It had felt weird to receive it; Eclipse still remembered how much his legs had been shaking on that balcony, standing right next to the Princess and Captains. At least all his family and Darren had been at his side. Darren had received a badge of his own - and an honorary membership of the Royal Guard. Eclipse was not sure if Darren was really interested in any of those but the knight had graciously accepted both. What he really seemed to appreciate, though, was that he did not have to pay the fee anymore that the Princess had ordered.
"I dunno. I mean, Darren said it wasn't really Sombra's fault with the Void Lord taking over his mind and whatnot. If I knew that the entire Empire thinks of me as the bad guy I sure would wanna get as far away from it as possible."
"They also wrote that he was innocent this time," Peridot said hesitantly.
"As if that would make a difference," snorted Eclipse. "Everypony hates Sombra. Okay, if they don't hate him they don't like him." He picked his book up and reopened it. Reaching for his pencil, he added, "If he wants a new start we shouldn't stop him. Then we don't have to see him again, either. It's a win-win." He smiled briefly and resumed making notes of his latest lesson with Darren.
Peridot sat down next to him, inching closer.
"What did you learn this time?"
"Er... how to dispel magic. Like when somepony's cursed."
"Wow..." Peridot sighed in awe. "So cool."
"Yeah, I guesh. I'm not sho good ad id yed." Eclipse spat the pencil out. "You know what's weird? I thought I'd be able to see Levinia all the time now - but no. She only shows up when I do magic."
"She's the ghost, right? The one that watches you?"
"Uh-huh."
"I mean - it's kinda weird. I know I'm getting stronger but she's not even visible to Sunburst or Captain Shining Armor." He closed the book and stored it in his treasure box. Reaching for his trusty shield, he beckoned for Peridot to follow him.
"Maybe it's got something to do with the nature of your magic. It's not unicorn magic, it's more like... Nightmare Night magic..." She trailed off.
"Yeah. Maybe you're right." They left the house and walked down the street. A blue pony with a long brown mane approached them. He was a few years older than them but that did not matter. His dad was in the Guard, just like Feather. More importantly, he was the dungeon master of their new pen and paper game.
"Hi, Deep," said Eclipse happily.
"Hey." Still Waters smirked. "Ready to hunt some windigoes?"
"Definitely!" Eclipse grinned.
"At your place this time?" asked Peridot.
"Dad's got a shift tonight," Still Waters answered. "I've got the place to myself."
"We're allowed to stay until eleven," said Eclipse. "That should be long enough to reach the Fragmented Forest."
"I'll bring the snacks," offered Peridot.
"And I the soda," added Eclipse.
Deep bumped hooves with the two siblings.
"See you later, knights," he declared with a grin.
"See ya!" Eclipse called, twirling his shield around. He looked at Peridot, grinning widely. She smiled back at him. "You know what?" he said. "This is gonna be awesome." |
Mistakes were made | pre | Out of all the places Jack might have woken up in without warning, Equestria wasn't awful.
Sure all the furniture was the wrong size and everything was too bright and the locals came up to crotch-height, making conversations awkward, but these things weren't the worst.
Being in an alien world was bad in itself, of course. Far from home for no clear reason, unsure if he was perhaps dying and hallucinating, the victim of some cosmic prank or who knew what else. The constant mystery could drive a man mad were he to ponder it too much, which was why Jack left the pondering to Twilight.
That was another thing. Stranger in a strange land he may well have been, but he had also had the good fortune to have landed practically in the lap of the local expert on all things unusual A genuine magical horse princess, no less, and one who had sworn to Jack she would do everything in her not-inconsiderable power to see him safely back home before he knew it.
That had done a lot to calm him down in the early days, when the panic had been fresh and hadn't wanted to go away, when he'd curled up and closed his eyes because even looking at where he'd ended up was enough to leave him shaking at just how wrong everything looked and how out of place he was.
He was better now, mostly.
All in all though about as pleasant a few months of being stranded and confused as one could hope for. The locals, though short and colourful, were polite and friendly to a fault, the weather was mild and he got to live in a castle of crystal.
All of this did wonders for his spirits, especially in those darker moments when he worried about all the things and all the people he had presumably quite suddenly left behind, all of whom must be wondering what had happened to him and who all - with every passing minute - would be coming closer and closer to just writing him off as gone for good.
Not that any of that was weighing on Jack's mind this particular day. This particular day he felt unusually chipper. The sun somehow seemed brighter, the sky bluer, the blinding pastel shades that little bit more blinding than usual. Jack had a veritable spring in his step as he tried to hunt down Twilight, for whom he had a question.
Noise from the library drew his attention and so that way he went.
"Hey Twilight, I was wondering: how come some of you ponies are all small and squishy but, like, one or two are all kind of tall and slender and - hey, what's wrong?"
She was there, as he'd suspected, but she was also crying, which he had not seen coming.
On noticing him she hurriedly sniffled and wiped her face with the back of a hoof, but that didn't actually stop her crying and so the mess returned. Jack, the innate reaction of seeing something so wonderfully adorable so upset crossed with his genuine fondness for Twilight, rushed over.
"I can't do it," she said.
"What do you mean? Can't do what? Hey, it can't be that bad."
He knelt down to get more on her level
"I can't send you home, Jack. I'm sorry."
This was so sudden and so blunt he was stumped. But then it hit him.
"Oh," he said, buckets of ice falling into his gut. "Oh. Oh that's okay. You tried, right? That's what counts. But, uh, there are other options, right? O-other people we can ask? They might know? Right?"
"No-one can do it, Jack. It's impossible."
Jack swallowed, thinking furiously.
"But, uh, there have to be others, right? Other things in this world? They might be able to do it, right? I mean, magic is crazy, right? Someone or something could do it?"
"It's impossible, Jack. Nothing could do it. Everything I've done has shown the same thing. Something in the way your universe works allowed you to come through, but the way ours works won't let you go back. It's impossible. I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry. If I could do anything I would, believe me, but..."
Jack's mind was crunching.
Never at any point had he entertained the possibility that Twilight not been able to do it. Sure, he'd considered it, but he'd decided it was best to be optimistic. And even if she hadn't been able - he had thought - someone, somewhere could surely have a crack. That Starswirl guy had managed something like it, right? It couldn't be that hard, right?
But no. Impossible, apparently. So no going back for him.
Just like that.
Jack clenched his fists.
"The universe itself is against me? No! Scratch that! Two universes are against me? My sterile, magic-free universe is set up to let me slip through some fucking invisible crack to here, but this day-glo, magic-infested nightmare hellscape won't let me go back?! How does that make sense?!"
"I'm so so sorry Jack I'm so-"
"I know you're sorry, Twilight! I believe you! You tried your best! I just - how is this fair? How does this make any fucking sense?! Magical fucking horse wizards in a candyland of bullshit and I can't get out? Could get out of my shitty garbage fire of a universe! Could do that in my sleep! Literally! But this place? Magic up the butthole and I'm shit out of luck?! What! What!"
In a fit of pique Jack growled and punched a wall. In his fit of pique he entirely failed to notice that this destroyed a good chunk of the wall. His pique continued fitting and he continued hitting things, yelling all the while, seeing red.
"Fuck this place! Fuck it and it's too-low doorframes and it's fucking cutesy-poo rustic aesthetic! The sun is fucking moved around the fucking sky by a fucking physical god and the other local fucking god can enter dreams, but can I get sent home? No! But some horse with a beard - a fucking beard! On a fucking horse! - managed to send some monsters back to some fucking fake version of home! A version of home with more fucking bright colours and more fucking horse puns! Oh yeah! That happened! Of course that happened! Not the real fucking version! Not where I actually need to go! Of course not! Why should that happen? That would be far too fucking easy! It's arbitrary! Fucking magic! There's a floating city made of clouds that manufactures weather and a horse version of New-fucking-York and a fucking chaos deity who just shows up to shoot the shit sometimes but can anyone actually get me back home? No! Of course they fucking can't! Because that's impossible and that's the rules. Bullshit! Arbitrary bullshit! Fuck this place!"
Jack was panting.
He realised that the whole time he'd been screaming he hadn't actually been paying attention where he'd been going or what he'd been doing. Everything had been red and only what was in front of him had seemed to exist, and what was in front of him he'd broken. And he'd just kept on breaking until just now, when the need to actually stop and take a breath made him slow for a minute.
Now the red was fading a little, and the thumping in his head was starting to hurt.
And he noticed that he was outside. When had that happened? Hadn't he been in the castle?
He turned around. He had indeed been in the castle, but that had clearly been before he'd busted clear through the wall fallen a good ten or twenty feet and then just carried on ranting and raging without even noticing.
How had he not noticed?
His knuckles were bloodied, and only now that he looked did they start to hurt, and even then nowhere near as much as he felt they should.
What had he done? How had he done it?
Everything was very quiet, apart from the sound of his own heartbeat thumping in his ears.
"Oh," he said, looking around. "Oh. Oh no."
Ponies. Lots of ponies. They were all looking at him. And not in the friendly, curious way they did when he normally went outside. Not the way they did when he waved at them and they waved back sometimes. They were scared now. Obviously scared. Eyes wide, shaking.
Whatever furnace-heat had been lit in Jack's chest died instantly and he felt very, very cold.
"I-I didn't mean to - I didn't - "
He hadn't meant to. He'd just been upset. He didn't mean it. He wanted them to know he didn't mean it. But as he stepped towards them - to explain, so they'd know - they stepped back. Some even ran away.
"No please - please I didn't - I didn't - "
It didn't matter which way he went or how much he pleaded, it kept on happening. Almost all of those who'd been stuck staring had by now fled. One or two could be seen peering out of windows, but other than that Jack was now alone.
A fluttering sound had him turn around and he saw Twilight descending, wings folding back as she landed.
She looked concerned, and she said nothing.
"Twilight!" Jack practically squawked, falling to his knees and shuffling over to her at speed. "Twilight, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to break your-"
As he spoke he reached out and grabbed her. Twilight winced immediately and he snapped his hands away as though he'd been burnt. Almost at once he swore he could see bruises blossoming beneath her coat. His eyes widened.
"Oh no," he said, leaping to his feet and stumbling back. "No no no!"
He hadn't meant it. He hadn't meant it!
And all at once the weight of his situation hit him again. He wasn't going home, not ever. He'd never see his parents again. Mum would be all on her own soon. He'd never see his friends again, any of them. His girlfriend. His job. The plans. Everything. All gone. Like that. No explanation. No nothing. Just gone.
And they'd never know why. Never know what had happened to him. They'd always wonder if he might come back though he never would. They'd always be waiting, somewhere, fearing the worst but always hoping, even though it was pointless. How could they know?
And here he was, having just scared off everyone who'd only wanted to help and having just hurt the one who'd tried to help him most. The one who hadn't had to but had tried so, so hard. It wasn't her fault there wasn't anything she could do.
And he'd hurt her. He'd done that.
He couldn't think straight.
And so he fled as fast as his legs would carry him, which turned out to be considerably faster than he remembered them being able to carry him back home.
"Jack, wait!" He heard her call, but far beyond now, and so quiet he could pretend he hadn't heard as he headed towards trees in the distance. -
In hindsight, he might have acted rashly.
The screaming tantrum - which he was still embarrassed by - was one thing, but the running away afterwards was something else. Looking back, Jack could definitely see that that had perhaps been an error judgement. Shortsighted, you might have said. There were probably a few other, better ways he could have handled things.
But he hadn't done any of those ways. He had run into the forest. After that, the possibility of simply admitting he had come to regret this was too much to bear. He'd look like an unstable, dangerous idiot and a general-purpose moron to boot.
It hadn't even been that bad! Sure, punching a hole in the wall of a castle made out of solid crystal was pretty impressive - and certainly something that, up until that point, he had been entirely unaware he'd even been capable of - but much, much worse had been visited on Ponyville in the past, sometimes with Jack around to see it happen.
The difference being those times it hadn't been him doing it. Gawping at a creature wreaking havoc was one thing, being the one getting gawped at turned out to be quite the sobering experience.
That, and he'd hurt Twilight. That he'd never forgiven himself for. Even if it had been an accident. The look of honest shock and pain on her face as he'd grabbed her just that little bit too hard was forever burnt into his brain.
So he'd run. Again, perhaps an overreaction. And probably a mistake, given where he'd run to. At least a mistake by most pony's standards.
Jack, having spent most of his time in Equestria inside Twilight's castle and the rest of the time under supervision just pottering around Ponyville and eating the occasional cupcake, had never got the talk about Everfree. He was aware of a forest being nearby, but that was it. There had been a forest nearby to where he'd lived back home. He'd run into that one once or twice, too, in his more melodramatic moments, so for him this wasn't even that out of the ordinary.
He didn't expect to run into anything especially dangerous because it just didn't occur to him that he might. At that moment, running, he didn't expect anything at all because he was barely even thinking. His mind was focussed on avoiding trees and that was it.
Which was why he didn't see the weird wolf-thing made of wood until it had loomed out and taken a swipe at him.
Understandably, he had been taken aback. At this point Jack had failed to make the connection between the giant hole he'd smashed through the castle and the fact that he might not exactly be at the same levels of physicality he had been back home, and so he had not tried fighting. He had tried running more.
This had not worked. The Timberwolf - though Jack had had no idea what one of those was at the time - had caught him almost immediately, the sheer mass of the thing bowling him over and leaving him dazed and flat on his back. Before he'd had time to recover it was on him again, paws either side of his head, eyes glowing.
Lashing out without even really thinking about it, Jack had caught the Timberwolf across the jaw. This had taken its head clean off its body, and its body then collapsed into twigs and sticks all over Jack who continued to lie there, panting, for quite some time.
"What?" He managed eventually.
Only then did he start going over recent events, thinking about what he'd done.
He hadn't liked that, so he'd stopped just as soon as he'd started.
Instead, he climbed into a tree and fell asleep, exhausted, and so began Jack's life in the woods.
The next day, hungry, he found berries and did not eat them, because he remembered that eating berries you just found was a bad idea. Instead, he waited until it got dark and then snuck back into Ponyville and rooted around in bins to see if any of the locals had thrown out anything that might still be good. To his delight - or at least as much delight as one can experience while digging around in rubbish - they had.
Until he finally caved and tried the berries (which turned out fine) this was Jack's primary means of sustaining himself. After the berries he had relaxed and found that basically anything and everything that looked like he might be able to eat it was safe to eat, which had shocked him at first but had soon become routine. He'd even caught a fish with his bare hands and eaten a good half of it raw, in a blatant and failed attempt to make himself ill.
This forest was not like the forest back home, he realised. On many levels.
There had been an instance perhaps a few weeks after he'd first gone into the forest, before he'd got properly settled or found his cave or anything like that, when he was still in a little bit of shock over what he'd done and over the concrete, inescapable reality that he was never going to see home again. This instance had been significant.
Looking for some variety from the berries and other stuff he'd managed to cackhandedly forage for, he had snuck back into Ponyville in the dead of the night, hoping that - for whatever reason - someone might have just thrown away a whole cupcake he might stumble upon. His luck wasn't great though, and he was taking longer than he might have liked but he wasn't too worried. He was doing his best not to attract undue attention.
This one night, his best wasn't good enough, and a pony spotted him.
"Monster!" They shrieked before dashing away as fast as their hooves could carry them.
"S'bit harsh..." Jack had mumbled to himself before listening out for any approaching mobs. But there was nothing. It seemed that one pony had not managed to attract any undue attention, somehow, and Jack was able to continue scavenging in peace.
As serendipity would have it, there was an uncovered barrel of water nearby, and the moon was high in the sky. Jack got a sudden, very good look at himself and what he looked like now.
He looked rough. Really rough. Forest life had not been especially kind to him, and in his opinion nature had been pretty unkind to start with.
His hair had grown unkempt and was matted in places and patchy in others, and what had been a reasonable beard was starting to get ideas above its station, expanding to cover his face and hang below his chin. A mountain-man look and no mistake, especially with his clothes having been long-since torn to shreds on branches. The first that anyone in Equestria would have seen of the style, certainly.
Really, from their point of view, he could definitely see why they'd scream monster and run.
And was that such a terrible thing, really?
What else was he, here? He had been a guest but he obviously hadn't been much good at that, in the end, so what else could he be? It wasn't as though he belonged here in the first place. He had no reason to be here. So why not carve out a niche? Why not find a comfortable place in the grand scheme of things?
Monsters here weren't so bad anyway. He'd seen - distantly, agreeably, but still - Twilight and her buddies fighting off at least one. There'd been some light property damage and a little bit of running about from those ponies not directly involved, but no-one had actually got hurt. If anything it had served to spice up an otherwise rather dull day.
That wasn't so bad. He could probably do that.
The more he thought about it, the more reasonable the idea became. He'd clearly tarnished whatever genial reputation he'd had from before, so there was no going back to that. He could hardly forgive himself for such an outburst, so how could they? No. That was behind him now, Jack knew, and that was his fault. He'd made his bed, and it was in a forest full of things that apparently wanted to eat him but couldn't and things that he shouldn't have been able to eat but could.
"I can do monster," he told his reflection. "Though maybe chill it out a bit, eh?"
His reflection had nothing to add to this. -
"Sorry about that. Again," Jack said once Twilight had caught up with him
"It's okay," she said. "Well, it's not okay, but it's done now."
"Story of my life."
The pair of them trudged silently for a bit before Jack snapped his fingers, making Twilight jump.
"Aww, I forgot my dope cloak," he said sadly, looking back over his shoulder.
"That's probably for the best. It was a bit grim."
"Oh come on, they were only scales. It's like making a cloak out of skin! Or hair! Or, oh, huh, hmm..."
While he still thought the cloak was dope, he could also sort of see where Twilight was coming from. He went quiet, albeit only momentarily.
"So I'm coming back with you?"
"I thought you were just walking back the same way coincidentally."
"Ha ha. Don't take what I said and use it against me."
"It's what you said!"
"Yeah but you knew what I meant..."
"You can do whatever you like, Jack. But you do seem to be walking with me. So are you coming back with me?"
"Kind of looks that way, Uh, this might be asking a lot but if - when - we do get back I couldn't, uh, kind of crash with you, could I? Think I'm done roughing it. If that's okay with you, obviously. I'm fine either way."
"I said before, you can stay with me as long as you like, Jack," Twilight said, smiling. Jack smiled too, unable to help himself.
"Thanks," he said. "Though I should probably look into getting my own place. Given how I'm not going anywhere. Do you think people'll mind if I come back? Start actually living there? In a house? Like a normal person?"
"You may have to mend some fences here and there - literally, in a few cases - but I think most everypony's forgotten about your, ah, initial outburst," she said, delicately.
"Probably," he said, and he believed it too. Time had given him, well, time enough to reflect. Ponyville had suffered far worse than him. Though, thinking that did remind of the look on Twilight's face when he'd grabbed her, which immediately made Jack feel miserable.
This must have shown.
"You don't still feel guilty about grabbing me, do you?"
"Not so much the grabbing, more the...nearly squashing..."
The event in question was one of those things that Jack kept going over in his mind and as was the nature of all such things that someone went over and over in their head on their own it had got worse over time. Twilight, conversely, had barely thought about since it had happened and so to her it remained barely memorable.
"It wasn't that bad," she said.
"You didn't see your face..."
That was the bit that had really stuck with him.
"Look, Jack, the pony - person, if you like - you did it to is here, next to you, telling you directly that you don't need to feel bad about it. You didn't mean to do it. You've never meant to hurt anyone. As far as I know you still haven't."
"I headbutted a dragon! In front of you!"
She waved a dismissive hoof.
"You know what I mean. You've never really hurt anypony. The dragon'll be fine, they're tough. Otherwise you wouldn't have done it. You know that."
He did, of course. It had actually been one of his reasons for coming out all this way in the first place. Fighting a dragon was cool on its own, but the other side of it was that Jack had been fairly certain dragons also wouldn't break if he hit them. He'd run out of things in the forest like that - most had started running away from him. Especially after that hydra.
Word got around, apparently, even among animals.
"This isn't something I've ever really had to worry about before, accidentally hurting someone. And it's so easy now. I worry about it," he said, staring at his hands.
"Until you punched your way out of the castle you didn't even know you could and you did fine. I know you'll do fine again. Because you're careful, Jack, and better than you think you are."
Saying this, she floated a still-rotund spike through the air and into Jack's hands, which were still in front of him. The instant her magic made contact with him it snuffed out and Spike dropped into Jack's outstretched hands. Neither of them looked especially happy about this.
"Hey," said Jack.
"What gives!" Spike cried indignantly, stubby arms and legs flailing. His resemblance to a small, angry, blue basketball with a head somewhat undercut what little gravity the situation might already have had. Jack delicately turned him so he was upright and then held him on the palm of one hand.
"You can carry him for a bit," Twilight said, maybe a little smugly, wings ruffling as she trotted on ahead.
"I think she just used you as a prop to demonstrate a point, Spike," Jack said.
"Hey! You're right!"
"If I crushed you to a pulp accidentally it would really undermine her position right now..." Jack said. Spike just glared.
"That's not funny."
"Come on, it was a little funny."
"No, it wasn't."
Jack blew a raspberry at the dragon.
"Ah you used to be cool."
He then caught up with Twilight, Spike expertly balanced on one hand. The urge to whistle Sweet Georgia Brown was intense, but he fought it down.
"Spike still in one piece, hmm?" She asked, without looking, still smug.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. I can be delicate, sure. That was a dirty trick."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I don't know why I put up with you."
Spike groaned, this time more with repressed disgust and frustration, and that drew a line under that particular conversation. Silence came again for another few minutes before, again, Jack saw fit to break it:
"Hey Twilight. You think I should be worried about this?" He asked. That got her to look.
"About what?"
He swept his free hand up and down himself. Twilight's eyes went no lower than his waist.
"About the getting bigger and tougher stuff. I made the joke about the Hooper shit but what if it doesn't actually stop? Being able to just shrug off getting roasted and swallowed is great I won't deny it but, uh, it ain't exactly normal for me and mine, you know?"
This was actually a serious concern. Jack had already given a reasonably detailed outline of what a human went through from birth to death to Twilight (because she's asked) and by his own account he should have stopped growing already. A little bit of muscle was fine, sure, especially given all the running and jumping he did nowadays.
But the height? Half an inch, maybe. A whole inch? Possibly. All that bulk in months? In a land where just about everything was either a rock or scorched? The sudden and increasing resistance to injury?
Even for a mystery creature it did seem unusual.
"We'll keep an eye on it. I'll keep an eye on it," Twilight said.
Jack sighed with relief.
"Thanks."
"What did you eat while you were up there, anyway? It's been bugging me," she asked.
He frowned and stared ahead.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"That's not fair! I have to know now! Come on!" Twilight asked, pouting. Jack kept his eyes forward.
"It's not interesting, it's just...I don't want to talk about it," he said.
Rocks, gems and any plant he'd been able to lay his hands on. His omnivorous tendencies were getting out of hand, it seemed. The gems he'd done just because he'd seen the dragons doing it, and he'd figured it would be a laugh. On discovering that it had actually worked - to his horror and great amusement - he'd tried rocks, with much the same result, though much less satisfying.
He'd even tried chewing them. It hadn't been a whole lot of fun, but he'd managed it. Nothing in this place worked the way he thought it should, and everytime he was reminded of this it made him feel even more out of place. Eating rocks? Eating diamonds? That he dug up perfectly cut and faceted from the dirt itself? And finding them filling?
This was obviously not normal, and wasn't something he was especially proud of either.
On the plus side though, Twilight's distress on not knowing was delightful to see.
Jack successfully avoided explaining what he'd eaten in the Dragon Lands all the way until they were back in Ponyville, leaving Twilight dangling by a thread. Spike, eventually popped onto Jack's shoulders, slept most of the way. They arrived when it was dark, and got to the castle without incident.
After tucking Spike into bed - whereupon he fell asleep again - Twilight led Jack back to his room. He remembered the way, but he let himself be led anyway. She seemed to want to do it for him.
The room was exactly how he had left it. The bed had been made since he'd gone, though, and the mess had been meticulously organised - all the weird little bits and bobs he'd collected or been given all neatly lined up on the shelves around the outside. It had obviously been kept clean, too, as there wasn't any dust anywhere. The care taken was enough to bring a legitimate lump to his throat. Jack was glad it was dark enough to hide his face.
"Thanks, Twilight," he said, swallowing. "I won't be here for long, I promise. I'll get my own place. But thanks for this."
"You can stay as long as you need to, Jack, don't worry," she said, smiling, a wing on his back to try and usher him in. Obviously she couldn't move him, but he felt it and got the idea, stepping inside and letting her close the door behind him.
"I heard you come in," said Starlight, making Twilight very nearly jump out of her skin. Spinning on the spot Twilight found the unicorn just smiling at her.
"Yes. Just got back. Thought you'd be asleep," Twilight said, settling herself. Starlight kept on smiling.
"Was just getting a snack. Right place, right time, you know? Nice trip?"
Twilight was tired enough for the words to properly sum up the trip to just not come. Where was she even meant to start? The bit with the curtains? Watching Jack getting eaten alive? Watching him come back up again?
"Uh, interesting," she said instead.
Starlight's smile - now more of a smirk than anything - remained resolute.
"I bet."
She cast her eyes towards the door as theatrically and as obviously as was ponily possible to do in a dark corridor. Then she looked back to Twilight again.
"So he's moving back in, huh?" Starlight asked, eyebrows set to insinuate. Twilight did not rise to this bait.
"Until he gets a place of his own, yes," she said.
"I would have thought he'd prefer being...close...to you."
Twilight blinked very, very slowly. Even fully awake she wouldn't have the energy for this.
"I'm going to bed," she said, turning and leaving.
"Oh come on! Did you share a sleeping bag on the way back?"
"What is wrong with you, Starlight?" |
A Love That I Can't Win | pre | "We have been best friends for the longest time. It's so weird! I don't think I can date my best friend! It's just.. awkward, I guess," Rainbow Dash said in hushed tone.
"Well, it might be a little awkward at first but if you spend more and more time with her, it won't be awkward anymore and you'll feel more comfortable around her," Twilight said.
"Ok.. but what should I do?" Rainbow Dash said.
'Please, just go out with me! I need you, Rainbow Dash!' Fluttershy thought, shaking her hooves.
"It's pretty obvious, Rainbow Dash. Just go out with her," Twilight said.
"But I don't know-"
"-You do! We went over this ten minutes ago! You went on about how much you liked her personality and that she was the type of mare that you always wanted. Don't tell me something like 'I don't have feelings,' because you already made it clear that there were a lot of them for her!" Twilight ranted, taking a deep breath after.
'Oh Celestia, just do it! Say it, Rainbow!" Fluttershy thought.
"Look, can't I just wait until this vacation is over?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"No! You can't leave her hanging like this. If you don't do it soon enough during this vacation, you'll break her heart!" Twilight said, getting more irritated.
Suddenly, loud hoof steps were coming from the stairs. Fluttershy was caught off gaurd and she almost let out a squeak. She hurried back to the room and pulled the bag inside. Quickly, she creaked the door shut and then slipped back into bed. Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. If she had been caught, this would have been one sticky situation.
She waited for Rainbow Dash to return. After about ten minutes, Rainbow Dash came back to their room. She closed the door quietly and turned around. Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked at her expectantly. A minute of awkward silence filled the room.
"Oh hey, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said, rubbing the back of her head.
"Hi, Rainbow," Fluttershy said with a smug grin. "Do you have something on your mind? she asked.
"Uhh.. yeah? We are all going to eat at this nearby restaurant for dinner soon," Rainbow Dash said in a slightly nervous voice. She blushed a little too.
'Shoot! Did my smile throw her off? Why did I do that?' Fluttershy thought.
"Oh.. okay. Wait, we missed lunch?" Fluttershy asked.
Rainbow Dash rubbed her foreleg. "Well, actually you did. I woke up but you were still asleep. I ate with Twilight and Pinkie Pie. I uh.. got all caught up in the planning.. sorry I took so long!" She said and gave a fake smile.
"It's um.. okay, Rainbow. What do you want to do before we eat?" Fluttershy said with disappointment behind her voice.
"I don't feel like going anywhere else today. We can just read some of my Daring Do books," Rainbow Dash said and started going through her duffel bag.
'Daring Do? I never read anything like that,' Fluttershy thought.
They both laid down on the bed and started reading. Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy the first book in the series to try to get her hooked. It wasn't something that Fluttershy loved reading. She did like how that Daring Do's intentions were pure and for the good of everypony. Rainbow Dash was too absorbed into reading Daring Do. However, her eyes darted back and forth sometimes as if there was something bothering her.
A knock on their door interrupted both of them. They had been quietly reading in peace for some time. Both of them had given each other quick looks but never said anything.
"Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash!" an excited voice from behind the door called. "It's time to eat!" Pinkie Pie said.
Rainbow Dash groaned and got up. They both were reluctant to leave their cozy room. Upon opening the door, they were greeted by the pink party pony.
"C'mon you guys!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in place. "Everypony is waiting on you!"
They both sighed and followed her down the hall and out of the hotel. There really wasn't much to see around town. Only several other buildings were in this place. There was a general store, a restaurant, and some other places that didn't have signs. It really was a lovely looking town but it was not lively at all. They came to the restaurant.
The furniture inside was very similar to what the hotel had. The place was filled with tables and chairs crafted from logs and varnished. There was a bar area for ponies to sit and drink on the side. Their friends waved over at them, sitting at a table in the middle of this small restaurant.
Pinkie Pie took her seat next to Twilight. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat next to each other. The waiter came over to their table. He must have been the owner because it seemed like nopony else was here.
"Ah, you are finally here! What would you like to drink?" he asked.
"Um.. do you happen to have apple juice?" Fluttershy asked the unicorn.
"Yes, we do of course and you miss?"
"Root beer please," Rainbow Dash said.
Applejack let out a little laugh that earned a look from Rainbow Dash. The waiter left and disappeared into the kitchen. Fluttershy looked down at her menu. Not a whole lot of things looked appetizing. A look of uncertainly filled her face as she tried to decide.
"Fluttershy, are you having trouble deciding?" Rarity asked.
She sighed. "A little. I don't know if there's anything I want," Fluttershy said, resting her head on a hoof.
"Well, they do have soup," Rarity suggested.
"I'm getting the macaroni and cheese, Fluttershy. You should too," Rainbow Dash said.
"Who eats that anymore, Rainbow Dash? It's such a foalish dish," Rarity said.
"I do and it tastes awesome!" Rainbow Dash said, stretching out her forelegs.
Fluttershy looked through the menu again. The kind of soup that was in it seemed questionable. Macaroni and cheese seemed to be the most appetizing meal at this point.
"Why can't ya'll just mind yer own business," Applejack said in a serious tone.
The waiter came back, levitating their drinks. Everypony seemed ready to order what they wanted. Fluttershy ended up ordering the same thing as Rainbow Dash. She knew that Rainbow Dash didn't take much of a liking to restaurants like this. She could only stand fast food and disliked waiting for it.
Fluttershy was so close to having Rainbow Dash as her marefriend. Just as she rested her head on both hooves, she let her thoughts slip out. Immediately, she covered her mouth but it was too late.
"Why can't you go out with me?" She let out, blushing furiously.
Everpony was silent. Rarity and Applejack both were shaking their heads at Fluttershy as if they were saying, 'Why did you say that? You're not supposed to say that!' Pinkie Pie and Twilight were looking at Rainbow Dash, expecting her to admit the truth.
'Oh no! This can't be happening! How did I let that slip?' Fluttershy thought.
"I.. um.. well.. I have to tell you something," Rainbow Dash finally got out.
Nopony said anything in response.
"I-I do.. like you.. Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash nervously said, blushing. "I.. was going to tell you later tonight. I want to be your.. marefriend, I guess," she said.
There was an uneasiness in her voice which made it unclear if she meant it. Fluttershy couldn't help but notice how she tried to look away from her. Everypony sat still in their chairs. Pinkie Pie didn't have anything to say and sat trying to piece this mess.
'What did I do? She doesn't sound serious at all!' Fluttershy thought.
"R-really?" she asked. "So, we are going out?"
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said and put a hoof around on her shoulder.
"Well, that's great you two!" Twilight said, winking at the.
"Yeah," the others agreed, nodding their heads.
This had to be one of the most awkward moments for Fluttershy. None of her friends could break the awkward silence that had been created. Even when the waiter returned with their food, there was only quiet small talk. Fluttershy was so confused. Love couldn't feel like this. It had to be something more natural. Rainbow Dash didn't really show any signs of love.
"Do you mean it?" Fluttershy asked.
Rainbow Dash stopped eating. "Yeah, Fluttershy," she said in her usual tone.
Fluttershy wasn't convinced. Rainbow Dash got up and excused herself to the little filly's room. Her friends were all looking at her. She waited for her 'marefriend' to disappear out of hearing range.
"How did this go wrong?" Fluttershy asked her friends.
"It's obvious, dear. You forced her to play her card too early," Rarity said and took a sip.
"I don't understand. Why did she accept my offer then?" Fluttershy asked.
"Rainbow Dash is just finding it hard to show her affection for you. Since you have been friends for such a long time, it might be a little awkward at first for you two," Twilight explained.
"Twilight is right. Ah don't think that this won't work out," Applejack said.
Before they could continue this discussion, Rainbow Dash returned and sat down. Everypony was done eating already and the waiter came with the bill. Twilight paid for the food and they got up to leave. Fluttershy walked next to Rainbow Dash back to the hotel. She still wasn't sure about this. When they got back to the room, it was time to talk this out.
"Are you sure that you like me?" Fluttershy asked, sitting down on the bed next to Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. "I do, Fluttershy. Why do you keep asking me?" she said, sounding a little irritated.
"Then why are you acting so strange?"
"It.. just feels weird. I don't know if I even was ready for a relationship," Rainbow Dash said, looking down at the wooden flooring.
"What do you mean?"
"Look, I'm a little weirded out that we're dating now. We were best friends. I'm not saying that I regret doing this but right now I want to take things slow and get used to the idea of dating you," she explained.
Fluttershy wrapped her in a small hug. "I don't want this to be ruined. So far, you're going to be the only pony that I have ever gone out with," she said, teary and sad.
Rainbow Dash returned the hug. "It won't be ruined. I promise. You're also the only pony for me," she said, tightening the embrace.
"Really?" Fluttershy asked, looking up into her.
"Yeah, how 'bout this to make up everything so far?" she asked and planted the smallest of kisses on Fluttershy's cheek.
They both blushed and smiled at each other. Almost all of Fluttershy's doubts were erased with this small moment. Rainbow Dash turned her face so that her cheek was close. Fluttershy returned with a small, tender, and sweet kiss on her cheek. They stayed in this warm embrace for a minute until Rainbow Dash let go.
"Heh, alright that's too much for me," Rainbow Dash said and nervously chuckled.
"Oh sorry, Rainbow!" Fluttershy apologized.
"It's okay, Flutters! I think that I might be already getting used to this," Rainbow Dash said and crawled into bed. It was already pretty dark outside.
'Am I dreaming or is this real? Was it that easy for her to get over with it?" Fluttershy asked herself as she climbed into bed too.
As they got comfortable underneath the blanket, she couldn't help but wonder how this relationship will turn out at the end of the vacation. She wanted to cuddle with her marefriend so much now but she knew that Rainbow Dash could be very touchy sometimes. Maybe Rainbow Dash could truly love her back.
"Good night, Rainbow," Fluttershy said as she turned off a lamp.
"Night, Flutters," Rainbow Dash said back.
They both fell asleep facing each other. As Fluttershy slept, her mother's words started to come back from a long time ago in Cloudsdale. She strained and twitched in bed.
You need to give up on this pointless crush, Fluttershy. She might be your only friend but it will never work out. How can you possibly win that daredevil's heart? She's nothing like you. She can't love you..
Fluttershy woke up and tried to clear her head. There was no reason to start worrying now. After all, it seemed like she already had won Rainbow Dash's heart so easily. She drifted back to sleep again, trying to get these doubts cleared forever. |
A Love That I Can't Win | Her Love | Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash woke up and slowly opened their eyes. They laid there, looking into each other's eyes and smiling. Neither of them said a word and continued to enjoy the presence of each other. For a second, Fluttershy thought this was the moment that she gets to kiss her marefriend. Rainbow Dash broke eye contact and started to get out of bed. She let out a quiet sigh and sank deeper under the blanket.
"Hey, are you going to get out of bed? We got things to do together," Rainbow Dash said as she was stretching out her limbs.
"Oh.. what kind of things?" Fluttershy asked, slowly getting out from under the warm blanket.
"Well, I was hoping that we could go swimming again and do other stuff today," Rainbow Dash replied.
"That sounds like fun," Fluttershy said, standing up next to the bed.
Somepony starting knocking on the door. Fluttershy decided to answer the door for her marefriend. She opened it and was surprised to see all of her other friends with their saddlebags on. She panicked and her breathing was rapid. It looked like they were packed up and ready to leave.
"Oh my goodness! It's over already? I didn't know! I'm so sorry!" Fluttershy said and cringed.
Twilight reached over and rested her hoof on her shoulder. "Fluttershy, we still have a few days left here. We're about to go on a scenic walk through the natural springs in this area," she explained.
"Scenic walk?" Rainbow Dash asked from the back of the room. "You gotta be kidding. Why would you want to do something like that when you can just sit back and relax?" she said and sat in a chair.
"I learned much earlier of all the geothermal features that this area has. I always wanted to see geysers and hot springs up close for myself. Everypony should too!" Twilight said.
"I don't know, Twilight. I really wanted to spend more time with Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said.
Twilight frowned. "Come on, Fluttershy. You two are going with. I promise that we will try to leave you two alone and not bug you or anything," she said and turned around. "Right girls?" she asked.
"Of course, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in a little circle while the others nodded.
"Look, I-we went through the trouble of planning this out. Just wear a hat and pack some food and water in your saddlebags. You can go through the cooler in my room for that stuff. I would appreciate it if you two came with," Twilight said.
'There's no way out of this. I owe her for this wonderful vacation,' Fluttershy thought.
She turned around and looked at Rainbow Dash. "Please, Rainbow. We really do owe them. We can walk together the whole time if you want," she said.
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Okay, Fluttershy. Only if you promise something," she said and got up.
"What is that?" Fluttershy asked, feeling pretty curious.
"Nothing. Never mind. I'll do it then," Rainbow Dash quickly said and looked away.
"Are you sure? What's wrong, Dashie?" Fluttershy asked, showing concern on her face.
Rainbow Dash walked up to her and put her hoof on her shoulder. "I'm fine, Flutters," she said, blushing a little. "It was a dumb idea anyway. I'll get packed," she said.
Fluttershy nodded and pulled out her empty saddlebag from the dresser. She went through her own duffel bag and pulled out something that had her eyes drawn to it. It was the pink ball cap that Rainbow Dash had given her a long time ago. She put it on and went into Twilight's room to get food.
Like she had expected, it looked the same as theirs. She opened up the cooler that was in the middle of the room and searched through it. It was filled with all sorts of food and drink. There were bottles of apple cider, pre-made sandwiches in a plastic container, and much more inside the cooler. Fluttershy took out a few bottles of water and two of the pre-made sandwiches.
"Is that what I think you're wearing?" Rainbow Dash asked from behind.
Fluttershy turned around. "You remember?" she asked, her eyes widening.
"Of course!" Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. " I gave that to you years ago as a gift," she said and smiled at Fluttershy.
"Well, I like it very much still!" Fluttershy said, smiling back.
Rainbow Dash awkwardly rubbed her foreleg. "Yeah.. you look nice, Fluttershy," she said.
"Aww.. thanks, Rainbow!" Fluttershy said and gave her a small hug. "Lets go meet the others. I'm done packing my saddlebag," she said and let go.
"Alright, Flutters," Rainbow Dash said, grinning at her.
They left the room and walked down the stairs and met their friends in the lobby. Twilight was busy talking with the receptionist while Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity were sitting on a long sofa. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy approached them and sat on another couch together.
"Well if isn't the lovely new couple!" Rarity said, with a delightful smile.
"Oh my gosh! Does this mean you're going to get married?" Pinkie Pie said, twisting her head side-to-side.
Rainbow Dash turned a bright red. "I.. umm.. we only have been dating for a day, Pinkie" she said in a nervous tone, clearly embarrassed.
Fluttershy nuzzled her marefriend, trying to make her comfortable. "It's okay, Rainbow. She's just trying to be silly. You know that!" she said.
"Well, ah think it's pretty clear already that ya'll are perfect matches for each other," Applejack said with a warm look on her face.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy turned their heads and looked at each other.
'Her face is so pretty. I love her beautiful eyes so much,' Fluttershy thought.
"Just look at the way you two are blushing!" Rarity commented.
Rainbow Dash got off the couch and looked away. She ran a hoof through her mane and tried to hide the blush on her face. "I'm not, Rarity. I would never do something so uncool," she said, facing away from her friends.
"Hey, why didn't you two tell me you were here?" Twilight asked. "We need to do this scenic walk as soon as we can. It gets really hot outside in the afternoon," she said, walking over to the exit. "Come on, you guys.. lets go."
"Whatever," Rainbow Dash said and followed Twilight. Fluttershy got up and tried to keep up with her. The others rose to their hooves and followed after her. She couldn't stay up with Rainbow Dash's pace and fell behind next to Applejack. Fluttershy let out a long sigh that caught Applejack's attention.
"Rainbow Desh!" Applejack called out. "Are you really going to leave your marefriend behind like this?" she asked in a stern voice.
Rainbow Dash groaned and stopped walking until Fluttershy was right next to her. Fluttershy's expression was sad and confused. Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"I'm sorry, Flutters. I just.. look, I guess I kind of lost my cool. I'm really sorry!" she whispered and then planted a little kiss on Fluttershy's cheek.
Fluttershy blushed and affectionately nuzzled Rainbow Dash. "It's okay.. just promise.. that you won't leave me behind. I'm sorry that I can't keep up to you," she whispered back.
They continued to walk on a path that was leading out of town. "What? What do you mean?" Rainbow asked in a quiet voice. "It's fine, Fluttershy. I won't leave you behind. I promise," Rainbow Dash said.
Now they were out of town and walking on a dirt path. Soon, the grassy hills were replaced by dry patches of un-vegetated dirt. Pine trees surrounded the area in the background. They came across a small bubbling pit of mud similar to what Fluttershy had seen while on the train. Everypony had an expession of curiosity while Twilight was leaning over the path, watching the uninteresting bubbles of mud pop.
"Are you trying to see if you can stick your head in that?" Rainbow Dash sarcastically asked Twilight.
Twilight shot a glance at her. "No! That would be a terrible idea! This is more than boiling hot, Rainbow Dash. After all, this whole area is above a hotspot," she said.
Fluttershy lifted a hoof up and backed up. "Hotspot? What does that mean? Are you sure we should be here?" she asked, feeling worried.
"It's nothing to be worried about, Fluttershy. You see..." Twilight started to drone.
As everypony zoned out while Twilight went into detail about geology, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel uninterested in what Twilight had to say. There were more important things to think about now. She was convinced that Rainbow Dash had insecurities which she never could share. She also had a few insecurities of her own. Fluttershy felt that she could trust Rainbow Dash with her heart but she didn't know if her marefriend felt the same way.
"So, that's why the area is like this," Twilight said, smiling and nodding her head.
Everypony simply nodded their heads and said 'Oh,' or just stared back. They kept on walking and looking around at the scenery. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash kept their distance from the others. Fluttershy needed to spend some peaceful quality time with her marefriend.
Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched out her wings. She let one of her wings drape over Fluttershy in a loving matter. Fluttershy was a little surprised by her act. Something like that is considered a very romantic gesture. It was a pretty sappy thing for somepony like Rainbow Dash to do. She responded to this gesture by giving her marefriend a gentle nuzzle. Rainbow Dash let out a little giggle and did the same thing.
"I must be dreaming. I always wanted her to be so loving and caring,' Fluttershy thought.
They continued walking past pits of bubbling mud. Eventually, they were starting to feel hungry for lunch. The air was hot and everypony was starting to sweat a little. Pinkie Pie pulled out a large picnic blanket for them to sit on. Fluttershy had packed food and water for Rainbow Dash too. It seemed pretty quiet for while.
"I have to admit, Twilight, this heat is starting to get unbearable," Rarity commented.
"Well, if we hurry up we can get back to the hotel and relax in the pool," Twilight said, nibbling on a sandwich.
Applejack put down her apple fritter. "Wait, there's a pool? Why didn't ya tell us earlier?" she asked.
"We thought you guys would look around on your own," Pinkie Pie said.
"Actually, we have been in the pool yesterday," Fluttershy said and finished her sandwich.
"Really? I bet it was nice! We should totally get a move on then!" Pinkie Pie said and got up.
Nopony else could argue. They finished the last bits of their sandwiches and moved on. The path was fairly long and the heat was making it feel worse. Soon, they starting passing by the hot springs. Fluttershy looked at all the pools of boiling water. Some of them were multicolored while others were just a dull red. Rainbow Dash was eyeing everything with Fluttershy.
By the time they got back, it was already late in the afternoon. They all wiped off their sweat and took a dip in the pool. Fluttershy decided to relax in the hot tub. It seemed like a silly idea to get out of the heat just to sink into an even warmer source. However, after stepping in it didn't matter anymore. Fluttershy was comfortable now in the bubbling water. Rainbow Dash joined her, slowly sinking into the hot waters.
"Hi, Rainbow," Fluttershy warmly greeted and let out a sigh of relief. She had been very sore from walking and the jets in the hot tub were melting away the sore aching muscles in her body.
"Hey, pal! You just hanging out here?" Rainbow Dash asked and put a hoof around on her shoulder.
"Yes.. and it's very relaxing," Fluttershy said in a lower voice.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. "You're thinking like me! It's all about kicking back and relaxing!"
She let out a loud sigh and stretched out her hind legs. Fluttershy put her left hoof around Rainbow Dash. They both sank a little lower in the water and closed their eyes for a little while. After ten minutes of relaxing, Rainbow Dash tapped Fluttershy.
"Huh? What is it?" Fluttershy asked in a groggy voice.
"Um.. would you be up for an early dinner?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I might have made just a few little arrangements with that receptionist and the unicorn who runs that restaurant," she said.
'An early dinner? Why would she be eager to eat soon?' Fluttershy thought.
"Well.. um.. okay. Uh.. right now?" Fluttershy asked, feeling reluctant to leave.
"Yeah.. you wouldn't mind.. would you? I.. wanted to do some special for you," Rainbow Dash said.
"No! I guess.. not," Fluttershy said, feeling unsure.
Rainbow Dash got out and so did Fluttershy. They dried off while the others were still splashing and yelling in the pool. She led Fluttershy into a empty ballroom that looked like that it hasn't been in use for a while. She motioned to Fluttershy to sit at an empty table while she went off to pick up their food.
'Why is she doing this? What's so special about this?' Fluttershy wondered.
Fluttershy looked around the room. It was very elaborate looking with a beautiful polished floor. Oddly enough, only the floor and the table she was sitting had been dusted and cleaned.
Rainbow came back in less than five minutes carefully holding two plates full of spaghetti and wheatballs. She placed it down on the table and sat on the other side of Fluttershy. Music started playing from speakers built into the walls. Fluttershy didn't know that Rainbow Dash was this cheesy.
"Wow!" Fluttershy said and looked down at her pasta. "I love spaghetti!" she said and looked up at Rainbow Dash, who was blushing.
"Heh, I knew that you liked spaghetti," Rainbow Dash said, smiling at her.
Fluttershy looked down again and started eating a strand of spaghetti. Normally, this was a food eaten mostly by unicorns because of how magic made it easier to eat it. For non-unicorns, eating it was a little messy so it was generally avoided. Rainbow Dash starting eating too. Something about the pasta made it taste so good. The sauce must have been something special. Before they knew it, they were done eating.
"Um.. do you want to dance, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Fluttershy's heart skipped a beat. "I.. don't know, Rainbow. I never danced with anypony before," she said in a nervous tone.
Rainbow Dash got up and lead Fluttershy to the middle of the room, which was an empty square specifically for dancing. She faced Fluttershy and got up on her hind legs.
"Just stand on your back legs like this and use your wings to keep balance," Rainbow Dash said and tried to help Fluttershy up on her hind legs.
She wobbled a bit but quickly got the hang of it. "Now what?" Fluttershy asked.
"I put my hooves on your waist like this," Rainbow Dash said and placed a hoof on each side of her waist. "Now, rest your hooves on my shoulders," She said.
Fluttershy had her hooves on Rainbow Dash's shoulders and was looking into her eyes. Rainbow Dash started to slowly sway from left to right and back. The music was very similar to what they played at prom when they were going to flight school. Fluttershy came to see if she could find a mare who would dance with her but she quickly lost all her courage and left spending the rest of the evening alone at her dorm.
They swayed back and forth, their eyes focused on each other's face. This was bliss. Rainbow Dash had a wide smile on her face and there was this look in her eyes. It wasn't just sheer joy. Fluttershy could swear it was love in her eyes. The way those magenta eyes looked back at her.
Rainbow Dash brought her face closer and Fluttershy caught on. She moved her head closer and closed her eyes. Their lips met and their hearts stopped for a second. Rainbow Dash's lips were sweet as her heart. Fluttershy never felt something as wonderful as this. After a minute of kissing, they finally broke away, both blushing a bright red.
Fluttershy rested her head against Rainbow Dash and they continued to dance. They went on for an hour until she started feeling tired. All that walking and this dancing had exhausted the shy pegasus. Her legs felt weak and she started to shake a little.
"Rainbow.." she said in a low drained voice. "I.." she tried to say.
"Shh.. I know, Flutters. I got you," Rainbow Dash said.
Before Fluttershy knew it, she was being carried in Rainbow Dash's gentle hooves. She closed her eyes. Sweet dreams fell over her as she fell into a peaceful sleep. |
A Love That I Can't Win | My Heart | The rest of the vacation flew by a little too fast for Fluttershy and her best friends. They had spent the few remaining days lounging around, swimming, chatting, and visiting the springs again. It felt too early to leave. This vacation had been worth every minute of their time and every bit that Twilight paid. Rainbow Dash had told Fluttershy in secret that she was reluctant to leave already. However, they all knew that they couldn't stay forever. Ponyville was their home after all and it was time to return their usual lives.
Fluttershy stood in her room with Rainbow Dash. Both of them were finished packing their belongings. They took one last look at their room. Fluttershy let out a long sigh that was followed by one from Rainbow Dash.
'I wish this could have lasted longer. I don't want to leave this behind,' Fluttershy thought.
"Hey, are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked and nudged her. "I know it's a little hard to believe that we're leaving already but we did have a great time, right?" she said, trying to smile.
"Yeah.. I know what you mean, Rainbow. I just wish we had this kind of privacy back in Ponyville. I won't feel comfortable showing our relationship around other ponies that aren't our friends," Fluttershy replied and looked down.
Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head. "Why should we care? It's none of their business anyway. Besides, we have our awesome friends to back us up just in case," she said and stood next to Fluttershy.
"You really think we can do this?" Fluttershy asked.
Rainbow Dash planted a kiss on her cheek that made her heart aflutter. Fluttershy leaned on her with a sideways hug and they both blushed a little.
"Of course," Rainbow Dash simply said, returning the hug.
They made another quick look around the room and closed the door shut for good. Before they knew it, they were already back on the train, ready for the trip back home. The last thing they remember was returning their keys and Pinkie Pie embarrassing the kind receptionist by engulfing her in a huge hug. Fluttershy had convinced Rainbow Dash to sleep in the same car their friends were in. This time they were going to be a lot more quiet and considerate.
The train ride didn't seem as bad as the first time. Fluttershy found herself enjoying the company of her friends and the close proximity to her marefriend. She and Rainbow Dash were sitting on the same bunk together.
"Did you guys enjoy the vacation?" Twilight asked.
"Are you joking? I loved it, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing in her bunk.
"Twilight, this vacation was absolutely refreshing. There must be a way that I could return the favor," Rarity said and brushed her mane.
'Return the favor?' Fluttershy thought. 'Rainbow Dash really was such a nice marefriend. She made that one evening so special for me. Nopony has ever danced with me or was that gentle. Why can't I do something special for her? I bet that nopony has ever done something like that for her..'
Fluttershy's thoughts were interrupted by a nudge from her marefriend. Rainbow Dash nuzzled her and looked back at their friends. "I think it's safe to speak for Fluttershy. We had a really nice time," she said.
"I bet you two did. It's really nice that you have a special somepony now. We always wondered if you two would finally start dating.. I mean, not each other.. just like anypony in general. Don't get me wrong-" Twilight said but was interrupted by Rainbow Dash.
"We get the point, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said and let out a long sigh.
'There's gotta be a way that I can show her how nice of a marefriend I really am,' Fluttershy thought.
As the day dwindled on, Fluttershy waited for the perfect moment to talk alone with Rainbow Dash. It started to get dark and everypony else was becoming more and more quiet. She sat close to her marefriend and they both looked out the window at the passing scenery.
"Do you ever feel lonely, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy asked.
Rainbow Dash sighed and looked at her. "Yeah.. I do.. sometimes," she said in sad tone.
"Why?" Fluttershy asked.
"I never had a special somepony like you," Rainbow Dash said. "Heck, I never even had a special somepony. You know that I live alone with exception of Tank."
"Why? I feel like we could have gotten together the first year we spent in Ponyville," Fluttershy said.
A minute of silence passed. "Look Fluttershy, I never had the courage to ask you out. I always thought that I would be the one admit my feelings first but I was never ready. I'm sorry that I made so much drama before we actually went out. It was so uncool of me.
"Rainbow, it's okay. All that matters now is that we are together," Fluttershy said in soothing tone.
"Do you know how hard it is keeping your feelings to yourself?" Rainbow Dash asked after a minute.
"Yes, Rainbow.. I know what it feels like," she said, putting a hoof on her shoulder.
Rainbow Dash rested a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder too. "Do I make a good enough marefriend for you, Fluttershy?" she nervously asked.
Fluttershy decided that words wouldn't be enough to answer her. Instead, she captured Rainbow Dash in a loving embrace. Her marefriend's eyes widened in surprise. She felt Rainbow Dash return the hug within seconds. Fluttershy leaned over, trying to turn the hug into a snuggle session.
"Of course.. but do I make a good marefriend for you?" She asked back.
Rainbow Dash leaned with her and they both fell over, laying on the bunk. Fluttershy let out a giggle as her marefriend rested her head on her chest. A warm feeling of happiness came over as she looked at Rainbow Dash who had her hooves around her.
"Yes," Rainbow Dash said in a soft tone and looked up at her.
Fluttershy leaned her face closer and Rainbow Dash slowly closed her eyes. Their lips met in a long passionate kiss. Her heart was pounding and her thoughts racing. Fluttershy applied more pressure to the kiss. Rainbow Dash let out a little moan as they continued to kiss. They finally broke away, both trying to catch their breath. Their faces were a bright red.
Rainbow Dash laid her head back on Fluttershy's chest and closed her eyes. She shifted a little to get more comfortable. Fluttershy pulled a blanket up to Rainbow Dash's neck and kissed her on the forehead. A soft whisper came from her marefriend.
"I love you, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said.
"I love you too, Rainbow," she said back.
Fluttershy ran a hoof through her prismatic mane, feeling her cool soft hair. Rainbow Dash fell asleep, snoring ever so softly. Fluttershy smiled and closed her eyes too. Nothing else in the world mattered. She had won Rainbow Dash's heart and her love. |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | pre | "Specialist Glamerspear, by the glory of the Morning Dawn, I hereby relieve you at this post."
It was the afternoon shift change, and Specialist Artemis Sparkshower, 19D Armored Scout, presently of the VIP Section, Canterlot Palace Military Office, Household Division, was reciting the ritual changing-of-the-guard call.
"Specialist Sparkshower, by the peace of the Evening Dusk, I stand relieved."
Before her, Specialist Glamerspear, 14E Air Defense, saluted her as she recited her half of the call-and-response. Of course, no 19D had ever relieved a 14E in the field; this sort of exchange could only happen on by far the most unusual duty available to soldiers of any senior enlisted rank: serving as bodyguard to a Very Important Pony.
Her particular VIP, who isn't actually a pony, was over to her left, sitting at his large bureau and scribbling furiously away with his quill. It was exactly how he'd spent the majority of her first shift yesterday morning. Besides the bouts of walking around looking for books or documents, of course.
Royal Engineer Anonymous looked up at Artemis from his desk. "Good afternoon, Specialist Sparkshower."
"Good afternoon, sir."
She shut the door behind her, hearing the sound of Glamerspear trotting off in the distance. From the direction of the sound of her hoofsteps, she was taking the long way back upstairs to their quarters. Probably planning to strut by Captain Mailedhoof again.
"I had a little discussion with Specialist Glamerspear this morning. Apparently, she found a few of my habits unbecoming of my station."
She brought it up with him? That was bold. Their instruction was clear: VIP bodyguards were supposed to be seen and not heard. But then again, Glamerspear struck the pegasus as a pretty bold pony.
"... I just wanted to mention that if you had any such similar advice, now or at any time later, I would be glad to hear it."
"Yes, sir. Of course, sir."
Anonymous looked at Artemis expectantly.
She shouldered her spear.
"...Uhhh.... This soldier has no advice for you at this time, sir, as she has not yet witnessed anything she would consider unbecoming, sir."
Over at his desk, her charge chuckled "I suppose you didn't see me do very much yesterday." He pushed his chair away from his desk and stood up, walking over to the lighthouse clock in the center of the room. "...I'm afraid today doesn't promise to be much different, although I am expecting a visitor in an hour or so." The Royal Engineer turned and strode back over to his writing desk. "... Which reminds me, would delivering a written message be within your duties in my service?"
"Yes, sir! Of course, sir! This soldier is more than capable of hoof-delivering any notes on your behalf."
Courier duty in the Guard as a whole was considered pretty 'low' work, being usually little more than shuttling notes from one snooty officer to another. But VIP Courier duty, on the other hoof, promised a wealth of excitement! Rushing important government documents to members of the Court! Fetching great tomes from the depths of the most arcane libraries! Rescuing their VIP from social situations with quick deliveries of important sundries! Maybe even... delivering a romantic letter to someone your VIP admires? Sealed with a kiss, of course! Oooh, the idea of that last one got her giddy like a brisk sun-shower.
The Royal Engineer's voice interrupted her thoughts before they could run home with the idea. "Your comrade made some recommendations as to my exercise wardrobe. Would you deliver this note to the Bridle Path Clothiers, in Poole Street? They're the tailors who've supplied the rest of my wardrobe so far."
While Artemis was daydreaming of all the fancy kinds of letters she might deliver, Anonymous had somehow materialized in front of her with a folded piece of paper for the pegasus to deliver. She took it, and put it respectfully into a small saddle bag at her left hip, before turning and giving a salute.
"Shall I deliver this immediately, sir?"
"Yes, please do. I expect Purse Strings to be here soon to go over the ledger figures."
"Of course, sir! And, since you asked, sir, I may say that it would be most unbecoming for you to receive him without your escort present, sir."
Anonymous arched his eyebrows at her. "Oh, really? It seems there is more to your service than just protection and prestige."
"Yes, sir! Once a VIP is known to be escorted by bodyguards, then for them to go un-escorted is a sign of informality and casualness. A courtly personage such as the Chancellor of the Exchequer might be offended you were becoming too familiar."
"Interesting."
Artemis saluted once more and reached for the door handle.
"... By the way, Specialist. 'Armored Scout' is your formal job title, isn't it?"
She lowered her hoof and turned back to her charge. "Yes, Sir! 19D Armored Scout, formerly of the 1st Pegasus Infantry Division, 4th Armored Regiment!"
"I was curious, what distinguishes an 'Armored' Scout from any other kind?"
Like a summer gale, that question came a bit out of nowhere.
"Uhh... Well, sir, an Armored Scout is armed and armored more heavily than ordinary scout ponies." Describing her ordinary military service was one of the things she'd been told to prepare for in VIP training. Apparently, VIPs sometimes liked to hear of a soldier's particular training, or be regaled with stories of valorous combat. The classroom MOS training came rushing back, and Artemis found herself reciting her instructor's description almost word-for-word.
"Whereas ordinary scouts are expected to either infiltrate the enemy lines by avoiding contact, or to retreat in the face of anything more than enemy scouting parties, an Armored Scout team is expected to be able to break through enemy lines by overwhelming forward screening elements. Armored Scouts can put other Scout units to flight, force screens to retreat, work to disrupt communication lines, and make their way deep enough to reconnoiter the main enemy force."
She clanged her armored left hoof into her chest in the 'clashing salute' of the armored divisions of the Royal Guard.
"... Sir, you may have noticed that this soldier carries a bronze longspear, the heaviest and longest-reaching weapon in the Royal Arsenal. This soldier is also wearing a bronze cuirass in four pieces: backplate, breastplate, criniere, and croupiere. You may notice, sir, the epaulets built into the backplate to protect the base of the wings as well."
As she went over the parts of her panoply, she made sure to indicate them clearly to her VIP, gesturing with her head, her hooves and her wings as needed. She also gave him a moment to get a closer look, and the Royal Engineer seemed genuinely interested.
"... Additionally, this soldier is equipped with a full-coverage bascinet helmet with visor and chain aventail which attaches to the criniere. Armored Scouts are also outfitted with four bronze sabatons and four two-piece greaves covering both front and back of the shins."
Presenting her equipment like this reminded her of inspection time back in horseshoe camp. Except there wasn't a Drill Sergeant neighing spittle all over her face for a speck of dirt on her sabatons. Instead, she only had the Royal Engineer standing before her, holding his chin in one hand and his elbow with the other.
He really did have long legs.
No wonder Glamerspear had trouble keeping up with him.
"Thusly equipped, an Armored Scout such as this soldier is capable of fending off any light advance unit the enemy can field, and is on equal terms with the armored main elements of the enemy force."
"Fascinating. But all that equipment must weigh quite a lot, no?"
"Sir, this soldier's loadout weighs in at forty pounds dead, which almost doubles an ordinary guardspony's twenty-five-pound load. But with extensive training comes familiarity with the equipment, and the Armored divisions are considered the heavy-fighting elite of the Royal Guard."
"I see. Thank you, Specialist, for that lesson in armor and tactics. Now, don't let me keep you from delivering that note any longer, lest I find myself without an escort when the Chancellor arrives."
"Yes, sir! Although I should say, sir, that if you found yourself in such a situation, at least one of my comrades upstairs is normally on standby duty for such service as well."
Anonymous gave Artemis a smile. "Good to know, Specialist. See you back here soon."
She gave another hearty salute, opened the door, stepped outside, respectfully closed the door behind her, and then sprung into the air.
Armored courier message delivery, coming through!
Traffic, step aside!
It was a little after five o'clock in the afternoon. To Artemis' left, Royal Engineer Anonymous was sitting at his desk, with Chancellor of the Exchequer Purse Strings sitting in front of him. Since he'd arrived, they had just been reading numbers together. Anonymous would call out a numbered line...
"Okay, next, line three-hundred-and-twelve: one million, three hundred and forty-seven thousand, two hundred and sixty-eight"
... and then Purse Strings would reply...
"Line three-hundred-and-twelve: one million, three hundred and forty-seven thousand, two hundred and sixty-eight. Correct."
The exchange has been going on for half an hour so far. The Chancellor's own bodyguard had been at her charge's side the whole time, dressed in light armor and serving more as a valet, handing him various books and scrolls with numbers on them.
Since all the numbers had been just 'line such-and-such', it was as clear as a black storm-cloud to her. All she could make out was that it was some kind of accounting. It reminded her of the kind of work the intelligence officers did with her scouting reports, but these numbers were on a whole other level. Line thirty-three, whatever it was, was over ten billion. Imagine having to count that many enemies in a field! She didn't think ten billion Changelings could even fit within her field of view. And ten billion dragons could probably cover all of Equestria.
"Okay, last one: line three-hundred-and-thirteen: forty-six."
That was by far the smallest number the Royal Engineer had said since it had started.
"Line three-hundred-and-thirteen: forty-seven. I think you have last year's number there, Anon; there was a singular addition this year so far."
There was a shuffling of papers as the Royal Engineer flipped over to another book. The Chancellor had been addressing him as "Anon". So much for him possibly being offended at Anonymous appearing to be overly familiar!
"I wrote down that I got it from... last year's census. Okay, corrected: line three-hundred-and-thirteen is forty-seven. And that's that!" With an exhausted whinny, Anonymous put down his quill and rubbed his eyes.
Purse Strings closed the book in front of him and, smirking, passed it back to his bodyguard. "Nothing quite like some book-balancing to close out a week, eh?"
The Royal Engineer yawned and chuckled in reply. "Not my idea of a relaxing Friday afternoon. Still, it had to be done."
The elder statespony let out a roaring laugh. "That's the spirit, my foal! But really, though, a young colt like you -- you ought to get out and do something on a fine night like this! Why, I don't believe you've left the castle since you were appointed to this position!"
Anonymous rolled his head to one side. "That's not true. I visited you at your house. And I must've toured a hundred facilities around Equestria..."
Purse Strings tutted, even as he helped his bodyguard pack up the rest of his papers and books. "Oh, come now. You know I meant besides work. Go visit the waterfalls! Browse the shops! Go see a show!" Turning, the Chancellor pointed a hoof at the Royal Engineer. "... Why, I'll tell you right now, Lady Strings and I saw the latest production at the Sardinia Theatre last week, and we absolutely loved it! Another operatic comedy by that brilliant duo, Gallop & Stallion, called 'The Magician'. Fantastic show; spectacular, really."
Leaning back in his chair, Anonymous looked a little sceptical. "A musical? But won't I have trouble getting tickets on short notice?"
Purse Strings shook his head dismissively. "Oh, hardly. It's been playing for weeks and weeks. Nearly at the end of the run. When we went, they were still neighing in the streets for last-minute purchasers when the doors opened for seating."
The Royal Engineer placed his fingers together and looked over in Artemis' direction. "Well, what do you think, Specialist? Would you care to comment on The Right Honorable Chancellor and Under-Treasurer of Their Majesties' Exchequer's recommendation?"
Before Artemis could answer, Purse Strings glanced over at her and spoke first. "Ah, yes. I forgot you'd joined the little club of Very Important Ponies earlier this week. If you go, you'll want to try to get a box seat."
Anonymous' confusion was plain on his face. "I will? Why?"
By the expression on the Chancellor's face, Purse Strings seemed hesitant to reply, so Artemis piped up. "Sir! In theatres and at other such performances, it is customary for a VIP's escort to stand guard in the hallway or, if the subject is in the general seating, against the wall of the nearest aisle."
Anonymous raised his eyebrows and glanced over at the Chancellor, who nodded in agreement.
"However, unless attending in the company of numerous fellow VIPs with their own escorts, or if one is a foreign plenipotentiary, it is considered uncouth and overly pompous to have one's bodyguards present in the audience room."
The Royal Engineer leaned forward in his chair and placed his elbows on the desk, his hands clasped together and pointing at Specialist Sparkshower. "I'm attending a show, and you have to either stand far away at the edge of the room, or preferably take up a post behind a curtain in the hallway where you won't even be able to see the performance?"
Everypony in the room nodded back at him, Artemis included.
Anonymous scoffed. "I'm sorry, but that's just ridiculous. Even if I were genuinely threatened, it sounds like you might easily be too far away to intervene..."
He turned to the Chancellor and shrugged his shoulders, spreading his arms.
"...Can't I just buy two tickets and have Specialist Sparkshower sit next to me?"
Purse Strings' eyes went wide, and he stammered. "Uh, err..." His bodyguard noisily cleared her throat, and the Chancellor regained his composure. "... Well, I suppose you could, if the mare doesn't object..."
Sparkshower was a little confused about the awkwardness she'd just witnessed. After all, the Royal Engineer's suggestion actually sounded like a neat idea! Imagine, guards sitting next to their VIPs, ready to leap into action at a moment's notice! Plus this way she would get to enjoy the show as well! How considerate of the Royal Engineer! And how fortunate for her to have such a generous charge! Artemis realized that Purse Strings was looking her up and down with a critical eye.
"...Of course, she can't be dressed like that. Theater seats aren't built to accommodate armor, after all."
Artemis' spirits remained un-dampened. "Oh, well, I have a dress I could put on instead! If The Royal Engineer was serious about the offer to see a musical performance, I mean!"
Anonymous looked pleased. "See, Purse? You're making a treasury out of a change-bag."
Purse Strings opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but seemed to reconsider, and just shook his head as he headed toward the door. The Royal Engineer likewise got to his feet and pulled his dinner jacket off of a coat-rack in the corner, looking over at Artemis. "... Your break for supper is just about now, anyways, isn't it, Specialist? I'll order some food myself and expect you back here, ready to go to the theater in, oh, say, an hour and a half?"
He was serious! Hooray for clear skies and puffy clouds!
"Yes, sir! One-and-a-half hours, absolutely, sir!"
She pulled open the door for the Chancellor, who turned around just before leaving and gave a short bow to the Royal Engineer, who also returned it with a smile on his face.
Closing the door after his bodyguard followed, Artemis was giddy with glee.
Oh, just wait until she wrote back to Berry about this! Seeing a big, fancy Canterlot musical production in her own seat! How about that!
Anonymous tugged on the servants' bell-pull by the dining table, and a few moments later the butler arrived to take his order. Once he was done, the Royal Engineer picked up his newspaper and gave her a nod of dismissal. Artemis respectfully bowed and exited backwards out the door. As soon as the door was closed, she booked it upstairs with a huge smile on her face.
'Just wait until Glamerspear and Honour hear about this!' |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 8 | Artemis Sparkshower
It had been a little over half an hour since Artemis blew out of Anonymous' chambers like a summer gale. Unfortunately, neither Specialist Glamerspear nor Corporal Honour Bound were upstairs in their quarters just then. She didn't have time to wait around, so she'd bolted for the barracks' dining hall instead. Besides, it was a fair bet that they would be there. No dice, though. And she'd even quickly flown up to the top of the hall to get a good look around! Artemis dined alone as a result, but she was so excited that she could barely taste the usually outstanding Friday evening grub. Finally, after a return trip across the castle grounds, she was back at her quarters, just above the Royal Engineer's chambers.
Time for her to get dressed up for the big show! Without coming to a stop, and certainly without touching her hooves down on the ground, she reached out and swiftly jerked the door handle even as she flew forward, bowling her way into the room and careening off the hallway wall (And probably leaving a nice set of hoof-prints on the wallpaper).
"WHOA!! Easy there, jeez!"
Looked like she'd found one of her compatriots! Glamerspear was so shocked by Artemis' dynamic entrance that she'd practically jumped off the sofa. With a huge grin on her face, Artemis came skidding to a touchdown in front of her.
"Oh, hey Glamerspear! Guess what just happened!"
"Somepony dared you to drink a whole tray full of shots in the canteen?" she quipped, slightly fuddled after Artemis' energetic arrival. "I don't know, why else are you bouncing off the walls like that?"
She shook her head vigorously. "Nope! Royal Engineer Anonymous is taking me out to see a musical at the Sardinia Theatre, and he's buying me a ticket to sit next to him!"
Glamerspear's eyes went wide. "Whaaaaat! Seriously?!"
Artemis nodded her head, also vigorously.
Lily smiled and cocked a hoof at her. "Oh my gosh, jea-lous!"
"Yeah, I'm going to wear a dress and everything!" Artemis immediately started for her room. "...We're leaving in less than an hour, so I've got to get ready!"
Glamerspear looked after her with a grin on her face. "Wow, filly, you sure don't waste time! Way to bag yourself a hot ticket on short notice!"
'Hot' ticket?'
'Oh, she must mean the 'hot' show ticket.
Bounding into her room, Artemis left the door open as she rummaged through her closet. "Yeah, isn't it great?"
Glamerspear peeked in at her around the doorway. "Well, you know, you're not the only one who struck gold today. I passed by Captain Mailedhoof again-"
"I know! I heard you walk over there when I relieved you!"
Whoops, that wasn't too polite of her to interrupt Lily. All that excitement was going to her head a bit. Better cool things off. There was still plenty of time before the show, after all.
"... Right, and this time he actually came over and spoke to me! Said he'd seen me 'around' and wanted to say 'hello'. Heh, but you know what that means, don't you, filly-friend?"
As Artemis grabbed the hangar she was looking for, a question sprung to mind, and she peeked around the corner to speak with Lily, face-to-face. "Oh, right - I was going to ask. Isn't Captain Mailedhoof *married*?"
Glamerspear just laughed. "Oh, sure, he's married, but that won't stop him from 'saying hello', you know what I mean?"
She sure did know what she meant! Although she did kind of put a weird emphasis on 'saying hello' there. Still, she must have just meant that Captain Mailedhoof was one of those lucky colts whose wife wasn't so suspicious of him that he couldn't say hello to a mare in the street! Or in the palace, rather.
Aww, he must be a real swell guy.
"Yeah, I do know! That's great for you!"
Glamerspear took a step forward and leaned up back against the sidewall of Artemis' closet. "Aaaaaanyways, I'm thinking it won't be long before we can go get some drinks together in the Officers' club, and then, well, things'll proceed naturally, won't they?" As she trailed off, she raised one of her eyebrows and smirked at the pegasus.
"Sure, I get it!"
Artemis didn't really get it. So she changed the subject instead.
"I can't wait to get back after the show and write a letter to my coltfriend back in Berry about tonight!"
It looked like she'd lost Glamerspear. Her nose was all scrunched up and her eyes had gone wide again. The unicorn knew about coltfriends, right? Well, it didn't matter, because Artemis had found her dress!
"And here's what I'm going to wear tonight, check this out!"
Grabbing the hangar hook in her mouth, she swooshed it out in front of her, taking to the air and spread it out with her hooves. Glamerspear seemed to be struck speechless.
"It's my cotillion ball dress from my last year in Berry before I joined the Royal Guard! And it still fits!"
Her roommate seemed to be struggling for words. She probably just hadn't seen traditional clothing that finely-made before!
"Isn't it pretty? My grandma made it, and she's practically an alicorn with a sewing needle!"
Finally, after getting back down on all fours, Glamerspear seemed to find the words. "It's got... puffed sleeves."
'SHE NOTICED!'
"YEAH! Aren't they GORGEOUS? I was voted as Queen of the Ball! I got a tiara and everything!"
The unicorn's mouth hung open, and she had one hoof held up like she wanted to say something, but all that came out was gibberish.
"Wow, uh... Err..."
'Poor filly! She must be overwhelmed from all the excitement of a new friend in Captain Mailedhoof and my 'hot ticket' to the show tonight!'
"Anyways, even though I've got three-quarters of an hour, I want to make sure I look just right, so I'm going to jump in the shower, if you don't mind?"
She still seemed unable to put together two words. "O... kay... Su... Sure."
Artemis laid the dress down on her bed and set to work on removing her armour. Glamerspear backed slowly out of her room and closed the door.
'Oooh, this is going to be so much fun!'
Lily Glamerspear
It was a quarter to seven, and Specialist Glamerspear was lying on the sofa reading 'Cosmo'. Sparkshower had just gone trotting daintily out the door on her way to Anonymous' chambers. ...
Lily uttered a silent prayer to Celestia that, for her comrade's sake, nobody important spotted her and the Royal Engineer together. At least not while she was wearing that horribly unfashionable dress.
'PUFFED SLEEVES!? Are you bucking kidding me?! Those went out of fashion DECADES ago!'
And she couldn't say anything about it! Lily might have a big mouth, but she was not going to light the fuse on a grenade full of trouble and drop it at her own hooves. After all, she knew what mares were like when they realized they didn't have anything nice to wear right before a big event. But she definitely needed to take Sparkshower out dress shopping if she managed to get Anonymous into her saddlebag. After all, she didn't want word getting around that she was working for a VIP with a taste for unfashionable mares! And WHAT was that about having a coltfriend back in Berry? And she was going to TELL him about her new salt-lick on the side? Does he have some kind of cuckolding fetish?
'Geez, country ponies sure are kinky weirdos...'
She could hardly wait 'til Honour Bound got back so she could tell her about this. It would wipe that detached expression from her face for sure.
Interlude: Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Sorcerer"
Script: http://web.mit.edu/gsp/www/Archive/1995fall_sorcerer/libretto1.html |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 9 | Honour Bound
A plain round clock hung on the wall of their shared living room, tick-tocking its way past midnight. Corporal Honour Bound, given that she had the morning shift tomorrow, was up way past her bedtime. But Glamerspear's story about Sparkshower being taken out to a show by her newly-acquired salt-lick, the Royal Engineer, was beyond belief, and she needed to find out what was going on for herself. The pink gossip herself was up, too, lounging on the sofa and reading another fashion magazine, 'Pride Bazaar.' She'd said she wanted to see if Sparkshower returned at all -- or if she would wind up spending the night with their VIP downstairs.
In her own faux-scandalized but obviously amused words, "If Sparks bagged the boss this quickly, maybe she's the kind of mare to buck on the first night, too!"
Sparkshower, however, didn't strike the Earth Pony as a typical saltine. Not like Glamerspear, who'd seemed to fully embrace the role. It takes one to know one, though, and Glamerspear certainly seemed convinced, but she wondered if the unicorn wasn't perhaps projecting onto the pegasus. If it was true, then so be it; it didn't really concern her either way. Based on the play schedule published in the Thursday edition of the Canterlot Star, the Royal Engineer and his escort ought to be returning to the castle right around then. Assuming he hadn't taken her for some kind of afters, of course.
"I'm telling you, Corporal, it'll be one in the morning and they won't be back yet, believe me."
Glamerspear clearly had her own ideas about their schedule and itinerary.
"Uh-huh." Honour barely lifted her eyes from the book in her hooves. Her professed indifference did nothing to temper Glamerspear's insistent curiosity. She laid her magazine down on her chest and put one hoof up to her lips.
"I wonder if she had to lead him into it at all. I guess I've only met him twice, but I've got a good sense for these things, and I never got the sense that he was even interested in ponies that way."
Honour wouldn't dignify that train of thought with an answer. She just prayed to Celestia that somepony come to deliver her from the foolishness of young guardsmares.
Just then, she made out the sound of hoofsteps on the carpet outside. Glamerspear must have heard them too, because she jerked her head towards the door, a look of excited anticipation on her face. Slowly, the door-handle turned, and then the door opened inward. Specialist Sparkshower cautiously poked her head into the room, and seemed surprised to see them both there.
"Oh, hello! I wasn't sure if you might be asleep, so I didn't want to wake anypony up."
She abandoned her attempt at stealth and stepped right in, still dressed in her cotillion ball-gown with its puffed sleeves.
It was outdated, just as Glamerspear said, but not so far out of style that it would be embarrassing; certainly not at the theater. As soon as the pegasus shut the door behind her, the unicorn launched right into the questions.
"So? How did it go?"
Patience was clearly not one of her virtues. But the object of her questioning didn't seem to mind her vice at all, because Sparkshower's face exploded into a smile like the fantasy was starting all over again.
"It was AMAZING! Oh, gosh, the costumes, the orchestra, singing, it was all fantastic! And the story was great!"
"Yeah? And how were the seats?"
"OH MY GOODNESS, THE SEATS!..."
There was a vaguely disturbing chain reaction of enthusiasm going over at the sofa.
"... When we got to the theater, the colt in the box office said that the main floor and mezzanine were sold out; all they had left was the balcony and boxes, so Anonymous decided to get us BOX SEATS!"
Glamerspear pumped her hoof like she was working a cash register.
"Nice! Big spender, cha-ching! And did he take you out for dinner, too?"
Sparkshower covered her mouth and giggled like it was a silly question. Honour was not yet convinced one way or the other about the nature of the evening's escapades, and the giggle could have meant anything.
"Oh, no, I'd already had dinner when I ran into you here before I got dressed."
Glamerspear scrunched up her face as if the evening had just been ruined.
"Aw, he didn't buy you dinner? What a cheapskate!"
Sparkshower was still grinning with her mouth, but her laugh in reply seemed a bit forced. Suddenly, Glamerspear's face lit up.
"... No, wait, that's BRILLIANT, Sparks! I see it now!" She tapped a hoof against her temple. "... Colts can't tell you're thirsty if you don't let 'em lead you to water."
Sparkshower still looked like she was forcing the smile a bit.
"... You've really got this down pat, Sparks. I'm impressed. But we've gotta get you into a new outfit before your next evening out -- using Anonymous' bits, of course."
With that, the forced smile was gone.
"What? Why would-- I mean, granted, he was very generous tonight buying me a box seat, but why would he buy me a new dress?"
It was Glamerspear's turn to laugh.
"Oh, Sparks, you poor, innocent, young mare..." She put one hoof on Sparkshower's shoulder, but the pegasus was left bewildered. "... The game isn't just about fancy nights out! Not for the ones you want to hold on to, at least. You're worth so much more -- and a proper colt should know how to treat a lady, after all."
Sparkshower shook her head, brow furrowed.
"I'm--- I'm sorry, Glamerspear. You've lost me. I'm not sure what we're talking about any more."
Glamerspear removed her hoof and laughed even harder.
"Come on, Sparks! I'm talking about the game! You're a player, aren't you?"
It had gotten to the point where the mare in the dress was rubbing her own shoulder uncomfortably.
"I... I don't think so? What game?"
Honour's pink-and-cyan unicorn took a step back, raising her voice and lifting up her forehooves in exasperation.
"THE game! You know, some wealthy so-and-so has a partner but wants a little fun on the side, no strings attached. Or maybe a certain single VIP has needs they need 'serviced', but aren't looking for a commitment. So along comes a bodyguard, one of Equestria's finest, swishing their tail with that won't-ask-won't-tell attitude. So, the wealthy pony buys a few gifts for the guard, takes them out for dinner and a show, and they have some fun together, and mum's the word, wink-wink nudge-nudge."
Sparkshower looked horrified, but Glamerspear still seemed to think that it must all be a joke, and she got right in the pegasus' face about it.
"... Come on, you can't tell me you didn't know!"
Sparkshower's eyes darted left and right like she was looking for a way out, but there was no escaping reality.
"I... I didn't know! Oh, tornadoes and hurricanes..."
Glamerspear had just had her mind blown, while Sparkshower had started to pant uncomfortably.
"You're serious!! You didn't know?! Why else do pretty young things like us even sign up for VIP duty in the first place! Except for the perk of being able to play the game -- whether with our assigned VIP or with any other high-placed pony else we happen to meet -- what is there even to this bum job? It's just a dumping ground for tired, old grumps who are fed up with the regular guard life!"
Honour took a little offense to that last pronouncement. But she had to admit that Lily wasn't wrong.
Meanwhile, Sparkshower seemed to be on the verge of tears.
"I didn't know! I... I have a coltfriend in Berry!"
As Sparkshower moved to cover her face with her hooves, Glamerspear arched her eyebrows and laughed off that last statement like it was the most ridiculous thing in Equestria.
"Mare, please! You're in the game now, filly, and you bagged a big one! The Royal Engineer has got bits for days! What more could you possibly want? You've hit the jackpot!"
No longer on the verge, Sparkshower was actually crying. In-between sniffles, she uncovered her face, looked up at Glamerspear with a miserable expression on her face, and shouted out her reply.
"I'm... I'm not some... SOME WHORSE FOR SALE LIKE YOU!"
'Oh, buck.' Glamerspear looked like she'd just been slapped across the snout, hard. But Sparkshower just sat down, put her face in her hooves, and started to bawl her eyes out right there.
Conversation over.
Speechless, the unicorn took a step back, and, finding no words worth saying nor actions worth taking, furrowed her brow and sulked off to her bedroom, walking right around the sobbing pegasus, and closed the door behind her. Moments later, Sparkshower, still blubbering, got to her hooves and scurried into her own room. In the brief moment where her face was uncovered, Honour could see that her eyes were shot red, and that the hair on her muzzle was soaked with tears. Even with the door closed, she could still hear the pegasus' muffled lamentations. With a sigh, Honour replaced her mark and shut the book in front of her, and placed it on the side-table.
Time for some unpleasant work.
Suggested background music: Jesper Kyd - 'Sanctuary', from Assassin's Creed 2 [2009]
Honour stood in front of Sparkshower's door, and behind it, she could hear her uninhibited sobbing. Lifting up one hoof to knock, she placed the other on the door handle.
There was a time for politeness.
This was not that time.
Corporal Bound knocked as she pushed down on the handle, swinging the door open inwards. Inside, Sparkshower was sitting on the floor in the middle of her room, leaning over onto her bed with her face in her hooves.
"At ease, Specialist."
From the bed, the sobbing instantly stopped with a gasp. But she still struggled up to assume 'parade rest.' Honour closed the door behind her and walked up to the despondent pegasus. Her snout was smeared with mucus and tears, her mane was a complete mess, and it looked like she'd gotten two steps into unzipping her dress down the back before giving up.
Now, it just hung loosely off her shoulders and forelegs.
Although she's holding her mouth shut tight, Honour could see her trying to blink back tears, and her breathing was staccato and irregular. With another sigh, she sat down in front of her and spread her forehooves wide to receive her.
"...Carry on."
Almost before the words were out of her mouth, Artemis collapsed into Bound's waiting embrace and resumed bawling. Giving her a moment to settle in, she started to gently pat her on the back. The tears showed no sign of stopping anytime soon, so she took a look around the room.
The bed's top blanket had a wet spot from where she'd buried her face, but it was probably dry underneath. Across from the bed, on the writing desk, she spied a hairbrush. Leaning over without losing her distressed specialist, she snagged the hairbrush and slipped her hoof into its strap. From there it was a matter of slowly maneuvering Sparkshower over so that she could whip back the covers and hop up to sit on the bed, before gently transferring the care of her head from Honour's shoulder to her lap.
'And now, the waiting game.'
Holding her head in one hoof, Honour Bound used the other to slowly brush her mane, teasing its tangles back into shape. As her curls were tamed, so too did her mood calm. Eventually, with her mane flowing freely, she was no longer crying. Just... breathing slowly, with a runny nose. There was a tissue-box on the nightstand, and Honour leaned over to pluck a hooffull of them out of the dispenser, before proffering them into the waiting hoof of her charge. Lifting her head from the corporal's lap, Sparkshower sat up and took her time to completely clear her nose, even shuffling over and grabbing a few more tissues herself.
At last, her tears were done and her nose was clear. A far cry from being done, but it was a good first step. Honour took the edge of the covers and pulled them back, and Sparkshower slowly clambered up to sit beside her, her wings folded and head hung low.
There was a long wait while she just sat there, staring at the floor. Eventually, she opened her mouth.
"Is... Is it true what she said?"
"Some of it, yes."
Her lower lip started to quiver, and Honour could sense a coming retreat to more tears, so she put one hoof on Sparkshower's far shoulder, drawing her back to lean on the brown mare's shoulder.
"...The 'game' is real."
She could feel Sparkshower shake her head against her.
"But how? How can... How can colts cheat on the pony that they love like that?"
Glamerspear had dropped a lot of knowledge on Artemis in a short time, but it was incomplete.
"A lot of reasons. Maybe the love has gone. Maybe the relationship was a lie from the beginning. Maybe they're bored. But it's not just colts; mares can take partners on too."
Sparkshower glanced up in surprise. "They can?"
"It's about power and money, Sparkshower, not gender. It takes bits to afford a semi-permanent companion on the side."
"Oh."
"There are even married couples here in Canterlot, public figures where both are seen in public more often with their 'saltine' of the month than with each other."
There was no response to that; just more deep, slow breathing, so she carried on.
"... You can probably find a few in your 'Canterlot Match' magazine."
"We never had anything like this in Berry."
Now it was Honour's turn to shake her head. "Then maybe it's something only the big-city ponies get up to. Or maybe even in Berry there were a few who did it, but they kept it discreet. Here in Canterlot, it's so common that nopony bats an eye at it in public."
Sparkshower seemed to press her head more heavily into Honour's shoulder, so she gave her mane another gentle brush.
"...This isn't always the magical city it's made out to be."
Sparkshower stared straight ahead, and the two mares could see eye-to-eye in the small mirror that hung on the opposite wall, above the writing-desk.
"I always thought that friendship was magic."
Honour sighed and pulled her close.
"Maybe it is. But love is something else." She gave her hair another brush-stroke.
"But what about Anonymous? Do you... do you think he plays the 'game'?"
"I suppose that depends on what happened earlier tonight."
Her mouth hung open, like she couldn't believe what had just happened to her. "We went to the theater, saw the musical, and then came home."
"Did you talk at all?"
"Not really. We talked a bit on the way there. But he was quiet during the show. And we didn't talk much on the way home, either."
"What did you talk about?"
"The best way to the theater. The stuff in the playbill -- the history of The Sardinia, the actors and composers. After the show, the costumes and the best songs. He said it reminded him of a particular kind of show from his world."
"Did he talk about himself at all?"
She shook her head. "No."
"Did he talk about you?"
Again she shook her head. "No."
"He never commented on your mane, or your dress, or your tail, or your eyes, or anything like that?"
She took a moment to think, and licked her lips before answering. "Well, when I first went downstairs after getting ready, he asked 'Are you all set?', and I said, 'Yes, sir. Am I dressed well enough?', and then he answered, 'Looks good to me, Specialist.' I remember he smiled when he said it." She smiled, too. But then the smile disappeared in the context of the greater worry.
'Time for the big question.'
"Did he touch you?"
Sparkshower scrunched up her eyebrows and looked up at Honour, like she almost didn't understand the question.
"Touch me?..." She started to shake her head, and didn't stop.
"... No... No, he never touched me at all..."
Honour could see tears start to well up in Artemis' eyes again.
"...What does that mean?"
Reaching out, Honour put her hooves on Artemis' shoulders and tried to give the pegasus a reassuring smile.
"I think it means that he was a perfect gentlecolt tonight, and didn't think of your evening out together as anything other than him simply going to the theater with his bodyguard by his side."
She sniffled, and a tear escaped one eye, and slowly wound its way down her face. Honour brushed one hoof against her face to wipe it away.
"...Remember, the Royal Engineer doesn't know how our society works. He isn't from Equestria. He isn't even from this world." She Shrugged, and shook her head at Artemis. "... Maybe they don't do this on his world. Maybe love really is magic there, and lovers don't cheat on each other like they do here." She lifted her hooves off Sparkshower's shoulders only to rest them firmly down again, looking her in the eyes. "... So don't listen to what Glamerspear said about him. I don't think he meant your night out like that at all."
There was another sniffle, this one hopefully final.
"Are you sure?"
Honour kept her gaze fixed on her eyes. "I could be wrong. But I don't think I am. If it makes you feel better, when I'm on duty tomorrow, if a convenient opportunity arises, I'll discreetly ask him about last night."
"If... If it's convenient, sure. And discreet."
Corporal Bound nodded, and took a deep breath, sitting up straighter as she did so. She was far from happy, but at least it looked like the crisis was over.
Sparkshower brushed her hoof across her muzzle, wiping away the gunk around her mouth, and then licked her lips.
"...How did you learn about this... game?" Ah.
And there was the question she'd hoped to avoid.
Like an unwelcome guest, Honour could feel sour memories knocking at the back of her mind. The door was firmly shut, but they seeped through the cracks around the frame, like a chill wind in the dead of winter.
"I loved somepony very much. And I thought they loved me like I did them. Even though they could get angry, and mean, I thought it was just something we had to work through, as lovers do."
It was her turn to swallow back a tear.
"... But it turned out they didn't love me like I thought they did. And the few bits I was earning and sharing all with him... were going to other mares that he was keeping on the side."
Sparkshower's eyes went wide, but at this point she'd had them scrunched up so much that they were barely back to their normal size.
"I'm sorry."
Honour removed one of her hooves from her shoulder.
"Don't be. You didn't make him behave that way."
"But... I'm sorry it happens at all."
And Honour removed the other hoof.
"You didn't make Equestria this way, either." She took a deep breath. "... Just be thankful you learned about it like this, as a misperception, rather than by actually getting hurt."
"What about Glamerspear? Does she... know she's hurting other ponies?"
"I'm sure she knows that ponies on the other side sometimes get hurt. But she doesn't think she's doing anything wrong." Honour shrugged. "... And maybe she isn't -- she isn't forcing anypony to do anything. She's not even initiating anything. All she does is make herself available."
Sparkshower listened, but she looked like she was a hundred miles away. Honour pretty quickly figured out where that must be. "...Is it true you have a coltfriend in Berry?"
Artemis looked over at the writing-desk. There was a candle, a quill, a seal with a stick of wax, and a neat stack of blank writing paper and empty envelopes. But leaning up against the wall, there were a solitary pair of post-marked envelopes, their flaps cut open, with letters folded up inside.
"I write to him every week. But he... he doesn't write back so often, or so regularly." Weakly, she motioned towards the two opened letters. "... We talked about me taking the VIP assignment the last time I was on leave. He was supposed to come find work here when I was posted to Canterlot..." She trailed off.
Dealing with one problem had worn the corporal out tonight. She didn't have the energy to deal with another, probably bigger one -- like the trouble a long-distance coltfriend could be.
All she could do was offer platitudes.
"That's not very nice of him. But don't give up. Things could still turn around. And even if things go wrong, the last thing you're going to want is to be second-guessing whether it was your fault..." she got down from the bed and turned around to face Artemis with a remorseful expression. "... Believe me on that count, Specialist."
She nodded, and gave a weak smile. "Yes, Corporal."
Honour began for the door, but before she opened it, she looked back over her shoulder at Artemis.
She was still staring at her letters.
"By the way, Sparkshower..."
She looked up at the corporal.
"... That was a very mean thing you called Glamerspear earlier. She doesn't trot the streets looking for a quick fix like that. You should do something about what you said, when you're feeling up to it."
Sparkshower said nothing, but she watched as Honour left. Closing the pegasus' door, she made her way to the washroom to get ready for bed.
Suggested musical interlude: Major Lazer - 'Be Together (feat. Wild Belle') |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 10 | Artemis Sparkshower
Artemis Sparkshower had just experienced a rude awakening to the reality of social life in Canterlot, and Equestria as a whole. It was after midnight, and Corporal Honour Bound had left the specialist's room a few minutes ago. The paltry few letters she'd received from Huckleberry Pudding, her coltfriend, were feeling even paltrier than usual.
She felt a compulsion to sit down at her desk and read them over one more time.
But if she did that, she'd probably wind up working herself to tears all over again.
And the time for tears had passed, because Artemis had an apology to deliver. At least if she wanted to get a decent night's sleep that night. With newfound purpose and energy, she got off the bed and finished removing her dress, gently laying it on the bed for now.
She took a deep breath. 'Yes, you can do this.'
Quietly leaving her room, Artemis walked two steps over to Glamerspear's door.
She knocked twice.
Nothing happened.
On the other side of the common room, Artemis could hear Corporal Honour Bound in the washroom, brushing her teeth.
Moments passed.
From inside Glamerspear's room, Artemis heard a loud, metallic squeak that slowly trailed off.
"Come in." Her voice was flat, and her speech slow.
Pressing on the handle, Artemis quietly pushed open the door.
Glamerspear was sitting in a swivel chair in front of her writing-desk. Her head was hung low and she sat slumped over in the chair, a glum look on her face and her forehooves on the seat in front of her. Without glancing up at Artemis, she reached out one of her hind legs and pushed against the desk, sending her into a slow spin. The chair squeaked loudly as she turned around one more time.
Artemis shut the door behind her and took another step in. "Is it okay if we talk?"
Lily Glamerspear shrugged, and slowly kicked out her hoof again, spinning the chair once more, yielding another squeak.
"... I wanted to apologize for what I called you earlier."
Again, the swivel chair slowly creaked to a stop. Glamerspear lifted her eyes up to look at Sparkshower, although she kept her head pointed down.
"... I'm sorry. You're not what I said you were."
Glamerspear took a deep breath and looked back down at the ground.
"Yeah, well..."
Artemis could see her roll her tongue around in her mouth, seeming to chew something over.
"... I guess it's really my own fault in the first place." Finally, she lifted her head to look back at the pegasus. "... I'm the one who made you feel like you were something you weren't, first. And I'm sorry about that, too."
She straightened up a bit in the chair, and Artemis took another step closer.
"Honour explained things to me a bit more."
"Yeah..."
She nodded at the wall next to her bed.
It was the one their rooms shared.
"... I couldn't make anything out, but, you know, I figured." Glamerspear turned her chair a quarter away from Artemis and laid her forehooves out on the writing-desk. "... It didn't make sense the way I said it, really. But when you first told me, I just couldn't believe it was anything but that."
She turned her head and looked up at the pegasus. "... VIPs don't treat us to anything unless they want something in return. That's just the way things are." Leaning forward, she lay her head on the desk and started to scratch at its surface with a hoof. "... Except when they aren't, I guess."
The wooden, scuffed-up writing-desk seemed to have her full and complete attention, so Artemis took a moment to look around Lily's room. Her wardrobe was so stuffed that the doors wouldn't close fully, and she could make out several slips of expensive-looking fabric poking out below the left door. Piled on top of her dresser were two, roughly-treated jewellery-boxes, also full to bursting and drawers half open, leaking pearls and chains of gold and silver. Sitting between them was a jewellery-stand adorned with feathered fascinators and other small head-pieces. The bed was made, but the sheets were ruffled and loose. Pieces of her armor lay neatly on top of her hoof-locker.
Her desk was clear, save for a single item. In an open box lined with dark blue silk, sat a silver medal attached to a white-and-blue ribbon. The medal depicted an ancient-style helmet, in silver and finely detailed, with a pair of large ram's horns curling out from the front. It was the badge of a member of the Order of the Ram, the Equestrian Royal Guard's highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. That it was made of silver marked the bearer as a Centurion, the middle of the three ranks of the Order, and the highest available to an enlisted soldier.
It was hard for Artemis to reconcile the kind of bravery needed to earn that medal with the dejected pony that sat before her.
Suddenly, as if she'd at last come to some kind of realization, Glamerspear snapped back up in her chair and swiveled it to face her again. "Let's make a deal, Sparkshower."
"A deal?"
She motioned for the pegasus to come over, so she stepped up to her chair.
"It's simple: we each promise never again to make the other pony feel like they're something that they're not." Glamerspear held out her hoof. "... What do you say?"
Artemis smiled and reached out her own. "Deal."
Shaking hooves, the unicorn started to smile again.
"Great! Then we're friends again, okay?"
'That's good.'
"Yeah."
Glamerspear nodded, satisfied. "Cool. Since we're friends, I'm going to let you know that my first name is 'Lily', and you can use it all you want."
Artemis couldn't help but file a new, and more complete mental note about her. It was the recon training. Specialist Lilly Glamerspear, 14E Air Defense, Unicorn, Centurion of the Order of the Ram. French-pink coat. Teal-and-Cyan mane. Teal eyes. And her cutie mark now made sense; it was a glittering green spear-tip with a lily-blossom at the base.
"Mine's Artemis."
"Pleased to meet ya', Artemis. But I might still call you Sparks if that's okay with you?"
"Sure! I like that nickname."
As the two specialists shook hooves on a first-name basis, the misery of the past hour was washed away. Yet, something still nagged at the back of Artemis' mind. A curiosity that she couldn't quite suppress.
"...We can still talk about things, though? These kinds of things, I mean?"
Glamerspear shrugged her shoulders and scrunched her mouth up into a wry expression. "As long as we don't break the deal, sure..." She pushed against the desk once more to spin her chair, but this time she hopped out as it came around full circle, winding up almost uncomfortably right in front of Artemis. "... Why, you curious?"
"A... A little bit. I mean, Honour filled in some of the gaps, but not everything."
"Okay, but if we're going to go into that, I want to know how I got tonight so wrong. How about a little quid-pro-quo?"
That was only fair. And sometimes you could learn more from questions than you could from answers...
"All right. You ask first."
Glamerspear smiled at her. "Aww, ain't you sweet, Sparks..." She playfully pawed at her shoulder. "... Buck, I really read you wrong, didn't I? Anyways, tell me how Anonymous asked you to go to the theater with him; was it just you and him?"
Artemis shook her head. "No, the Chancellor was with him, and so was the Chancellor's bodyguard. Actually, going out was the Chancellor's idea. He accused Anonymous of not having left the castle since he became the Royal Engineer."
It was Glamerspear's turn to scrunch up her face and shake her head.
"Ah, see? That's a big tell right there. Your usual salt-lick type goes out every weekend at the very least, if not every night of the week! At least to his favorite gentlepony's club. But when did he ask you to wear a dress and sit next to him?"
She instantly recalled the details of the conversation. "Well, the Chancellor brought up that he'd want to get a box so as not to appear overly ostentatious, then I explained to him a guardpony's place in a regular show, and he said that it was ridiculous for me to be so far away and not even get to enjoy the performance."
The unicorn arched her eyebrows and Artemis saw her eyes darting left and right, like she was having trouble seeing something run by her.
"I mean, I guess he's not wrong. Sticking a guard in the hallway doesn't help anybody; it doesn't even show off. But being the only one in the audience with a guard at the wall makes you look like a pompous donkey; that's why nobody does it. The whole deal makes a lot more sense when it's a big gala and everypony's got their escorts lining the aisles."
Suddenly, she snapped her head up and looked straight at the pegasus.
"... Wait, the Chancellor was there when he asked you out? Wow, that must have been awkward." She forced out a laugh. "... I mean, picking up a new saltine is one thing, and taking them out is another, but I can tell you, filly, the picking up part is strictly done in private."
"Oh."
That would explain why it felt like the Chancellor and his guardsmare had wanted to say something, yet had remained silent.
Glamerspear sighed and shook her head. Walking over to her bed, she casually batted the back of her chair, sending it squeakily spinning around and around. "If you'd told me all that..." She clambered up into bed and rolled out onto her back. "... Well, I might have still been pig-headed enough to say the same things, I guess."
Reaching over, she grabbed the other bed-pillow and tossed it at the hoofboard, and nodded Sparkshower at its direction. "... Your turn now, Sparks. Whatcha wanna know?"
She climbed up and took her spot on the far end of the bed. What to ask?
There was really just one question that mattered.
"Why do you do it?"
Glamerspear giggled. "Geez, straight to the big one, huh?" With another sigh, she looked aimlessly up at the wall behind her, pawing at it with a hoof. "... I mean, I like the attention, and I like the gifts, and I like getting to go places I couldn't normally go..." She looked back down at the pegasus and shrugged. "... but I guess I really do it because I don't feel like settling down. And I don't mind knowing I'm the 'other' mare."
Artemis found it a little hard to understand how anypony could not want to find the love of their life and settle down forever... But if that's how she felt, well, she supposed that what she did made sense. Still, though...
"You've never... fallen in love?"
Lily chuckled. "I've thought I was in love, but I usually turned out to be wrong. And if I find myself falling for my salt-lick, well, that's my cue to end it there. Wouldn't be fair to try to turn that relationship into the other kind -- not for any of the three ponies involved." The unicorn pointed a hoof at her. "... Which is not to say I don't like the colt I'm with, though. I mean, I gotta like them or else I won't let it happen, ya know? They don't just pick me, I pick them too."
"Like with Captain Mailedhoof?"
"Sure. He's cute, and I figured him for a player when I first saw him at the swearing-in ceremony for the latest 'shoe-camp graduates assigned to the Castle. We'll see where it goes, though."
"Have you ever been with anypony... famous?"
She really giggled, then. "Come on, Sparks! A mare doesn't kiss and tell!"
Aw. Artemis was hoping she had some interesting stories.
Suddenly, Lily burst into more giggles. "... Kidding! 'Sisters before misters', right? OK, so this one time..."
'Yay, storytime!'
Honour Bound
The corporal was tucked into bed and half-asleep. By the foalish giggles coming from three doors over, she didn't have to worry that the other two members of her squad were going to have trouble reconciling after their argument.
One thing was certain, though: this was by far the most bizarre bodyguard assignment Honour Bound had ever had. By all accounts, the Royal Engineer spent most of his day doing paperwork. Yet on day one, he'd sent his unicorn home drenched in sweat. And on day two, his pegasus had collapsed in tears. What prospects did tomorrow hold for her, his earth pony?
Only time would tell.
It was just before eight o'clock in the morning. The other two soldiers in Corporal Bound's little squad were still fast asleep when she'd gotten up that morning and trotted off for a quick breakfast in the chow hall. And they were still asleep when she'd returned and got dressed for duty as well. Glamerspear must have kept Sparkshower up pretty late telling stories about her various salt-licks.
Maybe she'd even veered into war tales and shared how she'd earned herself the silver horns of the Order of the Ram. That medal had certainly caught Honour's attention when they'd all moved in. There had been all kinds of grumbling and cussing coming from Glamerspear's room as she'd struggled to fit her sizable wardrobe into the meager storage furniture of her bedroom.
How had she even fit it all into her duffel bag in the first place? Unicorn magic?
Whatever the reason, it took her almost an hour to unpack. By the time she'd finished, Honour Bound was already back from the commissary and reading a magazine in the easy chair. But when things had finally calmed down, she'd looked over into Glamerspear's room and watched the specialist place the Silver Ram on her writing-desk as the final piece.
It was a little surprising that Lieutenant Vi hadn't mentioned it when she'd introduced the specialist. Actually, the Lieutenant hadn't really mentioned any of their war records. Maybe she'd just decided to keep things simple for the alien Royal Engineer with little knowledge of Equestrian history.
Or maybe Celestia had simply asked her to keep the ceremony brief. It had been an extremely short introduction, overall. The typical VIP liked to hear the Lieutenant extol the virtues of each guard and relate every combat action they'd been in. For the VIP, it let them know when to have the guards themselves repeat those same stories for their guests on command. The more decorated and veteran the guardspony, the greater the prestige for the socialite VIP who liked to show off.
But so far, the Royal Engineer did not seem like that kind of VIP. Upon reflection, it was a bit of a wasted opportunity for a Centurion of the Ram. Somepony else would have made better use of her prestige.
Honour found herself standing before Anonymous' doors. She reached up to knock. Based on Glamerspear and Sparkshower's reports, she fully expected him to be in the middle of either breakfast or paperwork at this hour.
"Enter!" The reply from within seemed muffled, distant, and maybe even a bit curt.
She worked the handle and pushed open the door. "Corporal Bound, reporting for duty, ..."
The Royal Engineer was nowhere to be seen.
"... Sir?"
A half-eaten croissant and an unfolded newspaper sat on his dining-table. Anonymous called out from the far side of the movable partition wall that divided off the private area of his chambers.
"Don't get comfortable, Corporal! I'm just getting ready to go out."
He seemed upset. She could only hope it had nothing to do with last night. Could Glamerspear's original read have been right after all?
Anonymous stalked out from behind the partition, wearing his dress pants and adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.
"...It's absolutely appalling, isn't it?"
Honour allowed herself to blink in confusion. 'This couldn't be about the theater, could it?'
The Royal Engineer sat down on the sofa and slipped on his shoes, bending over to tie them.
"Sir?"
He nodded towards the newspaper. "Haven't read the news? Take a look for yourself."
Honour stepped over to his dining table and took a peek at the front page. The headline read, 'ALL CLEAR AFTER BITSMOUNT SCARE'. Apparently, there'd been a tunnel collapse in the Bitsmount silver mine yesterday afternoon. But the story explained that the miners were trapped for less than three hours before a special Royal Guard emergency team got them out, safe and sound.
So why did Anonymous sound so upset?
"I don't understand, sir." She turned around to face the Royal Engineer, who was already standing over at his desk, hurriedly scrabbling through his papers.
"The mine collapse, Corporal. Doesn't it shock you?"
She shook her head in confusion. "Mines do sometimes collapse, sir. And the article says nopony was hurt."
Anonymous continued to look down at his papers while he spoke to her. "There are forty-six active--" He abruptly stopped and tilted his head, before reaching over and lifting up a paper on his desk and looking down at the ledger-book underneath. "... forty-seven active silver mine shafts in Equestria. The five shafts at Bitsmount account for half of all mine collapses recorded in the past two years."
He stopped, as if that settled the issue, but the corporal had no idea where he was going with this. She looked back at the newspaper and tried to read it for clues.
"The article mentions a tremor was felt just before the collapse. Isn't it just an unstable region?"
Still going through his papers, the Royal Engineer answered her. "A reasonable assumption. But there are seven mine shafts just outside the town with different owners. They produce less valuable ores, probably due to tapping weaker veins, but none of them have had a single collapse since they opened."
The Royal Engineer looked up at her with a stern expression.
"... Bitsmount has had ten tunnels collapse in the past two years alone."
She was still not quite sure where he was going with this. But his apparent willingness to indulge her curiosity was surprising and refreshing. Anonymous grabbed a portfolio and stuffed the papers he'd gathered into it.
"Do you know what the greatest day-to-day operating expenses of a mine are?" He held up one finger. "... The first, at least for a large mine, is wages." Putting down the portfolio, he turned around and grabbed his suit-jacket from the coat-rack in the corner, slipping it over his arms. "... But the second-greatest is timber."
He strode over to a mirror on the wall beside the door, pulled a necktie out of his pocket, flipped his collar up, and began to tie it.
"Timber is what shores up mine shafts against collapse. Timber is the first thing a mine-owner can skimp on to save costs, using weaker cuts of inferior wood, or instructing the workers to spread out the supports too thinly to be safe. And according to last year's public accounting records, the timber loads going into Bitsmount mine are out of all proportion with the amount of silver hauled out of there."
His tie made, the Royal Engineer paused and stared at himself in the mirror with a look of concern on his face. It was almost a scowl.
"Here in Equestria, you have the luxury of unicorn magic to dig miners out of collapses before they can suffocate or die of thirst or even drown in flooded tunnels. But back in my world, greed and poor safety standards killed them by the hundreds."
The Royal Engineer looked over at her.
"... I've made it my goal to industrialize Equestria, and it will take a lot of sweat and hard work. But there are about to be a lot more mineshafts in Equestria, digging out coal and iron, and I won't let you ponies pay for that in blood."
He was serious. She was a little impressed.
"If you think Bitsmount is skimping on supports, sir, then what are you going to do about it?"
The Royal Engineer walked back to his desk and picked up his portfolio, then glanced at the lighthouse clock in the middle of the room.
"Day Court begins in an hour, but Princess Celestia hears from members of her privy council from now until then. I'm going to ask her to issue me a warrant of inspection for the mine, and a summons for the mine's owner, Galloway Bitsmount, to appear for an inquest at Day Court."
He brushed himself off, making some final adjustments to his outfit.
"Then we'll arrange transportation, get the mine plans from the archives, get the land survey and some tools from ordnance, visit a few other palace departments for some sundries, and with luck we'll be off there first thing to deliver the writ tomorrow morning."
OK, now she was more than a little impressed. This is the sixth Very Important Pony she'd been assigned to as a bodyguard since she decided to enter the service. She'd escorted visiting dignitaries, barons and counts, accomplished magicians, even a retiring General of the Royal Guard. The rich and famous of Equestria and beyond. But it seemed that the Royal Engineer was the first one who wouldn't be spending all of his time idling around with his social equals, sipping bourbon and smoking pipes.
He'd forgotten something, though.
"It almost sounds a little dangerous, sir."
Anonymous, Royal Engineer, looked at the corporal and lifted a single eyebrow.
"... You'll want to arrange for all three of your bodyguards to accompany you tomorrow."
He nodded. "I'll contact Lieutenant Violetta first thing after we speak to Her Majesty. Let's go." |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 11 | Lily Glamerspear
'Holy buck, how is the chow hall so damn busy on a Saturday for lunch?' Seriously, it was like the palace barracks had doubled in population overnight. Why were all these ponies even there? Most of them should have Saturday off!
It was a good thing that Lily had a pegasus recon battle-buddy who could zoom up to the ceiling, spot the only free table left in the room, and then dive-bomb down to one of its chairs to reserve it for them. And it's a good thing for Sparkshower that she had a unicorn battle-buddy who could easily grab both of their plates while she was holding the seats.
Flight-plus-telekinesis combo team for the win.
At that point, Lily's immediate problem was how to route through the crowds over to the far side of the room, where Sparks was eagerly awaiting her omelette. Scanning the room, she decided to try picking her way around the crowded outside edge, even though it skirted the busy buffet line. At least there was a bit of room to maneuver there.
But before she could set off, she heard a soft male voice from behind her.
"Attention on deck, Specialist."
He was so close she could almost feel his breath against her ear, and the shock almost made her drop the field that was holding the two lunch-trays up in the air. Or maybe it wasn't the shock from the proximity, but from recognizing the speaker. And he was an officer, so she snapped to attention, staring straight ahead.
She heard a chuckling in her ear. A white pegasus with a brilliant blue mane stepped around in front of her with a grin on his face.
"Hey, Lil. Long time no see."
Lieutenant Valiant Kilfeather, 11FX Air Superiority.
Her ex.
Lily didn't say a word.
Val cocked his head at her. "Aw, come on, Lil. No love for ol' Val?"
She answered immediately, toeing the line of proper conduct toward an officer.
"No, sir."
"No? Shame. We used to have something together, Lil. Whatever happened?"
Keeping her magical concentration to balance the lunch trays was easy.
It was keeping her composure in front of that bucking asshole that was hard.
"You ruined it, sir."
The pegasus officer was unfazed by Lily's pronouncement. He just looked at her with that smile of his. Friendly on the surface, but Lily knew it for the sneering smirk of self-assured superiority it really was.
"So quick to lay the blame, Lil. But I don't remember being the one who walked out on a good thing."
So he wanted to hear her spit it out? 'Fine, then!'
"No, you're just the one who tried to force me into something I didn't want to do."
Lieutenant Kilfeather feigned ignorance. "What, you mean that thing with the colts from the squadron? Oh, come on, Lil. It's not like you wouldn't have enjoyed it..." His expression darkened as he leaned in, right in front of her face. "... Besides, the way I hear it, these days you'll spread 'em and wink for anypony with two bits to rub together."
'Bucking BASTARD!'
It took everything she had to suppress the urge to jam a telekinetic spear straight up his nose right then and there. Instead, she just narrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth.
Val just stared at Lily, watching her simmer.
When he'd had enough, he leaned back and laughed. "...Hahaha! Oh, at ease, soldier! Foal, I can still rile you up, huh? Maybe there's still something there, after all..."
Lily relaxed her posture and permitted herself to actually look him in the eye instead of staring straight ahead.
"... But I'm not here to pine after bygones, babe."
Almost through clenched teeth, she barely managed not to snarl at him.
"Why are you here, sir?" He arched his eyebrows and wobbled his head, not yet answering her, so she motioned around the room with her head. "...This is the enlisted mess hall, after all."
Val beamed a wide smile. "Oh, as for that, well, Lil, let me clue you in on something about the officers' mess."
Drawing in close, he wrapped a hoof around her shoulder.
She suppressed the urge to hurl.
"... Friday lunch in the officers' club? Good."
He leaned over further, arching his eyebrows.
"... Friday dinner? Great."
The air fighter got in even closer and spoke in a hushed, conspiratorial tone.
"... Friday after-dinner? Fan-bucking-tastic, you dig?"
Val let go of her shoulder and stood up straight again.
"... But as a result of that, Saturday breakfast is so under-attended that the staff don't even put in the effort. And Saturday lunch isn't much better." He looked around the room and waved a hoof. "... Why, I can see at least three dozen officers who were smash-bucking-drunk in the officers' club last night, and are now grabbing lunch -- probably breakfast, for them -- here in the enlisted chow hall, going incognito so as not to bother anypony."
Stepping around back in front of her, he nodded his head in the direction of a table full of other pegasi.
"... That's why I'm here with the squadron..." Looking her up and down, he grinned once again. "... But that's not why I came over to say hello."
'That pony sure loves to hear the sound of his own voice.'
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit then, sir?"
Val took a deep breath and tilted his head back, licking his teeth. "Well... I was just wondering about your cute little pegasus friend over there in the far corner."
'Oh, buck no.'
She had to shut this down as soon as possible.
"She's not your type, sir."
The lieutenant's face turned pouty. "C'mon, Lil. Why don't you carry on calling me 'Val?' Or 'Icepone' at least. Let's try to stay friends, huh?"
The obvious emphasis was her cue to relax even her 'parade rest' position. But if he thought allowing her to call him by his nickname or his call-sign was going to ingratiate him to her, he was dead wrong.
"I said she's not your type, Val."
He licked his lips and turned sideways to be able to look over at Sparkshower. Through the crowds, you could see her sitting there with a contented look on her face, scanning the ponies around her like she was on a recon mission.
"No? Soft, cream-colored coat... Pretty hay-colored hair... Big, beautiful blue eyes. Mmmm...."
Val glanced back at Lily. "... I do love the filly-next-door type."
The thought of that pegasus taking advantage of her new best friend Sparkshower sent a chill down her spine. "Whatever you want, I'm not doing it."
Val put a hoof up to her lips, causing her to scrunch up and recoil in disgust. "Sh-sh-shhh! Don't jump the gun on me, Lily..."
She pushed his hoof out of her face, but he went on talking.
"... I'm not asking you to set up a date, or even introduce me. Nothing like that."
He took a step forward towards her.
"... All I want you to do... is go bring her that omelette you've got floating around up there before it gets cold, and just... point me and the squadron out to her." Val rolled his head forward and lifted his eyebrows at her. "... She's probably heard of us, you know. Just let her put the names to faces, that's all."
Lily could not believe he was seriously asking that. "You want me to sell out my squadmate? That's pretty low, even for you, Val."
He put two hooves up and pouted his lips. "Whoa-whoa-whoa! 'Sell out?' C'mon, Lil. I'm just asking you to let her know about some of Canterlot's finest air superiority fighters, that's all. She is new here, isn't she...?"
Lowering his hooves, he raised his eyebrows.
"... But since you mentioned 'selling', well, maybe I can make it worth your while..." He grinned. "... Like, say, maybe an invitation to one of the aforementioned fantastic Friday nights at the Officers' Club?"
She was through listening to him.
"No, thanks, Val. I've got my own ticket."
She set off to leave, only to hear him call out softly after you "What, you mean Captain Mailedhoof?"
Lily whipped around, leveling a stony gaze at Val, who had sat down and was now nonchalantly inspecting one of his hooves.
"... Be a real shame if someone talked you down to him. He's very sensitive about his social appearance, you know."
'What the buck! This bucking bastard!' She could barely stop herself from loudly shouting back.
"You're blackmailing me?"
Luckily, over the din of the chow hall, nopony could have heard her even if she'd yelled.
Val shook his head and smirked. "No, no, not blackmail. Black-ball, maybe." The smirk turned sinister. "... Or I guess blue-ball in your case."
That was it! She'd had enough! Lily turned around and left him there, still grinning at her. Pushing through the crowd, she went straight for Sparkshower. Valiant had her so riled up, she just plowed through the gaps between the tables with a menacing scowl on her face. Somehow, she made it over to where her squadmate had saved a table without knocking anypony over.
"Hey, Glamerspear!"
The little time it had taken to get over there hadn't dulled Lily's anger any, but she inhaled deeply, put a smile on her face, and did her best not to take it out on her friend.
"Hey, Sparks, order up!" She lowered the two trays out of the air and gently placed them on the table before taking her seat. Even with Val's words still ringing in her ears, the scent of a nice, hot plate of the chow-hall's finest did much to soothe her anxieties.
'He wouldn't really trash-talk her to Captain Mailedhoof, would he?'
"Boy, it sure is busy in here, isn't it?" Across from Lily, Sparks was already digging in, still glancing around at all the new faces.
Lily grimaced. "Yeah."
If he did start trying to wreck her chances with one salt-lick Captain, who's to say he wouldn't start blabbering about her to everypony? Would he do that? He definitely had the capacity for it. But she doubted he would bother keeping it up for long. 'Icepone' was strictly interested in short-term advantage.
"Do you think the crowd has anything to do with Day Court?"
While Lily had been ruminating over her past and future, Sparkshower had managed to figure out the present. It took the Unicorn a second to comprehend the Sparks' words, but once she did, Lily nodded her head and grinned.
"Aw, of course! I forgot that Day Court runs on Saturdays from now until the Grand Galloping Gala." Turning around, she took in the crowd. "... Yeah, they must need another two hundred guards on duty just to manage the line-up. Sometimes it can go all the way outside, ya know."
Just then, she caught a glimpse of Val at his table with his little entourage of pegasi air fighters. As if sensing her attention, Val looked in her direction, grinned, and nodded his head. Suddenly it felt a bit warmer in the room.
It must have been the press of all those extra ponies.
Returning to her plate, Lily immersed herself in her lunch once more.
A thought crossed Lily's mind. "You know what this means, right?" Sparkshower shook her head at her. "... It means every single noblepony will be avoiding the palace like the plague. Heck, when Day Court runs like this, lots of 'em get out Friday afternoon and don't come back until Monday." She jammed her fork in her food again and took another bite. "... They don't want to be around a huge crowd of 'common' ponies if they can avoid it."
"Wow."
Driven by some unknown compulsion, she glanced sideways towards Val's table again. He was still there. This time, he didn't turn to look at her. One of his cronies must have just told a roaring joke, because everypony at the table suddenly burst into laughter. They managed to be so loud that she could actually make them out over the din of the bustling chow hall. It looked like there were at least five of them together.
"Who's that you keep looking at over there?"
'Buck, busted!' Now it really felt like somepony had the heat on! Lily turned back to look at Sparkshower, with a growing sense of guilt. She had that inquisitive, bright-eyed look on her face again.
...'Big beautiful blue eyes'...
Lily shuddered.
And then she made a decision.
"That table of pegasi over there has the First Canterlot Air Wing sitting at it."
Sparkshower's eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. Lily paused to let it sink in for a moment. Her comrade looked like she'd just had Celestia personally show up to her birthday.
"Holy thundershowers! Are you serious!?"
Lily nodded her head.
"... Wow! The First Air Wing... Those are the finest fliers in the Guard!" Suddenly, she looked a little embarrassed. "... I mean, besides the Wonderbolts. But Wonderbolts aren't regular fighters like them!"
An idea came to mind, and Lily leaned in before looking over at the table and pointing with one hoof.
"Yeah, well, don't let it get out, but... I used to hang with them a bit."
Turning her attention to Val's table, Sparks reacted just as Lily expected. "Cool!!"
She only barely contained her excitement enough to take another bite of her omelette.
"You see the one in the middle with the brilliant blue mane? That's Valiant 'Icepone' Kilfeather, the wing commander. He used to be my coltfriend."
And the omelette almost came right back out of her mouth in her exuberance.
"REALLY!? Wow! What's he like?"
'Bingo.' Time to reel her in.
"Well, he's clever, well-dressed, likes to be the center of attention, knows how to party..."
Lily turned to her with a deadpan look.
"... And he's about fifteen pounds of armor and twenty pounds of charm, wrapped around a hundred pounds of pure, full-strength, unadulterated, psychopathic creep."
The words took a half-second to register, but when they did, Sparkshower furrowed her brow and quickly looked back at Lily. She reached up and forcefully turned Sparkshower's head back towards Val.
"Keep smiling like everything's fine, Sparks..."
It took her another half-second, but she started smiling towards the lieutenant's table.
"... Because everything is fine as long as everybody around him does exactly what he tells them to. And his ability to have fun and live the high life is part of what made me want to play 'the game'..." Leaning in even more, she turned to face her ex with a smile on her face. "... But the minute anybody turns him down, things get ugly. He made me do some things I regret, and when I refused to do something that I would have really regretted, he got violent."
Val glanced in their direction, and smiled when he saw both of them looking back.
"... He doesn't give a buck about anypony but himself. So, unless you're looking for a quick gallop in the garden--" Lily sat back up. "Actually, no, even if that's all you wanted, you can do way better, Artemis. So please, keep smiling, turn away, and then promise me you'll stay away from him?"
She did as Lily asked.
She sighed. "... Now let's just finish our lunch and get out of here."
"Sparkshower! Glamerspear!"
'What the...'
Lieutenant Temper Violetta was trotting up from behind them. Instantly, Sparkshower had a hoof up in salute. Lily raised her own hoof and turned around in her seat. The lieutenant was carrying her own lunch-tray as well.
"Carry on, Specialists! Sorry to interrupt you gentlemares at chow-time, but I figured you'd want to know."
Both of them lowered their hooves and relaxed again.
"Know what, Ma'am?"
"New orders for tomorrow! The Royal Engineer is undertaking a mission to Bitsmount. All three of you will accompany him for the entirety of the voyage, under Corporal Bound's leadership."
'Now what was going on?'
"... You'll be taking a coach first thing at dawn. Understood?"
The two of them spoke in unison.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Good. Now I've got to find a seat somewhere in this zoo."
Sparkshower cocked an eyebrow. "Uh, Ma'am, why are you eating in the enlisted mess hall, anyways?"
Temper Violetta scrunched up her face as she looked around for a seat. "Because Saturday breakfast & lunch in the Officer's mess is just reheated Friday dinner." Their commanding officer shook her head in confusion. "... No idea why. Friday dinner's a good meal before a pony turns in, but I'm not looking to see the same food when I wake up first thing on a glorious Saturday morning, I can tell you that."
She resumed her usual, stern demeanor. "... Be team players and don't tell anypony about me being in here, would you? Wouldn't want to cause a scandal."
"No, ma'am."
"No, ma'am."
The lieutenant gave a curt nod and then trotted off to find a free seat.
Huh, guess Val wasn't lying about the food situation over at the officers' mess. Did that mean he wasn't lying about the threat to Lily's social life? Well, either way, there was nothing more to do on that front, now; she'd made her choice. Lily had growing confidence that it was the right one as she got back to her lunch.
"Come on, let's hurry up and finish so we can get out of this over-packed barn."
Sparkshower nodded as she dug back in.
Valiant 'Icepone' Kilfeather
The lunch rush was coming to a close as a blond-maned pegasus with a mustache sauntered over to Valiant Kilfeather's table and sat down.
"She trashed-talked you, Ice."
Callsign 'Applewood'; he was one of the Lieutenant Junior Grades under his command.
"She trash-talked me, huh?"
After he'd seen that cream-colored young beauty walk in with Lily Glamerspear, he'd been interested. When she dive-bombed one of the few remaining tables, he'd sent Applewood over to grab as close a seat as he could, intending him to hold it for them. Just in case the talk with Glamerspear went better than he'd expected.
Applewood smiled softly. "Yeah, Val. I guess she didn't want to leave bygones as bygones."
'Icepone' shrugged. "Ah, well, what are you gonna do."
Over to his right, 'Duck', another junior Lieutenant on his squadron, spoke up.
"Whaddya mean, 'what are you gonna do'? I thought you were gonna talk to Captain Mailedhoof about that mare?"
Across the table, Lt. 'Joker', Kilfeather's second-in-command, laughed. "Have you met Mailedhoof, Duck?" It was a little quieter in the cafeteria, so he leaned in a bit, and everypony else leaned in with him. "... That colt's so eager for salt, you could tell him a mare's coming over to chop off his dick, and he'll get all excited and ask if she's cute."
Everypony started giggling, and Joker kept going, a huge grin on his face.
"... I'm serious, that dude can't keep it in his sheath. Drives his wife nuts."
Val shook his head and took a sip from his drink. "Yeah, sorry, Duck, I'm afraid that was a bluff so big it belongs on a damn map." He looked over at Applewood. "... Hear anything else interesting?"
He shrugged. "A little. They're under Violetta, working bodyguard duty for the Royal Engineer."
Duck furrowed his brow and piped up. "Wait, that hairless monkey colt? I heard about him."
Icepone looked over. "Yeah? What've you heard?"
Duck just stared back. "Uh... that he's, uh... y'know, the Royal Engineer?"
Joker started giggling and just shook his head.
After a long silence, Applewood continued. "Well, I also heard Violetta say they're all heading over to Bitsmount tomorrow at dawn."
Icepone's ears perked up. "Bitsmount, huh?"
"Yeah. Must be going to inspect the place after that tunnel collapse, I guess."
The tactical air defense map of Canterlot materialized in Icepone's mind's eye. "The only way to Bitsmount is over the Hobble river..." He licked his lips. "... And the closest way over the Hobble river is Newstirrup bridge."
Everypony else at the table was looking over quietly at Kilfeather. He ignored them while he put the pieces together in his head. Newstirrup bridge, the only way up to Bitsmount. And the Royal Engineer was a member of the privy council. That meant, hairless monkey or not, he was technically a member of the noble class.
'Yeah.'
'Yeah, it could work.'
He put a hoof on the table and started to grin. "Gentlecolts, if you've got a clear schedule for Sunday, what with us all being on libo, I have a plan that'll get us some fun, some glory, some action..." He bobbed his head to the side. "... And maybe something extra for your fearless leader."
Around the table, everypony looked interested. Icepone put his hoof in the center of the table. "... All I need to know is, are you with me?"
Without much delay, the whole squadron had their hooves on top of his.
Joker looked at Icepone with a big grin on his face. "Ice, we're your wingponies, anytime."
He smiled right back. The best part of his plan was that it was going to work out great, even if it didn't get him exactly what he wanted. That was the best kind.
Suggested interlude music: AC/DC - Let Me Put My Love Into You |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 12 | Artemis Sparkshower
It was almost seven o'clock. Sparkshower had been waiting, fully armed and armored, for almost three hours now. Where had Corporal Bound gotten off to with the Royal Engineer? His chambers had been empty when she'd come down to report in for her shift at four.
Glamerspear had no idea what was going on, and not even Lieutenant Violetta could unearth their location after Artemis had gone to her. With the crush of public visitors to the palace for the seasonal weekend Day Court, keeping track of ponies was almost impossible. The only thing anypony seemed able to determine was that they hadn't checked out of the palace, and that they'd been visiting various departments in the palace throughout the day.
It seemed likely that they were probably still off in some deep library or store-room, since the Royal Engineer was supposedly on some kind of scavenger hunt for various items. After six o'clock had come around, Lieutenant Vi had told Artemis to just wait around in their shared upstairs quarters for Corporal Bound to relieve her. And so she'd just been there, waiting, ready to leap into action once her team leader returned.
The door was left open, and she could hear more hoofsteps approaching. It was probably just some other servant making their way somewhere. Artemis was starting to go a little bit crazy from all the various other ponies walking by.
Suddenly, Corporal Bound walked in, still in her armor, with her collapsible short-spear holstered on her back.
"Corporal! Is the Royal Engineer downstairs? I'll report in for duty right away!"
Honour closed the door behind her. "Don't bother, Sparkshower. Evening shift is cancelled for today. We've got an early morning tomorrow."
Her shift was cancelled? She was almost a little disappointed.
"Okay. Lieutenant Violetta told us about the field day tomorrow."
Honour walked into the washroom and fetched herself a glass of water. Sparkshower saw her paw at the straps of her helmet to lift it up off her brow. There was a lot of sweat underneath there. Refilling her cup, Honour took another drink.
She must have been tired.
"Where were you, Corporal? I was supposed to relieve you three hours ago."
Corporal Bound scratched behind her neck. As she looked over at the pegasus, Artemis could see a contented smile on her face. That was something she hadn't seen before.
"Sorry for dropping out of contact, Sparkshower. The Royal Engineer was galloping all over the palace, and rather than try to coordinate tagging you in, I decided just to stick with him."
Was she smiling from the satisfaction of a job well-done? Artemis could understand that.
Honour took a deep breath. "... I haven't even had anything to eat since before my shift started."
'What?! She didn't even get a lunch break? That's one of the three most important meals of the day!'
"He didn't even invite you to take lunch with him?!"
She laughed.
That was another new one.
"No, he never stopped for lunch himself."
An eleven-hour shift, with no lunch break, and she was smiling and laughing about it? 'It must be earth pony magic,' Sparkshower supposed. Endurance and strength were the natural qualities of that species of pony.
Honour started to undo the straps around her criniere. "... He's a real workaholic. No wonder he managed to wear out Glamerspear."
Artemis shook her head. The creaking of her helmet visor reminded her that she still had her armor on. She didn't need it anymore, so she started to pull it off as well. "What did you even do that whole time?"
Corporal Bound left the washroom and stopped in the common room, disrobing alongside her.
"Mostly visiting various departments and ministries, getting documents and tools for tomorrow's mission. What with Day Court today, there were a lot of lineups to deal with."
Midway through removing her flanchard, she furrowed her brow.
"--Especially over at the supply depot. Seemed like somepony was putting together a last-minute field operation for a whole platoon, and they were going all-out on requisitions."
Honour shrugged. "... Anyways, it's got nothing to do with us. Where's Glamerspear?"
"She got tired of waiting for you to get back about half an hour ago, and left to go flirt with Captain Mailedhoof and then get dinner. She's probably at the mess hall by now."
"Let me just hop in the shower and then we'll join her."
Artemis nodded. "Here, I'll put away your gear, Corporal."
"Thanks, Sparkshower."
Honour gave her a smile before turning and making her way back into the washroom. Gathering up her armor pieces, Artemis opened the door to the Corporal's room and hung everything up on the little wooden armor-rack she had set up in the corner. With that, Artemis headed off to her own room to stow her armor as well.
Returning to the common area, her task completed, Artemis sat on the sofa before picking up Glamerspear's copy of 'Cosmoponitan.' The cover featured a slinky photograph of Sapphire Shores.
'Catching Up With The Princess of Pop'
'Wow, those striped socks really do something for her flanks.'
'What to Do When Your Colt Gets All Quiet'
That one hit a little too close to home.
'The Best Workout For Your Teats'
'What?! That's a thing?'
'Clop Tips So Hot You'll Get Turned On Just Reading Them'
'Oh, my.'
Those big-city magazines sure were scandalous. Even her 'Canterlot Match' magazine had some racy articles in it.
... Maybe she'd ask Glamerspear to borrow it later.
As she put the magazine back down on the coffee table, she heard the Corporal turn off the shower and get out. Waiting for her to dry off, Artemis' mind started to wander to Glamerspear's pronouncements yesterday. There was still something that Honour never really explained to Sparkshower.
"Corporal? Can I ask you a personal question?"
She opened the door, still toweling off her head, a friendly look on her face. "Sure, Sparkshower, what's on your mind?"
Artemis licked her lips.
"What Glamerspear said yesterday, about why most guardsponies sign up for VIP duty... is it true?"
Her smile disappeared. "You mean about them all being players or, how'd she put it..."
The words came instantly to Artemis' mind. "'Old grumps who are fed up with the regular guard life'."
Honour paused for a moment.
"...I'm sorry, Corporal."
Honour shook her head at Artemis. "Never apologize for providing accurate intelligence, soldier."
"Yes, Corporal."
Walking back inside the washroom, she hung up her towel on the rack. "But to answer your question... She's not completely right, but she's not far from wrong, either. I wouldn't say her two reasons are even the majority, but it's true that many veterans who are tired of the do-nothing routine of the Royal Guard sign up for VIP duty hoping to get eventually hired out as private bodyguards."
She returned to the common area with a bundle of hair-ties before sitting down next to the Specialist and started to bundle up her mane. "... Myself included."
"Oh."
"The truth is, I've been bored of the Guard since shortly after leaving 'shoe camp. I joined the VIP service a year and a half ago because I wanted to get out into the private service."
Her mane finished, she set to work on her tail as well.
"... But from my experiences so far, being a private bodyguard is probably just as bad, if not worse. You get treated like dirt, you mostly stand around doing nothing or trotting around looking impressive for airhead nobles, and you have to keep your personal life a complete secret from your employer -- they want to think, and they want everypony else to think, that you're some hot single at their beck and call."
Artemis shook her head. "That doesn't sound very fun at all."
"No. But I have to admit, today wasn't like that. Galloping around with the Royal Engineer, actually doing things, gave me some hope that maybe there are some good postings out there."
As Honour paused in her work, Artemis saw her smile return.
"... He clearly doesn't think of us as 'decorations' like most VIPs. He told me what he was doing. He asked me for advice. He gave me actual work to do. It felt like we were actually working on something important together."
She lifted her eyebrows and looked up at Artemis. "... And you should have heard the way he talked with the Princess -- you can tell they really respect each other."
Bending back over, she finished tying up her mane. When it was done, she hopped off the couch with an energy that Artemis hadn't seen in her since they'd first met three days ago.
"... Now come on, let's hit the chow hall. I'm starving."
'Yay, dinner!'
"Okay!"
As the two mares left their quarters together, Artemis looked over at the leader of their detachment. It really seemed like her day, though tiring, had worked wonders to cheer her up. If one pony could have a good time trotting around the palace doing actual work with Anonymous, what was it going to be like tomorrow when all three of them were helping him out? Think of the things they'd accomplish together! Dinner first, then bed, and then they'd be out in the field.
The recruitment slogans were starting to come true after all.
'Equestrian Royal Guard: It's Not Just a Job, It's An Adventure!'
Suggested interlude video: US Navy TV advertisement from 1981, "Navy. It's Not Just a Job, It's an Adventure" |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 13 | Honour Bound
It was an hour after dawn. Corporal Honour Bound had been inside the royal carriage, trundling along since daybreak, while it was pulled by two earth ponies. From their quiet, idle chatter to one another, they seemed to be enjoying themselves in the brisk, spring morning air. They were on a country road in the low farmlands just to the East of Canterlot.
Beside the corporal sat Anonymous, the Royal Engineer. Despite the sway of the carriage, he had somehow managed to keep his concentration while reading a book about land surveying. Yesterday, Princess Celestia had offered him the chance to make use of one of the royal flying carriages. He'd politely turned it down, suggesting that it would be better to show up in a more 'standard' carriage, rather than make it obvious that this trip was conducted by the direct authorization of Her Royal Majesty. Honour had to agree. A flying carriage pulled by two or four pegasi was something that would cause a stir anywhere outside of Canterlot.
Or Cloudsdale, she supposed.
As Anonymous had explained to her, the idea was to start with the mine inspection, under the pretext of examining the damage, and would only deliver the summons if there really was evidence of Galloway Bitsmount's criminal thrift. But as a result of that decision, plus the dearth of train service on Sunday, they had to deal with the somewhat nauseating rocking motion of the carriage.
"Ugggghn."
Specialist Glamerspear, riding outside of the coach on the rear box seat, was clearly having the worst of it. She had mostly managed to keep it under her helmet, despite the occasional, audible moan or groan. For now, it was worth the suffering since the two earth ponies were hustling them all along at a healthy clip. Once they reached the foothills just before Bitsmount, however, Honour figured it would probably be faster and more comfortable for her to just get out and walk.
The third member of their detachment was somewhere up above, high in the sky. Upon reflection, it was pretty incredible how long she could stay up there with all that armor on. Honour hadn't really had the opportunity to work with too many pegasi from the armored corps. Earth ponies made up, by far, the bulk of that group in the Royal Guard, and even unicorns were more common than pegasi.
With a loud clap, Anonymous shut the book in his lap and sighed, closing his eyes.
"Everything all right, sir?"
He folded his hands on top of the book.
"Just second-guessing myself, Corporal. If I'm wrong about what's going on, this trip could wind up being a waste."
That was a change. Yesterday he'd seemed so certain.
"Even if it's not corruption, sir, surely after a collapse, an inspection is warranted?"
"Oh, there's no doubt it's warranted. I'm just concerned that I've projected the greed and deceit of my world onto this one..." The Royal Engineer opened his eyes and turned to look out the window at the fields rolling by. "... Equestria seems like such a friendly and honest place by comparison."
She couldn't be sure if his assessment was made because he simply didn't know about the hidden flaws of Equestrian society, or if his home-world really was that bad. Either way it wasn't very encouraging. She wondered if she should say something.
Before Honour could make a decision, however, there was a flutter of wings above them, and Sparkshower appeared next to the corporal in the window, gliding along her side of the carriage, the pegasus' bronze armor glinting in the morning sun.
"Corporal! There's some unexpected activity going on at the bridge up ahead."
'Activity? On a Sunday?'
"What kind of activity, Specialist?"
"I counted six pegasi and eight earth ponies milling about the bridge area. Two of the earth ponies were on the road, barring the bridge with spears. Eight camp tents and two large pavilion tents have also been set up in the neighboring field. They've got three large wagons as well. Everything's flying Equestrian Royal Guard colors, Corporal."
The Royal Guard? Conducting operations on a weekend, so close to Canterlot? Could something bad have happened?
"They're barring the way across Newstirrup bridge?"
"It seems that way, Corporal, or at least they're controlling it."
Anonymous leaned over. "Should we find another way across the river, Corporal?"
"Sir, Oldstirrup bridge is about an hour's ride further East, and we'll have to double back to get on the road to Bitsmount. I wouldn't advise it."
He shrugged. "Well, maybe they're just securing it against some other threat, and we'll be allowed across anyways."
"That would be my guess, sir." Corporal Bound turned back to Sparkshower. "How far are we from the bridge?"
"It's just over the next hill, Corporal Bound. Should I get back in the air?"
"Yes, but stay within earshot."
She saluted noisily, clanging her sabot into her helmet, before flapping herself up and out of sight. As the carriage pitched back to climb the hill, Honour leaned ahead to get a better view out the front window. All she saw was dirt at first, but once the carriage dipped forward as it crested the rise, she could make out the objects of Sparkshower's report.
"They're flying Equestrian Royal Guard banners, all right. And a lot of them, too. It even looks like they've decorated the sides of the road with ribbons and pennants."
The Royal Engineer pulled back the side curtain and leaned up against the side of the carriage wall to peer ahead out the window. "Sounds like somepony's throwing a party."
The carriage rolled along undisturbed, passing the decorations and coming alongside the tents.
Eventually, though, the carriage drew to a stop as the draft-ponies found their way forward barred by two guards.
Honour could hear some kind of discussion going on outside, but it was too faint to make out. "Excuse me a moment, sir."
Anonymous nodded, and she opened the door and quietly exited the coach.
What was a discussion seemed to have gotten a bit heated.
"Look, buddy, we've got a carriage to pull, here! What do you care who's inside? This is a public road, fer Celestia's sakes!"
The guardpony shook his head and stood his ground. "Sorry, sir. I have my orders. Nopony passes without identifying themselves. No exceptions."
Honour Bound cleared her throat, and both spearponies turned to size her up. "In the name of Their Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, clear the way for the Royal Engineer of Equestria."
The two guardscolts looked at each other.
"The Royal Engineer?"
"Better go get the L-T."
After a quick, affirmative nod, the one on the right returned the gesture before dashing off towards the tents and pavilions in the nearby field.
"Just a moment, while we clear your passage with our commanding officer."
Their carriage-pullers didn't seem very impressed.
"Now you goofballs are gonna get it!"
"Yeah, barring the way for a member of the Royal Court, geez!"
But the guardspony stood resolute, spear still barring the way.
There was a loud fluttering of wings accompanied by a hurried gallop. Six pegasi, dressed in light Equestrian Royal Guard armor, quickly landed on the road before their carriage, accompanied by the spearpony on hoof. One of them, a white pegasus with a brilliant blue mane, spoke up loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"My name is Lieutenant Kilfeather, and I'm in charge of the situation here. If the Royal Engineer wishes to cross Newstirrup bridge, let him stand forth!"
Honour Bound's eyes narrowed. Their uniforms appeared genuine. And she felt like she'd heard the name 'Kilfeather' before. Behind her, she heard the carriage door open, as Anonymous climbed out and stepped up beside her.
"By Appointment To Their Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, I am Anonymous, Royal Engineer of the Court of Equestria."
Lieutenant Kilfeather smiled. "It gives me great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir..."
He stepped forward, looking Anonymous in the eyes.
"... But you shall not pass Newstirrup bridge without either giving battle or rendering up a token of your cowardice...."
Instantly, Honour reached for her spear, pulling its two pieces out of the holster on her flank and snapping them together in one clean motion. Kilfeather completely disregarded her move to arm herself, and returned back to his assembled group of pegasi, who had hunched down into an aggressive posture. Even the spearponies had turned their weapons on them.
"... For this is a 'Pas de Sabots' -- a 'Passage of Hooves', Sir -- and no noblepony may pass without honoring the ancient rites of this hastilude!"
Suggested interlude music: Hans Zimmer - 'Show Me Your Firetruck', from 'Backdraft' [1991] |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 14 | Honour Bound
The Royal Engineer folded his arms in front of his chest.
"'Pas de Sabots?' I'm afraid I haven't been introduced to this particular custom. Would you care to elaborate?"
Lieutenant Kilfeather placed one hoof on his chest and gave a shallow bow. "Certainly, sir; I will happily rectify your ignorance of this topic."
Anonymous allowed the insult to pass unchallenged, the expression on his face impassive, almost stern.
"...The 'Pas de Sabots' is an old custom of the warrior nobility, one of the ritual combats allowed even in peacetime, along with the more familiar Tournament. In a 'Pas de Sabots', a group of honorable warriors take it upon themselves to seize an important bottleneck on the road -- such as a bridge, city gate, or mountain pass. Commoners are permitted free travel, but any noblepony wishing to go by must first challenge the holders to combat. A victory over the pass-holders ends the event in a triumph and allows the noble to go on their way; otherwise, the pass holds, often piling up with battered soldiers ready for a second round when more of their fellows arrive. A feudal noble who declines the challenge is compelled to leave behind a token of their cowardice, to be recovered later by someone with a greater sense of chivalric honor than themselves."
The pegasus nodded to his entourage, who relaxed from their battle stance. Even the two spear-wielding guards lifted their weapons up and out of the way.
"... Besides that, the rules of combat are up to the challenger; we are honor-bound to accept any reasonable proposal. As the 'tenants' of this pass, we must also provide armaments to any noble who would challenge us but happens to find themselves without weapons. And we will freely share our supplies of food and water with any brave enough to take up the sabot that we have thrown down."
Kilfeather sat down in front of his squadron, wearing a haughty smile.
Beside the corporal, the Royal Engineer shuffled his feet and considered his response carefully. In the back, Honour could hear Glamerspear start to clamber off of her seat to join her. Sparkshower must have surely been about to land, as well. Anonymous unfolded his arms, placing one hand on his hip while showing the other to the bridge-holders with an open palm.
"Thank you for the explanation, Lieutenant. It sounds like you have undertaken a magnificent enterprise, and I wish you luck. However, I am compelled to point out the fact that I am not a member of the warrior feudal nobility of Equestria. I therefore ask that you allow me to pass unmolested."
The Lieutenant grinned.
"Not a member of the feudal nobility? No, sir, I think that you are..." He pointed a hoof at the Royal Engineer. "... You are a member of Princess Celestia's privy council, sir, which by ancient custom must consist exclusively of trusted nobility. When Her Majesty the Princess appointed you to the position, did she not declare you 'Lord Anonymous, Royal Engineer', before the Day Court?"
Anonymous placed his other hand on his hip. "I believe that she did, yes. I was told it was an ancient title, and would not be used in normal circumstances."
Kilfeather spread his forelegs. "See? Though an honorific, the time is not long past when we would be compelled to address you as 'Lord Engineer', and likewise 'Lord Chancellor', et cetera."
Glancing at the Royal Engineer, Honour saw him smile. "Well, if I am a noble, sir, then I must point out that I am no warrior-lord. And I think the same could also be said of the Chancellor, since you brought him up."
One of the pegasi giggled at that little joke, before getting a stern glance from Kilfeather.
"If he were here, sir, we would challenge the good Chancellor as well. But if you are not a warrior-lord, then why do you travel with soldiers under your command?"
Glamerspear slowly walked up on Honour's other side, and she could hear the beating of wings as Sparkshower started to hover on the far side of the draft-ponies.
"... It would seem, sir, that Her Royal Majesty has not only ennobled you, but provided you the retainers that a noble of your station rightfully deserves. And if you feel unable to fight in person, then there would be no shame in sending your house-warriors to do battle in your name."
The Royal Engineer inhaled deeply, apparently considering how to reply. As the seconds wore on, Glamerspear shook her head and lost her patience.
"This is such a load! What's your game, Valiant? Nobody's staged a 'Pas de Sabots' in a century or more!"
'Valiant Kilfeather.'
Now Honour remembered where she'd read his name. It was on the front page of the Royal Guard Times less than a year ago, and given her current situation, it was not an encouraging memory.
Kilfeather gave a slight smirk. "Ah, there you are, Glamerspear. You're right -- the 'Pas de la Fleur Fanee', the last one on record, was a hundred and thirty-seven years ago..."
Before she could retort with 'See?!', he continued talking right over her. "... But the laws to permit such chivalrous acts are still on the books."
Glamerspear growled and pointed an angry hoof at the tents and pavilions. "Laws, shmaws! You must've had to pull some pretty big strings to get this all thrown together in such a hurry!"
Valiant smiled and shook his head. "Oh, no, not at all. You'd be surprised how eager the supply depot officers were to help out. During this period when Celestia holds Day Court on weekends, every noble pony who can get out of Canterlot does so, to avoid the influx of plebeians into their 'sacred' city..."
Turning around, he gestured at the bridge. "... Newstirrup Bridge happens to be the fastest way to and from a number of noble estates. So I found some very receptive ears when I suggested that a 'Pas de Sabots' timed for 'society' returning to Canterlot would humiliate a number of high-and-mighty gentleponies who thought themselves too good to mingle with the peasantry..."
He turned his head up and looked at Anonymous. "... Absolutely all of our papers are in order, sir. You're welcome to inspect them, if you wish. And this event has the full sanction of Major-General Hoofstrong herself."
The Royal Engineer glanced down at Corporal Bound. She could see him rolling his fingers against his palm in thought. "As it happens, Lieutenant Kilfeather, I happen to be pressed for time and on urgent business. If you will not allow me to pass without satisfying your ritual, then I must ask what the price for my 'cowardice' would be."
Kilfeather put on a friendly smile. "Oh, sir, well... First of all, let me say that I doubt very much if you will suffer any social consequences for a surrender. After all, nopony would expect your small VIP detail to fight against Canterlot's finest air defense squadron. But as for tokens of surrender, let me think..."
He put his hoof up to his chin and feigned consideration of something new. It was so obviously an act that she'd almost wondered why he even bothered with it.
Perhaps he just liked to hear himself talk.
"... Well, traditionally the tokens are something martial, but not essential for personal defense. So, for your cowardly refusal to face us, we will take..."
He pointed at Glamerspear.
"... Her fancy helmet..."
She growled.
He swung his hoof to point at Anonymous.
"... One of your fine white gloves, sir..."
And then he swung his hoof all the way over to point at Sparkshower.
"... And her."
Sparkshower gasped. "Me?!"
Before anypony could say anything else, Glamerspear exploded next to Honour.
"HER?! Why you low-life, dirty-dealing, foal-of-a-b-"
Anonymous looked down at the Corporal and shook his head with a stern expression, so she elbowed Glamerspear in the flank. She took the hint and shut up.
The Royal Engineer cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, I must have misheard you. Are you proposing to take a hostage in exchange for my submission?"
There was the briefest flash of a grin on Valiant's face, directed at Glamerspear, before he composed himself.
"Hardly a hostage, sir. We have established ourselves quite comfortably here, and she will stay as an honored guest among her own kind -- valorous pegasus warriors, just like her. Over the next few days, she will bear witness first-hoof to our courageous fight to hold the bridge against all comers..."
He places one hoof on his chest, his voice dripping with sincerity.
"... She will share in our triumphs and our revels as if a member of my own squadron; after all, it was not her who declined our challenge..." Lowering his hoof, Valiant regarded the Royal Engineer with disdain. "... And clearly, a cowardly lord afraid of battle has no need for such a large retinue of bodyguards, and can do without one of them for a few days."
Again, Anonymous paused to consider his options. As he did so, an earth pony trotted up from the tents, holding a large stick in his mouth. Valiant stepped aside and directed him to plant it in front of the bridge. It took the pony a bit of struggling to drive it in, but he managed to get it set up like some sort of fence-post.
Something about that staff looked familiar. The haft was extremely thick, and it was decorated with red and white ribbons. A half-circle plume of bushy red hair sat at the peak, above a golden medallion. Honour couldn't quite make out the design on the golden disk at this distance.
Glamerspear recognized it before she did. "Hey! That looks like one of the totems from the MXP Games!"
Valiant raises an eyebrow. "That's because it is one of the totems from the MXP Games. We've taken the liberty of borrowing it."
His answer only set Glamerspear off again. "Oh, so conning the ponies at the supply depot wasn't enough, now you're stealing magical artifacts right out of the Champions' Hall?"
"Not at all..." He nodded his head at the pegasi behind him, and they all gathered around the totem. "... You're looking at the winners of last year's Grand Mêlee."
They adopted the same pose as that front-page Royal Guard Times photograph the corporal had remembered earlier.
'KILFEATHER SQUADRON DOMINATES THE SKIES AT MXP GAMES!'
It was one of the more dominant victories of the whole tournament. And at the Grand Mêlee, the final and most important event of them all, no less.
Anonymous sighed. "I beg your pardon, Lieutenant, but I feel I'm missing something again. 'MXP Games'? Is that anything like the 'Equestria Games'?"
Valiant stroked the totem adoringly. "A little, sir. Where the Equestria Games involve tests of athletic and acrobatic skill, the MXP Games are a test of martial prowess."
He continued to fawn over the magical staff, so Honour spoke up. "Totems like that one are used at the Games to make sure nopony gets seriously injured. It projects a magical protective field onto the competitors."
The Lieutenant nodded at her, then turned to her VIP. "Thank you, Corporal. You see, sir? We're not barbarians. You may challenge us without fear that anypony will even get hurt..." He tilted his head down to look at them all from underneath his brow. "... Though if you do, then you'll certainly be walking away in pain and with quite a lot of bruises."
The Royal Engineer looked like he'd had enough. "I see. You've made your point, Lieutenant. I will confer with my escort."
By the tone of his voice, it wasn't a request. Anonymous waved Sparkshower over, and they all walked away from the bridge, passing the carriage as they went.
It didn't take Glamerspear long to speak up again. "You can't hand over Sparks to these goons, sir! This is all about her, you understand? Valiant, that scumbag, tried yesterday to get me to set her up with him!"
The Royal Engineer cocked an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Yeah, and when I turned him down, he tried to blackmail me into doing it!"
"Interesting. I was going to suggest that I try to bargain him down for our surrender, but if what you say is true, then it sounds like we won't be able to leave here without giving up Specialist Sparkshower."
Glamerspear simply grumbled in acknowledgement.
Still floating in the air, Sparkshower voiced her considerations. "But... is that so bad?"
Once again, their unicorn squad-member went ballistic. "WHAT?! SPARKS, you have no idea what that bastard is capable of!"
There had to be a reason behind all that anger of hers. Not to mention her familiarity with the Lieutenant.
"So why don't you tell us?" Honour asked.
Glamerspear shot the mare a fiery glance, and then relaxed her expression, looking sheepish. "We used to date. And like I told Sparkshower yesterday, when I didn't want to do something he wanted -- which was crazy and disgusting, by the way, and would have actually reduced me to a you-know-what that I got called two nights ago -- he got violent and tried to force me into it!"
The Royal Engineer squinted at her. He didn't have the full details to know exactly what she was talking about, but he looked properly concerned about it.
"... And yesterday he tells me Sparkshower's caught his eye? I'm not letting that happen to somepony else!"
Sparkshower spoke up for herself. "But, Glamerspear, that can't possibly happen here! There's all these witnesses, and the whole thing is supposed to be a 'noble endeavor'! If it came out that they took a hostage and then abused her, it would ruin their reputation. What's the worst that they could do?"
The unicorn shook her head. "You don't want to know the worst, Sparks..."
Taking a deep breath, the pegasus conceded to Glamerspear's point.
"... But you might be right that they won't try anything here and now. We'd been going out for a while before he pulled anything crazy on me. I still say we fight, though!"
Anonymous stopped and leaned over. "Can we win, though?"
Glamerspear sat down and pounded one of her forehooves into the other. "You bet we can, sir! I can swat those pegasi like flies."
Sparkshower also landed down, concern evident in her voice. "I don't know..."
"WHAT?! Sparks, you-"
"Come on, Glamerspear, let her speak her mind before you shout her down," the corporal interrupted. That netted her a grumble and a dirty look from the unicorn, but Sparkshower looked genuinely concerned.
"The First Canterlot are the best air superiority fighters in the whole guard... They can fly faster and turn tighter than anypony else..."
The base of her spear rested firmly on the ground, but the hoof that was holding it was hesitant, and up in the air past Anonymous' head, Honour could see the tip wobble with uncertainty.
'Looks like Lieutenant Kilfeather's intimidation tactics worked,' she thought to herself. 'She's genuinely afraid.'
"... I think I'd rather just go with them than waste everypony's time with a fight we can't win. At least that way I become their hostage without any bumps or scratches."
Glamerspear closed her eyes and shook her head like she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Honour sighed. "You're in charge here, sir. What's your decision?"
Anonymous pulled off his hat and sat down cross-legged on the ground. The difference in height was actually startling. If he walked on all fours, would he really be that much taller than any of them? Regardless, it was strange having to actually look down at his face for a change.
"I hear one vote for 'fight' and one vote for 'surrender', Corporal. But I haven't heard your vote, yet."
She shrugged. "I'm a non-commissioned officer, sir. You give the orders, I see them carried out."
"Well, I'm not a soldier at all, Corporal. I've never even seen a pony fight, let alone sparred with one of your kind. Maybe I'd actually be a reasonable opponent for them, but I doubt they have any weapons or armor that would fit me, and I don't want to show up to Bitsmount with injuries. So let me tell you how I see the situation, and then you, with your experience in these matters, will give me your decision on what we are going to do."
He placed his top-hat in his lap. "We can fight, surrender, or turn around. All things considered, I would rather not leave Specialist Sparkshower in the hands of these unscrupulous ponies. But I can't afford the two-hour detour each way if we take another road to Bitsmount; it would cut short the inspection of the mine, and the carriage and several of the very valuable pieces of equipment I've borrowed are due back today. To keep them overnight would be a public embarrassment and a betrayal of several important ponies' trust."
Brushing some of the trail-dust off of the felt, he continued. "... But on the other hand, if we have to leave Specialist Sparkshower here, then, as she says, better to do it without whatever injuries that 'totem' will allow her to sustain."
The Royal Engineer looked up at Honour. "... As I see it, it all comes down to one thing, Corporal. Can you think of a way to beat them?"
He'd gotten to the heart of the matter, that was for sure. Was there a way to beat them?
She looked at Glamerspear. The unicorn was ready to explode with anger. Honour was almost surprised her horn wasn't already glowing, ready to project her magic at the first sign of trouble. A measure of her self-restraint, she supposed.
Then she turned her eyes to Sparkshower. She was encased in almost fifty pounds of armour, but mentally, she could tell she wasn't quite ready. Her experience with combat so far had probably been limited to engaging weak screening units or avoiding action entirely, not dueling a foe explicitly trained to dominate the skies.
Honour leaned back out of their little huddle-circle and looked over at the bridge.
Barring their passage were six cocksure pegasus colts.
The elite of the air defense force.
The champions of what was once called the Grand Tournament of Equestria.
But they were boisterous, boastful, and maybe they could be lured into doing something foolish. And the terms of the challenge were favorable: anything that was reasonable, they had to accept. So, could she come up with something reasonable that she could win? Honour closed her eyes and thought for a few moments. When she opened them again, she found that Anonymous hadn't lifted his gaze from her.
It was a powerful, penetrating look that spoke to the intensity of his convictions.
"I've made my decision, sir..."
Glamerspear perked up, and she could hear Sparkshower suppress a gasp of anticipation. She turned to each of her subordinates in turn, and tried to project the Royal Engineer's own aura of command.
"... We will fight."
Suggested interlude music: Kenny Loggins - 'Danger Zone', from 'Top Gun' [1986] |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 15 | Honour Bound
Specialist Glamerspear pumped her hoof in the air. "Awright! Let's get 'em!"
Standing in front of Honour Bound, Anonymous leaned back and seemed to relax his expression a bit. "What's the plan of attack, Corporal?"
Still holding onto her best authoritative tone, Honour responded. "We'll challenge them to three one-on-one duels, best two-out-of-three..." She glanced meaningfully at Sparkshower. "... That way only two of us need to win a fight."
The color seemed to drain from the Pegasus' face. That wasn't good.
Honour turned to Glamerspear, raising an eyebrow. "We'll take them on all at once so there's no pressure from momentum. Glamerspear, you're an anti-air defense specialist; challenge them to a duel in service equipment with no restrictions."
Their unicorn teammate grinned. "Oh, I am going to sweep them from the air!"
Lifting her hooves, Honour began to play with one of her light brass sabots. "I'll demand a duel without the use of any equipment at all. They'll think they have the advantage because of their wings, but I'll profit more from their lack of armor."
Honour checked back on Sparkshower. She was not looking any better.
"Sparkshower, you'll ask for a fight in the air with service equipment..."
Honour leaned over and put a hoof on her shoulder. She was actually shivering in her armor. That was really not good.
"... All you have to do is fly as high and as far as you can. They can out-turn you and fly faster than you, but they'll tire more quickly. Play the long game..."
Sparkshower was facing Honour Bound, but it felt like she was looking straight through her. The Corporal brought her head closer to try to get her attention. That's when she noticed that there were actual tears coming from her eyes.
'Better try to shut this down fast.' "... Soldier! Trust in your equipment and you will be victorious, do you understand?"
The shivering didn't stop.
"Y-Y-Y-Yes, Corporal!"
Honour squinted at her. "I didn't catch that, Specialist?"
"YES, CORPORAL!"
That was not a confident, or even a composed response.
It was almost a terrified scream.
And now Sparkshower was shivering so hard, the whole group could hear her armor rattling like a box full of empty tin cans. Honour Bound shot a worried glance at Glamerspear. She just looked concerned and shrugged her eyebrows, with a 'What do you want me to do?' kind of look.
Sparkshower clearly hadn't seen real combat. There wasn't enough time to solve her confidence issues, and it didn't matter, anyway. Glamerspear should win easily, and Honour had an excellent shot. Sparkshower could lose, though she'd prefer if the pegasus didn't get hurt.
Anonymous got onto his feet but stayed low, squatting down with the rest of the group. "Specialist Sparkshower, I apologize for the interruption, but something has just piqued my imagination. May I ask you a question about general tactics in the Equestrian Royal Guard?"
The fresh and apparently-unrelated line of conversation seemed to calm her down a bit, as she stopped chattering quite so hard.
"Sir?"
The Royal Engineer affected a theatrical air and gestured up at the sky. "Tell me, Specialist: If an enormous dragon were to attack Canterlot right now..." He pointed over at Kilfeather's squadron. "... Is that the force the Guard would send up to defeat it?"
With some hesitation, Sparkshower looked over toward her feared enemies. "No, sir."
"No? Could you explain to me why not?"
The heavily-armored pegasus swallowed, and Honour could tell it was to hold herself back from crying. Her nose was running, too.
"Well, sir, as an air-superiority squadron, they're focused on high-energy turning fights against comparably-sized enemies. They're lightly armed and lightly armored so as not to compromise their air handling. Without heavier equipment, against a big dragon..." She turned back to Anonymous. "... they'd only be useful as harassment."
The Royal Engineer leaned in almost awkwardly close to the corporal's nervous pegasus.
"Specialist Sparkshower..."
She inhaled sharply, holding her breath.
Anonymous loudly and forcefully banged his knuckles against her enormous brass breastplate, twice, leaving the digits pressed against her armor. He clearly enunciated every word that followed.
"... be the dragon."
There was a long delay while Sparkshower looked down at the fist held against her plate. Her eyes darted from the fist, to Anonymous' face, to the fist, and then back again.
"Be the dragon... Yes, sir. Thank you, sir!"
That was sounding a little better. Not much, but a little. Anonymous nodded, before he removed his fist and stood up. Honour watched Sparkshower's eyes nervously follow him up.
'Seems like this is as good as it's going to get.'
"Okay, let's get back in there."
Everypony started back toward the bridge. To Honour's right, Glamerspear was wearing a smirk like she was going to enjoy this. Just ahead of her, the Royal Engineer dusted his trousers and jacket off, before donning his top hat once more. He even put on the white gloves he had hanging out of his jacket-pocket. And on her left, Honour could hear Sparkshower repeatedly muttering under her breath.
"Be the dragon... Be the dragon... Be the dragon..."
If a mantra helped get her through this, then all the better.
The bridge was less than fifty yards away, and the walk back went quickly. Lieutenant Kilfeather was still posing with his squadron, blocking the bridge a few yards beyond the 'borrowed' MXP totem.
"Well, Lord Anonymous, what shall it be?"
Anonymous raised his hands and adjusted his gloves, pulling them on tightly before balling his hands up into fists. There was a disturbing, cracking noise as he squeezed his knuckles. An intimidation tactic of his own? There was no visible reaction from the air-superiority pegasi with an obvious air of superiority.
"My bodyguards shall challenge three of your number to one-on-one duels; two victories out of the three shall carry the day."
Kilfeather nodded in approval, grinning. "Excellent! I accept, with one condition: If you do not sweep us in all three matches, we will consider ourselves entitled to continue our 'Pas de Sabots'."
Unlike earlier, Anonymous' reply was instantaneous. Clearly, he'd had the time to think this through.
"I accept your condition with one clarification: If we win without a sweep, you shall allow us to pass unhindered upon our return voyage today."
The Lieutenant laughed, and a few of his crew chuckled along with him. "Ah, clever! So perhaps you are a warrior-lord, after all!"
Turning to the ponies behind him, Kilfeather pumped his hoof in the air repeatedly, and the little crowd started to cheer, clap, snarl, and roar with excitement.
Kilfeather spun around back to face the four of them. "... Yes, We accept! Carriage-bearers, retire yourselves to our tents, and Royal Engineer, let your bodyguards step forth and issue their challenges!"
The two carriage-pullers shot each other a glance, then slowly walked the coach back, taking the side-path off of the road, into the fallow field with the squadron's colorful tents.
Honour paused to consider her squad. On her right, Glamerspear looked ready to shoot every one of the pegasi down, if given the chance. To her left, even Sparkshower had found her nerves again and wore the proper, steady gaze of a soldier.
Honour Bound made the first move, stepping up past Anonymous, to just in front of the totem. With an air of disdain, she looked over Kilfeather's squadron before uttering her curt pronouncement. "Hooves only, no armor, first submission."
Most of the squadron-members arched their eyebrows and looked at each other with amused expressions, saying 'Ooooh!', which then devolved into general excited hooting and hollering.
One of them stepped forward and swayed his shoulders with a grin on his face. "Well, all right! Cool foxy filly wants to turn this mêlee into a real brawl, huh?!"
He was a young colt, but big for a pegasus; huge, even. His coat was light red, and his blond mane was cut high-and-tight. Coming right up in front of Honour Bound's snout, he almost towered over her.
"... Little fox, I'm gonna smash you good."
She just gave him a cold stare, as she reached down and started to pull off her sabots. That set his companions off again, with cat-calls mixed in with the hooting. He turned and gave them a confident grin, though it briefly faltered when he started to undo his armor as well.
Lieutenant Kilfeather's laugh rang out. "All right, who's next?"
Behind the corporal, Glamerspear shouted out as she charged up to the challenge line that she'd established. "That'll be ME! Fight in service equipment, with no holds barred!" She hunched down, swiveling her neck left and right like a snake looking to strike. "... Come on, which of you airborne pests is ready to get turned into an ugly smear on the ground?!"
Again, there was laughter from the assembled pegasi. Kilfeather's roar rang louder than the rest. "Oh, so Miss Air-Defense thinks Canterlot's finest are easy targets, does she?"
Glamerspear snarled right back. "Yeah! Changelings, Griffons, or Pegasi; you're all just bugs to be squashed, to me -- and I've got a fly-swatter bigger than even your ego, Val!"
He laughed it off, and, in the blink of an eye, dashed forward with one quick pump of his wings.
If the move impressed Glamerspear, she didn't show it.
"Your fly-swatter's got nothing on my moves, Lil'. So I'll take your challenge, and that's two!"
'Now it's all on Sparkshower.'
Eschewing Glamerspear's quick entrance or Bound's steady walk, she took to the air and slowly flapped her way forward. Upon reaching the totem, she did not land.
"I proclaim a clash of storm-fronts... in service equipment." She sounded confident as she issued the traditional pegasus challenge for a duel. But she didn't try any of the emotional theatrics like Glamerspear. Or like herself, if Honour was being honest. After all, that cold stare was a calculated move, too.
The lack of excitement from Sparkshower seemed to carry over to the opposing side as well. Just one pegasus made any noise at all, chuckling loudly. "Oh-hoo-hoo! A 'clash of storms', eh? Like it's a rainy day in Cloudsdale? Big talk for a little pegasus!"
A purple-colored pony with a slicked-back green mane took to the air and flew up slowly to meet her. "... Or maybe it's just a big joke? I'm laughing, after all!" Amused with his own words, he continued to giggle to himself.
By that point, Honour Bound had removed all of her equipment, and so had her oversized opponent.
Kilfeather looked down the line and spoke up. "Very well, the challenges have been made, and met! Competitors, touch the totem together and identify yourselves to receive its protective blessings, then retreat twenty paces until the Lord Anonymous does us the honor of declaring the start!"
Honour reached out at the same time as her foe, but he spoke first, leaning in over the invisible line that divided the two teams. "The only name you need, little foxy filly, is my call-sign: 'Duck'. Which is what you oughtta do when I come flapping for you, by the way."
Her voice was flat as she replied. "Corporal Honour Bound."
There was an almost musical hum from the golden medallion, and the red-colored hairs at the totem's peak suddenly waved as if blown by a gust of wind. She could feel a kind of electrical energy envelop her, making her hair -- body and mane -- briefly stand up on end. Duck's short mane scarcely moved, though his puffed-up coat made him look even larger.
As both of them retired, Glamerspear and Kilfeather stepped up. Once again, the air-superiority team-member spoke first. "Lieutenant Valiant 'Icepone' Kilfeather, wing commander, First Canterlot Air Defense Wing, and Leader of Kilfeather Squadron, Winners of the MXP Games Grand Mêlee."
Glamerspear leaned in close, baring her teeth. "Specialist Lily Glamerspear, Centurion of the Order of the bucking Ram!"
That was a visible shock to Kilfeather, but he took it with a smile. "Well, well... Went and became a war hero, did you, Lily?"
"That's right, Val. Want to give up now before I do to you what I did to the Changelings?"
He licked his lips.
"Mmmm, 'fraid not, Lil'. You're about to get a harsh lesson in tracking hard targets."
Their exchange complete, both of them retired to the starting lines. It was Sparkshower's, and her still-giggling opponent's turn. Almost simultaneously, the pegasi reached out and touched the staff.
But both remained silent. All anypony could hear was the beating of their wings.
It was a somewhat disturbing contrast. Sparkshower, with an armor load more than three times that of the lightly-equipped air-superiority pony, not to mention carrying a long and very bronze spear versus just his sabots, almost appeared to be struggling to stay in place. Each beat of her wings lifted her several hooves up into the air. And in-between those intervals, she dropped like a stone back down again.
By comparison, the purple pegasus before her almost seems to be effortlessly soaring in place, barely flapping his wings at all. After several moments in silent challenge, at last, he leaned forward.
"Well? Aren't you going to tell me your name, little filly?"
Sparkshower stayed silent, staring him in the eyes.
He started to giggle again. "... Come on, bold and brassy! Speak up!"
Again, she said nothing.
He blew a raspberry, annoyed. "... Thhbbbbt! Oh, fine then, I'll go first, party-pooper. You can call me 'Joker', and I'm the Lieutenant second-in-command of this bunch of fun-loving colts, hee-hee-hee!"
'Aaand he's back to the obnoxious giggles again.'
Sparkshower remained quiet.
Joker eventually ran out of laughs and fell silent. Only then did Sparkshower speak up, with the most bravado Honour had ever heard from the pegasus.
"I'm the dragon."
Before he could react, she quickly jerked her head forward in a nod, and the visor of her bascinet-helmet snapped down to cover her face with a resounding 'clang'.
That set the non-participating pegasus crowd off again, amused by her display of defiance. But 'Joker' didn't seem to be laughing any more.
"The 'dragon', huh? I'll get your real name by the time I'm done with you, don't you worry, filly-girl."
He leaned forward like he was trying to peer behind the eye-slits of her full-face helmet, but Honour doubted that he could see anything. Perhaps out of frustration, he spun his hind legs forward and used them to kick off the totem, quickly pushing back by the required distance.
Sparkshower just slowly backed up, flap by flap, until she was level with Honour Bound and Glamerspear.
Both lines of battle were now drawn. Behind them, Honour could hear the Royal Engineer's boots crunch against gravel as he adjusted his position to clear the way. Then she heard him clear his throat.
"Gentleponies, conquer your fears and you will conquer the enemy..."
'That's a good line. Especially for Sparkshower.'
"... Remember, no interfering with the other duels. Spread yourselves out at the earliest opportunity. We will go on the count of 'three.'"
"One..."
"Two..."
"Three!"
As soon as the count was spoken, 'Duck' came thundering at the corporal, hooves held forward.
She immediately rolled to her left, letting him fly by.
While Duck circled around for another pass, Honour took a measure of their starting positions. To her left, Sparkshower had immediately taken off into the air away from her, pursued by 'Joker', who'd overshot her initial position. On her right, Glamerspear already had her defensive shield up and was galloping back and to the right, trying to put herself in the center of the largest open area around. Kilfeather was climbing straight into the air, opting to gain altitude right off the bat.
Good. That just left her with 'Duck'.
Time for her to show him her moves.
Suggested interlude music: Christopher Gorden - 'The Battle', from 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' [2003] |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 16 | Honour Bound
Honour barely had time to get back on her hooves before Duck came around for another pass. Again he charged straight at her, hooves held out in front of him. Turning to face her enemy, Honour hunched her body down to present the smallest target while staying ready on her hooves. Duck was coming in fast.
At the last second, she dove to the side once again, and rolled out of the way of the attack. Her shoulder connected with the hard-packed earth and mixed gravel of the road. One thing was sure: Honour Bound was not going to look like a pristine Canterlot VIP's bodyguard when this was over.
"C'mon, get her, Duck!"
"Yeah, end it quick, Ducky-o!"
Over by the bridge, the rest of Kilfeather's squad had started to cheer on their nearest champion. Said champion immediately took a break from making charging passes at Bound to acknowledge the crowd.
"Ha-ha! First I gotta warm her up, guys!"
It was a welcome breather for Honour. She took a few steps toward the left side of the road, taking a glance over to the ditch. It had a nice, soft shoulder down into some mixed tall grasses, which rose up again into a fresh field of alfalfa sprouts.
'That'll do perfectly.'
"... Heads-up, foxy filly!"
This time, Duck came at her from the middle of a ninety-degree banked turn, his belly toward her so as to kick out with all four of his hooves. Since his lower wing needed room to extend, he'd come in from too high up, and she didn't have to do much more than crouch down to avoid his attack.
"... Yeah, get down in that dirt, you filthy nag!"
That sent the bridge-guards into another bout of laughter.
"Hey, Duck, you big stud, you better take that mare before she gets too dusted-up!"
"Nah, Reiner, Ducky-o likes 'em down 'n' dirty, ha-ha!"
Honour's opponent had begun to climb up into the air for what was probably going to be a power-dive down. Still not what she needed him to do. Kicking over, Duck completed his loop and came hurtling down at her as if a pendulum in full swing.
But another tricky, last-minute roll into the hard packed earth cleared her from his way. Undeterred, Duck climbed once again for another looped-pass.
Honour's eyes narrowed. 'Come on, you jerk -- get down and rush me on my level.'
Watching the pegasus climb into the morning sky, she wondered how things were going for her two comrades.
Lily Glamerspear
"GET SOME! GET SOME! GET SOME!"
'Holy moley is shooting at your abusive ex-coltfriend ever cathartic.'
It would have been even better if he would come down close enough for a solid hit, but things were pretty good already. Glamerspear was just taking pot-shots at Val while she cantered around in the fallow field east of the road, trying to find the perfect vantage point on the rolling hills. Somewhere with a nice, commanding view of the area, with no nearby bushes or trees to interfere with either her line-of-sight or her line-of-fire.
'Icepone' was way up in the sky already, and he was a receding target.
When Glamerspear saw him start to climb, she'd shut off her shield and started conjuring magical spear-tips, sending the constructs hurtling toward him in bursts of three. As her ex receded from view, she stopped firing and brought her shield back up with a personal radius and at moderate strength. She couldn't let him get the drop on her while she was still setting up, after all. And she couldn't waste all of her energy on shielding -- she wouldn't win anything that way.
Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be a 'perfect' spot in the area; everything was either too close to thick cover or on the downward slope of one of the larger terrain features. She'd have to settle for staying in the middle of the open field, relocating as necessary to obtain a good shot. Speaking of good shots, Glamerspear gave a quick double-tap on the side of her helmet to extend their high-magnification sunglass shades.
'Now, where's the damn spotter with the targeting info?'
'...Oh, right.'
She wasn't part of a battery this time. She was going to have to reacquire her own quarry.
There were quite a few clouds in the sky, which was both good and bad. Good, because the sun would occasionally be shaded, making it easier to look up. Bad, because that gave Val something to hide behind and circle around with.
Her shield wasn't helping either, as the translucent dome was giving everything a purple tint. Double-tapping on her helmet a few more times, she cycled through the filter modes, trying them all to find an appropriate one.
'Ugh, this is the worst part of the job. Where did that bastard get to?'
Suddenly, there was a crackling noise behind her, and Lily could feel her shield shudder as something crashed into it.
Except it's not some-thing, it's some-pony.
"Heads-up, Centurion!"
Val had somehow managed to sneak up on her, ramming his hooves straight into her shield-bubble.
'Pfft, as if that's going to do anything.'
He gave one final swipe at her protective field with an armored forehoof.
"...Tag, you're it!"
With that, he shot up into the sky again. Lily dropped her shield and prepared to fire.
But the bastard was headed straight for the sun, barrel-rolling as he went. The best she could do was squint and send a few more, barely-aimed spears his way.
If he was going to keep using that trick, she'd better keep her helmet in magnified, darkest-tint mode. And there was no sense in staying in one place, where he'd know exactly where she was all the time. With a quick double-check that he was still climbing, she quickly galloped across the field, setting herself up against a large thicket.
Once her back was up against it, she brought her shield up once more. Maybe a little cover would help her out after all.
"I spy, with my little eye, something that starts with 'Lil!"
Searching the sky, Lily could hear him, but she couldn't see him.
"... Loser!"
Suddenly, Val popped out from around the bush, crashing his hooves into her shield once more as he flew by at tremendous speed.
'Damn.' She actually felt the impact that time. He must really have been going fast before he'd struck.
This time he didn't climb up, but instead turned to her right, following the terrain. Instantly, she lowered her shield and with another electric crack, sent a dozen more telekinetic spear-shots his way. But, firing at full flank, her shots only managed to blast small craters into the surrounding hills or punch at empty sky, winking out of existence a hundred meters past her target. All of them missed.
'Damn it;' the magnified optics were too zoomed-in for her to draw a steady bead on the bastard!
She'd better switch back to just un-magnified, tinted as soon as that volley was done.
Val cut through one of the dividing rows of poplar trees, passing beyond her sight once more.
'Oh, right, better bring your shield back up!
...And relocate again... Damn it.'
As Lily scurried to her next sniping-post to await Val's next move, her thoughts turned to her companions. Hopefully, Sparkshower was doing okay. Sending her up against Icepone's wingpony?
Talk about a trial by fire.
Or, by ice, she supposed.
Artemis Sparkshower
Right then, all Sparkshower could think about was the sound of her own breathing.
Visor down, legs clenched tight up against her body, spear held close.
She had just one target: the cloud cover.
"Heeeeeeeeeeeeere filly-filly-filly-filly-filly!"
'Joker' crashed his hooves into her flank armor once again, and it was all she could do not to shriek out in terror. She was rattled around inside her plate, but a second later he was gone again, zooming off to her other side.
'Just gotta keep flapping and heading up.' Once she got to the clouds, he'd have trouble finding her, and she could relax a bit.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaanypony at home in that tin can?"
Another loud metallic 'klank' against her side-plate, and she could feel the wind pull underneath her wings as Joker not only struck her armor, but pushed her down with his legs.
"If you're not going to answer, maybe I should just keep knocking, whaddya say, huh?"
He kicked again, and she could feel him lay his forehooves on her shoulders.
'No! That's not good at all!'
Rolling over onto her back, she lashed out with two of her own hooves, only to catch nothing but air as he extended his wings and used them as air-brakes to fall back behind her.
"Oh, so there is somepony at home after all! Well, hidey-ho, neighbor, ha-ha-ha!"
Sparkshower rolled back upright and continued heading toward, what she hoped, would be her safety zone.
'Halfway there, now.'
"Ah-ah-ah! Get your head out of the clouds, little filly!"
This time, Joker didn't attack her flank, but came crashing down straight onto her back, sending her wings upright as the air went whistling by. She dared a glance down, and saw the ground getting closer with horrifying speed.
He had his hooves on her backplate and was just pushing straight down!
'You've got to do something!'
For a few seconds, all she could do was breathe.
Then she remembered that she had a spear.
Kicking its length forward with her hind legs so she was holding it firmly in her forehooves, she once again rolled over to strike her tormentor. This time, just air-braking wasn't enough, as the extra reach from Artemis' spear caught the purple pegasus' green-colored tail, slicing a healthy chunk of it clean off.
"Whoaa! Close shave, hoo-hoo!" Joker hovered in place and twisted his head to watch his missing lengths of hair flutter their way down to ground.
Bringing the spear back under her control, Artemis completed the roll and resumed her upward course.
"... Ah, well, I needed a haircut, anyways, hee-hee!"
She couldn't let him get a drop on her like that again!
As much as she wanted to head straight for the clouds, ignoring everything around her, she couldn't. He could out-climb and out-turn her, and he could even overpower her own wings if he put his mind to it. Artemis had to keep her wits and use her spear to keep him from taking advantage of her too much.
Although they were terrifying, his initial 'boom-and-zoom' hoof-slashes didn't much alter her course or hurt her. It was when he thought she wouldn't hit back at all that he started to get some real work in. So she needed to make him think he couldn't get away with that. But if she was going to be swinging her spear as a preventative measure, she was going to need to be able to see him.
That meant coming out of her safe shell, and raising her visor.
It was a scary thought, but upon reflection, he couldn't get at her face without her seeing him anyway, and she could always snap it back down again. With some trepidation, she reached a hoof up and quickly moved it out of the way.
And then she turned her head to look behind her.
Joker was hot on her tail. He grinned when he saw her face.
"Hey, there, neighbor! Dropped the veil, did ya? Ooh, lucky me! Lucky-lucky-lucky!"
Should she make another sweep with her spear? He seemed to be keeping his distance for now. And she didn't have the agility to swing while still climbing.
Better to just stay the course for now.
But she'd keep her eye on him.
What she'd had so far was just a warm-up.
Hopefully, Glamerspear and Honour could win their fights so this battle wouldn't even matter.
Honour Bound
Corporal Honour Bound was covered in dust, with two aching shoulders. And her legs were starting to get a bit tired, too.
"Geez, this is like watching mares mud-wrestling."
"Yeah, except there's just one, and boy is she really getting into it."
"Anypony else have a hard-on?"
"Don't tease me, Applewood."
The laugh-squad over at the bridge was still enjoying the show.
But, as she got to her hooves once more, all Honour cared about right then was getting Duck to make just the right pass at her. He had to be getting tired of those high-climbing loops by now.
He should at least be getting dizzy.
"Wooo! I'm startin' to feel a little high-and-dry from all this nothin' I'm gettin'. Ya keep blue-ballin' me down there, foxy-filly!"
'Oh, thank Celestia.'
"... How about we try something fresh for a change?"
Sweeping into a banked descent, Duck came down to skim the ground, circling around wide to size her up.
'Come at me across the road, you big idiot, come on...'
"... How about some alfalfa to go with all that gravel you've been eating?"
'Finally.'
With Honour on the west side of the road, up against the embankment and the ditch, Duck came charging at her from across the eastern field. He must have been roiled; his approach, though fast, was careless. He even had his hind legs kicked out behind him, rather than tucked up under his body.
This was it -- she wasn't going to get a better shot at him than this.
"Smash her right into that mud, Duck!"
"Yeah, c'mon, get her in the ditch!"
The cheers only steadied his aim right at her. Once again, she turned to face him head on, but this time, she was crouched down as low as possible on her forehooves. She could see him adjust even further down so that he'd be level with the road when he struck.
In the blink of an eye, he was almost on her, and Honour sprung her trap.
Shoving with her forelegs, she flipped herself into the air and over onto her back. As her butt connected with the edge of the road and she started to roll backwards down the embankment, she could feel his approach carried on the wind before him.
That's when she kicked out with her hind legs as hard as she could, her hips still just barely resting on the elevated roadway. Just as his head peeked over the edge of the road at her, she felt her hind legs connect with his lower torso.
She pushed in as deep as possible into what felt like soft flesh, not hard ribs.
Nor the hard armor that would have normally been there, had he not taken it off as part of the challenge. The transferred momentum from his charge sent her careening down into the wet ditch with a cold splash. Dizzied and with a few bullrushes blocking her view, all she could do was pray to Celestia she'd got him.
Luckily, the bridge chorus clued her in almost immediately.
"OOOOOOOOOOOOOH!"
"Oh, BUCK, man!"
"Holy mother of Faust!"
"DAAAAAAAMN!"
Struggling to her hooves, she saw that they all, save one, had one hoof up to their mouths in shock. The last was clutching his own groin in sympathy.
Tearing her gaze from them, Honour turned around.
'Duck' was lying on his side among the alfalfa plants, moaning loudly, and clutching his privates with both forehooves.
"Ugnnnnnnnnnn... Ohhhhhhhhhhh.... My baaa-haa-haaalllllssssss... Buuuuuuckkkkkk...."
Honour took a deep breath to settle herself, and then walked over to the injured pegasus.
He was actually crying.
It looked like she nearly blew right through the protective field. His coat still looked a little electrified, though.
Between tears, he groaned in pain, his eyes held tightly shut. "Buckin'.... crazy cheap-shottin' mare.... Damn beast outta Tartarus..."
Reaching down, she forcefully turned him over on his back, exposing his belly and face, and raised one hoof high into the air.
"Hey..."
At the sound of her voice, he opened his eyes.
She swiped down at his right temple.
"... Duck!"
He didn't even have time to blink. The instant she connected, his lights were out cold. There was a crackle in the air, and Honour felt the totem's protective field drop around her. Over at the bridge, Kilfeather's goons were shaking their heads in disbelief, muttering among themselves.
Honour Bound just went straight over to her armor and started to put it back on.
Standing just where he'd been when the fight started, Anonymous tipped his hat to her, a sly smile on his face. "Nicely done, Corporal."
"Thank you, sir."
Turning, he faced the fallow field to the East, where Glamerspear had just fired off another noisy barrage that failed to connect.
"Now, let's see if we can make it two." |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 17 | Lily Glamerspear
This was the most frustrating fight Glamerspear had ever been in. Every time she relocated, Val seemed to find a new way to ambush her.
Sit in the middle of the field? He'd break her line of sight by climbing up into the clouds, or diving behind a hill, or circling around one of the wooded areas. Then, while she was going crazy trying to re-acquire, he seemed to find the perfect direction to break cover and ambush her from. Again.
If she took up a position at the edge of the field, next to the tree-line, hoping to isolate his approach vectors? Well, then he managed to cut through the forest itself, dodging trees to slam into her shield from behind.
If a bunch of trees wouldn't stop him, how about using a thicket of bushes as cover? He couldn't blow through those, but he still found a way to sneak above or around them to strike.
Regardless of where she took up a firing position, the pattern remained the same: he struck and then retreated. She'd drop shields and launch a volley. He'd dodge the volley and break her line-of-sight. She'd grumble, raise shields, and relocate. He'd manage to figure out exactly where she was, and figure out a new way to sneak up on her.
Wash, rinse, repeat. Not even the Changeling invasion was this infuriating! Granted, the Changelings were a lot more dangerous. There were enough of them that it was actually a serious threat to her shield. With just Val banging on her projected force field, he was clearly playing the long game, hoping to wear her out slowly. Or hoping she would make a mistake, like forgetting to raise it, allowing him to clobber her.
The truth was that all the shooting and shield-swapping was taking a toll on her. Glamerspear's reserves of mana were considerable, but not unlimited. But it was mental frustration, not magical exhaustion, that was really wearing on her right then.
"C'mon, Ice, she's sitting under that tree like a rotten apple full of worms!"
And Val's goon squad wasn't helping.
The only solace she had at the moment was the fact that Honour Bound had clearly won her fight. There'd been a burst of gasps and horrified hooting from the spectator squadron, and then Lily saw Honour Bound stand up without her opponent anywhere in sight. Running these battles simultaneously was still a good idea, but it looked like momentum had a role to play anyway. If she could get even one or two rounds to connect with 'Icepone', things would look even better!
"Wakey-wakey, sleepy-head!"
'Damn it!'
She felt two hooves connect with the top of her shield, which now had the consistency less of a solid brick wall and more of a firm bouncy bubble. A tough bouncy bubble, but still. The bastard actually dove straight down toward her lone tree, and found a path through its branches to strike at her from the one direction she had thought safe!
Aha, but he'd made a mistake!
She was so low to the ground that he couldn't translate that vertical descent into horizontal speed after his attack. He was accelerating away from her, but he'd started from almost a complete stop.
It was the perfect time to strike.
She took her time to line up the shot, then fired a satisfyingly long eight-round burst.
Keeping him in sight, she watched her bolts travel towards him. Time seemed to slow down as they hurtled forward.
'Come on, come on...'
It didn't even look like he'd be able to dodge them!
But just as they were closing in, Val suddenly rolled his body toward her and swiped out with his right forehoof.
Glamerspear's jaw dropped. He batted the spear-tips away with his sabot -- the ultimate humiliation.
Val gave her a cheeky salute. "You tossing garbage my way, Lily-baby? Try harder next time!"
'HOW!?'
Oh, buck, she'd forgotten to drop her shield before firing! The bucking thing had interfered with her own shots, slowing them down so that he didn't even have to dodge! That bucked-up bucking bucker bucked her bucking bullets!
Seething, she looked for a new hiding-place.
She had to get her head screwed on straight again, or else she'd keep making mistakes like that.
And then he'd really have her.
Which would put everything on Sparkshower.
Lily wouldn't say she couldn't do it, but she'd rather not put her in that position. Besides, those bucking bastards deserved to be cleanly swept by her crew!
Artemis Sparkshower
Right then, all Sparkshower could feel was the pulsing sound of her own heart pounding. Calculating that she was going to limit her counter-attacks, Joker had started to repeatedly attack her from above, never quite striking long enough or hard enough that he would be forced to stay in her reach.
Still, she couldn't let his attacks go unchallenged. And since she didn't know when, if ever, he was going to come in long enough to give her the chance to make a counter-strike, she had decided to be proactive. That meant using alternating banked turns to climb, and working her longspear for all it was worth, thrusting and slicing whenever Joker approached. She was keeping him at bay, and she'd nearly reached the cloud cover, but the effort had been exhausting.
"Ooh, we're getting awfully close to those nasty-looking clouds now, aren't we? But don't worry, I'll make sure we don't reach them!"
At least dodging the considerable reach of her weapon had kept him mostly quiet until now. Beside the inevitable laughter and giggle every time he got a blow in, or narrowly avoided her own, of course. Twisting her head around as she changed tack to a left bank, Sparkshower craned her neck back to see what was coming next.
This time, he was opting to attack from outside her bank.
She readied her spear against his charge.
But instead of striking her armor and tasting her spear, he dived low underneath her. It was all she could do to just relax her muscles as he blew through her lower wing, dislodging a few feathers as he went. All his strike really accomplished was interrupting her banked turn and dropping her a few hooves down.
But attacking a fellow pegasus' wing, in a formal duel? That was beyond the pale, especially for a distinguished member of the Royal Guard! Or, perhaps it was just an honest mistake? Maybe he dived only to avoid her spear at the last moment?
"What's the matter, filly? Everypony knows that dragons don't have feathers, ha-ha-hee!"
'He was serious!'
After all the terror he'd caused her, was this fight just one big joke to him? As he circled around, Sparkshower banked over again to the right, keeping her thickly-armored back to him. In Cloudsdale, deliberately attacking a wing was grounds to immediately halt a duel with a loss to the instigator. But they were so far up and away from everypony on the ground it was doubtful that any of them would have seen that.
Except maybe Glamerspear, with her fancy magnifying optics.
If she was even looking their way.
Which she probably wasn't.
No, it was just herself, all alone up there with this... this... this miserable, dishonorable, shameful excuse for a Guardspony!
She found that her fear of facing a formidable foe had been replaced with something else.
Righteous anger.
Glamerspear was right; Valiant and his squadron were just a bunch of uncivilized thugs!
Well, she knew just how to deal with that.
It would mean taking even longer to reach the cloud cover, but by making sure to hold her wings lightly when he moved in to strike, she could avoid him doing any serious damage. Tucking them in would be even better, but Joker moved so quickly that it would be too risky a proposition. If she tucked them in too early, she'd lose more altitude. If she tucked them in too late, her muscles would still be taut when he struck, and he might actually injure her. No, keeping them loose was the best way to approach the engagement.
And although Joker was sinking to despicable means, perhaps it was a good sign, after all. After all, it was just as Drill Sergeant Mareline Tandem had taught her, way back in Pegasus Individual Armour Training:
'When an enemy decides to attack your wings, it's because they have given up trying to penetrate your armor.'
Did that mean Joker was starting to give up?
She sure hoped so.
Honour Bound
Honour Bound was presently watching Specialist Glamerspear fail.
"What's wrong, Corporal?"
She shook her head. "It's Glamerspear, sir. I should have known this would happen."
Beside her, the Royal Engineer was watching the air-versus-anti-air duel with concern. "I can see that things don't seem to be going her way, but could you explain to me why?"
She turned up to face him. "Specialist Glamerspear is used to working in a battery, sir. Her helmet doesn't have the magnification needed to keep track of Lieutenant Kilfeather beyond her maximum firing range."
There was more shouting from in front of her, so she looked away from her VIP.
"... And all that galloping around she's doing is pointless, though I can see why she thinks she has to do it."
Out in the field, Glamerspear sent another failed volley after a retreating 'Icepone'.
"... She needs somepony who can keep eyes on target, to call it out, and to tell her when to shield and when to fire."
Over at the bridge, the peanut gallery chimed in on the latest exchange.
"Glam keeps throwing out the spam!"
"Yeah, except this meat's gone rotten, haw-haw!"
"Go, Ice! Dodge that trash!"
Squinting as she watched Lieutenant Kilfeather make his way off into the distance once more, Honour barely noticed Anonymous' footsteps as he walked away from her. In ten seconds, the pegasus was completely beyond visual range. It was almost impressive that Glamerspear had been holding it together so far. In her place, Honour would probably be going nuts by now.
"Excuse me, gentlecolts!"
Over by the bridge, Anonymous spoke out loudly, and the remainder of Valiant's squadron all turned to face him.
She hoped he wasn't about to provoke something foolish.
"... May I take it from your behavior that providing verbal support to the duelists is within the rules?"
Most of the pegasi, and both of the earth ponies, looked like they barely understood what he meant. The rest wore a look of disgust.
'Applewood', the one with a mustache, shot a glance to his compatriots before speaking up. "Yeah, sure, 'm'lord'. You go ahead and provide all the 'verbal support' you want."
Anonymous tipped his top hat. "Capital, gentlecolts; my thanks."
He was walking back Honour's way. Strange. Did the Royal Engineer expect to form a two-pony rival cheer-leading team for Glamerspear? Additional distracting voices were probably the last thing she needed right then.
Anonymous pointed at her as he gingerly made his way down the embankment, heading towards the tents. "Corporal, tell Glamerspear to set up a firing position as close as possible to the road here, and order her to stay put."
That's when she realized that he wasn't heading for the tents, he was headed for the carriage. Maybe he had something back there to help out?
Glamerspear had her shield back up again and was looking around for a new place to set up.
"Specialist! Hey, Specialist!"
Could she not hear Honour under that fancy helmet of hers?
"SPECIALIST GLAMERSPEAR!" The unicorn's head swiveled around to her, and she started trotting her way. Pointing one hoof at the nearest little peak in the fallow farmer's field, Honour cupped the other one to her mouth. "Set up on that hill and await further instructions!"
Glamerspear nodded, and broke into a gallop towards the indicated position.
OK, so that was step one.
Over at the carriage, Anonymous was hunched over the luggage-box at the back of the coach, digging through the various surveying equipment the two of them had hunted for almost all day yesterday. As Glamerspear took up her post, her shield raised, she looked over at the corporal, expectantly.
She couldn't offer anything more but to hold up a hoof as a sign for her to wait.
At last, she could see Anonymous trotting back towards her, a large, heavy-looking metal object slung over his shoulder.
It was a pair of enormously large, strange-looking brass binoculars. She remembered that device; it was one of the most troublesome items to acquire yesterday. What was it called again?
Honour gave it some thought. 'Something about 'range...''
'A 'Coincidence Rangefinder,'' that's what it was.
Recalling her discussions with the Royal Engineer, she remembered that it was some kind of device for determining how far any object was, even if its size wasn't known. All she really knew was that he had spotted it in a supply catalogue, he had insisted that a pair be lent to him. The palace depot commander had tried to stonewall him, saying it was an extremely precious piece of equipment, normally used only on boats, and that they didn't stock such items in the palace anyway. Her VIP hadn't relented, looming over the commander and waving Celestia's writ. In the end, two of the depot underlings had wound up having to gallop halfway out of the city, all the way down to the riverside naval depot, to get it for him.
At the time, Honour Bound hadn't asked what it was for, since Anonymous had sent her to collect a few items from the palace warehouse shelves personally. Right then, all she could tell was that it looked very, very heavy, watching as Anonymous struggled up the hill to come up beside her.
"Wasn't there a tripod with that, sir?"
"Yes, but I'm too tall for it, and anyways the mount was designed for naval gunnery and won't allow me to look straight up." Hefting the huge thing off of his shoulder, he gently placed it down on the ground and crouched low to get a solid grip.
"... Let me know if you see him before me, Corporal."
Both of them started to scan the sky, searching for Lieutenant Kilfeather. And Glamerspear was out there searching for him, too.
His last two strikes were from down low, and he'd escaped from down low last time as well. Something told her that next time, he'd be using the cloud cover.
That's when she spotted him.
"There, sir, two o'clock, very high!"
He followed her hoof to where Icepone was coming in for another attack run. At that distance, he was on Glamerspear in seconds, crashing into her shield while she was looking the other way completely.
Anonymous stood up again with the enormous device in his hands. He had to swing his arms just to bring it up to his eyes, and Bound saw him lean back from the weight of it, grunting with the effort. She doubted he'd be able to hold it very steady, or for very long. There was a ticking noise while he twisted a ring on the right barrel, following Kilfeather's retreat up into the sky. Eventually, the pegasus was completely out of her sight, although Anonymous still seemed to be following him.
The seconds stretched out as she waited for the next step.
That's when Anonymous bellowed out a command in a voice louder than all the drill sergeants at Fort Horseshoe Bend put together.
"THREE, TARGET PEGASUS, SEVEN O'CLOCK HIGH, RANGE: FIFTEEN HUNDRED METERS, STEADY LEFT!"
Glamerspear turned to face them both, and the look on her face was one of utter confusion.
Suggested background music: Jan Dusek and Varhan Orchestrovič Bauer - 'This is War', from 'ArmA 3: Malden' [2017]
The corporal shot her an angry glare and pointed North with one hoof, then swept out seven o'clock with the second. Glamerspear seemed to get it, reorienting her body with the polar axis and scanning the sky behind her for her target.
"TARGET: SIX O'CLOCK HIGH, RANGE: THIRTEEN HUNDRED METRES, APPROACHING LEFT!"
Kilfeather was still way beyond visual range, but Glamerspear still had her shield up.
"Sir, you'll want her to lower her shields until he gets too close."
He bellowed again. "SHIELDS DOWN!"
Out in the field, the unicorn's shield instantly dropped.
"FIVE O'CLOCK MEDIUM, TWELVE HUNDRED METERS, DESCENDING APPROACHING LEFT!"
Honour heard the Royal Engineer grunt as he took a step to rotate in place. With a deep breath, he rolled his shoulders and tried to brace himself.
"FOUR O'CLOCK MEDIUM, RANGE ELEVEN HUNDRED, DESCENDING STEADY LEFT!"
"Naw, naw, EIGHT O'CLOCK, yeah! EIGHT O'CLOCK, RANGE: YOUR BUTT!"
"Six o'clock!"
"Twelve o'clock!"
Over at the bridge, the rest of Kilfeather's squadron had cottoned on to what the Royal Engineer was doing, and were trying to run interference. They were loud, but even if they all worked together as a chorus, Honour Bound doubted they could match the lungs of the Royal Engineer.
"THREE O'CLOCK LOW, RANGE ONE THOUSAND, ASCENDING APPROACHING LEFT!"
This must be it; he was on the deck at a thousand meters and popping up to gain some elevation before the final dive.
As loud as Anonymous was, there was no way Kilfeather should have any idea he'd been spotted. When he got a little closer, maybe he'd even think he'd hit the jackpot, what with Glamerspear's shield being down.
"TWO O'CLOCK MEDIUM, RANGE NINE HUNDRED, APPROACHING LEFT!"
That announcement was followed by another groan. Anonymous' arms were starting to shake under the weight. But it looked like Glamerspear had spotted her target, as she'd turned to face the Lieutenant. There was something funny going on above her head, though. Where there should have been three or four waiting magical spear-tips, Honour could see twenty.
And more were popping in to join them.
'Is she all right?'
Lily Glamerspear
"ONE O'CLOCK MEDIUM, RANGE EIGHT HUNDRED, APPROACHING LEFT!"
How in Equestria could one creature be so loud?
Glamerspear wasn't so much hearing the Royal Engineer as she was feeling his voice somehow echo inside her skull. Some kind of magic?
Either way, thanks to him and those goofy big binoculars, she was finally drawing a bead on Kilfeather on his way in. At this range, he was still little more than a speck, but a speck that was getting bigger by the second.
This was it, he was trying for a medium entry into a dive, circling around where he thought she didn't see him.
A three-round burst wouldn't be enough.
Four rounds wouldn't do, either.
Even five was just too few.
There wouldn't be any targets after this one, so she broke the normal rules of engagement and poured every drop of energy she had left into her next volley. It had to be one, single, glorious alpha strike to end the fight in one fell blow.
"TWO O'CLOCK MEDIUM, RANGE SEVEN HUNDRED, APPROACHING RIGHT!"
Five hundred meters was her maximum effective range. Should she fire when he hit the limit? Or take a chance and wait until he was closer and it would be even harder for him to dodge? He could close a hundred meters in the blink of an eye.
She settled on four hundred -- at that range, he'd just barely have gotten a decent look at her, while he'd be a decent target in her optics. Meanwhile, for ammunition, all she could think was 'more, more, more,' loading up spear after spear. She didn't even want to look up; there were probably thirty or more rounds up there ready to go. She felt her sweat pooling in her coat.
"THREE O'CLOCK MEDIUM, RANGE SIX HUNDRED, APPROACHING STRAIGHT!"
'Any second now...'
Her breathing became labored as her vision started to blur. She blinked rapidly to clear the haze, but it didn't go away. And the haze was... purple!
'Oh, buck, are you manaburning yourself?'
"FIVE-FIFTY!!"
'Wait... just how many rounds did I load?'
She did not dare break eye contact with her target for even a second. But she started to feel a crushing weight on her back.
"FIVE HUNDRED!"
The physical consequences of severely overloading her horn didn't matter now. She would deal with the manaburn blowback after she got this shot off.
"FOUR HUNDRED!"
"FEEL THE WRATH OF A CENTURION OF THE RAM!"
Required watching: Centurion C-RAM engages mortar on test range; go full-screen and fast-forward to 0:40
In her magnified targeting view, Glamerspear watched what must have been thousands of spear-tips go hurling toward Kilfeather. She was completely deafened by the effect, and could feel her stomach turning from the manaburn recoil.
'Oh, I am going to feel bad in a second or two.'
But probably not as bad as Valiant felt right then. Hundreds of rounds flew past him, but hundreds more thundered home, crashing into his body and armor. In the blink of an eye, his sabots were pounded straight off of his hooves. He barely got his forelegs up in time to cover his face, before his criniere was shredded and his helmet went tumbling off.
Meanwhile, what had once been a magnificent pair of feathered wings had been reduced to nothing more than two fleshy stalks and a white puff of smoke.
More telekinetic rounds sliced up the straps of his pectoral piece and sent it hurtling off behind him.
Then it was the sheer weight of all those spear-tips, blunted by the protective field of the MXP totem, that sent him into an involuntary, sideways spin through their cumulative impacts. The tail end of the biggest anti-air barrage Equestria had ever seen slammed into his left flank, utterly destroying his flanchard armor.
Something desperately wanted to escape from Lily's insides. She swallowed it back down to see things out.
It only took a few seconds for Valiant 'Icepone' Kilfeather to drop to the ground, and he went down hard. What little remained of his armor plating went careening off as he tumbled sideways through the field, like a barrel flung off of Canterlot's highest peak.
Finally, he came to a stop, and he didn't get up.
'YES!! Got you, you sucker!'
She tasted bile in her mouth.
'...Uh-oh.'
Lily's friend from down below had started knocking again, and she keeled over forward. |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 18 | Honour Bound
Corporal Honour Bound, with her hooves held to her ears, was watching her victorious unicorn comrade puke her very guts out. Holy Celestia, how could one pony even have that much inside them? Did she eat the entire buffet at breakfast this morning?
But at least she was still standing.
...Mostly.
More importantly, that enormous volley, which was probably loud enough to be heard all the way back in Canterlot, seemed to have utterly annihilated Lieutenant Kilfeather. The humor squad over at the bridge had collectively dropped their jaws to the ground in shock. To Honour's left, Anonymous was flat on his back, knocked over by the report of Glamerspear's incredible attack. Cradling the immense coincidence-rangefinder binoculars, he struggled to his feet before slinging the rangefinder over his shoulder. The Royal Engineer took a moment to survey the scene of carnage and sickness before him.
"Corporal, are you absolutely certain that 'totem' is protecting everypony?"
She nodded. "Believe me, sir, things get just as brutal during the MXP Games, and nopony winds up going away with anything worse than aches and pains. Although, I've never seen a unicorn suffer third-degree acute mana poisoning under its effects before..."
She kept her eyes on Glamerspear, seeking to make sure she was okay. After Glamerspear finished throwing up more than enough to fill up what would surely be Equestria's most disgusting swimming pool, Honour watched the unicorn finally catch her breath.
"... It must be working, because under normal circumstances, she'd be in so much pain that she wouldn't be able to stand up."
Taking a deep breath of exasperation, Anonymous lifted his hat and wiped his brow. "Well, that's two. Let's see if Sparkshower can make it three. In the meantime, I'm going to put these bloody things away before I damage them."
Slowly, he trudged off toward the edge of the road.
"Sir, you might as well call the carriage back. We've earned the right to continue on our way, at least."
"Good idea, Corporal."
Hefting the heavy weight up further on his shoulder, he put two fingers up to his mouth and blew a sharp whistle. Down by the tents, their two carriage-pullers looked up, saw him beckoning them back, and then started to hitch themselves back up to the coach.
Out in the field, Honour Bound watched Glamerspear wipe her mouth with a hoof scarcely cleaner than what she was wiping. Well, that was two of them covered in muck, now. All things considered, Honour had come out light with just some bruises, dust, and a coat full of mud. Glamerspear was going to need to park herself in the Hobble river for a good, long time to get rid of that.
Now that Glamerspear was done, though, she didn't head for the shore. Instead, she went galloping straight toward the tip of the enormous, smouldering gash that the defeated Lieutenant Kilfeather had torn in the ground. It seemed she took off too fast, too soon, because she was soon hunched over again, giving a little encore performance. But soon she was off again, paying no heed to what her body was trying to tell her. Once she reached Kilfeather, her horn lit up. That was an extraordinarily risky maneuver after what had just happened, but it seemed she was all out of sick for now. And besides, all she did with it was pick up some piece of his armor that had landed a few meters away.
It was his helmet -- completely wrecked, and twisted into an almost unrecognizable form, but the little remaining bit of the decorative brush gave it away. Glamerspear slowly walked back toward the road, holding her prize. For a pony whose face, neck, chest, and hooves were covered in barf, she looked unbelievably pleased with herself.
Honour turned to look at Anonymous, who was looking up at the western sky as he waited for the coach to return.
Just how far up there did Sparkshower and Joker get? Would she even be able to see them from down there?
Artemis Sparkshower
Specialist Artemis Sparkshower was so close to the clouds she could already feel the mist. But in response, Joker had redoubled his efforts to stop her. Trying to smash her feathers wasn't enough; now he was attacking her wing-arms themselves. But even as he managed to evade her counter-attacks, the fight was not going his way. When he struck at the outer edge of her wings, their relaxed posture meant that he did no damage. When he struck at the base at her wing-shoulders, all he got was a hoof-full of Artemis' armored epaulets.
"Golly-gee, little-filly. We're almost in the clouds, how about that?"
Another slam attack from below was easily deflected by the thick greaves on her forelegs, and Joker went darting off to the side as she poked her spear in his direction.
"... You'd better spit out your name before we get up in there, or else how are we going to play hide-and-seek?"
Joker's frustration was obvious from his voice. And from the manner of his flight, too.
Gone were the big boom-and-zoom attacks. Now he was using short controlled flaps to dodge Sparkshower's spear attacks and get inside her guard. But once he got there, his strikes, no longer backed up by so much momentum, were even more ineffective than before. And, though he'd certainly startled her at first, she was through being terrified by that miscreant scum.
As Joker darted in, and then ducked away from her spear once again before backing off to find a new angle, a loose puff of cloud floated by, giving Artemis pause. If he was no longer a threat, did she even need to hide in the clouds? Wouldn't it be better to invite him to keep up his pointless attacks, and tire him out more quickly?
True, there was the threat to her wings, but so what? Artemis' position in the Royal Guard required her to maintain class 'A' flight skill with a minimum of a level seven endurance rating, and at her last examination she'd beaten that and scored a ten! And an A-10 like her was supposed to be able to make it back to base on just half a wing. What good was Joker's required AAA flight skill doing him now? And his MOS only required level five endurance rating.
She was tired and terrified at the start, trying to gain altitude as quickly as possible, but now, taking things more slowly had left her wing-muscles feeling far more comfortable, despite the sting from the earlier effort.
Meanwhile, Joker was looking pretty ragged. He could still turn on a ten-bit-piece, but only at slow speeds. Joker circle-strafed around in front of her, sizing her up. Even as she watched him warily, spear held close, something else caught her eye behind him.
Something big, and dark, and very puffy. And wet!
That pillar-shaped cumulonimbus cloud was raining over there!
She wouldn't have minded a little shower to cool down right then. As brisk as the air was at that altitude, she had taken off her caparison to avoid damaging it in the fight, and the sun, when it shined through the clouds, really warmed up her armor.
But maybe there was somepony up there with her who could use a taste of what that cloud had to offer as well.
Joker seemed to have given up on his rapid-fire-hits tactics for now; he just continued to circle Artemis threateningly. Was he worn out, or just waiting for a moment to strike? She decided to check which it was, and make a move toward the rain-cloud.
Looking over her shoulder, she could see him following behind her, but it didn't look like he was ready for another attack quite yet.
Maybe this was really it - was he actually tired?
"Oh, are we turning it into a race now, little filly? Alright, I'm game!"
Not so tired that he would stop talking, apparently. Well, maybe that was enough, though! Pumping her wings, she raised the stakes, and her speed.
Time for this nightmare to end!
Suggested background music: Cheap Trick - 'Mighty Wings', from 'Top Gun' [1985]
Holding her spear close, tip forward, she accelerated toward the towering column before her. Behind her, Joker was close on her tail, wearing a grin. Was he enjoying the thrill of the chase?
'Good! Get in close, 'Joker', because it's time to show him what a real airborne warrior can do!'
There was a mighty rumble from the cloud before her, like a groan of anticipation. Perhaps sensing that something was not right, Joker started to hang back. Was he afraid to dive into a storm? Some pegasus! Did he never even serve with AWACS, the Airborne Weather And Climate Service? Either way, having him stay back wouldn't suit her plans at all!
Artemis called back over her shoulder. "You want my name, 'Joker'?..."
Flapping her tail like a lure, she held her spear up high.
"... Well, come and get it! ..." Lowering her weapon again, she powered towards the cloud. "... Or are you all build-up and no punch-line?"
That certainly got his attention. He grit his teeth and powered forward after her. "Oh, I'm going to get your name, little filly!"
In just a few seconds, he was right behind her again. "... You want to get to that cloud? Alright, let's go!" Perhaps as an intimidation tactic, he batted at her tail. "... In there, nopony will be able to see what I'm going to do to you, ha-ha-ha!"
'Just keep coming, buster, and you'll get what's coming to you.'
The pillar of thunderous rain loomed closer. It wouldn't be long, now.
Everything depended on making the perfect turn. She gripped her spear tightly and tucked her legs in, reducing her moment of inertia. Another grumble from the storm-cloud, and this time it was deafeningly close. But this time, Joker paid the warning signs no heed, enraged by her taunt. As the first stray puffs of misty clouds start to pass her by, Sparkshower tucked her wings in, reducing her speed.
Her pursuer matched her move, holding back rather than overshooting her. Was it a lingering fear of the storm-cloud? Or was it because he knew he couldn't do a darn thing to her armor? Either way, after she flew through another big poof-ball cloud, breaking his line-of-sight, she suddenly powered forward again.
All she needed was to get a little bit ahead of him...
As soon as he passed through the cloud, he saw the distance she'd opened up. "Oh, so it's stop-and-go tricks in the clouds? I'm gonna come over there and make you scream your name for me!"
'Now!'
She splayed her wings wide and banked over into a sharp, 180-degree turn to face him.
"My name..."
Seeing his chance to strike at her unprotected face, Joker lunged forward. As she came about, she thrust her spear at him. At the apex of her swing, she let go. Instantly reacting, he swung one of his forehooves to bat away the now-unattended weapon. But just before his sabot connected, he noticed that she'd also kicked out behind her.
And his eyes went wide, his expression turning to horror.
"... is ARTEMIS SPARKSHOWER!"
As her hoof connected with the cloud behind her, his sabot connected with the spear -- The spear whose metal shaft was still poking a solid five hooves into the storm-cloud proper.
Agitated by her kick, the towering column of water and electricity lashed out in anger. And the closest conduit was none other than Joker, thanks to her metal lightning-rod of a weapon. Sparks crackle below her, and she shut her eyes, anticipating what was to come.
There was a furious crash and a deafening thunderclap, both accompanied by a blinding flash of light. When she'd unclenched her eyes, Joker was rocketing backwards away from her, hurtling towards the ground in a flaming fireball.
'Yeah, take that!'
Before it could fall too far, Sparkshower ducked down and grabbed hold of her weapon once more.
'Holy thundershowers, did I just win?!'
"Woooooo!"
Honour Bound
There was a fireball headed right for the alfalfa field in front of Honour.
Oh, she just prayed that it wasn't Sparkshower.
Just before it crashed into the ground, the flames burned themselves out, and she caught a glimpse of purple.
'That's not Sparkshower.'
Coming in at a forty-five-degree angle, the smoldering remains of Kilfeather's second-in-command slammed into the field before her with a gritty thud, throwing up an enormous plume of dirt, gravel, and greenery.
"That's three for three."
Beside her, the Royal Engineer had traded the massive naval-issue coincidence-rangefinder gunnery binoculars for a simple pair of light reconnaissance ones, and he saw the whole thing with a close-up view. He turned up to the sky, where something golden and shiny was descending after Joker.
"... And here comes Specialist Sparkshower. She appears to be unharmed."
"Awright, nice one, Sparks!"
Behind the corporal, Glamerspear pumped a soggy hoof in the air and crammed another saltine cracker in her mouth. After taking Icepone's helmet as her personal trophy, she'd dived into the Hobble river for a bath, and then raided the supply tents for salty snacks to replenish her electrolytes.
Anonymous walked away from the carriage, heading toward the bridge, and the two of them followed after in a right echelon, leaving Sparkshower's original spot in the 'V' open.
By the time she was standing before the totem, and what remained of the air-defense squadron, Sparkshower had returned with a huge grin on her face, taking up her airborne position.
"Well, gentlecolts, I must say, for my part it's been an honor and a privilege to participate in this ancient Equestrian martial tradition..."
Sullen and shell-shocked faces stared back at him.
"... I'm sure that my retainers feel the same way."
Honour Bound didn't say anything, but behind her on her right, Glamerspear spat out a cracker and piped up. "Yeah! We were in it to win it! By Appointment to Their Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Royal Engineer LORD Anonymous and his Equestrian Life Guards!"
Sparkshower chimed in right after her. "Special butt-kicking platoon!"
"Buck yeah! Hoof me, Sparks!"
Honour heard the clanging noise of an armored high-hoof. Followed almost immediately by a muffled 'Ow!' from Glamerspear.
Looks like she forgot the first rule of high-hoofing: never high-hoof somepony wearing heavier sabots than you.
"Now, gentlecolts, I regret to inform you that as much as I'd love to stay and feast the dignified end of this noble hastilude, I'm afraid I have urgent business in Bitsmount, and must bid you adieu. Kindly evacuate the bridge, please."
With glum looks exchanged between them, the still-standing members of the Canterlot First Air Superiority Wing broke into two groups and headed toward their fallen comrades. One of the earth ponies grabbed the totem and dragged it out of the way, while the other took up position at the side of the bridge, raised his spear and stood at attention.
Anonymous turned to Honour. "Corporal Bound, my congratulations and thanks for what you and your squad have accomplished..." Then he started toward the coach. "... But we've wasted enough time here; let's get on with our mission."
"Yes, sir."
Sparkshower and Glamerspear were both beaming.
"Well, specialists? Back to your posts!"
The two of them snapped to parade rest.
"Yes, Corporal!"
"Yes, Corporal!"
Bowing to the majesty of the moment, Honour Bound paused to give a respectful nod to each one in turn. Exchange complete, Sparkshower took back to the air, and Glamerspear scrambled up to her box seat, a cracker-box in her mouth and her trophy-helmet still floating beside her.
Anonymous climbed up into the carriage, and the corporal followed up after him, giving a call out to her draft-ponies as she shut the door.
"Gee-up!"
Although Honour was dusty and bruised, Glamerspear was soaking wet, and Anonymous' trousers were stained with mud, the carriage seemed to pull forward with a dignified grace that it didn't quite have earlier that morning.
Out the window, Bound saw the spear-pony guard still at attention.
One thing was for sure.
After running a gauntlet like this, Bitsmount should be a push-over. |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 19 | Honour Bound
"Reporting for duty, sir."
Turning his head, Anonymous welcomed Honour Bound with a slight smile. "Hello again, Corporal. Enjoy your lunch?"
"Yes, sir."
Shutting the door as she took up her appointed position in front of it, Corporal Honour Bound assumed her duty as bodyguard to the Very Important Pony (who isn't actually a pony), Anonymous, By Appointment To Their Majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the Royal Engineer of Equestria.
It was a little after one o'clock on Sunday, and Corporal Bound had just returned from her lunch break. Anonymous was sitting on the sofa, his back to the door, with a glass of water in one hand and the day's newspaper in the other.
And there was something that had been gnawing at Honour's mind ever since yesterday's battle at Newstirrup Bridge.
"Could I have a moment of your time, sir?"
Her VIP twisted around again to face her. "Yes, Corporal? Is there a problem?"
Honour closed her eyes and took a deep breath, before exhaling through her nose and opening her eyes as she started. "I wanted to apologize for my actions yesterday..."
Anonymous lifted an eyebrow as she spoke.
"... You relied on me to make the correct decision regarding the 'Pas de Sabots', and I let you down by making the wrong choice. I want to apologize for the incident; it won't happen again."
Anonymous let the paper drop into his lap and turned around even more, draping his arm on the back of the sofa. "Are you second-guessing yourself, Corporal, just as I was doing yesterday? That's a slippery slope to fall down."
She shook her head. "It's not a guess, sir. Opting to fight was the wrong decision. Without your intervention, we would have lost the battle."
"What makes you so certain?"
"My own observations during the fight. Both Specialist Sparkshower and Specialist Glamerspear have said so as well."
"I see. I take it there was some discussion that occurred upstairs, after we returned to the palace last night?"
'Some discussion' was a technically correct summary of, 'Sparkshower and Glamerspear yammered away at each other about the battle until the early hours of the morning.'
"There was, sir."
"Well, Corporal, I'm afraid I can't accept your apology..." The Royal Engineer put down his drink and stood up, facing her. Shrugging his shoulders, he casually slipped his hands into the pockets of his trousers. "... Because I don't understand what you're apologizing for. You won, just like you said you would. Where's the failure?"
It didn't come as a surprise to her that the Royal Engineer would want to dig into the root of the matter.
"Sir, I made the decision to fight without taking into account the fact that Sparkshower had no experience in one-on-one aerial duels, or the fact that Glamerspear was not trained as a solo anti-air unit."
Anonymous stepped around from behind the couch and walked up in front of her. "When you made the decision, did you even know those facts, Corporal?"
"I did not, sir. I realized them only afterwards."
Her VIP shrugged his shoulders again and shook his head. "Then what are you apologizing for? You made a decision with incomplete information; it's only natural that the decision might have been wrong."
"As the leader of your bodyguard detail, sir, it's my job to know the abilities of the soldiers under my leadership. I failed you in that duty."
"You've known Glamerspear and Sparkshower a long time, then?"
"No, sir. We met just before Lieutenant Violetta presented us all to you."
Honour Bound's mind drifted back to less than a week ago when this assignment started. It was just supposed to involve guarding a colt who sat in his office and did paperwork all day, not squaring off against Equestria's finest air duellists.
"That doesn't seem to me like very long at all, but if you think you should have known, then I'll accept your apology for that."
"I do, sir; thank you."
Anonymous nodded. "All right, then it's settled. Apology accepted."
Honour returned the gesture in thanks, and the Royal Engineer stepped away from her, over to the wall mirror beside the doors and leaned in to inspect himself. Brushing some crumbs off of his cuffs, he adjusted his cravat.
"I should apologize as well, Corporal Bound..." Satisfied with his appearance, he glanced over at her. "... Perhaps I made it seem like your choice was between fighting or handing over a hostage. But if you'd said 'no' to battle, my next question was going to be whether you thought Sparkshower would be safe. And if you'd answered 'no' once again, we would have simply turned around and come back..."
The Royal Engineer turned and looked over at the large lighthouse clock in the center of the room. Inside its glass bell, it was marking the time as a quarter after two.
"... I wasn't going to hoof over one pony for abuse, while trying to investigate another for corruption." He turned to face her once more. "... If I made you think otherwise, then I apologize, and shall endeavour to be clearer in the future."
"That's good to hear, sir. Thank you."
As he walked back toward the sofa, there was a quiet knock on the door behind her.
She turned and pulled open one of the doors just a crack. A colt dressed in an elegant red jacket and wearing a stern expression stood facing her on the other side. "Mister Mustang is here to see the Royal Engineer."
Honour nodded, and shut the door to address her VIP. "Sir? Mr. Mustang is here to see you."
Anonymous, halfway into sitting back down, stood up again. "Ah, good; please let him in."
Turning back to the door, Honour depressed the handles and allowed both doors to swing wide open. The same colt came walking in, accompanied by two mares and another colt, all wearing a matching set of uniforms that made them look like bellhops at a fancy hotel. But their heavy sabots and the soft clinking of metal bands sewn into their clothing made it clear they were the bodyguards of somepony very important.
Not unlike yesterday, she got the feeling like she'd just been ambushed by an imposing force.
'Wait... 'Mr. Mustang?'
"Ah, Anonymous, it is good to see you again!"
"Mr. Mustang, it's been too long!"
The bodyguards parted to let in a large, well-dressed colt with a big moustache hanging under a large nose that supported a pair of pince-nez glasses.
"Come now, since you're our 'Royal Engineer,' I told you to call me 'JP.'"
The Royal Engineer walked up and bent over to casually shake the hoof of one of Equestria's richest citizens.
JP Mustang.
Financier, investor, property magnate, and more.
"Sorry, JP. Old habits die hard."
"They certainly do. But that's why you're here, after all: to kill off some old habits."
Anonymous smiled and beckoned towards the pair of club chairs set next to each other, and the two of them stepped away from the doorway. Without even looking in her direction, JP Mustang's escorts closed the doors and imposed themselves in front of and beside them. Honour was forced to take a position further off to one side.
"I prefer to think of it as introducing new ones, JP."
"Call it as you please, Anon. Either way it's an exciting prospect for the future."
Anonymous offered a glass of water to the pony who owned a sizable chunk of the whole country, pouring it himself from the carafe on one of the end tables. 'JP' took it with a smile, sat down in the left chair, before pulling out a cigar from a vest pocket and placing it in his mouth. As Anonymous sat down beside him, the financier started to fish around in his pocket for some matches, before stopping, embarrassed.
"Oh, I forgot; you asked me not to smoke in here, didn't you."
"I don't want to deny you your creature comforts, JP, but I'd appreciate it."
JP grinned with his teeth and batted a hoof in the air. "Ah, well, it tastes fine unlit, and anyways I'm just stopping in for a quick visit, so you won't be denying me for very long, ha-ha!"
His laugh was quick and brusque, more of a 'huh-huh' than a 'ha-ha.' Anonymous just smiled and leaned back in the chair, folding his hands.
"So, what business brings you to Canterlot this weekend?"
The colt chewed on the cigar a bit; holding it in his mouth made his Manehattan straight accent sound more like an Appleloosa drawl. "Business itself, that's all. There's deals to be made and papers to be signed that can't be done over in Manehattan. Sometimes you just have to go to the head of matters..." Leaning back, he pulled the cigar out of his mouth and licked his lips. "... But there is something I wanted to bring up with you. It's about Galloway Bitsmount."
He paused briefly, watching Anonymous' reaction. "... I understand you paid him a little visit yesterday."
The Royal Engineer unfolded his hands. "When I heard about the mine collapse, I decided to make an inspection, yes."
JP put the cigar back in his mouth. "Don't mince words with me, son. You did more than just inspect."
Honour's VIP rubbed his hands together, his elbows on his knees. "Well, when I determined he wasn't following standards for safe mine operation, I served him with a warrant to show himself at Day Court."
There was a long pause.
JP Mustang turned the cigar over, moving it to the other side of his mouth.
Finally, he took a deep breath. "It is a real shame, you know. Risking pony lives trying to save some bits on timber. These young fellows sometimes..." JP Mustang closed his eyes and shook his head, leaning forward. "... They think money amounts to everything in life. But it is the loss of life that counts. It is that frightful death."
He opened his eyes.
Anonymous said nothing, so the colt settled back into his chair again. "... I'm not here to tell you he is innocent. But he is a friend of mine, and since you are, too, I'm here to ask you to give him a second chance."
Anonymous rubbed his chin. "JP, he's been treating the Equestrian Rescue 'Wonderbirds' as his private clean-up squad for so long, they considered stationing a permanent detachment in Bitsmount Town. And he could have gotten somepony killed with his bit-pinching."
The financier raised his eyebrows and pulled the cigar out of his mouth to point at Anonymous with it. "I know that. And he knows it, too," came his brusque reply. Replacing the cigar, he composed himself once more, and spoke evenly. "... Believe me, you got to him right and proper when you served him with that warrant. He wrote me a letter that sounded like he was going to burst into tears. So I'm not here to get him off the hook, Anon; I'm here to ask you to hoof over his correction to me."
JP put one hoof to his chest.
"... You know I don't care much for the public stage. Well, he's the same way, and I can appreciate what it means to him. If you can keep him out of the day court, then I'll make sure there's never another incident at Bitsmount Mine."
Anonymous sighed and shook his head. "I can't, JP. That warrant really did come directly from Her Majesty. If he doesn't show up, then she'll ask me if his mine is all right after all, and what will I tell Her Royal Majesty, then?"
The colt raised his eyebrows and his voice. "I'm not suggesting that you lie to Equestria's divine ruler, Anonymous. Go ahead and tell Her Royal Majesty that Bitsmount is a scoundrel. I'm just asking that you do it in private, rather than let him be dragged through the mud. Believe me, I am going to put some very tight reins on him for a long time. He'll be chomping at the bit."
The Royal Engineer gestured with his hands. "But it's not just about punishment, JP. It's about sending a message -- he's not the only mine-owner who was doing this, he's just the one who was doing it the most flagrantly. Putting his misdeed out there in public tells anypony else trying to trade safety for bits that they'll be facing real consequences. When we start getting steel production up, there are going to be hundreds of mines opening up across Equestria; hundreds of would-be Galloway Bitsmounts thinking about cutting corners in order to cut out their competition. We've got to stamp it early and hard."
Staring at the Royal Engineer, JP Mustang licked his lips and shifted his cigar around, chewing on it for a few tense moments.
"You're set on this, then, are you?"
Anonymous looked apologetic. "You know I owe you my position, JP. You're the reason I'm here doing this work. I can appreciate you wanting to do a favor for a friend, and I want to do you a favor as well, but I just think this has to be done."
The financier pulled the cigar out of his mouth and stared at it, turning it over in his hoof.
"Well..." Sighing, he put it back in and chewed on it some more. "... I suppose you are right. An example has to be made. I just wish it was somepony else."
Anonymous reached for his own water-glass and picked it up. "I'm sorry, JP. I want to help you out, but I can't betray Celestia's trust."
After the Royal Engineer took a sip of water, JP waves dismissively with one hoof. "Don't apologize for following your conscience, son. The first thing in business is character; before money or anything else. Celestia's not the only one who trusts you to do the right thing."
"Thank you, Mr. Mustang."
That regression to formality seemed to amuse the millionaire. "Oh, so now it's 'Mr. Mustang' again, hmm? Alright, I suppose it's deserved..." Slowly getting to his hooves, he nodded at his bodyguards, who instantly formed up and opened the doors for him. "... Well, as I said, I'm in Canterlot for some unrelated business, and just wanted to stop in quickly to say hello."
Anonymous stood up with him. "My doors are always open for you, JP."
JP Mustang smiled, and they shook once again. "Likewise, son."
Yawning, the financier headed for the door. "... Excuse me. It's been a long train ride from Manehattan, and I came to you straight from the station. I'll take my leave and let you get back to your work."
"Of course. It was my pleasure."
With a final nod, JP Mustang left the room, his escort preceding him.
After they'd left, Anonymous sits back down in his chair and puts one hand up to his chin. His visitors' hoofsteps echoed down the hallway as Honour quietly shut the double doors.
That was a strange encounter.
The Royal Engineer seemed to be deep in thought. Even though it seemed to end amiably, JP Mustang obviously did not get what he wanted. And saying 'no' to a millionaire could have consequences...
Finally, Anonymous snapped out of his reflections and got to his feet, so Honour spoke up.
"Sir?"
"Yes, Corporal?"
"Did you know that Mr. Mustang would be visiting you this afternoon?"
The Royal Engineer reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of white card-stock. "Yes, he had his calling-card sent to me just after you left for lunch."
'So it wasn't just an ambush.'
"In the future, sir, you should apprise your guard detail of any such major visits."
"I should? Why, are you worried something might go wrong?"
"No, sir. Something did go wrong..."
Now she had his full attention.
"... You allowed yourself to be outnumbered."
Anonymous blinked, seeming confusedly amused by her suggestion. "Outnumbered? Corporal, it was a one-on-one conversation."
She wanted to express her frustration with his ignorance, but she kept her proper place. She was Anonymous' bodyguard, after all, not his fussy aunt. "I'm referring to his escort, sir. He brought four bodyguards to this meeting. You only had one. That's a breach of social contract."
Turning the calling card over in his hands, Anonymous furrowed his brow and looked it over, then glanced up at her. "Could you elaborate on that, Corporal? My knowledge of Equestrian social customs is limited."
That much was obvious. Since this was likely to come up repeatedly during her term of service, Honour decided to give him the big picture.
"The right to a retinue of bodyguards, and the size of that retinue, is tied to a pony's social standing. A VIP with fleeting fame or a minor accomplishment under their hat, like a champion of the games, a moderately successful artist, a general or war hero, or a wealthy patrician such as Mr. Bitsmount, is permitted to have one guard at a time. More notable VIPs are granted two or three; most members of the Court have at least three. Four at a time is the maximum escort size for anypony not wearing an actual crown..."
The Royal Engineer listened attentively as she lay it all out.
"... A pony may employ more than that number, of course, in order for their retinue to keep reasonable shifts, and they may have as many as they like serving in their own household, but when in public or with another member of society, those are the limits."
She nodded her head back at the door, glancing at it briefly before turning her eyes back to her VIP.
"... Mr. Mustang isn't a member of the Court, but he's wealthy and recognized enough to have earned the right to the full complement of four bodyguards, referred to as a 'quaternion.' But you're a member of the highest advisory court to the Crowns -- the privy council. Despite Mr. Mustang's accomplishments, you therefore outrank him in society, and it is considered improper for you two to meet except on equal terms, or with you holding the advantage."
Anonymous held up the calling-card. "But how would we know the size of his escort on a given day? There's nothing on this but his name and the requested time of the meeting."
She shrugged. "The exact number doesn't matter. The important thing is to show up with either your full retinue or at least as many as he could have. You may then dismiss your bodyguard detail, as desired, after he arrives. Lieutenant Violetta will be able to find out how many somepony is permitted; allocations are done in formal ceremonies and written records are kept by the Heralds of the College of Arms."
The Royal Engineer smiled at her. "All right, I understand. But then there's another problem: even if I'd called you all down here for the meeting, there are only three of you."
Honour tilted her head slightly. "Yes, sir, there are. Yet you should be eligible for four; even the guards' quarters upstairs are set up for a full quaternion."
She shrugged. "... To be honest, sir, I don't know why you were only allocated the three of us. Perhaps whoever made that decision didn't think you would be conducting private meetings with the elite of Equestrian society."
Anonymous sighed and walked over to a small card-cabinet beside his set of large bookshelves.
"Up until now, I suppose they would have been right. But that's all going to be changing with the first book entering publication."
This statement piqued her curiosity, and she craned her head to the left to follow him into his office-area. "Sir?"
The Royal Engineer quickly filed away Mr. Mustang's calling-card, before leaning back to look over at her. "Oh, I thought you knew? Well, come over and I'll show you."
Stepping away from her post, Honour joined Anonymous at the angled reading-table in front of and perpendicular to his main bureau. He gestured at an enormous, cursive-script manuscript that sat open on the bureau, its bindings loose.
"... This is it, Corporal Bound: the first major step in bringing about an industrial revolution to Equestria, and the sum total of my accomplishments here so far."
At his invitation, she leaned forward and skimmed the text. It seemed to be describing something referred to as a "steam injector," with a number of mathematical formulae describing its properties. A diagram on the opposite page showed some kind of strange plumbing apparatus.
"I'm not sure what I'm looking at, sir."
Her VIP chuckled amiably. "Well, it's a lot easier if you start from the beginning..."
Standing next to her, the Royal Engineer delicately flipped back through a few hundred sheets of paper to get to the title page.
'SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, PART 1: THEORY'
"... I assure you, I've written the text such that anypony should be able to understand it if they really put their mind to the job. What you see before you is the handwritten manuscript I produced; the accepted final draft is at the publishers', being printed and duplicated. By summer, there'll be two dozen available at the Canterlot Royal Library for whoever wants them."
She looked up at Anonymous as he continued.
"... This is what I've been doing for the last eight months: writing down every single scrap I know about scientific and industrial advancements in my world. It was my business back where I come from, but there's gaps in what I can recall, and the theory alone isn't enough: we need to start building the devices described in these pages, validating the theories and establishing the rules of engineering for each of them."
Honour turned back to the book, feeling a little more reverence for its contents. The book was easily over a thousand pages long -- and they were large pages at that, with what must have been hundreds of diagrams accompanying considerable amounts of text.
"... So, yes, for the most part I've been secluded in these chambers, meeting with others only occasionally. It's only in the last month, going back and forth with the publishing house and dealing with edits and revisions that can take days to be prepared, that I've found the time to start socializing more. I suppose that was the impetus for assigning me an escort in the first place."
Anonymous turned around and stepped over to one of his bookshelves.
"... Here, it looks much nicer in the real binding." He reached down to an enormous tome and lay it on the reading desk beside the manuscript. "... This is last week's pre-production draft; there were only a few minor typesetting errors, which I've noted in the margins."
Printed on thicker paper and properly case-bound, with a stiff, elegantly decorated leather cover wrap, it didn't just look nicer, it looked even more impressive than the already mighty manuscript alone. And this was just part one? The librarians at the Royal Library must have balked at trying to find space for two dozen copies on their shelves.
"I had no idea, sir. It looks fascinating."
"Well, if you're interested, by all means take it with you at the end of your shift. Subject to a few rules for safety, everything in here is being published publicly for the benefit of all Equestrians, after all."
"Thank you, sir. I'd like to give it a try, at least..."
She reached up and opened the cover, seeing the same title-page inside, accompanied with a signed note from the Royal Engineer.
'Reviewed March 22. See corrections pp. 83, 201, 204, 232, 253, 297, 302, 382, 787, 858, 923, 933, 1063, 1064, 1172'
Closing it again, she looked back up at her VIP. "... And as for your social situation, sir, I'm sure if you asked Lieutenant Violetta for a full quaternion, pointing out today's meeting, then one will be provided for you."
The Royal Engineer shot a glance toward the lighthouse clock in the middle of the room. "Well, perhaps we might get the ball rolling immediately, then. It's not even three o'clock yet, and the Lieutenant told me she keeps office hours on Sundays until three-thirty."
"Yes, sir." Nodding, she made her way back over to the door.
After quickly checking himself in the mirror and finishing his glass of water, the Royal Engineer walked over. She opened the door, allowed him through, shut the door behind him, and then quickly trotted up so as to walk slightly in front of and to the side of her charge. As they both proceeded down the carpeted corridor toward the barracks, there was just one question on her mind:
'Who will Lieutenant Vi assign as the fourth member of your quaternion?'
So far, Honour had a hyperactive war-hero unicorn anti-air cannon, an armored pegasus with plenty of skill but still a bit wet behind the ears, and herself: a veteran soldier who was feeling disenchanted with her career choice in the Royal Guard. But she had to admit that disenchantment had been seriously challenged by the last two days. It seemed she wouldn't be protecting a paper-pushing bureaucrat after all.
Hopefully, the fourth member would have plenty of experience with formal society. Honour could really use somepony who could help discreetly guide her fish-out-of-water VIP through Equestrian customs. Right now it was really just Glamerspear and herself who understood Canterlot society. Sparkshower was a fast learner, but she just didn't know what was going on.
A soldier from a respectable Canterlot family, with good breeding and an effortless grace in public society; that's what Anonymous needed.
She would send a message to Lieutenant Violetta after her shift to make sure it happened. Then the next meeting with JP Mustang wouldn't see her being metaphorically shoved aside by the tycoon's armored bellhops. |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 20 | George Zerofear
"After all that, he refused to do anything? Some help you were, you old goat!"
George Zerofear, bodyguard to Mr. J. P. Mustang was watching, along with three of his compatriots, as Galloway Bitsmount's lone escort sweated heavily. Probably because she was worried that Mr. Mustang was going to slap her idiot charge right in the muzzle.
After delivering his latest insult, the brash young wastrel turned around and crossed in front of Mr. Mustang's desk once more.
His boss just leaned back in his desk-chair, puffing calmly away at his cigar.
"... Well? Are you just going to sit there, JP? Or are you going to pull on the reigns of this 'friend' of yours?"
Slowly, Mr. Mustang pulled the cigar out of his mouth and gently rolled its tip against the inside edge of his ashtray.
"Your grandfather called me JP when I was a young colt, because my father financed the opening of his first shaft in Bitsmount..."
The charred end neatly popped off the end and slid into the curved base.
"... and your father called me JP when I financed the expansion that turned it into the most productive silver mine in Equestria..."
He replaced the cigar in his mouth, took a slow puff, then pulled it back out again.
George remembered how Mr. Mustang had instructed him in proper cigar etiquette, as he gave a box of his favorite brand to each of his bodyguards on Hearth's Warming Day. 'Pull it out of your mouth between puffs. If the cap becomes wet then it'll get bitter.'
Looking the younger colt right in the eye, Mr. Mustang made his pronouncement. "... You've done nothing."
That obviously wasn't just an indictment of Galloway's business acumen. Everypony knew he spent all his time throwing wild parties at his villa. The scandalous photos from said events practically had their own section in 'Canterlot Match.' Galloway Bitsmount sneered like a wet cigar-cap, but he kept his gob shut.
Beside him, his bodyguard snuck a hoof up to wipe the sweat from her brow. She had a nice flank, though, and Galloway had her in a get-up that was like a cross between a pirate wench and a Prench maid's uniform. Really showed off her plot-lines.
Maybe if Mr. Mustang didn't go ballistic on that upstart, he could take her out for a drink afterwards. He bet she had some stories to tell about his parties. Maybe she was even the partying type herself.
'Heck, if Mr. Mustang does go ballistic and things go South, then she'd really need a shot of cider afterwards, heh.'
Finally, Bitsmount stopped his pacing in front of the financier's desk, grit his teeth, and tossed himself into a chair. Zerofear's Boss just sat silently, smoked his cigar as he waited for the younger colt to burn out his embers.
Galloway looked around the luxurious study in the Royal Suite of the Triumph Hotel, as if the paintings on the walls or the gold-trimmed book-cases were going to tell him what to do.
Maybe they did, because he caught his breath, licked his lips, and brushed one hoof through his mane. When he opened his mouth, he spoke slowly and respectfully, but his self-restraint was obviously being stretched to its limit.
"Mr. Mustang, I do apologize, but this 'Royal Engineer' is dragging my name through the mud!"
"You dragged it yourself, Galloway. He's just pointing out the tracks for everyone else."
'Yowch.' Talk about keeping a hoof-slap in your pocket.
George shot a glance over at Gustav, his drinking-buddy standing by the grandfather clock. He managed to sneak out a smirk to him.
Mr. Mustang put the cigar back in his mouth and opened the top-left drawer of his desk, revealing a card-file. "... But since you are a friend of my family, and since I still have investments in your mine, I'll tell you what you're gonna do..."
Pulling out a business card, he hoofed it over to Galloway Bitsmount. "... You're going to visit my lawyer, give him the writ, and hire him to represent you at Court. And while he's using every trick in his book to get you off the hook, you're going to go speak to the one pony in Equestria who can get you out of this, and convince them to help you."
Bitsmount scrunched up his face. "You want me to talk to Princess Celestia?"
Mr. Mustang arched his eyebrows and blinked. "Is that a joke, son? If you had the persuasive skills to sweet-talk Princess Celestia, then you probably wouldn't be in this mess in the first place."
Having learned his lesson from earlier, Galloway took the insult quietly, though he rolled his head and gnashed his teeth.
"... You're going to go talk to the Royal Engineer, of course."
That was too much for the young Bitsmount. "The Royal Engineer? Is that a joke? Why would he help me?"
Mr. Mustang took a puff and dismissively exhaled the smoke through his nostrils. "Because you're going to convince him that you're just an ignorant fool who wasn't paying attention to the goings-on at his mine, rather than a scoundrel who deliberately put his workponies in danger for his own profit."
Bitsmount flung one hoof in the air, dismissively, and spat out a sarcastic retort. "And how am I going to do that?"
His cigar finished, Zerofear's Boss put it out in the ashtray. Beside him, Bitsmount's battle-maid discreetly tugged down on where her uniform was riding up her plot a little too high for decency.
'Did she catch me reading the inside of her dust-cover?'
"Maybe you've been spending too much time hosting parties up at your father's mansion, that you've forgotten how things worked around here..."
Placing his hooves together on the desk and leaning in for emphasis, J. P. Mustang seemed to loom over the smaller pony.
"... You made a mistake, but nopony died or even got seriously hurt. In today's Equestria, those sorts of mistakes get resolved with some mutual tears, a big group hug, and maybe a song about how sorry you are, how your eyes are open now, and how you won't do it ever again..."
Leaning back again, he put one hoof up to his moustache and brushed it softly. "... All you have to do is show contrition. The Royal Engineer wants to make an example out of you; well, a remorseful example is better than a defiant one. So, give him what he wants and you can get back to your banqueting and carousing."
Bitsmount growled. "Can't you just get rid of him? Didn't you help put that hairless monkey into this position?"
Mr. Mustang licked the inside of his lips, like he was still savoring the last cigar. He was probably considering lighting up another one.
"I helped, yes. But I can't get him kicked out now, even if I wanted to. Do you know why Princess Celestia made him Royal Engineer?"
Galloway gave a quick shake of his head, still sneering and staring at his financier as he gave a one word reply.
"No."
"That's because nopony does, outside of just the eight ponies and one 'hairless monkey' who sat down in the Blue Chamber almost nine months ago. And as much as I hear about what the Privy Council discusses, I've never had a satisfactory answer to that question."
Galloway Bitsmount sprung back to his hooves, rearing his forehooves up in the air in anger. "That's absurd! We raised some alien to a high position just like that, no questions asked?"
Despite the outburst, Zerofear's boss remained calm and collected. Ducking over to one side, he opened a drawer and pulled out a fresh cigar, giving it a long sniff while Bitsmount just stood there like an idiot.
George glanced down at Galloway's guardsmare. She wasn't sweating quite so much anymore.
But there was a rosy tint on her teal cheeks. He started to grin as his boss continued his lecture.
"Questions were asked. When Anonymous was first presented at Day Court, he gave a brief summary of what he'd like to bring to Equestria, seeing as how he found himself here with no way home. Princess Celestia asked him a few questions, and she must have liked what she heard, because she asked him to come back in a few days with a longer presentation for a formal assembly to judge."
Sitting upright, Zerofear's boss dipped the cigar-cap in a small glass snifter of brandy to moisten it. "... He came back and impressed everypony, myself included. She'd asked me to come, since I make investments in the sort of things he was talking about."
Bending forward, Mr. Mustang put the head of his cigar in the end of a small, gold-plated guillotine on his desk, and pressed down to chop it off with a quiet 'snick'. "...Her Royal Majesty kept peppering him with questions, and you could tell he was a bit nervous, but he held up. Her Majesty asked me what I thought, and I said I was convinced enough to want to invest in him. So she asked him to take another week and come back with another presentation going into even more detail, but this time it would just be to herself, Princess Luna, and the rest of the Privy Council."
Bitsmount lay his forehooves on the desk, and bent forward. "She even dragged her sister out of bed for that ape?!"
Zerofear's Boss paid no attention to him and casually lit his cigar with a bulbous, marble-bodied table-lighter.
George wasn't sure why Bitsmount even bothered asking that question. Whenever Princess Celestia asked Princess Luna to be present for something during day court, the exact same rumors would go flying around. The most common was that she was just trying to get Princess Luna more involved in the day-to-day workings of the Court, so that maybe Celestia could take a day off now and then. More conspiratorially, some suggested that she would ask her sister to read somepony's dreams and then act as a truth-sayer.The last was that she just wanted a second opinion, and she had deep trust in her sister. It didn't matter what the situation was; it was the same three rumors every time.
But as far as anypony actually knew, it might as well be all three. The same rumors even set tongues wagging all the way over in Manehattan, where Mr. Mustang normally resided.
"They spent all day locked up in the Blue Chamber, in private without any guards. I know that Princess Celestia spent a lot of time asking questions, and Anonymous must have given Her Royal Majesty some good answers, because at the end of it they all came out proclaiming that a new seat would be added to the Blue Chamber, and that he would be Equestria's new Royal Engineer."
Bitsmount's guard glanced up at George and made the slightest bump motion from her hips, as if she was just adjusting her posture. But all it really did was jiggle her plot around. 'Oh, this little paperback is giving me the naughty-eye, alright.'
Mr. Mustang pulled the cigar out of his mouth, blowing smoke up towards the ceiling. "... So, no. If I wanted him removed, which I don't particularly want at the moment, it would take quite a lot of work. Which means you've got to go to him, act respectful, apologize, beg his forgiveness, and take every scrap of advice he offers you like it's the very word of Her Majesty Herself."
Bitsmount turned around with a laugh, and started to pace in a circle around his chair. "Hah! Take his advice like I took it yesterday?"
Stopping behind his chair, he hooked his hooves on the back. "... That bastard 'suggested' that I avoid Newstirrup bridge on my way in to Canterlot today. So I had my driver take an extra hour and divert to Oldstirrup bridge, only to find what?" He flung one hoof to the side. "... Some bloody guardsponies had declared a 'Pas de Sabots' and were holding up anypony with noble credentials. So of course, I had to turn around again, and wasted another hour for my trouble. I think he did it on purpose, sending me to Oldstirrup bridge to get ambushed! Maybe he even had a deal going on with those guards to humiliate me even more!"
Behind the desk, Mr. Mustang was enjoying his second cigar of the evening far too much to give two clops about this 'Pas de Sabots' nonsense Galloway was spewing.
'Heh, and speaking of clop...' Zerofear took a moment to enjoy the sight of Galloway's bodyguard once more.
"I don't know what that was about, Galloway, but I suggest you put it behind you. You asked for my help, and I've done what I can for now."
Bitsmount nodded his head sarcastically. "And what a fat lot of good it does me. Well, thanks 'Mr. Mustang', but from over here it sure looks like I'm on my own for this one." Still in a snit, he turned around and made for the door.
With his cigar back in his mouth, J. P. Mustang called out after him. "Don't do anything foolish, Galloway, or you'll just make things worse for yourself. Get a lawyer and do what they tell you to -- it'll be the same things I just said."
Bitsmount just waved a hoof dismissively as he stormed George's way. Instantly, he pushed open one of the double-doors while Galloway's own guardsmare opened the other. The wealthy young spendthrift just brushed straight past them and made for the coat-rack and hat-stand by the entry doors.
As the two of them went to follow after him, she leaned over and whispered. "I get off at ten."
Straight to the point; he liked that. Names could always come later. With a smile on his face, he whispered back. "Servant's entrance at ten-fifteen."
She gave a flirtatious smile and then trotted off to escort her employer back to his own suite, leaving George to close the doors behind them.
It was always a good time when Mr. Mustang traveled to Canterlot. The mares around here really did run loose in their tack. |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 21 | Artemis Sparkshower
Lily Glamerspear let out a groan. "Ugh, I hate Monday reveille..."
It was indeed a Monday, and mare alive, could Corporal Bound, Specialist Glamerspear, and Specialist Sparkshower really use the regular kind of shower.
"... And who exactly gave Staff Sergeant the idea that we should do the morning PPT hike in battle armor?"
Returning to their quarters from a break-of-dawn Pony Physical Training hike up Canterlot's winding mountain paths, Glamerspear had been vocally venting her frustration. There was nothing really to be done, though. If sarge says hike up the mountain on hoof and in armor, you hike up the mountain on hoof and in armor. Artemis didn't mind, as long as it wasn't what they did for every reveille.
Breaking from her complaints, Glamerspear made a request. "... Can I go in first? I've got to get ready to go on duty in half an hour."
Nopony objected, so Glamerspear made a break for the washroom. She already had half of her equipment telekinetically pulled off before she even got there. Meanwhile, the Corporal and remaining Specialist headed for their respective bedrooms to pull off their sweaty armor. Sitting in her room, Artemis barely had her greaves and croupiere off when there was a loud knock at the main door.
As Artemis was poking her head out of her own room, she saw Corporal Bound step out into the common area, already fully disrobed.
"Come in!"
At her Corporal's invitation, the door swung open, but before the unidentified caller stepped in, Artemis heard them speak in a quiet voice. "Wait out here a moment, Sergeant; let me make sure they're presentable."
With that, Lieutenant Temper Violetta strolled in and shut the door behind her.
Sparkshower was the first to make the call. "Attention!"
As she threw her hoof up in a salute, Corporal Bound stopped and did the same.
"At ease, gentlemares. Where's Specialist Glamerspear?"
From the washroom, the hissing noise from the shower stopped. The brief silence was soon replaced by the low 'shuuuu-WOOM!' of Lily executing a WC-40 cleaning & drying maneuver.
Before Lieutenant Violetta could even turn her head toward the bathroom door, Glamerspear was already pushing it open, her armor pieces floating beside her.
"Ugh, and now I've gotta get these clean bef--Attention!" When she realized the Lieutenant was standing in the room, she snapped to her hooves as well.
"At ease, Specialist. All of you, fall in here at the entrance..."
Glamerspear shot Sparkshower a concerned look, but all she could do was shrug her armored shoulders as she fell into line.
Lieutenant Vi wore her usual stern stare as they all formed up into a sort of receiving line next to the door, and she addressed the three of them in an unusually quiet voice. "... Now, gentlemares, I don't want to hear any complaints about this. I'll have you know that these orders come straight from the top; if you don't like them, you can take them up with the Joint Chiefs. Understood?"
To Artemis' right, Glamerspear looked completely lost. Past her, Corporal Bound's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. But both of them stayed silent.
'Well, if nopony's going to say anything, then I will.'
"Ma'am? Pardon me, but what are you talking about?"
Violetta fixed Artemis in her stare. "You'll find out in a moment, Specialist. Just know that I don't like it any more than you do, but I have my orders, and now you do too, understood?"
With some hesitation, all three of them gave quiet 'Yes, ma'ams'.
"Good..."
Then she raised her voice loud enough that whoever was outside ought to be able to hear her.
"... Come in, Sergeant."
Suggested background music: Justin Bell - 'Kyros', from 'Tyranny' [2016]
Although they were all supposed to be staring straight forward, none of them could resist watching the door on their right swing inward as it opened.
A shadow seemed to fall over the room, as the light from the hall was drowned out by the pony standing in the doorway.
Glamerspear barely stifled a gasp.
When Artemis realized what she was looking at, there was a clunking noise from in front of her as her jaw dropped open so wide, it smacked into the lower piece of her bascinet helmet. Into their common-room stepped a tall mare with a violet coat so dark it almost looked black. Her pale, two-tone lavender mane was back-combed and brushed upright, standing tall above her head in an almost zebra-esque fashion. Underneath it, two purple eyes with vertical-slit pupils stood out against the shadow, and a pair of leathery wings sat folded against her flanks.
A batpony!
"... Gentlemares, let me present to you the fourth member of Lord Anonymous' bodyguard detail." As the dark creature stepped up in front of their line, Lieutenant Violetta indicated her with a hoof. "... Sergeant First Class Ebonshield... of the Equestrian Night Guard."
There was a long moment while the three of them beheld the Sergeant in silent stillness, and she likewise regarded them, her thin pupils jumping left and right as she looked them over.
At last, the Sergeant stiffened her back and joined the others in parade rest. The three of them likewise held themselves steady.
Seconds passed, until Lieutenant Violetta noisily cleared her throat. "Ahem. Sergeant, let me introduce you to the rest of the quaternion..."
"... Specialist Sparkshower, 19D Armored Scout..."
Artemis started to lift her hoof in order to shake the Sergeant's, but she remained completely still, even as she had it stretched out before her, so she hesitantly lowered it again. Sergeant Ebonshield just stared at her for a few seconds, until Lieutenant Vi decided to continue on.
The Lieutenant pointed at Glamerspear. "... Specialist Glamerspear, 14E Air Defense..."
Glamerspear didn't make the mistake of trying to shake hooves. But she did have all of her sweaty armor pieces floating in the air just behind her, which earned her a strange look from the new Sergeant.
Finally, Violetta stepped over to Honour. "... And Corporal Bound, 11B Infantry."
This time, Sergeant Ebonshield did something other than stare almost menacingly from a few hooves away. Stepping forward, she got right up in front of Corporal Bound's face before proceeding with an icy stare.
Artemis' Corporal didn't seem intimidated even in the slightest, and held steady.
Lieutenant Vi's eyes darted worriedly between the two non-commissioned officers as she continued. "... Corporal Bound, although Sergeant First Class Ebonshield outranks you, you'll be in charge of the quaternion until the Sergeant has completed the VIP Service training program."
Corporal Bound didn't flinch, answering the lieutenant with the Sergeant's muzzle still almost touching her own. "Yes, ma'am."
Her lack of reaction seemed to amuse the batpony, and there was the hint of a grin as she opened her mouth. "Caporal, are you comfortable with the giving of orders to a superior?"
Sergeant Ebonshield's mature voice was low and dusky, with a steady pitch and a feline purr. There was a strong and unfamiliar accent as well. It was almost Gryphonese in the way that it rolled the 'r's.
"Yes, Sergeant."
"Good. I would not wish for you to feel uncomfortable."
The slurring of the 'y' into a 'j' wasn't like anything Artemis had ever heard before.
With that, Ebonshield took a step back.
Violetta looked exhausted already. "All right, then, gentlemares, carry on. Sergeant, take a few minutes to stow your gear and make yourself presentable to the Royal Engineer, and then when Glamerspear goes on duty I'll take you downstairs to present you to your charge. Now that there's four of you, I'll have to draw up a new duty calendar."
The Sergeant nodded, and stepped back into the hallway to grab her duffel bag. Nopony lifted a hoof as she dragged it to the last empty bedroom and shut the door behind her.
Corporal Bound shot a telling glance at the Lieutenant, who instantly shut Honour down in a quiet voice. "Don't say a word, Corporal. I heard what you said yesterday about the Royal Engineer needing somepony to guide him through Canterlot society, and I noted it in the request form, but I don't get to pick the soldiers, I just get to command them."
Honour licked her lips. "She hasn't even been trained for VIP service?"
"No, and I was overruled when I made the same objection after seeing her file. Somepony on the night shift must have gone through the personnel-requisition box in the evening and got this taken up to the very top. If you ask me, she's here because the Joint Chiefs are pushing for tighter integration between the two services, and that means 'diversity hire.'"
The Corporal looked like she was about to say something else, but Lieutenant Vi just shook her head. "... Whatever you want to say, save it for later. I'm going to wait in the hallway. Send her and Glamerspear out when they're ready to go downstairs."
As she left the room, Honour grumbled and shook her head, before heading into the washroom to take her shower.
Glamerspear stepped over to the pegasus, telekinetically using a towel to wipe off her armor pieces, and whispered as they both stared at Sergeant Ebonshield's bedroom door. "A batpony! Can you believe this, Sparkshower! They're sticking us with a blood-sucking batpony!"
'Wait, what?'
"Blood-sucking?"
Her comrade leaned in further and whispered even more loudly. "Don't tell me you haven't heard the stories! I tell you, you'd better wear your criniere to bed if you don't want to wake up with two holes in your neck and blood trail leading back to the new Sergeant's room!"
Artemis had never met a batpony before today, but those old campfire stories couldn't be true, could they? Glamerspear certainly seemed to be treating them as though they were.
"... Come on, didn't you see her fangs?"
Actually, Artemis had pointedly not seen fangs, and she knew that for sure because she'd been looking for them the moment the sergeant opened her mouth.
"She doesn't have fangs, Glamerspear, I saw her teeth."
She just brushed off Artemis' denial. "Yeah, well, I've heard they're just regular teeth during the day, but at night when it's time for them to feast on pony blood, they grow twice as long!"
Artemis had to admit that sounded spooky, but plausible.
"... And you saw how she didn't want to shake hooves! It's because she didn't want us to notice that hers have the cold touch of the grave!"
That seemed... less likely.
"... Just wait until you hear her shrieking at night; they say it's shrill enough to curdle milk and piercing enough to shatter glass!
Okay, now that was just unreasonable.
"Isn't there a detachment of the Night Guard here in Canterlot? Wouldn't ponies be complaining about that if it were true?"
Having finished wiping off most of her armor, Glamerspear lowered her helmet and strapped it on. "It's because they keep them holed up in the caves all day, since they're all afraid of the sun..."
Artemis scrunched up her face in disbelief.
"... Don't tell me you didn't see her dark coat and pale mane, at least! Well, that's what happens when you spend your life in the darkness, isn't it?"
As Glamerspear continued to suit up, Artemis considered the bundle of old nag's tales Glamerspear was sharing with her. Maybe some of it was true, but surely not all of it.
"... I bet you she's in there right now, staring dumbfounded at her lack of reflection in the dressing-table mirror."
"That's ridiculous, Lily, command wouldn't--"
As soon as she said her first name, Glamerspear hissed her quiet. "Shhhhh! Don't call me that! First names are how they cast their wicked, mind-affecting spells! Are you trying to get me turned into a batspawn zombie?"
Seriously, now, did she believe every single story about batponies that was ever told? Artemis knew them too, but she didn't believe them. Well, some of them, anyways; clearly Glamerspear was familiar with a larger repertoire. But one of those fables was certainly false: they weren't supposed to cast shadows.
"The Sergeant did cast a shadow, though."
"Of course she did! I'm half-surprised the creatures of the night didn't come crawling in with her! Check your bed for creepy-crawlies before bedtime; I know I will."
It looked like there was just no stopping Hurricane Glam right now. Artemis decided she was better off dropping the subject for the moment.
As she finished suiting up, the fourth bedroom door opened and Sergeant Ebonshield emerged. Beside the pegasus, Glamerspear tensed up, but somehow this entrance wasn't as shocking to Artemis as the first.
The sergeant still cut an imposing figure, especially now that she was armored. A dark black helmet covered her head, with her crested hairstyle emerging through a raised slot above it. Her chest was covered by a dull, black pectoral piece that wrapped around to guard her flanks. It was reminiscent of the light armour of the Air Superiority ponies they'd fought two days ago, but obviously darkened for stealthier use at night. More interestingly, she wore sabots that had paired strips of blackened metal running up the sides of her legs.
'Are those... blades?'
Artemis would have to find out later, because Ebonshield immediately walked right up to them, her gaze focused on Glamerspear. "Are you ready, Specialist? I do not wish to keep the Great Lord Engineer waiting."
"Yes, Sergeant, I'm ready."
"Then let us be off."
Glamerspear nodded and trotted off towards the door, holding it open for Sergeant Ebonshield. Outside, Artemis could hear Lieutenant Violetta joining them as they all headed downstairs.
Artemis was left alone in the common-room, and there was just one thought on her mind:
When was Corporal Bound going to be done in the shower so she could wash all this sweat-foam off of herself? |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 22 | Lily Glamerspear
So help her Celestia, if that blood-sucking abomination placed even one hoof wrong, Specialist Glamerspear was going to do to her what she did to Valiant Kilfeather two days ago. Even if she mana-burned so hard that the effort made her vomit, gave her seizures, and put her into a coma, it would be worth it to reduce her to a fine puree...
... or ash. Did batponies turn to ash when they were killed?
She'd soon be finding out!
Gritting her teeth, Lily wished she could have her shield up and a magazine of telekinetic spears ready to fly. But Lieutenant Violetta was walking with them, and she expected Lily to play nice with the beast. Friends with a mutant creature of the night; yeah, right!
And 'Sergeant' Ebonshield was just walking casually alongside them, as if she had every right to parade her filth around Canterlot Palace. Well, she was about to get a rude awakening. If Anonymous' ability to serve as her spotter during the duel with Kilfeather was any indication, the Royal Engineer of Equestria had a keen eye. He'd pierce through that civilized facade she wore and see the beast within.
Then she'd be kicked out of the quaternion. And straight into a dungeon cell.
Secure in the knowledge that the foul creature beside her would be banished in short order, Lily's angry stare mollified into more of a smug eyeballing.
Reaching the Royal Engineer's chamber door, Temper Violetta paused for a moment to make sure Lily and the 'Sergeant' were still with her, then reached up and knocked.
"Come in."
Pushing open the door, the lieutenant didn't instruct the batpony to wait outside this time. "Good morning, sir. I'm here with a 'delivery,' of sorts."
"Oh, good morning, Lieutenant Violetta."
Focused on the 'Sergeant,' Lily only barely registered that Anonymous was sitting in one of the club chairs, reading the newspaper while facing the door. She barely even looked in his direction as she gave a salute and took up position beside the door.
"Specialist Glamerspear reporting for duty, sir!"
Anonymous nodded in her direction. "Good morning, Specialist."
Sergeant Ebonshield walked in past her.
'Perfect, her back's exposed.'
Lily made sure to position herself so as to keep Anonymous out of the line of fire. But Lieutenant Vi walked behind Ebonshield, meaning that if her fire over-penetrated, she could get hit.
Eh, she's wearing armour. If Lily had to frag Ebonshield with Violetta standing there, she'd be fine.
"Sir, in response to your request yesterday for a full quaternion escort, I have the pleasure to inform you that your request has been granted."
Anonymous folded the paper under his arm and got to his feet. "Really? Goodness, that was quick, Lieutenant."
Putting one hoof to her chest, Temper Vi took the undeserved compliment with pompous dignity. "Well, sir, in the Royal Guard, we do aim for efficiency and efficacy..."
Lily internally eye rolled. Yeah, she wasn't so worried about accidentally hitting the Lieutenant now.
"... And allow me to introduce the fourth member of your retinue: Sergeant First Class Ebonshield, a batpony of the Equestrian Night Guard."
The target of Lily's rage, and her nearly-summoned telekinetic projectiles, stepped up to her VIP and didn't even give him the honor of a bow.
'So, she's not just rude to fellow soldiers!'
"Great Lord, from the deepest shadow to the brightest star, by your will alone I set my blood in motion."
'An oath sworn on blood. Well, that just bucking seals the deal, doesn't it?'
Perhaps delaying his inevitable dismissal of that vile fiend in order to learn more about her, Anonymous merely gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Please excuse my ignorance, Sergeant, but I don't believe I've met any ponies of your kind before."
'Yeah, and after we get rid of this one, you hopefully won't see any of them again.'
"Sí, Great Lord, that is doubtless because there are only a few hundred of us here in Canterlot, and we generally keep to our rookery under the mountain, at least during the day."
Lily wanted to gasp, but it was stifled by blind rage.
'A NEST OF VAMPIRES! RIGHT HERE IN CANTERLOT!!'
Oh, she was going to need every Anti-Air unicorn from her old battery in order to clean them out.
With a slight smile on his face, Anonymous looked expectantly over at Lieutenant Vi. "I see... Well, Lieutenant?"
"Sir?"
Lily's commanding officer just looked confused, which seemed to disappoint the Royal Engineer. "Don't you have something interesting to say about the Sergeant's past service, as you did with the others?"
The Lieutenant licked her lips uncomfortably. "Ah... I'm afraid not, sir. Unfortunately, I received only a very thin file about Sergeant Ebonshield. No doubt in the haste to fill the position, her previous commanding officer in the Night Guard accidentally misplaced some of her paperwork."
Before she could go on, the batpony scum interrupted her. "I doubt that, Lieutenant. We do not keep the paperwork of that kind. However, it was determined that '18B Special Weapons Sergeant' and 'Sergeant First Class' were the closest equivalent Royal Guard service identifier and rank for my position in the Night Guard...
Turning to the Royal Engineer, she concluded. "... Great Lord, I apologize profoundly for the failure to supply your majordomo with that information, rendering her unable to properly introduce your newest servant."
With her accent, 'majordomo' sounded more like 'mayordomo', but that's not really what struck Glamerspear the most. The revelation that the Night Guard didn't use standard service identifiers or ranks, and worse, didn't keep well-regimented files on their soldiers, seemed to shock the lieutenant to her core, and she just stood there, dumbfounded. Lily had never seen her so off-balance.
But Anonymous still wore an amiable smile. "Well, perhaps you could simply introduce yourself, Sergeant. I'm curious as to the name of your position in the Night Guard?"
It seemed he was going to draw this one out all the way.
'Come on, come on, let's just get to the batpony-slaying already!'
"Great Lord, I have the unparallelled honour of entering your service as a Seventh Rank of the School of the Shining Stellar Dance, or 'Stellar Seven' for short."
'Wow, talk about an over-embellished title.'
It sounded like the kind of thing a pony dreamed up when they wanted to say they've been studying war since the day they were born. Lily could just picture Ebonshield monologuing before their fight.
'While you were still suckling at your mother's teat, I studied the blade.'
'While you were learning pathetic unicorn magic, I mastered flight.'
'While you were courting salt-licks, I cultivated inner strength.'
Yadda-yadda. The sense of smug emanating from her 'Stellar Seven' title just had Lily aching ever harder to shove a dozen telekinetic spears into her neck.
On the other hoof, it looked like the Royal Engineer was keeping his cool. "That's a very impressive-sounding title, Sergeant. Out of curiosity, how many ranks are there in that school?"
"There are seven, Great Lord, as in all such schools. Only the Master, Draxon, sits above the ranks as the eighth."
"Indeed? It sounds like we could have used your help earlier, on Sunday..."
No, wait, he's not just keeping his cool... He's slow-playing her! Pumping her for all the information about batponies that the Royal Guard would need to wipe them out -- all of them!
Clever.
Anonymous turned to face Lily. "... And speaking of Sunday, by the way, Specialist, our friend Lieutenant Kilfeather has made today's papers."
Amplified by her thirst for battle, she grinned heartily. "Oh really, sir? I imagine it's an interview from the Canterlot Hospital Intensive Cuddle Unit."
"I'm afraid not. Apparently, after you, the Corporal, and Specialist Sparkshower brushed aside their 'Pas de Sabots' at Newstirrup bridge, the First Canterlot Air Superiority Wing took it upon themselves to set up downriver at Oldstirrup bridge, instead."
Forgetting her rage at the abomination standing before her, Lily's thoughts turned to the bucking bastard from two days ago, and her blood instantly boiled over.
"WHAT?!"
Lieutenant Vi shot her a horrified glare for her uncivilized outburst. But her lapse in manners didn't seem to faze the Royal Engineer at all. He merely unfolded the paper and held it up to read. "Oh, yes, it's all here in this article."
'HEROIC LIEUTENANT BINDS WINGS AND REMOVES ARMOUR TO LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IN PAS DE SABOTS OF OLDSTIRRUP BRIDGE'.
"...Apparently, he's passing off his injuries and missing armour as chivalric charity."
Brushing aside the Tartarean Sergeant, Lily marched up to her VIP, who gladly handed the paper into her waiting telekinetic embrace. As she scanned the article, growing more furious by the word, Lieutenant Violetta turned to Anonymous.
"A 'Pas de Sabots,' sir? There hasn't been one of those in over a hundred years."
"One hundred and thirty-seven years, according to Lieutenant Kilfeather. But I assure you, he did set up at Newstirrup bridge and accost us on Sunday morning. I might not have minded except that he demanded Specialist Sparkshower in hostage as his price for crossing the bridge."
"A hostage?!" In her surprise, Lieutenant Violetta's wings began to spread before she recomposed herself, folding them back in tight. "That's unbelievable, sir. The 1st Canterlot Air Superiority wing is one of the most decorated units in the Royal Guard."
"I assure you it's completely true. Answering their challenge to me, Corporal Bound proposed three individual duels, and I'm proud to say your soldiers carried the day. In fact, despite their use of an 'MXP Games Totem' to keep the fighting safe, the Lieutenant was rather savagely thrashed by Specialist Glamerspear."
Keeping it enveloped in her telekinetic aura, Lily folded the newspaper and moved it out of the way. "You can say that again, sir! I even took the mangled helmet off his shattered corpse as a trophy!"
She turned to her superior. "... Lieutenant, ma'am, you can't let them get away with this! As if demanding Sparkshower as a hostage wasn't bad enough, even if they got approval for a 'Pas de Sabots' at Newstirrup bridge, there's no way they got approval to just pack up and move downriver if they happened to get beaten!"
Her commanding officer, still uncertain about this whole situation, looked uncomfortable with the prospect of investigating the matter.
'Well, she'd better suck it up, or else Lord Anonymous will know how to cause a real scandal!'
"I'll... have to bring this up with the Captain, I suppose. And then it'll have to go up from there to whoever authorized it."
"According to Kilfeather himself, it was Major-General Hoofstrong."
That was another shock to her.
Major-General Georgia Hoofstrong commanded the entire First Air Division, which had squadrons covering the central region of Equestria: Cloudsdale, Canterlot, Ponyville, and the rest. Over 10,000 pegasus soldiers served under her in the defense of ponykind.
The Lieutenant balked at the idea of confronting one of the nation's most distinguished commanders. "The Major-General authorized it? Digging into this could take some doing, then..."
The Royal Engineer gave a slight shrug. "Well, there's no rush, Lieutenant. Perhaps it doesn't even really matter, but based on his ongoing successes at Oldstirrup bridge, I'm sure you'll find that there will shortly be a number of irate nobleponies who will be very eager to hear that they were the subject of an unauthorized hastilude."
Oh, right. The nobles. Lieutenant Violetta went pale when she realized that punishing Lieutenant Kilfeather may involve humbling the Royal Guard before the landed gentry of Equestria. 'Icepone' deserved every inch of punishment that could come to him, but Lily had to admit that she didn't want to see the Guard's reputation tarnished just to satisfy a bunch of wealthy, idle nobleponies.
'Ugh... Val's played his cards well with this one.'
Lily retired back to her firing position by the doorway.
"I'll... look into it, sir. With due caution."
"As I said, Lieutenant, there's no hurry. In the meantime, you have my thanks for swiftly filling out the ranks of my escort so that I don't make any more social gaffes..."
The Royal Engineer turned to Lily with a smile on his face. "... And speaking of social gaffes, Specialist Glamerspear, I've received word that my new athletic ensembles are ready to pick up from the tailors this morning."
'So he did take my advice. Nice.'
'Now it's time to address the blood-sucking, bat-winged, undead elephant in the room.'
Lieutenant Temper Violetta piped up. "Well, sir, if you have no need for the Sergeant or myself at the moment, then we shall take our leave."
"Certainly, Lieutenant. Thank you for the introduction. I look forward to receiving your service, Sergeant."
'What?! No batpony-slaying?'
As Violetta and Ebonshield made for the door, Anonymous suddenly interrupted them. "... Oh, actually, there was one thing..."
'Yesssssssss...'
They turned away from her to face the Royal Engineer once more, and Lily warmed up a special delivery for 'Sergeant Ebonshield.'
"... I wonder if you happened to be free this morning, Sergeant? Perhaps you'd care to tag along as a second escort, and give me a second opinion on my new couture?"
'WHAT.'
'THE.'
'BUCK.'
Suggested interlude music: Wojciech Kilar - "Vampire Hunters", from "Bram Stoker's Dracula" [1992] |
Everyday Life With Guardsmares | Chapter 23 | Lily Glamerspear
Specialist Lily Glamerspear literally could not believe what she was seeing right then. Instead of purging the unclean and ordering her to kill the vile, mutant batpony that stood before her, Anonymous, Royal Engineer to the Twin Princesses, had done practically the exact opposite.
He'd invited the beast to come clothing-shopping with him.
And the violet monster smiled back at him! "If the Great Lord wishes this, I am bound to follow them into Tartarus itself."
Her purple VIP laughed in response. "Hah, I've heard about 'dying for fashion', but I don't think we need to go that far for a decent wardrobe."
'Wait, purple VIP?'
'Anonymous isn't supposed to be purple.'
Squeezing her eyes shut to clear them had no effect; when Lily opened them again, he still looked purple to her. Blinking repeatedly, she looked out the window. The sky was purple, and the clouds were purple too.
She turned back to the room before her. Everything and everyone had a purple tint.
'I'm manaburning!'
That was the only explanation that fit, although it still didn't make much sense. As eager as Lily had been for a fight, she hadn't done more than keep her horn at an elevated standby level. And the modest trickle of mana that required shouldn't be doing that to her.
While she pondered the problem, Lily had a passing awareness of Lieutenant Violetta giving a salute and heading toward the door. Without thinking, Lily straightened up and pulled it open for her, rendering a detached salute as her Lieutenant departed the room. Meanwhile, Anonymous headed behind the partition wall that divided off his bed and dressing area, and Lily heard him shut the door to his washroom.
As the door closed, Sergeant Ebonshield looked over in Lily's direction. And the instant she did, Lily felt her blood boil over again. The bat was going to try to do something monstrous now that the Lieutenant was gone, she was sure of it!
The urge to strike first was almost overwhelming. But if Lily really was manaburning, then she had to shut everything down, or else things would get much worse for her. She'd just have to take a chance that the batpony didn't recognize her weakness. Reluctantly, Lily relinquished her grasp on the arcane flows. Like a sledgehammer to her brain after a late night drinking binge, she was instantly struck by a throbbing headache.
Oh yes, she was definitely manaburning, all right.
And now she was suffering withdrawal. The pain was so intense that she couldn't help but let out a quiet moan, putting one hoof up to her brow and wiping away the sweat that had already started to form.
"Are you unwell, Specialist Glamerspear?"
'Buck, she noticed!'
'Act casual.'
"I'm fine, Sergeant."
Ebonshield didn't seem to buy it, as she walked right up to her, putting her face right in front of Lily's, just as she'd done with Corporal Bound. It's like she was a foal trying to get a reaction out of a pony on Silent and Still guard duty at the palace gates.
"If you are unwell, I can accompany the Great Lord to retrieve his clothes alone."
As if! Instead of lying to her again, Lily decided to try turning the tables. "Why do you keep calling him 'Great Lord'? Nopony else calls him that."
Sergeant bloodsucker blinked her eyes and withdrew her head slightly. "The Royal Engineer sits on the greatest council of Lords in Equestria. Does that not make him a Great Lord? Or have I been misinformed?"
Wow, she just had no clue about how society worked these days. Well, that's what you get for sleeping in a coffin for hundreds of years. If Lily couldn't lay the smackdown with magical spears, she might as well drop some knowledge bombs on her instead.
"You're right, but nopony uses the term 'Great Lord' any more. Even referring to him as 'Lord' is stretching etiquette in the modern era. Ponies in positional lordships like his are addressed by their job title, like Chancellor or Royal Engineer, not their noble rank. Or you can just say 'sir' or 'ma'am'."
"I see..."
Lily's eyes went wide as she watched the vampire bow her head to her.
What the buck! What kind of Sergeant First Class bows to a Specialist?!
"... Thank you for correcting me on the Equestrian customs current, Specialist Glamerspear."
Corporal Bound was right! Not only was this vile creature of the night lacking in the essential training of how to handle Very Important Ponies, she didn't have a clue about how to behave in polite society! It was going to take everything Lily had to keep her from embarrassing the three of them once they stepped outside the castle.
As Ebonshield took up a position flanking the other side of the door, Lily found herself overcome with anxiety over what should just be a simple visit to a shop in town. What if she said something appalling to one of the other guards on the way there? What if she did that weird get-right-up-in-your-muzzle-to-talk-to-you thing to somepony not under orders to just stand there and take it, and a fight broke out?
What kind of scandal would she cause just walking outside amidst the public! Lily vividly pictured terrified Canterlot citizens fleeing in panic before their group. Buck, what if she tripped up in front of everypony in the tailor shop and they kicked Anonymous out before he could even get his stuff?
'Wait...'
A minute ago she wanted to turn the bat into a bloody smear on the carpet.
Now she was desperately worried about social gaffes?
What was going on with her mood swings today?
Taking a deep breath, Lily shut her eyes. She recalled the symptoms of acute mana poisoning, in order of severity, as they were drilled into her:
Blurred vision, purple haze, exhaustion, headaches, emotional instability, nausea & vomiting, seizures, coma, and finally, sudden death.
'Emotional instability!'
Even though her horn had been cold for a full minute now, Lily was still manaburning. Today she'd done little more than levitate a few things and maintain high magical readiness for half an hour. Yesterday, she barely used any magic at all, although she remembered drawing on a steady trickle to help with a general feeling of exhaustion.
Two days ago, of course, there was the massive over expenditure during the fight with Kilfeather. But that was supposed to have been abated by the MXP Games totem. Then again, unicorns usually didn't go so far overboard with magic during the Games. Maybe its protective effects didn't work on mana poisoning?
Behind the partition wall, Lily heard Anonymous' washroom door open again. It wouldn't be long now until he was ready to go. Lily racked her brain trying to figure things out.
And then it hit her. After the ceremony when she'd been inducted into the Order of the Ram, Lily remembered chatting up a colt with a cute jawline at the reception, one who had been a hero of the Games. He described taking what should have been a fatal blow during a match, and then having a constant, dull pain for days afterwards. As if instead of receiving one deadly blow, he'd received hundreds of merely painful ones, spread out over time.
Did the totems just... draw out an injury, instead of suppressing it? So instead of seizures, coma, or death, Lily was just going to have to deal with the lesser symptoms for a few days?
Symptoms that were made worse whenever she used her magic. Ugh.
The throbbing in her head kicked into high gear, as if to confirm her thoughts. In the span of an hour, she'd had a roller-coaster of excessive fear, paranoia, hatred, and anxiety. At least now that she was aware of the problem, maybe she could deal with it.
"Well, I'm ready to go. How about the two of you?" The Royal Engineer stepped out from behind the partition, now fully dressed and ready for the public.
"Your escort is assembled, Great Lord."
So much for Sergeant Fang-Tooth over there taking Lily's advice.
"I hope it's appropriate for me to have asked you to join us, Sergeant. I must admit, I'm still not entirely used to the idea of having retainers at my beck and call like this."
"It is the privilege granted to your Lordship, sir."
Oh, so now she uses the correct term? Whatever.
But her answer didn't seem to be quite sufficient, and Anonymous looked expectantly in Lily's direction. "Specialist? I'd appreciate some more of your candor."
That got her a strange glance from the Sergeant, which Lily ignored. She took a moment to collect herself, and for once, there was no overriding emotion imposing itself on her thoughts.
"Sir, most of the time, one or two of us will be scheduled to be on standby duty upstairs, waiting for your call. Otherwise, we're never more than half an hour away, occupied with other light duties..." She shrugged. "... To be perfectly honest, sir, if you're going out into the city, you'd often be doing us a favor calling upstairs for the rest of your escort. Speaking for myself, I'd rather be out working with my VIP, than idling back at the palace."
Crossing over to pick up his hat and walking-stick from the rack by the door, Anonymous seemed pleased by her answer. "Really? Now you have me curious to find out what the others think. But for now, I think two escorts should be enough. Let's go."
With that, the Specialist and the Sergeant both pulled open the doors and headed out.
Once they got out into the city, Lily was still able to hold it together, but only barely. The moment of emotional calm as she'd left the Royal Engineer's chambers had been all too brief. The feeling had started creeping up as she was walking the halls of the palace itself. With Anonymous in tow and Sergeant Ebonshield beside her, she'd felt them.
Eyes. Eyes all over her.
Ordinarily Lily enjoyed being the center of attention, but this wasn't like that at all. These were judging, questioning, cruel eyes. Every side hallway seemed to have a group of guards eyeballing her, whispering dark things amongst themselves.
It wasn't true, she told herself. It was just the manaburn blow-back screwing with her mental state. But actively trying to disbelieve what her own, sick mind was trying to tell her could only get her so far. Worse still, knowing that the paranoia she was experiencing was just a symptom of an illness made her want to take up the Sergeant's offer and report to medical. And that just fueled delusions of dire consequences for her career if she did so, or for her VIP if she left him alone with the vampiric creature.
Exiting the palace had brought a merciful end to the side corridors and random groups of guards, and, therefore, a gradual relaxation from the feeling of being watched. It was still early enough in the day that only a few ponies were out and about in the streets of Canterlot. Those who were generally had their muzzles to the ground, more interested in getting to where they needed to be than to paying attention to a unicorn, batpony, and tall, hairless monkey making their way to Canterlot's fashion district, Poole Street.
Still, being in public brought its own emotional horrors. Instead of the madness of being watched by everypony, she had to deal with the terror of being spotted. Visions danced in Lily's head of just one or two of those citizens lifting their heads for just a moment and crying out once they noticed her group.
Ruckus, rabble, and embarrassment followed. It made her want to kick her heels and burst into a gallop. But it also made her want to slink in the shadows, hug the walls, and glance nervously around every corner before turning it. The conflicting pulls made her headache even worse, but they were a bit easier to ignore that way.
Finally, they'd made it to the store; Bridle Path Clothiers, in Poole Street.
Despite the presence of a monster in their group, the salespony had been unflappably obsequious, welcoming Anonymous back like a dear friend. "Ah, Sir Anonymous, it is most excellent to see you again! I hope you will be able to spare a moment for a glimpse at our latest fashions this morning?" And so on and so on, paying absolutely no attention to Specialist Glamerspear or Sergeant Ebonshield. They were treating her like most VIPs treated their guardsponies, to be honest.
But in her current state of mind, that suited her just fine, and soon enough the Royal Engineer was in the change-room with a few, neat bundles of freshly-tailored clothes. In the reserved, quiet confines of a colt's clothing shop, Lily found some tranquil relief from the mana poisoning that had been driving her crazy this morning. The two salesponies on duty busied themselves with adjusting displays and re-arranging clothes, one of them softly humming to himself as he worked.
The windows were full of displays and decorations that gave dignified privacy to the mirrored fitting area. The musk of old wood and strong, coltish cologne mixed together to form a comfortable, reassuring aroma. Even Sergeant Ebonshield seemed thoroughly unthreatening at the moment.
Feeling able to relax, Lily took the liberty of hopping up onto one of the guest sofas.
'Deep breaths. It'll all be over soon.'
Lily could get through today, and she could get through tomorrow, and she could get through as many days as it took for all of it to wear off. And then maybe, having consciously experienced the whole 'magical overload' thing from end-to-end, even if spread out by the totem's power, she could bring herself to actually wear her Centurion's badge.
That would be nice.
As Lily found herself reaching a zenith of calm and blissful optimism for the future, the Royal Engineer emerged from the change-room. Instead of his black three-piece suit, he was wearing a pair of white trousers with a colorful pair of red stripes on the sides that continued up into a white, long-sleeved T-shirt. It was a considerable upgrade from the ratty, grey jogging clothes he claimed to have arrived in.
"Well, how's this for cool-weather wear?"
Turning his back to Lily, Anonymous stood before the mirrors and looked himself over, adopting a few simple poses to check the fit.
It was a good fit.
A very good fit.
A very, very good fit.
Lily had to snap herself out of it when the Royal Engineer looked over his shoulder at her, and she realized she'd been staring at his plot the whole time.
"Uh, looks good, sir. Much more fashionable than what you had before."
"Excellent! Sergeant, any comments?"
Sergeant Ebonshield said something, but it just went in one ear and out the other, as Lily was back to gawking at her VIP. His new pants tightly wrapped around the shapely contour of his buttocks; every time he moved to adopt a new pose, she could see his taut cheeks flex and sway.
Like he was wearing nothing at all.
It was hypnotic.
Even his shirt hugged the form of his body, and Lily could make out the ripples of muscle around his broad shoulders and in the small of his back. When he turned to face her, she could make out a firm but flat chest that undulated as he took deep breaths.
Wow.
Her admiration for this upright hairless monkey's physical form was briefly interrupted when he donned a hooked pullover handed to him by the salespony. For colder weather, apparently. After pulling it on adjusting it properly, she got another, fantastic view of his plot as he did a little jogging in place to feel how it all fit together.
"I don't know, it almost feels like it ought to be let out a bit."
"NO!"
'Buck, did I just say that out loud?'
Lily resisted the urge to slap an embarrassed hoof to her face. Anonymous lifted an eyebrow and turned around to look at her, and even the Sergeant narrowed her dark eyes slightly.
"... It looks great as it is, sir. Baggy clothes are extremely unfashionable."
There was nothing for it but to continue as if she were being sincere.
Rather than making her foalish attraction obvious.
The salespony nodded and spoke something in agreement with her, but Lily barely paid any attention. Struggling to regain control, she tried to look at something, anything else -- the other clothes on the racks, the salespony, the Sergeant a few paces away. But with Anonymous standing in the fitting area, even the slightest motion he made was mirrored six times over, and it was impossible to keep her eyes from snapping over to his movement.
'Unf, you could bounce quarter-bit coins off of that plot of his...'
Lily started to feel sweaty and disoriented again, like when she first realized what was going on. Mercifully, just as the heat started to get unmanageably intense, the Royal Engineer headed back into the change-room. However, the removal of the visual stimulus didn't grant her much of a reprieve from the 'emotional instability' ride.
If anything, it made it worse. Because her imagination took what she saw, and went wild.
At first, it started tame, with just the Royal Engineer jogging along in that incredibly well-fitted outfit, and Lily galloping by his side. But it was warm out, and she was panting. Beside her, the hairless ape with the fantastic plot was breathing heavily as well, his forehead glistening with sweat. With whatever magical ability he had that let him keep going for so long, she soon found herself falling behind, unable to go on. She stopped, lowering her head to the ground, her neck and chest covered in foamy sweat.
That's when she felt powerful arms wrap around her barrel. 'Come with me, Lily', he said, even though they were not on a first-name basis. With an enthusiastic, masculine grunt, the alien colt brusquely lifted her up and put her over his shoulder, as if she were just a sack of oats to him.
Sitting in the sofa in the coltswear store, she could almost feel Anonymous' hands supporting her croup and plot. She tried shifting her posture in the seat, but it didn't change anything; those nimble fingers of his were dangerously close to some very sensitive places, and she could have sworn she could make out every single one of them on her, even though the only thing beneath her in reality was just plushly-upholstered furniture.
Then her imaginary Anonymous resumed his jog, slowly at first, and then more vigorously, until she could feel herself bobbing up and down, riding on his broad shoulders. Closing her eyes, Lily put a hoof up to her forehead.
'This isn't real, dammit! You're just sitting on a couch in a clothing store!'
She was most assuredly not being carried away on the shoulders of a tall, strong, sweaty beast with a plot that just wouldn't quit.
'Unf... No, wait!'
Even if she was there, at best, the Royal Engineer was just helpfully getting her back to the palace. He'd put her down once she'd had a chance to catch her breath. It wasn't like he was going to jog right up the steps to the patio behind his office to sneak her back into the palace with him where nopony would see them together. And even if he did do that, it would just be because it was the fastest way inside.
BACK inside! The PALACE!
It wasn't like he was going to passionately pull her off of his shoulder, kiss her deeply, lay her down on his bed, and-
'No, no, no, dammit, stop going there!'
Just then, the Royal Engineer -- the real one, not her foalish, manaburn-fever-dream-induced colt -- emerged from the change-room once more, and her heart skipped a beat. Dressed in what the appallingly excellent tailors at the Bridle Path Clothiers had determined would be appropriate hot-weather exercise wear, Anonymous' second outfit left almost nothing to the imagination. A halter shirt exposed every inch of the broad, well-muscled shoulders of her dream. Tight, stretchy shorts exposed even more of his strong, firm hips and plot. And a large, ample bulge at the front sent her delusion roaring back into the foreground.
Now she was on his bed, muzzle down, plot up. She bit her lip in reality as his illusory fingers spread themselves across her flanks, running through the short hair of her sides and belly. He was bent over forward, his taut abdomen pressing against her back. His hot breath brushed against her neck as he nibbled playfully at her ears. She heard herself moan, and it took every ounce of concentration she had left not to make that part of the fantasy a reality. His left hand slowly slipped back, and instinctively, she felt herself lifting her tail to let him in.
"Now this is something, isn't it?"
Opening her eyes to reality again, the real Royal Engineer was admiring himself in the mirrors, pleased with the way he looked.
Lily found herself gulping for air in the brief reprieve that was afforded to her. Over on her left, Sergeant Ebonshield had either become aware of her incapacity for rational thought right now, or decided to simply speak her mind first.
"This outfit is most fetching, sir. I think that the Great Lord will turn many heads exercising in this."
"I didn't really have that effect in mind, but it's certainly very comfortable."
Anonymous began to pose again in the mirrors, performing a few squats, thrusts, and lunges, as the conversation drowned out in a blur. She was back in bed with him, and this time there was no question of innuendo or foreplay. One hand gripped her shoulder, and the other her hip, as her fantasy-colt passionately gave her the most indescribably orgasmic pounding of her life. Lily's breath caught in her throat, both in reality and in the fantasy, as he continued inexhaustibly, sweat dripping from his chest onto her back.
On the sofa, she bit her lower lip, as on the bed, he lowered his lips and kissed her neck. Over on the fitting-room podium, the Royal Engineer said something to the salespony, but in bed she could only hear him moan and grunt with coltish passion. She felt him stop inside of her, in all the way to his hilt, and his hands squeezed her firmly. Unable to contain the figment any longer, she closed her eyes in ecstasy.
But at the very moment when he squeezed her tightly and achieved his blissful release, something snapped Lily back to reality.
"And would sir like to be fitted for his Gala suit this morning? Our availability is filling up quickly."
Her eyes snapped open and the reverie disappeared in a flash.
The Gala!
The Grand Galloping Gala!
The Royal Engineer would be invited to the Gala, and that meant she might be able to go with him!
Bucking awesome! |
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