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Antonovka | pre | Rhea smiled. "Good," she replied. "You will have to pardon us; our sacred Oath predates even the War, so its language is rather antiquated."
"No kidding," I said. "But I think I got the gist of it. Learn stuff and don't share it with ponies you don't trust. Right?"
Rhea looked askance at me, but then nodded. "That... is essentially it."
"Right," I said. "So what is this 'Truth' y'all keep yammerin' about?"
Callisto beckoned us all inside the building, and we followed. I was greeted by what appeared to be a makeshift research library, much bigger on the inside than I expected - they had built into the rock wall, making it sort of a cave within a (former) cave. She sat down on a velvet down pillow, one of several, and motioned for me and Ruby to join her. Japetus had already left. After making sure we were comfortable, Rhea gave me a tired smile.
"I have heard the Truth more times than I can count, so I will take my leave. I have also been awake for what feels like days, although it is difficult to tell in this land of perpetual night without hourglasses or their keepers," she said to me, stifling a yawn.
That made me remember something. "Yeah, speakin' of which, when I was in a clearing, I could see the sky an' it looked really weird, like this place was underwater."
Callisto nodded. "That is a physical manifestation of the Corruption. I shall discuss that eventually. Ironically, or perhaps not, it becomes more powerful yet more difficult to see the closer one becomes to its heart."
"So... how close are we to the 'heart' now?" asked Ruby, a tinge of worry in her voice.
"Very likely almost directly underneath it."
"You don't know?!" I asked in shock.
Callisto bowed her head. "We avoid scaling the heights above us. Members of our Order who did so in the past did not return... intact. Even Hyperion, our lookout, does not fly above the scorched rock."
"By the way, Madame Callisto," Ruby said. "I noticed something about your Order's... encampment. Or rather, its members. Annie likely noticed as well but said nothing."
"The fact that those of us who live here have turned permanently grey?" Callisto asked as she rolled her black and gold corrupted eyes.
"No," I said. "The fact that y'all have ponies from all three major races livin' here and y'all seem to get along just fine. That doesn't happen where I come from at all."
"Nor did it when I was... alive," Ruby backed me up as her tone dropped as she again made herself sad. That gal, I swear.
Callisto nodded. "That is because, as said, we follow the teachings laid down by the Moon Princess before her corruption. Indeed, the Sun Princess used to adhere as well until her own separate fall."
"What do you mean?" I demanded. "The, uh, Sun Princess, seemed perfectly okay to me when I met her."
"That is because her corruption was of a different kind. She brought it upon herself, and it took root slowly. Indeed, it was because of her fall from grace that the Moon Princess reacted the way she did."
Ruby opened her eyes wider, bathing the room in their golden glow. "Please tell us more," she requested.
"You both have no doubt heard the traditional Hearth's-Warming Eve tale, how the three races had to learn to get along to fight off the bitter freeze of the Wendigoes?"
We both nodded.
"Don't tell me that old pony's tale actually happened," I said.
"No," Callisto replied. "Not as told. Even if it did, we lack documentation of it, so I am disinclined to believe it. I study what can be verified. That is the only Truth. As far as I am concerned, that is merely a parable telling ponies they should see past one another's race and learn to accept each other. Unfortunately, by the time of the period immediately preceding the War, that had long since ceased to be reality.
"Both Princesses were absent from Equestria for an extended period of time, as was the realm's high-sorcerer, Starswirl the Bearded, while they fought a war in the Far North against the Crystal Empire, the throne of which had been usurped by a tyrannical madman. The legitimate ruler had been transformed into crystal from which she would never be freed. However, she had a filly whom the Princesses endeavoured to spirit out of the Empire before their discovery. They succeeded, and I believe her descendants still live in secret within the ground of Canterlot Palace, waiting for the Empire to return."
"Return?" I asked.
"Yes. The climax of that battle resulted in the entirety of the Crystal Empire literally vanishing from the face of the earth within a single night. It was Starswirl's custom spell, cast simultaneously by both Princesses. Nothing was destroyed; there were no blast craters, no bodies. Where the Empire had stood for a century or more, there was naught but a snowy expanse. That, however, is only background for what is truly important."
"Which is?"
"As Equestria's rulers were all away, governance fell to a council of Nobility. Ah, Lady Annie, I can tell by the snarl on your face that you know of them."
"I've met a few," I growled.
"Well, they were even worse back then, as their power was unchecked. One of them, a Unicorn of the Tethys clan, discovered a treatise Starswirl had half-completed before his departure, discussing the possibility of power dilution through racial intermixing. He wondered if there was a connection between weak-magic Unicorns and having mixed blood. Starswirl himself was full-blood Unicorn, and worried that if his hypothesis proved correct, no pony in later generations would ever be able to carry on his legacy."
"Was he right?" asked Ruby.
"Yes... and no," Callisto replied cryptically. "Magic, regardless of type, does what it will. Even if a line's blood is diluted through mixing, there may come a point where magic reasserts itself with a vengeance. This does not just apply to Unicorns; it has consequences for Pegasi and Earth-ponies as well. Even if interbreeding makes lineages magically weak in the short term, the consequences of an ever-shrinking pool of mates are dire indeed. Starswirl knew that, but he had not written such wisdom down before the Nobility decided to adopt his half-finished theory. Their Council - still around to this day as Equestria's Senate - laid down several decrees, the first of which banned racial mixing, under penalty of death."
"That's awful!" Ruby said.
I sighed. "That sounds about right."
"The Nobility did it partly to protect themselves and give themselves more legitimacy, but also to keep ponies divided against each other and unable to oppose their other decrees, such as a massive tax rise and further elevation of Nobility above the rest of society culminating in the clearing and rebuilding of a neighbourhood immediately surrounding the Everfree Castle, not too far from where we sit, as a place of mansions for the Nobility. They further separated the rest of the city into districts for each race, along with a fifth district solely for the mixed-blood offspring of banned couples: a massive orphanage."
"Question." Ruby interjected. "How could they even tell who was mixed? Ponies do not show outward signs of being pure or not."
"That is correct," replied Callisto. "To carry out their decree, they needed help, and that is where the Society of the Sun, named specifically to curry favour with the Sun Princess, came in. They were, to be blunt, neighbourhood spies who reported illegal mixing to the authorities. Offenders were rounded up, jailed, and their offspring taken to the orphanage. They also mounted a large 'education' campaign warning of the dangers of mixing races - Pegasi unable to fly, Unicorns unable to use magic, Earth-ponies unable to farm or quarry. Most ponies believed it. Granted, in those days, as now, most places' populations were overwhelmingly one race or another; Everfree itself was one of the few cosmopolitan settlements. Nonetheless, the Society's beliefs swept across the hinterlands like an invisible wildfire. It also gave credence to certain groups that already carried this belief."
"Tarpanites," I said with more than a degree of disgust.
"Yes," Callisto said. "The new theory fit in with Tarpan dogma believing in the importance of maintaining the purity of Earth-pony blood to provide a counterweight to the other two races. Their belief, which was not incorrect at the time, was that the Unicorns, who made up the vast majority of Nobility and traditionally curried favour with the Princesses, were actively working to suppress knowledge of any form of magic other than their own. Only by separating themselves from the broader society and taking their practices with them did they feel Earth-ponies could thrive. In this way, they do not differ greatly from us. Our main point of contention with them was our belief that Starswirl's theory was ultimately incorrect and only by promoting racial harmony would true peace be achieved.
"When the Princesses and Starswirl the Bearded returned to Everfree City, they were appalled by how it had changed. The Moon Princess, who had never had cordial relations with the Nobility, immediately condemned them and demanded the restoration of the city to how it was before they left. The Sun Princess worried that angering the Nobility could spark a civil war, as their long absence had eroded their legitimacy. Starswirl retreated to continue his arcane research. The Sun Princess decided to coddle the nobility while hoping to undermine their position. This was a terrible decision on her part, for it allowed the Nobility and Society of the Sun to further entrench their power at the base.
"One night, some low-level members of the Society of the Sun infiltrated the Princesses' Castle and attempted to assassinate the Moon Princess. Of course they failed; indeed, the Princess was so angered by the act that she executed all of them on the spot before any interrogation could happen. This upset the Sun Princess, who became drawn to the Nobility's argument that, in a fragile society, separation was ideal for short term peace.
"One day, the Council made a decree, harshly enforced by the Society of the Sun, setting a sunset curfew for all of Equestria, knowing it would enrage the Moon Princess. In response, our forebears created our Order, declared our allegiance to the moon out of opposition to the Society, and preached the message of inclusion, harmony, and the beauty of the night."
"That sounds just fine," I said. "Can't see how in Equestria somethin' like that could lead to war."
"We were a threat to the Nobility's power. They convinced the Sun Princess to declare our group heretic. Once she did, the Moon Princess became convinced that her sister was the enemy. Jealousy and bitterness corrupted her heart and transformed her into Nightmare Moon, sparking the War. Although Nightmare Moon herself was defeated and sealed within just a few days, the War's effects lasted much longer."
"How so?" Ruby asked.
"As Nightmare Moon made her last stand, she unleashed a powerful blast of dark magic that destroyed the City of Everfree and left the earth itself permanently corrupted. She had hoped to shield herself from the Elements of Harmony. Obviously, she failed. Yet even after being sealed in the moon, the Corruption never dissipated. Indeed it seemed to strengthen with each passing day. The Sun Princess and Starswirl the Bearded, unable to fix the twisted magic of this area, declared Everfree off-limits forevermore. The Nobility returned to their ancestral fiefs where they continued to extol the virtues of exclusion. The Sun Princess and Starswirl briefly moved to the ancient city of Koniksberg in Equestria's northeast as they designed the new capital, Canterlot, to be built on the slope of Equus Mountain north of the ruins of Everfree. While both had envisioned it as a racially mixed place, in practice it was Unicorn-only, with other races forced to live outside its walls."
"That still does not explain how your group ended up here," Ruby said.
Callisto shook her head. "In fact it does. The Sun Princess never lifted the declaration of heresy against us, even as she destroyed the Society of the Sun and occasionally cracked down on the excesses of the Nobility. Before the War, we operated openly in every major city, town, and village. After it, we were forced into the shadows. Equestria entered a sort of 'lost' period as, over the course of a century, society changed rapidly. The Princess and Nobility, even when at odds, were eager to leave the old world behind. Ancient festivals, except for the Summer Sun Celebration, were banned or fell out of favour as new ones were created; the runes you see on the mileposts along these Forest roads, already nearly obsolete before the War, were forgotten entirely; the tales ponies told their foals changed as well, to remove the idea that Equestria had ever been a diarchy or that there had once been a city founded on harmony. We made it our mission to preserve the Equestria that existed before the War. It was not easy, as every decade or so, some unfriendly pony would find us and drive us out of our chosen encampment. Eventually, we had nowhere left to go but these ruins. Despite the Scorched Valley's proximity to the heart of the Corruption, we are less affected than we otherwise would be thanks to the latent light magic emanating from the intact cave further in."
"And y'all have been here ever since," I said.
"Yes," confirmed Callisto with a nod. "Everfree is the one place in Equestria the Princess cannot tread, for the Corruption affects her badly. Other ponies fear to come due to this Forest's many monsters and spirits, particularly those of the cursed village."
"Sunny Town," Ruby and I said.
"At the time of the incident, we had not yet arrived. My understanding is, whether due to generations of inbreeding or living too close to the Forest, that village's ponies never developed cutie marks, even into adulthood. Due to their isolation, they forgot cutie marks even existed. One night, an outsider filly visited the village and, while there, obtained her cutie mark. The villagers thought it a curse, and murdered the poor filly, dumping her body in a fire and burning it. The Sun Princess passed judgement by placing what was meant to be a temporary hex on them wherein they would have to relive their crime in their minds each day until they understood the magnitude of it and repented. However, shortly afterwards, the Corruption overtook the village and twisted its ponies into demons. It is said that any pony who approaches the ruins of the village is greeted by a friendly Spirit of Light; if the pony has no cutie mark, they are invited in. But, if the pony has one, they are warned to leave lest they meet a gruesome fate. That advisory may have saved our Order."
"Yeah, that about sums it up," I said. "Ruby, hun? Does her story jive with what you remember?"
Ruby nodded. I think I heard her sob. "Yes," she barely said.
"It is an honour to sit with the Spirit of Light," Callisto said, "Though I cannot help but wonder what prompted you to leave your post."
Ruby shrugged. "I have difficulty accepting being a so-called 'Spirit of Light', for it sounds too lofty a title for me. As to why I left Sunny Town after ...I do not know how long I have guarded it... I simply felt I needed to follow Annie."
"Why?" Callisto and I both asked, then looked at each other.
Ruby lowered her head. "I... wanted a friend. I felt so lonely. Annie did not run in fear of me or ignore me, as all other ponies have."
"I can understand that," Callisto said. "Every pony needs a home and friends, but they may not find it where they expect. Our Order provides camaraderie to ponies who felt out of place in their old lives. All of us were refugees as you were, Miss Annie. We may have a fearsome reputation, but we love Equestria and hope for its restoration as a true home for all ponies. We venerate the moon and preserve ancient knowledge. For if we do not, no one else will, and a world is nothing without its history. We would love nothing more than to come out of the shadows some day. That makes us different from your Tarpanite ancestors, Miss Annie; they prefer isolation to engagement, and it left their hearts twisted, nearly as corrupt in our view as this Forest."
"Well, y' ain't wrong," I said.
Just then, we were rocked by an explosion somewhere above us. The three of us ran out of the library to avoid the possibility of being trapped inside. Luckily, all that fell were a few small rocks.
Rhea stood in the middle of the ramshackle settlement, looking around to make sure none of her followers were hurt.
"Hyperion!" she called out. "What was that??"
A grey Pegasus stallion who appeared to have once been brown slowly flew into view. At that time, I was not used to seeing Pegasi of any kind, so I probably embarrassed myself by being so fascinated by how his wings kept him aloft despite his size.
"Lady Rhea!" Hyperion replied in his deep voice, "I have no idea. If I had to guess, something major is happening up top."
"What do you suggest we do?" Japetus asked her.
Rhea scratched her chin for a moment. "While I want to know what is happening in the ruins, I feel it would be a bad idea for any of us to approach due to the strength of the Corruption."
At that moment, a very stupid thought crossed my mind. I turned to Ruby. Without a word between us, we both knew what we would do and nodded. I grabbed my lantern and walked away from the Order.
"Annie, what are you doing?" asked Rhea, a hint of fear in her voice.
I turned back to her. "If y'all won't go check it out, I will," I said. "Besides, my ladle flew up there an' I need to get it back or my mom'll kill me."
Japetus briefly stood in my way. "Are you quite mad?" he asked.
"I think ya should've figured that out from my comin' into this damned forest alone in the middle of the night. Besides, I'm a lot stronger than y'all think," I replied as I gently moved him aside.
"We will not be able to help you if you get into trouble," Rhea warned.
"I understand."
Without a further word from either of us, though Ruby bowed politely, we made our way out of the Scorched Valley until we reached that fork in the road we had encountered on our way in. The other direction, which had once been smartly paved, was now little more than broken, uneven stones. Nevertheless, we started our climb up the hill into the heart of the Corruption: the ruins of the City of Everfree, which no pony had seen in over seven hundred years. |
Antonovka | Chapter Six: The Corruption | Up the ruined road I went. I had no idea what to expect when I reached the top of the hill. Or rather a mid-grade slope, covered in untamed Forest, its continuous canopy still blocking everything, with only the mossy remnants of weathered and dispersed paving stones to serve as my guide. As Ruby (whose eyes served as a nice extra bit of light) and I ascended, I felt the atmosphere grow more oppressive, as if some physical yet intangible thing had draped itself over whatever lay at the top.
Eventually, the trees thinned out and we exited the forest into what I can only describe as the most amazing but dismal place I will ever see: the ruins of the ancient Equestrian capital of Everfree. A swirling grey fog that smelled somewhat like musty clothes blanketed the ground up to just past my knees. Whatever it was, it was certainly enough to ensure that no plant life except corpse weeds would be able to grow. Was it day? Was it night? I'd never be able to tell you; just like every other gap in the canopy I had seen since entering the Forest, this place appeared to be enveloped in a perpetual dusk with no identifiable source of light, a purple sky with an oily patina through which even the moon itself looked blurred.
It wasn't hard to see why ponies abandoned this place after the war.
At once we were greeted by a massive expanse of cobblestones, many broken, stretching off in every direction to form what must have been the narrow streets and alleyways of some ancient urban quarter. Of course there were no longer any buildings of any kind on either side; three quarters of a millennium of neglect following the war had reduced just about everything to rubble. Aside from the paths themselves, a broken wall here or there was about the only thing that indicated civilization had ever existed in this place.
As Ruby looked around, her headlamp eyes caught a glint of something a few yards away from us. I ran over and, sure enough, there was my family's soup ladle. I did a small dance of joy before I picked it up. I didn't exactly have a good place to store it, so I tried my best to thread its handle into my braided tail.
"Well, you have finally found what you came for," Ruby told me. "Can we please leave now?"
By her voice, I could tell she was scared. I was too. In a place like that, it was hard not to be.
And yet, something inside me didn't want to leave just yet. Curiosity? Youthful naïvete? A death wish? Who knows. Whatever the reason, I turned to Ruby and said to her, "No."
"What?! Why?" she asked, her voice raising in pitch and volume.
"Think about it," I said. "No pony has set hoof in this place for seven hundred fifty years! It's worth at least a little look 'round before we leave."
Ruby stared at me like I was insane. She was probably right. "Do you not see that grey fog everywhere? Or that the sky is blocked by some oily film such that we literally cannot tell night from day? We are in the heart of the Corruption of the Forest! It might already be twisting us! Besides, there is not a thing here but a bunch of ruins. Oh, and the entrance to a castle about a hundred yards that way." She pointed past me.
"Let's check it out," I insisted. "It'll be one hay of a story to tell my kids once I have 'em."
Ruby wasn't buying it. "If you live long enough."
Nonetheless, we walked carefully across the broken stone-paved streets, our only companions the ever-thickening fog and the occasional dead weed or tree, its bark long since rotted away so you could never tell what species it used to be. Also that smell of must seemed grow stronger the closer we got to the castle.
Eventually, we exited the network of alleys and rubble of houses to come out into a large plaza - you couldn't really call it a 'square' because, as best we could tell, it was circular except with one end shaved off just past the meridian.
Unlike the structures surrounding the plaza, the ancient royal castle appeared to be mostly intact, although parts of its outer wall had crumbled, revealing that a triumphal stone bridge leading to the front gate had long since collapsed into a moat which had gone dry centuries ago. Oddly, perhaps ironically, the outer gate leading to that bridge was still mostly intact - a stone archway with its keystone carved in a sun-&-moon logo: an old variant of the royal crest I had seen at the Palace in Canterlot, although its wooden doors had been blown off their hinges or rotted away.
Several feet in front of the outer gate, placed at what I assumed to be the exact centre of the truncated circle, sat an enormous fountain made of marble so pure in its whiteness it seemed almost as ethereal and translucent as Ruby. Unlike everything else around, it was mostly intact. A simple circular wall no more than seven hands high with a slightly jutting rim surrounded a long-dried basin. On top of the part of the base meant to be underwater, which had several empty depressions where precious stones likely once existed, stood statues of three ponies, one representing each race, proving the Moon Cult wasn't lying about how this city used to be a land of racial harmony. Based on the history lesson they'd given me, I wondered why such a symbol had not been destroyed even before the war. All three ponies held an upper tier on which stood a grand Alicorn. I had never seen her before; it wasn't Celestia or, as I'd learn, Luna. Instead, this mare had a straight mane and tail, bangs cut level above her eyes, which were inlaid with jade - the only colour in the entire fountain, its presence legitimately surprising amongst the devastation - and a cutie mark that from what I could tell was a quill pen inside an inkwell.
On the side of the fountain facing the ruined city stood a rectangular plaque set into the marble. A short message was inscribed on it, but it was in those ancient runes, so we had no idea what it said.
Although I wanted to explore the castle, something about that fountain intrigued me. It was undoubtedly the source of the nasty smell permeating the plaza. I peered over the lip into the basin expecting to see nothing but more marble. Instead, the entire bottom of the basin was filled with an iridescent blackish purple goo the likes of which I'd never seen before or since.
What do you do if you're a young mare way outside of your comfort zone, and you come across an indescribable substance... and you're an idiot who ignores your new friend's warnings to please stay away from it?
Answer: You find a petrified stick nearby and you poke it with that stick.
I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but the goo suddenly coming to life and rising out of the basin like a cauldron bubbling over was definitely not it. I took several steps back in shock as Ruby ran to the nearest pile of rubble and hid. The dark mass grew until it was several times the size of the fountain. At the same time it also lost its tangibility, becoming more like a thick smoke, its colour yet unchanged.
I think it was the point when a pair of sickly green glowing eyes not unlike those of a Timberwolf's appeared near the top of the thing that I realized I might have made a big mistake.
When, shortly thereafter, it extended a bulbous arm toward me at high velocity, breaking the paving stones on the spot I had just jumped away from, I knew I had made a big mistake.
At that point, I should have run away. But I was young and too stupid for my own good... and also annoyed because that thing's attack had made me drop my lantern, which shattered, allowing the fireflies to escape. So instead I screamed at the thing.
"What the hay?!" I yelled.
Actually being spoken to evidently shocked the smoke blob thing. It slowly morphed into the shape of a Timberwolf, then a Wendigo, then an Ursa Minor, before settling on some sort of draconic form that allowed it to speak.
"What art thou doing in my domain?" demanded the raspy, deep, but clearly feminine voice.
"Hey, I just came here to pick up something I lost. I ain't got no beef with ya, so now that I got what I came for, I'll just be on my way," I said, turning to leave.
Another attack. I felt it coming and tried to dodge, but failed. The force of the hit sent me flying into the wall Ruby was hiding behind.
"Annie! Are you okay?" Ruby screamed as I lay on my side.
Once my head stopped spinning and I was able to stand, I responded. "Yep. Doin' jus' peachy. Nothin' broken."
"I am so glad!" said Ruby as she came out from behind her hiding place to attempt to hug me, again forgetting what she was.
Much to both our surprise, her embrace connected. Ruby felt... oddly warm for a ghost. A soothing, comforting presence. We looked at each other, absolutely confused. Ruby's lips quivered as she went through the motions of crying, although I'm reasonably certain no tears came out of her, just as I felt no breath or heartbeat from her despite the closeness.
"Ya just touched me," I said, still in shock.
Ruby nodded, her lips contorting into a smile. "I cannot remember how long it has been since I have been able to feel another pony's warmth."
"But... how? Ya weren't able to touch anything before. Why here? Why now?" I asked.
"I do not know," Ruby replied. "Perhaps it has to do with the powerful magic about these ruins."
"Ya mean like that dark thing that's gearin' up to attack me again?"
Looking towards the abomination, Ruby nodded. "You should probably move, Annie."
She helped me to my feet, allowing me to hop out of the way just as an infernal dark fist whipped through the stale air like a battering ram, smashing the little stone wall into dust. I was fine, if barely, but Ruby hadn't been able to dodge in time. I tried to get to her, only to dodge another blow - that creature formed a second arm from its amorphous self and tried to do a sweeping attack to trip me. I jumped, clearing it by maybe an inch as its arm connected with the ruins of a nearby house, slicing the ancient stone like a hot knife through butter.
I looked back at the thing to find its expression contorted into one of pain, holding its first battering-ram arm towards itself as if it had just been burned. This made absolutely no sense to me until I looked towards the small crater of destruction where I expected to find the somehow even deader body of my new dead friend.
Instead, Ruby stood in the exact same spot she had been in before, completely unharmed, surrounded by a sphere of dim golden light that extended out from the core of her body a yard in each direction. It emitted a quiet hum as it pulsed around her. As I ran up to check on her, I saw her eyes were no longer bright golden lamps; instead, I could see her irises: a dark red with undertones of orange to balance out her mane, which swayed slightly thanks to some sort of otherworldly breeze separate from the nastier wind whipping through the ruins.
"Well, that explains your name," I said.
"Yes," Ruby said with a nod. "Most ponies assumed my eyes were gold to match my mane, but that is false. They are also deeper than the magenta common in so many ponies."
"I like it."
"The orange of your own irises is lovely as well. But once again I believe we have more pressing issues at hand," Ruby warned.
Right. That thing.
It hissed as it gathered its appendages back to itself, retreating almost into a giant dark demonic ball. "You..." it said. Maybe I should say she since, as I said, its voice was obviously female, and I'll explain why in a bit, but today's ponies might tell me I shouldn't assume gender on a barely corporeal mass of smoky goo.
I stepped forward. "Yeah, what?" I asked with as much authority as I could, which was not a whole heck of a lot compared to my mama, but at least I tried.
The thing hissed menacingly. I think it may have mumbled something about trespassers, but I couldn't really hear it.
"C'mon!" I said. "Ya ain't got nothin' ta say? You're a quiet demonic pile o' goo, ain't ya? Want us to leave? Then you're gonna have to make us!"
Ruby tapped me on the shoulder. "Annie, please do not antagonize it!"
I ignored her. "Bring it, ya big fat blob!" I yelled with a smirk.
Well, that did it. The whatever-it-was hissed louder than ever and lunged itself straight at us, although I noticed out of the corner of my eye she kept herself attached to the fountain, and stopped less than a yard short. I could feel the curdling heat of its rotten breath, or whatever exuded from it, on my face.
Ruby and I looked at each other in confusion. "Why has it stopped its attack?" she reasonably asked.
"Dunno," I replied. Then, I made what was probably the second biggest mistake of my life as I said, "May as well have a little fun with it."
Ruby facehoofed. "That is a terrible idea."
I stuck my tongue out at the abomination, wiggled my rear end at it, and made silly noises with my mouth. "What's the matter?" I taunted. "Ya on a rope like a leashed-up puppy dog? Can't go past some line in the stone? Are you really what's been scarin' the Moon Cultists down there for centuries? The evil heart of the Everfree Forest? The Corruption?! What a joke! You ain't nothin'! You ain't--"
During my rant, I absentmindedly walked away from Ruby. As soon as I did, the thing grabbed me with her full essence, lifting me up high into the air as she squeezed me like an anaconda chokes the life out of a capybara. I could feel my lungs and heart being constricted as I struggled to breathe or even move.
"I am Corruption!!" she screamed not unlike a banshee. "I am this Forest! I am Pain! I am Loss! I am Sorrow! I am Hate! I am Nightmare!!"
As she said that last word, she slammed me with as much force as she possibly could into a remnant portion of the outer castle wall. I think my impact might have dented it, I hit so hard. After that, I fell to the stone pavement of the plaza and promptly blacked out for I don't know how long.
Once I came to, and my head stopped spinning, I wiggled each of my legs in turn. Miraculously, none of them were broken. So, I attempted to stand, and promptly fell back into a heap and coughed up blood. Well then, my legs were fine but my ribs and at least one internal organ obviously were not. I still needed to stand; just had to take it a bit slower than I would have liked. After about a minute or two, I was back on my hooves and slowly regaining my sense of balance. Or maybe it was just adrenaline kicking in, who knows.
I turned around to face the ancient fountain - wasn't about to be taken by surprise again - and saw that The Corruption, as she seemed to prefer to call herself, had suddenly decided to ignore me. Several feet away stood Ruby, staring down our foe, her stance aggressive, and she was angry.
"How dare you hurt my friend!" Ruby screamed as she slowly approached The Corruption, the golden light emanating from her being glowing brighter with each step. I'm pretty sure she didn't notice at first, but she was forcing The Corruption to retreat back into the fountain. It tried to lash out at her, but stopped the instant it made contact with her aura and shrank back further.
"Worthless light!" hissed The Corruption, although even then I could tell she was lying.
Ruby was not even close to finished. "You also worked your vile magic on Sunny Town. They may not have been good ponies, but they did not deserve... that. Especially Mitta! She was almost free of the curse, but you had to ruin it with your witchery! She could have been my friend! Do you know how long I have had to wait for a pony that would accept me for what I am?? DO YOU?!"
The Corruption merely hissed defensively. Her amorphous head split down the middle in order to keep one of its eyes on Ruby; the other turned to look at me. Seeing that I was up, it shifted its bulk to ready another attack. Before it could, Ruby positioned herself between it and me, aura glowing ever stronger.
"I do not think so!" Ruby snipped. "For centuries I have wandered the periphery around my grave, trying to protect innocent ponies from what you wrought. Every time, I failed. Not tonight. You shall not take this one!" she gestured toward me.
The Corruption clearly did not take the hint. It shifted itself and made one last lunge at me around Ruby's increasingly bright aura.
"I said STAY BACK!!" Ruby bellowed, as her aura became augmented by a second burst of light emitting from her eyes and doubled in both size and intensity, enough to envelop the entire fountain. The Corruption, caught off guard, looked around for a place to flee but, failing that, appeared to shrink back into the basin from which it came, a painful hiss quietly fading.
Threat seemingly over, Ruby's aura quickly dissipated and she collapsed in a pathetic heap on the stones. Although I couldn't exactly run, I still tried to get to her as fast as I could.
"Ruby! Are you okay?" I asked as I made it to her body. I tried to pick her up, but my hooves went right through her. A lump formed in my throat. Was she dead? I wondered. Okay, that was a really stupid question. Of course she was dead; she'd been dead the entire time and I knew it. But I was terrified that she was dead-dead, as in about to not be even a ghost anymore. You can imagine my relief when, after some minutes, she moved her head and opened her eyes.
They were not golden headlamps like normal (well, normal for her), but merely her original deep red irises. She turned to look at me, and smiled.
"I believe I am fine. That took a lot out of me," she said with more than a bit of fatigue in her voice.
"Still," I said, "looks like ya got it."
"I cannot be sure what exactly happened," replied Ruby as she stood up, "but hopefully you are correct."
"Ohhh, far from it!" hissed The Corruption as menacingly as she could, noticeably less raspy this time.
We turned around to face the fountain. The unknown Alicorn at its apex glowed with an ominous red aura.
"Is that statue moving?" Ruby asked no one in particular.
I sighed with all the irritation of a child at a big family supper. "Oh for horseapple's sake," I said. "You're still here?"
"Indeed," The Corruption confirmed from inside the Alicorn statue, whose mouth did not move when she spoke. "Who would have expected the jade of this one's eyes to be imbued with spells to prevent theft? Still, an enchantment is an enchantment, and absorbing its magic has restored my power and given me more awareness!"
"Can't you just leave us alone?" I asked, exasperated and more than a little exhausted. "We seriously didn't wanna cause any trouble. Just let us go an' you can keep on corruptin' the Forest or whatever it is ya do."
The statue shook its head. "I cannot let you do that. Any pony who disturbs my slumber must be punished!"
"Wait," I said. "You're tellin' me that for seven hundred fifty years, you've jus' been passively corruptin' the entire land?"
The statue tilted her head. "An unusual way of phrasing it, but correct," she concluded.
Ruby looked at me, clearly worried. "Does that mean we have awoken something truly horrible?"
"Also correct," The Corruption confirmed.
"Well... brand me," I muttered.
The statue unfurled its massive Alicorn wings and attempted to alight from its pedestal ...and almost immediately crashed to the ground, leaving a small crater where it landed. Ruby was still cowering, but I had to chuckle at that one. After all, when death is very literally staring you in the face, you have to find some humour where you can.
"Okay," The Corruption said, pretending not to be rattled, "Evidently my magic is not yet powerful enough to lift this body." The statue shook its head and worked its legs, creating movable joints where none had existed. "No matter. I can still do this!!"
The Corruption fired a blast of dark magic from its long horn. It missed us by several feet, but the area it hit was covered in an iridescent black goo that pulsated with electricity and smelled like something had died in a waste bin on a humid summer's day. I grimaced and backed away to avoid vomiting. After about a minute or so, the aftermath slowly dissipated, or absorbed into the ground, one of the two.
I had only moved a few steps when The Corruption fired again, this time directly at me. I saw the attack out of the corner of my eye and just barely managed to avoid being hit. My hop landed me next to the remains of the rock wall of a long-gone ancient dwelling. The follow-through by my tail landed an audible 'clink!' against the stones. Right, I still had mama's ladle tucked inside the braid.
More attacks from the corrupted statue, more dodging. At one point, its magic just barely touched the edge of one of my legs. The pain center of my brain went ballistic at just a tiny fraction of that attack: simultaneously prickly yet indescribably cold, a feeling of endless anger and sadness coursing through my nervous system, permeating my essence to the very core. Not a feeling any pony or thing should ever have; I could only imagine what the full blast would be like.
Several feet away from me, Ruby stood stock still. She was watching me fighting The Corruption hiding inside that statue intensely. I'll admit I sort of hated that she was essentially being ignored by this thing trying to kill me, but then Ruby couldn't exactly help being dead or having weird light powers that caused The Corruption to make a concerted effort to avoid her.
After a few more minutes of dodging attacks, a catch in my lungs and a little twinge in my shoulder told me I was close to reaching my limit as The Corruption continued to rush me and fire evil out her metamorphic horn.
"Annie! Please come here!" Ruby called out to me urgently. Like I hadn't been trying to get to her the entire time. So I did my best to hop, skip, and jump over to her in that spot a few yards away from the ancient fountain with absolutely no cover. Eventually I made it.
As we had both expected, The Corruption stopped attacking as soon as I got within a yard of Ruby. I could hear its angry growling emanating from the form of the statue yet obviously detached from it.
"So what d'ya need, Ruby?" I asked her. "I'm glad for the respite, but we... or I... can't fight this thing forever."
Ruby nodded. "That is why I called you here. Do you remember me informing you my cutie mark is a reflection of my ability to find things?"
It had been a pretty crazy night. I think she'd said that at some point? Regardless, I nodded.
"I have been watching the fight so that I could see if The Corruption might possess a weak point." Then she smiled as her aura began to glow again. "I have found it."
My face perked up at that news. "Well, what're we waitin' for? Let's get it!"
She shook her head. "Attacking its weak point will not be easy unless we act very deliberately."
"Ya mean a plan."
"Yes," Ruby replied with a nod. "Let me tell you what I believe may work."
She leaned over to me and whispered into my ear. I won't tell you the start of what she said, but I will say my eyes went wide and my jaw dropped from the sheer simplicity and stupidity of it.
"You can't be serious."
"I am," she said. "It appears that after I forced The Corruption's essence into the Alicorn statue, it was left with only a single outlet for magical attack: the horn. That horn is hollow due to its being a spigot for the fountain. When it left its pedestal, the other end of the water pipe, in its back left hoof, broke and was quickly sealed off by its movements against you."
"Ya mean it stepped on its own pipe and bent it closed."
Ruby nodded. "Yes. I believe that a coordinated attack by the both of us, using your weapon, will defeat it."
I pondered for a moment. What Ruby proposed was without a doubt the craziest and most suicidal plan I've ever heard, and that includes my Pa's decision to accept banishment and find a new homestead. I guess being dead allows you to think outside the box.
"Are you ready yet?" I asked her.
"No," Ruby said as she shook her head. "I used up much of my energy forcing The Corruption into that statue. Recovery will take more time."
"Well, that stinks."
As we conversed, The Corruption fired a volley of evil at us, which bounced harmlessly off of Ruby's golden aura. The statue walked slowly towards us. If it had been capable of facial expression, I think it would have looked irritated. Instead, it wore the neutral countenance of the ancient Alicorn.
"You two are becoming boring," she said. "I could wait until you exhaust your energy and then kill you, but now that I have been awakened, I see there is an entire world to corrupt just like this Forest. Perhaps... I can start with those voices I hear below us. A nice snack."
Our eyes went wide at that. "You stay away from the Moon Cultists!" I growled. "They don't mean no one no harm!"
"Oh?" asked The Corruption with a chuckle. "That got a reaction out of you. Will you two try and stop me? You shall die trying."
"Better than having to sit back and watch more innocent ponies killed by this damned Forest!" I snipped. "Ruby! I don't care if you're ready or not; we're doin' this now!"
She nodded. "I understand."
With that, Ruby closed her eyes and concentrated. Her aura grew in intensity, causing The Corruption to take a step back. Then suddenly, Ruby charged straight toward the statue, glowing as brightly as she possibly could. The Corruption, caught off guard, screamed as Ruby threw herself against its tall forelegs, causing the white marble of the statue to reflect a slight gold hue. It shuddered as Ruby's inner light affected it.
"DO IT!!" Ruby screamed.
At that, I broke into a gallop towards them, trying as best I could to ignore my injuries. Once I reached Ruby, I leapt over her and aimed myself at the statue's head. In midair, I pulled mama's ladle out from its place of safety in the braid of my tail and, once I was close enough, grabbed the statue's head to give myself some leverage. That done, I shoved the ladle handle-first into the hole in the middle of the statue's horn, using my hoof as a hammer to pound it in as far as I could force it. It didn't take long for The Corruption to shake me off and fling me several feet away... into the remains of the fountain, actually. It hurt, a lot. Ruby ran... or maybe floated, I couldn't really tell... over to me.
"Annie, are you okay?! Please be okay!" she cried.
I grunted as my body twitched. "I ain't hurt too bad. Just my pride," I lied.
"I am so glad!" said Ruby as she attempted to hug me but instead passed through me like the ghost she was. She hung her head in shame.
The Corruption approached us. With my mama's ladle shoved into the statue's horn, she looked absolutely ridiculous. I laughed. Ruby looked up to see the spectacle and attempted mirth, but could barely grin.
"You two... That was a very foolish thing you did. Now prepare to feel the wrath of... Huh?"
The statue began to tremble uncontrollably, much to its occupant's shock. Ruby was right; because The Corruption's magic attacks had some physicality to them, shoving that ladle into her only outlet caused it to clog, and now it was overloading.
"No..." The Corruption whispered. Then louder, "This cannot be! Even the greatest magicians of the age failed to stop me! How could I be defeated by two Earth-ponies?!"
"Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a pony that ain't got magic!" I said, a smarmy smile on my face.
"Also do not discount the lengths a pony will go to to protect a friend!" Ruby said, tired sadness tingeing her voice.
At this point, The Corruption decided to deny its fate. "I WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED! I HAVE CONTROLLED THIS FOREST FOR CENTURIES AND I-- uh..."
She was unable to complete her monologue because just then, the dark magic had built up inside the statue to the point it could no longer be contained. It exploded into thousands of tiny marble shards, several of which slashed my skin pretty badly, although it would have been worse if I hadn't hit the deck and covered my eyes.
When I got out of my defensive crouch, I saw a smouldering blast crater where the statue had been. To my surprise, I did not see The Corruption herself.
"Simply by being near me, it retreated into the statue," Ruby said, her voice having a sudden ethereal resonance to it. "I reasoned that if I made direct contact, The Corruption would be forced to merge further with the statue, meaning your destroying one destroyed both."
"I can't believe that worked," I said. "But... you're lookin' pretty bad."
Ruby cocked her head. "You look worse," she replied with a smile.
My breathing quickened as I realized my new friend was fading away. She gave me a sad smile as she silently approached the blast crater and stood in its very centre. Once she did, the entire vicinity became bathed in a white glow. Ruby's mane and tail blew upwards in some kind of magical vertical wind I couldn't feel. Then, two shafts of light - one from her and the other from the remnants of The Corruption - shot up into the sky, piercing the oily film, causing it to, at least for a while, crinkle and shatter like badly made glass, revealing the morning sky.
"Never thought I'd be so happy to see daylight again," I said to Ruby.
She looked up, beaming (literally), and upon turning back to me, agreed. "It has been so unbelievably long," she said.
Just then, her face suddenly contorted to a look of shock as her eyes resumed their traditional headlamp style, and twin golden beams shot out directly at me, coiling around each other like a pair of snakes in love... or a double helix, whichever simile you prefer. It only took a split-second for them to hit me.
As I was enveloped in the warm gold blast, I wish I could say I was calm and ready, but that would be a lie. I was terrified. The golden light grew in intensity until it turned white, so much so I couldn't see anything. I shut my eyes to keep from going blind. I thought I might have heard Ruby say "I'm sorry", but I couldn't confirm it.
A whoosh of magical wind, and then my entire world went black. |
Antonovka | Chapter Seven: Destiny Denied | When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a world the likes of which I've never seen before or since. All around me, cirrus clouds whipped by amidst a background of purple and brown, punctuated here and there by intangible formations spanning every possible colour of the rainbow, plus some colours outside the spectrum: nebulae in all their glory laid out before me stretching off into forever. Far off in the distance, I saw the little lights of faraway stars twinkling away. Or might they have been galaxies? Despite the fact that infinity fanned out in every direction, including below, it still felt like I was on solid ground, even though I couldn't see anything of the sort. I patted myself to check if I was still alive, then facehoofed because obviously a ghost can touch herself; Ruby proved that.
Ruby. I looked around and saw no sign of her. My breathing quickened. I really didn't want my new friend to be dead... or, I mean, dead dead.
I sat down upon the nothingness, lost in my thoughts, so I never noticed the orb of pulsating white light slowly approaching me.
A gust of cosmic wind startled me out of my stupor. Looking up, I saw the giant light-ball dissipate, fading to reveal the form of someone I had met before, not too long ago.
"Princess Celestia!" I exclaimed in complete shock.
Celestia smiled that serene smile we all know she likes to use as she looked down at me and replied simply, "Hello, Antonovka. It is wonderful to see you again. And might I say that is an exquisite flowery perfume you are wearing."
"Uh, can't say I know what you're talkin' about," I said, "But, do ya mind tellin' me where I am an' what I'm doin' here?"
Celestia appeared to ignore my question. "When we met many moons ago in Canterlot, I had a feeling there was something special about you. Lo and behold, you proved it. I am so proud of you."
I cocked my head. "What're ya talkin' about, Princess?"
"That monster you defeated was a remnant of my dear sister's corrupt and jaded heart, a final spell that I cannot be certain she even knew she cast, which has spent the past three quarters of a millennium warping Everfree into the twisted region we all dread to this day. You destroyed the source of the Forest's Corruption, and thus its spread. For that, you have my sincerest gratitude," Celestia said.
"Hold on now," I finally interrupted her. "I didn't... couldn't... defeat that thing on my own. Ruby helped me, so... Why ain't she here?"
Celestia hung her head low. "I hold no dominion over spirits, and hers appears to have faded."
"No..." I whispered, devastated.
"Now, now," Celestia corrected, lifting her head slightly. "I said faded, not vanished. It is possible she returned to her original domain."
"Yeah, speakin' of which, mind tellin' me what in the hay you did to Sunny Town?"
Celestia sighed, her face crestfallen. "It was an unfortunate accident. When they murdered your friend in cold blood - out of prejudice or simple fear, I cared not - I knew they needed to be punished. My curse was only meant to last for one month; I never expected The Corruption to piggyback on my magic to consume the village and twist its residents."
"Why didn't you try to stop it?" I asked, probably more pointedly than I should have.
"As an enchantment created by Luna during our falling out, The Corruption is uniquely harmful to me," Celestia explained. "Today marks the first time since shortly after the War that I have been able to enter Everfree at all, but even at this time I doubt I would be able to survive there for more than a few minutes. Although you defeated The Corruption's source, it lingers still in the soil, rocks, and plants of the Forest. I cannot say when or if it will ever fully dissipate and allow ponies to inhabit the area again."
I nodded, deciding for the moment not to tell her about the Moon Cultists. "I guess that makes sense."
Celestia raised herself back to her full height, adopting a broad smile. "Now I would be remiss if I did not reward you for your bravery. I bestow upon you the most Honourable of Honours: the Rite of Tridevi."
"What're ya talkin' about?" I asked, cocking my head.
At that, I felt myself being lifted up into the air, assuming the space I was in counted as such. As I looked around me, shocked and terrified while Celestia maintained her standard regal poise, I felt a piece of myself somewhere near my heart rip itself from my chest. I only had a split second to look at the amorphous lump of green before it began swirling around my body like a wonky comet, then like an electron. As it accelerated, it glowed ever brighter, and I lost the ability to follow it by sight. Eventually the light from the green blob became overwhelming; I reluctantly shut my eyes. Then, it must have smacked back into me, because I felt this indescribable jolt of magical force and energy strong enough to knock me for a total loop. Not exactly sure what happened immediately after that, but I think I slowly wafted back to whatever counted for floor in that weird interstice place and promptly passed out for a minute or ten.
When I came to, still dizzy, I struggled to my feet. Celestia was still standing before me, a beaming smile on her face. Whatever her happiness was, I couldn't share in it; my head and sides hurt like the dickens.
"Ugh," I said. "Whatever that was, it sure packed a wallop."
"Look to your side and you will see," replied Celestia.
As I turned my head to my right, a sharp and sudden discomfort shot through my shoulders as a pair of massive green wings unfurled. It took me a minute to realize they were attached to me. I had to prod one and feel the sensation of its involuntary twitch to confirm it.
"Princess, why do I have wings? What in Eque...?"
My head still hurt. I brought my hoof up to rub my forehead when it came into contact with something that should not have been there: a Unicorn's Horn.
I had been transformed into an Alicorn.
"Congratulations, Princess Antonovka!" Celestia said, clear joy in her voice. "You have earned this honour for your service to Equestria!"
"Huh?" I huh'd. "Wait, now. So... you're sayin' I'm like you?"
"Yes... and no," Celestia explained, and I use that term loosely. "It has been many centuries since last I created a new Princess. It is not a process undertaken lightly. Indeed, you are the very first Earth-pony to be Ascended. Of course, you are not a demigoddess like myself or my poor sister. Ascended ponies retain a lifespan comparable to regular ponies. Nonetheless, you are a Princess by right. You shall possess authority, dominion over a Land, and of course a title. In your case I feel 'Princess of Courage' will do nicely."
"Mirror, please," I asked Celestia. She quickly summoned one so I could see myself. I had grown noticeably taller, maybe rivalling my brothers. My new wings were still unfurled; it took a lot of concentration to fold them against my sides. As for my horn, I decided to see if I could use it. An aura the same orange colour as my eyes enveloped it... and a tiny ball of orange light shot from it and ricocheted off the mirror into the great unknown.
I turned back toward Celestia. She was chuckling.
"You will be a great Princess indeed," she said.
I rubbed my Horn as memories of those cruel Unicorns in Canterlot danced in my head. I was one of them now. No. I was better than them. I was always better than them, morally, but now they would have to respect me. To say I still held a grudge against Unicorns as a race would be a massive understatement. It made me sick to my stomach to think I had become even somewhat like them. And what about my family? They would surely be jealous or even look down on me for this. Especially Ma. I imagined a lifetime of snide remarks from her as I tried to go about my daily life, assuming it would stay the same which was absolutely not guaranteed. I envisioned the very ponies who threw rotten fruit at us as we stood on jailed display, kowtowing to me out of respect; whether it was legitimate or feigned didn't matter.
I sighed as I gathered up the courage to tell Celestia something she never in her long life expected to hear: "I don't want it."
Her smile dropped, replaced by a look of total confusion. "What?"
"I don't wanna be a Princess, Princess."
"But... why not?" Celestia asked, legitimately concerned. "You have done more than enough to earn the title."
I shook my head. "I couldn't have done a thing without Ruby's help."
"And I would gladly Ascend her as well, were she living," replied Celestia.
"That's not the point," I said. "Princess. I'm just a farm gal. I ain't some frou-frou Canterlot Noble that's got delusions of grandeur or knows how to lead anyone. All I wanted to do was get what I came for, go home, and get on with my life."
"You... are truly rejecting your mantle?" asked Celestia, clearly bewildered.
I nodded. "Eeyup. Look, I know ya mean well, and I appreciate the thought, but... I'm not Princess material, far's I know myself."
Celestia looked at me sadly. "It is said that the best leaders are the ones who wish not the position, for they understand its burdens and therefore possess the humility to avoid becoming tyrannical. It is a balance that I myself have failed many times."
"I understand, but I still don't want this," I insisted. Turn me back into me and let's forget this ever happened."
"Very well," said Celestia glumly. "Have you any proclamations you wish to decree before your mandate ends?"
I thought for a moment. Then my eyes lit up. "Actually... yeah I do. I lost Ma's ladle in the fight so she needs a new one. Could ya do that?"
"You are serious," Celestia asked flatly. "A ladle."
"Yep," I nodded. "She'd tan my hide if I came home without one."
"In that case, I will... have a new one delivered to your home forthwith."
"Thanks," I said with a little smile. "Oh! And, uh, would ya mind leavin' the Moon Cultists alone for a bit? They were friendly...ish to me an' Ruby, and they're kinda tired of bein' hunted."
Celestia's expression flipped to one of shock. "The Order still exists? That is news to me. Very well. Perhaps they should be left to themselves; their dogged preservation of the True History may eventually prove fortuitous."
"Wait," I said. "So all the nasty things they said about you and the lead-up to the War...?"
"Indeed," admitted Celestia. "I allowed myself to be commandeered by the shortsighted whims of lesser ponies and, in so doing, placed a unbearable burden on my sister. I had to defeat her. However, even seven hundred fifty years on, the guilt gnaws at me every day."
"Can't say I blame ya," I said as I patted Celestia on her leg, since even with a slight increase in my height, she still towered over me. "If I had to kick one of my brothers off our farm, I'd feel mighty awful 'bout it even if it wasn't my fault."
Celestia smiled wanly. "I appreciate your sentiment. Are you certain you have no other requests before I cast the Descension spell?"
I sighed. "The only thing I want is the one thing you can't do."
"I am sorry about your friend," said Celestia as she placed a hoof on my shoulder to try to console me. "But she lives on in your heart, just as the scores of bosom friends who predeceased me live in mine, kept forever in my memories. And, as I said, she may re-form."
"I hope so."
"Now, I have never attempted this spell before. It may feel unpleasant," Celestia warned as she touched her horn to mine.
That was an understatement. It hurt like the fires of Tartarus as my body contracted in on itself, bones merging and fusing with the ones already there. I could feel immense pressure on the frontal lobe of my brain as my horn melted back into my forehead. Everything felt like I was being crushed. It was a thousand times more painful than the Ascension spell. But, within just a couple of minutes, it was all over. Celestia sadly showed me the mirror, where I saw a normal Earth-pony once again.
"Thank you, Princess," I said as I bowed to her.
She sighed. "I am disappointed, in both of us. Yet, perhaps this is for the best."
"I think so," I said. "I'm not an ambitious pony. All I want's to get back to my family, farm our apple orchard, and eventually raise a family of my own. It's a simple life, sure, but it'll be mine."
Celestia nodded. "Your words are wiser than you realize. Now, shall I escort you to your homestead?"
"That'd be great," I replied.
A simple charge of her golden aura bathed us in an orb of light that rushed us through the heavens, or wherever it was we were, at speeds that would make a Wonderbolt wince. After some thirty seconds, I could see Equestria, the outline of the Everfree Forest and a tiny spark of yellow light deep within it. Then, just past its edge across the river, a clearing with a small log cabin: my home.
We came to a stop outside the perimeter fence and slowly lowered, touching down on the dirt as lightly as a feather. Once sure of my own footing, I walked through the open gate, turning back to take what I assumed would be my last look at the Princess. She smiled and bowed her head deeply. Then, with a flash of light and a sound like the cracking of a whip, she disappeared.
I approached my house with trepidation, because I knew I was returning empty-hoofed. Still, I figured my family was likely worried about me, so I entered the cabin with a simple "Hi, I'm back." My parents and brothers, after a brief shock, nearly knocked me over in a group hug.
Ma was mad at me about losing the ladle, but she calmed down somewhat when a box arrived the next day from Canterlot via royal guard containing a full supply of kitchen equipment and, as a bonus, canning jars.
So, with that, I resumed my normal life. Nothing interesting would ever happen to me again.
...I assumed... |
Antonovka | Chapter Eight: Accolade | After arriving home from my little adventure, which turned out to have taken over three days because, like I said, time has little meaning in that place, my life quickly settled into the routine rut of a farm-girl. Ma was, of course, angry at me for leaving the homestead and also for losing our ladle; she didn't care one bit about the circumstances, only that it was gone for good. The delivery via Royal Courier the next day of an entire box full of kitchen equipment including canning jars mollified her a little. But only a little.
I never told my parents or my brothers one word about what I discovered in the Forest. I didn't want to scare them ...and they'd never have believed me anyway. Plus, despite being a fully-grown mare (if barely), Ma probably would have made me cut a switch and flagellate myself like an errant Tarpanite foal.
I would not venture into the Everfree Forest again in any of their lifetimes, even though part of me always wanted to. But, I held back. I suppose ignorance can be bliss sometimes. Ask yourself which would hurt more: learning your friend sacrificed her (after)life for you and was gone forever, or never knowing the answer either way? To this day, I wouldn't be able to tell you.
Speaking of the Forest, from that point forward, Timberwolves rarely trespassed on our land again, the frequency of their appearances dwindling over time until eventually the only continued proof of their existence was their menacing yet melancholy howling far in the distance.
You know apple trees bear fruit in the Fall. Imagine our shock when those funky Forest apple seeds I'd planted sprouted fully grown gnarly trees in an instant, complete with bolts of lightning, in early Spring, then a few days later (also in an instant) put out giant rainbow apples. I named them Zap-Apples for the literally electric way they sprout on what seems like a whim, unconnected to any calendar I know of. Over the next couple years, I experimented with them to see what in the world I could do with them to bring in some extra income for our family. Eventually, I figured out how to make it into a tasty jam. The unique combination of tart and sweet varying by colour would no doubt be a hit with ponies, I felt, so we decided on our next market trip we should bring a few jars to sell.
Now normally in those days, when even the national roads were poor quality and the very idea of a locomotive was laughable, one would venture by wagon to the nearest market town. In our case that should have been Canterlot, as we could literally see Equus Mountain and (on a clear day) the spires of Celestia's palace from Pomme Hill just behind our cabin. But, thanks to the chilly reception the Unicorn Nobility still gave us there, we sold our wares in the next nearest place: Detrot, three days northwest of our homestead, two at a gallop.
Back then, Detrot was a bustling boomtown with a cosmopolitan population. It was still over a century before Count Skinflint would revolutionize wagon production on a massive scale. Nonetheless, a healthy industry of hoof-made wagons existed alongside the farms which still stretched across the landscape, their wares destined for the Grand Market in the middle of the carrefour in the heart of the city. Any crop you could imagine, within reason depending on the season, could be found in its stalls.
Such a pity what happened to Detrot later on, but that's a story for another time.
As we sold our Zap-Apple products, ponies were at first skeptical. Can't really blame them, since nothing like it had ever been seen before. But, as soon as we convinced some of the local Nobility (sigh) to try them, they used their influence to steer business our way. Once we sold everything we had, and we always sold out, we would spend a day or two wandering the market for goods to improve our homestead.
Sometimes, if I had time after the market day, I would explore central Detrot. Most of the sights I saw are long gone, victims of modernization and decay. I'm sure that includes one from a peculiar incident.
In the Summer of 753AB, we were in Detrot's Grand Market having yet again sold out of my special jam. I decided to wander around alone for a bit. Ma was in no mood to move, obviously, so she kept watch over our stall. I didn't take any money with me (that was Pa's prerogative). Some youthful freedom.
As I found myself exiting the market area, I felt a presence behind me, following me. I turned to see in the shadowy alleyway next to one of Detrot's many theatres a mare wearing a familiar navy blue hooded robe. I immediately made a beeline for her. She did not run, though she did step back in shock and so I wouldn't smack into her, which I nearly did.
Sure enough, she was a Moon Cultist. Not only that, she looked kinda familiar. The feeling was mutual as she examined my cutie-mark.
"Hmm... a single apple blossom at the tip of a branch," she said, more to herself than me. "You are Antonovka, yes?"
I nodded. "Eeyup. Pretty sure I've seen you somewhere, haven't I?"
"Indeed," she replied with a smile. "I am Kharon, the Missionaries' recruiter for Pegasus ponies. We met briefly in the Valley. It is a pleasure to see you again."
"Yeah. So... why're ya here in Detrot? Yeah it may be a mixed city, but still ain't too many Pegasi here."
She tilted her head. "Recruitment is still my reason for being, and the situation in the Cloudsdale Chiefdom is becoming dicier by the day as Chief Nimbus Dash refuses The Sun Princess's offer of suzerainty. In addition, I am in charge of protecting Japetus, for he so rarely leaves the Forest but needed to undertake an important mission. I believe ...it involved finding you. At least that is one thing he mentioned."
"That fella. Really." I deadpanned. "Well, take me to 'im."
Kharon led me down the alley which turned off into an even narrower darker alley. We stopped at a wooden tenement that looked like it was rundown from the day it was built. She pushed open the creaky door and led me into the front room, announcing in her breathy voice, "I have found her."
Out of the darkness strolled Japetus. He looked, if anything, more corrupted than ever, his coat having faded almost totally to grey and his eyes as unnatural as ever. He slowly looked me over with a neutral pondering frown, as if to confirm my identity. Once he was satisfied, he suddenly reared back and punched me in the face. Who knew the old Unicorn had such a strong right hook? It sent me tumbling across the room. After I regained my senses, I could see Kharon staring at him in utter shock as he had regained his normal emotionless bearing like nothing had happened.
"What the hay?!?" I yelled as I hopped to my feet and began pawing the floor ready to charge. "Sucker punchin' me like that! I oughtta..."
"That was for allowing the Sun Princess to learn of our existence and our sanctuary. Alas, it was all the fight I had in me. If you wish to retaliate, you may," he said with absolute conviction.
"I will never understand you as long as I live," I told him, shaking my head and spitting out a tiny amount of blood onto the floor. "Hang on. The Princess didn't force y'all out, did she? 'Cause I flat-out told her to not do that."
"She did not," he replied. "In fact, one of her Royal Guards intruded upon our home to inform us that, by virtue of your efforts, the Edict of Heresy has been lifted. Our desire to inform you of this was the primary reason I decided to return to my native land."
"Detrot is your hometown?!" Kharon and I both exclaimed in unison.
He gave a quick nod. "Does that surprise you?"
"Actually... yes," said Kharon before I could. "You... have the bearing of a Canterlot native."
Japetus narrowed his eyes. "I am unsure how to interpret that."
"If ya wish ta retaliate, ya may," I snipped at him.
He scoffed with a slight grin. "Perhaps Lady Rhea has been correct about me all these years. Anyway, not all Unicorns come from or live in Canterlot, just like how not all Pegasi hail from or live in the Cloudsdale Chiefdom."
"Uh-huh. Y'all couldn't have sent Rhea instead?"
"She cannot leave the Forest," he replied, "for she fears adverse effects on her health. Indeed, natural light has proved harmful to me in the short time I have been away, which is the reason for my staying in this hovel. Plus, I do not wish to frighten ponies; that would be counterproductive to the goals of our Order."
I rolled my eyes. "So then what do y'all want with me? I got the Princess to lay off ya. We ain't got no more business together, far's I can tell."
"Incorrect," he replied. "Lady Rhea requested that, were I to find you, I must inform you that... *sigh* ...due to your heroic efforts in both ameliorating the Corruption and allowing our Order to again operate openly, you have earned the ranking of High Priestess. That makes you," his tone switched from one of boredom to one of irritation, "third in rank, behind Lady Rhea and Madame Callisto."
Now that made me smile. "I see. Yer ticked 'cause they made me outrank ya? Look, y'know I don't want or need any such thing."
"You swore the Oath. That makes you one of Us, for-ever. Your title stands even if you refuse it," he said.
I shrugged. "Fair enough. I ain't goin' back to the Valley though. I... don't think I can."
"It is understandable. I regret to inform you we have yet to see any sign of the Spirit of Light, though certainly we hope for her return as much as you do," he said, head hung low.
"Well, I ain't really shocked. Uh, one more question that's been buggin' me..." I said.
"For three years?" he asked.
"Yeah. How've y'all been able to live right under the most corrupted part of the Forest and still stay sane? At least by Moon Cultist standards," I asked.
Japetus nodded sagely. "There was not enough time to inform you then, and I suppose Madame Callisto was more focused on the past so it slipped her mind. Further in, the Valley becomes a cave, for not all of its roof was destroyed. At the very back stands a strange tree, white and petrified, that emits a warm ambient light. We believe this tree is a natural source of positive magic and allows us to keep our selves, though it is also wrapped in thorny black vines which largely cancel out its aura, thus we feel physical effects of the Forest anyway. Madame Callisto warns all to stay away due to the dark plant entwining it."
"I see," I said, not really understanding. "If that's all y'all want with me, then I think I'll be on my way."
"Hold on," Kharon said, stopping me.
As I cocked my head in confusion, Japetus levitated a medal emblazoned with the crest of the Missionaries of the Moon to me and slipped it under my bonnet.
"Know the Scorched Valley shall forever be open to you, High Priestess Antonovka," he said.
"Uh-huh," I replied, waving a forehoof as I turned, not looking back. "Good luck on y'all's recruiting or whatever."
I exited the ramshackle building and rejoined the world of the living, eager to get back to my folks and try to put that bizarre encounter out of my mind. |
Antonovka | Chapter Nine: Family | During our trips to the Detrot Grand Market, Ma, Pa, and I were always on the hunt for things we could buy to improve our home after we'd sold out of our jam. My older brothers, however, were on the hunt for something else entirely.
And they found them. Manx Conlin met this nice mare from the Pyrus Clan, an Earth-pony named Forelle, daughter of D'Anjou, who ran a pear stand on the other side of the market. She was a beauty, I'll give her that: gold with a pale green mane. Both were headstrong and believed in the value of a hard day's work... and a hard night's play, as we later found out. After a couple years of courtship ...yes, we still did courtship in those days; don't laugh... they got married and had a foal, Bartlett. Unfortunately for us, he also decided to 'abandon' us and set up with her family, as old farmer D'Anjou was not in the best of health even then. Ma was so angry over losing her oldest son and strongest worker that she banned anyone else in our family from ever courting any member of the Pyrus Clan, forever.
It took several generations, but you know how that edict eventually turned out. In hindsight, I regret going along with Ma's insanity, generations after she was gone. Terrifying old nag.
Nickajack, meanwhile, was forced by circumstance to remain on the farm to help out our parents, which he probably would have done anyway even if Manx hadn't left. During Manx's courtship period, Nick met this sweet Earth-pony (race-mixing wasn't really a thing back then) from Deer-Bourne, a tiny village outside Detrot. She was named Sweetgum, the youngest daughter of a family of hay farmers, only a few years older than me. Despite her strength and work ethic, her family was overburdened with too many ponies for one farm to sustain, so they were more than happy to have her move to our homestead once the courtship period ended in a wedding. I was glad to have another mare in the house besides Ma.
As for myself, well, I met many stallions, did more than a few things with them you're still too young to know about. I would say this even if you'd been on this planet half a century. Yet despite several wanting to court me, I never found any of them worthy of my total devotion. So I stayed on the farm, working with jams and baked goods, increasingly taking over other household duties for Ma, since she never fully healed from that injury three years earlier and tended to give all of us the short end of the stick, more so as she got older. Luckily for everyone, Sweetgum and I hit it off right away; she quickly became my best friend in addition to my sister-in-law. However, she never could quite get the hang of my kitchen experiments. No one could. Pa would joke in his increasingly gravelly voice that I was an apple alchemist.
Time passed.
As our wares, including the home-brewed cider which was my idea, became more popular in the Detrot market, word about us passed to other villages and towns around the region. It would take time for Sweet's kids to set up working farms elsewhere and the best recipes were still with me, plus we simply did not have the means then to travel to many other market towns without neglecting our own farm, so we decided to start keeping more business at home and encouraging ponies to come to us. Much to our shock, some did. Lured by a combination of a first crack at our wares and the area's excellent soil (plus a tax break from Celestia's increasingly centralized government for choosing to live so close to the still-dangerous Everfree Forest), a disparate group of Earth-ponies founded the village we now call home just a mile upstream from our land grant, nearer Canterlot. We were glad to have the company, although we were often too busy working to do much socializing with the newcomers, which might explain why our family has retained a dialect that never much existed in town.
It was an absolutely normal life, punctuated by the rush to preserve food for each winter, and the occasional birth of Nick and Sweet's foals. They ended up having seven; you could say those loved each other very much. Five colts and two fillies. Didn't take as much of a toll on her body as one would expect, probably due to her working outside whenever she wasn't raising them, although a lot of that work was left to me, as I spent much of my day inside anyway. Over that period, we added on rooms to that little log cabin to make room for a growing family until it had become something quite beyond the shack it originally was. Sweetgum's youngest daughter, named Apple Cobbler for her colouring, turned out to also have a knack for cooking. So, I began training her in the ways of the kitchen: making jams, pastries, vegetable stew, and of course working with those bizarre rainbow apples that can be so temperamental but so worth it.
The thing about having such a regular schedule, you might call it a rut and you wouldn't be wrong, is that you tend to lose track of time. The days pass into weeks, which pass into months (or moons if you prefer) which bleed into years. Eventually it becomes impossible to tell what happened exactly which year. Ma grew older and crankier, to the point that Sweetgum and I felt it best to keep the foals away from her on her bad days, which increased as time moved ever forward. The foals grew up, as foals do, into fine mares and stallions. A couple stayed on the farm, including Apple Cobbler and Sweet's oldest son Ribston Pippin, but the rest left to set up in other parts of Equestria, leading to our far-flung extended family. In days without mail service, trains, or any other means of quickly sending information short of hiring a Pegasus courier (which we couldn't afford), we resolved that the entire family, including Manx's descendants if they had apple cutie-marks, should meet up at our farmstead once every few years in our family reunion tradition that continues to this day.
During one of these reunions, in 785AB I think, after Ma finally passed and Pa wasn't long from doing the same, I was working with Sweetgum prepping the next day's feast, and I noticed she was showing her age. Well, raising seven foals to adulthood and then taking charge of the business side of our farming - Nick was never great at numbers; that's one of many reasons she was his ideal companion - must've finally taken their toll on her. I asked her if she was feeling okay. Much to my surprise, she narrowed her eyes at me in irritation.
"Of course I'm not okay, Annie," groused Sweetgum. "I'm getting old. I'm already a grandmother twice over with another on the way. Even Cobbler has been checking out some of the stallions from the new village; within a couple years she might be popping out foals. My joints are starting to hurt and my eyesight isn't as clear as it used to be."
"Well, that happens to all of us," I replied.
"Not to you," she snipped. "Annie, you look like you've barely aged a day since we first met over thirty years ago. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were barely out of your teens."
I cocked my head in confusion. "Well, you know I ain't much younger than you, Sweets. Maybe I'm just aging gracefully by staying inside doing most of the housework instead of kickin' trees."
Sweetgum shook her head. "There's aging gracefully, then there's you, Annie. I really do like you. I'm happy we're 'kin'. But I can't help but feel jealous every time I look at you now. And it hurts."
Slowly, I stood up from the workbench we were at, slowly plodding my way back into our home, through the living/dining room, towards Sweetgum's room. She had brought back a mirror during one of her trips to the Grand Market and set it up at the end of the hallway extension. Since I still used the bedroom in the original part of the house, I rarely went further in. Apple Cobbler did the cleaning everywhere but the kitchen, so I'd never cared about the mirror. After all, when you work from dawn 'til dusk, why worry about your appearance? But that day I decided to give myself a look-over.
Sweetgum was right. I looked like a mare in her early twenties at the latest, possibly younger, despite being past fifty. It's no exaggeration to say I was shocked at my own appearance. Sure, I had birthed no foals (not for lack of effort on several stallions' parts), but that could not explain away a complete and total lack of aging. I was absolutely flummoxed.
I also knew there was only one pony I could turn to to give me an answer.
I packed some provisions, including that medal thing the Moon Cultists gave me, still untarnished after so long. I'd kept it hidden. Didn't want any of the family asking questions.
Briefly rejoining the mounting festivities, I told Sweetgum truthfully I needed to make an emergency trip to Canterlot, giving her a hug and saying that I would hopefully be back before the reunion was over.
That did not happen. |
Antonovka | Chapter Ten: The Promise | Canterlot was just as stuffy and stuck-up as it had been so many decades earlier. Oh sure, more streets had been paved, more buildings had been built away from the Royal Mile road, putting the place closer to the look it has and character it attempts today: a "grand and glorious" city built into a mountain by the power of hubris. It had taken what seemed like forever to make it to the city gates on hoof but, once inside, it took almost no time at all to traverse the entire length of the Royal Mile to the Celestial Palace, its majesty absolutely unchanged.
As I approached, I began to realize the position I'd placed myself in. What was I going to do? Knock on the gate and just ask nicely for an audience with Celestia? That would be absolutely insane.
It was also exactly what I did.
As you can imagine, the pure white Pegasus guards in their gold-coloured armour eyed me with all the regard one gives a cockroach. I would have pleaded my case, but I did not know what case I had to plea. Eventually, I settled on telling the guards I had been cursed... which for all I knew may have been true... and was hoping to see Celestia or one of her Court Wizards for help. That somehow got them to let me pass, though one of the guards stuck by my side, clearly concerned that I might be a danger to Celestia. Silly, when you think about it: a little mare like me a threat to a giant Alicorn demigoddess. Still, I've seen stranger things happen.
The guard guided me through the palace to some antechamber where he asked my name. I gave him my full one: Antonovka ni Rosales da Malus. He narrowed his eyes and snarled menacingly upon hearing it. I apologized for my despised heritage and swore I was no threat to anyone. I think he took the obvious fear in my eyes as evidence I was telling the truth and brusquely said he would find someone in the palace willing to see me.
They left me in that room for what felt like, and probably was, hours. It had no clock or windows of any kind, so I was completely cut off from all semblance of time. I decided to take a nap. I don't know how long I was in that dreamless sleep ...maybe fifteen minutes, maybe three hours, but eventually a knock on the door shook me back to consciousness. Literally, as I fell off the velvet couch on which I had been resting, landing on the marble floor with an unceremonious plop. The medal given to me by the Missionaries of the Moon flew out of its safekeeping spot under my bonnet and bounced across the room, eventually sliding underneath a vanity.
I got up on my hooves to open the door but there was no need. A golden aura surrounded the handle and it opened on its own, revealing Celestia herself. She looked exactly the same as I remembered her from the last two times we had met. She eyed me suspiciously. No doubt she met with hundreds of ponies every single day, so I figured the likelihood she'd recall a farm pony like me, even considering that encounter in the Forest, was remote to nil. But then she allowed her pursed lips to shift into a warm smile. Genuine, as it reached her eyes.
"Hello, Antonovka. It has been a while," Celestia said.
I was flabbergasted. "Y-you remember me, Princess?"
Celestia stared at me in confusion. "How could I not?" she asked. "You are a Heroine of Equestria, even if you refused such an Honour. Regardless, I am glad to see you again after so many years. How long has it been?"
"At least thirty years, Princess," I replied.
She nodded, "Time has been most kind to you then," she said without even a hint of sarcasm.
"Uh, yeah. About that," I interjected.
Celestia tilted her head. "About what?"
"Well, look at me!" I said, maybe a bit more loudly than I should have, motioning to my own body. "It's been over three decades and I ain't aged a day. I literally look younger than my sister-in-law's oldest son! What's going on?"
For the first time ever, I saw Celestia look genuinely puzzled. "I... do not know. I removed the Ascension Spell at your request but, even had I not, it would not have had this effect. As I said during our sojourn in the Interstice, Ascended Alicorns live lifespans equivalent to regular ponies. I know this because I witnessed the last one pass centuries ago."
"What about you?" I asked.
"I am intrinsically and indelibly linked to the Sun. As long as it shines, so shall I. The same holds for my dear sister imprisoned in the Moon. Yes, that tale is truth. Thus, regarding our Attributes: once we became as we are, always shall we be. Does that make sense?"
I nodded. Didn't have the heart to tell her it made no sense whatsoever. Only after a bit of thinking later did I understand what she meant.
"Perhaps an evaluation is in order. Come," she said politely but firmly as she magicked open the doors to the waiting chamber. "I will accompany you."
It wasn't until we had strolled down the corridor and through the grand throne room with its high vaulted ceiling, far fewer stained glass windows along the wall than today (most were clear), and had reached a small stone door without handle or latch hidden behind a tapestry to the right of the throne if facing it, that I felt courage to ask Celestia, "Where?"
She did not answer immediately. Instead, she tapped a short rhythm on the middle of the door, whereupon it slowly opened, revealing a dark passage which led to an ancient stairway snaking downward into the bowels of the castle... or, given its length, into Equus Mountain itself. Using her horn as a light source as she ducked inside, she beckoned me to follow her.
The passage was taller than I expected. Of course it had to be since it was clearly designed to accommodate Celestia's height. Still, it felt cramped once she pushed a wall-torch which activated a pulley system to shut the stone door behind us, severing us totally from the sunlight. I hadn't felt such a longing for its light since Everfree. Instantly, memories of that long night, repressed for so many years, came flooding back. I wondered if Ruby existed. I wondered about the Moon Cultists; I'd neither seen nor heard from them since our chance encounter in Detrot way back when. Sure, Celestia had lifted the Heresy-Ban against them, allowing them to operate openly, but had she changed her mind in the meantime despite promising me to my face she'd leave them alone? I know to you and most everyone else in this realm it feels almost treasonous to question her word, but those were my thoughts as we slowly trudged deeper into the oppressive dark. Eventually it became difficult to breathe due to the staleness of the air, random particles of nothing just suspended amidst the gloom until we moved through them while breathing.
I would never be able to tell you how long that tunnel was or how far we descended, but eventually it bottomed out into a short, straight passage. Celestia allowed her light spell to flit off the tip of her horn. It floated in midair as an ethereal golden orb for a moment before splitting into four mini-orbs, which set themselves into four torches, two on each side of the passage, and lit up the place, flickering like actual firelight. Nice effect.
A few yards beyond us sat a large wooden door with no handle built into a makeshift vaulted archway. At a glance, it looked solid and heavy. On it, at my eye level, was a sign written in runes, so of course I couldn't read a word of it. To the left of the door was a tiny cobweb-covered alcove with a stone plinth. On top of that sat a small purple velvet pillow cushioning two brilliant gold rings: one small, one large.
Celestia levitated the large ring toward me. It wobbled strangely as she did so, as if it had its own will and did not want to be levitated.
"Please slip this on," she told me. "You must wear it in order to enter."
"Why?" I asked. "Can't you just magic that thing open?"
"No Magic Will Open This Door," replied Celestia firmly, as if quoting from something.
I stared at Celestia. Perhaps the concern and skepticism registered on my face more than I intended, as she brushed it off with a reassuring smile. "Do not worry," she said. "No harm will come to you."
I slipped the giant ring onto my right forehoof. It was a bit large for me; it could have easily fit a full-grown stallion. But, as soon as it made contact with me, it contracted to fit perfectly. Well, whatever will this thing had, at least it was considerate, although I suddenly felt a bit... fuzzy, like I was untethered from the world and my senses had been dulled.
"If you would please push open the door for us," said Celestia.
I walked up to the heavy door, a bit unsure on my own four feet, and applied some amount of pressure to it with my ringed forehoof. Much to my surprise, it swung open slowly but effortlessly, like its hinges were perfectly balanced to minimize friction... y'know, that thing that makes you stop whenever you're sliding on the ground after tripping while running.
Beyond the doorway was an enormous chamber at least twenty feet high. The instant I opened the door, the entire place lit up courtesy of a dozen table lamps, some wall torches, and a simple chandelier stuck into the ceiling. Along one edge of the chamber, for only a few feet, a small cave creek flowed in and just as quickly exited to who knew where. Much of the area was nicely decorated with fine rugs, tapestries, and tables. It was also filled to the brim with seemingly random items, tchotchkes, wooden models, two ornate floor mirrors one of which had the shape of an inverted horseshoe, various unidentifiable things on pedestals, and thousands upon thousands of parchment scrolls. Many of the scrolls were rolled up inside traditional diamond-shaped holders, but several lay open on tables, some next to long-dried inkwells with quills sticking out of them.
After staring in wonder at the place for a moment, during which time Celestia strolled into the chamber as if she owned it (which, it being underneath her castle, I suppose she did and does) I made my way through, almost tiptoeing.
Celestia noticed. "What are you doing?" she asked.
That sent me back to reality. "Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just... takin' a gander at this place. I've never seen anything like it before. Sorta get the feeling like I just stepped into a time capsule. Kinda like when I, uh, met the Order in the Forest." I said that last bit softly and quickly.
Celestia nodded. "In a way, it is. This is the personal work chamber of Starswirl The Bearded."
"Who?" I asked, feeling very stupid.
"Oh, right," Celestia said with a sigh as she facehoofed. "You are not only an Earth-pony, but also descended from Tarpanites; it was unfair for me to assume you would know of him. Apologies." She cleared her throat. "Starswirl was the greatest sorcerer Equestia ever had. He spent his life studying magic in all its forms to discover its potentials and limits, creating dozens of new spells in the process. He was also a dear friend of mine who left this world far too soon."
"I'm sorry," I told her, "It's never fun to lose a friend young."
Celestia shook her head. "No, no. He lived a long life, as I am sure you can tell by all those scrolls he wrote and items he collected or created. But time waits for no pony or beast. Even at his most advanced age, he still had ideas he tried to write down and theories he wished to see to completion, but his body simply gave out before his mind."
"Still," I said, "Losing a friend hurts."
Slowly, she nodded in agreement. "I have not entered this chamber in over seven hundred fifty years, shortly after he left this world. It has lain untouched since then, placed in a sort of magical stasis to keep his life's works from rotting away, waiting for the day a worthy successor would show."
"Princess, that ain't me an' you know it," I said.
She chuckled. "It is not you, Antonovka. When that pony does appear, I will know. No, the reason I brought you here is because one of Starswirl's scrolls might be able to explain your situation."
I moved my head around, checking out every cubic foot of the chamber. "Uh, I'm not sure how you'd be able to find anything in here. Starswirl don't seem to have been the best-organized pony ever."
"No. He was certainly not," replied Celestia with a chuckle as she rolled her eyes. "Few geniuses are. However, I knew him for many decades, so I wish to believe I have some insight into his unorthodox organizational style. Let us see..."
She approached, seemingly at random, a low shelf packed full of scrolls and quickly unravelled, glanced at, then re-ravelled and re-shelved each one in turn before moving on to another cache of scrolls. By the time she had worked through the third bunch, I could tell that, despite her attempts to keep up her regal bearing, Celestia was getting annoyed.
I figured it was best to not be near her if she lost her temper. I know; that's not something you or any pony would expect of her, but you need to understand that, back then, to most ponies, Celestia was more of an idea than a living ruler. She didn't leave the Palace much in those days, and even when she did she almost always stayed inside Canterlot's fortifications.
As I lazily glanced along one wall, I noticed something familiar: a blue flower hermetically sealed in a glass case on top of a small pedestal.
"Uh, hey Princess?" I called out to her, loud enough to snap her out of 'work mode'. She blinked several times as her brain adjusted to shift her demeanour away from annoyance.
"Yes, Antonovka?"
"What's this blue flower here?" I asked.
She approached me and stared for a couple seconds at the five azure petals and silver-tipped stamens that appeared frozen in time under the glass. "That flower is the Moonlight Blue Orchid, also known colloquially as 'Poison Joke'. They bloom only at night during the five-day period around the moon's fullness each month. It was eradicated from Equestria on my orders shortly after the War. Despite knowing its dangerous potential, Starswirl insisted on collecting a specimen to study. Always curious, he was. Why do you ask?"
"Because I ran through an entire clearing full of 'em while chasin' that Timberwolf," I said. "They smelled sweet."
Celestia's eyes widened to the point I thought they would pop out of her skull, staring at me like I had sprouted a second head. The only thing she could say was, "What."
I nodded as I recalled that long night. "Yeah, Ruby was able to float over 'em, being a ghost and all, bu-- Hold on. Whaddaya mean, 'dangerous'?"
"I-it..." Celestia attempted to say, failed, and then simply sighed as she tried to muster her thoughts. "That flower's pollen is poisonous to equines. Starswirl believed it was some kind of intrinsic magic. Its effect is unique on each pony based on what appears to be pure whimsy. For example, a Pegasus might end up with her wings flopped upside down, or it might shrink a workhorse, and so on. Worse yet, its effects are delayed, not appearing for at least half a day. I recall the longest period between affliction and manifestation was almost a week. While there is a cure for its effects thanks to Starswirl obtaining assistance from a few Zebra alchemists he recruited from the Southeastern Frontier, I did not want any pony to even consider the possibility of weaponizing it, should another civil war or border war break out."
"I can understand that," I said, remembering a story in the Detrot Dispatch about skirmishes between ponies and gryphons along the northeastern frontier near the large fortified trading post of Stalliongrad, another old city that was much better off then than now.
"And you... ran through a field of them in full bloom, stirring up and inhaling their pollen," asked Celestia flatly.
"Yep."
"Shortly before you fought the Spirit of the Corruption and then entered the Interstice."
"Uh-huh."
Celestia facehoofed again. "Ple... please take off that ring," she asked, a twinge of unexpected sadness in her voice.
I removed the gold ring. It slid off effortlessly. Once it no longer touched my body, it enlarged itself back to its original size. Celestia levitated it, with difficulty, to her side.
"Stand in the middle of that working, if you would." She directed me to an area on the far end of the chamber free of rugs or shelves... or anything besides a stone floor with the most ornate magic circle ever conceived carved into it.
I stood in the middle of the circle, admiring its detail. As I did, Celestia shot a beam at its edge, causing it to glow white as all the other lights in the chamber except for a nearby lamp went out.
Celestia levitated a book bound in green-dyed leather to herself. It had a fern on its cover. She quickly flipped to a specific page, read it, then gently tossed the book away. Then, she filled a tub with water from that stream, moved the tub into the magic circle, levitated me off the floor high enough to slide that tub under me, then let me drop in.
Cave water is cold. If you learn nothing else from my story, learn that.
I stuck my head back out of the water, sputtering and coughing. "Gah! Princess! What'd ya do that fer?" I demanded, my accent getting the better of me.
The look on Celestia's face was one of clench-jawed determination as she conjured up five or six different herbs from an apothecary's shelf along a nearby wall and held them over me. I stared at them, absolutely confused.
I was even more confused when she simultaneously spun the water into a floating spinning orb with me in its center, its rotation causing a slight heating effect which would've been pleasant if I'd been able to breathe; tossed the herbs into the water, where they quickly dispersed and disappeared, tinting it a very slight green hue; and shot me with some powerful spell. Only Celestia... and Luna now, perhaps Starswirl back when he was around... could perform such powerful simultaneous magic.
Unfortunately for me, all that magic caused me to experience the nastiest pain I'd ever known. It felt like my entire body was being twisted inside out, ripped apart, pulverized, burned, frozen, violated, put back together, plus the fact that I couldn't breathe because I was still underwater despite hanging five feet in the air. My vision, already blurry, became just spots of every colour you can imagine, plus a few I'm pretty sure you can't. I have no idea how long I was suspended like that. Maybe it was ten seconds, maybe fifty. Eventually, all at once, the holds placed on me lessened, and I soon felt solid ground underneath me again, and the water orb flowed away.
I spent the next few minutes laying on the floor, simply trying to get oxygen back into my lungs, waiting for my vision to return. Once it did, the first thing I saw was Celestia.
She was crying. They weren't happy tears.
I was angry, but at the same time I'd never seen her cry. To this day, I'm not sure anyone other than Luna and Starswirl has seen her in such a state; it knocked my brain for a loop. The first time I tried to talk, all that came out was a wet coughing fit as I still had a bit of water in my system. Soon enough, all of that was out, and I could at least say words.
"Why?" I croaked.
Celestia closed her watery eyes and levitated a small mirror toward me. I looked into it and, had I been able, would have died of shock.
Staring back at me was a green Alicorn: horn, wings, the whole shebang. She blinked when I did, cocked her head when I did, and took on a livid expression when I did.
"Princess! What gives?! I told ya I didn't want this!" I near-screamed.
"I... I am so..." Celestia barely choked out.
"So what?" I snapped.
Celestia steeled herself and took in a deep breath, her eyes still closed and shedding tears. "I am sorry! I genuinely believed I had reversed the Ascension Spell! So, I brought you here to double-check. But..."
"But...?" I asked carefully.
"I had... no idea you had had contact with Moonlight Orchid when I found you in Everfree," she explained, trying to regain calm but failing. "Upon your Ascension, its poison reacted with my magic within your core and twisted it into some new permutation I have never encountered. The liquid herbal cure merely removed the outer manifestation of the affliction, which appears to have been... your original form. But beneath that shell..."
I didn't like where this conversation was headed. "So... what're ya tryin' to tell me?"
From Celestia came a guilty gulp. "I cannot undo the Ascension Spell."
"What?" I inquired for clarification.
"And..." she continued, hanging her head as low as it could possibly go. "I believe you have been made nigh-immortal, tethered to the earth."
"...What."
Celestia raised her head slightly, reluctantly making eye contact with me. Her voice was quiet, like a filly who'd been beaten within an inch of her life. "You will never grow old. You cannot die."
"What."
"I am also reasonably sure you... will never be able to bear foals, for the nigh-immortal... are sterile."
"WHAT?!" I screamed.
That is the moment Princess Celestia, wise and glorious ruler of Equestria for well over a millennium, broke down into a bawling mess in the middle of a secret chamber deep inside a mountain, where no pony but myself could see or hear her. She continued crying for several minutes while still trying to talk to me; it came out as barely coherent babbling.
"I never expected this to happen! The last thing I ever want is for any pony under my care to suffer, but you will suffer so much because of me and you do not, cannot!, yet understand! I have ruined your life! I am so sorry! An apology will never be enough, but I do not know what else I can do! I am so so sorry!"
My brain was still trying to process what she was trying to tell me. The import of her words would take years to truly sink in.
After a few minutes, Celestia stood up and composed herself, trying to pretend what I had just seen had not happened, although her bloodshot eyes gave her away. She turned to me, and bowed her head again.
"I... suppose I will need to train you in using your powers," she said.
I grimaced. "Guess so," I replied as my wing twitched. This was going to take a lot of getting used to.
Once I knew my situation, I figured I had best get used to being away from home for Celestia knows how long.
Turn of phrase there; she didn't know how long when I asked her point-blank, telling me it was up to my own progress in harnessing my magic. Which, much as I hate to admit it, made sense. It also gave me a sense of purpose as I found myself a semi-willing prisoner in the grandest estate in the world. Sure, I got a nice set of chambers out of the deal, fancier living than I could have ever dreamed. It never felt like home though, no matter how many times I would return.
It is difficult if not impossible to separate ourselves from our origins; we can try and hide it, fake it, but it never fully leaves us. I never felt like I belonged in such opulent surroundings. I am a farm pony from nowhere special and I had no desire to be anything other than that.
Celestia understood my desire to communicate with my family, so she had a postbox set up for me in Canterlot in the main branch just a few blocks from the palace. But, she insisted couriers ferry my letters to and from the place, because she worried that if any Nobility saw another Alicorn in the city, it could lead to a lot of trouble. This was fine by me as, like her, I trusted the Nobility about as much as I could trust a scorpion. However, I also had to trust that neither Celestia nor her guards would censor or disappear any correspondence. She gave me her word. Put it in writing, in fact. To my knowledge she never broke it, but she also asked me to keep quiet about the whole being-a-Princess thing, which I had planned on doing anyway. After all, no one back home would have believed it even if I proved it with a photograph... if photography existed then beyond a few crackpots in Koniksberg doing early experimentation.
The very first letter I sent out was to Sweetgum and Nick, telling them I had taken ill in Canterlot and could not return to the farm for the foreseeable future but hoped to be back as soon as I could. A little over a week later, I got a reply from them wishing me well and that Pa, bedridden by that point, said to steer clear of any Unicorns or rich-looking ponies in general except the Princess if I happened to encounter her, in which case to let her know he had grown old but was still trying his best to 'civilize' the land she had granted him. If they only knew. Celestia smiled at Pa's message when I told her.
Meanwhile, I began intensive training sessions with Celestia in how to fly and, more importantly to me, how to harness and use my magic powers. Assuming that, like a chimera, it would be impossible to decouple the two spells that had warped my body, my ultimate goal was to learn transmogrification so that I could use it on myself. Before that, of course, I had to learn the basics. The first was levitation, the basis for the majority of Unicorn magic, which turned out to be surprisingly easy once I knew what I was doing. Following that were lighting, elemental manipulation (boy were those a pain to get right; I can't tell you how many times I accidentally destroyed part of the palace), and so on.
Weeks turned into months turned into years as I settled into a routine. I just about lost track of any semblance of time beyond night and day. Celestia cautioned me that, while routines in general can do that, it was (and I assume still is) especially pernicious within the walls of that palace, so it was best I try and keep contact with the outside world. Every once in a while, I would find spare time to send a letter back to the farm. It was during this period that I learned Pa finally passed on, about a year after I left. I sent my condolences, but I can never forgive myself for missing his funeral. The rest of the family thought they understood.
In all, I ended up stuck in Canterlot for over five years before my magic was controllable to the degree that I could perform high-level spells like projection, teleportation, and finally Transmogrification, the most difficult type of magic; even the majority of Unicorns can't do it. It includes things like age spells, turning frogs into oranges, shrink/grow spells, altering one's cutie-mark. I could keep going but won't.
Celestia told me to start small, so I did; I decided to work on my little trinket from the Moon Cultists. I used all the knowledge I'd gained through living in the palace under her direct tutelage and fired an orange beam at my old gift, and... nothing. I put more power behind my blast. Still nothing happened. Frustrated, I tried to set it on fire. Nothing but scorch marks around it.
I called Celestia in to ask what I was doing wrong. She stared at the scorched tabletop in mild confusion.
"What is that?" she asked.
"This thing?" I gestured to the medal. "The Moon Cultists gave it to me when I met their second-in-command in Detrot. I didn't want to show you because it's ...apparently proof I'm their High-Priestess or something. You're not gonna kick me out for this, are ya?"
Celestia laughed, but lightly. "Your past with the Order means nothing to me, for they are no longer Heretics under the Law and may operate as freely as individual domains allow. However, neither your magic nor mine will ever have any effect on that medal."
"Why not?"
"Because it is forged from pure platinum," she said. "Allow this to be your first lesson in alchemical magic. Certain metals, gold and platinum most notably, cannot be transmuted. Erm, that means 'transformed', by the way."
"Thanks," I replied with a bit of sass.
Celestia continued. "Even crossing a dimensional barrier where the rules of the Universe itself shift would have zero effect on it. That is one of the immutable laws of magic. Try again. How about on the inkwell at your desk?"
Reluctantly, I did. I missed the inkwell and got the desk. Within about five seconds, it let out a hee-haw, kicked open my door, and lumbered away.
Celestia blinked a few times before turning to me. "Impressive," was all she would say.
The last and most difficult thing was, of course, trying to transform my own body. To explain it simply, since the Ascension Spell was and still is irreversible, self-transformation is sort of equivalent to donning a cloak that cannot be removed except by me or some pony more powerful. The first few times I tried it, I think Celestia was tempted to call in her guards to fight off the abomination had suddenly appeared in my chambers. Or laugh at me. Or both. Probably both.
Eventually, I managed to successfully perform the spell on myself. When I looked in the mirror, I was confronted with an ancient-looking Earth-pony mare, withered from age, with bone-white hair. My eyesight was blurred. My teeth were also in poor shape. In other words, I looked my age if not even older. Celestia was pleased at my magical progress. Indeed, she requested I remain at the palace.
That poor gal just wants company sometimes. It's lonely at the top. But I insisted I needed to get back.
As it happened, our next family reunion was just about to get underway. That, I didn't want to miss. I sent a letter via courier informing Sweetgum of my arrival. Celestia arranged for a flying chariot, which I refused but she insisted.
Before I left, I turned to Celestia and said to her, as seriously as I could, "If you really want to atone for your mistake, Princess, then how about this? Promise me you'll protect my family, our homestead, and that village just upriver along with the ponies who live there, now and forevermore."
As I boarded the chariot, I saw Celestia bow her head. "On my honour I swear it, Antonovka," she said.
"Call me Annie. I think you've earned it by now... Celestia."
I asked the guards to drop me off at the edge of the village that had sprouted up near our farm.
That transformation spell had worked both outside and in, so I felt like an extremely aged mare. It took forever to walk from the chariot where I thanked the guards for their service, all the way to the farm. The unnamed village had been given a name in my absence. While it had been founded by Earth-ponies, a significant number of Pegasi and Unicorns took up residence there as well. That's why it's called 'Ponyville'. Simple, really. Anyway, by the time I had made it the mile and a half to my old home, my joints were achy and I was sweating buckets. I thought I finally got the chance to understand how Sweetgum felt.
At first, I encountered only extended family, none of whom recognized me, but Sweet and Nick soon saw me and gave me a big ol' hug strong enough I almost felt my bones crack (not like they wouldn't have healed instantly). They commented on how badly I'd aged in just a few years, before we all justified it by saying, well, illness does that to you, and I felt lucky I could make the reunion at all. To be sure, they didn't look much better. Nick's mane had become noticeably thinner, probably due to having to deal with Pa and his 'legacy'.
Now home, I resumed my duties on the farm as if nothing had changed, albeit a lot slower.
Sweetgum had recently become a grandmother (again) as Apple Cobbler had gotten herself hitched in my absence and given birth to a filly the family decided to name Apple Brown Betty. Cobbler told me once that she had tried her best to follow in my footsteps but nothing could beat the original. I told her my mother was the original, to which she replied that she didn't talk to 'Granny Margil' much while she was still alive. I said I understood. Ma could be right scary when she wanted to be, and only got meaner as she got older.
It was a wonderful feeling being a great aunt, doting on that little filly and the others that would inevitably follow. For the first time in a good long while, I was content.
But life goes on. As my parents had before them, Nickajack and Sweetgum eventually passed away. Apple Cobbler sent for one of her brothers, Pippin, to help out since there were no stallions left to work the farm, and we mares simply were not strong enough (well, I was, but they could never know). Manx, after a life in pear farming, passed on not long after, though I did not learn of it until more than a month after the fact, by the good graces of a member of their clan who dared defy my mother's angry edict of No Contact, which remained de facto law for two centuries after her death.
It was simultaneously amusing yet psychologically difficult to sit foals down during reunions or on a boring weekend night and tell stories about being a refugee and encountering this area when it was still wilderness, not a farm with orchards slowly but surely expanding beyond our valley into the surrounding hills. They loved my tales about the Everfree Forest, with its Timberwolves and other sundry demons, but I tried as best I could to dissuade any of them from going in there. As the last surviving member of my generation, I was the only one who could tell these tales with the conviction of experience.
One day, at yet another family reunion, I overheard someone mention how long 'Granny Annie' had been around and wondered how much longer I was for this world. I looked at the calendar: the year was 814AB. I was eighty years old. In those days it was pretty rare for any pony, even in the cities, to live that long.
I decided it was time to stop.
In the dead of night, I left the farm, using my platinum medal to fasten my red-checkered cape to keep warm, and headed into the Everfree Forest. I wanted to check to see if my old friend had returned. After much effort, I made it to the fence surrounding Sunny Town. No Ruby, although to my undying day I'll swear I heard her voice whispering through the trees, telling me, "Soon, Annie."
I then followed the now-even-more-dilapidated roads to the Scorched Valley... much quicker when not traipsing through underbrush. The Missionaries of the Moon looked a lot less grand than I remembered, though they really weren't that grand to begin with. Nearly all of the ponies I had met there had long since died, succumbing to the remnants of the Forest's corruption; they were buried a furlong outside the Forest just in case. There was one notable exception: Kharon was still alive, though much worse for wear after fifty years. She wore Rhea's gold insignia and her coat and eyes had become corrupted, proving the effects of the Forest had still not gone away even after more than half a century. Regardless, we both slowly approached each other and embraced like old friends. 'Old' at least was certainly apt.
Kharon informed the younger members that I was the Order's High-Priestess. Technically true, and those ponies immediately bowed their heads for a moment before resuming their activities. She then told me that there was a message waiting for me in the old library. She guided me further into the valley.
Sure enough, inside that makeshift study, now dishevelled and dusty without Callisto's obsessive attention to detail, sat a scroll on the writing desk. It was written by Callisto on behalf of Rhea and the Order. First, she congratulated me on my promotion to High-Priestess, which Rhea felt I deserved upon learning from Celestia's personal guard about how I had very literally saved their necks without them knowing it until then. With the lifting of their Heresy ban, Callisto felt their Order's members could finally preach openly anywhere in Equestria. Indeed, many did, though she and Rhea stayed in the Valley, and Japetus eventually returned although he passed away not long after. Rhea wished to apologize from the bottom of her corrupted heart for not helping me up-top or allowing anyone else to, believing in hindsight the Order's assistance could have prevented my own 'corruption'. Rhea also apologized for finding no sign of Ruby despite several stakeouts of Sunny Town's perimeter; they could not enter the village itself due to continuing threat of the undead.
Callisto continued on her own, saying she knew deep down I would return eventually, which is why she penned the scroll and left it for me. Finally, she expressed guilt for not being alive by the time I came back.
With an even heavier heart, I made my way to Canterlot. I hadn't quite mastered undoing the transmogrification spell at that point, so I was still a dottery old lady. I found a passing wagon outside the Forest and hitched a ride up the mountain. Once there, I slowly walked to Celestia's palace. This time, all I had to do was give my name and the gates opened. A guard escorted me directly to my old chambers, left nearly untouched save for dusting since I left. After the sun set, Celestia greeted me.
She helped me undo the spell I had placed on myself, reverting me back to an Alicorn. After that, I took a few days to write a long letter, similar to this one, to Apple Brown Betty. I did not write to Apple Cobbler because I had no idea if she would still be alive by the time I returned (turned out she wasn't), so her daughter was a safer choice. After I finished, I asked one of Celestia's couriers to ferry it directly to Betty, and to make sure no one else read it.
Then, as I do today, I told her the Truth about myself and that long night in the Forest, and my message to her nearly two hundred years ago is the same one I'll tell you now:
You are the one I have chosen to carry on my legacy, the one I've entrusted with the Truth, because you have proven most dear to me. It may be a heavy burden, but you must not tell anyone, not even your best friends.
Some years in the future, at the next reunion or the one after that, a new pony will appear with a green coat, blonde mane, and orange eyes. She will look quite young, use a different name, and sport a different cutie mark. The pie was my third, in fact. I don't know yet where she will claim to come from. Regardless, treat this mare in public like you never met her before. If you find yourself alone with her, mention Sunny Town. I guarantee her reaction will be... amusing.
I look forward to seeing you again, whenever that may be.
Thank you. |
Antonovka | Epilogue | Apple Bloom placed the leather-bound journal in which the message to her had been written onto her bed. As she sat, pondering what she had just read, the door to her room swung open. She grumbled that she was still not allowed a lock even at her age.
"Hey Apple Bloom," Applejack, wearing a black hat and scarf, said with a heaping of melancholy in her voice. "Are ya feelin' okay? I know it must be hard to be livin' in this house now that Granny Smith's gone. 'Specially for you, since you're the one she taught all her recipes and stuff. Y'know, she's like one a' them elephants, up an' leaves to go find a secret place to meet her maker. Apparently it's an Apple Family tradition? 'Least she'll get to see Mom an' Dad again."
"Uh-huh," Apple Bloom replied noncommittally.
Applejack, always one to be in others' business, did not take her little sister's tone with its correct subtext of 'Go away'. "Anywho," she said, looking over at the journal, "Tell ya what, that courier was real insistent he give that strange cowhide book to you directly. So, what's in it?"
Apple Bloom pondered this for a moment. Finally, she thought she had a worthy answer: "Peace o' mind, just for me," she said, before turning away.
"You never made much sense," said Applejack as she shook her head. "Guess that's why Granny always liked you best. She didn't make much sense either."
"Nope," Apple Bloom said, not facing her older sister. "Big Sis, I hate to ask it, but, could ya please leave? I got a lot to process and I gotta do it on my own."
Applejack sighed. "Fine. Guess I can't expect you to react to loss the same way I do." She sniffed back a teardrop. "You're more like Big Mac in that respect. Fine. Just... don't forget to eat. The other ponies from town were nice enough to leave us a good spread after the memorial."
Apple Bloom nodded as Applejack left, shutting the door behind her.
After a moment, Apple Bloom approached her window and gazed out. The sun had set. Myriad stars twinkled in the dark sky, the featureless full moon providing a bright white beacon against the vast nothingness of space.
"We'll see each other again real soon... Annie," Apple Bloom said quietly as a meteor zipped across the sky. |
Saber Wave | pre | Saber Wave giggles.
"I think we made him speechless." Saber Wave says.
Celestia giggles.
"I guess so." Celestia says.
Princess Luna shakes her head and walks away.
"I'll keep watch." Akarui says and walks away.
"Thank you Akarui." Princess Celestia says.
"Of course Princess." Akarui says.
"Well I better go make a plan with Luna on how we are going to stop those androids." Princess Celestia says.
"Ok, Catch ya later Princess." Saber Wave says.
"See you later Saber Wave." Princess Celestia says and walks away.
Saber Wave walks down through some trees and stops.
He lights up.
"Water." Saber Wave says.
A lake is in front of him.
Saber Wave walks on the water.
It swirls up and around his hoofs.
Soon it spreads out and swirls all around him.
The water rains down on him like a shower.
Flash Sentry walks to the water and watches.
Saber Wave looks at him.
His mane and coat wet.
Flash Sentry blushes.
Saber Wave winks.
"Come here silly, Just step onto it, Don't worry, I won't let your sexy flank fall through the water." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry slowly steps onto the water.
"I'm...I'm standing on water, Whoa!" Flash Sentry says.
The water pulls him to Saber Wave.
It swirls around them and forms a dome.
"I bet you've never had sex on water have you Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry blushes more.
"N...No." Flash Sentry says.
"I haven't either believe it or not, I don't know if I'll be able to keep my focus and hold us both up but...I'd like to try." Saber Wave says.
He looks into Flash Sentry's eyes.
"Do you?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry blushes deeply.
"Y...Yes please." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"Great, Let me sit on you." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry lays on his back and Saber Wave sits on his dick and goes back and forth with his flank moaning.
Flash Sentry moans back.
Meanwhile in the cave.
"We must find some way or all of Equestria is doomed." Princess Celestia says.
"We can't put all of this on Saber Wave, He's clearly more experienced in sex than he is in fighting, How can you think that he's the pony to save us?" Princess Luna says.
"Ah huh!, AAAH huh!!!, mmmmmmmm!!!, Faster Flashy!!!!, YES!!!" Saber Wave's voice says.
"I rest my case." Princess Luna says.
"He's having a good time, That Flash Sentry must be pretty big." Princess Celestia says.
"Sister!, We must focus on the job at hoof." Princess Luna says.
"Right sorry, I think he and his brother can save us because of the abilities that they have, He controls water and you saw him, He knows how to use it and with a destructive power like that, He can save us sister and his brother has amazing strength and together they will save us,I know it." Princess Celestia says.
"I hope you're right sister." Princess Luna says.
"Me too." Princess Celestia says.
End of Chapter 3 |
Saber Wave | Plan | Saber Wave
Chapter 4 Plan
4 hours later.
Flash Sentry is lying on his back breathing heavy while Saber Wave sucks on his dick.
He wraps his tail around Flash Sentry's dick and goes up and down and hoofs at him at the same time while also sucking on it.
"Oh Saber!!!" Flash Sentry says.
He releases his sweet, white, warm seed down Saber Wave's throat and it runs down his chin and drips onto Flash Sentry's ball sac.
Saber Wave moans and smiles.
He licks Flash Sentry's dick and ball sac clean then licks his lips and chin.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, You taste amazing Flashy." He says and crawls on top of Flash Sentry and kisses him and looks into his eyes.
"And you're amazing at making love." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles and blushes.
"So are you." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"Would you like to taste me Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
"Yes." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave puts his dick in front of Flash Sentry's mouth.
He opens his mouth and sucks on it.
Saber Wave closes his eyes tight.
"mmmmmmmmmmmm" Saber Wave says.
"Brother!!!, We don't have time for you to be doing that!!!, Stop at once!!!" A voice says.
Flash Sentry goes back and forth with his mouth and wraps his tongue around Saber Wave's dick.
Saber Wave moans and groans.
Akarui flies at them but stops when he notices the dome.
"Damn you brother." Akarui says.
Flash Sentry gets faster and faster.
Saber Wave moans and groans louder and louder till finally he releases down Flash Sentry's throat.
Flash Sentry moans and licks Saber Wave's dick clean then licks his lips.
"You taste amazing to Saber." Flash Sentry says.
"Thanks Flashy." Saber Wave says.
He falls down beside Flash Sentry breathing heavy.
Flash Sentry pulls him closer and they kiss.
"Brother!!!" Akarui says.
Saber Wave rolls his eyes.
"What do....you want Akarui?, Can't you....see we're....busy?" Saber Wave says.
"You two don't have time to be busy, The Princesses want us, Now come on!!" Akarui says and flies off.
The water dome falls apart and rains down on them.
Saber Wave giggles.
"I finally lost my focus." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"It feels good, A cool off." Flash Sentry says.
"Yeah, We better get to the Princesses." Saber Wave says.
"Yeah." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave stands up.
"Oh!!, My flank still hurts, I don't think I can walk or keep my...Whoa!" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry quickly pulls him up onto his back.
"I got you, I won't let you sink either." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles and kisses Flash Sentry on the cheek.
"I love you Flashy." Saber Wave says.
"I...I love you too." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave intertwines his tail with Flash Sentry's.
"I know." Saber Wave says.
They fly off to the cave and land.
Saber Wave gets off of Flash Sentry's back and they walk into the cave.
"About time." Akarui says.
"Sorry, I lost my focus and nearly went for a dive but Flashy saved me." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"Well I'm glad you're here, Me and sister have formed a plan to save Equestria and it involves all of us so listen closely to everyponies part." Princess Celestia says.
They all nod.
"Flash Sentry, May I talk to you in private?" Princess Luna says.
"Of course Princess." Flash Sentry says.
They walk deep into the cave.
"Akarui, Saber Wave you two are the most important in our plan." Princess Celestia says.
"We are?" Akarui says.
"Why?" Saber Wave says.
"The way I saw you move as you worked together to save us from those androids was amazing, You were like one pony, I've never seen brothers so close before and so in tuned with each other." Princess Celestia says.
"We got close at a pretty young age." Saber Wave says.
Akarui blushes.
"That's wonderful, Brothers should be close." Princess Celestia says.
Saber Wave giggles and winks at Akarui.
"Yep." Saber Wave says.
Akarui blushes even more.
"So what do we do Princess?" Saber Wave says.
"Uh um...yeah." Akarui says.
Saber Wave giggles.
"You do whatever you have to do to get me and Luna back into the castle, There is a book in the library on a spell that will work to wipe out these androids and save Equestria." Princess Celestia says.
"Who made them anyway?" Saber Wave says.
"The ponies that made them are long dead, Killed by their own creations, All that's left is what they made, What we have to stop." Princess Celestia says.
Saber Wave and Akarui nod.
Princess Luna and Flash Sentry walk back up.
"We're ready." Princess Luna says.
"So are we." Princess Celestia says.
"Let's begin then, Let's save our home." Flash Sentry says.
End of Chapter 4 |
Saber Wave | Let the Fight Begin | Saber Wave
Chapter 5 Let the Fight Begin
Everypony prepares to head back to Canterlot.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry walk into the trees.
"What did Luna say to you?" Saber Wave says.
"I can't tell you, I'm not allowed to." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave looks at the ground.
"Ok....." Saber Wave says.
"I'm sorry Saber." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave pushes him up against a tree.
Flash Sentry looks at him in surprise.
Saber Wave looks him dead in both eyes.
"Listen Flash Sentry, If you do anything stupid on our mission I promise you that I will hate you forever, I will never forgive you." Saber Wave says.
"Don't worry, I don't plan on doing anything stupid." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave lets him go.
"Good, You better mean it to." Saber Wave says.
"I do." Flash Sentry says.
Tears appear in Saber Wave's eyes.
"I've never fell in love with a pony before, You're the first and I don't want to lose you." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry kisses him and wraps his wings around him.
"You won't lose me, I promise." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"You better." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry kisses Saber Wave's neck.
"Oh Flashy." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry pushes him onto his back kisses his neck more.
Saber Wave moans.
Flash Sentry's dick rubs up against Saber Wave's.
"Oh Flashy it feels so good." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles and kisses Saber Wave all over his body.
Saber Wave giggles.
"Flashy stop it." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry closes his warm lips on Saber Wave's dick.
"mmmmmmmmmmmmm, Flashy." Saber Wave says.
15 hours later.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry lay beside each other breathing heavy.
Their manes and tails messed up and their coats and manes and tails wet from sweat.
"Oh.........my........gosh........Flashy..........that..........was.........amazing.......What........got..........into..........you?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"Love." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
They kiss.
"When this......is all......over will........you marry........me?" Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave lights up.
"Yes!, A thousand times yes Flashy!!!" He says and kisses Flash Sentry deeply.
Flash Sentry kisses deeply back.
Akarui walks up.
"We're ready to move out." Akarui says.
"Ok...thank you brother." Saber Wave says.
Akarui nods and walks away.
"I've never seen him in armor before, It's kinda scary." Saber Wave says.
"He'll be ok don't worry." Flash Sentry says.
"I hope you're right." Saber Wave says.
"Me too, Come on, We got to go." Flash Sentry says.
"Right." Saber Wave says.
They stand up and walk back to the cave.
"I see you two had fun." Princess Celestia says.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry blush.
"Let's go." Princess Luna says.
They all nod and lift their wings and take off.
Each one of them covered in armor.
They reach Ponyville.
The androids look up at them.
"Akarui, Saber Wave you're up." Princess Celestia says.
They nod and dive to the ground.
Akarui lands and sends a massive shock wave out that sends androids backwards.
Saber Wave lands and sends water swirling out slicing through androids.
Saber Wave and Akarui nod at each other and start fighting the androids.
Princess Luna and Princess Celestia land behind them.
Princess Luna nods at Flash Sentry.
He nods back and runs off.
An Android runs at the Princesses.
SHING!!!!
White armor sticks out of the android's chest.
SHING!!!
The armor slices up through the android's head.
It falls down dead.
The Princesses look at Saber Wave in shock.
Saber Wave nods at them and runs back to helping Akarui fight the androids.
Soon Ponyville is cleared.
"This will be our base." Princess Celestia says.
"It's perfect." Princess Luna says.
"Where's Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
"Off to do his part of the plan." Princess Luna says.
"If he dies I'll hold you responsible and I'll kill you, I'll make you pay." Saber Wave says.
"You dare threaten me, I'am your Princess." Princess Luna says.
"Who gives a fuck?!!, He's the stallion that I love and I don't care who you are!!!, I'll kill you!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Brother I understand that you love him but I'll kill you before I let you kill one of the Princesses." Akarui says.
"Brother...." Saber Wave says.
"Enough, No pony is killing anypony, We need each other to take back our home, Now is the time for us to be united not divided." Princess Celestia says.
"If you think you can kill me brother then go ahead and try but just know...I'll kill you before I let you kill me, I'll drown you in my water." Saber Wave says.
Akarui's eyes go wide and he takes a step back.
"Saber Wave....?" Akarui says.
Saber points his armor at Princess Luna's neck.
"What have you sent my Flashy to do?" Saber Wave says.
"He is breaking into the castle to bring us the book." Princess Luna says.
"What?, Sister we did not talk about that." Princess Celestia says.
"I know, The plan is to slow, We need to stop these things before more ponies are killed." Princess Luna says.
"You sent my Flashy on a suicide mission!!!" Saber Wave says.
POW!!!
Saber Wave punches Princess Luna to the ground.
Princess Celestia and Akarui watch in shock.
SHING!!
He points his armor to her face.
"If he dies I'll come back and kill you." Saber Wave says and flies off.
"Brother no!!, Come back!!!" Akarui says.
Princess Celestia runs to Luna.
"Are you alright sister?" Celestia says.
Princess Luna stands up and rubs her cheek.
"Yeah...I'm fine." Luna says.
"Brother come back.....Please." Akarui says.
"Let's hope they both do." Princess Celestia says.
End of Chapter 5 |
Saber Wave | When The Ice Comes Down | Saber Wave
Chapter 6
When the Ice Comes Down
At the Canterlot castle.
Flash Sentry slowly makes his way to the book.
The library is full of androids scanning books.
An android's hoof comes down in front of Flash Sentry's face.
He slowly looks up.
The android looks down at him.
"I thought we killed all the guards, How are you still alive?" The android says.
SHING!!!
Saber Waves drives his armor into the androids head.
"Saber Wave?!" Flash Sentry says.
SHING!!!
He pulls his armor out of the android's head.
"Instead of focusing on me you better get to that book." Saber Wave says.
"Right." Flash Sentry says.
He runs to the book.
Other androids run at him.
"I don't think so." Saber Wave says.
Water rises from lakes, and ponds and comes to the castle and smashes through the windows and goes up above the androids and freezes.
Flash Sentry grabs the book.
"You can freeze water?!" Flash Sentry says.
"Get out of here Flashy." Saber Wave says.
"Not without you." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"I'll join you don't worry, Now go." Saber Wave says.
Some water pushes him out the window.
"Hey." Flash Sentry says.
BOOM!!!
The frozen water comes down smashing through the library floor.
"Saber Wave!!" Flash Sentry says.
He closes his eyes tight.
Tears pouring out.
He flies off.
In the room below the library.
Saber Wave is lying on the rubble.
His eyes barely open.
"Ha huh.....Ha huh.....Ha huh." He says.
5 sparking androids rise and look at him.
"Goodbye Flashy, I love you." Saber Wave thinks.
Giant tanks behind the androids are leaking magic.
The androids walk towards Saber Wave.
Saber Wave closes his eyes.
Accepting his fate.
BOOM!!!!!!!!
The tanks explode.
The castle is engulfed in an explosion of magic.
Flash Sentry, Akarui, and the Princesses look at the explosion.
"No." Flash Sentry says.
"Oh my." Princess Luna says.
Princess Celestia looks at the ground.
"Brotherrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!" Akarui says.
"Jacob?, Jacob?, Jaaaacooob, Jacob!!" A voice says.
Jacob's eyes slowly open.
"Where....where am I?, Hunter?, David?, What happened?, Uh my head." Jacob says.
"We don't know, We found you on the floor in here in the cafeteria unconscious." David says.
"You disappeared for like months man, Where'd you go?" Hunter says.
Jacob stands up but stumbles.
His eyes flash purple.
"I think you better get to a hospital." David says.
"I don't need a hospital, I need water...and a lot of it, Get me to Lake Robinson....now." Jacob says.
"What?" Hunter says.
"We can't skip school." David says.
Jacob falls to one knee.
"It's either.....your attendance....record or.....my life." Jacob says.
Hunter and David looks at each other.
"How are we going to get you there?" Hunter says.
"Yeah." David says.
"I don't.........I don't........I do...." Jacob says.
He falls over.
"Jacob!" David says.
"Oh dang." Hunter says.
"I'll be right back." David says.
He runs off.
"Hurry!!" Hunter says.
A few minutes later.
David returns with a teacher.
"Ms. Black." Hunter says.
"Oh my goodness what happened?" Ms. Black says.
"Can you drive us to Lake Robinson, He said he needs a lot of water, I think he wants us to throw him into Lake Robinson." David says.
"He's unconscious!, He'll drown!!, Are you crazy David?!!" Ms. Black says.
"He did want us to." Hunter says.
"I wouldn't know why he would want to be thrown into a lake." Ms. Black says.
"Let's try it, Just once, Please Ms. Black, He had to want it for a reason." David says.
"This goes against my common sense but ok." "We'll try it once but if he doesn't come up yall better be ready to pull him out." Ms. Black says.
David and Hunter nod.
"You two will have to carry him to my car." "I can't lift him." Ms. Black says.
"Come on Hunter." David says.
They pick up Jacob and follow Ms. Black to her car.
"Be careful now." Ms. Black says.
They put him in Ms. Black's car then get in themselves.
Ms. Black gets in the car and turns it on.
"I can't believe we're doing this." She says and backs out and speeds to Lake Robinson.
Hunter and David get out and pull Jacob out of the car and carry him to the dock and throw him into the water.
SPLASH!!!!
Jacob slowly sinks down into the depths of the water with air bubbles behind him.
"What if someone thinks we're disposing of a body, Oh my I don't even want to think about that let alone be in that situation." Ms. Black says.
"Is he coming up?" Hunter says.
"No." David says.
"Oh no." Ms. Black says.
Jacob's eyes shoot open purple.
The water starts rippling.
"What the heck?" David and Hunter say.
"What is going on?" Ms. Black says.
Water shoots up and spins around itself.
"Whoa." David says.
"Wow." Hunter says.
"Whoa." Ms. Black says.
The water opens up.
David's, Hunter's, and Ms. Black's eyes go wide.
A purple eyed, light blue shirt and white a little above the knees and light blue the rest of the way up pants wearing Jacob smiles at them.
Light blue wings open from his back with white armor on them.
His hair is Saber Wave's hair colors.
"Jacob?" David says.
"Holy....." Hunter says.
Ms. Black looks at him speechless.
"Thank you my friends but I have a mission and my somepony to return to." "Goodbye." Jacob says.
The water spins faster and faster around him and starts glowing from magic.
Water shoots out and hits David and Hunter and knocks them off their feet.
Bright flash goes out and Jacob is gone.
The water returns to normal.
"Are you two alright?" Ms. Black says.
"Yeah." David and Hunter say.
On the dock in front of Hunter and David written in ice is I leave you with a gift Use it as you wish to.
Hunter's eyes flash pink and David's flash yellow.
"A gift?" "What do you think he means?" Hunter says.
David shrugs.
In Equestria.
Akarui is crying.
"My brother......My brother........Why?, This is your fault you stupid guard!!!" Akarui says.
Flash Sentry looks at the ground.
Tears coming out of his eyes.
"I know." Flash Sentry says.
"I know you ain't blaming my Flashy for what happened brother." A voice says.
"Saber Wave?" Akarui says.
"Saber?" Flash Sentry says.
Saber smiles.
"What did you think I was dead?" Saber Wave says and giggles.
"Silly boys, You two really are cute." Saber Wave says.
"Saber Wave!!" Akarui and Flash Sentry say.
They hug him. |
Saber Wave | Equestria's Protector | Saber Wave
Chapter 7
Equestria's Protector
Saber Wave hugs them back.
"You two are so strong." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry and Akarui blush.
Princess Celestia levitates the book.
"It's good to have you back Saber Wave, Now it's time to end this." Celestia says.
"I'm going to leave you two alone." Akarui says.
He walks away.
Saber Wave smiles at Flash Sentry.
"You thought I was dead didn't you?" Saber Wave says.
Flash looks down.
"Yeah." Flash Sentry says.
"Look at me." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry looks at him and they lock eyes.
"You will never lose me you god of a stallion." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles and blushes.
"I mean just look at you, You must have to be pretty strong to be a guard." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry blushes even more.
"I...I wouldn't call myself a god." Flash Sentry says.
"You're as strong as one, I would know." Saber Wave says.
"My flank still hurts big boy." Saber Wave whispers into Flash Sentry's ear.
Flash Sentry blushes deeply.
Saber Wave giggles and kisses him.
They start making out.
Princess Celestia's eyes go wide.
"The...The spell....it's been torn out." Celestia says.
"What?!" Akarui and Princess Luna say.
"They took the spell out of the book, We can't stop them, Without that spell....we have no hope." Princess Celestia says.
Saber Wave looks at Princess Celestia.
"Bullshit!" Saber Wave says.
Princess Celestia and everypony else look at him in shock.
"I didn't nearly die to just give up and everypony else here didn't get this far to just give up either, I refuse to quit!, We got this far so let's finish what we started." Saber Wave says.
"Saber." Flash Sentry says.
"If we can't wipe them out with a spell then we'll wipe them out the old fashioned way." Saber Wave says.
The ground starts to shake.
Princess Luna and Princess Celestia look up with wide eyes.
A massive title wave appears in the distance behind Saber Wave.
"Whoa...Saber." Flash Sentry says.
"It's moments like this that test our will and our hearts!!, Don't give up!!, Fight and win!!!" Saber Wave says.
The title wave opens up and goes by them then closes back and comes down on Canterlot.
Saber Wave's horn glows then the buttons on his armor glow.
SHING!!!
They extend to a sharp point.
His horn stops glowing.
"Now let's go kill the survivors." Saber Wave says.
"That's not all of them, There's more at the factory that makes them but no pony knows where it is." Princess Celestia says.
"We'll find it, Now come on and stop being so pitiful." Saber Wave says.
He flies off.
"I've never seen him like that before, So full of pride and strength." Akarui says.
"Saber." Flash Sentry says.
Flash Sentry shakes his head.
"Saber is right, We can't give up, Come on!" Flash Sentry says and flies off.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna nod at each other and fly off.
Akarui follows them.
Sparking and not sparking androids stand up.
"Here we go." Saber Wave says.
He dives into Canterlot.
Flash Sentry dives right behind him.
An android looks up at Saber Wave.
SHING!!!
His armor slices through the androids head.
Flash Sentry tackles an android to the ground and stabs it in the head with his blade.
Akarui and the Princesses land.
Princess Celestia stabs her horn into an android's chest and slices up through its head.
It falls down dead.
Princess Luna turns into Nightmare moon and uses her sharp teeth to bite an androids head off.
Akarui rips an android in half with his bare hoofs.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry look at them all.
"We're an interesting bunch." Saber Wave says.
"Oh yeah." Flash Sentry says.
More sparking and not sparking androids attack.
Saber Wave and everypony else run at them.
"You cannot stop us, We will purge this planet of you inferior insects and we shall populate this world." A android says.
"Hell will sooner freeze over!!" Saber Wave says.
"We are your Hell." The android says.
SHING!!!
POW!!!
BOOM!!!!!
Saber Wave, Flash Sentry, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Akarui all lay on the ground unable to move.
3 androids lay on the ground dead.
An android laughs.
"You see the insects always end up getting crushed like the bugs they are." The Android says.
SHING!!!
The android's wing sharpens and he raises it.
Saber Wave looks at him with wide eyes then closes his eyes tight.
SHING!!!
"Huh?" Saber Wave says.
He opens his eyes and they go wide.
A transparent Thunderstorm stands in front of him.
The android's wing against Thunderstorm's armor.
"I'd sooner kill myself before I would just lay there like that and get killed." Thunderstorm says.
"Thunder...storm?" Saber Wave says.
"You may not have turned into me but we are still the same pony kid, Now stop insulting our name and acting like a coward and get out there and fight like we always have!!!" Thunderstorm says.
"You're right." Saber Wave says.
Thunderstorm smiles.
"Heh aren't I always kid?" Thunderstorm says and slowly fades away.
The wing comes at Saber Wave.
SHING!!!!
Saber Wave blocks it with his armor and spins around it and slices the android's head off with his other armor.
The android's body falls over.
Saber Wave stands up.
"I never die easily and I won't start now, You can't have our hooooooome!!!" Saber Wave says.
Water rises from ponds and lakes and oceans and swirls in the sky above Saber Wave.
The androids look up at it.
Flash Sentry, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Akarui look up at it.
"Whoa." They say.
"No matter who I'am, I will protect this world with my life!!!" Saber Wave says.
The water turns into millions of sharp pointy frozen needles.
"Even if it means I die to save it." Saber Wave says.
"Saber no!!" Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave points his wings towards the androids.
The needles rain down.
"Great Celestia." Akarui says. |
Saber Wave | The Seductionist | Saber Wave
Chapter 8
The Seductionist
The needles rain down.
Flash Sentry tackles Saber Wave and they tumble underneath some rubble.
Akarui and the princesses run into a house.
The needles stab into everything that's not protected.
The androids spark then fall over dead.
Saber Wave snuggles into Flash Sentry.
"You're so warm Flashy." He says and interlocks his tail with Flash Sentry's.
"Are you crazy?!!, You just nearly...." Flash Sentry says.
Saber looks up at him.
"I'm sorry Flashy." He says and looks at Flash Sentry seductively.
"How can I ever make it up to you?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry blushes.
"I..." Flash Sentry says.
They kiss.
Saber Wave moans.
Flash Sentry pulls away.
"No!, We can't do this now." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave moves his flank.
"Ah!, There it is." Saber Wave says.
"I'm....in you." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave looks at Flash Sentry seductively.
"Yes you are big boy." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry blushes deeply and starts to fuck Saber Wave.
"mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Oh yes!" Saber Wave says.
Akarui shakes his head.
"They're seriously doing that at a time like this?" Princess Luna says.
"He sounds like so much fun." Princess Celestia says.
"Sister!" Princess Luna says.
"Sorry Akarui go get them, We must get to the factory before more androids are made and sent here." Princess Celestia says.
"Right and don't blame Flash Sentry, Bro can make anypony have sex with him no matter what the situation is around them, He...He got me to have sex with him when he was only 8, I...It was his first time." Akarui says.
Princess Luna's eyes are wide.
"What?!" Luna says.
"I...I took my own brother's virginity but it wasn't my fault, There's something about his purple eyes, They just...get to you and make you his sex slave, That and his body, He seduces and manipulates you then you wake up the next day and he's gone, You did your job and your no longer needed, Flash Sentry is the first pony that bro hasn't done that to, The first pony that he's actually fallen for and...he's fallen hard, My point is don't blame Flash Sentry for going along with what bro wants because no pony can fight bro when it comes to sex, He always gets the pony that he wants." Akarui says.
Princess Celestia nods.
"I understand, Go get them and let's go." Celestia says.
Akarui nods and runs to Saber Wave and Flash Sentry.
"We're trusting a pony like that to help us save Equestria?" Princess Luna says.
"You heard what he said before he brought those needles down, He will die to save his home, He is loyal sister, So yes we are trusting a pony like that to save Equestria, A pony that would die to keep us alive just because he knows it would keep Equestria alive." Princess Celestia says.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry come out from underneath the rubble.
"It's just....he's not a normal pony sister, There's something....very strange about him." Princess Luna says.
"I know but strange does not make him a bad pony to trust sister." Princess Celestia says.
"I know, I will try." Princess Luna says.
Saber Wave, Flash Sentry, and Akarui walk up.
"Let's go." Princess Celestia says.
They all fly off.
A robotic purple hoof steps out from a house.
In the air.
"Bro will you stop riding Flash Sentry please?" "You're not even tired." Akarui says.
Saber Wave blows into Flash sentry's ear.
"You don't mind carrying me do you Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
"N...Nope." Flash Sentry says.
Akarui face hoofs.
"Wow just...wow." Akarui says.
Saber Wave interlocks his tail with Flash Sentry's and nuzzles him.
"That's my Flashy, I love you." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"I love you too." Flash Sentry says.
"Whoa love, I never thought bro would even say that let alone fall into it." Akarui thinks.
Akarui looks at them.
Saber Wave has his head resting on the back of Flash Sentry's head and he's smiling while sleeping.
"I've never seen bro look so happy while sleeping before, He does mean it, He's in love with Flash Sentry and Flash Sentry is back Wow, Bro finally learned his lesson, I never thought I'd see the day, Thank Celestia." Akarui thinks.
Princess Luna looks back at Saber Wave sleeping on Flash Sentry's back and smiles.
"We're almost there." Princess Celestia says.
Princess Luna looks forward.
"Good." Luna says. |
Saber Wave | The Main Surprise | Saber Wave
Chapter 9
The Main Surprise
At the factory.
They all land in front of it.
Androids jump out at them and hold them all down to the ground.
"I've been below many ponies but never like this before." Saber Wave says.
"Saber Wave!, This is no time for your perverted mind!!, This is time for your fighting mind!!" Akarui says.
Saber Wave looks and sees Flash Sentry being held down by an android.
"No pony gets on top of my Flashy." Saber Wave says.
He grabs the android's hoof and uses his back hoofs to flip the android that's on top of him off of him.
Saber Wave quickly stands up.
"Get off of my Flashy!!!" Saber Wave says and tackles the android off of Flash Sentry.
Flash Sentry stands up.
"How did you get so good at fighting Saber?" Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave throws the android into the one that was on top of him.
"My father, He taught Akarui to." Saber Wave says.
Akarui nods and kicks the android that's on top of him off of him and jumps onto it and rips it's head off.
Flash Sentry looks at him with wide eyes.
"Yeah he was born with amazing strength." Saber Wave says.
"What about you?" Flash Sentry says.
"I took after our mother so no, I'm as strong as a normal pony." Saber Wave says.
"Ok." Flash Sentry says.
Akarui tackles the android that's on top of Princess Celestia.
Saber Wave tackles the one that's on top of Princess Luna.
The two that were on top of Flash Sentry and Saber Wave stand up and look at Flash Sentry.
"I wouldn't try to hurt me if I were you two." Flash Sentry says.
Akarui rips the android that was on top of Princess Celestia in half and Saber Wave cuts the head off of the one that was on top of Princess Luna.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stand up.
The two androids run at Flash Sentry.
"Brother!" Akarui says.
Saber Wave looks and runs to the androids.
Akarui throws two small rocks.
They hit the buttons on Saber Wave's armor and his armor extends and sharpens.
Saber Wave jumps into the air between the two androids and spins.
Slicing them both in half.
They fall down dead.
Saber Wave lands and him and Akarui high hoof.
He walks up to Flash Sentry.
"You ok Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry kisses Saber Wave.
"You are amazing Saber!" He says and kisses Saber Wave deeply.
Saber Wave moans.
"I love you so much." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave giggles.
"That kiss was the most amazing kiss we've ever had Wow Flashy and I love you too." Saber Wave says.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna run into the factory.
"Come on you two, We can't leave the Princesses alone." Akarui says.
Flash Sentry whispers into Saber Wave's ear.
He giggles.
"What did you just say to my brother?" Akarui says.
"He said nothing, Come on we can't leave the princesses alone." Saber Wave says and runs off.
"Yeah." Flash Sentry says and follows Saber Wave.
"Don't use my own words against me!!, Get back here!!, What did you say?!!" Akarui says and runs after them.
They enter the factory.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are thrown past them and out the factory.
"Princesses!" Akarui says.
They hit the ground.
"Ah...we're ok." Princess Celestia says.
"Ah...stupid machines." Princess Luna says.
SHING!!!
Saber Wave spreads his wings.
"Which one of you did that?!!!" Saber Wave says.
Androids of the Main Six step out from the shadows.
"I did." Android Twilight says.
"Then you'll be the first one I cut into tiny pieces." Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight and the rest of the android Main Six laugh.
Saber Wave runs at them.
"Rainbow Dash." Android Twilight says.
Android Rainbow Dash spreads her wings and flies into Saber Wave.
Sending him into the wall.
"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Rainbow Dash you didn't do it hard enough, He's still breathing." Android Twilight says.
"How dare you!!!, You're nothing like the real Princess Twilight!!!" Flash Sentry says.
Android Twilight laughs.
"What's so funny?" Flash Sentry says.
"She is Princess Twilight." Princess Celestia says.
"What?!!" Flash Sentry says.
"All of them were once real ponies but the androids took their brains out and put them into android bodies and as you can see, It changed them." Princess Luna says.
Android Rainbow Dash punches Saber Wave in the gut over and over.
Making dents in the wall behind him.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Saber!!!" Flash Sentry says and flies towards him.
"Fluttershy." Android Twilight says.
Fluttershy takes off and punches Flash Sentry back to the ground.
He bounces off the ground once then lands on his stomach.
Android Fluttershy lands in front of him.
"Brother I'm coming!!!" Akarui says.
"Pinkie." Android Twilight says.
Android Pinkie Pie runs at Akarui and kicks him in his stomach and punches him in his throat and throws him into the wall.
She jumps into the air and digs her hoof into Akarui's stomach.
He cries out in pain.
Android Pinkie Pie laughs and brings her hoofs up and pounds Akarui's face into the wall.
Saber Wave looks at Flash Sentry and Akarui.
"No." Saber Wave thinks.
He grabs Android Rainbow Dash's hoofs.
"No pony touches them!!!" Saber Wave says.
He swings her into the wall and flies into Pinkie Pie.
Knocking her into the ground.
He grabs her and throws her into Fluttershy.
Flash Sentry tries to stand up but falls back down.
Saber Wave gently get Akarui off the wall and sets him down on the floor then he flies over to Flash Sentry and carries him over to where Akarui is and sets him down beside Akarui.
Water starts gathering and going over them both.
Healing their bodies.
"Interesting." Android Rarity says.
"We might want to keep that one Twilight." Android Applejack says.
Android Twilight smiles.
"Just walking around like Rainbow Dash never even did anything to him and now he's using water to heal his friends, Yes we will keep him." Android Twilight says.
Android Rainbow Dash lands beside Android Twilight.
"Want me to knock him out then?" Android Rainbow Dash says.
Android Twilight smiles and nods.
"It won't take long." Android Rainbow Dash says.
She flies at Saber Wave.
"How dare you come at me after what you've done to my boyfriend and brother." Saber Wave says.
SHING!!!! |
Saber Wave | Old Friends | Saber Wave
Chapter 10
Old Friends
Android Rainbow Dash's eyes are wide.
She slowly looks down at the long cut that stretches from the chest all the way down to her robotic sex.
She starts sparking.
POW!!!
Water shoots through her head.
Her eyes flicker off and she falls over dead.
Water starts collecting around Saber Wave and swirling around him.
"Dashy?" Android Pinkie Pie says.
Android Twilight smiles.
"Wow, You killed Rainbow Dash, You have to be pretty quick to pull that off and you control water and turn it into such a deadly weapon, You'll be a good addition to our army." Android Twilight says.
"Shut up." Saber Wave says.
The water rises higher and higher becoming sharper and sharper as it spins faster and faster.
Flash Sentry coughs.
"Akarui...Akarui....Akarui wake up." Flash Sentry says.
Akarui's eyes slowly open.
"Look....at Saber." Flash Sentry says.
Akarui slowly looks at Saber Wave and his eyes go wide.
"I've.....I've never....seen that.....look in....his eyes....before.......The water....it's never been....so high....and fast....before." Akarui says.
Flash Sentry and Akarui watch in awe.
"I see I underestimated you, I won't make that mistake twice, Take him, All of you." Android Twilight says.
They all nod and take off at Saber Wave.
"Demons." Saber Wave says.
The water shoots out into long, small, thin, lines.
They slice through Android Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity.
They all stop moving.
Their eyes wide.
They collapse into a million tiny pieces.
"Whoa....brother." Akarui says.
"Go Saber." Flash Sentry says.
Android Twilight looks at all the dead Android Main Six smiling.
She slowly walks towards Saber Wave.
The water collects back together that sliced the girls and comes back to Saber Wave and starts swirling around him again.
"I wouldn't come any closer if I was you." Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight smiles more and keeps walking towards him.
"I guess you want to join your friends, I'll be happy to oblige." Saber Wave says.
The water shoots out again as long, small, thin, lines.
They hit Twilight but she keeps walking.
Saber Wave's eyes go wide.
"W...What?" Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight laughs.
"I'm the Princess of Magic fool, Of course I enchanted my own body, You would need something as strong as the Alicorn Amulet to even lay a scratch on me." Android Twilight says.
POW!!!
She punches Saber Wave into the wall.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight smiles.
"But you don't have that kind of power now do you, What a shame." Android Twilight says.
She smiles even more.
"For you I mean, I get to turn you into one of us so it's pretty good for me." Android Twilight says.
She slowly walks towards him.
"Stay...away from....me." Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight keeps walking towards him.
"Why didn't you enchant your friends bodies?" Flash Sentry says.
"cause I knew better ponies would show up to replace them, Saber Wave is one of many to come, Soon I'll have an entire new Main Six made an invincible one and me as the leader of course." Android Twilight says.
Saber Wave tries to make his body move.
"It's worthless to try to move I probably crushed nearly every single bone in your body, You need a new body or you'll just die." Android Twilight says.
She smiles evilly and victorious.
"Let me save you Saber Wave." Android Twilight says.
"Get away from meeeeeee!!!" Saber Wave says.
The water recollects and goes to Saber and covers his body.
"That won't help you, I made sure of that." Android Twilight says.
The water does nothing.
"aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Saber Wave." Flash Sentry and Akarui says.
Saber Wave closes his eyes tight.
Tears pouring out.
The water shoots off deep into the factory.
Android Twilight reaches Saber.
"Given up, About time, You are a stubborn one I like that." Android Twilight says.
Saber Wave looks at Flash Sentry.
Flash Sentry looks back at him.
"I love you." Saber Wave says.
"I love you too." Flash Sentry says.
BOOM!!!!!!!
The whole factory explodes.
Making all of Equestria shake.
When all the smoke and dust clears there's nothing left but a huge, deep, dark, hole.
"Uh you can open your eyes now." A voice says.
"Huh?" Saber Wave says.
He slowly opens his eyes and looks around.
"I'm....I'm alive but....how?" Saber Wave says.
He looks behind him and a black coated, yellow eyed, black and white maned, Pegasus smiles at him.
"Hey Jacob, Oh I mean Saber Wave." The pony says.
"David but...how?" Saber Wave says.
"I'm here to Thundy I mean Saber." A voice says.
"Abel?" Saber Wave says.
Abel smiles.
"Yep, You're still pretty sexy like this Saber." Abel says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"Heh thanks Abel." Saber Wave says.
"Don't you mean Abelishis?" Abel says.
"Unh." Flash Sentry says.
"Flashy!" Saber Wave says.
He runs to Flash Sentry.
"Flashy?" Abel says
Saber Wave sends water over Flash Sentry healing him real quick then jumps on top of him kissing him.
"I'm guessing that's his boyfriend." David says.
"Shut up Shadow." Abel says.
"Ok." Shadow says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"Ok ok Saber stop kissing me I get it I'm glad you're ok too." Flash Sentry says.
"I see you can move again Saber." Princess Celestia says.
"Yeah but I don't know how." Saber Wave says.
"I did that!" Shadow says.
"Thanks David!" Saber Wave says.
"My name is Shadow now!" Shadow says.
"Oh yeah!, Sorry!" Saber Wave says.
"It's cool!" Shadow says.
"Sister, Saber Look." Princess Luna says.
They both look in the direction that Princess Luna is looking.
A sparking android Twilight pulls herself out of the hole and stands up.
"I'll distract her, Princesses and Shadow I want you to combine your magic and fire it at her That should finish her." Saber Wave says.
They nod.
"Let's move." Saber Wave says.
He gives Flash Sentry a real quick kiss.
"By the way I want to have your baby I know the spell to do it." Saber Wave says and flies off.
"What wait!, Come back!!" Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave lands in front of Twilight.
"Let's finish this." Saber Wave says.
"You move again That's a miracle." Android Twilight says.
"Shut up at least I don't look like a pile of sparking junk." Saber Wave says.
She punches at Saber Wave.
He dodges it and flips her.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Shadow start to combine their magic and aim at Android Twilight.
"I'm sorry my pupil I couldn't save you." Princess Celestia says.
"I'm sorry you have to die a monster." Saber Wave says.
Android Twilight laughs.
"I'm not ever going to die you delusional pony!" Android Twilight says.
She laughs harder.
Princess Celestia's, Princess Luna's, and Shadow's magic shoots at Twilight and engulfs her.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" She screams.
A bright flash goes out.
It slowly clears.
She's nothing but ash.
The wind blows her away.
"Goodbye Twily." A transparent Thunderstorm says.
He fades away.
Princess Celestia keeps her head down and her eyes closed.
Tears pour out.
Princess Luna wraps a wing around her.
Shadow and Abel and Flash Sentry walk to Saber Wave.
Water washes over Akarui and heals him.
Akarui stands up and looks at the Princesses then follows Shadow and Abel. |
Saber Wave | Welcome The Wind | Saber Wave
Chapter 11
Welcome the Wind
Saber Wave looks at Flash Sentry.
"Flashy!" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"Saber!" Flash Sentry says.
They run to each other.
Flash Sentry tackles Saber Wave and kisses him.
They both moan.
"No good cheater." Abel says.
"Actually since you don't exist in this dimension and since he's not Thunderstorm but Saber Wave he's not cheating because he's not Thunderstorm you're somepony and two you don't exist here so...yeah." Shadow says.
"Shut up." Abel says.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry interlock tails.
"Yes." Flash Sentry says.
"Yes what?" Saber Wave says.
"Yes I want to have a baby too." Flash Sentry says.
"Huh really Flashy?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles and nods.
"Oh Flashy." Saber Wave says.
Tears appear in Saber Wave's eyes.
"I love you Flashy." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles even more.
"I love you too." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave's horn glows and he turns into a mare and spreads his legs.
"Cum and get big boy." Saber Wave says and giggles blushing.
"With pleasure." Flash Sentry says.
"Are they....?" Shadow says.
"Yep." Abel says.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walk up beside Shadow and Abel.
"That's one way to celebrate I guess." Akarui says.
"Oh Flashy Yes!!!!!, You're tearing me apart!!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Certainly sounds like a fun way." Princess Celestia says.
"Certainly does." Princess Luna says.
Everypony looks at her in shock.
Princess Luna blushes.
"Sorry." Princess Luna says.
Princess Celestia smiles.
"Don't be." Princess Celestia says.
"When did Jacob turn gay?" Shadow says.
"He's not gay, He's BI." Abel says.
"Well when did that happen?!!" Shadow says.
Abel shrugs.
11 months later in the hospital.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Push!!, Come on Saber!!" The doctor says.
"Oh Celestia this hurts AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Almost there keep pushing!!!" The doctor says.
"I feel so sorry for mares Oh dear Celestia!!!,
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!" Saber Wave says.
"Got it!!!" The doctor says.
Saber Wave falls back into his hospital bed breathing heavy.
The doctor walks up.
"Here's your baby girl." He says and gives the baby to Saber Wave.
Saber Wave smiles.
"My little girl." Saber Wave says.
Tears appear in Saber Wave's eyes and looks up at the doctor.
"Thank you... doctor." Saber Wave says.
"More than happy to Ms. Wave." The Doctor says.
He walks off.
Shadow, Abel, Akarui, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna walk in.
"Shadow could...you please....turn me....back into.....a stallion.......I'm to......weak to." Saber Wave says.
"Sure." Shadow says.
He lifts his wings and Saber Wave's vagina turns back into a dick and a ball sac.
Flash Sentry looks under Saber Wave's cover and smiles.
"Much better." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave blushes.
"Flashyyy." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry kisses Saber Wave and looks at their baby and smiles.
"I love you so much thank you for a little girl." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"Back at ya." Saber Wave says.
They kiss.
"That's it!!" "When did you start liking stallions?!!!" Shadow says.
Saber Wave giggles and tongues Flash Sentry.
He tongues Saber Wave back.
They both moan.
"Uh guys there's a baby in the room now, You don't want to scar it." Akarui says.
Saber Wave and Flash Sentry stop tonguing and blush.
"I told you on Earth that I was Bisexual Did you think I was kidding?" Saber Wave says.
"Yes!!" Shadow says.
"Well you thought wrong." Saber Wave says.
"Our little girl What are we going to name her?" Flash Sentry says.
"Well she has your coat, light blue fur that goes a little above her knees, purple eyes, and the dark blue from your mane and light blue from mine How about Windella?" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry smiles.
"Windella, Perfect like her father." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave smiles.
"Flashyyyyyy." Saber Wave says and giggles and blushes.
"Stupid sexy Saber Wave." Abel thinks.
"So I'm betting you're staying in Equestria with Flash Sentry right?" Shadow says.
Saber Wave smiles and nods.
"Of course." Saber Wave says.
"Then I guess we'll stay to." Shadow says.
"I'm gonna go find a house." Abel says and walks off.
"Wait up." Shadow says.
They both walk off.
"Uh could somepony take our baby out into the hallway for just a few minutes?" Flash Sentry says.
"I will." Princess Luna says.
"Thanks." Flash Sentry says.
He levitates Windella onto Luna's back.
She walks into the hallway.
Princess Celestia and Akarui follow her.
Flash Sentry closes the door and locks it then runs to Saber Wave and goes underneath his cover.
"What are you doing FlashYYYY!!" Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry moans as he wraps his tongue around Saber Wave's dick.
Saber Wave pounds the hospital bed.
"Oh...my....Celestia......Flashy.....I....just....had.....Ah huh!!!.....a baby....AAAAh huh!!!!" Saber Wave says.
5 minutes later.
Flash Sentry opens the door.
"You can come back in now." Flash Sentry says.
"You got something white in the corner of your mouth." Princess Celestia says and winks as she walks by.
Flash Sentry blushes and licks it off.
Princess Luna gives Windella back to Flash Sentry.
"You sucked my brother's dick didn't you?" Akarui says.
"That's half of what we did so yeah." Flash Sentry says.
"Wait what?" Akarui says.
Flash Sentry walks up to Saber Wave.
"I'll take you home." Flash Sentry says.
Saber Wave is breathing heavy.
"O...Ok...Fla...Flashy....oh wow..." Saber Wave says.
Flash Sentry levitates Saber Wave onto his back and puts Windella on Saber Wave's back.
He lifts his wings.
"Thank you Saber Wave, Thank you Flash Sentry." Princess Celestia says.
They both smile and nod.
"Thank you both." Princess Luna says.
They smile and nod.
Flash Sentry takes off out a window.
"Never thought my brother would give birth, He just gets crazier and crazier." Akarui says.
Princess Celestia walks up behind Akarui.
"You like mares don't you?" She says into his ear.
"Yes I do Princess." Akarui says.
"Oh no." Princess Luna says and leaves the room.
"Then I order you to buck me...hard and fast, I want to still feel it after 6 months have gone by and you're so strong and big, I bet you can easily please a girl like me." Princess Celestia says.
Akarui blushes deeply.
"Y...Yes my Princess I would be honored to buck you." Akarui says.
Princess Celestia smiles.
"Good follow me to the bed." Princess Celestia says.
"Yes my Princess." Akarui says.
"Oh it's quite alright if you call me you're dirty little Princess, sexy, or your sexy dirty little Princess." Princess Celestia says.
Akarui blushes more.
"O...Ok Se...Sexy." Akarui says.
Princess Celestia smiles more.
"That's better now get over here and make my tight warm pussy wet and dripping for you." Princess Celestia says.
"Oh my Princess." Akarui says.
The End |
I see Pink | pre | "It's her right?" he asked pointing at Sarah.
"No, and that's my sister you dick," I replied.
He looked at Pinkie who smiled at him.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"Paul, do we need to cancel this meeting?" I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders and breathed out a quick uneasy sigh before he offered his hand to Pinkie.
"Paul Leslie, Agent, bookkeeper, and press manager for your friend here," he said.
She took his hand, shook it, and grinned at him.
"Pinkie Pie, Party Planner, Baker, and Marefriend of your client," she said with that same smile.
Her voice didn't sound as warm though. I looked at her to notice that her smile seemed a little forced, and her hair had deflated some.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure the two of you are quite happy, and that he's been humping your brains out. Now Andy, we've got to talk about this meet and greet. Man, this is our chance to keep the Gravy Train with Biscuit Wheels rolling. They're talking sequel, and that means an entire line of sequels! This is going to be as big as Star Wars, Star Trek... Hell, this might even be as big if not bigger than Harry fuckin' Potter!"
"Paul, I'm already going, but only if Pinkie comes with me. Actually, I'd like for Sarah to come if she wants to," I replied.
"Are you sure man? I mean... Authors are often considered to be a little strange anyway. Especially after what Samantha Jennings had done, but you're talking about making a very bold statement here. It might alienate some of your fans," he said.
I could feel Pinkie's glare, and I was glad that she wasn't glaring at me. A quick glance showed me that her hair was perfectly straight.
"Paul, I don't care. I want her there. I love her, and I won't do it without her," I said.
"Okay, okay. I'll make the arrangements. So, hotel wise... anything specific or would a barn do?" he asked jokingly.
"That's enough!"
Pinkie and I both looked at Sarah as she stood up. My younger sister glared at Paul and slammed her hands down on the table.
"My brother is happy! It's the first time I've seen him happy, and you're going to stand there and make fun of the person who makes him happy?! That makes me sick! I hope that he fires you! I hope he tells you to get outta his life!" she yelled at him.
Paul sat there surprised, along with the rest of us, as Sarah flipped her seat back over and sat back down.
"Ms Pie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. I know that I was being rude, and I humbly ask that you forgive me," Paul said.
"I will, but for Andy's sake," she said.
"Andy, I'll get everything ready, and I'll contact you with the information," he said as he got up, grabbed his console, and walked out.
That was the first time I had ever seen anyone put Paul in his place. I turned back to my sister and she shaking a little.
"Sorry," she said.
Pinkie was suddenly around there hugging her tightly and nuzzling her cheek.
"Don't be! That was super awesomely awesome!" she exclaimed. |
I see Pink | Meeting Friends and being Exposed | I See Pink
Meeting Friends and Being Exposed
A Pinkie Pie Romance
I looked at the love of my life as she lay sleeping in our bed. Her gentle smile was still on her face, and I knew that she was going to be a giggling ball of energy when she got up. My right arm had long since fallen asleep, since it was under her, and my left arm was being held by her. She snuggled closer to me, pressing her wonderful ass against me and letting little giggling sounds escape as she continued to adjust herself in the bed.
Even asleep she liked to tease me.
"Master, the city to city transport train will be leaving in the next hour," Igor said.
I let a groan out. I wasn't ready to get out of bed. Everything that I wanted was right here. I kissed the back of Pinkie's head and hear her mummer something about Oatmeal before she out a yawn and turned toward me.
"Morning Silly Billy," she said as her baby blue eyes opened.
"Good morning Pinkie, are you ready to go on a little trip?" I asked.
"Sure, but where are we going?" she asked.
"Well, we're going to be heading to Los Angeles. Igor has already booked our train tickets, and we'll need to be leaving in an hour," I replied.
She rolled on top of me. I felt her grind her hips against me for a moment before leaning down and giving me a kiss.
"Okie Dokie Loki!" she exclaimed as she broke away from the kiss, got up, started toward the shower, and looked back at me before she raised her tail.
"Do you want to save time with me?" she asked.
I smiled, got up, and followed her into the shower. A good part of my life I had been told a few things, and one of them was that cleanliness was next to godliness. If that was true then I was being extremely sacrilegious with Pinkie in that shower. There was nothing clean about what we were doing. Not when her hands were flat against the front wall of the shower, or her back, ass, and tail were pressed against the glass door of the shower. It wasn't until a good fifteen minutes into the shower that it became a real shower and we repented by actually cleaning up.
Once we turned the water off we both stepped out and began toweling off. Pinkie quickly went through her wardrobe and I watched as she selected a pair of sky blue yoga pants, slightly altered by Mr. Anderson's wife Trudy for Pinkie's Tail, and then she dug around and produced an old Andrew W.K. shirt with Party Hard across the front, under his picture, and the lyrics on the back. She quickly pulled on the shirt, a pair of sky blue panites - to match the yoga pants, and then her yoga pants. She did a quick twirl, and then she bent over to check something. Instantly I thanked whoever it was that created yoga pants. If there was an afterlife may he be surrounded with whatever it is that made him happy.
We walked out of our room and I saw Sarah getting out of hers. The last month I had seen Sarah blossom by leaps and bounds. She had began opening up, talking to people, and she even went against the doctrine of the religion we were both brought up in and started dressing in clothes that had color and even got her hair cut. Still, in comparison to Pinkie she was dressed a bit more consertively. I watched as she walked toward us in a pair of jeans and a red t-shirt. Her classic Chuck Taylors' All Star squeaked with each step.
I grinned as she stopped, looked at her shoes, and then looked at me.
"They squeak," she pointedly said.
"That's what real rubber soles do," I replied.
"Where did you get these?" she asked.
"I found them in Amazon's virtual warehouse. I figured you might like having a pair of tennis shoes compared to those uncomfortable things you had to wear," I replied.
"Thanks," she said before she gave me a quick hug.
And then we both felt the bone creaking hug from Pinkie.
"I'm so glad it was huggle time!" she excitedly said.
The three of us walked over to our luggage we had packed the previous night. Actually Pinkie was the one who suggested it. She said it was one of the things that Twilight would do, and that Twilight almost always was ready for anything. So, we all three packed a bag apiece and then placed them by the door.
"Igor, run the security protocol until we're back," I said.
"I understand Master," he answered in a nasally voice before we walked outside.
We walked out and then the sounds of the door locking could be heard. The three of us walked to the elevator, rode it down, and once we got out the hum of electricity to it suddenly stopped. We walked to the front door, walked out, and then it locked.
"Andy, what's Igor doing?" Pinkie asked.
"He's just locking down our home so it will be safe," I said.
She turned around and watched with me as several metal shutters slammed closed. Each window that was on the front of the were secure behind a metal shutter. I felt her grasp my hand and squeeze. I squeezed back and together we turned around and waited. The taxi Igor had set to arrive for us showed up, a few minutes late, but nothing that would cause us to miss our train. We quickly loaded our luggage into the trunk of the converted taxicab and climbed into it.
"So, where are you heading to?" the driver asked.
"The Station Building," I replied.
He put the taxicab in gear and we took off. Pinkie looked out the window as we traveled down the road of the modestly good neighborhood that we lived in and started to cross into the Stacks area. The roads became broken, tall rusted scaffolds that made up the stacks shot up through the sky. Along the side of the road hulks of broken and abandoned cars sat unused and unwanted. I looked to where Pinkie was looking and saw a kid climbing down the side of the stacks.
The young boy had obvious learned that going down the stairs was ill advised, and soon he disappeared between the stacks into the courtyard that was most likely engulfed in shadow.
"This is terrible," Sarah said.
"I know, but for about two thirds of city this is home. Most of them can't afford to live anywhere else. The stacks is about as income adjusted rent as you can get," I said.
"This is where Justin lives," Pinkie whispered.
I remembered the little boy from the party we had for Sarah. He was the same little boy she had given the generic console to for the birthday party she threw him. I felt her snuggle up against me. I gently rubbed her back as we passed the stacks. Toward the edge of the stacks we heard the sound of gunfire, screams, and then absolute quiet. Pinkie had went from just snuggling against me to holding onto me tightly. I held her, kissed her head, and wished that she had never been exposed to this part of the city.
"So, where did you get your friend?" the cab driver asked.
"The same place anyone gets a good friend," I replied.
"I suppose. Not sure how I feel about this entire Furry business. My Pa told me it was a bunch of sickos in suits back in his day. Guess it's all about finding a real one now huh?" he asked.
I looked up him and thankfully he took the hint. We neared the off white trainstation. The building itself was located in what they tried to call historic downtown, but it was just the local government's way of saying crumbling part of the city. Our cab driver pulled up to the parking lot, got out, opened the trunk and unloaded our luggage out of the back of the taxicab. He looked at me and shook his head.
"Horse fucker," he muttered as he got into his taxicab and drove off.
"Did... did he just call me a whorse?" Pinkie asked.
I looked at her and saw her hair trying to go flat. I pulled her against me and kissed her forehead.
"It's okay," I whispered.
"Why are they so mean?" she asked.
"They're not happy. They don't know what it's like to be happy, and they hate seeing someone who is," Sarah said.
"Someone needs to turn on their light," Pinkie whispered.
I continued to hold her, feeling her holding me back.
"You want to know something?" I asked.
"Hmmm?" she asked.
"It doesn't matter to me what anyone else thinks. I love you," I said.
She looked up at me and her hair began to regain its mess of curls.
"Andy... I don't want to be just a kept mare," she said.
"What?" I asked.
"I don't want to be just a kept mare. I love you, but I want what my Mama and Papa had," she said.
"Wait... what?" I asked.
"Andy, she's asking you to marry her," Sarah replied.
Pinkie nodded. Instantly I began thinking about what that actually entailed. As it stood our marriage would be ceremonial only. There was no way that the government would actually recognize Pinkie Pie as a being entitled to basic human rights. Even the term basic human rights implied exactly where we thought that we belonged. Still, even if it was just a ceremony it was something I was more than happy to do for her. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her anyway. I knelt down on a single knee and I heard Pinkie gasp as I looked up into her blue eyes.
"Pinkamena Diane Pie, I love you. I'm not sure how it's happened, but you've captured my heart, and it beats for you. I don't ever want to be without you, and I'm asking, no begging, that you please marry me," I said.
She shook in place for a moment before she pulled me forward and I felt my face shoved right into her belly. She realized how she was hugging me, and I found myself standing up with her holding me tightly.
"YES!" she yelled.
"Awww, that's the sweetest thing I've ever seen," Sarah said.
"We need to shop for an engagement ring when we get to Los Angeles," I replied.
The sound of the train caught our attention and the three of us walked into the train station. I walked toward the ticket counter and pressed my thumb against the reader. It scanned my thumb print and then the display screen showed three adult tickets reserved for one Andy Williams, Sarah Williams, and Pinkie Pie. It asked if this was correct, and I pressed my finger against the yes button on the screen.
The printer next to the ticket booth came to life and out popped three tickets. I pulled them out of the printer and the three of us walked out to the platform. The train finally came to a stop and when it did a group of armed guards came out and checked our tickets. They nodded to us, opened up for us to enter the train, and then I turned to watch as a few of played what looked a round of Rock, Paper, Scissors before some of them climbed up on the top of the train.
For the most part the train cars was divided up into three sections. I checked our ticket and we headed toward the C section of this car. Once there I noticed that there was a small hall between compartments. I stopped when I found the compartment number matching our ticket. I fed our tickets into a digital ticket reader. It acted like an old bill changer as it sucked the tickets into itself. A moment later the printer below it spat out a receipt. I grabbed the receipt and the door opened. We stepped into the room and a screen lowered over the window. I watched as the screen lit up and a cartoonish face appeared.
"Thank you for taking Amtrak! We hope that you enjoy your ride from," it paused for a moment, and I knew the older AI was getting the info from the digital ticket reader, "Oklahoma City to Los Angeles! Remember friends, don't disembark the train unless there's an emergency, or you keep your compartment receipt with you!" the cartoonish looking conductor said.
"Thank you," Pinkie said.
"You're welcome," it said before the screen grew dim, and then it lifted away from the window.
I looked at the compartment itself. There was four twin beds made into the wall, a small dining table set out in the middle of the compartment, a counter with a kitchenette made into it and a mini-refrigerator below it, and finally in corner of the compartment was a single room. I walked over opened it up to see a practically empty room. I saw three buttons and pushed the first one. When I did a part of the wall leaned forward the reveal the toilet. I pushed it back and pressed the second button and a drawer unlocked. I pulled it open to reveal the sink. I pushed the drawer back watching it disappear into the wall. The last button I pushed and instantly I was greeted with a shower head popping out, and letting loose a preset stream of soapy water.
I coughed and sputtered as I pressed the button again. The water ended, the shower head sucked itself back into the wall, and a towel popped out from a slot that opened on my right. I took it, dried off my face and hair. On my left hand side another slot opened. I slid the towel into it and walked out of the room.
"Bathroom and shower," I said.
Pinkie snickered as she looked at me.
Over the following two days I watched as Sarah was forced get past some more of her reservations. Pinkie took her shower in the small bathroom, but she dried off out in the room. Luckily I was able to close the shades to the hall, and the screen had a switch to lower and retract itself. As the two days wore on Sarah became less and less nervous about Pinkie being, well Pinkie. She was already used to Pinkie's personality, but she quickly learned that Pinkie trusted her enough to be naked around her with no problem.
Of course I left out the part where it was actually more natural to Pinkie to walk around nude than it was to wear clothes, or at least it had been. Still, after two days of the three of us being a room together, Pinkie and I managing to snuggle inside of a twin size sleeping compartment made in the wall, among doing something else in that cramped space, we finally arrived at our destination. The train came to a stop and the screen lowered again.
"Thank you again for using Amtrak! Please exit the train and present your receipt to either the ticket administrator, or the ticket vending unit!" the cartoonish conductor said.
We left the train and the three of us walked into the train station. Where the one in Oklahoma City had completely been converted over to an automated service Union Station here in Los Angeles had several working personnel. We walked up to a ticket window and I watched as an elderly woman opened the sliding glass.
"Welcome to historic Union Station in fantastic Los Angeles California!" she said.
"Thanks, I just wanted to know when I should trade in our receipt for the return tickets," I said.
"Oh, you can do that now, and we'll keep your thumb print on file for thirty days, or you can wait forty-eight hours and do it then," she said.
"What happens after forty-eight hours?" Pinkie asked.
"Well, if you aren't here to trade in your receipt you'll be forced to purchase return tickets at the going price," she said.
"Okay, I'll go ahead and trade it in now," I said.
I handed her to receipt and she quickly scanned it, and then she passed out a portable thumb print reader. I pressed my thumb against it and a moment later it beeped.
"Okay, your thumb print is on file, and your tickets will be ready. When you're ready to catch your train back to Oklahoma City you just need to walk up to any of the ticket windows or to an automated ticket vending unit. Once you do either inform the attendee or activate the vending unit, and request to scan your thumb print for your tickets. Thanks again for visiting Historic Union Station!" she excitedly say.
The three of us walked over toward a small taxi kiosk. I checked it over a couple of times and selected a yellow cab for the three of us. The kiosk gave a fifteen minute wait that ended up giving Pinkie and Sarah enough time to walk over to the gift shop. I watched as they looked at clothes on display, and then Pinkie let out a gasp and I looked at what she was looking at.
The dress was a V-Cut that showed some clevage, but not enough to show everything, on the side it was cut up to mid thigh. I looked it over and saw the red dress shimmered and shined. Depending on the angles it was viewed the dress went from crimson to a dark pink.
"Want to try it on?" I asked Pinkie.
She nodded, and I got the attention of the attendant. She walked over got the dress down, and showed Pinkie into a dressing room. I walked over and waited for a moment until Pinkie came out. The dress fit her legs, hips, and waist like a glove, but around her breasts it seemed a little tight. I noticed how it squeezed them together, giving them the appearance of popping out at any moment.
"That doesn't look comfortable," Sarah said.
"It's kind of squeezing tight up here a little," she said.
I nodded, but my eyes never left her. She turned around and walked back into the dressing room. I could see that her tail couldn't be comfortable either. Sure, the back of the dress was non existent, but she still had to lift her tail quite a bit to come out of the back of the dress.
"It's okay, I've got a nice dress to wear," she said.
"Is it your can can dress?" I asked.
She nodded, and I smiled. I could handle seeing her in that dress again. She changed back into her other clothes she had wore into the gift shop, and we walked out to the front. When we stepped out a yellow cab was waiting. A moment later I watched as an older man walked up. He stopped, looked at Pinkie, then at me, and then back at her. A smile crossed his lips and he stepped up closer.
"Someone order a cab?" he asked.
"Yeah, we need a ride to the Chateau Marmont," I said.
The taxi driver raised the bill of his hat and let out a whistle.
"Okay, well let me get your bags for ya, and we'll get ya loaded," he said.
Despite my saying it wasn't necessary he loaded up the bags into the taxi and before long we started the ride out toward the hotel that Paul had reserved for us. While I wasn't exactly sure what to expect I knew that Paul knew my tastes. I didn't like modern places. Our home was a testament to that, but even the few times I had traveled for the book signing I had requested somewhere that was a little older. Paul had come through by booking me into bed and breakfasts, turn of the century hotels, and rustic setting cabins. Of course each one of those places had modern security and lockdown measures.
What I didn't expect was the huge hotel in the distance. It looked like something straight from the silent film days of Hollywood. The hotel didn't look like a hotel, but instead it looked like a mansion. The cab pulled up and our taxi driver opened the trunk, unloaded our bags, and I gave him a tip. He nodded, and then looked at me again.
"Nice going with that one," he said.
I stood trying to convince myself that he hadn't been ogling and admiring my now fiancee. I shook my head, walked inside with the girls and we wandered up to the front desk. I pressed the attention needed button on the visitor's screen. A moment later a young woman walked out wearing a period maid's outfit. She smiled, gave a little curtsey and stepped behind the desk.
"Sir, Miss, and Miss, it is a pleasure to have you here at the Chateau Marmont hotel," she said in a fake and forced French accent.
"Thank you, we have a reservation under Andy Williams," I said.
"Andy Williams, ah, yes you do! You have a suite on the Chaplin Wing! Andre, would you mind taking their luggage, and showing them to suite?" she asked.
A young man dressed in a period bell hop uniform walked over. He loaded our bags onto a luggage cart, and then took the key with the number on it. He gave us a smile and led us down a long hallway. About halfway down we found an elevator and boarded it. When it stopped we exited and soon we found ourselves in front of a door. He opened it and stood out of the way as we entered it.
"Thank you for staying," he said holding out a mini tablet.
I looked at it, selected five dollars, and pressed my thumb against the reader. It beeped and I handed it back to him.
"Thank you sir," he said as he turned and left.
We stood in the large common room. I looked at the doors and opened one set to see a king sized bed. Sarah walked toward the other side of the room and opened another door. I looked toward the door and noticed it had a bed and nearly the same exact setup as the room I opened.
"Okay, this will work," I said.
Pinkie walked into the room, looked at the bed, and then jumped onto it. I watched as it seemed to swallow her for a moment and then it tossed her up. The bed rippled, moved, and I shook my head. Paul had gotten us waterbeds.
Once Pinkie had experimented with the waterbed again, and again, we finally decided to spend the rest of the day we had before the meet and greet out and about. I walked downstairs and the first thing I had asked about was a jewelry store. The maid directed us to a shop that was just down the road. The three of us walked out and to our surprise the hotel's shuttle bus was waiting. We climbed on with about four other people.
"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Los Angeles, and specifically to the Hollywood hills! If there's any place that you want to stop please pull the cord next to you. When you disembark take one of our Place Markers and keep it with you. As long as you have that we'll know exactly where you are in the city, and we'll be sure to show up and help make sure you get back to the hotel," she said.
I saw the store and pulled the cord. The shuttle pulled over and Pinkie grabbed a Place Marker before smiling at the tour guide.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed.
"No, thank you for choosing the Chateau Marmont Hotel!" the guide exclaimed.
I smiled and shook my head as we walked into the store.
(Pinkie's POV)
"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" I thought as we walked into the jewelry store.
I felt Andy grab my hand and I squeezed it back. We're going to be married! You know I've noticed that the people here take the male's last name... That's a little strange, but I don't mind! I mean Andy is wonderful and Sarah is funarific, so I think that being a Williams would be funtactular! I felt Andy stop and I looked at the ring he was looking at. It was a beautiful gold ring with a circular pink diamond in the center.
He had the store clerk walk over and I watched as they took it out. I touched it, felt as he placed it on my finger. I couldn't help myself as I kissed him right there. I felt him back up and look at the clerk.
"That one," he said.
"Sir, there are some better rings available," she said.
"No, there isn't," he said.
I saw him not looking at the ring, but at me. I shuffled my hoof as he paid the mare behind the counter, and we left. He and Sarah talked about what we might want to do, but right now I wanted to celebrate!
"How about a party?" I asked.
He looked at me and then nodded. I activated the place marker and a few minutes later a different bus thingie came by. We got on, and the stallion talking was almost as nice as the mare on the last bus thingie. He talked to us, and told us about the houses and all of the actors that lived out here. We rode past those houses and then Andy got up and walked up to the guide. The guide nodded after Andy asked him something.
"Okay, our next location on the list is the Pre Premiere Party for the upcoming movie New Frontier!" he said.
I watched as it stopped and we got off of the bus and walked up toward what looked like a glass building. It sparkled so bright and I could see hundreds of smiles and hear so many laughs. A bright smile crossed my face and I wanted inside of there! Andy walked up to the man in the front and he waved us through.
"Andy! I thought that you didn't like these things!" Paul called from across the room.
He walked over toward us and stopped when he saw me.
"Oh, Ms Pie, it's a pleasure," he said through clenched teeth.
"Same here," I said.
I've seen all kinds of ponies, and I've always gotten them to smile, but Paul was a pony that I didn't want to get to smile. He was a meanie, meanie pants!
"Paul," Andy said.
"I'm sorry Andy, I really am. Look, why don't we bury the hatchet and get past this. I know that you're dating my client, and I'm his friend and help make sure that he has plenty of work. So, maybe for his sake we can be civil," Paul said.
I nodded.
"Okay, anyway the stars are over there, The bar is there, and the buffet is nothing but cake. Go figure," he said.
I ran down to the table and looked at the spread of cakes there. It was like Mr. and Mrs. Cake had fixed every flavor of cake for Princess Celestia again. I took a piece with extra, sweet, creamy, strawberry frosting... Ooooo...
The taste of the frosting filled my mouth and a moment later I felt a hand touching my tail.
"Andy, we..." I saw him making his way over.
I turned to see a girl smiling at me.
"I love ponies," she slurred.
"Ummmm.... Hi," I said.
"You're so soft... Can I ride you? Oh, wanna ride me?" she asked.
"Okay Rachel, you've had enough to drink," an older man said.
"Nope, I wanna ride the pink pony... Wow... That didn't sound right did it Max?" she asked.
"In what context sweetie?" he asked.
"You know what context I mean! Fuckin' Tirese said that she couldn't come to this thing... It wasn't on the list of things to do... Don't I look pretty enough for my girlfriend?" she asked me.
"Ummmm... I guess," I said.
"You'll have to excuse her. I'm afraid that she's going through a bit of a rough patch," Max said.
Andy finally got over and looked at the two of them.
"Andy Williams," he said.
"Max Gryphon, and this is Rachel Okayado. Say, aren't you the author?" he asked.
"Yeah, that's me," he replied.
"I thought so... Rachel, sweetie, the man who gave the green light to cast you is here," he said.
"Green... HI!" she exclaimed.
"Hello," Andy said.
"Can I ride your pink pony... I don't mean your pink pony, but her I mean," she slurred.
"I'd rather you didn. Especially since we're engaged," he said.
"Oh, you're marrying the pink pony girl? Good for you... Fight the power! Fuck the man! Fuck him in his tight ass!" she yelled.
"Okay, well it's time to take her home. Seriously she's not normally like this... she had a fight with her significant other. It ended with badly," Max said before he picked her up over his shoulder and left.
"Pinkie you okay?" he asked.
"Uh huh... Andy?" I asked.
"Yeah, I want to ride your pink pony," I said.
"Paul! Would you keep an eye on Sarah?" Andy shouted.
"You got it!" Paul shouted.
I started to lead him over to a darker part of the room when an alarm went off. Water began raining down from the ceiling and guards began escorting us out. We got outside and looked back to see smoke coming from behind the building. Andy activated the place marker and a few minutes later we were riding the bus thingie back to the hotel.
We got upstairs and Sarah yawned.
"I'm going to catch some sleep," she said.
~~~~~Clop Starts Here~~~~~
"I still want to," I said.
He looked at me, and together we walked into our room. We worked on each others clothes and in a few moments two piles of damp clothes were lying on the floor as I climbed over him. I love him, but right now I wanted this differently. I was going to be his mare, and I was going to mark my territory.
I kissed him deeply, moving down him, kissing each part of him and stopping at his now growing and hardening stallionhood. I touched it with my hand, stroking him, teasing him, and then I turned around. I felt his tongue digging into my party cannon. A moan escaped me, and I began working on him. We've done this before, but this was different. This was the first time after we've been promised to each other.
It made things different. I felt my party cannon getting closer to exploding.
"Andy!" I cried out as I felt myself go. I breathed hard, and to my surprise he moved from out from under me. I expected him to turn me over, but instead he moved my tail.
I felt him enter me from behind. I was his mare, I was always going to be his mare, but this was the first time we were doing it like this. The first time he was taking me like a mare.
"Andy... Andy... ANDY!!!!" I cried out again.
The two of us collapsed and the bed nearly threw us off. I giggled as it rocked us back and forward.
"I love you Pinkie," he said.
"I love you too Andy," I replied.
~~~~~Clop Ends here~~~~~
(Andy's POV)
The morning came and so did our wake-up call. We climbed out of bed, and Pinkie sat on making us breakfast with the groceries that was stocked in our kitchen area. We ate the wonderful breakfast of eggs, blueberry muffins, which I was wondering how she fixed them without an oven, and then we went to get dress. Once we were dressed the three of us got ready to head down to the meet and greet.
We walked outside to see a car waiting. Paul got out of the front and waved to us.
"I've got everything covered, so it's just on to the Century City Mall!" he shouted.
The drive was fairly uneventful, but the group outside of the mall was insane. Several guards stood waiting and led us into the safety of the mall. We made it toward the table where I saw Max, Rachel, another man that I believed was playing the engineer, and then there was the first mate. I knew we were breaking some serious rules by not hiring a human to play a part. Still, there stood, in her six foot eight inch glory, a graduate of the Ctar-Ctar Royal academy.
Andrew Wesker, the director who was an avid fan of George Lucas, had read my book and instantly knew the look I was going for. I wasn't sure where he had gotten her, but Aisha Clan Clan was smiling at the crowd.
"Okay, Ernie let 'em in," someone said.
A moment later a rush of people came in and began taking chairs. Instantly I noticed a girl with a large red stallion. I knew him and he seemed to be looking at Pinkie Pie.
"Ladies and gentlemen Welcome to the New Frontier Q 'n A! Naturally our stars and author won't be giving away any spoilers for the movie itself, but they will answer anything that isn't going be a spoiler," the announcer said.
The girl next to the stallion raised her hand along with several others.
"Who wants to start?" the announcer asked.
"I will," I said.
"Okay, Mr. Williams, it's your ballgame," he said.
"How about you?" I asked the girl who was sitting next to the stallion.
"Mr. Williams, first I loved the book. It was a fantastic inspiration, and I thought the fact that you had a relationship between the human captain and the alien first mate was a stroke of genius. What was your inspiration?" she asked.
"Well, honestly I've always been a fan of the space westerns, and I figured that a couple, regardless of species, that could stay together in the conditions I wrote would be a great couple to read about," I said.
"She's a fun character to play," Aisha replied.
"What's your thoughts about having a non-human in a major role?" someone shouted.
"Well, personally I don't see a problem," Max answered.
"Isn't it kind of like saying they're the same as us?" someone else asked.
"They are," I replied.
There was quiet for a moment before the questions began exploding. We answered everything we could. What was supposed to last for about three hours lasted for five. When it was over most of the folks began leaving, but the stallion and the girl waited. Pinkie stepped off the stage with me and smiled at the stallion.
"Big Mackie!" she shouted as she hugged him.
"Howdy Pinkie," he replied hugging her back.
"How are you doing?" she asked.
"Ah'm fine. I'm staying with Jessica.. We're..." he started before she touched his arm.
"We're dating," she said.
Pinkie smiled, hugged her, and gave her a soft smile.
"Take good care of him, and you've both got to come visit Andy and me!" she exclaimed. |
I see Pink | Family Matters? | I See Pink
Family Matters?
A Pinkie Pie Romance
The four days and nights that had been scheduled for me to be in Los Angeles was finally over, and I had never felt so glad to be heading home. The train ride back to Oklahoma City was quiet, with the obvious exception of being the times Pinke and I tried to cuddle in the little sleeping cubby they provided each of us with. Once we had made it back, and got off of the train, I used the automated kiosk in the station to order us a cab.
It arrived after a few minutes and the three of us loaded our luggage, and the amazing amount of oversized shopping bags we had gained, into the back of the taxi. We had passed by the stacks, again, and once more we heard the sound of gunfire, and then there was an explosion. The taxicab dodged some of the flaming debris that was falling. There was a groaning sound and then a thunderous blast. The cab shook violently for a moment, and the driver pulled over. We turned around and looked behind us see dozens of destroyed mobile homes strung across the road. The one stack that had an explosion and then caught fire had slammed into another causing a small domino effect.
"Oh God," Sarah muttered.
"Those poor sumbitches," the driver replied.
The sight of the devastation looked immense. From what I could see two of the stacks had collapsed. Hopefully most of the people in the second one got out. I don't know about the first, but I have a feeling that those who weren't caught in the fire didn't have much of a chance. I felt something, and in an instant I realized that what I felt was an arm reaching over me. I looked to see Pinkie grabbing the door, wrenching it open, and trying to get outside. I wanted to stop her, but the look of concern, worry, and determination on her face kept me from doing it.
"What the hell is wrong with her? We can't get out here!" the driver shouted.
It didn't matter because Pinkie was outside of the cab, and I stepped out with her. The cab pulled off to the side and parked, and I watched as Sarah got out and followed us. The inferno that was over three dozen mobile homes, travel trailers, and storage containers roared in front of us. Even being across the street from it was almost too much. I looked around and spotted a public terminal.
I opened it, entered in my information, and a moment later Igor appeared.
"Master?" he asked.
"Igor, I need you to contact emergency services. Fire Department, Ambulance, and Police," I said.
"Of course Master. Master, you are outside of your normal neighborhood, do you know this?" Igor asked.
"I do Igor, but there's been an accident, and we need those services here as soon as possible," I said.
"Of course Master, I shall contact them right away," Igor said before he disappeared.
I felt better knowing that emergency services had been called. I wasn't sure when they would get here, but hopefully it wouldn't take them that long. I turned around and saw dozens of people sitting on the sidewalk. One group of them was the little boy that Pinkie had thrown a party for at the Arcade and his parents. They were hugging him, crying, and I could even hear them thanking God that they were all okay.
Pinkie stepped closer to me, and I noticed that her jeans she had gotten customized looked filthy, her coat was blackened with ash and soot, and her main was practically flat.
"There's so many that... Andy, there's so many that didn't make it out," she whimpered.
I hugged her close and felt her sob into my chest as she cried. I gently rubbed her back knowing that she had done all she could to help the people. I wasn't sure how she had been able to withstand the heat from the fire, but once more I chalked it up to Pinkie being Pinkie. I felt her hands digging into my shirt, the sounds of her crying made my heart feel like it was going break into a million pieces.
I just stood there, holding her, telling her it would be okay, but we both knew that for so many it wouldn't be. There was dozens, if not hundreds, of lives that just ended. Even though it was obvious she had saved well over fifty people, there was so many more that had been crushed, or burned alive. The sounds of sirens caught her attention and Pinkie turned her head to see a group of police, firefighters, and emergency paramedics pull up. The firefighters began hooking up the purely electric driven fire trucks to the hydrants and working on the fire before it spread to the other stacks.
I watched as the paramedics worked with the survivors that were gathered on this side of the street, and one of them came over to Pinkie.
"Sir, do I have permission to treat..." he started as she looked at him.
"To treat my fiancee, yes you have permission," I said.
He nodded and slowly Pinkie let go of me as he checked her vitals, made sure that she wasn't hurt, and then tested her lungs to ensure that she hadn't damaged them running through the ash and smoke to find survivors. When he finished he nodded to us, hit a small button on his belt and a portable printer shot out an invoice. I took it, and then I looked at the people on the sidewalk. There was absolutely no way any of them were going to be able to pay for their medical bills.
I knew that the paramedics services were all privately owned, and the ones here in Oklahoma City were either owned by the Glossman Corporation or Rider Farms. The Glossman Corporation wouldn't give them a grace period, but instead they would start demanding payment in exactly one month's time. Rider's Farm would give them three months, but in the end they both did something extremely reprehensible. If someone was unable to make payments they would be taken into indentured servitude, and they would be forced to work off what they owed, along with pay for the rent of their small sleeping quarters, food, and usage of whatever tools were available. It was a guaranteed way of ensuring lifelong employees since they would never pay it off.
I wasn't worried about Pinkie's invoice. I could pay it off without much trouble. It was a couple hundred credits, but for some of these families a couple hundred credits meant the difference between eating for a week or starving to death, and that would be just one person. I looked at the gravity of the situation, and I felt a long abandoned hopelessness cover me. These families, everything they've suffered through, done, and faced would all be void now. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, that they could face other than tons of hard labor, or worse. I snuck a peek at Justin and his family. I might not be able to save all of them, but I could at least help those three.
We were there for another three hours answering questions from the police, talking to the paramedics, and finally having Igor making some calls to the Emergency Shelter Center. Once they were called the center informed me, through Igor, that they could only fit fifteen individuals since their funding had been cut. I tried to explain how many people were displaced, but they didn't budge, and finally the woman said that if there was more than four of the stacks still standing they could find a way to squeeze in with the other families.
I walked over to Justin and his parents. All three of them got up, and little Justin wiped his eyes as he looked at me.
"Are you guys okay?" I asked.
"More or less. I mean we lost everything, but we've still got each other," his mother said.
"Mary's right, we're together, and that's all that matters. Thank you... Thank you so much for stopping and trying to help. Most folks would just keep going," his dad said.
"You should really thank Pinkie. I just followed her example. Look, I don't want you guys to worry about your invoice from the paramedics. I'm going to take care of it. Now, do you have a place to go to?" I asked.
Mary shook her head.
"Louis' mother died last year, and they rented out her trailer to someone else, and my father died about ten years ago. When he did the Glossman corporation managed to purchase his home out from underneath us. They claimed that his home sat on adjoining Corporate land, and because of city regulations they could purchase the land without contest upon the death of the original owner," she said.
"Okay, it looks like you're no worse for the wear, I don't believe that I'm doing this, but my building is more or less empty with the exception of Sarah, myself, and Pinkie. I don't allow anything illegal in my home, and the second floor is still all original apartments. You're welcome to stay in one for a while until we can get you a job, on your feet, and into your own place," I said.
She looked at me, then at her husband, and then back at me. She stepped forward and lowered her head.
"What do you want?" she asked.
"What are you... Oh God no, no I don't want that," I said.
"But... I mean you're offering us a place to stay. No one offers anyone anything for free," she replied.
"Did Pinkie want anything from any of you when she threw your son a birthday party?" I asked.
She shook her head, "Just for us to smile."
"Okay, then I'll charge the same thing. Just smile. Be glad that you're getting some help, and make the most of it," I said.
I walked them over to Pinkie and Sarah, and then the six of us walked to the cab. The driver looked like he was about to pitch a fit, but he kept his thoughts to himself, and finished driving us home. When we got there I touched my thumb print to a reader out on the intercom.
"Master, welcome home," Igor's voice said over the intercom.
"Thanks Igor, go ahead and disengage the security protocol," I told him.
A moment later the sounds of the steel shutters could be heard as the retracted, then the door unlocked. I pulled on it, waited for the others to enter and we walked toward the elevator. I stopped it at the second floor and we walked down a slightly dusty hall. I remembered the original floor plan from the fourth floor and knew that the biggest apartment was the last one on the right. I walked toward it, flipped open the mailbox on the outside of the door, and pulled out a key. The rest of the building was completely hooked up to Igor, and that included the windows, but the doors in this hallway were still on the old fashioned key and lock system.
I pushed the key into the keyhole, turned it, and heard the room unlock. I led them inside to a fully furnished, but still dark, apartment.
I touched the intercom inside of the room and waited for a moment.
"Yes Master?" Igor asked.
"Igor, return power to Apartment 2-8A," I said.
A moment later the lights came on, and the sound of the refrigerator kicked on.
"We get this entire place to ourselves?" Justin asked.
"For the time being, yes, yes you do, but like I said nothing illegal in my home, and I want your parents looking for some work," I said.
I looked at Louis and Mary, "I'll give my agent a call and see if he knows of any place that's hiring. I can promise you that I don't want anything for helping you, but Paul might be a different story. I'll tell him not to expect anything, and don't let him try to talk you into anything either."
I gave Louis the key, and grinned at them.
"Igor locks the building down, completely down, at eight pm. I'm putting you," I pointed at Louis, "and you," I pointed at Mary, "as guests. That means that you can't make changes to Igor's schedules or programs, but he will recognize that you are supposed to be in this building. He will register Justin as supposed to be here to, but he will not allow someone else to come in. Trust me, you don't want to chance it, and you don't want on his bad side."
I walked out with Pinkie and Sarah and we walked toward the elevator.
"That was really sweet of you Andy," Sarah said.
"I... I wish we could have helped everypony else," Pinkie sniffed.
"I know, but this is about the best that we could do at the moment," I said.
We got into the elevator, rode up, and I let out a satisfied and happy grunt as I put down the oversized bags, and the luggage we had taken with us.
I finally felt as though things were getting settled when I heard Igor's nasally voice over the intercom again.
"What is it Igor?" I asked.
"Sir, you have two guests, and they are requesting admittance," he said.
I turned on the monitor and the faces I saw caused me to stumble back and fall on my ass. I shook my head. They couldn't be here. There was no way they would be here. They should have, no they would have counted me as dead, and the moment Sarah left they would have counted her as dead too, but instead there was both of my parents, on my door step.
"Sir?" Igor asked.
"Give me a minute," I said.
"Oooo, who's that? Is... Andy, is that your parents?!" Pinkie exclaimed from behind me.
I nodded.
At first she seemed really happy, and then her hair deflated. Her stare became hard and cold as she looked at them.
"They're the ones that hurt you aren't they?" she asked.
"Pinkie..." I said before she looked at me.
I felt her lift me up, with little trouble, and then she kissed me. She nuzzled her still slightly soot covered muzzle against my neck.
"Boy, your mother is weak, and she wants to see the two sinners that turned their back on our ways," my father said over the intercom.
"Jebidiah Stop! Andrew, please... Please I want to see my babies," my mother pleaded.
"Woman, yer weak. They is dead to us. You understand that? Dead!" my father yelled.
"I'll be right down," I said through the intercom. |
I see Pink | Pinkie to some Pinkamena to others | I See Pink
Pinkie to some Pinkamena to others
A Pinkie Pie Romance
Pinkie walked toward our bedroom and shower. A small part of me relaxed, but then again this was Pinkie. She had the ability to do things I didn't understand, and I didn't want to. Trying to understand it would only take away from being with her. I didn't need to understand everything to be with Pinkie. I just need to know and understand that she loved me, and that I loved her.
There was one thing I understood all too well. Pinkie had a protective streak. She had gotten visibly mad when she heard about what my parents had put Sarah and me through. I hoped this wouldn't end up hurting her. As I made my way to the elevator I considered everything that could happen. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that some part of this was going to end badly. I considered telling both of my parents to just leave, but the sadness in my mother's... no, my mom's voice cut through any resistance I had.
I didn't want to make her sad. My father did enough of that. Thinking about it as I rode down the elevator brought up old memories of him talking down to her, telling her that she wasn't worthy of the kingdom of God because she was so weak. I hadn't understood when I was just a little kid, but I understood now. He was a bully, and he wanted to keep her in a place where he could control her. He did the same to me, but he had left Sarah alone. I never hated Sarah for not being put through what I had been, or our mom had been, but I had wondered, for a long time, what was so wrong with me that I had been singled out.
I opened the door and I felt two arms wrap around me. My mother peppered my cheeks with kisses. She pulled me into a tight hug, and I returned it.
"Boy," my father said.
"Jebidiah," I replied.
He glared at me, turned away, and shook his head.
"Please, don't fight," my mother said.
"Why don't you come inside," I said looking at my mom.
She nodded, walked in, and my father walked in behind her. We walked toward the elevator and in a few moments the three of us were on the fourth floor.
"So who owns the building boy? I'm guessing that you're a renting. It'd make sense that you would be. After all, you never planned ahead," my father said.
"I bought the building after my second book hit the top twenty selling list," I replied.
"You should have bought something different. This building is ugly as sin," he said.
"Jebidiah please, not right now," my mom said.
"Woman, are you wanting me to commit a sin and tell a lie? Is that it? You want that I should burn alongside of our heathen children?" he asked.
"I'm agnostic. I'm not a heathen," I replied.
"You don't believe in the one true faith laid down by God, through his son, and then to the great Pastor Phelps," he replied.
I shook my head. I didn't know how he could believe in anything that dead man had preached. It went against everything he claimed to believe, and it wasn't just him, but the entire community was like that. They studied a religion that talked about acceptance, tolerance, and love, but they had filled it with hate. It seemed so needless to be filled with that much hate.
I looked at my father as he looked around for a moment.
"Andy, I thought that I..." Sarah started to say before she stopped.
"Sweetheart?" our mom said.
"No, I'm not going back," she declared.
"Young woman you cost us some cattle, and you cost me my spot on the community council! I ought to drag you back, and make you marry that boy!" our father shouted.
"She's happy here," a sweet, but cold voice said.
I turned to see Pinkie. She was wearing a clean pair of yoga pants, I saw no outline of panties, a tank top, and her hair was perfectly flat. She walked over to me, kissed my cheek and looked at my father.
"Sarah is a funtastic person, she's a wonderful sister, and she deserves to be happy," Pinkie said.
"What in the hell is this?!" my father shouted.
"This is my fiancee Pinkie Pie," I said.
I watched as my father's face got red. Veins stood up under his skin, and he looked more pissed than I had ever seen him.
"Yer gonna burn in hell! Is that what you want boy?! You want to burn in hell because you had to go and find something that ain't a bit natural?! Is that it?!" he screamed.
"Get out," I said quietly.
"What?" he asked.
"Get out. Leave. I don't want you here. Mom, you've been kind, and you are welcomed to stay, but you... Get out of my home," I said pointing to my father.
I didn't see the punch. I felt it, but I didn't see it. I stumbled back and saw my father wrapping something around his hand.
"I'm gonna do what I should have done when you were home boy. I'm gonna beat some damned sense into you!" he shouted.
I looked up to see Pinkie move. She ran forward, kicked her right leg out and caught my father right in the balls. He grabbed himself and fell to the ground. She then grabbed him by his collar, and she started dragging him out of the room.
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
Andy can't be his son. Andy is too good, Sarah is too good, and that means that someone else put some ingredients into the pie that made them. I felt him struggling against my holding him and I stopped. I picked him up and made him face me.
"You are an abomination in the eyes of GOD!" he shouted.
"And you are a meanie, meanie pants. I don't know how Andy could come from something as sour as you! He's the sweetest stallion I know, and I love him! One day we're gonna have a lot of foals, and we're gonna have a lot of fun making those foals, and you aren't going to get to see a one of them!" I shouted back at him.
He glared at me, standing there, trying to look all sour like a super sour jawbreaker. I shook my head waited for the elevator to open. I stepped forward, but he didn't move. Instead he just stood there. I reached out and pressed the intercom.
"Igor?" I asked.
"Yes Madam, how may I help you?" Igor asked.
"Andy's father is leaving. I want you to make sure he leaves," I said as I started to push him into the elevator.
I felt him push back, and then he hit me. I looked at him in surprise, and he practically growled at me.
"I'll leave, but not before I see what it is that makes my son want to burn in hell," he growled at me.
He stepped forward, his eyes narrow, and his hand pulled back. I put my arm up as he swung at me. I'd seen hoofticuffs before, but I never was really in one! I heard something shatter and looked up to see Andy standing behind him. The both of us had been so focused on what we were doing we never saw Andy. We never saw him come out with a wine bottle, and his father never knew what hit him.
Andy helped carry him to the elevator, and we both rode down. I wanted to tell him I loved him, but he looked like he had when I first came here. He looked so lost. When we got to the first floor there was a police officer waiting.
"Sir?" she asked.
"He was attacking my fiancee, and I knocked him out with a wine bottle," Andy said.
"That was very twentieth century of you," the police officer said.
"What's going to happen to him?" I asked.
"He'll be charged with assault, and may I ask if he was asked to leave?" she asked.
"Yeah, and he tried to push his way back inside, He was being really mean," I replied.
"I can't do anything about being mean. It's everyone's right to be an asshole, but his trying to force his way back in was an attempted breaking and entering. I see him spending the next few years getting very personal on a work farm," she said.
I watched as they took him off and then I felt Andy's hand on my own hand. I squeezed back and looked at him. I could see him shaking, and I pulled him against me.
"You want to have children with me?" he almost whispered.
"Andy, I want to have foals with you. I want to have a lot of foals with you," I replied.
"What... What if I end up like him? I don't want to end up like that, but," I stopped him with a kiss.
Andy's kisses are always as sweet as candy. It's kind of like getting a taste of the candy, but to have it you have to taste some more. I pulled back and smiled at him.
"Andy, you're not going to turn into a meanie, meanie pants like your father. I'm going to be here to make you smile, and I always make ponies smile. Besides, you don't act anything like him," I said.
He hugged himself against me. I felt him still shaking and shivering. Gently I rubbed his back, holding him, and telling him that it would be okay.
"I don't want to be like that. I don't want to be so full of hate like he is," he whimpered.
"You're not going to be. Andy, you're a wonderful stallion, and you're my special somepony. I love you. I love you so much... I wish that I was better at having serious moments. This is kind of Rarity's thing, or maybe Fluttershy, but..." and he stopped me with a kiss.
I felt his hands move down my back. We closed the door, and moved toward the elevator. I wanted to make him feel better. I wanted to make him smile, and I wanted to help him.
"I want to," he said before he kissed me again, "I want to be the father you think I can be. I want to."
"Madam Pie, Master, you may want to know that your sister is currently viewing everything," Igor said.
I grinned and kissed him.
"Sarah, really?" Andy asked.
"I was worried that he was gonna try something, but that was really sweet. So, when are you going to make an aunt?" she asked, "Oh, mom says that she would feel better about it if you waited until you were actually married before you started having her grandchildren."
We took the elevator upstairs and I saw Andy's mom sitting there. She gave him a small smile and walked toward him. She threw her arms around him.
"Mom?" he asked.
"I'm not going back to the community. It hurt so bad when you left, and when Sarah left it only got worse. Your father was right about one thing. I was weak, but not for what he said I was weak for. I should have stood up to him after I had Sarah, and I should have left with the two of you," she said.
(Andy's POV)
Mom's confession, her admittance that she wished she would have left Sarah's and my father after she had Sarah floored me. I knew that he had been rough with her, but I had always thought that she wanted to be there. She seemed to want to please him. It was like my mind couldn't handle anything else at the moment, and the next thing I knew I was on Pinkie's and my bed.
I blinked and looked at the ceiling.
"Andy?" she asked.
I looked at her. I looked at the mare I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. A smile crossed my face. She leaned toward me and I caught her in a kiss. She returned it, her hair poofing out more as she leaned into me. She broke the kiss and smiled at me.
"Pinkie, I love you, and God knows I need you," I said.
We kissed again. There was something in me that felt freer than I've felt in a long time. I couldn't say that I wasn't still broken, but I felt better. I pulled her up on me, and I began kissing down her jaw, to her neck, and then down to her shoulder.
She moved back and lifted off her tank top. I felt her pull me against her breasts, and it felt amazing and safe there. I felt her holding me, kissing me, letting me know how much she loved me.
"I love you too," I whispered as sleep took me. |
I see Pink | Planning on a Perfect Day | I See Pink
Planning on A Perfect Day
A Pinkie Pie Romance
The last three days had been hard. I rubbed my eyes as I sat up on the side of my bed. I had seen my father arrested and removed from all of our lives, possibly for the rest of our lives, and then there was opening up another apartment for mom. I believed that I should have been more surprised about how well my mom and Pinkie was getting along. Then again Pinkie could almost get along with anyone.
I took a moment to myself. I was tired, but it wasn't just normal fatigue that was catching up to me. It was so much that had happened. Facing off against my father, revisiting a part of my past that I was happy to leave buried behind me, and knowing that I wasn't alone had drained me. I felt two arms wrap around me, a pair perfect squishy breasts pressed against my back, and I felt a soft muzzle leaning against my shoulder.
"I'm gonna squeeze the sadness right out of you," Pinkie said.
I grinned and she tightened her hug a little before she let go and came around to where I was. She quickly took a seat on my lap and kissed me. I couldn't help but smile through the kiss as she resumed hugging me. My arms went around her, hugging her back, and I couldn't help but enjoy the closeness we had.
"See, don't you feel better with a smile?" she asked.
"I do. I love you Pinkie," I said.
"I love you too silly billy, and you know what today is right?" she asked.
She broke the hug and scooted back a little. I could see the way her eyes were sparkling, and I knew whatever it was had to be important. It was important and making her happy. My mind suddenly wrapped around the knowledge of what today could possibly be and I closed my eyes almost wishing to be back asleep. I wanted to do this, but I wasn't sure if I was really ready to go out and get started already.
"Wedding planning day," I said in a whisper.
"Yepperoni! We need to talk to Mr. Anderson, and then we've got to sample some cakes and ice cream. Say, do you think they could make an ice cream wedding cake? That would be so good! I mean it would ice cream, cake, and frosting...." she said letting out a near orgasmic sigh.
I smiled, kissed her neck, and felt her move a little. She went from simply sitting on my lap to straddling me.
"That feels really good," she said as she ran her hands through my hair.
I pulled back and looked up at her.
"I'm hoping that I can you to talk about me the say way you do for frosting," I replied.
She grinned, leaned forward, and kissed me. I felt her grind her hips against me, the feeling fully awakened a part of me I was sure that Pinkie was wanting to have awake.
~~~~~Clop Starts Here~~~~~
Pinkie's warm hands lay on my shoulders as she gently pushed me down. I felt her adjust herself slightly, and I could see the need in her eyes. In truth it was something we both needed. I had wanted to be held, but I felt so spiritually and emotionally drained after my father's visit that I couldn't even entertain the idea of being with Pinkie in the way she needed and deserved. I didn't want to treat her like an object, something to be picked up when I needed to feel better. Instead I had elected to try and get to feeling better with hugs and snuggles, as she called them.
This was new ground though. I had let Pinkie take over before, giving her dominance over how fast or hard we did things, but this was the first time she had taken that dominance straight from the get go. I felt her slide her wonderful body against my own. Her naturally curvy figure pressing against me, and then she sat up. She moved once more, and I saw what she wanted. I stuck my tongue out, getting the taste of her that was presented to me. A moan escaped my mouth and traveled up into her as she engulfed my manhood.
The warm feeling of her mouth, the wonderful feeling of her tongue, and the happy moans she let out began pushing me to the point of release. I felt her tightening and clenching around my tongue. I quickly found her nub and when I did she let out a small moan that vibrated through me. Her thighs closed in tightly against me as I felt her mouth leave me.
"ANDY!" she cried out.
I felt the hot rush of her orgasm as it went off. She shakily moved her leg over me and nearly dropped down onto the bed. I looked at her and she turned over. There was a smile on her face, a happy contented smile. She grinned at me and opened her thighs.
"Please?" she asked.
I found myself buried inside of her after a brief moment. Her hips began meeting mine. The need, the want, and the desire to have her was amazing. I wrapped my arms under her, lifting us up into a sitting position, and I felt her hugging me tightly as I buried myself as tightly as I could into her. I felt myself spasm, and a moment later I had emptied into her.
"I love you so much," I admitted.
"I know, and I love you too," she replied.
~~~~~Clop Ends Here~~~~~
We finally released our hold on each other. The look on Pinkie's face was one I had not tried to take for granted. It was a happy look, but it was one she only had around me. It was a look of love, and it was something that she shown just to me.
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
I smiled at Andy, and I enjoyed the tingly feeling that was inside of me. Today was going to be a good day, and I wanted us to have a great day, but before I could do that I needed to have him. I got up, reached for his hand, and he took mine. Together we walked into the bathroom, and I turned the water on for us. We both got into the shower and I started helping him clean off.
Mama had always said that it was an Earth Pony's job to share the burdens. She said that if someone you loved was hurting it was your job as an Earth Pony to take some of that hurt and carry it yourself. I had always thought that making ponies smile was my way of sharing the burden, but with Andy it's more than that. Sharing the burden with him was letting him know that I love him.
As we showered I gave Andy a kiss, and then grabbed the body wash. It's a three in one, and I wish we had this in Ponyville! The smell of peppermint flowed over us as I started washing the both of us. Andy helped, and I let him. I wanted to share his burdens, and I wanted to share our happiness!
The feel of the hot water was wonderful, but the shower ended too soon. We got out and Andy handed me two towels. It's sweet of him, and I quickly dried out my mane before moving to my coat and tail. I looked over to see him dry as well. We walked into the next room and got dressed. I find a pair of baby blue pants, and a thought crosses my mind. A foal, I want to feel a bun in my oven. We did make love, I like that, make love, it's sounds so much better than mating or rutting. It's like making candy, and like candy it's sweet, and usually it leaves me wanting more.
But we made love when I was in heat. My eyes widened as I thought about what that meant. We made love while I was going through my heat, and that means that there's a good chance I might be carrying our foal!
I touched my belly and let my hand rest there.
"I hope you're in there... my little Strawberry," I whispered. |
I see Pink | Family Bonding and an Awkward Breakfast | I See Pink
Family Bonding and an Awkward Breakfast
A Pinkie Pie Romance
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
I smiled as I was woke up by snuggles. I could feel Andy's arms around me, and the sweet way he was holding me against him. My tail flickered lightly as we lay in bed, and I felt my tummy rumbling. I wasn't sure what it was that I was wanting, but I knew that I would know what it was when I went to the kitchen. I gently moved out from under his arms, turned and gave him a small kiss on his cheek.
"Love you..." he mumbled.
"I love you too silly billy. I'm gonna fix some breakfast," I said.
"Oatmeal," he replied.
"Oatmeal, are you crazy? Yuck," I said.
"Whatever you fix will be fine," he said before he settled back down.
I grinned and let him fall back to sleep. It was such a nice sleepy morning I didn't want to worry about getting all dressed. I quickly looked through our closet and I found one of Andy's shirts. I pulled it on, loving the way it felt, and the smell of it. The smell reminded me of Andy. It was the way he smells when he gets out of the shower and starts to get dressed.
Smiling with the shirt covering me, and my tummy telling me it was time to find something yummy, I walked into the kitchen. I opened the cabinets and everything looked so good. There was stuff to make muffins, pancakes, waffles, cupcakes, and anything else that would taste amazing! I really wanted something yummy, something amazing, and something else. I wanted blueberry muffins, but I wanted them with eggs, eggs covered in ketchup?
I shrugged, grabbed a carton of eggs from the refrigerator, the ingredients for the blueberry muffins, and I started mixing it up. I looked at the blueberries, and I tried to decide. I could use the fresh blueberries, or I could use the baking ones. I quickly decided on the fresh blueberries. They tasted so much yummier than those freeze dried ones. I began mixing the ingredients for the blueberry muffins, put them in the oven, and then grabbed a pan for the eggs.
Eggs sounded so gooooooddddddd, but I wanted scrambled eggs. I wanted scrambled eggs, and I wanted to share them with everypony. The thought occurred to me that I could invite Andy's mom, Justin and his parents, and we could have a big family breakfast together! I looked at the eggs and smiled. Andy did buy a thirty-six count package of eggs. I began cracking them, and I put them into a mixing bowl.
"Hey, C'mon, take a bottle, shake it up. Break the bubble, break it up! Pour some sugar on me! Ooh, in the name of love! Pour some sugar on me! C'mon, fire me up! Pour your sugar on me! Oh, I can't get enough! I'm hot, sticky sweet, from my head to my feet, yeah," I sang as I mixed the eggs together.
I looked at the huge bowl of raw eggs. I glanced and noticed that the egg carton was empty. Oh well, it just meant a trip to the grocery, and we could get another grapple... Ooooo... That would be so good shaved up into the eggs.
I looked back in the refrigerator and found a single grapple. I pulled it out and felt the smooth skin of it. Skin of a grape, insides of an apple, and it tasted like a grape and apple got tossed into a super blender and made something delicious! I cut the grapple into pieces, pulled the shredder down. I quickly worked through it and smelled the delicious grapple as it turned into small strips. I picked one up and quickly ate it.
` "Mmmmmmm," I moaned as I carried the shaving over to the bowl.
I dumped them in, mixed the eggs again, and then we to pouring the mixture into the pan. The smell of the eggs drifted through the house, and I knew that Andy and Sarah would be up before too long.
"Igor," I said.
"Madam, how may I be of service?"
"Could you tell Justin and his parents, and Andy's mama that we're going to have a big breakfast, and I'd like to invite them to it?" I asked.
"Of course I shall Madam. Is there anything else?"
"Nopearroni!"
I grinned and checked the timer for the muffins. They had about three more minutes, and if I ever learned anything from the Cakes it was never take anything out early. Never ever... Those poor cupcakes... they never got the chance to be enjoyed... I sniffed back the memory about the cupcakes. It would be okay, and besides, I was fixing muffins! I wondered if I would need to put frosting on Susan's and Laura's, or mom's, muffins. 'Cause Sarah did kind of freak out when she learned that muffins are naked cupcakes.
I heard the dinger on the timer as it went off and I pulled the muffins out. I quickly closed the oven door, fixed some more of the eggs, put them on a platter, and then I placed it all no the kitchen table. I walked back toward the refrigerator and bent over looking in it. I heard someone behind me.
"Want anything special for breakfast?" I asked.
"Pie would be nice," Andy replied.
"Ooooo, pie does sound good, what kind of pie?" I asked.
~~~~~Clop starts here~~~~~
"Pinkie," he said.
I felt his hands on my rump and he pulled it apart. His tongue dove into me and I let out a small gasp. I laid my hands down flat on the shelf in the refrigerator as he pushed his tongue inside of me. I felt him pull me closer to him, his tongue doing so many amazing things to me, and I felt him find my little fuse for my party cannon.
He gently suckled on it, lightly rolled and teased it, and I let out a couple of moans that I know didn't make me seem very lady like.
"Andy," I whimpered.
He continued to lick inside of me, and each moment that passed I felt like I was going to explode from the feeling. I could feel myself getting closer and closer and then he stopped. I looked under me to see his pants on the ground. A moment later I let out another soft moan as he filled me.
I felt him pulling me into each and every thrust. The wonderful feeling of being with him surrounded me, held me, and made me feel so full of love.
"Andy, know what goes good with pie?" I tried to get out.
"Huh?" he asked.
"Lots and lots of cream," I moaned as I pushed myself backwards against him.
I felt his hands move up, grabbing my breasts, pulling me upward some. He tightened, and then I felt us both explode, and then explode again. I breathed out a happy sigh.
~~~~~Clop Ends here~~~~~
"That was woooowww," I said, "So, what made you want to be a naughty little colt?"
"I... I just wanted to be with you," he admitted.
I smiled, grabbed him up into a hug, and held him close. He hugged me back, rubbing my back.
"Sir, Madam, your guests have arrived.
"Oh! I better go get dressed!" I yelped and ran into the other room.
"Guests?" I heard Andy say.
(Andy's POV)
I looked at Mom, Mary, Louis, and Justin as they walked in. I took a quick glance toward the bedroom and secretly I glad that Pinkie's and my little kitchen adventure didn't last too much longer. I walked everyone to the kitchen table and I noticed Sarah blushing pretty hard. I hadn't forgotten about her being in here with us, but I hadn't thought about it either. The fact that she most likely heard us dawned on me.
"Morning," I said.
"Good morning," Sarah said barely looking up from her plate.
"Ah, I feel so good this morning!" Pinkie said as she practically danced to the table.
"That's good," Sarah said.
I watched her shift uncomfortably in her seat. Any thought that maybe she didn't hear us was gone. She had heard us, and she was trying her hardest not to talk about it or bring it up. Inwardly I thanked her for that. The last thing I wanted was to make this breakfast even more awkward than it was already starting out to be.
"This eggs are really good," mom said.
"Oh thanks! I don't know why, but I thought that having a grapple shaved up and put in them would make them taste better," Pinkie said.
I heard something semi liquid squirt out and I looked over to see Pinkie squeezing out ketchup over her eggs and blueberry muffins. I raised an eyebrow as I watched her. She hadn't done this before. I've seen her do some things that I couldn't explain, but I hadn't seen her eat all strange like this before. I wanted to chalk it up to Pinkie being Pinkie, but something was definitely off.
"This is soooo goooooodddd!" she excited said between bites.
"I thought that the two of you were going to wait until after marriage," my mom said.
"What?" I asked.
She gave me a knowing grin and then looked at how Pinkie was eating.
"Although I suppose we could just start trying to get things started a little earlier on the wedding," she replied.
Pinkie looked up, a little ketchup on her muzzle.
"I'd love to move the wedding up! Oh, but we've still got to talk to Mr. Anderson, and then we've got to get a dress... I really wish that Rarity was here. If she was I know she'd want to make the dress," she said.
"We can still find you a really nice one," I said.
"Actually, I'm a pretty good seamstress. I was thinking about seeing about getting a job with one of the clothing stores," Mary said.
I listened to them discuss Mary helping make Pinkie's dress, and then Pinkie said that she could do her own cake, after that there was the discussion about where our honeymoon would be. The entire time I looked at my plate of food. The eggs had been delicious, the blueberry muffins had been wonderful, and I wasn't thinking about the food in front of me. No, my mother's words had sunken in, and I realized exactly what she meant.
I looked back at Pinkie who was being just as bubbly, friendly, and well acting wonderfully like herself. She was practically glowing, and I was surprised at myself for not thinking about it. The first time we had made love she was in heat. She had said that she was, and that meant there was a good chance that we were expecting. There was a good chance that meant I was going to be a father.
Thoughts of my own father flooded my mind. Everything he had done in my childhood toward Sarah and me began to make itself known, and a moment later there was a tight hug around me. I smelled peppermint and frosting, and I leaned into the hug.
"No getting sad," she said.
"Pinkie... Do... Will be any good at this?" I asked.
I felt my chair turning around, and I looked up at her smiling face. She took both of my cheeks in her hands and leaned in for a kiss.
"I know you will be. You're a wonderful stallion Andy, and I know that our foals will be loved. I also know that you're not going to be anything like your father. You don't even act like him now," she said.
I hugged her, and pulled her down into my lap. She snuggled up against me and even though everything was changing, everything was truly moving and becoming different, I felt like I could face the future. I could do it because I had her to lean on. |
I see Pink | Joy Unbridled | I See Pink
Joy Unbridled
A Pinkie Pie Romance
The Arcade has the same smell that it's always had. I look to see Mr. Anderson smiling as Pinkie is talking to him. The old man nods a few times, walks with her, and motions for me to follow them. I do and the three of us walk out the back doors into the Mini Golf area. Most everyone knew this area was here, but the Mini Golf was so underused that I half expected it to be nearing disrepair. Instead the course was breathtakingly beautiful. I took in the sight of the various small areas and designs until we neared the thirty-second hole. It was here that Mr. Anderson grinned, walked toward what looked like a false mini castle, and pulled out a keyring. He slipped the key into the gate, turned it, and lowered it.
Once it was down I followed Pinkie into the castle and Suddenly I was taken back. The entire Mini Golf Course had been surrounded by, what I assumed was, a simple rock wall. I didn't realize it, but the entire thing was surrounded by this miniature castle. That wasn't the part that threw me for a loop. He led us straight through another set of doors and into a darkened area. He found a switch and flipped it on. When the lights came on I saw a complete, and faithful, recreation of Celestia's Throne Room from the show.
Pinkie looked at the room and her jaw just dropped. She stepped forward and touched Celestia's throne, and then she touched Luna's. She looked around and I watched as she walked toward where the stained glass windows would be. It seemed that right before the window's would have started was where the room ended. She touched the wall of the Arcade, and then she turned to look at him.
"It's beautiful," she said.
"I'm glad you think so. I want to offer you the use of the entire Arcade, and of course the castle. I've got a friend who's a minister of Dudeism. I'm sure that he won't mind to oversee the service," he said.
I had to chuckle a little. The Church of the Latter Day Dude was a real church, and they had the tax exemption to prove it, but it also held true to its creed. The practitioners were laid back, accepting, and will to share their sacred beer and pretzels. I considered finding a Christian Minister, but then I stopped. It would be foolish to think that all Christians were like the Community, but regardless my time there had left a bad taste in my mouth.
Perhaps it would be better to have a different perspective overseeing the wedding. I felt a nudge and I looked at Mr. Anderson. The older man pointed to Pinkie who was looking over the entire area with awe. Finally she smiled at the both of us.
"Thank you!" she squealed before she launches into Mr. Anderson with a tight hug.
He laughs, goes a little limp, and then once she lets go he rights himself.
"You're welcome Pinkie. You're a fantastic employee, and you're a good friend. I want to make sure that you have somewhere special to hold your wedding," he said.
I took a look around the throne room once more. It was beautifully made. I walked up to the walls and felt them. I half expected to plaster, or something similar, but instead it felt like smoothed over marble. The coolness of the stone wall surprised me. I stayed there, slowly feeling the wall, feeling the perfection of its form. and at the same time the realization that I was going to marry Pinkie had stopped being this solely existing in the future thing. It was now a real, nearly tangible entity that hovered lovingly over me.
"Andy?" she asked.
I looked at her and smiled. She returned my grin, and then she began to break out into a fit of giggles.
"I'm getting married!" she squealed.
Pinkie told Mr. Anderson about the date and time she, Sarah, and my mother had come up with. October the second was closing in on us, and right now we were nearly out of August. I stopped and considered what our first winter together would be like. Would she still be pregnant then? If she was would it cause any problems with her carrying our child or children?
My mind went back to the home pregnancy test. After breakfast I had Igor order a home pregnancy test from a local vendor. It was delivered about twenty minutes later, and then Pinkie took it. We waited the four minutes for it come out, and then after the wait there was the results. Two little plus signs resided on the test itself. Any fears I had about being a father needed to be addressed and dealt with soon, and I realized that I was going to be partially responsible for a tiny life.
We walked out of the Arcade, Mr. Anderson waving back at us, and another hug brought me back to the here and now.
"Ooooo, we need to do invitations!" Pinkie said.
"Well, we can ask Igor to order them in for us. He can even have what we wanted inscribed or recorded into the cards," I replied.
"Oooooo, can we get balloons on the cards?! Like little balloons that look like my cutie mark? That would be amazing!"
"I don't see why we can't. Okay, you said that you want to make the cake. Are you sure that you want to? I'm sure that we can order one," I said.
"Nopearooni! I want to do it, and Norman said that I can use the Arcade's baking station to make it!" she exclaimed.
I smiled, and the two of us walked over toward the grocery. I had considered taking the Expedition out today, but I still really needed to have it serviced before I drove it again. If needed I could order a taxi from a kiosk inside of the grocery store. We walked inside and the cool air hits us. Mr Thompson, the owner, walked toward us. I could see him carrying something, and when he's close enough to us he holds out a Grapple to Pinkie.
"I love these!"
"I know, I've had to up my orders on them. We've also got some new peaches in. I've got to say that they're the best peaches I've ever tasted. Want a sample?" he asked.
I nodded and I was presented with a peach that was easily was almost as large as a grapefruit. I looked at the amazingly large peach and put my thumbs at the top. Using a trick that Paul had taught me I pulled my thumbs in the opposite direction and the peach began to split down the middle. I pulled the peach seed out and then offered half of the peach to Pinkie Pie. She bit into it and then her eyes lit up. I watched as she ate it happily and I followed her example. I'm not sure that Heaven could produce a flavor that wonderful. It was the sweetest, juiciest, and most perfect peach I had ever eaten.
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
Oh this peach is sooooo goooooooddddddd! It tasted like it was grown by an Earth Pony! It's so yummy, and juicy! I felt a little of the juice drip off of my muzzle, and I quickly stuck my tongue out to get it. When I did I noticed that Mr. Thompson's eyes were on me, and then there's a smile. He's such a nice stallion! He reminded me a little bit of Applejack's cousin Braeburn.
I guess it was because of his super friendly nature. I gave my muzzle another quick lick and I looked at Andy. He smiled at me and I gave him a quick kiss. I could taste the peach, and then I could taste him. It felt so good to taste Andy. I felt him pulling back, and I held the kiss for just a few seconds longer. Andy was my special somepony, the father to my foal, or foals, and in less than a month he was going to be my husband!
The first place we walked to was the cupcakes! The smell was all around us as we walked into the small bakery. The cupcakes here tasted close to the ones at Sugar Cube Corner. Andy saw a dozen of red velvet cupcakes, and before I could say a word he was walking over to the counter.
"Pinkie you want a dozen?" he asked.
I nodded and watched as Paula opened a large box and began putting the cupcakes into them. I could smell the sweet smell of the red velvet cupcakes, with strawberry frosting, as Paula finished putting them into the box, sealed it up, and passed it over to Andy. He put the box on the top of the cart he we had with us.
We got some eggs, and I found some pickled asparagus that looked so yummy! I also had Andy get some ketchup. We walked past the freezer and I saw a carton of strawberry ice cream, and it looked soooooo goooooodddddddd. I grabbed it, and then we walked to the bread aisle. Everything down through there looked terrible. As we walked through it I wanted to get sick. I don't know why since I love good bread, and Mr. Thompson's store has really good bread, especially the fresh baked, but none of it smelled good.
"Do we have to get some bread?" I asked.
"Why don't you want some bread?" Andy asked.
"It smells funny," I replied.
He held up a loaf, sniffed it, and put it back down.
"It smells okay to me... Is all of it doing that to you?" he asked.
I nodded. He smiled and we walked out of there.
"Okay, no bread. I can handle that for a while," he said.
I giggled as hugged me. It felt so good to be held. We walked to the produce department and I saw those peaches again. It looked like almost all of them was gone. Andy and I walked over to where they were and we got the last eight they had. I also grabbed a package of grapples. I looked at the peaches and I smiled. They tasted like they had come from Sweet Apple Acres, and they tasted like they had been harvested by Big Macintosh and Applejack.
I felt a combo coming on... Eye flutter, itchy back, chompy teeth, stampy hooves, and rumbly tummy! I touched a peach and it happened again.
"Applejack," I whispered.
"What are you talking about?" Andy asked.
"Applejack's with Big Macintosh! We've got to invite her to the wedding! Oh, it's gonna be so much fun!" I squealed.
Andy grinned and shook his head. I'm so glad that he just accepts my Pinkie Sense. He's not like Twilight... It was fun watching her trying to figure it out, but come on, she uses magic, and that's basically the same thing! We finished grocery shopping, and headed home. Once we were back, and put everything up, Andy and I laid down for a little nap.
"Tired?" he asked.
"A little, but I mainly I just want to lay here with you," I replied.
I felt his arms around me, his hands under my shirt, and then I felt his lips on my neck.
"I thought you wanted to take a nap," I said.
"I do, but I always want you," he replied.
I giggled as he tickled my tummy. His hands lightly traced up it and under by breasts. He lightly touched, leaving feather like sensations on my coat. I let out a soft moan, and I backed against him. It was tender, sweet, and slow. It made me feel so beautiful, and I even felt like a princess as he gently rubbed his hands down me. His touches were never rough, never harsh, but all of them felt so good.
I giggled over and over as he did this. Finally after an hour I lay there in just my panties, his arms around me, gently touching my tummy.
"I love you. I love you both," he whispered as he stroked my tummy.
"What if it's more than one?" I asked.
"Then I'll love all three of you, or four of you, or five of you. Whatever the number is, I love you Pinkie," he said before he rolled me onto my back and kissed my tummy, "And I love our child or children too."
I smiled. It made me happy that he was happy. He wasn't ever going to be like his father. |
I see Pink | Not Married Yet? Welcome to VEGAS! | I See Pink
Not married yet? Welcome to VEGAS!
A Pinkie Pie Romance
I'm still amazed at how fast time can fly. Three weeks had flown by, and now I was looking toward a single week between my life as it is, and my life as a married man. I suppose that I should be more concerned about being married than I am. Paul has told me that this is the line in the sand for a normal relationship, and that this could potentially be the final line in the sand for my fans.
I knew it was hard for him to understand, but Pinkie was simply more important to me. I loved my fans, and I was touched that so many of them enjoyed my books, but in the end it was Pinkie who made me happy. I looked over something that Paul sent me, and I shook my head.
"Vegas? Paul what are you trying to pull?" I asked myself.
"Ooooo, whatcha doing?" Pinkie asked as she leaned over my shoulder.
I let out a small laugh and kissed her cheek.
"Paul thinks that we need a bachelor and bachelorette party. He even made tentative reservations for us, and several guests, here," I said pointing to a picture of Circus Circus.
"That looks fun! It looks like a big Circus tent! I wonder if they have clowns? Oh! Maybe they have trapeze artists that are also clowns, and they throw pies at each other while flipping through the air!" she said.
"Actually Pinkie, this is a hotel and casino. They have a few shows, and I think that the Cirque du Soleil performing," I said.
"Cool! Uh... What's Cirque du Soleil?" she asked.
"Well, I know that it was originally Canadian traveling group that worked like a circus, and from what I know about them I've heard that the shows can be fun to bizarre. I've never really watched them before, but then again I've never been a circus before either," I said.
Pinkie gasped and shook her head.
"Never been to a circus?! We've got to fix that! How else are you going to know how fun it is to go to the circus and watch the clowns?! You've gotta know, you've just gotta! Because, I want you to be able to tell our foals all about it, and then go with me to take them to the circus," she said.
I let out a small laugh and shook my head.
"So, you want to do this?" I asked.
"Uh huh, I'm going to invite Applejack, Big Macintosh's wife... Jessica! I knew I'd remember! I remember everypony," she said while she beamed happily, "I wonder if I should invite Apple Bloom... Would this be the kind of thing to bring her to? Oh! I want Sarah to come with me!"
"Well I'm sure that Sarah will want to go, and I can arrange for the tickets for all of them for the train, and Paul's already made the reservations for us to have a couple of suites with plenty of room," I said.
"You should totally invite Big Macintosh! I bet that he'd love to go!" Pinkie was practically beaming with excitement.
I nodded.
"Igor," I said.
"Yes Master?" he replied.
"Igor, I need to arrange for four tickets," I said before Pinkie held up five fingers, "There's only four of them."
"Nope, something is telling me you want that extra ticket, and that you need to make room for one more on your guest list," she said.
"Okay, Igor make that five tickets. I need them set to transfer to Big Macintosh Apple," I said.
"Master, do you know his address, or would you like me to search for you?" he asked.
"Actually, I know we've got it saved, but go ahead and do the search please," I replied.
"Just a moment. Ah, it appears that he lives along with Jessica Apple just outside of Linden California. I can access their street address, but at the moment I have the email for their farm Sweet Nectar Acres. If you want to secure them the tickets and ensure that they get them I would suggest sending them via digital copy," he replied.
It was good idea. They would receive the tickets almost immediately, and there would be no chance that it would get lost in the mail.
"Go ahead and do that for me," I said.
"Very well Master. Master, how do you want to arrange their travel? Economy, or private compartments?" Igor asked.
"Private compartments. There's five of them, see if the train has a compartment set up for five or more," I replied.
"Master, there is a train compartment designed for six passengers. Would this be acceptable?" he asked.
"Go ahead and book it for them," I said before looking to see a pink blur of activity, "Pinkie, when do we want to leave?"
"Tonight! Paul already made the reservations!" she said excitedly.
"Igor, ensure that the tickets are set for them to leave tonight," I replied.
"Of course Master. Master, it appears that they would be arriving nearly a day and a half before you would arrive. Is this still something you want me to do?" Igor asked.
"No, set the tickets for the same day we arrive. If at all possible have it arriving nearly the same time would you?" I asked.
"Of course Master. Master, would you like for me to reserve them a taxi?" Igor asked.
"Actually, since we should all be there at the same time I want you to reserve two taxis. Prepay for them, and make sure that they understand that we're supposed to go to Circus Circus," I replied.
"Very good master. Master, the tickets have been reserved. I've emailed them straight to Ms Apple. Master, the Yellow Cab Company has been informed, prepaid, and they have also gave a reminder that you are now eligible for their preferred customer discounts. Would you like to take advantage of their offer?" Igor asked.
"What does it come with?" I asked.
"The preferred customer discounts includes discounted rates, a free ride - within fifty miles - every ten trips that average fifteen miles or more. Lastly they will send you a beacon card that alerts drivers for their company that you are in the area, and you will become a priority for a ride when the beacon is activated," Igor said.
"Yes, we'll take advantage of it," I said.
"Yes Master," Igor replied.
The rest of the morning was a rush to get things together. Pinkie realized that she didn't ask Justin's parents, or my mom if any of them wanted to go. I knew my mother wouldn't want to go to Vegas. She might have left the community, but she was still a long way away from going to Sin City. I went with her down to the second floor and together we asked. As I expected Mom told her thank you, but no. She wanted to stay here, but she did hope that Pinkie would call her and let her know that we were all okay.
Mary shook her head no as she showed me some great news.
"We can't. Louis and I found a couple of jobs! I'm going to be working inside of a clothing repair shop, and Louis... He's going to be working for Yellow Cab! They needed a mechanic, and since he doesn't live in the Stacks anymore they were willing to hire him! Unfortunately we can't go, but thank you both," she said.
"It's fine, and I'm glad that you're both working. The apartment is open to you both as long as you need it," I said.
"Thank you again. We want to pay rent to you though. You've been so kind, and your charging us a smile was kind, but we really want to be able to pay you to stay here. Maybe, if you don't mind, we'd like to stay here until we save enough back for a small home. It's been a dream of ours to have an actual house of our own, and this apartment is the first step," Louis said.
"We'll work it out when we get back," I said.
They nodded. Pinkie and I went back upstairs. We stopped at our bedroom, and she kissed me deeply.
"I really, really want to, but we've gotta go!" she said.
"I know, maybe later," I said.
(Pinkie's POV)
This was so exciting! A bachelorette part-y for me, and I was going to get to spend it with one of my bestest friends from Ponyville, and introduce her to my new sister! I grinned as I kissed Andy again. We finished packing, and Andy contacted the Yellow Cab people. They sent another taxi, which I need to find a way of making the taxi drivers here smile, and we got inside of it.
I looked outside as we past the stacks and there was two black places where those to scaffolds had held up two of the stacks. It made me so sad that there was so many crowded into those homes. I wished that there was someway we could help all of them. I wanted to make them smile, make them laugh, and make it easier for them to laugh.
I felt Andy's arm reach behind me, and I laid my head on his shoulder.
"It's okay," he said.
"There's just so many of them that are sad," I replied.
"I know, but right now there's not much we can do for them," he said.
I nodded, but it still felt wrong that so many of them had to live like that. I felt Andy nuzzling my mane, and that made me smile a little. I was going to be married to a wonderful Stallion, and I was going to give us both a foal, or maybe foals!
"Damn shame what happened over there," the driver said.
"We came by when it happened. Pinkie got out and saved several of the people," Sarah stated.
"Well done Ms," he said looking back at me.
"I couldn't just sit there," I replied.
"You'd be surprised at how many people can. There's alot of folks that are willing to look the other way. As long as it doesn't mess with them, cause them grief, or harm their wallet they don't care. So, it's good to hear that someone is willing to help those who can offer nothing, well almost nothing, back," he replied.
We pulled up to the station and the driver helped us unload our bags, carry them into the station, and then he left. I liked him. He was so much nicer than that one driver we had. Andy walked over to the automated thing-a-ma-jig and pressed his thumb to it. I watched as it spit out our tickets, and then we waited. Like last time it didn't take that long for the train to arrive and when it did all of the guards got off and out of the train. They let us in, and I noticed that one of them was smiling at me.
"Hi!"
"Afternoon Ms,"
"I'm Pinkie Pie, this is Andy, and that's Sarah, so who are you?"
"Names John, John Marshall," he said.
"It's nice to meet you John, John Marshall," I giggled.
"Everybody's a comedian," he replied.
We boarded the train, and soon it was starting to pull out. As it did that little strange thing like Igor told us about the train again. Sarah decided to read a little on her tablet that Andy had gotten for her. Andy and I decided to snuggle in one of the bunks. I felt him pulling me against him.
"Andy, be very, very quiet," I whispered.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I'm hunting for little Andy," I said with a giggle.
~~~~~Semi Cloppy Scene begins here~~~~~
I heard a moan escape him from. I moved slow, trying not to appear to be doing much, but at that moment I was pulling down my yoga pants and my panties.
I sled against him, feeling him pressing against me. A small moan escaped me as I adjusted beside him. Another moment and I felt myself being one with him. I let another soft moan. His hands moved down to my hips, and I felt him pull me back. We took our time, we moved slowly together, feeling what it was like to be with each other, and I felt so happy, and a little dirty. After a little while Sarah went to her bunk. We stayed like that, him inside of me, me gently moving against him.
"I love you Pinkie," he whispered.
"I love you too Andy," I whispered back.
~~~~~Semi Cloppy Scene Ends here~~~~~
The rest of the train ride was fun, and when it was over we were at a huge train station. I heard a voice and I grabbed both Andy and Sarah. I pulled them along until I saw her. She was standing there next to a stallion that was every bit as big as Big Macintosh.
"Applejack!" I yelled.
"Pinkie? Pinkie Pie!" she yelled back.
The both of us ran toward each other and wrapped up in a huge hug.
"It's so good to ya Pinks!" she said.
"It's good to see you too! Oh, this is Andy, and his sister Sarah," I said pointing to them both.
"Hi, I've heard so much about you," Sarah said.
"Why thank ya kindly," Applejack said.
"The taxi cabs are here!" another female voice called out.
"Thanks Jessica!" Applejack shouted back to her.
"Okay so, let's go party! Whooo hooo!" I yelled.
We made it out to the taxi cabs and the night sky was all around us. I could see lights out in the distance, and then we drove down the street.
"Landsakes will ya look at that!" Applejack said.
"I've heard stories, but I've never seen it up close," Applejack's coltfriend said.
"It's really quite beautiful," Andy said.
I looked at it all and it looked like someone had went through and put so many different party lights up that it was AMAZING! That's when I saw the huge Circus Tent! We pulled in and the taxi drivers helped us unload our bags. A couple of guys dressed in yellow and blue striped suits loaded our bags up for us and began walking us inside. They took us up to our suites and it was so nice. That's when I saw Andy's manager.
"Remember he's Andy's friend," I thought to myself.
"Boys and girls welcome! I see that you took my suggestion and invited some guests. I thought it would be interesting if we split the boys and girls into two different rooms," Paul said.
"Well, Mac and I are married," Jessica said.
"True..." Paul said.
"How about we sleep where we want to," Applejack's coltfriend said.
"I can learn to live with that. I'll just let the bellhops take our bags into the rooms," Paul said.
"A little rough on him sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
"Naw, seems like he needed a little understanding," her coltfriend said.
Apple Bloom yawned and looked at them.
"Ah don't know about y'all, but Ah'm tired. Ah'm gonna get some sleep," she said.
"Go ahead and call Harold 'Bloom. Nopony's gonna mind," Applejack said.
"Sis!"
Applejack grinned and I watched as Apple Bloom went into the hotel room and slammed the door shut.
"Let's go check this place out!" I began herding everypony toward the elevator and we rode down to the main floor. That's where I saw the lights.
So many pretty lights! Fancy looking people, Shining and changing color Dance Floor, Live Band! Pretty! Fancy! Shining! Changing Color!
"YIPPPEEEE!"
"Uh, Pinkie, confound it hold on a minute! Ah ain't never been in a place like this before," Apple Jack said.
"I know, isn't it fun?!"
"Wow, I've seen pictures of Las Vegas, but this is the first time ever actually being inside of one of the hotels. This is pretty nice," Jessica said.
"Nice ain't the word Ah was looking fer. This here is mighty crowded... and why does that fellar have no shirt on? He ain't workin' in an orchard or anything," Applejack replied.
"Come on I wanna dance, and have some cake, and oooo... I wonder if they have peach cobbler?!"
"Actually, some peach cobbler sounds good. Ever since this happened I've had something of a sweet tooth," Jessica said pointing to her belly.
"You too?! Oh I bet Big Macie is excited!"
I quickly grabbed Sarah's hand and pulled her over to the dance floor. She looked at me, then at everypony else, and finally breathed out.
"I don't know this dance," she said.
"Okies, what kind of dance do you know, or like, or wanna learn?"
"I know the waltz," she replied.
I hoped over to the stage and smiled at them.
"How it is Ponygirl?" one of the members said.
"Could you do a waltz... Please?"
I did my best pout. Rarity had shown me how to do it, and it worked!
"Sure thing, Okay guys, lets play them a waltz," he said.
"Danke Schoen coming up," the guitarist said.
The music began to play and I hoped back over to Sarah. I took one of her hands, put my hand on the small of her back, and smiled at her.
"I want to see you smile."
She grinned as we glided across the floor. I saw a handsome looking colt standing there, and he walked up to us.
"May... May I have this dance?" he asked her.
"Ummm, okay," she replied.
I watched as they danced across the floor.
"That was sur a sweet thing ya did there Pinkie," Applejack said.
"She's a good filly, and she deserves to be happy. So, who's your friend?"
"Ummm... Ah don't want to talk about it," she said lowering her stetson,
"He's kind of an arrogant jerk, but he's pretty loyal, and for some reason he and AJ here have hit it off. I think that she's kind of got a thing for him," Jessica said.
"Jessica!" Applejack said in surprise.
"Oh, come on. Even Apple Bloom sees the way you two look at each other. I'm halfway expecting to hear another set of wedding bells before too long," Jessica said.
I saw AJ's cheeks blush as she looked away. |
I see Pink | What happens in Vegas... Doesn't Always Stay in Vegas | I See Pink
What happens in Vegas... Doesn't always stay in Vegas
A Pinkie Pie Romance
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
I felt two arms around me, and my tail flicked against one of the legs tangled with my own.
"Morning," Andy said sleepily.
"Morning silly billy. Mmmm, I want some blueberry pancakes. Do they have blueberry pancakes? Maybe with a big slice of pie?" I asked.
"I'm in the mood for pie," he muttered pulling me closer.
"And this Pie is in the mood for you, but we need to get up," I replied.
"Nope, bed, with my fiancee, and enjoying each other. That sounds good," he said.
He started kissing down my neck, getting to my shoulder, and I felt one of his hands moving around on my tummy. I could feel him snuggling up closer, and I knew my party cannon wanted a little more attention. Last night... Oh Wowie last night I think we broke the bed. It didn't squeak before, but now it squeaks, and moans, and it sounds like it wants us off of it!
I might not be the embodiment of honesty, but I can't lie about wanting him. I do want him. I want to have him right now, and I want to make these springs squeak and squawk like when I tried to get that paroit to sing happy birthday. Instead it just ended up saying 'have some oatmeal'. I mean oatmeal, seriously, are you crazy? A birthday is so much better than oatmeal!
Oh, I felt little Andy against my thigh. I wanna to do this, and I really want my pancakes too! He kissed my shoulder, moving his hands up my tummy, and then he stopped.
"You want some breakfast huh?" he asked.
"Uh huh, but this too," I said while holding his hands where they were.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
I felt a little confused at first. How could Andy not know that I was sure, and then I realized that he was playing and kidding! He's finally openingly playing and kidding with me! I turned around, making sure to move his legs so I didn't hurt him, and nuzzled against his cheek.
"Of course I'm sure silly billy," I said.
He might have been playing and kidding with me, but there was no kidding in his eyes. I saw what I felt for him. He loves me. We love each other, and I knew that we would be spending the rest of our lives together. We kissed again, and I felt so light and wonderful. His hands moved down my sides, settling on my cutie marks and gently squeezing. A soft squeak escaped me. He kissed down me, and I felt the tingles cover me.
"Andy," I crooned.
Further and further down, closer and closer to filling me with the shivers. I felt the first rush of the shivers.
~~~~~Short Clop Scene Starts Here~~~~~
I felt him tickling me, making me giggle, squirm, and lighting the fuse on my party cannon. I loved this, but I needed him.
"Andy... I want you," I said.
He moved up me and our smiles met. The sweet taste lingering on his lips, and a moment later we were together. We moved in this dance, a special dance, one where only two could be together and be intimate, well intimate and sometimes messy.
He rolled us over, giving up his dominance, giving it over to me. I loved the feel of being with him. I felt it, the big finale to our dance, and together we made my party cannon explode.
~~~~~Short Clop Scene Ends here~~~~~
I let out a soft moan, snuggled against my snuggle buddy, and kissed his cheek.
"I love you," I said
"I love you too, more than I'm ever going to be able to tell you," he replied.
I grinned and tickled his side.
"You don't have to tell me when you show me silly, but I love how you want to tell me," I said.
My tummy rumbled and I got up.
"Awww, don't leave," he said.
I look back at him, and the look he has isn't the same look he had the first time I saw him. He wasn't the lost and alone colt anymore. He had friends and family, and I would do anything I could to make sure he kept it. Andy deserves to be happy. I grinned and smiled at him.
"Blueberry pancakes, and blueberry pie silly! You can have Pinkie Pie later," I said.
I grinned at him and walked into our bathroom. I looked back at him.
"Although I don't mind saving time," I said.
Before I had the water adjusted he was in there with me. The two of us stepping into the shower, tickling, playing, and I loved it. I loved every second of it. We finished our shower, and stepped out of the tub. I looked at it and saw how huge it was. The tub took up half of the bathroom!
Andy handed me a towel and I quickly dried off, grabbed a blue and pink striped robe, and walked into the living area of our suiet. I dialed the number and waited for a second.
"Room service," a voice said.
"Hi! I want eight large stacks of Blueberry pancakes, two, no three, blueberry pies, oh a peach cobbler, and a gallon of Prench Vanilla ice cream brough up to my room," I said.
"Very good madam. We shall have it ready for you in twenty minutes," the voice said.
"Okie Dokie Loki!" I said before I hung up.
I looked at the room where Applejack was staying and decided to make sure that she was up. I walked over to it, opened the door, and realized that maybe an itch tushie, springy hair, and twitchy tail means somepony needs their privacy. Applejack grabbed the sheet and pulled it up and over her her shoulders covering her and her coltfriend. Hee hee, she's a cowpony, and she's doing the cowpony!
"Pinkie what the hay are ya doing?!" she shouted.
"Breakfast is coming," I replied.
"It wasn't the only thing that..." her coltfriend tried to say before she playfully hit his shoulder.
"Shush up would ya?" she said before she turned to me, "Pinkie, would ya mind to close the door? Ah was kinda busy before hand."
I closed the door and walked over to Big Macintosh's room. This time I knocked.
"Eeeeyup?" Big Mac asked.
"Breakfast?" I asked through the door.
"Sounds good Pinkie, we'll be out in a second," Jessica replied.
Smiling, I walked over to the next suite and knocked on the door. Sarah and Apple Bloom came to the door.
"Hiya Pinkie!" Apple Bloom said before she gave me a hug.
"Hi! We're getting some breakfast delievered, want to come and join us?" I asked.
"Sounds good!" Apple Bloom said.
"Thanks," Sarah replied. |
I see Pink | Everything I ever Wanted | I See Pink
Everything I ever wanted
A Pinkie Pie Romance
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
The sights, the sounds, the food, and everything else about Vegas was AWESOME! Even Paul had fun, although that stallion that came out to him talking to that one filly wasn't too happy. Anyway, we watched the Circus, or Cirque du Soleil. There was a lot of dancing, and funny sounds, and some ponies doing magic tricks, but when it was over Andy took me to watch something that was super AMAZING!
There was a concert happening, and the first song had to be the best song! It was so lively! I wanted to meet the stallion singing, but Andy said that he had died sometime ago. That what we were watching was a holographic representation of him. That made me sad, but then I thought about it and his music is still around to make ponies happy. I like that, and I liked listening to Andrew WK.
"So let's get a party going, let's get a party going. Now it's time to party and we'll party hard.," I sang as we walked away from the small theater.
"Feller was kinda loud huh?" Applejack asked.
"Yeah, but it was party music, so I think it was supposed to be," I answered her.
I took a look around at the casino. This was the last day of our being here. We would leave tomorrow morning, and then I'd be getting married. I felt Andy put his arm around me.
"Well, we've got one more night in Vegas, what would you like to do Pinkie?" he asked.
Actually, there was something that I wanted to do. We've been having fun, but so far we hadn't had a chance to throw a Pinkie Pie Party yet. I could throw it here, but I really wanted to throw it for ponies who really needed it. When we passed by the Stacks back home I knew that those ponies had really needed a party. They needed something to help make them smile, and maybe even give them just a little happiness.
"I want to throw a party," I replied.
"Okay, what kind of party?" he asked.
"I want to throw a party for some ponies that really need it," I said.
Andy stopped, and I looked at him. There was a smile that crossed his lips, and then he quickly kissed me. I closed my eyes as I felt his lips against mine.
"That's a really sweet idea, so where should we hold it?" he asked.
"I don't know if the two of you even noticed it, and to be honest I'm not sure why I'm helping, but there was a normal hotel just down the road. Most of the time those places have banquet halls, and since they're competing with casinos I'm sure we could get it at a fraction of the cost of renting something similar here or at any of the other casinos," Paul said.
"Why are ya helping us sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
"Andy is my client, and my friend. She," he said pointing to me, "Is going to be his wife. I don't want to ruin his happiness, and I sure as hell don't want to lose him as either a client or a friend. That means that either I get with the program, or I lose my friend."
I looked at Paul. He could be a meanie pants, and he did tend to say things without thinking, but even though he could do those things I wrapped him up into a tight hug. This was the nicest that he had ever been.
"Okay, Okay, you're welcome, but how about we put the manager down so his spine doesn't break... Damn Andy, how are you not just one big ass bruise?" he asked.
"I haven't really thought about it, but to be honest I don't think that I would mind if I was," Andy replied.
I let Paul go, gave Andy a smile before I kissed him, and then I looped my arms through his and Sarah's arms and walked toward the exit. The next two hours we went to a local hotel, called a Holiday Inn. Holiday, that's funny, I guess I could see why they wouldn't call it Heart's Warming, because then it would only be open Heart's Warming, but Holiday is just a funny name for a hotel. Anyway, we got there, and the desk pony seemed interested in renting us their banquet hall, or did until Paul started working on him.
He can be a meanie pants, and a grump, but Paul got us the banquet hall, free use of the kitchen, and the hotel to supply everything for less than what it cost to stay at the hotel for a night. I got started in the Kitchen, and wowie... I thought that the kitchen in the Arcade was huge! This kitchen was gigantic! I started to get ready to cook when I heard something.
"Want some help?" Sarah asked.
I turned to see her, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Andy, and Applejack's coltfriend. I smiled and nodded.
"That would be awesome!"
(Andy's POV)
I've done a little cooking, but if you were to ever really ask Igor what I've cooked it would begin and end with pancakes. I can make sandwiches like nobody's business. Pinkie decided to help me expand my baking knowledge, and had me helping her make a triple chocolate fudge eruption cake. Of course part of my learning how to make it was to get a little bit of cake batter flicked on me every once in a while.
I laughed and played along with her. It was fun to help her make the cake, and what I thought was going to be a simple three layer cake was actually a three tier, three layer cake. I knew that Pinkie could bake, but she was masterful at this skill. I actually watched in awe as she worked on making the icing. I'd seen her use premade icing before, but this time she was making it fresh, and I couldn't help but smile. I wrapped my arms around her waist.
"Oh that feels nice," she cooed.
"You are an exceptional mare, and I'm extremely lucky," I said.
"You're a sweet-talker, and I love you too," she said.
"Y'all that's sweet and everything, but if'n we want to git this done Ah think that we better keep workin'," Applejack said.
"No time for fooling around huh?" her boyfriend asked.
"Well, Ah mean we've got a...." she stopped mid sentence.
I looked to see them standing together, his arms around her, their lips locked, and her pulling him in tighter for the kiss. She broke it after a moment.
"Okay, but we need to git this done," she said.
It took us a little over two hours to get everything ready. When it was finished I was wondering how we were going to get the word out, but Pinkie said she'd be back, and I watched as she practically bounced out of the room. Fifteen minutes later there was a huge group of people from every walk of life coming into the banquet hall. I could see folks that looked like they hadn't eaten in days staggered in, and headed straight toward the buffet table we had set up.
"Mama, is that Pink pony... Is she an angel?" a little girl asked as her mother fixed her a plate of real food followed by a plate of desserts.
"I don't know baby," her mother asked.
The mood of the folks in the room began to lift, and I watched as Pinkie pulled out party games like Pin the tail on the pony, and then there was gifts. Several of them looked like the generic console that Anderson's Arcade had let her give to Justin for his birthday. She had them ready and took each person, every single one, a gift.
I saw laughter, I could see people crying with joy, and I knew that Pinkie had done this. She had brought all of these people something they had either lost, or never had before. She brought them hope and laughter. The food was gone after about twenty minutes, but the people stayed, wanting to talk to Pinkie, wanting to talk to the rest of us, and we visited with them for a few more hours. When it was finally said and done we had managed to brighten over three hundred people's days.
After the hall finally cleared out we took down the decorations, cleaned the dishes, and packed it away. The seven of us headed toward the trainstation.
"How do y'all want to do this? Ah mean we could git home, and then come out ta yer weddin'," Applejack said.
"Silly, you're gonna be coming home with us! We've got enough room, and besides I want to make sure that my cousin gets to see my house!" Pinkie said.
"Oooo... I feel a combo coming on!" she said as several twitches, and tail wiggles escaped her, "TWILIGHT!"
The entire ride to the train she was practically squirming until we got our return tickets, boarded the train, and then she called out to Igor.
"Igor! My friend Twilight, can you find her?" she asked.
"I shall look for you Madam," Igor said.
"Hal, help Igor," Jessica said.
"Of course Jessica," Hal said.
"We found a match," both Hal and Igor said after a moment. |
I see Pink | Princesses, Weddings, and Revelations | I See Pink
'Princesses, Weddings, and a Revelation'
A Pinkie Pie Romance
The train ride had been amazingly fun, but right now I was ready to be home. Pinkie looked like she was just as happy to be back, and I could see our guests behind us. Anthony was supporting Apple Bloom who looked half asleep. I looked at the front door, and then I pressed the intercom.
"Igor, we're back let us in," I said.
"Welcome home, Master," he said before I heard the sound of the door unlocking.
We grabbed the elevator and stopped on the second floor. I walked toward one of the unused apartments and opened it. The door swung open easily and I led everyone inside.
"Igor, go ahead and activate electricity, and full utilities for this apartment for the time being," I said.
"Yes Master," he replied and the lights came on. Jessica looked around at the large living room.
"Okay, go ahead, get a little rest, and tomorrow we'll have a wedding," I said.
"Andy, remember tomorrow morning we've got to get to the trainstation! Babs and her coltfriend are going to be here!" Pinkie said.
(Pinkie's POV)
Andy nodded and we walked down to the garage. The salmon colored Expedition sat exactly where Andy had parked it last. I walked toward it, and I couldn't help but giggle. I loved riding in it! I loved the way the seats felt, and the radio! There had to be a thousand channels on there! Andy opened the door for me, and I stepped inside. It felt kind of weird when I pulled on the seat belt. My tummy was getting bigger... I hoped that the dress that Justin's mom was helping with wouldn't be too snug.
"Andy, do I look fat to you?" I asked.
He turned toward me, his face caught in surprised, and I started giggling.
"Gotcha," I snickered.
"Ha ha. So, their train should be arriving, you sure you want to take the Expedition? We could just call a cab," he said.
"Noperooni! I want to pick them up in this! It's nice and roomy, and it doesn't smell like someone walked through horse apples," I said.
"You and AJ have been talking quite a bit huh?" he asked.
"What do ya mean?" I asked.
"It's just that I've heard her say that more than I've heard you say it. Especially when Anthony was trying to talk about what their relationship was," he replied.
"Oh... Well he was full of horse apples. I mean duh it's obvious he loves her. Pinkie Sense doesn't lie," I say.
I looked up and saw the scorched places where two of the Stacks had been. It looked the same on either side, but it was so sad... There was so many ponies that didn't have anywhere else to live.
"Pinkie, it can't be helped," Andy said.
"I know... but it's so sad... All of those ponies don't have a home now," I said.
The station came into view.
"Oooo there they are!!!!" I excited said.
A young man with glasses and a black Electric Lights Orchestra shirt walked out, holding hands with Babs Seed, who's wearing a Sgt Pepper shirt and some jeans.
"Babs! It's so good to see you!" I shouted as I ran forward and caught them in a hug.
"Hi Pinkie, trying to breathe!" Babs whimpered.
"Hello, Pinkie," Jacob said in an annoyed tone.
"Hello Babs' coltfriend! So, how are you two doing? Everything okay?" I asked.
"I just awoke from what could possibly be the greatest nap in the world," Jacob said, "Probably because I shared it with my special somepony." he looked at Babs.
"Awwww! How sweet!" I said.
Andy walked toward Jacob. He gave him a smile before pulling into a hug.
"We'll talk about everything later. Pinkie thought that the two of you might want to get back to our place, and then if Babs needs some clothes..." Andy said, looking at me.
"You're gonna be a bridesmaid! Isn't it exciting?! Applejack and Apple Bloom are already being one, and so is Rarity, and Princess Celestia came, which I was like Princess Celestia's here, and she's going to be doing the the ceremony with Mr. Anderson's friend! It's so amazing!" I said, practically bouncing.
"Pinkie, remember what your friend Twilight said, you've got to be a little more settled for the foal," Andy replied.
"Oh... Silly me," I replied.
"So what shall we do first?" Jacob asked.
"Well, our neighbor made Pinkie's dress, and the bridesmaid's dresses. Pinkie seemed to know everybodies' sizes, so we need to check if she was right with Babs, and then we've got a quick rehearsal, a dinner, and then we're getting married," Andy said.
"Alright! Let's get ready then!" Jacob said excitedly.
We led them into our pink car. Andy opened the back hatch so they could load their bags, and then we climbed inside. The inside was immaculate. The salmon colored seats practically shined, and it smelled like fresh baked apple pie. I could see both of them getting comfortable, and I grinned widely at them.
"I'm so glad that I talked Andy into driving out here to get you! Oh! I found this really awesome singer, and I wanted to let you listen!" I said excitedly as I pushed a CD into the port.
"IS IT ELO?" Jacob bursted out.
"Probably not," Babs replied. "Though that would be nice."
"Actually, he went by Andrew W.K," I said as She is Beautiful began to play.
"This is going to be a long car ride." Babs and her Coltfriend both said in unison.
The sound of the music booming echoed in the cabin. When they reached the brown stone the back doors opened quickly and I stepped out looking at Babs who seemed a little too happy to close the door.
"Wanna run upstairs and try on your dress?!" I ask.
"B-but I...fine." Babs said as she followed me.
We made it up to the second floor, and once we were there I knocked on Justin's family's door. The door opened and I could see the dresses. They were PERFECT!
(Babs' POV)
It was a pink nightmare. Oh my god, don't get me started on these abominations of pink dresses. These things were what your 5 year old daughter would like, not your 18 year old cousin.
"Aren't they perfect?" Pinkie asked.
"Sure." I blew my hair in disgust and boredom.
"Come on, lets try one on!" she said as she grabbed a dress, pulled on my wrist and took me to the elevator and up to the fourth floor, "You can change in our room. This is so EXCITING!"
"Yay." Sarcastic me as always. What I would do to get out of here and be with Jacob.
Pinkie pulled me over to the bedroom, and I saw the walls itself. They weren't pink, they didn't have balloons, but instead it was a mix of both of their personalities. The walls were crystal blue, the pictures were of them both, and of a girl with blond hair that kind of looked like Andy.
"How's it coming?" Pinkie asked.
"Look, I...I just don't really want to wear a dress for the wedding. I actually want to wear a tux that me and Jacob brought."
"Awwww... But did you see the stockings? I think that they're so preeeeetttttttyyyyyy," she whined.
"Pinkie, I ain't a stripper."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"The fuckin' stockings! I...no. I can't do that."
"What's wrong with them? I modeled them for Andy and he liked them..." she said.
"I just don't want to. I'm not a girly girl, or a fuckin' stripper!" Now I was getting angry.
"Okay, you don't want to you don't have too, I'm just glad that you could make it, Babsie," she said
"I would prefer to be called Barbara." I corrected her.
"Awwwww.... But, I like being able to call you Babsie..." she said as she looks into the room with a pouting face.
"Don't you have to see Andy now?" I said. I kind of wanted to be alone in this room.
"Oh! Gotta go!" she yelped as she took off.
Finally, I was alone. I checked the room to see if anyone was in there, and there wasn't. I took the stockings and shoved them down my shirt. I know Jacob gets a little kinky, so I'm borrowing them.
I walked out and saw the blond headed girl who was in the picture. She looks at me with a questioning glance.
"Hi, are you one of Pinkie's friends?" she asked.
"More of an acquaintance, but yeah." I said back. "What's your name?"
"I'm Andy's sister, Sarah. Nice to meet you," she said.
"I'm Andy's manager's cousin's marefriend, Babs Seed." I replied.
"Oh, okay. Say, is Pinkie trying to talk you into the dress too? I feel kind of bad that I want to tell her no," Sarah said.
"Yeah. My Coltfriend wants me to wear a tux, and I would rather wear that than a pink dress."
"I know, I'm not really interested in wearing it either. I don't mind wearing a dress, but that thing... it looks so horrible," she said.
"Same." I said back. "Well, it's nice meeting you; I have to go back to my Coltfriend."
"Okay, I'll see you downstairs. You might want to take the stairs. The elevator seems to take some time,"
"Alright, thanks," I said as I went downstairs.
The stairwell was pink, everything last part of the walls was pink, and the stairs were alternated between red, blue, and yellow. I could see the painting on the wall and it was of Pinkie, holding out a cupcake, and below it read, "I love to see you smile!"
"Creepy." I mumbled to myself.
The door to the first floor opened up and I could see Jacob talking to Andy. It looked like Jacob was really interested in what it was that he was saying.
(Andy's POV)
"Jacob, you said that you wanted to talk to me about a few things about being in a relationship with a mare, so what do you want to know?" I asked.
"Everything about intimacy and heat and romance." Jacob immediately responded.
"Okay, so, first things first, when the heat happens be ready for it. Know that it's going to hit, and hit hard. Also, being intimate means being more than making love. You'll need to cuddle and snuggle with her. She'll need it. With Pinkie it's almost like she lives off of snuggles. Romance, find out what she likes, really likes, and try to do it for her. Do those special little things she likes, take her out. Trust me, it's going to make her happy," I said.
"Pinkie scolded me on that after we had, you know. So I snuggled. Yesterday and today on the train."
"She had a point. It's important. Don't take her for granted either. Remember she loves you, make sure that you do things for her that reminds her that you know she loves you, and that you love her as well," I said.
"There's nothing more that I love, even myself. I want to make her happy and us happy together."
"Then you'll be able to do it, and it looks like you're getting ready to have a chance," I said pointing at Babs who was coming out of the stairwell.
Jacob rushed to Babs and hugged her. "Babs, I love you so much. Don't you forget that!"
I watched the two of them kiss, and I looked at the time. There was at least an hour before we had to go to the rehearsal, "Igor, could you arrange for Apartment 2-6 to be opened and powered for a little bit?"
"Of course master," he said.
"You two, if you want a few moments alone you might check the second floor. There's an Apartment with an open door," I said walking toward my bride to be. She ran toward me and wrapped me into a hug.
"ANDY!" she excitedly shouted, "Ooo... I'm getting kinda hungry."
"Hungry? Well, there's plenty of food here..." I didn't get to finish my sentence.
Pinkie's lips mashed against my own.
"Not that kind of hungry," she said.
There was an hour before the rehearsal...
(Babs POV)
I was panting, leaning on the side of the wall. We just got done with our 'few moments' alone in apartment 2.
"T-that was really fucking awesome." Jacob said to me. "Can't believe you actually fucked me better than last time."
"It was better than awesome... I love you," I said nuzzling against his chest.
"I love you too," he said as he kisses me on the cheek. "After the wedding, let's just rest here for the rest of the night."
"That sounds good to me. We can rest up and worry about heading back tomorrow, Although, would you like to visit Apple Bloom for a while? She asked if we might want to come out and visit for a while," I asked.
"Yeah, sure. I've always wanted to meet my favorite Element of Harmony bearer." Jacob said. I laid my head on my special somepony's head.
I snuggled next to my special somepony. I loved the way he felt. Right now everything was perfect. I was with my special somepony, and we had our entire lives ahead of us, "Do you think that we should get ready in a little bit?"
"Let me snuggle you for five more minutes, then we can get ready. You wearing a tux or a dress?" Jacob asked.
"Tux, trust me you don't want to see the dress. I don't ever want to see it again," I replied.
"A-alright then," Jacob said, "You didn't like any of it?"
A smile crossed my muzzle, and I pointed to the stockings on my legs.
"Well these, but then I think that you enjoyed them too," I said.
"Damn. You looked really sexy in those." Jacob laughed. "Now what do we do?"
"I'm good with snuggling for a while," I say.
"Attention guests, I have been asked to inform you that there is twenty-five minutes until the rehearsal. If you need anything you merely need to ask," Igor said through the intercom.
"Are you going to be a bridesmare, or are you staying with me in the audience?" Jacob said, looking at me.
"Pinkie really wants me to be a bridesmare, but I think that she said something about Andy wanting to ask you about being a groomscolt," I said.
"Wait, groomscolt? Like a men's version of a Bridesmare?"
I nodded, "It's just like that."
"Who's going to be the groomscolts?" Jacob asked me.
"I know that Big Mac, Applejack's coltfriend Anthony, Paul, Fluttershy's coltfriend, and Pinkie said that Rarity and her coltfriend is coming," I replied.
"Shit, I have to contact Paul. Hold on." Jacob pulled out his phone and pressed a button. He held it to his ear.
I could hear what they were saying.
"Hello? Jacob? What the fuck are you doing man? Tell me that you're at Andy's place," Paul said.
"Yeah, I'm here with Barbara. What's up, cousin? Haven't seen you in forever!" Jacob said
"I'm on my way. I was just getting a Dr. Feelgood. I swear man, that massage parlor is the greatest thing ever made. The rehearsal isn't happening yet right?"
"Nah, twenty minutes until though. Have you gotten a helpmate yet?" I knew Jacob would ask him that.
"Not yet, I've considered looking into it, but I don't know if I want to do it. Besides, I've given Andy waaaay to much crap about the future Mrs. Williams," he replied.
"Yeah, I don't think a Mrs. Cromwell is going to be in my future any time soon. Oh, speaking of which, do you wanna speak to my marefriend, Babs? She's really sweet."
"Oh fuck.. Not you too... Seriously? What is it man? I mean is what they have so much better than good old fashioned human booty?" Paul asked.
"Well, I kind of have a tendency to be a girl repellent to human girls. Look, you wanna talk to Babs or not?"
"Sure, why the hell not. If you're planning on making her an unofficial part of the family I better get used to it. Go ahead and put her on the line," Paul said.
He handed the phone to me.
"Uh, hello. You must be Jacob's cousin. He's said nothing but good things about you to me," I said
"Thanks, I'm glad that he still doesn't tell everything about me, so you're his girlfriend huh? How long have the two of you been boning? I'm asking because he sounds too fuckin' chipper to just be calling his cousin," Paul said.
"Boning? Like having sexual intercourse?" I was confused.
"Like going heels to Jesus, making the beast with two backs, playing hide the salami, or whatever else you want to call it," Paul replied.
"Yeah, twice now. We actually just got finished with our second time just now."
"Only Twice? Fuck, I think that Andy probably nailed Pinkie a dozen times before they met with me. I'm not sure, but they were a little too cheery for it to be just good friends. I swear, there must be something that you and she have. It's like Andy just forgot about the millions of folks that read his novels. Ever since his engagement, and now wedding, went public there's been a huge backlash. It's like something threw my business into a shit tornado. Sorry, sorry, this ain't your fault. Hell, you're just a girl," Paul said.
"I'm not a girl, I'm a tomboy,"I corrected.
"Oh, la de da. Sorry for that mistake, but a tomboy is just another way of saying girl, and since you're a girl you've pretty much been excused for taking responsibility for Jacob, and Andy, acting like a couple of dogs in heat. Seriously, I don't understand this shit. It's like my best friend decides that he wants a family... When the fuck did that happen?! I know him! He's happy being a miserable little prick writing books, and sitting alone in his house!" Paul replied.
"At least you aren't talking shit about Jacob, not to be rude to Andy or anything, but you're right," I said.
"Who said that I'm not talking about Jacob? Look, I'm glad that he found someone, but why not a human? What's wrong with finding a human girl? I don't fuckin' know about him. Maybe moving off to fuk-it-al land has messed with him. I don't know. Anyway, it's nice talking to you and everything, but the men have to talk now," he replied.
"I AM A MAN!" Jacob yelled out loud loudly.
"Yeah, best you should just hang up now." I said.
"Sure, sure, whatever sweetcheeks. Look Jacob, I'll meet your scrawny ass at the Arcade. Bring along your bed buddy," Paul replied.
"Fuck you." I hung up.
"I know I'm supposed to love my cousin, but now you know why I don't hang out with him anymore. He's a fucking asshat."
"Well, ok then," I said, looking down, "I just know that you, well, you don't talk like he does. I'm so glad that I met you instead."
He reached out for me and pulled me into a hug. I returned it, enjoying the feeling of his skin pressed against my fur. It felt amazing. We were together, Jacob wasn't like Paul, and he was my special somepony. I nuzzled his cheek as we held each other.
"Guests, we are down to fifteen minutes before rehearsal," Igor announced.
"Babs, this is the last time I'm going to say this: you don't really need to be a bridesmare if you don't want. You can always sit with me in the pews." Jacob said to me.
"What about being a groomscolt for Andy? Don't you want to do that?" I asked.
"Your choice. As long as I'm with you," he gave me a kiss on the cheek and put his head on mine.
"I... Maybe you should. Pinkie, annoying as she may be, is family, and she really wants both of us to be her wedding. Should we ever do something like this I'd like to give her the chance to return the favor. Besides, Apples stand together, and Apples remain apples, despite what their name may be, to the core," I said.
I gave him a kiss back and heard the sound of an excited knocking on the door.
"Hey, are you guys ready?!" Pinkie called from outside of the door.
"Give us a minute, we're having a moment here." Jacob said.
"Okay, oh! We're going to call a limo, but I asked Andy if it is gonna smell like a cab, but Andy said that they smell better, but I don't know. I guess it's okay as long as it doesn't smell like Oatmeal, because Ewww," she said through the door.
"Ahem, moment, you're ruining ours," I blurted out.
"Oh! I'm interrupting on snuggles time!" Pinkie called out before she stepped away from the door.
"Yeah, sure. 'snuggles'." I said. Pinkie was oblivious as to what we did.
"So, now what? Shall we get ready?" I asked
"I guess that it would make sense. Maybe if we do Pinkie will stop knocking on the door," he replied before he got another hug.
(Ark's Perspective)
Time: 08:30 Hours (8:30 AM, EDT)
Location: 217 Bleecker Street, New York, NY, 10012
Place: The Visovic Brownstone
"Come on, Flutters, we're gonna be late!" I growled.
This day has been anything but smooth. First, I lost a battery to charge fatigue. Then Snuggles had to hawk up a furball the size of my head. Then Fluttershy was acting indecisive about what she wanted to bring to Oklahoma. We were only gonna be there a few days, at most, and even so, I didn't think we'll get a lot sightseeing done.
"I'm almost done, Ark," Flutters called from upstairs, "my saddlebags are packed. I just- ugh! need to get- ugh!! down the- ugh! stairs!"
Saddlebags? I wondered. When she arrived at the bottom of the steps, I saw what she meant. She packed two large rucksacks full of gear. One looked like it was loaded with all her clothes, and the other with assorted toiletries. I didn't know how she has managed to get so much product in the month she's been living here. I knew I didn't buy it all for her. Maybe Katya donated some stuff...?
"Ha! Done." Fluttershy announced, her cheeks flushed with exertion.
"I should call a moving company to help you with your luggage," I smirked, "what did you do, pack half your closet and all of your bathroom in there?"
"Well," Flutters started, "not half of my closet..."
"Bozhe moi," I retorted, "I think I may need to pay the cabbie double."
A horn blared from outside, signaling our ride was here. I helped Flutters with one of her bags, hoisted my own duffle over my shoulder and we headed outside. Standing at the curb was a Yellow Cab I reserved two days prior. I didn't have to tell the driver where we were going; it was all on his work order. He popped the trunk for us when he saw Fluttershy and I hefting our luggage; his eyes bulged when Fluttershy came within his field of vision. I gave a look, letting him know comments from the peanut gallery were not permissible. He nodded his head ever so slightly; I let Fluttershy in the cab before I hopped in and we're gone.
As we took off, I pulled out my phone, another gift from my Uncle Sergei. I pressed the number two, allowing my access to the nucleus at the brownstone. I could hear Tolstoy grumbling as he connected to the phone. "You rang, My Lord?" he asked, bored. "Da," I said, Zashchitite etot propitaniye." Tolstoy answered, "Eto delayetsya." I closed my phone and took one of Flutters hands in mine.
In order to reach Penn Station on 34th Street, we had to pass through Midtown traffic on 8th Avenue. It was early in the day, but the throng of cars clogging up the roads made for slow going. As a lifelong New Yorker, I've seen worse, but given the tight schedule we were on, any delay would cause more than it's fair share of trouble.
"Oh, my," Flutters remarked, "why does this 'cab' smell like a manure cart?"
"A manure cart, huh?" I replied, glancing at the cab driver to see if he picked up the jab, which he didn't, "I seem to forget you've never been in a New York cab. Yeah, if these things haven't puked in, shat on, flooded with severe body odor, seen ODs out the ass and been the scene of many drunken fuck fests, than it isn't a New York cab. So, it's gonna smell funky, like it or not."
"Oh," Fluttershy exclaimed, "well, that explains the floors, at least."
I nodded, "I wouldn't go examining the seats with a black light, either. No doubt there's enough dried semen to populate a criminal database with."
Flutters' nose wrinkled at this; I want to laugh, but seeing her discomfort, I don't dare. Was this Pegasus always this moe as fuck? I dunno, but I got protective instincts brimming out my ass and they told me to preserve Fluttershy's innocence for as long as possible.
When we finally did reach Penn Station, it was not to a busy train terminal. Picketing out front of the station itself were two groups of protesters. I saw on the news earlier that Amtrak has been cutting the hours of mechanical and electrical engineers to cut costs. This caused the local unions to rise up in arms. Their picket line was at least understandable; if my hours and pay got cut because some bean counter wanted to add up more profits for the company instead of giving me a living wage, I'd fight tooth and nail. It's bad enough that other metropolitan areas have AI running the trains out in the Stacks, now they want to cut out those who built and service the things in the first place!
The other group of protesters I could have gone without, The Dissonance. These guys were like The Purists in a lot of ways: they oppose all manner of biotech. That included things like flash clone organ transplants, cyber prosthesis, and now Helpmates. Their leader, one George Randolph Hastings, is the sort of guy that lived for the cameras. He was a lot like the late Reverend Al Sharpton, but more with more vitriol. The guy said his group are peaceful protesters of all things abominable, but it's hard to tell when his followers are shouting abuse at amputees back from Syria, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone. Nothing peaceful can come from ideologues that shout profanities at lung and heart transplant recipients who would have died without flash cloning.
"Ark," Flutters quivered, "W-w-what's going on?"
"The Dissonance," I growled, "goddamn anti-biotech assholes. They want this nation to return the fucking Stone Age and have us living in mud huts and using stones for tools."
"What are they doing here?" she asked nervously.
"Being a nuisance," I answered, "don't respond to them, don't pay any attention to them. That'll make things worse."
Flutters nodded and we parsed the crowd. The heckles from Dissonance members was pretty fucking severe. They called Flutters everything under the sun and then some. Judging by what spewing from their mouths, you'd think she was the Anti-Christ or something. She handled herself like a pro, though; she floats through the mob like it's nothing. I was doing pretty good myself but when one of my cyberpros starts to give out, they switch targets and start attacking me. The verbal abuse is nothing I haven't heard before from limp dicked, narrow minded Neanderthals like these. For Flutters, though, it's almost too much.
"Stop it, just stop it!" she breathed, dashing towards me in an instant, "Ark is a good stallion! What has he ever done to you!"
"Ignore 'em, Fluttershy," I said, "you're words are wasted on the closed of mind."
She's clearly crying, which I never expected out of her. She really must care about me; she said so earlier when she explained that I was her best friend besides Rainbow Dash. Still, the level of concern she's displaying now is- well, it's really very poignant. How is that she isn't the Element of Loyalty and not Ar Dee?
"Please," the Pegasus pleaded, "he hasn't done anything wrong to you..."
"Let's just get out here," I told Fluttershy, "they ain't gonna quit anytime soon."
Fluttershy nodded and lifted me into a standing position. I leaned on her for support, and I half march towards the station; the closer we got to the Penn the more the Dissonance jeering faded away. When we finally entered the station proper, the noise outside died away completely. Must be soundproofed glass,I mused, great against noise pollution.
In the center of the station is a QuikTix kiosk. Manning it was a rudimentary AI dressed up like a train conductor. On the lapel of his tailcoat is a name tag that reads "Sir Thomas Tophat." The portly looking fellow with a Monopoly Guy mustache greeted us in a brilliant tone.
"Good afternoon, Travelers, and welcome to Penn Station! We at Amtrak hope you enjoy a wonderful ride with us. May I ask where it is you're going?"
I give Sir Tophat a glare before answering, "Yeah, we're going to Oklahoma City. I booked us a ride that supposed to leave at oh-nine-thirty hours."
"Alright, then," Sir Tophat says jovially, "under what name is the reservation?"
"Arkady Visovic," I answer, "plus one."
Tophat flickers momentarily and a bright smile appears on his face, "Ah, yes! I have your tickets ready! Two, round trip, to Oklahoma City, Oh Kay!" Then his mood drops into a sour expression, "Unfortunately, due to a labor dispute, all trains traveling out of Penn Station and affiliated Amtrak sites will be delayed for some time. This situation will persist until the labor dispute has ended."
"Oh, the fuck?!" I bellowed, "We need to be in Oh Kay See in three hours! Just how long a delay are we talking about here?"
"At least three hours, Sir," Tophat explained, "we are redirecting all automated train systems here even as we speak, but getting onto the rails is taking longer than expected."
"Goddamn it," I roared, "you mean we got up before dawn for nothing?!"
"Ark," Fluttershy cooed, "maybe if we ask Sir Tophat if he can speed things up for us, we won't have to wait so long."
I glared at Flutters for a moment, "Fluttershy, we were supposed to get there in time for the rehearsal. If this delay goes on any longer, we may not even make to the wedding!"
"Oh," Flutters denounced, "wait, let me try something."
"Okay," I seethed, "go ahead and try your magic on the dumb digital assistant."
Flutters smiled, then turned to the virtual conductor, "Sir Tophat, could you help us? We really need to get to where we're going, and I don't want to disappoint a friend. Can you please try to get us on our way? We would be so ever grateful!"
I notice Tophat get an odd look on his face, like he'd never encountered a being so patient and kind before. A look of bemusement crosses over his virtual face before he bems again. I didn't want to believe it, but Fluttershy seemed to make even AI do her bidding with but a kind word and huge puppy dog eyes.
"I'll- uh, I'll see what I can do, Miss-?"
"Fluttershy," my Pegasus friend said, bearing a warm smile, "my name is Fluttershy."
"Yes," beamed Tophat, "I shall endeavor to hasten your departure! Excuse me."
Tophat left his kiosk in a rush.
"You really are the Element of Kindness," I whispered, to which Fluttershy replied, "I know!"
Bozhe moi, that smiling face is going to kill me!
Moments later, Tophat returned with the widest grin I've seen on an AI.
"Miss Fluttershy, Sir Visovic, I believe I have managed to acquire suitable transport for your plans this day!"
"Oh, thank you!" Fluttershy beams, "is it boarding now?"
"Yes, Miss, it is currently boarding. You shall find your transport at terminal AA-23. Safe Travels!"
Fluttershy gave him thanks in return and we both hustled over to AA-23. There was a small crowd here, just outside of the soundproofing, but nothing that serious. I overheard two maintenance folks say this is the last train leaving New York. When I asked them why that is, they say the Amtrak and The Union of Railway Workers are at a stalemate and the engineers are threatening to block all egress to and from the City. I counted myself lucky that we caught this train. I can only imagine how much further our delay would be if we hadn't.
The crowd moved along slowly as we join the cue. I looked ahead I see some Mayberry Security officers running a full body scan on the boarding passengers. I mentally shrugged; I can't remember the last time Al Qaeda or even ISIS was able to bring any sort of weapon on board an Amtrak train. And besides, the last known terrorist event was actually planned and carried out by some nutjob from Almeda, California following the teaching Fa Lun Gong. What with the drug and bomb sniffing dogs, radiation detectors, particle analysis machines (to detect C4 and other explosives) and as well the full body scanners, I doubted anypony could bring in so much as a pocket knife without getting subjected to a full body cavity search.
It's a good thing I had my Kel-Tech registered before boarding. I saw some of the Mayberry folk wielding similar, albeit, theirs appears to be the Tactical Version, with extended magazines of ten shells each. I couldn't imagine why anyone would need twenty rounds of 12 gauge buckshot, but with new types of body armor emerging from Misriah Ordinance, I could take a good guess. The KSG isn't the only shotgun I saw in the hands of Mayberry forces: the SRM Model 1208 wais also present among some of the higher ranks. Taking a glance at Fluttershy, she seemed unnerved by this display of hardware. I gave her hand a slight squeeze.
"Don't worry," I told her, "the maybe be rent-a-cops, but they need a very good reason to turn those deathdealers on a body. So long as we don't make a violent scene, we're gonna be alright."
Fluttershy nodded, giving me a weak smile. She seemed more anxious about all this security than she's letting on. After a few minutes, we were both passing through the body scanner. As we passed, I made sure to unholster my Kel-Tech and handed it to one of the security contingent manning the station. As we passed through the machine, a buzzer sounds. Over the PA, we get asked if any of us are wearing any unseen hardware. I let the Voice of God know I have a pair of prosthesis. The Voice of God asked what those are and I indicated my legs. After a brief moment of silence, we were allowed to pass.
We got stopped for secondary inspection. The officer doing so is wielding a substantially nonreg Tar-21 carbine and beared a name tag that reads, "Marshall, John." I think I used to know a guy by that name, but I can't remember when. He guided both of us to a table with various portable sensors laid on it. He picked up one I recognize, a Geiger counter, and passed it over us. He does with a few other instruments, saying very little unless it's some instruction to lift our arms and open a bag. By the time he gets to the particle analyzer, I'm losing what little patience I had left.
"Listen, bub," I called out, "what the deuce is all this shit about? I got places to be, man."
All Marshall does is shrug and said, "Not my call. My boss wanted you guys checked over. I don't get it, but I'd rather not argue over the guy who handles my paychecks."
"Can we at least get this over with," I seethed, "kinda on a deadline here."
"Just about done," Marshall said, "say, uh, who or what, is you traveling companion?"
"Her name's Fluttershy, and I got her from this company named Vogon," I answered, just a touch too peeved about this line of questioning, "she ain't for sale and I've gotten quite attached to her, okay? Can I go now?"
"Sure," Marshall said, a wry smile on his face, "I'm done here. NEXT!"
I sped my way to Fluttershy, who was looking a little less nervous, but was also quaking slightly.
"What did they want?" she asked.
"Damned if I know," I replied, "secondary inspection is only given if they think you've got something hidden on ya. So unless you've got a submachine gun or a pocket nuke in your bra, you're okay."
"Oh," Fluttershy remarked, "that's funny. I'm not wearing a bra today."
I wanna respond to that, but my brain sputtered. Technically, we're not in the house, and she is still following the rules... Ugh, she is just too damn cute to argue with.
"Let's get on the train before we have to hoof it to Oklahoma." I said.
Fluttershy nodded and we hefted our luggage onto the nearest open car. There weren't many left open; we must have caught lucky getting a car that was just barely half full. If I didn't know any better, I'd say half of the Big Apple was stuffed on this ride. No matter, we trudged our way down the hall, looking for any available compartments. We settled on one that was midway between the lavatories and the dining car. Lord only knew what train food will do to a digestive system...
I fed our tickets into a digital ticket reader. It acted like an old bill changer as it sucked the tickets into itself. A moment later the printer below it spat out a receipt. I grabbed the receipt, the door opens and we slip inside, Fluttershy gently floating over the threshold. We stepped into the room and a screen lowered over the window. I watched as the screen lit up and a cartoonish face appeared.
"Thank you for taking Amtrak! We hope that you enjoy your ride from," it paused for a moment, and I knew the older AI was getting the info from the digital ticket reader, "New York to Oklahoma City! Remember friends, don't disembark the train unless there's an emergency, or you keep your compartment receipt with you!" the cartoonish looking conductor said.
"Thank you so much," Flutters breathed.
"You are welcome," it said before the screen grew dim, and then it lifted away from the window.
Glancing around the compartment itself, I could see a set of bunks built into the compartment wall, a small sitting area complete with a daybed, and a door which I believed leads to a private bath, though I'm sure for such a short trip, it'll remain locked. There's a tiny closet opposite the bathroom door; Flutters and I stuffed our luggage into it. I had some trouble trying to stuff my Kel-Tech into the space. Fluttershy giggled as I struggle to get the shotgun seated properly.
We got comfortable on the day bed, waiting for the train to boost. There was a part of me that is really considering blowing off the wedding, but I just knew Flutters would never forgive me. I wondered how much airfare would be...? Thankfully, there was a recharge station built into the couch. I can see that my batteries are already taking a fade: my left leg is down to 36%, my right is teetering at 12%. I'd rather have these two refreshed and ready to go, so I detached my legs and plugged them in. I think this is the first time that Flutters has seen my do this, because I could hear her gasp as the legs come off.
"Oh, Ark," she breathed worriedly, "your legs-"
"It's alright," I told her, "unless I'm connected to an immersion rig, I can't charge my cyberpros while wearing them. A charging station like this one requires that I access the power ports in the adjoining sockets for the best possible recharge."
Fluttershy then asked, "But how will you move around?"
"Who said anything about moving," I said, "I'm just laze here until we get to Oklahoma."
"Okay," Fluttershy said, "I wonder why we aren't moving?"
"Huh," I added, "that is curious. We haven't we started movin'?"
That's when the train started moving. I think in all we've had at least three hours extra delay that we didn't need.
For the next few hours, Fluttershy and I just relaxed on the sofa. We don't really leave the compartment unless we have to, which in all honesty, is a blessing. My thighs are rubbed raw from all the movement and I think the connection points for my cyberpros are a mess right now. I needed to take some cotton swabs and some acetone to clean the connectors as soon as I can get to a Rite-Aid. For a little while, Fluttershy napped, her head leaning on my shoulder. I'd never seen her asleep before and I have to say, it's the most adorable thing I've ever seen. It didn't take too long before I crashed as well. The day's been stressful enough as is.
We got rudely awakened when the train's AI informed us that there's going to be a minor layover at Chicago. I was in the mood to strangle Tophat if I ever saw him again. Flutters looked none the worse for wear, but her mane is a mess. I giggle a little at her messy pink locks. She gets a flush in her cheeks and asks if she be excused to freshen herself up. I don't see a reason to deny her that, so I tell she can herself prettier if she'd like. Then her blush goes into overdrive.
As much as I'd like to to get to our destination on time, it seems that Universe was conspiring against us. A schedule I was able to cop, while when we arrived in Chicago, said that the next train to arrive would be in three hours. Three motherfucking hours, stuck in Chicago! I coulda lost my shit. But Fluttershy has never seen anyplace outside of the brownstone, so I figured I'd oblige her in getting a tour of the city. Mind, I had about as much information about Chicago as I did Albany, which wasn't much.
Still, we spent a good lot of time wandering in the area around the station. The place had seen better days; it was one of those neighborhoods that politicians call "an historic district." That's a really polite way of saying it's a shithole, but I digress. We found a little place to sit down and hot served some Chicago style deep dish pizza. While it wasn't Bleecker Street Pizza, but it was good, all the same. Next, we took in some tea at a little place just inside the station, a place called Metro Deli and Cafe. That was probably a mistake. Fluttershy and I had gotten used to the goods at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; this place wasn't anything like it. We ended up only finishing our tea through sheer force of will. I don't think I'll be recommending that place to anypony...
After leaving the subpar tea shop, we made our way to few little shops remained. We found a nice little place that seemed to know exactly what Flutters was. They had ensembles for entities like her and I eventually bought her this really pretty tuxedo dress. When I complimented her on how great she looked in it, her entire face got covered in blush. We window shopped a few other places for at least an hour or so. Then I got a call on my phone. Checking the caller ID, I see it's Tolstoy. Will wonders never cease?
"Milord," the AI started, "I took the liberty of tagging your phone in case of emergencies. It appears it is a good thing I did."
"Well, hello, to you Tolstoy," I said, "and how are you today?"
"I am fine, milord," Tolstoy answered, a bit testy, "sir, I am unsure if you are aware of this, but the area of Chicago, of which you are now currently stranded, possesses a unique anomaly."
"Can you get to the point, Tolstoy?" I moaned.
"That area," Tolstoy explained, "is on the border between time zones. From where you are standing now, it is 14:44 hours, Central Daylight Time."
"Yeah, I know, Tolstoy, I can see the clock at the station from-" Then I froze. Central Daylight Time?
"Does that mean that's actually 15:45 hours, Eastern Daylight Time?" I questioned.
"Precisely," Tolstoy answered, "milord."
I ended the call, stuff the phone in my pocket, grabbed Fluttershy by the wrist and haul ass.
"Ark," Fluttershy cried, "what are you doing?"
"We're gonna be late," I said, "the train outta here leaves in fifteen minutes!"
We did get on the train, with but minutes to spare. Then we were rolling down the tracks, outbound from Chicago. My bank account is a little lighter, but if that's the worst this journey gives me, I'd consider myself lucky. Eventually, we leave Illinois behind for the Great plains and it's expanses of wheat and grains. If there's any commentary I have to say about the Midwest, is that's boring. Even in The Village, I know of at least six different places within walking distance that I can go to. As I looked out the window of our compartment, all I saw is a vast expanse of nothing.
The land was flat, like pancake flat. And besides endlessly rolling wheat fields and the occasional corporate farm, there isn't much to see. Hell, I would have settled on the sight of a prison work release gang than this unified stretch of flat land. Fluttershy looked at all of those and is in awe. I don't even know why. I guess she was so used to either New York City streets or the hills and vales around her cottage in Ponyville, that she finds all this rather fascinating.
"It's so pretty," Fluttershy remarked in awe, "all that wheat, rolling in the breeze. I thought Equestria had so many wonders."
"It's boring if you ask me," I said, "there's nothing to break up the horizon. It's no wonder Midwesterners are so bland; they live their lives in blandness."
The next hour or so passed in silence. I used to think silence was horrible. It was the sort of silence that preceded one of my father's many 'lessons.' And by lessons, I mean he would beat my sisters and I senseless while shouting that we were 'sinners before God.' I never got that aspect of Christianity; if God so loved His Son to sacrifice him in order to save us all, then why were we sinners in the first place? Hypocrisy or maybe ignorance, I couldn't be bothered to tell which.
If He exists, then he must really pissed at the way most religions take his word and skew it to their agenda. In either case, humanity is fucked, one way or another.
"Ark," Fluttershy complained, "I'm getting hungry."
Her stomach growled a little as he says that. I'm getting a little peckish, too. So I suggest we make our way to the dining car for something to gnosh.
We made our way to the dining car with little trouble. Our train was sparsely populated, from what I saw, most of the earlier passengers disembarked at Chicago. When we reached the car, there was a fine spread laid out on a buffet table, a bartender was manning the bar, and a robotic attendant was cleaning up tables that are barren of customers. Well, barren save for one table towards the center of the car; sitting there was a gentleman that I could only describe as your stereotypical, ugly American.
He was quite pudgy, with greasy blonde hair that was graying at the temples. He wore a Denver Nuggets jersey over a plaid work shirt and blue jeans a few sizes too small for his expansive waist. I didn't know where he got the idea that Krocks were ever in fashion, he was wearing them quite proudly. All in all, I wanted to slug the fucker, but by Babba Yagga Saggy Tits, I had got enough on my plate already.
Fluttershy and I went to the buffet table and loaded a plate or two of grub and sat down. I had hoped not to attract Ugly Kid Joes attention, but as soon as we sat down in a both on the opposite fucking end of the car, he sidled up to us.
"Hello, there," UKJ said, "pleasant day for travelin', isn't it?"
"I guess," I grumbled, "kinda quiet, which is just the way I like it."
"Yeppers, it sure is nice today," UKJ continued, like he hadn't even heard me at all, "say, who's yer friend?"
"Oh, uh," Flutters mumbled, "I'm Fluttershy"
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that," UKJ says, "mind repatin' it?"
"I- I- I'm, Flutter- Fluttershy. I'm Fluttershy."
"One more time," UKJ asked again, "Still can't hear ya."
Fluttershy makes a small squeak. She's more nervous than a hen chased by a fox. She looks to me to save her; I give the guy my meanest stare.
"Look, bub," I started, "you don't need to know her name just you don't want to know my name. SO leave her be; she's gets nervous around strangers."
Fluttershy's face took on a look of gratitude that quickly burned away when UKJ bends down to examine her. He is clearly ignoring me.
"Hmm," UKJ murmured, "just ain't natural. Nobody should have eyes that blue green. You ain't a furry, are ya?"
"Ark, help!"
"Okay, bub, that's enough," I growled, while standing up, "she's clearly intimidated by you, so back the fuck off!"
"I wonder," UKJ continued, clearly oblivious or willfully ignorant of my presence, "how much you would fetch for on the open market..."
That tears it; I grabbed Ugly Kid joe by the scruff of his plaid shirt, forcing him away from Flutters, and thrusting him into a table adjacent. The platters and cups on that table clattered his impact.
"Now listen here, bub," I bellowed, "I ain't got time to listen to you prattle on about nonsense. You're gonna leave my friend alone, you're gonna leave me in peace, or else I'm gonna need to introduce you some friends of mine! GOT IT!!"
"Geez," UKJ whimpered, "I was trying to make some conversation..."
"Go converse with the dining car attendant," I growled, "my friend and I have a long ass day, we would like to eat in some semblance of peace, and not be hounded by some shithead with no sense of personal boundaries. DO YOU GET THE OLE DRIFTOLA?!"
UKJ nods, whimpering and as soon as I let him go, he goes simpering out of the dining car.
"Thank you, Ark," Fluttershy beamed, "he was worse than Pinkie Pie." Then as an aside, "Smelled worse, too."
"Agreed," I replied, "the less of idiots we have to deal with, the better."
We were just finishing the last of our food when the PA system comes alive, letting us know we were now arriving in Oklahoma City. It was about fucking time!
Twilight's POV
"So... we have to make it to someplace called Oklahoma City for Pinkie's wedding rehearsal? I could probably teleport us... but, I'd need to know where it is." I said as I read the digital invite that Pinkie had left with Barb... it made sense that she was glad to do so.
"Um, Twilight I could bring up enough mapping data of the apartments that Pinkie left that you could likely get a good bead on them, though I'm worried that Stephanie and Cedric may not handle the long distance Teleportation that well.
"We can handle it mom... besides we wanna see your friends too." Stephanie said with a smile, it'd been a very eventful week since Pinkie had invited them, I was actually less worried about the long distance teleport than I was worried that they would have another flare up... Cedric's magic seemed to erupt around him violently when he experienced extreme emotions, Stephanie's was a more subdued defensive style of magic, though even defensive magic can harm if healing magic can convince someone's body their own body is a threat.
Cedric moved up to me gripping the hem of my skirt. "Don't worry momma, we can do it. We'll be on our best behavior for Auntie Pinkie, I promise." I couldn't handle the puppy dog eyes he gave me... and within minutes I had begun instructing them to pack.
I had packed the only dress I'd brought with me from my diplomatic mission before taking over as Cedric and Stephanie's mother, my royal gown, regalia included.
'I guess I should look official as the only other alicorn there, though I hope I could speak to Celestia about Cedric and Stephanie's magic... I'd never seen it done without a horn before and it was slightly worrying me if the reason they had such violent... releases was due to this.'
After a half hour Cedric came down wearing a short sleeved T-Shirt and holding a travel bag for at least a few days travel. "Momma did I do it right? You said I needed to has lots of undies." He said showing me that while he did indeed have lots of clean underwear... he didn't have much else.
"Oh Cid... sweetie you need to pack more than underwear here let me help you." So for the next fifteen minutes I helped my son pack for the trip while Barb kept me updated on the fact Stephanie was already ready and was being informed on what a long distance teleportation would require of her.
"Twilight, I'm gonna go ahead and send the message that they should expect you soon." Barb said and I nodded, gathering my children too me and focusing energy into my horn, Barb had vanished through the digital network and I had planned to follow her after she locked the house down. So after the shutters slammed closed, preventing those who only came out at night away I focused my energy and they did so as well.
"Okay, Stephanie, Cedric imagine that you're tying a rope of energy around all of us that won't break no matter what happens and I promise I won't lose you." I said as I watched them, from Stephanie ropes of brilliant shimmering light flowed from her back as if it was being made of wings and flowed around us, Cedric's magic was raw and more primale surrounding us in a circle of flames as I gathered the energy required to link out aura's together long enough to complete the jump.
And we were off with nothing more than a loud *Pop*
"Twilight!" Pinkie exclaimed as she ran toward her and gathered her, Cedric, and Stephanie into a tight hug.
"Oh! I wanna introduce you to Andy!" she said before she took off again.
(Andy's POV)
I was lying in the bed, wondering where Pinkie had ran off too, and thinking about how much my life had changed. I wasn't the same anymore. The loneliness was gone, and so was the fear. The fear that whatever being out there, whatever may or may not have created all of us, that being was just waiting for me to screw up so that I would be damned to whatever torment waited for me.
I realized that if there was a being that created everything then he or she had a hand in creating Pinkie Pie. Any being that could create someone, somepony that sweet and caring couldn't want anyone to be sent to eternal damnation. I stood up, looked at the suit of clothes Pinkie had picked out for me.
It was salmon, well, actually pink, but I was going to call it salmon, The suit was something that she had seen in one scene in Scarface. I looked at the suit again in the mirror. The thing was certainly dated, but she liked it, and I wanted to give her what she wanted. She'd helped me so much, and made me feel so alive, that even if it took my entire life to make her feel just as wanted as she made me feel... I'd do it.
"Andy?" Pinkie's voice asked.
I looked at her. She was standing there in her wedding gown. She looked, beautiful. There wasn't anything in any moment of history that could have even looked as beautiful as she did at that moment. I walked toward her, toward the mare that would be my wife in less than a day, and pulled her against me.
"I love you Pinkie," I said.
"I love you too Andy, and I'm so nervcited!" she said excitedly.
"Nervcited?" I asked.
"You know when you're all nervcited is when you're so nervous and excited and it's amazing!" she said hugging me.
I hugged her back and then heard Igor announcing that there was a guest in the apartment.
"Hello?" I asked.
"You know, you two should stop fucking and get to the fucking wedding. At least me and Barbara finished." Jacob complained outside.
"Yeah, we're not doing anything, and nice Paul impersonation," I replied.
"I wasn't doing a Paul impression. But I did find out he is a complete fucking dick to my girlfriend, so I might just stop being friends with him"
"That's fine I suppose, but he's your family right? I don't think that you can really stop being family with him," I said.
"Can I come in? I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure, it's fine. Go ahead and come in," I said.
Pinkie snuggled against me as we stood there. I didn't want to even attempt to make her stop. I'd gotten so used to this. To being cuddled, snuggled, and pounced every once in a while.
The door opened as Jacob slid in the room with one of those office rolly chairs with a funny looking mask on. The green hypnotic glasses, fake arrow through the head, and false red rubber nose with handlebar mustache made me snicker.
"Sup." Jacob proudly announced as he continued to roll to the side of our bed.
"Hey, when did you get my welcoming party glasses and head gear?" Pinkie asked as she turned around to see Jacob.
"I've had these for a while now." Jacob said. "Can Pinkie leave? I need to speak with Andy privately."
"I suppose, I'll get everypony together. You two stallions need to hurry," Pinkie said as she walked out.
"Babs doesn't want to be a bridesmare, but she wants me to be a groomscolt. What should I do?"
"Well, how do you feel about being in a dress?" I asked jokingly.
"Wait, what?"
"The bridesmare is in name only. It's a place marker more than anything, and I know that Pinkie isn't going to really care if she wants to wear a tux. It's just having her there is all that's really going to matter to her. She already wants you to be part of it as well, and so do I. Jacob, if Babs is happier in a tux, fine. If she feels better walking beside you, fantastic, just ask her to stand on Pinkie's side," I replied, "Oh, and Pinkie told me about the tux... I'm not sure how she knows, and I'm happy not trying to understand it."
"As long as she's next to me, I'm fine." Jacob said.
"Y'all might want to get a move on it. Pinkie's gettin' a might fidigity down there," Applejack called from the elevator.
Jacob's POV
Oh, shit, it was AJ, my favorite Mane 6. I rolled in the elevator with her, Andy following me, as the door closed.
"You must be Applejack. Babs has told me a lot about you." I said to the orange anthro mare next to me.
"Uh, thank ya... So, Ah guess that we ough ta be gittin' this shindig started," she replied.
The elevator opened as Babs walks in the elevator. She was wearing the orange tux I gave her, and damn she still looks beautiful.
"Oh, hey AJ. I see you've met my coltfriend, Jacob Cromwell." Babs said
"Oh, well it's right nice ta meet ya," she said shaking my hand. Oh my god, her grip was so strong, it made my fucking hand hurt, "So, how long have y'all been datin'?"
"A few weeks." I said. "Our bonding has grown faster than a zap apple tree!" I nudged AJ.
"Y'all know 'bout zap apples?" she asked looking at me.
"Of course, Barbara told me." I said.
The door opened as I slid out with the rest of the party, still in my office chair and mask.
"You're colt friend's a little touched in the head ain't he? Ah mean he's sliding around in that chair, and wearing a git up like Pinkie would to a welcome to Ponyville party," Applejack said.
"Yeah, but besides that he's the sweetest and most caring colt I've ever known," Babs replied.
"Uh huh, well, least he doesn't want to explore the rear entrance to the barn. Ah gotta to talk ta Anthony 'bout that," Applejack said.
"Relax, he isn't abusive or anything." Babs said.
"That's good, and ya don't go lettin' him do whatever he wants just 'cause. Ya be sure that yer okay with it too," Applejack said.
Babs' eye's widened for a moment.
"Like what?"
"I think she means you shouldn't let him be like that prick that owns that one company... Fantastic something," a stallion said as he walked up to Applejack.
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
"So what's up sweetheart?" he asked.
"Jest catching up with ma cousin. Babs, this is Anthony," Applejack said.
I watched her and Babs continue to talk to each other, but when I looked at Anthony I kept thinking about what she had said about rear door of the barn.
"Anthony, this is my coltfriend, Jacob!" She said. We shook hands, and thank fucking Celestia that it wasn't as tight as AJ's grip. I was still sitting down, with the mask and the rolly chair.
Anthony looked at me. His grip might not have been as tight as AJ's but he was a pile of muscle. Like, oh my fucking god, man, he must have been exercising daily. No, minutely.
"So, how did you and your coltfriend meet?" Babs asked.
"Well, it's a long story, and Ah'll tell you 'bout it after the wedding," Applejack said.
"You know, I think that Applejack wanted ta ask if you guys wanted to come visit us out on the farm. We've got the room, and I don't think that Big Mac or Jessica is gonna mind," Anthony said.
"Is Apple Bloom going to be there?" Babs asked.
"Well, kind of hard fer her not to be. Ah mean she's gotta catch the train and ride back with us. If'n y'all wanna talk ta her ah think she's talkin' to Andy's sister. Course though we all ought ta be gittin' ready ta leave. Ah hope that Rars is gonna show. Ah know Pinkie dun said she invited her, but Ah ain't seen hide nor hair of her," Applejack said.
"Where the fuck is Apple Bloom? I need to see her, like, like NOW!" Babs said, full of excitement.
"Well, she was right over there," Anthony said pointing toward a doorway.
(Apple Bloom's POV)
Ah looked at Sarah as she finished fixin' ma hair. Ah grinned as Ah looked at maself in the mirror. Ah got up and looked at ma hair. Ah ain't had ma hair done in a braid like this before. Ah walked toward the door and opened it. When Ah walked outside of the bathroom ma eyes saw the face of ma favorite cousin.
"BABS!" Ah shouted as Ah ran toward her.
"CUZ!" Babs replied as we both embraced into a hug.
The two of us hugged tightly. Ah'd missed ma cousin so bad, and ah was so glad ta see that she was okay.
"Oh my Gosh what cha been doing?!" Ah asked excitedly.
"Uh, sex?"
"Wat."
"UH, I MEAN I'm chilling and stuff. You know how I am." Babs said, her face as red as ma mane.
Ah looked at her fer a second before Ah shook ma head.
"Y'all been doing what ma sis and her coltfriend been doin' ain't ya? They act like they ain't done anything, but Ah can hear 'em from down the hall," Ah said.
"Uh, well, I mea-"
"Yes, yes we have," a young stallion rolled into the room, wearing Pinkie Pie's welcome goggles and arrow, and rolling in an office chair.
"That's yer coltfriend? He ain't touched in the head is he?" Ah asked.
"Why does everyone say I'm fucking touched in the head?" The stallion said. "And yes, I'm Jacob Cromwell, Babs' coltfriend." He held his hand for me ta shake it.
Ah looked at it and then at him. Ah reached out and gripped his hand giving it a firm shape.
"It's nice ta meet ya," Ah said, "Although Ah dun wanna to hear 'bout what y'all been doing. Ah dun wanna know."
"Okay Everypony, we need ta get ready! That limo carriage thing Andy ordered is here... TWI is that you?!" Applejack shouted as Pinkie Pie, Andy, Twilight, and two foals walked in.
Twilight's POV
Pinkie rushed back toward us with a stallion behind her. He looked happy, a little confused, but happy.
"Pinkie I'm glad you want me to be one of your bridemares but, as a princess I can't wear the dress you want me too, I do have to appear at least somewhat official you know." I said feeling a bit sad that I'd had to tell Pinkie that I couldn't wear the dress she had for me, though I had the sneaking suspicion that if I'd actually seen it then I'd likely be glad for my discretion.
"Awww... Okay," Pinkie said her smile fading a little.
Cedric was looking around at all of the various bodies gathered around before there was a loud call for me and I was startled to see Applejack and Applebloom standing there, along with their cousin Babs. "Applejack! Apple Bloom! Babs! Oh thank Celestia you're all here! I was starting to worry when Barb hadn't told me that you were around." She said motioning to the phone in her hand, it was a handy little device that allowed the A.I. in a house to be carried completely autonomously with the home's owner. It was one of the prototypes that Nathaniel Drake had planned to debut before... his passing.
Cedric looked at the farm ponies and city ponies for a moment and shook slightly, he held tightly to my side the entire time.
Stephanie on the other hand was busy speaking with Pinkie about the spare dress. "Look, sorry about mom but she's got this really... wait you probably already know all about her OCD don't you?" The teen asked getting a nod from the mare of the hour.
"Yeah well since mom doesn't want the dress it'd be a shame for it to go to waste right? I mean... sure I'm not exactly mom's size but, I could wear it... if... you... okay that smile is really, really creepy." Stephanie said as she watched Pinkie's smile grow, and grow, and grow before she was dragged off.
"Twilight gotta borrow your daughter so she can wear the dress you didn't want be right back~"
"What?! Pinkie! But... I... gah... so... what have you all been up too?" I said with a sigh as Cedric was laughing silently.
"Well... I met Andy, and then learned that he's actually a really nice stallion, which is really good because I wouldn't want to be with a bad stallion," she took a deep breath, "Then I started getting a combo, and I knew that Applejack was here! So, I invited her to the wedding, and then I got one for you, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Princess Celestia, which is really weird, cause I wouldn't have thought I would get one for her! Oh! And you're gonna love Mr. Anderson! He's such a supernicestallion!"
Pinkie pulled Stephanie out of the room as she closed the door. Andy shrugged.
"I've long since decided not to try to understand, and I've been happy ever since," Andy said.
Twilight nodded. "Yeah, that's about the wisest move you could possibly make with Pinkie." I said with a giggle. "Well it's nice to meet you, I'm Twilight Sparkle, one of Pinkie's friends from back home... I recently moved to the United Kingdom's 091 District to watch over the children of a friend of mine."
"That's quite noble of you," Andy said as another body moved toward them.
"Twi, it's good ta see ya!" Applejack said offering a hug.
I couldn't help it, I squealed and hugged her. "Applejack~ I'm glad you're okay... looks like Pinkie isn't the only one with wedding bells in her future from all the stallions in this room." I couldn't refrain from saying that as I hugged the farm mare.
"Well, Ah gotta admit that Ah kind of like 'im. Though there's times he acts a little slow," she said watching her coltfriend from across the room, "So, are these yer foals?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I took them in after their... parents passed on." Cedric seemed to get sad when I mentioned that. "Cedric, this is Applejack she's one of my best friends."
He looked up at her and blinked twice. "You're tall..."
"Thank ya, ya know, Ah know what it's like to miss yer ma and pa. Yer never gonna stop missin' 'em, but ya don't need ta. Ya jest need ta know that no matter what ya do their gonna be proud of ya," she said as she knelt down to Cedric.
Cedric looked up at her. "Y-You mean it?" he asked moving over to her and looking at her while ringing his hands.
"Course Ah do. Ah know that they're proud, because Ah know that ma folks are proud of me. Granny Smith once told me that our folks never stop lookin' after us," she said.
He nodded and moved over to hug her a smile on his face.
"Aww, he seems to like you Applejack." I said with a warm feeling in my heart.
"Ah like him too," she said.
"Master, it appears the Limo Driver outside is attempting announce his presence via his Digital Assistant. Shall I replay the message?" Igor asked.
"No, but inform him that we'll be out shortly," Andy replied, "Sorry, but it looks like we should go join everyone out there. Twilight, if you want to ride with Pinkie and myself we'll be taking our SUV. There's plenty of room, and I'm fairly certain that Pinkie would be well.. tickled pink to have you come along."
I nodded. "I think that'll be fine, besides it's not like I could say no with how Pinkie dragged Stephanie off." a laugh escaping my throat as I said that.
We were greeted with the sight of Stephanie and Pinkie returning. The dress had been taken in, slightly, and Stephanie's hair had been braided with flowers. Andy stood there, shook his head, and smiled.
"Have fun?" he asked.
"Oh it was AMAZING! Mary was nice enough to take it in, and then I was like we need flowers, so we went over to the flower shop, but they didn't have what we wanted, so then we found Sarah's flower garden! She let us have the roses, and even braided her hair! Doesn't it look pretty?!" Pinkie said bouncing in place.
"She looks lovely sweetheart. I think that our ride is here though," he said.
"I thought we were taking the Expedition... I really wanted to show Twilight it..." she said.
"We're taking it," he replied
"Yay! Twilight you're gonna love it! It's amazing!"
"Oh? Um, well okay. Let's go?" I said a bit nervous at the fact I was going to ride in the big metal carriages that I'd seen riding around.
Pinkie grinned, grabbed Andy's hand, and pulled him up to her side. They walked out leading us toward the other side of the building toward the other side of the brownstone building. Andy opened the rolldown for the garage and there inside was a off shade of pink large metal carriage. Andy walked to it, got in, and rolled it out.
"It's so much fun to ride in!" Pinkie exclaimed as she opened the back doors for us.
Cedric, Stephanie, and I climbed inside with smiles at getting to ride with Pinkie and Andy. "Thanks Pinkie, Andy... so, looks like we're gonna have more time to talk on the way huh?" I felt a bit odd sitting down on the seat but, I was glad that Pinkie said it'd be okay.
The large carriage followed the on in front of it. Pinkie reached into a hidden compartment between the two front seats and pulled out a small dish of chocolates.
"Would you two foals like some chocolate?" she asked.
Cedric nodded and took one. "Yes, thank you Mrs. Pinkie." he said with a smile.
She grinned, looked at me, and put the chocolate up. The carriage turned into a parking lot, and Andy parked it behind the other carriage. Outside, standing near the entrance was two other ponies. Pinkie quickly unstrapped herself from her seat, opened her door, and squealed in excitement.
"Rarity!!!!"
She pounced her, and watching with an amused expression was Princess Celestia.
"Twilight, it's a pleasure to see you," Celestia said,
Babs' POV
Everypony began moving out to the front of Pinkie's and Andy's home. Once we were out the huge limousine parked outside looked amazing. I remember seeing something like this: It was crystal blue, long, and looked something like Andy's Expedition. A driver stepped outside and opened the door.
"Is this the Williams and Pie party?" the driver asked.
"We are fella," Applejack said.
"Well, then I believe that part of you can fit into here," he said opening the door.
Applejack stepped into the limo, and I watched as Jacob followed. He finally got off the rolly chair, but didn't take off his goggles and arrow. I climbed in behind him with Apple Bloom beside me.
"SO," Jacob said, "What's up Apple Bloom?"
"Nuthin' much really. Ah'm ready to see this wedding happening," she said.
"Me too. I'm off work for the week, so I have no idea where we're going to go!" Jacob said.
"Well, Ah think that Anthony offered for y'all to come out to Sweet Nectar Acres! Why dun't y'all do that?! Babs and me can hang out, and Ah know that Big Mac and Anthony would like ta show ya around the farm, and maybe even get ya to help out with the harvesting, if'n y'all want to help out. Course, Ah'm sure that Jess would like some help making some of the preserves and fritters," Apple Bloom said.
"Do you guys still do the Apple Family Reunion?" My coltfriend asked.
"Well, we dun know how many of us are here. Ah mean Pinkie seems ta know, but we ain't got to ask her yet," Applejack replied.
"Well, we at least should have the CMC together again sometime!" I said.
"Ah'd love ta find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo! It'd be so much fun ta see them again!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah..." I said, looking down. "I miss them awfully bad."
"Yer gonna meet 'em eventually. Ah know it," Applejack said.
"I need another cat after this," Jacob said. "My other one got killed, so I might get one after the wedding and Sweet Apple Acres."
"Ah heard Pinkie say that Fluttershy is gonna be at the weddin'. Maybe ya could ask her if'n she has a cat fer ya," Apple Bloom said.
"Well, I was thinking maybe just adopting one at the shelter, but I might ask Flutters." Jacob said.
"Either way would be fine. Ah'm sure that Flutters would be happy to know that a kitten is saved," Applejack said.
"Babs, can you get me my pills? It should be in my pants pocket. I'm kind of have my hands full on my phone" Jacob said to me.
I reached in, but I didn't find the pill bottle, but I found something else that I enjoyed playing with. I tugged on it slightly making him jump slightly. I grinned at his expression.
"I don't think that's it is it?" I asked.
"Babs, not now. Later." He growled at me.
"Awww," I said making a pouty face, "If you really don't want me to do that..."
I found the pill bottle, and handed it to him.
"Here you go," I said sweetly.
I noticed the limo pulling up and stopping. I looked outside to see Pinkie running straight toward another pony.
"I think we're here," I said.
(Pinkie's POV)
I hugged Rarity and heard her let out a short gasp.
"Pinkie, darling, it is quite nice to see you, but I can't really breathe," she said.
"Ooopsie doodle," I said letting up, "It's so good to see you!"
"It's good to see you too, and I was surprised to see the Princess was here," Rarity replied.
"Oh, I felt a combo that told me she was here, and then I thought that I wanted to ask her to come, and she said that she wanted to come and help with the ceremony!" I said happily.
Babs and her coltfriend rushed over to Rarity and I.
"Hey, Rarity!" Babs said to the snow white mare.
"Babs, it's a pleasure to see you again. You've grown into a beautiful young mare, and this is your coltfriend... My... what an interesting choice for wedding attire," she said.
"The bridesmare dress was absolutely horrid. Anyway, this is my coltfriend Jacob."
"Uh, hi," Jacob said, "You must be Rarity." I heard that Jacob really admires Rarity, but not as much as Applejack, which is his favorite pony, aside from Babs, of course.
"Ooooo! We need to say hi to Mr. Anderson! You should all come inside! He's such a super sweet stallion!" I said grabbing Rarity's, Babs', and Jacob's wrists. I pulled them toward the entrance hearing the awkward foot and hoof steps toward the door.
"Jacob, it's a pleasure to meet you," Rarity said.
"Thanks, I, uh, really admire you and your work," Jacob said
"Why thank you dear... Pinkie, would you be so kind as to stop dragging us behind you?" Rarity asked.
"Okie Dokie Lokie! Have a seat over in the party section and I'll go get Mr. Anderson!" I said.
I rushed away from them and rushed into the kitchen where I found Mr. Anderson talking to Donny.
"Pinkie! We've already got started on your cake for you," he said.
"Oh my Gosh I forgot the cake! I can't believe I forgot, but you remembered! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said hugging him.
"Oh! I wanna introduce you to some of my friends!" I said as I pulled him out of the kitchen to where Rarity, Babs, and her coltfriend was still standing and talking.
"Rarity, this is Mr. Anderson! He's super nice, just like Mr. Cake," I said.
"It's a pleasure," he said.
"Thank you, and thank you for kindly allowing Pinkie to use your place of business to have her wedding in," Rarity said.
Jacob was already playing an arcade game, something named 'Donkey Kong Jr.'
"Ah, I see that he's discovered one of the classic machines, and actually we're going to holding the wedding inside of minigolf course," he said.
"10,000 credits and I'll take it." Jacob said to Mr. Anderson. "Unless this isn't for sale. This cabinet did introduce me to classic video games."
"Son, if you're wanting that arcade cabinet, we'll talk, but we're going to have to do it after the reception. I'm busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest," Mr. Anderson said.
"I'm more than happy to discuss this after the wedding." Jacob said as he walked away from the cabinet and to Babs.
"Oh! We should show everypony where we're gonna have the wedding!" I said.
"If you want to I don't mind opening it up, but are we ready to start the rehearsal?" Mr. Anderson.
"Where exactly in the arcade are we taking place? Hopefully we won't do this in front of all these people and machines." Babs said.
"Actually, it's out in the Minigolf course, or inside part of it. Let me tell everypony that we're moving in there," he said.
He turned and walked toward the parking lot of the Arcade.
"This place is awesome!" Jacob said. "I'm SO getting Donkey Kong Junior." Jacob said to Babs.
"Well, how are we going to carry this back to Los Angeles?" Babs asked.
"I dunno, Mr. Anderson will help us." Jacob said.
He comes back into the room and smiles at all of us.
"Well, come along with me," he said.
He led us back outside, and I smiled as I watched Rarity and Babs looked at the entrance of the castle. I grinned knowing what was inside. He opened the door and led us into the huge hallway. I could hear the gasps from both of them. I giggled and snorted as the doors opened revealing the throne room.
"Oh, this is so stunning... It's almost as if you captured the image of Princess Celestia's throne room perfectly," Rarity said.
"I'm at my favorite princess's castle. Teeheehee." Jacob giggled.
Rarity moved around the throne room. She walked toward the walls, touching the stone. I smiled, remembering doing the same thing.
"Woah man... This is pretty cool," a new voice said.
"Derrek? It's good to see you! I see that you decided to wear your ceremonial robe," Mr. Anderson said as he walked toward a bearded stallion in a bathrobe, holding a coffee mug, and wearing sandles.
"Of course man, so, when do we want to run through the rehearsal?" he asked.
"Now would be a good time." Mr. Anderson said. "Everyone is here now, so why not begin right now?"
"Well, alright, let's get this thing started. So... Is this young man the groom?" he asked pointing to Jacob.
"Oh, I hope I'll be a groom soon." Jacob said, confidently. Babs slapped Jacob.
"If you know what's fucking good for you, you'll take that back," Babs said.
"What's good for me?" Jacob asked.
Babs whispered in his ear, "If you want to get laid tonight, or any night for the foreseeable future, you take that back."
I giggled watching them. It's cute seeing them having a little lover's spat.
"Actually, Andy's the groom.... OMIGOSH I FORGOT ANDY!!!!!!!"
I ran out of the room heading back toward the parking lot where Andy had been standing, and I saw him with Princess Celestia, Twilight, Applejack, and Everypony else in the Arcade. I grabbed a couple of them, and I heard somepony say, "It's Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie."
In less time than it took me to get the cupcakes in Maretropolis I had everypony in the throne room.
"My, this is nearly perfect," Princess Celestia said.
I watched as she walked to the throne, moved it over a couple of inches, and then a polite smile crossed her face.
"It's perfect," she said.
Mr. Anderson smiled and gave her a small bow.
"Thank you your highness," he said.
"Okay, that's everypony!"
I watched Jacob as he walked toward Princess Celestia.
(Princess Celestia's POV)
I smiled at the young stallion walking toward me. Most of my little ponies didn't know, or realize that often I could smell what they've been up to. I could smell Babs' scent on him. He stopped and tried to say something. I grinned gently at him.
"So, my little colt, if I'm understanding things correctly you have known one of my little ponies most intimately," I said with a small smirk.
"Y-Yes. I'm Jacob C-Cromwell. I've h-heard so much about y-you..." The stallion stuttered.
"It smells like one of the Apple family, and if I'm to guess it's not Applejack, so perhaps young Barbara isn't it?" I asked.
His eyes widened, and I watched as he dropped over like a bag of oats. I smiled. I've still got it.
I smiled as one of my little ponies rushed to him. She looked up at me and I gave her a warm smile.
"He is fine, and he will awake once he's had a few moments, but perhaps it would be best to make him more comfortable. If this is built like my throne room," I said looking around, "Ah, there it is."
We moved him toward a low lying couch. Once he was on it I touched his head.
"So, my little pony, how long have you and your stallion been together?" I asked.
I can see her get flustered, and for a moment it feels exactly like when I would catch one of my students doing things they would try to get away with. I could tease her more about it, but there isn't real sense in doing so. No, the best thing that I could do, and am doing, is giving her a little nudge.
"Weeks." she said. "As long as I can fully remember moving with him."
Suddenly, the stallion rose out of his faint.
"GOLD NUGGET- oh hey Babs, and Princess Cel...es..." His face was as red as a rose.
I grinned at them both, and I turned my direction toward him. I had teased them both a great deal, and while it was fun, I knew that it was time to settle. We would begin the rehearsal soon.
"Ok, Princess, I like you and all, but please don't mention about me and Babs' little, uh, alone moments..." The stallion said as he got up. His marefriend held his upper body on her, wrapping an arm around each other.
"Wait, she said we...?"
"Fucked, yeah. I guess that's why they call her Trollestia." They both laughed.
"Your secret is safe with me, but if you are her special somepony I would like to put a name with a face," I said watching them.
"What do you mean? I already told you my name, unless you're talking about Babs Seed." The stallion replied.
"No, I just wanted to make sure it was Jacob C...Cro-," I said.
"Cromwell, Jacob Cromwell." He finished, "I'm related to Ronald Cromwell, who used to be a huge part of the Glossman Corporation, until it was taken by some asshole named Michael Davids or some crap like that."
"Ah, Thomas has told me much about the corporations. Hearing about them reminds me quite a bit of the Canterlot Nobles. Some seemed to have good ideals, but for the most part several of them are unforgivingly selfish and single minded," she said.
"After the wedding, we should really have a proper conversation." Jacob said.
"Ok, Jake, let the poor princess be." His marefriend said to him.
I overheard a bit of what they were saying when they were walking away.
"Hey, I love you, babe." Jacob said.
"Love you too, Jake." Babs replied.
I smiled at them. Nowadays, young and loving couples like them are rare. I could tell she's part of the Apple Family, because I saw her with the Cutie Mark Crusaders sometimes, and especially Apple Bloom. There was also the letters that Twilight would forward to me. Friendship reports, similar to the ones I had her do when she came to Ponyville, had been sent to her by the young crusaders. I could remember getting several reports from Babs, her time in Manehattan, and her speaking of the few friends she had made while there. It was good to see her with somepony, somepony as kind and gentle as Jacob, and not an abusive coltfriend.
"Princess? I'd like to introduce you to my two foals," Twilight said as she approached.
"Twilight, it's so good to see you," I said wrapping my former favorite student into a hug.
We stood there for a moment until she finally broke the hug and I looked at both of her foals.
"This is Cedric and Stephanie," she said.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," I replied.
Her little colt acted so cute by trying to hide behind her. I knelt down to eye level with him and grinned.
"You are very special," I said.
He watched me.
"I used to teach very special unicorns how to use their magic, and I helped Twilight with hers," I said.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes, she had so much potential, and I feel that kind of potential rolling off you, off of both of you actually. Listen to her, learn from her, and I promise that if you do you can change the world," I said.
Our attention was caught by the sound of a throat clearing. I grinned, stood, and noticed the unkempt looking holy man calling for our attention.
"It's been, like, brought to my attention that we should get the rehearsal started, so if all of you wouldn't mind taking your places, we'll go ahead... Oh, Ummm... Princess, she's a princess right? Princess, I've been told that you're gonna help do this thing, so come on up here," he said.
I smiled, walked toward him, and watched as he held his empty coffee mug.
(Andy's POV)
Slowly the entire group began getting into where we should be standing. Well, nearly everypony. Pinkie had disappeared, but I expected her to. A moment later I heard the sounds of an organ playing, and the doors opened. Pinkie walked in wearing her wedding gown. She looked stunning. There was no other way to describe her. Beautiful didn't seem to fit what I saw, it was much more than that. She carried herself in a way I had come to expect, and one that I desired. She was happy, excited, and all of it showed through her steps and smile. She came up to the alter and then the Dudist Minister grinned at us.
"The Dude talks about a great many things. He says that love, love is a mystery, and it's one that only the truly brave, or the incredibly stupid, want to try and figure out. So, I find it comforting that we are all a little of both. After all, who isn't just a little stupid and a little crazy when it comes to love?" he asked, "So, in honor of the dude, I'm going to let the Princess do the work now."
Celestia smiled and looked at me.
"Who gives this mare to this stallion?" she asked.
"I do," Mr. Anderson said.
From there we said our vows, and then we broke apart for a few moments for a small break before the wedding.
I smiled as everyone began moving to various parts of the throne room. The group seemed relaxed, and that was good. We needed to be relaxed before the wedding started. I felt a hand touch my own, and I looked at Pinkie. She was happily smiling, watching me, and then looking at everypony else.
"I'm so glad that they could all make our wedding," she said.
"I am too," I replied.
"Oh! Why don't we go out into the arcade?!" she asked.
I nodded, and it seemed that everypony else had the same idea. We began moving out into the arcade. There was a sort of electric feeling once we were out in the Arcade. The feeling only intensified as everypony gathered together.
"I do hope that John can make it," Rarity said looking around.
"Oh, is that your coltfriend?" Pinkie asked.
"I... actually I want to say that he is. He's every bit a gentlecolt, and I do enjoy spending time with him. He's very kind," she replied.
"Aww, we that's real sweet Rars, Ah hope that it works out fer ya," Applejack said.
"Thank you, and I hope that you and beau work out as well," she replied.
"Shucks, Ah ain't worried. Anthony might not lookit, but he's a gentle soul. He jest needs somepony to help him realize what he could be like," Applejack said smiling.
I listened the mares talking and smiled. A moment later a lavendar Alicorn Princess walked near Pinkie and myself.
"Where are you two planning on going for your honeymoon?" she asked.
"Andy found this cruise, and it looks super fun! We get to play dress up in vintage clothes, and everypony gets to act like somepony else that took the cruise the first time! It's so exciting!" Pinkie said.
"That actually sounds like fun. What cruise is it?" Twilight asked.
"It's called the inaugural cruise of the Titanic II," Pinkie replied.
I heard someone crack a joke about icebergs and noticed Jacob trying to look innocent. The chime for the front door went off and then I heard a gasp and a set of hooves rushing toward it. I looked up to see Rarity engulfing somepony into a tight hug.
"I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to make it," she said.
"Naw, I wouldn't leave you to yourself like that," the man said.
"FLUTTERSHY!" Pinkie shouted and bounced toward the butter colored pegasus.
"OHMIGOSH I'M SO GLAD THAT YOU MADE IT!" she exclaimed.
"Did somepony say the Titanic II?" Babs jumped in the conversation.
I nodded and looked at her.
"That's where we're planning on spending our honeymoon. Pinkie liked the idea of dressing up and playing characters from the original cruise. I haven't told her who we got yet," I said.
"Doesn't that sink?" Babs asked.
"The original did, but they claim that everything has been modified for this one. Besides, Pinkie is really looking forward to it," I said.
"During the first few weeks of living with Jake, we watched a couple of movies, most were romance, and one of them was Titanic, which wasn't as significant in my life as this one movie called Xanadu, but that's a whole other can of worms for another day." Babs chuckled. "So how long have you two been together?"
"It's been a few months, but it hardly even seems very long at all. Still, I've never known anyone as kind as she is. Pinkie... Pinkie has shown me more kindness, and happiness, than I've ever known. If I have to spend the rest of my life doing it I'm going to do the same for her,' I said.
I watched Pinkie as she engulfed Fluttershy in a deep hug. The butter yellow Pegasus obviously enduring what I've come to call a Pinkie hug. It's nice to see her so happy and living in the moment. I honestly know without a doubt that I wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be the man I am without her. I honestly don't know where I would be, but I know that I wouldn't be happy. I would have so much worth living for like I do now.
~~~~(Fluttershy's POV)~~~~~
"Fluttershy! I'm so happy you made it! YAY! Oh! I've got introduce you Andy, and your dress! Oh no... I don't know if we have time to get you into your dress!" Pinkie said, "Oooo! That's what it looks like!"
She pointed to Applejack who was coming toward us.
"Uh, Pinkie," I murmured, "is that- really the dress you want me to wear?"
"Yeah, Pinkie," Ark added, "I'm all for Fluttershy looking nice, but this is nice for an exotic dancer, not a bridesmaid."
"What? I thought that it was a pretty dress," she said her hair starting to go flat.
"Well, it is pretty," I explained, "it's just- well, it isn't what I thought a bridesmaid dress would look like."
"And considering the time we have left," Ark remarked, "I dunno if Flutters has the time to get into it. If you ask me it's looks a little loose for her figure. Doncha think, Flutters?"
"Mmhmm," I agreed, "I'd be swimming in that."
"Oh... That's okay then. Well what you're wearing now is very pretty," Pinkie said giving a small smile.
A moment later another stallion walked over. He laid a hand on Pinkie's shoulder.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" he asked.
"I'm fine, I just didn't think about the dresses," she said.
"PINKIE, Darling I love you dearly, but this... Oh I wish that you would have allowed me to design your bridesmare dresses," Rarity said walking out in the same type of dress that Applejack wore.
Her eye was twitching slightly as she smoothed out her sides.
"I thought it was pretty," Pinkie said in a small voice.
"Oh Darling, it is a... well... It's a lovely dress. It really is, but it's not what I would consider wedding attire. I'm sorry, I truly am, and please don't be upset. If you don't mind I shall keep this dress, and perhaps make a few modifications to it?" Rarity asked.
"You mean it?" Pinkie asked looking hopeful.
"Of course I do," she said before looking at me, "Of Fluttershy you are absolutely stunning! Where did you get your ensemble?"
"Oh, we got this in a little shop not far from Union Station in Chicago," I answered, "what was the name of that store Ark?"
"The Canal Street Boutique, if I remember right," Ark sayed, "at the corner of Canal and Jackson. A tiny little place, but really snazzy. Kinda reminds me of the little tailor shop in The Village."
"Oh it sounds absolutely divine! You said it's in Chicago, and at the corner of Canal and Jackson. I shall have to ask John if he minds if we perhaps visit that area. I'd love to see what fashions they have," Rarity committed.
"Oh! I almost forgot! Everypony this is Andy!" Pinkie said excited, the curls returning to her hair.
The stallion that had came over to her waved lightly to everypony.
"It's a pleasure," he said.
"Andy, this is two of my bestest friends Fluttershy and Rarity," she said.
"Fluttershy, Rarity I am honored to meet you. Any friend of Pinkie's is a friend of mine," he said.
"The pleasure's ours," Ark replied, "who knew Flutters had such friends in high places?"
I smiled, knowing Ark is shooting his mouth off; it something he does when he's nervous. I'm feeling rather anxious myself, but it had nothing to do with the crowd or the event.
"I don't either of us really consider to be anypony in high places. I just happen to like to write, and Pinkie is... Well Pinkie is the reason I'm a better man," Andy replied, "Miss Fluttershy, you look a little distressed, are you okay? Would you like something to drink, or a quiet place to sit down for a few moments? I know how hard it is being an introvert and being out in public."
"Oh, no, I'm fine," I lied, "if anypony should be distressed, it's Pinkie. She's getting married in under- what? an hour, maybe two?"
"Far less than an hour... Actually in the next fifteen minutes... We're gonna need to start heading into the ceremony area," He replied.
"Oh you're gonna love it! It's so pretty!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.
Pinkie began leading us, all of us, toward the outside. When we stepped out I could see the minigolf course we were walking through right up until we stood in front of the castle doors. They opened and inside was far different than I expected! It was huge; the hallway looked like part of Canterlot castle. She led us through the hall, opened the door at the far end, and I could see Princess Celestia's throne. It was her throne room, it was like standing in a piece of our home. I felt my hands wrap around Ark's arm.
"It's it amazing?!" Pinkie asked bouncing in place.
"I've died and gone to brony heaven..." Ark whispered.
"Ark, what's a brony?" I asked.
"Tell ya later," Ark replied, "once I stop fargasming..."
There's a slight clearing of a throat and I noticed almost everypony looking toward the sound. There, standing near a stallion in a bathrobe, is Princess Celestia.
"Are we nearly ready to begin?" she asked, and then she notices both Rarity and myself and smiles a motherly smile toward us.
"Ohmyfuckinggawd, it's Princess Celestia," Ark muttered, then he drops to his knees in a worshipful manner, "WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!"
"HALLELUJAH!" Jacob randomly shouted and joined Ark. "INSERT WAYNES WORLD REFERENCE HERE! INSERT WAYNES WORLD REFERENCE HERE!"
"Oh dear, I really didn't expect to see this happening," she said as she walked toward me, "Are they well?"
"Well, Ark is fine, I think," I answered, "the other stallion, I don't know."
"I HAVEN'T TAKEN MY PILLS YET! 14 MORE HOURS AND I GO INTO MURDEROUS RAMPAGE MODE!" Jacob shouted again. Babs threw a pill bottle at Jacob's head as he took two pills and swallowed them dry. "Ok, I'm better now."
"My... what an interesting outburst. I shall keep my promise of keeping an eye on you, and perhaps I shall ask Thomas to see about helping you to find longer lasting medication," she replied before walking back toward the throne.
"Nah, I'm fine. I just haven't taken them since the way over here." Jacob patted Ark on the back and said, "You good." then sat back down with Babs.
"I'm- good?" Ark asked hesitantly.
"Wayne's World, remember?" Jacob said.
"Wayne's- World?" Ark asked bemused, "I have no idea what you're on about, bub."
"Either you're sarcastic or incredibly stupid." Jacob facepalmed.
"Yeah, I agree," Babs said. "You're still getting slapped though." and she did.
Ark laughed, "I'd buy that for a dollar!"
"Anyway, it looks like everybody's here, so do we want to start this thing?" the Dudist minister asked.
"Fluttershy... you still want to be in my wedding right? I mean you and your coltfriend?" Pinkie asked.
"Oh, yes," I replied, "I would be my honor."
"Thankyou! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" she rambled quickly, We should take places!"
Babs stands up "AH, FUCK THIS! I WANNA BE A BRIDESMARE TOO!" She ran to where Pinkie and I were.
"YAY!" she shouted before gathering me, Babs, Twilight, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Rarity into a tight hug.
"I'm still wearing my tux, even thought I might stand out." Babs said.
"I don't care because I've got my family and friends doing this with me! Okay Mr. Man we're ready!" Pinkie shouted.
The Dudist Minister looked at everypony, smiled and held up his coffee mug.
"The Dude talks about a great many things. He says that love, love is a mystery, and it's one that only the truly brave, or the incredibly stupid, want to try and figure out. So, I find it comforting that we are all a little of both. After all, who isn't just a little stupid and a little crazy when it comes to love?" he asked, "So, in honor of the dude, I'm going to let the Princess do the work now."
(Pinkie's POV)
I smiled and giggled as I stood outside the door. I love moving away when ponies aren't paying attention and then popping back up, but right now I'm standing with Mr. Anderson. I smiled brightly as he looped his arm through my own.
"You ready?" he asked.
I nodded. My mama had told me that getting married was one of the scariest things she had ever done. It was scary because her and Daddy had been promised to each other, but never met until after they married. This was different. I knew Andy, and I love him. I love him more now than I did before. I walked with Mr. Anderson into the throne room. I saw all of my friends, my family, and my soon to be family. We walked to the front of the room and I stood near Andy.
"Who gives this mare to be married?" Princess Celestia asked.
"I do," Mr. Anderson replied.
"Thank you," she said as he stepped away, "Marriage is a sacred bond. Like our friend here said it is often the foolish and the courageous that attempt to understand love, and also like he said I am thankful that most of us fall into this category," She said.
(Andy's POV)
Nervous doesn't even begin to describe what I was feeling. The wedding wasn't huge, and I knew partly that was for me, but right now I'm ready to be married. I'm ready to take Pinkie, go on our Honeymoon, and spend the next several days just being with her.
"I understand that you've both prepared your vows, Ms Pie, if you'd like to go first," Princess Celestia said.
"Andy, I never knew that I could love somepony as much as I love you. It's like my party cannon exploded inside of me and left me with nothing but happiness, giggles, and love. I want you to know that I will be there to help you shoulder our burdens, that I will carry carry any weight we come across. I promise to be true to you, to give you every part of me, and to always keep you in my heart," she said.
"And Mr. Williams?" Princess Celestia asked.
"Pinkie, I never knew what happiness was before I met you. I seriously didn't. I thought that the most I could hope for, the most I could even expect to see was a life alone. Instead you came into my life, and you turned on my life. You helped me find my happiness, and you've reminded me every single day that I'm loved. I plan on spending the rest of my life, every second of it, trying to show you how much you are loved," I said.
(Ark's POV)
The wedding started and I sat watching. Apparently, my little deity worship caused my left leg to short out. I had to bow out as a groomsman, but considering the view I have of Fluttershy in that dress of hers, I consider it a noble sacrifice. Just about everypony here looks good; Pinkie looks radiant in her wedding gown, although I think Scores is gonna want it back. Princess Celestia is looking exceptionally beautiful and seems to make the entire hall that much more brilliant. Her consort, Mr. Rider, looks smart in his tux. That kid with Babs Seed is looking a little calmer than he was before, but is still dapper in his penguin suit. I'm beginning to feel a little undressed, considering one of my legs is charging back in the arcade.
I set my MotoXX to vibrate so I wouldn't interrupt the ceremony. I was certain that if anything of vast importance were to come my way, I could handle it after the wedding, maybe during the reception. When it does vibrate, I'm more than a little surprised. I pull it out from my inner waist coat pocket and glare at it. To my confusion, it's Tolstoy and another digital assistant blowing up my phone.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me..." I murmured.
"I know you're looking at everyone, Mr. Wayne's-World-Referencer." The kid said to me. "I've known you for 2 years, and all you ever do is stare at woman and shit."
"Quiet kid," I growl, "you're fucking up the ceremony."
"I think you need some meds as well. You're always grumpy."
"I got meds," I replied, sotto voce, "what I need is a DA that doesn't endless annoy the fuck out of me. Fuck me, I picked a helluva a day to quit drinkin'..."
"Ok then, Mr. Grumpy Pants." the kid went back. Man, he is fucking annoying. Even though we were friends for 2 years, he always had a tendency to talk on and on, but I was always drunk, so I tolerated it. Now, I don't think I can handle it anymore.
"Listen, Jake, I've had a pretty damn rough day today," I answered back, "between the Dissonance assholes at the station to some buttfuck who was harassing fluttershy, I've had to put up with a lot of shit. So, please, please do me a solid, and stop trying to fix me. What is broken on me, you can't fix."
"Fine, asshole." Jacob said without looking at me.
"Glad to see you can civil, kid," I murmur, "now what int he doodlyfuck is my DA doing?"
I glance back at the screen and I can see the messages these that "Igor" and Tolstoy have been exchanging. Oh, fuck, Tolstoy, why oh why do you gotta be such a douchebag sometimes.
Tolstoy told Igor that he needed to update his subroutines because he was blatantly inefficient. Igor confessed that he has no clue what Tolstoy is talking about. Tolstoy "laughed," and dissed Igor on his simplistic nature. Igor "sounded" irate that Tolstoy considered him "simple" when he's the most powerful AI on the market. Tolstoy "laughed" again, this insinuating that "on market" is a euphemism for "failure." Yeah, I've had it with these two. I entered into the convo.
You should be one to talk, Tolstoy. You're a modified house assistant. Given how much you've been overclocked, it's wonder you haven't blown your core, yet!
My Lord! Tolstoy protested, That is privileged information!
Igor issues an LOL.
Serves you right, Tolstoy, I said, Next time, you keep your virtual mouth shut.
Yes, milord, Tolstoy relented, I shall return to my nucleus, where things make sense.
And then he was gone.
"Thank the maker," I whispered, "that's one last annoyance I can worry about."
(Jacob POV)
After dealing with that asshat of a 'bar buddy', I just stood there and contemplated for a moment. I put on my earpiece, which was my only direct contact with my Paul McCartney.
"Paul," I murmurred. "are you able to change into any other member of the Beatles?"
"I am able to alter my personality profile into Richard Starkey, George Harrison, and John Lennon, but if I may ask, have I done something to upset you?"
"Nono, it's just I don't want to confuse you with my asshole cousin, Paul. Change into John Lennon, please." I ordered.
"Of course, it has been a pleasure serving you."
"All you need is love, love sweet love. What is your command?" John Lennon asked.
"Uh, don't say that, first of all. Second, what CAN you do?"
"Well, looking at how you used my former band mate I'm a little surprised that he was reduced to being an answering machine. We can do so much more. I can operate your home, set security details, organize your calendar, and even ensure that your shopping is done for you. I am a personal assistant that needs little to no supervision," he replied.
"Can you send text messages to my contacts?" I asked.
"Sir, I can do far more than that," he replied, "Why I could send them detailed emails, open up virtual representations of yourself to relay the message. Your word is my command."
"Just send a text to Babs asking if she wants to go grab a bite to eat at a restaurant." I said. "If she replies, suggest a really fancy restaurant for me, and also text Apple Bloom to remind AJ that I'm coming with them back to Sweet Nectar Acres tomorrow morning."
"Of course sir. Should the lady agree how Ryan's Seafood Palace sounds? It seems to be the most expensive restaurant in the area?" he asked.
"What's the pricing?"
"It begins at fifteen credits per plate, sir," he replied.
"Damn, alright. Has Babs replied yet?"
"She did sir, and I have suggested it since you said it was fine to do so," he replied.
"Tell Ark that I'm sorry for annoying him and invite him and Flutters along to dinner. Tell him it's a double date." I said as everyone was walking out to the arcade.
"Consider it done sir. The message has been delivered as you requested," he said.
"Is there any other places that we can go that's cheaper?" I asked,
"Besides Ryan's Seafood Palace there is an Olive Garden, a McDonalds, and a place called Roy's whole beef bar-b-que. Although with your significant other being most a vegetarian, I would stay away from it," he replied.
"If Ark has said he wants to join, then make reservations for four at Ryan's." I said as I walked over to Babs, who was talking to Apple Bloom. I'm guessing the wedding is over, but the after party is beginning.
"Hey, babe." I said over Babs shoulder. "Hey, Apple Bloom."
"Howdy Jacob, Babs been tellin' me all 'bout ya," she said.
"Like what?"
"Nothing specific," Babs said rubbing a hoof into the carpet.
"Nu huh! You dun said that he's really good at m...." Apple Bloom started to say before Babs covered her mouth, "Nothing!"
"Was she going to say maaaasturbaaaaaation?" I laughed.
Babs let go of her mouth and shook her head, "Go ahead," she nearly whimpered in embarrassment.
"She said that you're really good at munching carpet, but Ah dun't know what to think 'bout that! Ah mean Ah ain't never met anypony who actually ate carpet," she said glancing at me.
"What's 'munching carpet'?" I asked.
"Ummm... If Apple Bloom doesn't know what it is I don't think that I otta be the one to tell her about it. Maybe we should leave that to Applejack or somepony else," Babs stammered.
"Awww... But what if'n it's something Ah can get ma cutie mark in?" she asked.
"Nope! Little cous, I dun think that's something you're gonna ta end up doing," Babs said quickly.
"If this is a scheme to have a threesome with your cousin, then no. She's underaged. Besides, you haven't answered my question on WHAT THE FUCK IS MUNCHING CARPET?"
She quickly smacked me, and looked at me pretty harshly.
"Dude, no. Just...Just no." Babs said. "I can't believe you'd say that... I'd never want to do that to Apple Bloom..."
"Ohhhhh, NOW I know what munching carpets is. Look, you going to dinner or not?"
"Sure, that'd be fine," she said.
I hugged Babs. "Sorry for what I said earlier, I'm just fucked up and my meds are slowly kicking in."
"It's okay, let's just enjoy ourselves, okay?" she asked.
"Alright," I quickly kissed Babs, "I love you."
"I love you too," she said when we broke apart. She leaned in to kiss me again, her tongue dragging across my lip. I felt her hand moving down my back, and slight grope. She practically purred for a moment.
"I made reservations for 4 at Ryan's Seafood Palace, and seeing as how me and Ark hate each other now, I decided to invite Rarity and John with us. Is that ok with you?"
"Sure, that's fine with me, but we might want to ask them to make sure it's fine with them," she said with a small giggle.
We turned to see Pinkie getting ready to throw the bouquet.
"You wanna get out of here and ask Rarity and John?" I asked.
"Sure, but we're going to have to wait until after somepony catches that thing," she said pointing to Rarity in the crowd.
"You should go and try to catch it, though I see no point of doing it."
"I got what I want right here, why would hearing a few words make any difference?" she said leaning her head on my shoulder, "I'm happy."
"Me too." I said, putting my head on hers. "Let's just watch."
(Fluttershy's POV)
There was a growing excitement in the air as Pinkie readied herself to throw the bouquet. I stood apart from the other mares; I didn't want to directly compete for something like that. While it would be nice if catching the bouquet meant I was meant to marry Ark, I didn't want some silly ritual define our future. Ark was standing with me; he was holding onto one of my hands.
It was the simplest of gestures, something innocent and sweet. The thought of his fingers wrapped up in mine sent the blood coursing to my face. Ark- There is more to him than most ponies see. Sure, he can be gruff and is often profane... I don't think he meant anything by it. He's a good stallion and I'm lucky that he's my friend. I still don't know where I grabbed the courage to peck his cheek. Given the surprised look on his face, I think he didn't know where plucked it, either.
"What was that about?" Ark asked.
"Oh, because," I replied, "you looked like you needed it."
"Oh," was Ark's simple reply.
I returned my gaze to Pinkie. Her hand is falling with the bouquet in it, then it comes back up. She released the flowers at the top of her swing and every single mare, save Twilight, Jessica, and myself, are in the thick of it. There's a lot of pushing and shoving; so many unkind words... Then something happens that I never expected. The bouquet flies clear of all the mares and comes careening towards me!
I squeaked loudly; my eyes close instinctively. Then there's something like a brush in my arms.
"Uh, Flutters," Ark called, "you should really open your eyes."
I did so and to my surprise there was Pinkie's bouquet, resting in my arms.
"Um, yay?" I whispered.
"Yay! Flutters you caught it! I was hoping that you would! Ooooo... Andy we're in front of everypony," Pinkie said as she felt Andy lifting her dress a little.
"I have to throw your garter sweetheart," he said.
"Well... WOW!" she shouted as his head disappeared up under the dress and a moment later he was pulling the garter down by his teeth.
When Andy finally removed the garter from Pinkie's thigh, he whipped into the air from his teeth. The lacy garment sailed through the air, on a direct approach for Ark's head. When it landed on his crown, Ark looked around, utterly confused. I then point to the object resting on his head. When he grabs it, he looks at it with a stupor that quickly turns into a mild panic.
Ark whispered, "Fuck me..."
(Twilight's POV)
I smile at both of my foals. My little Cedric is being so good in the audience, and Stephanie is behaving so well as a bridesmare. I look toward Celestia. It's so hard not think of her as Princess Celestia. She told me that she'd be willing to take progress reports for both of them, and I'd love to get them. I then look at Andy and Pinkie. The two of them kissing for the first time as husband and mare.
I smile watching them, remembering Cadence's own wedding, and wondering why she couldn't make it. I look around and notice a strange looking older stallion wearing a red and black uniform of some kind. His sunglasses are hiding his eyes... I recognize those sunglasses. He claps as everypony else starts clapping.
I couldn't run after him, but I know I know him! It has to be him! I watch as everypony begins to follow Pinkie and Andy into the Arcade. The stallion waits until it's just me, Celestia, and himself.
"Well, that was fun wasn't it?" the most familiar voice asked.
"D.... Discord?" I asked.
He laughed, took his true form, and grinned at us.
"It's good to see you, both of you, but I've got so much to do! I had to make sure that my project was working, but it is and I couldn't be happier! Tell Fluttershy hello for me!" he said before he poofed out of existence.
"I don't know if we should tell Fluttershy or not," I said.
"For now... I say we keep this between us," Celestia agreed.
(Pinkie's POV)
I smiled at everypony as we left. The cake was awesome, and Andy said that we needed to keep the top part of it frozen for a year, and eat it on our anniversary. Apparently it's an old custom here, and it brings good luck to the couples that do it. I want us to have good luck! So I made sure not to eat any of the top yet.
We fed each other, oh, we had a little food fight, but we ended up feeding each other nice like. When we finished we took Sarah, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Anthony, Jessica, big Mac, Twilight and her foals, Princess Celestia, and her coltfriend. back to our home. We told Babs, Jacob, Rarity and John that they were welcomed to stay the night as well. That way they could get a fresh start in the morning. Rarity gave us hers and John's wedding gift to us. They gave us free train tickets for Neigh, I mean New York. I was so excited! We got home, and both of us grabbed our bags, and everypony wished us a fantastic trip. I smiled at them, and we called a taxi, waited, and was ready to go on our honeymoon.
"I love you, so very much," Andy said as he kissed me.
"I... I love you too," I said as tears streamed down my face.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing, I'm just so happy! I know it sounds silly... I'm always the party pony, but I've never been this happy. It's like my body doesn't know what to do," I said through a smile.
"It's fine Pinkie, I'm that happy too. I'm more than happy. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives," he said.
(Discord's POV)
I watched the first couple from my project. This was chaos working with harmony. I let out a sigh. Everything was working perfectly. Now, I could only hope that everypony had as good of luck as Pinkie.
(Twilight's POV)
I couldn't sleep. I just couldn't, and I didn't want to stay any longer than I needed to. It was sweet of Pinkie and her husband Andy to offer their home for us to rest in, but something was bothering me, and I needed to think over it. I gathered my foals, focused on our home, and teleported us there.
When we arrived I was starving. Using that much magic wasn't difficult, but it was draining. Still it kept circling in my head. The very words Discord had said was repeating over and over.
"Mum, are you okay?" Cedric asked.
"I'm fine, I bet that the both of you are exhausted huh?" I asked.
"I'm..." Stephanie yawned, "Fine."
"uh huh... I'm a little tired too," I admitted.
"Oh, can we order out? Chinese maybe?" Cedric asked.
I smiled at him. It was a guilty pleasure, but I agreed. I hated to admit it but I couldn't focus on cooking. Instead we ordered from a local restaurant. I smiled watching them eat. We talked, and Stephanie seemed to have loved the wedding. She thought the Dudist Minister was kind of funny, and I agreed. After a bit they both went to bed, and I looked at the wall.
"What in all of Equestria did he mean by Project? What project?!" |
I see Pink | The Life and Times of a Brony or I don't want to miss you | I See Pink
The Life and Times of a Brony or I don't want to miss you
A Pinkie Pie Romance
(Oklahoma City, Mercy Hospital, 2112)
(Pinkie Pie's POV)
The sound of the heart monitor echos in the hospital room. I look at Andy as he lies there sleeping. Gently I touch his head and smile at him. Nearly sixty years, I've spent nearly sixty years with this stallion, and he's still just as special today as he was the day we met. I hear the door opening and I see a small puffy pink haired foal looking in. I smile as my grand foal walks toward us. Strawberry walks in behind her and scoops her up into her arms.
She smiles at the little pegasus in her arms and then walks toward us. She takes a seat near me and looks at her father.
"How's Dad doing?" she asks.
"He's resting," I reply gently stroking his thinning mane, "He gave me and your little sister a big scare last night."
"I heard from Lemon that he was doing too much again. Didn't the doctor say something about that?" she asks.
I nod and lean over to kiss him. I feel him stir slightly and I watch as his eyes open.
"Oh, there you are," he says before meeting my lips.
I give him a small hug. I want to wrap him into a tight one, but he has become so frail. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes me for all he is worth. I squeeze a little tighter, but I didn't give him a Pinkie Pie hug as he calls them.
"I saw Sarah earlier," he says.
I feel the fear bubbling up inside, and I gently laugh. Giggling at the ghosties helps more than anything else, and besides, it dosen't bother me that he saw her. It dose't bother me because Sarah would never hurt him.
"Dad how? Aunt Sarah's been dead for three years," Strawberry says.
"I don't know, but she was here, or I think she was. She said that everything's been sat in place for us," he says looking at her.
"Okay, you're scaring me a little bit," Strawberry said as she walked closer to him.
(Strawberry's POV)
I look at my Daddy as he apologises to me for scaring me. I know he isn't trying to, but the idea that he has actually seen, or believes he seen, Aunt Sarah is scary. I feel Butterfly fidget in my arms. I gently coo to her, rocking her softly, trying to get her to stop being so fussy, but she has seen her grandpa, and right now she wants him. He holds out his arms, and I look down at him with uncertainty. I know that Dad would never hurt her, but he is so weak right now I'm not sure if he can safely hold her.
"Sweetheart, I'm strong enough, and I really want to hold my granddaughter," he says.
I give him a small smile, something I know he loves to see, and I gently pass Butterfly to him. She instantly quiets down, and settles on his chest. The door opens and I hear a far too familiar voice quietly saying a line I've heard a million times, and I look forward to hearing a million times more.
"Heeeeeelllllllooooooo Nurse," Nicholai whispers as he nears me and nuzzles my neck, right before he brushes my back with his wing tip. I leaned against him, and I enjoyed the moment of not having to be the strong one.
"How are you doing, son?" Daddy asks him.
"Good, Everypony wants to come up and see you," he says looking at my Daddy.
"They should," Daddy says as he nuzzles my daughter.
"Papa," she coos quietly.
"Papa loves his little darlin'," he says quietly.
She snuggles close to him happy to be held.
"Want to come to gramgram?" Mom asks.
She shakes her head and buries her face into my Daddy's chest. It's obvious that she wants to be with him. Her small wings gently strokes his chest, and I watch as my daughter tries to sooth her Papa. It's almost like she knows what is happening.
"You know... I really do think of you as one of my parents, both of you are," Nicholai says as he touches my Daddy's foot.
"I think of you as my son, well my other son," he says without sounding sad.
I look at the door and I know that right now Onyx is out in the waiting room, crying, holding on to his husband, and that he can't handle being in here right now. He's scared out of his mind at the prospect of losing our Dad, our Daddy.
(Nicholai's POV)
The old man was looking worse. Don't get me wrong, I loved the guy and I wouldn't be married to the most beautiful pony on earth if he didn't like me in some fashion. But still, seeing him there, wasting his last moments in this mortal coil... It breaks my heart, it really does. My mama told me that when somepony is sad or sick, the best thing you can do is be there for them. Well, it's my father-in-law. He doesn't look good, but his wife, she's another story. She's trying to hold on, I can see that even here. Straws is trying to be like her, too. It just... its unfair. Today is one of those days where I miss Uncle Discord.
"Hey, Straws," I whisper, "you want I should do my thing?"
"I dunno, Nicky," Strawberry replies, "it's kinda confined in here, don't you think?"
"Find me a roller chair, preferably one without any arms," I explain, "I can spin around until the Boom goes off. Hell, I don't even need to be in the room. I can be down the hall; the effect should hit everypony on this floor."
"Okay," Straws says, "just be careful. This is the hospice floor. I don't think they'll take too kindly to you creating a sonic boom inside the building."
"I'll be very careful," I reply, "just gimme five minutes."
I giggle a little as I step out of the room. I've done my Sonic Tickleboom before for Andy. Momma Rainbow Dash was rather surprised that I was able to do something like that. She had a time trying to explain to Mama that the sudden bout of ticklish she had was from me. I didn't even knew I did it! I was so in the zone, with the speed and the wind blowing through my mane and all... In short, I set all five boroughs of New York City into massive giggle fits. Totally worth it.
I've experimenting for years, trying to duplicate the effect in other ways. The spinning chair effect was my most successful attempt. Man, you should have seen my co-workers. Even my hardass boss, Mr. Dinozzo, was rolling around on the floor, laughing his ass off. I didn't know people or ponies could do that... It did help when Butterfly was smaller; I do a spin in this old task chair we have back at the house, and then, as soon as I was up to speed, BOOM!, and the entire neighborhood would be chortling like mad! Oh, there'd be a few neighsayers, complaining about the noise. But I'd take the noise to a gloomy day, anytime!
Just my luck, this floor has no spinny chairs. So, I hop an elevator and ride down a floor. My luck does better here, because there's some conference rooms in here and plenty of roller chairs to use. Now to find one without arms...
"Excuse me," asks a passing security guard, "just what are you doing here?"
"Oh, uh, I'm here," I start, "to find a chair."
"There are plenty of chairs upstairs, you know," the guard says, "so you best get up there."
"I know," I reply, plopping into a nice microfiber chair, "but they aren't as much fun."
And then I'm spinning and spinning... This would be the point where I'd make like Aunt Pinkie and repeat the myself silly. I feel silly, and for good reasons, but I don't want to ape my aunt's schtick. As Aunt Rarity is fond of saying, "That would be uncouth."
"Hey!" the guard shouts over my joyous laughter, "stop that!".
"I'd- like- to- see- you- try!" I declare.
I'm getting there, I'm getting there! I'm almost as speed now... I can see the sound barrier building up around, trying to wall my in and keep from from shattering it into a thousand sighing pieces. Ha, like I'd let that stop me! So I just keep spinning... Just keep spinning... Spinning, spinning, spinning, spinning! Wait a minute... Here it comes!
BOOM!
Ah! That feels good! I wonder if this what Straws feels like when she orgams... I should ask her...
(Andy's POV)
There's a feeling of tickling and joy spreading through me, and I silently thank my son-in-law. I can see Pinkie giggling, tears finally streaming down her face. This is going to be so hard on her. I reach out my hand and taker hers into it.
"It's okay," I say.
"No it's not..." she whimpers.
She's finally breaking down, the weight of it finally getting to her, and she kisses my forehead.
"I want you to stay, forever and ever," she says as the tears cut small valleys in her pink fur.
I gently stroke her back, feeling her move from kissing my forehead to nuzzling me and Butterfly. I can see her looking up and motioning for Strawberry to come over. My daughter touches my side, and then she gathers all of us into a hug. It's tight, but not enough to hurt Butterfly, or myself.
"Daddy, you're going to get over this right? I mean... I remember when that guy shot you... You're gonna beat it, right?" she asks.
"Sweetheart, this is just the way things happen. Remember when I used to read you Charlotte's Web? It's kind of like that. Remember what Charlotte said to Wilbur? 'After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die.' I wish that I could make it until all of you have grandfoals of your own," I reply, "I really wish I could see your brother."
"I know... but... Daddy he's scared. Onyx hasn't ever been this scared before," she whispers.
"Remind him to giggle at the ghosties," I say.
"This isn't ghosties," Pinkie mumbles as she holds me.
They slowly let go, and I look at them. So much love fills me for them.
"I know, but it is part of life sweetheart," I say.
I look toward the door, and I close my eyes. I know he's in love, and that his special somepony loves him very much. I know that he's got a shoulder to cry on, but I really, really wish that I could tell him that I am so proud of the stallion he's become, and that I will always love him.
(Nicholai's POV)
"Hey, Oxy," I greet.
"Hey, Tickles," Onyx returns, "the whole fam's in there, huh?"
"Eyup," I quip, "did you get hit, too? I see your face is flushed."
"Hehe, yeah," Onyx replies, "thanks for that. I- I dunno, Tickles. I've never been more scared... Papa's dying, and I-"
"Say no more, man," I say, "I was like that, too, when Aunt Rarity passed."
"How did you cope?" Onyx asks, "How do you get over being scared and death and living with the fact you'll never see them again?"
"I'd like to say that I coped looking at the bottom of a vodka bottle," I tell the frightened Earth satyr, "but I didn't. Auntie meant worlds to me, but I know that, given all that she'd been through, she deserved a rest. That, and when I look at her foals and grandfoals, I can see her face, her wisdom, her charity... She's not really gone. She's passed on who she is into others. Your papa, he did the same for you and Straws."
He looks at me and shakes his head.
"I... I know, but what if he passes tonight. When I wake up tomorrow he's going to be gone. He's been here my entire life," he says before the stallion beside him nuzzles his neck gently and strokes his side with a wing.
"And it's okay cuddle bear. Your Daddy loves you, and he actually likes me. I kind of expected him to freak out when we told him about us," Blu says.
The son of Soarin' and Cheerilee holds him and looks up at me.
"Nicholai, don't you think that Onyx should go in and see his dad?" he asks.
"Yeah, he should," I say, "ain't nothin' worse than missing a chance to say goodbye. I did that with Dandelion-"
"I'm sorry," Onyx says before he gets up and wraps me into a tight hug.
"Maybe... Blu, Tickles, would you both mind to go in with me?" he asks.
"Ya ain't even gotta ask," I say, "besides, I think I may need to pry a certain little filly outta your daddy's arms."
Onyx asks, "Butterfly's in there?"
"Eyup," I answer, "and if I know my filly, she's gonna wrapped up tight on Pappy's arm, leg, or whatever she can wrap her tiny wings about. Come on, yer daddy ain't dyin' any slower."
"Tickles!" Onyx pouts.
"Oi, Oxy," I retort, "you gotta relax some! You keep up like this, and your tail is gonna fall out! Hey, Blue, you want I should tickle your hubby with my wings, or do you wanna do it?"
"Do what with your what?" Onyx asks.
"I got him," Blue says, winking at me, "you save your feathers for Straws," then as an aside, "featherbrain."
I can hear Onyx giggling madly as his husband swipes his primaries over his arms; that stallion was always rather ticklish, notwithstanding anything my Tickleboom could do.
(Andy's POV)
I smile as my son walks in the door. Having Lemon here would be perfect, but our youngest was in the hospital herself. Somewhere, in Texas, she had just given birth to another grandfoal of ours. I smile knowing that I got to see the picture of the newest member of the Marshall household. The little purple haired, with a pink stripe, unicorn colt was beautiful.
I feel Onyx touch my shoulder.
"I love you son, I love you and I'm proud of the stallion you've become. I'm always going to be proud of you and love you," I said.
The doors open again and I notice two sets of guards. One Equestrian, and the other human coming inside. My family steps back and I look at her. I look up to see the last President of the United States who was nominated, and took advantage of the change in the law to remain president. No more term restrictions, and for once, that oversight by the Obama administration hadn't been abused by a power hungry politician. Instead Celestia had taken the job, and she had done quite a bit of good with it.
"How are you Princess? I'm surprised that you came to see me," I say.
"How could I not come see a dear friend, and one who fought so hard to ensure that we received the same rights and privileges as anypony else," she replies, "What did the doctors say?"
"I'm old, and I'm dying. It's just part of the human condition," I say with a small laugh.
"It's not funny," Pinkie says, her muzzle wrinkling.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, I truly am," I replies.
"Why do you have to go?" she asks.
"It's just how we are... Our ancestors... If they wouldn't have been so short sighted about magic... Maybe things would be different," I say.
"You know, it doesn't have to end this way," a familiar voice says.
I watch him walk into the room. There's a Cheshire grin on his face as he nears me.
"Discord, how are you doing?" I ask.
"Good, I suppose. You know you're exactly the kind of pony, or person, whatever, that I was thinking about when I had my little talk with Celestia. You remember don't you?" he asks her.
"Yes, and you were right. They are a great people, and they did want to be. All it took was a light to guide them. But what do you want Discord?" she asks.
(Discord's POV)
"Oh, Celestia, I have everything I could ever want right now." I say, "but, if I may say so, being an entity of pure chaos and an unlimited lifespan, I feel the need to intervene on what I feel is a right tragedy."
"A tragedy?" Celestia asks.
"Yes," I reply, "as you know, Tia, Equestrians live longer than humans because of their innate magic. Unicorns get a little more because they can add to their mana reserves ad nauseum, but you get the point."
"And what does this do with Andy?" Pinkie asks.
"Well," I start, "you see, after what happened to my good pal Arkady, I gots me to thinkin'. I thought, 'What if I could use my magic, just a teensy, tiny bit of it, and essentially convert a human into an Equestrian? I could merge the Human aspects into the Pony aspects and BOOM! They'd have enough magic to make them last as long as an Equestrian does."
"And for what purpose," Celestia questions, "surely you can't be serious about making such a wild transformation."
"Yeah," answers one of Fluttershy's foals, Nicky, I think, "Dad's transformation was an accident. The Ambrosia shoulda ripped him apart at the molecular level."
"You are right, Young Nicholai," I reply, "given that your father was exposed to twice the normal amount of Equestrian magic, your father's near death remade him into the pony he is today! He'll live as long as your mother does," then as an aside to Celestia, "Oh, Tia, I am serious, and don't call me Shirley."
She actually giggled at my joke. The first time in quite some time that she's smiled.
(Andy's POV)
I look at the love of my life and see renewed hope in her eyes. She's looking into my soul, and I know I can't deny her. I never could. My life stopped being my own when she came into it. I don't even want to think about where I would be, without her.
"Do it," I say.
Discord's smile becomes wider, and he snaps his fingers. For a brief moment I feel a gentle warmth, and then pain. It feels like my very bones are on fire. I let out a scream, and then I felt two arms holding me. For a moment there was a blinding light, and then darkness.
"I'm glad you're staying with her," a very familiar voice says.
"Sarah?" I ask.
I see the darkness give way to a bright light and there before me was my sister. Time hasn't ravished her, and instead she looks just the way she had when came into our home so many years ago. She smiles at me, and catches me in a hug.
"The places for both of you are still here, but be happy Andy. You deserve it," she whispers
I feel everything falling away and Sarah disappeared. I open my eyes to see Pinkie looking concerned.
"Sweetheart?" I ask.
She rushs toward me, catching me in a hug, and pulls me tightly against her.
"I love you!" she cries out.
"I love you too," I say softly.
She lets and smiles brightly. I see her pick something up, and she shows it to me. I look into the mirror and there before me is a muzzle with a white snoot. The pelt is the color of honey, and the whiskers are very salt and pepper looking. The mane looks similar, and I can see the same colored eyes looking back at me.
"It worked?" I ask.
Pinkie nods before she slides into bed beside me. I feel her wrapping me up into her arms, and holding me.
"Andy, I love you, and... I want us to live for each and every day. I'd... I'd like to try to have another foal," she says while grinning.
"If we can, I want to too," I say.
In this moment, right now, I've been given another chance. Pinkie saved me from myself before, and her love gave me the courage to save myself. I'm not sure what kind of life I have to look forward to, but knowing that I have her in it makes it easier. |
I see Pink | Remember Remember the Fifth of November | Remember, Remember the Fifth of November
An I See Pink Bonus Chapter
I See Pink, a Pinkie Pie Romance in the Vogonverse
(Pinkie's POV - November 5th 2063 - Portobello Road - London England )
I smiled at Strawberry as we walked together. It feels so nice to be visiting friends, and Twilight was sweet to invite all of us over here. I look at Andy as he's walking with Onyx. My poor Stallion. That mean, meanie pants that shot him won't ever hurt anypony again. I feel kinda bad that I hurt him like I did, but he hurt my stallion first!
A street vendor stopped us and pointed the masks he had available.
"Can't rightly celebrate Bonfire Night without a Guy Fawkes' mask or doll," he said.
"Dollies?" Strawberry asked.
"Yeah, these are Guys, see you take the doll with you, and carry it around, and then tonight, everyone tosses their guy onto the bonfire," he replied.
"Why?" she asked.
"Why, it's to celebrate the fact that the Royal Guard caught one of the conspirators who intended to kill the king with gunpowder. They had barrels of the stuff, loaded, all of it under the House of Lords. Every since the failure of that plot there's been a celebration of sorts there has. There's several bonfires, and a huge fireworks show. It's quite a bit of fun," he said.
"Mama, can we get a dollie?" she asked.
"Of course," I said as I pressed my thumb to the scanning device he had. After a moment it beeped and then he handed her a doll.
He then smiled and reached under the table and held out a different doll.
"Since you are such a nice little girl, and you're so polite, I've got something else for you. This is a different Guy Fawkes Doll. This one doesn't get burned, but rather it's something of a protector. It stands for protecting someone's freedoms," he said.
She took the porcelain doll and gave him a small smile. He gave her one back and I felt Andy's hand on my shoulder.
"Bonfire Night, huh?" he asked.
The old stallion manning his table nodded.
"It is, would you like some masks for you and yours?" he asked.
"Sure, we'll take four," Andy said as he paid.
We walked from the Stallion and I watched as Onyx put on his mask, giggled, and then tried to scare Strawberry with it.
"Are you okay Andy?" I asked.
I noticed the limp and after a moment he nodded.
"Yeah, my back hurting a little, but it's nothing that's going to keep me from enjoying myself, or being with you," he replied.
I felt his hand in my own, and I leaned my head on his shoulder.
"I love you Andy," I replied.
"I love you too Pinkie," he said.
The entire day we chased after our foals, watched them and then toward the evening we Stood with Twilight and her two foals as the lights became dim, and then the bonfires were lit. A moment later a voice echoed over the load speaker.
"Remember, Remember the fifth of November! The Gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason why the Gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot!" the voice boomed.
A moment later dozens of ponies began throwing those small dolls onto the bonfires, and I watched as my foals followed suit. A moment later there was another larger doll rolled out, but it didn't look like the smaller ones. I took a look at it and realized that it was made to look like that horrible stallion that had terrorized so many people back home.
"In a joint celebration with our cousins across the pond, the former colonies, we want to add one more to the fire. They are celebrating their own bonfire night across the pond since that terrible criminal was caught, and it's only right that we join in now," the voice said before it dumped that large doll onto the bonfire.
A second later the first shot of the fireworks flew up into the sky and then exploded. I giggled as it burned a brilliant pink. |
I see Pink | Sex, Drugs, and Rock N' Roll! | I See Pink
Sex, Drugs, and Rock N' Roll
A Pinkie Pie Romance
(Pinkie's POV)
Yay! Everypony is going to be able to come! I'm so happy that all of them are going to be able to make it. Smiling I looked at Andy who was still lying in bed. I touched his cheek and watched as he opened his eyes. He gave me a gentle smile and then yawned.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"It's time to get up!" I replied.
He started to lay back down when I remembered one of the ways he liked to be waken up. a moment later he was squirming, trying to move, and I smiled as I lay on him.
"I'm up!" he cried as I finally got off of him.
He grinned at me, and then crawled out of bed. I had to get everything together and fast...
I stopped, looked at everything and then remembered....
There was something super important that I forgot....
There was somebrony that I forgot to invite!
Oh! Do I have time?
I rushed around trying to find my invitations! I rushed from room to room, trying hard to find them, and then it came to me....
"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! Andy, Strawberry, Onyx, and Lemon want to thank everybrony who has read and enjoyed this story. It's super sweet of all of you, and I hope that you have a great day! I know that you were expecting to read a full chapter full of well... Super Duper Party stuff, but I kind of thought that this might be a fun little April's fool Prank! Soooooooooo HAPPY APRIL FOOLS!!!!"
"Pinkie.. Who are you talking to?"
"Oh, just our readers!"
"Our what now?"
"Our readers! Andy... Your Pie could use some cream!"
"Okay! I'll be right there!"
"Awwww... Sorry, but this is private! Have a good one!" |
In the Dusk | pre | "Enough!" cried Adagio, so loud and with so much anger, that she frightened, and made fly off, a small flock of pigeons, which before was perched on the roof of a building that overlooked the alley, "You are so stupid, you both! I don't care if we won't sing anymore, or if we'll have to live on the street from now on. It's the power to make these pathetic beings adore us, that matters. And that is what we must aim for. Because I refuse to live a second longer in this disgusting planet, if I know I'll spend the rest of my life in anonymity. I am a siren! I am a goddess! We are goddesses! And, as such, we need to be worshiped."
As she said those words, Adagio's face was crossed by her typical cruel smile, that Sonata had always found more threatening than a furious expression. And her eyes were distorted by the obsession, as every time she demanded to be worshiped.
This was something that had always confused Sonata Dusk: in all those centuries they had spent on that dimension, they had always faced different problems, and very often because of Adagio's hunger for adoration.
In the early days, when they had just arrived on that unknown dimension, in a body far less imposing, majestic and beautiful than the previous one, they were desperate, understanding of being trapped in that reality and in that shape.
But then, Adagio had roused them, urging them to recover their sirens pride. In addition, she reassured them by saying that, apparently, in that world no one was able to use magic. Which meant that no one would be able to stop them this time.
So, encouraged by Adagio's words, she and Aria had regained confidence, and begun to do what they did before: spread anger and discord with their songs and feeding of the negative energy arising from them.
But, unfortunately for them, Star Swirl the Bearded wasn't a fool to send them there. In fact, in that universe, their spells were much weaker, and they always broke automatically with the passage of days.
The only time, since they were on that planet, what they managed to create a spell nearly as powerful as the ones that they had created in Equestria, it was right there, at the Canterlot High School, because of the strong presence of the Equestrian magic in that place.
Before that, their spell had never lasted more than a few days, and had no effect on many people.
Consequently, something began to happen to them, that never happened before: They began to be hated and feared, rather than loved. Sometimes, they were identified for what they actually were, namely sirens, but much more widely they were accused of being something else, like witches, sorcerers, charmers, or in many other ways that Sonata preferred to not remember.
Very often, they had been captured, imprisoned, interrogated and, sometimes, even tortured. More than once they had been even sentenced to death, but, since no one had managed, at that time, to discover that the source of their powers were their Charm Rubies, they always survived, and, in the end, they were always able to get away from the places where they locked up them.
However all this, in Equestria, never happened to them: for what she remembered, all the ponies who listened to their song even once, worshiped them forever. And besides, their worshippers were always ready to discuss, argue and fight with their own kind, providing them constantly precious negative energy with which increase their power.
Only some of them, like Star Swirl the Bearded, realized that they were dangerous creatures, and between all of them, only he was able to resist their voice and to find a way to stop them, by sending them in that world.
There, not only was the power of their voice infinitely lower, but the inhabitants of that dimension were much more suspicious and distrustful, compared to naive ponies of Equestria.
All these difficulties made often Sonata, and sometimes even Aria, consider the idea to give up the life as a siren, and find a new role, a role more in line with the customs of that world, a role that didn't forced them, once every two or three days, to escape from a group of angry people, a role enabling them to make a seemingly normal life, for that place.
But not Adagio. For her, the idea to conform herself, to deny her siren nature, to live as those inferior beings who surrounded her, was nothing short of unacceptable! She couldn't be like other people. She was a siren. She was a goddess. And, as such, she needed to be worshiped.
From what Sonata could remember, every time she faltered, or every time Aria questioned Adagio's orders, their leader would give that speech. She always repeated that talk for all those centuries they spent in that alien world, and even before, in Equestria, when they were still at the peak of their power.
Sometimes she wondered if, remembering her life before the exile, she would understand why Adagio was so obsessed with success and adoration.
In fact, with her great regret, Sonata couldn't remember very well how she and her companions lived to Equestria. Her memories were very vague and confused. The only clear memories of her life before the exile were the ones in which she and the others were singing. The memories of her time in this new world, however, were a bit more defined.
Once, she had tried to ask Aria what she remembered of her life in Equestria, and she had listlessly replied that she didn't remember anything.
Then, she had tried to ask Adagio, and she had replied that the three of them were the last of their species, a species that had been decimated, as she put it, by the ponies. And then, she never told her anything else, if not stories with which she boasted of having always been the most beautiful, intelligent and powerful among the sires, or stuff like that.
She never said things that Sonata would have found more interesting, such as whether they had actually lived in the ocean, as the sirens in the legends of that world did, or if also male sirens had existed, or if they had built some great cities under water, or where their kind had found the Charm Rubies...
"I got it!" suddenly exclaimed Sonata, excited. She had just come up with a brilliant idea.
The other two, that had started to quarrel while Sonata was lost in her thought, turned toward her, and Aria shouted "Not now, Sonata. We don't have time for your silliness now!"
"No, this is serious! I've got an idea!" Sonata said, "Listen, if we can't repair Adagio's Charm Ruby, why don't we go take some new ones, instead? Where our kind found them!"
"But yes, of course!" grumbled Adagio, "Let's go get some new Charm Rubies in Equestria. Oh, yes! That's right! We are no longer in Equestria, because we have been banished!"
"Yes, it's true that we are exiled," Sonata continued, "However, there must be a way to go there. If not, how could the Equestrian magic arrive in this city, on those seven girls?"
"Enough, I'm sick of your nonsense." shouted Adagio, to silence her companion. However, a moment later, her face lit up, and an evil smile appeared on her mouth. The same smile she had shown that night, when she saw those lights in the sky, the sign that the Equestrian magic had reached that universe.
"I hate to admit it," she said, "but you, Sonata, could be a genius!"
"What?" Aria blurted out, "Are you crazy? Do you really agree with this air-head?"
But Adagio wasn't listening to her. She was looking at the shards of her Charm Ruby, with her typical malicious expression.
"Listen to me, girls," she said, turning to her companions, "Unfortunately it's true. Without our Charm Rubies, we are powerless. But, in our native dimension, there are hundreds of these gems that lie on the ocean floor, the last memory of our ancient lineage. And if we can get our hands on three of those rubies, we'll get our powers back. And moreover, well' get them back where our spell is more powerful: at Equestria. This means that not only will we leave this cursed dimension, but also, by doing so, we'll get back our magic."
"But how are we going to do that?" Aria asked, "You know as well as me that we are stuck here!"
"True," agreed Adagio, "but also what Sonata said before is true! The Equestrian magic didn't come here from nowhere. In fact, I'm almost sure that at least one of those girls who possesses the magic, is actually a pony from Equestria."
At those words, both her companions gasped, and Sonata shouted "For realsies?"
"How is that possible?" Aria asked instead, "How, and why did she come here?"
"I don't know," replied Adagio, "But anyway, almost everyone at the school claimed that the girl with purple hair with a pink stripe, "Twilight Sparkle" if I recall correctly, was actually a magical being from another dimension, who used her powers to prevent Sunset Shimmer from transforming all the students into an army of zombies. No one knew the details, or where she came from, but the fact that the magic she and her group uses is the same of Equestria, is the proof that she comes from that world. And perhaps, if we can find out how she came here, we might be able to go back to our native dimension, and find some new Charm Rubies."
After that speech, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk smiled again: the first had the typical triumphant smile, the one that someone shows off when he sees victory approaching. The second, however, had a amazed and hopeful smile. The smile of someone who, after wandering around in the darkness, finally sees a glimmer of light.
At that point, Adagio spoke again, "So here's what we are gonna do: We'll follow those seven girls, the one with purple hair with particular attention, until we'll discover how she came into this world. Once we find that out, I'll follow her, and then-"
"Wait a minute! " Aria interrupted her, "Why should you go alone? Why shouldn't we come too? After all, we want our powers back too!"
"Of course, it's obvious," Adagio said, "But if we go together, we would attract much more attention. Think about it: Three colossal sirens crossing the plain directed toward the sea. I don't think that we would pass unnoticed. And this time, also, since we are powerless, we couldn't even defend ourselves, and we couldn't prevent them from sending us back here, or doing something worse. If I go alone, instead, I might be able to hide and escape from the ponies, reach the ocean, recover the Charm Rubies we need, and come back to pick you up. Believe me, it's much safer this way!"
Aria, before answering, thought carefully for a while, and finally said, "Fine. Maybe it's better if you go alone. After all, you need us, to unleash a full powered spell, so I don't think you would forsake us. And also, in this plan, I have nothing to lose but everything to gain if you make it."
"Then it's settled!" proclaimed Adagio, in a resolute tone, "Tomorrow, we'll begin to spy on those seven troublemakers, to discover their secret, and then, finally, we'll be able go home!"
"Yay!" Sonata cried, excitedly, "We are finally going back home, and when we'll do it, we'll be able to sing again!"
"Don't get so excited, you!" silenced her Aria, "It may be true that your strange idea gave Adagio the inspiration to develop this plan, but that doesn't mean anything! It was just a coincidence. You're still the worst!"
Adagio looked up at the sky, waiting to hear Sonata's rude reply, that would lead to another argument between the two.
But, unexpectedly, the reply didn't come.
Adagio and Aria, stupefied, looked at Sonata, who seemed suddenly saddened, as if reliving some painful memories.
It was really strange. Whenever Aria had called Sonata "the worst", she always got offended, and retorted with harsh words. And this happened every time, from the first day when the two of them knew each other.
But not this time.
As if, in Sonata, something was changing ...
The next day, they began to spy on those seven girls, and, fortunately, they immediately managed to discover the secret of the girl from Equestria.
In fact, they saw her as she passed, along with her little dog, through one side of the pedestal of the statue in front of the school, after greeting the others. And Adagio knew immediately that she was looking at a portal.
So, as soon as the court was deserted, she immediately tried to cross that portal, but without success. After that overweening girl had crossed it, the wall had returned to be hard, cold and impassable.
After thinking a bit, Adagio realized that, probably, there had to be a system to enable or disable the portal, and their next step would be to find out how to do that.
Thus, in the following days, they continued to spy on the remaining six girls.
The problem was that, of course, they could only keep them under surveillance only when they were out of the school, because, getting into that building, after all the problems they caused, proved to be impossible. Every time one of the students saw one of them, even from a distance, they immediately warned the Principal Celestia or the Vice-Principal Luna, who proceeded to expel them.
As for those girls, they never spoke about the portal out of school. Every once they hinted something about the seventh girl, the one coming from Equestria, but they never said a word about how she could reach back there.
So, they spent the first four days, without any chance for Adagio's plan to proceed. They were at a standstill, and nervousness reigned supreme.
And their current living conditions didn't help at all.
In fact, as Aria had predicted, all the other people under the influence of their spell had awakened, and this coincided with a drastic decline of their living standards.
For starters, the owner of the villa where they had established had rudely driven them away, keeping, as a reimbursement, the majority of the precious objects they had accumulated over the centuries. The rest of the objects, they were forced to sell them, to pay for food. Their best clothes were gone along with the trinkets, and now they were dressed in old rags. And that alley, the small, dark and damp alley in which they hid in the evening of their defeat, now was their home.
It was a situation almost unbearable for Adagio, while Sonata didn't seem very disturbed by that miserable condition.
Indeed, compared to the others, she was the one that made the greatest efforts to allow the group to not succumb.
She was the first, and by far the only one, who looked for a job, in order to maintain her friends, once their savings had expired. Unfortunately, because of her bad reputation and her clumsiness, no one hired her. But, despite everything, she didn't lose her heart, and kept trying.
Also, when she wasn't spying the "special" girls or searching for a job, she did everything to make that alley a bit more livable. She spent a whole day, trying to drive away the rats that had made their den in the end of the alley. And, when she finally succeeded, she prepared, with some old mattresses found at who knows where, a bed for the three of them. And the rest of the time she cleaned everywhere and tried in every way to make the alley more like a real home.
Her unwavering optimism, and her willful perseverance, got on the nerves of the other two. They couldn't see the great benefits that Sonata's efforts were bringing to both. The only thing they saw was that Sonata had lost all of her siren pride.
But the worst thing was that Sonata sang. She sang all the time, regardless of how much her discordant voice was unsightly, and every time, it reminded to Adagio and Aria of everything they had lost. Every time, after two singing minutes, Sonata understood that her voice didn't sounded as before, and suddenly fell silent. But then, ten or fifteen minutes later, she began again. She sang without thinking, regardless of how it sounded, and careless about the words. And she sang terribly.
Until, one day, while she was dragging towards the center of the alley a big, heavy box, that she wanted to use as a table, she began to sing distractedly.
And Adagio, sitting on her "bed" next to Aria, couldn't restrain herself any longer, and shouted, "Sonata, would you stop, please? We are fed up of hearing your ungainly and annoying voice!"
Sonata, confused, turned around, and said, "Oh, I'm sorry. The fact is that, when I think about sad things, and I want to distract myself, I start to sing. It helps me forget my problems ..."
"Your problems? " Adagio interrupted her, "What kind of problems do you have, idiot? You don't even worry about anything! You always have your head in the clouds, and you never think before doing anything! And anyway, don't you understand that, by singing, you make us recall our problems! Like the fact that we are stuck in this revolting world, powerless, and that those six, stupid girls are laughing behind us, enjoying their victory?"
Sonata, harassed by those words, seemed to hesitate, but then, almost whispering, she ventured to say, "I've never heard them laughing at us. In fact, I think they have already forgotten us... Anyway, I apologize. From now on, I'll try to not sing anymore, if it bothers you so much ..." Then, she sat on the crate that she had just dragged.
She seemed tired, breathless...
In the following days, what at first seemed only a slight breathlessness, got worse.
Now Sonata wasn't able to take care of their "home" anymore, because for her, pushing a crate or moving something, was all it took to feel tired.
And she kept her promise to not sing anymore, not to live up to her word, but because if she sang for for just a minute, she would find herself short of breath. So, she stopped doing that too, along with all the other work she did.
Adagio, in a paradoxical reversal of perspective, now accused her of being a slacker, after which she had criticized her work.
Aria, however, had the good taste not put her finger on the sore spot. Moreover, in a move that angered Adagio a lot, she took charge of the domestic situation of the alley, and, as Sonata did, she began to sing again.
The first time it happened by chance, one afternoon when she was bored. Without even realizing it she began to sing, which aroused the wrath of Adagio, who imposed her to stop. But Aria, in her usual rebellious attitude toward Adagio, continued, and since then every time that she had nothing to do, all of a sudden she began to sing her off-key song.
Adagio was terribly angry, because, in contrast to Sonata, Aria didn't follow her orders, and so she went away every time she heard Aria's voice intoning, with difficulty and without harmony, the notes of a song.
By now, she was the only one who spied on the six "special" girls. She did that also to stay away from the other two.
However, despite that absence from the alley, she still managed to notice something strange about Sonata.
In fact, when she or Aria scolded her about something, Sonata no longer responded arrogantly, scrambling to defend her indefensible opinion, but, on the contrary, she recognized her error with total, irritating humility. She seemed to have lost all of her rebellious spirit, that thousands and thousands of times made her and Aria argue.
But anyway, as her arrogance diminished, her uneasiness grew instead. After two weeks, it was obvious to everyone that Sonata was sick. By then, after an hour of standing straight, she immediately began to feel tired, and was forced to sit. Her breathing became more and more struggled and labored. Her voice was more and more feeble, and very often, her scrubby speeches were interrupted by a dry and violent cough, which forced her to remain silent.
Her companions were quite worried by that mysterious series of symptoms, especially since Aria was afraid that they were a result of the loss of their Charm Rubies.
"Perhaps, without them, soon we'll get sick too." Aria said to Adagio, one day, in the corner of the alley, "Perhaps, the sirens can't survive, especially out of the water, without them."
"No. It can't be! "retorted Adagio, to reassure her companion," If it were like so, we should be ill too right now. After all, we have lost our Charm Rubies at the same time. Evidently Sonata has contracted some disease of this world."
"But how is that possible?" asked the other siren, "In all of these centuries, we never got sick, until now. Aren't we supposed to be immune to diseases?"
"I don't know..." Adagio answered, "Maybe, without the rubies, we are just more vulnerable to them than before. That would explain why she got ill and we didn't..."
"Well, in that case," resumed to say Aria, "we have to take her to a doctor immediately! She can't keep living like this. She can barely speak! We must do something!"
In front of her reaction, Adagio grinned, and murmured, "Apparently you're worrying about the weak link in the chain. You're getting to be such a softie, aren't you, Aria?"
At that insinuation, Aria blushed, and then added, "Don't be ridiculous! It's just that we need Sonata. If her voice hadn't helped us raise negative energy in the last centuries, do you really think we wouldn't have already ditched her? I would! The only thing she can do was sing. Now that she can't do that either, she is completely useless. But when we'll get back our Charm Rubies, she'll be useful again."
"Well, now I recognize you!" Adagio said, "Tomorrow, then, we'll decide what to do about her. For the moment, we should go back to check those six."
That said, they went away. They left the alley, and Sonata.
Which, in a confused state of half-sleep, heard every word.
The weak link in the chain.
Adagio called her that.
And now, in a sudden flash of self-awareness, Sonata understood that she must actually be the weak link, and to have always been that.
For all those centuries, Adagio had always thought out plans to get back their old powers, always a failure in fact, but she always made sure that they would always have a roof over their head, food to eat, and people from which obtain the negative energy. Although she wasn't able yet to bring them back home, or make them regain their former glory, she had always been a leader worthy of that name.
As for Aria, although often she had opposed to Adagio's decisions, and even more often had mocked and humiliated her, she had always managed, in difficult times, to make the group find their grit and pride again. It was her boldness and her determination, which had supported them during that long period in that hostile world.
But she, now that she was thinking about it, hadn't been very helpful to the group, if not completely useless.
When something went wrong, she had always tried to be optimistic and carefree, in an attempt to raise the girls' morale. When Adagio couldn't find a home worthy of them, or they had just been evicted from some village, she first took charge of the situation, rolled up her sleeves and worked hard to make sure that her friends could recover from the humiliation.
But, every attempt only served to worsen the situation, or otherwise offend the sirens pride of Adagio and Aria. And also, many times, she had distractedly revealed some details that could seriously affect their coverage, without thinking too much and not bothering to conceal incriminating details. And this put them in trouble more than once. Sometimes it was even her fault, and not of the end of the spell, if they were discovered and sent away.
And now, at a time when they were most vulnerable and powerless than ever, she complicated the situation even further by getting sick.
Yes, Aria was right. She really was the worst.
And what made Sonata enormously sad. Because, even if they considered her a weak and inept one, and despite all the times that they had humiliated her, she loved them.
For her, since she had ended up in that dimension, her only landmarks were Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze.
They were the last of her kind, and they were her only friends. She didn't know if they felt the same feelings toward her, but she didn't cared. And she was very sorry that, because of her ineptitude, their group was now in trouble.
With fatigue, Sonata pulled away the old patched tarp she used as a blanket, and stood up.
She had made a decision. Despite the disease, despite her stupidity, despite her clumsiness, she would be helpful.
She would do her part, and finally make her friend proud of her.
In the following days, Sonata did her best to make herself useful, despite her illness.
She managed to get some mild cough suppressant, hoping that it would make her feel better, which unfortunately didn't happened.
Nevertheless, with stoic determination, she began to do everything as she did it before, except singing.
She even managed to get hired for a whole day in a pub, as a waitress, although she resigned at the end of the day, when she realized that she couldn't say two words without coughing, and that she was completely exhausted after being on her feet all the time.
When she came out from the pub, it was almost evening. A cold, gray evening of mist...
When she returned to the alley, Adagio welcomed her with an endless series of rude and offensive comments, forcing her to tell what trouble she had caused for getting fired after one day.
"Did you break all of their glasses?" she asked, provocatively, "Or maybe you've drank the drink of a customer, without worrying that he was looking at you, huh? Come on, answer, you idiot!"
Sonata, without the slightest trace of resentment for that provocation, took off her coat, hung it on an improvised hanger that she had built, when she wasn't sick, and whispered in response, "They didn't fire me .... "
"What? What did you say?" urged Adagio, straining her ear toward to her, with her typical cruel smile on her face, "I can't hear you! Raise your voice!"
Sonata, looked up, and saw the provocative expression of her leaders, and, after a short sigh, she said, a bit louder, "They didn't fire me ... I'm the one who resigned ... "
"Excuse me? I still can't hear you ... "
"I said that they didn't fire me!" yelled Sonata, standing up, furious in front of Adagio's insensitivity towards her situation, "I've resigned! I was too sick to work, and I was sure that tomorrow I ..."
Sonata was forced to stop, because a long and violent coughing fit interrupted her. An fit so violent that forced her to kneel down, shaken by tremors. Her throat was inflamed, her chest ached as if it were caught in a vise. She felt like she was choking.
For long, long seconds, she did nothing else but violently expel the air from her lungs, without which she could resist. The only thing into her visual field, confused and distorted by the pain and the tremors, were Adagio's shoes, which stood there the whole time, motionless, watching her as she was almost suffocating.
And eventually, the coughing fit ended.
Sonata, slowly and painfully, got up, embracing her aching chest with her left arm.
She felt something warm dripping out of her mouth, and, confused, looked at her right hand, the one with which she had covered her mouth while coughing.
And, with her tremendous horror, she saw that it was stained with several drops of a dark red liquid.
Her blood.
More frightened than ever, she looked at her friends, the only two members of her species besides her.
Aria, in contrast to the custom, hadn't the mischievous and satisfied smile that she sported whenever Sonata was somehow suffering.
Indeed, on that occasion, she seemed simply disoriented, confused. Just the same way Sonata was disoriented and confused.
But Adagio, however, had her classical cruel expression, and muttered, "You're dying, aren't you?"
Those words shocked Sonata, who turned white as a sheet.
Dying.
Die.
Death.
For centuries, she had seen the creatures of that universe die, as well as, probably, she had seen the ponies of Equestria die.
From what Adagio had always told them, the sirens were immortal, as long as they continued to collect negative energy inside their Charm Rubies, that not only allowed them to sing, but also always kept them young and beautiful, in order to have the highest possible influence on people.
But now, without their Charm Rubies, they apparently were vulnerable to time, injuries, and diseases, as any mortal.
She, who had gone through eras of that world, would soon come to the end of her time.
"Help me!" she murmured, moving closer to the others, "Help me, please! I ... I don't wanna ..."
"Die?" Adagio ended the sentence for her, "Sorry, but we can't help you. Indeed, we've already done too much for you! We've always brought you with us, despite your stupidity and your inability. And you've never given me anything of what I demanded from you. You just followed my orders when I commanded you something, but this, for me, has never been enough. For the rest, you've always been an obstacle to the realization of my plans. The only reason why I've always carried you with me, it's because we three are the last of our species, and we had to stay together. But now, now that you've been contaminated by the disease of this disgusting world, you have become impure, imperfect. You are no longer worthy of being called siren."
That said, she moved aside, and pointed to the exit of the alley, adding, "Go away, Sonata. We don't need you anymore. Go to bother someone else with your ineptitude. From what little you have left to live, of course!"
Sonata, incredulous, bewildered, frightened, approached Adagio, stretching her hands to grab hers, with tears in her eyes, whispering, "You ... you aren't serious , are you? I've always did everything you asked of me, no matter how degrading or dangerous. I gave you everything, without asking anything except for a sign of friendship. Because I've always considered you my only friends, and... "
"Silence!" shouted Adagio, giving to Sonata a resounding slap, before she was able to grab her hands, "You say that you gave me everything? That you consider me your friend? Don't be ridiculous! You've never given me anything but troubles. And, as to being your friend, you're wrong. We've never been friends. I've never felt the slightest affection towards you. In fact, I've never been able to stand you! For decades I was looking for an excuse to send you away, and now, since I don't need you anymore, I can finally ditch you without regretting it. And now get out of here, before I send you away by kicks!"
Sonata, not believing to her ears, tried again to get close to Adagio.
The one who, along with her and Aria, was among the last sirens existing.
The one from whom she had always sought inspiration and answers.
The one of which she had always admired the strength, the determination and the sagacity.
The one who, a moment later, gave her another slap, strong enough to send her on the ground.
And then, after that last humiliation, after that final, decisive and definitive rejection, Sonata couldn't restrain herself any longer, and began to cry silently.
A slow, gentle and humble cry, where the dying siren poured all of her pain and despair, grown over time, one humiliation or a poor figure after another, in all those centuries, always hidden by her carelessness, which had been destroyed by that final act, violent and shocking as an earthquake, for her small, fragile heart of innocent creature destined to sow discord.
Slowly, shaken by the tremors of her cry and some, sporadic, but rather violent coughing fits, Sonata stood up, picked up her coat from the improvised hanger and slowly, without saying a word, she walked towards the exit of the alley.
It was over.
She was no longer worthy to be flanked by those two beautiful, majestic and powerful creatures, which were hidden in her two companions, under the small and fragile form that they had taken centuries ago, at the beginning of their exile.
She had always believed that, although they often scolded her, and even more often told her that she was stupid and incapable, underneath Adagio and Aria loved her.
But she was wrong. Adagio had never loved her. No one had ever loved her, if not under the influence of her voice. And now, she would consume the last moments of her centennial existence alone, after discovering that, in fact, she had always been alone for so long.
Before she went, however, she gave a last look at her companions, the last, real sirens.
Adagio seemed satisfied. She looked at her with contempt, but she was smiling. She smiled as if she had defeated an insignificant enemy, but reveled in the suffering and humiliation of the adversary.
Aria, however, wasn't smiling at all. Her gaze was unusually open and bright, without the usual eyebrows lowered in a hostile expression. And her mouth was slightly open, as if the words were trying by force to find an opening to get out, without success.
All of this expressed sentiments that Sonata had never seen, in all those centuries, on Aria face. First of all, the disbelief. And, secondly, the sadness...
Sonata suddenly felt a strong temptation to ask Aria why she was sad, and especially if the cause of her sadness was her.
But then, another coughing fit, accompanied by a strong pain in the chest, reminded her what was going on. She was no longer a siren. She was now impure, and soon, she would know that unknown, black oblivion that mortals had always feared, but to which she had never thought of.
Soon, she would die.
So, not willing to disturb further the latest representatives of her species with her presence, she squeezed herself in the old coat she just took from the hanger, covered her head with the hood and slowly walked away into the fog ...
She was alone.
Abandoned.
And she didn't know where to go, or what to do.
None of them had never been sick before then. None of them had never been corrupted by that silent and terrible curse that, at times, simply forced a mortal to stay in bed, to rest for a couple of days, and other times, led him toward that much deeper sleep called death.
Death.
She never asked herself what it could mean to die, for mortals, before hearing Adagio pronounce those fateful words.
And yet, she had seen people die very often, especially during those terrible curses that hit entire villages, if not entire nations, and that the inhabitants of that world called epidemics.
Or, during the many, scary, and bloody wars that often seemed destined to lead that world towards destruction.
Despite everything, they always survived. Sure, they could be injured, but nothing before then was able to kill them, nor swords, nor fire, nor those strange contraptions spitting thunders, that the inhabitants of that place called "guns".
And most importantly, none of those strange curses, known as diseases, had ever been able to contaminate them.
For this, for the fact that they were immortal, anywhere, in the past, there was a conflict, or a plague, they were always there.
Because they had learned that the more a person suffered, the more he tended to get angry, and to unload his anger on a fellow. And, everywhere that anger reigned, they were there, to absorb their precious negative energy, basking in the pain and strife of those poor people.
Indeed, Sonata had never even thought about that either, before then.
What she had always done was something terrible, frightening.
Thrive on the suffering of others, feed of their resentment, live on their disharmony.
She didn't know why, but all of a sudden, what she had done for centuries, without remorse, without the slightest pity, now had become an abominable act.
Now, she was certain about it. She had never been a goddess, but a monster. As a huge, colossal and ruthless monster, she had devoured the lives of thousands and thousands of people, to preserve her immortality and what little power she had left.
Sonata Dusk, at that moment, wished to disappear.
Sonata Dusk, at that moment, wished to die.
So, without even the strength to think, safe for how miserable her life was, and how deplorable was her past, the dying siren walked, staggering for the tremendous effort, for the streets of Canterlot City, aimlessly.
The fog, and her view now rather clouded for the enormous effort of dragging her weak body through the streets, prevented her from seeing where she was going.
But now, she didn't care anymore. For what it mattered, she could collapse and fall even in the street.
She didn't understand why she was still walking, or if she was still walking.
In her confused and suffering head, the reality and the nightmare overlapped in a chaotic and incomprehensible cacophony of emotions, regrets and pain.
So, when she finally managed to regain some lucidity, Sonata found herself in a part of town that she had never seen before. Or maybe it was the fog that prevented her from recognizing the houses around her. And, perhaps for the fact that the terrible pain in her chest and her sad thoughts had completely clogged her brain, preventing her from realizing it before, it was dark, and it was very cold.
Temporarily forgetting her previous death wish, Sonata decided to find a shelter, and walked toward the door of the nearest house, painstakingly, and holding an arm around the chest in an attempt to calm the pain and control her breathing.
But, unfortunately, before she could even get close to the door, her legs gave way, without prior notice, and she ruinously fell against the door, banging her head.
And, suddenly, Sonata Dusk's world became a black, deep, and dark oblivion, who first welcomed her, gently, but then surrounded her on every side, and began to drag her down.
It was like being immersed in a huge lake of pitch.
Sonata, desperate, tried to swim, to rise to the surface, and out of that oppressive darkness, but it was useless. Her legs, her arms, her whole body was motionless, as if paralyzed.
And so, she was forced to let that darkness wrap her, reducing everything to a black, motionless and silent void.
A void, occasionally crossed by some voices, which seemed to whisper very close to her ear, but that she still couldn't see, or hear clearly. The voices in question, seemed vaguely familiar to Sonata, although she couldn't understand who they were, because of the very low volume at which they spoke.
"...think...take her...see...help her...way..."
"...right...must feel...collapsed...I don't...why...came here....she...could..."
There was a brief pause, in those voices, that in that black hole seemed centuries. Then, the voices came back...
"...now...what...do?...siren...dangerous...weeks...might...revenge...we shouldn't..."
"...I...know...we'd...warn...Twilight..." |
Project ART | pre | "MOBIAN LIFEFORM DETECTED" said the armored hedgehog.
"Is that what I am?" Sonic asked. "Huh, you learn something new every day."
"AFFIRMATIVE." Stated the armored hedgehog. "DNA READS MOBIAN HEDGEHOG BUT SPECIFICS DO NOT MATCH ANY KNOWN OUTLAWS." It dropped the mare in its grasp, who immediately turned-tail and ran, and turned the rest of its body to realign its head. "IDENTIFY YOURSELF AT ONCE!"
Sonic over-exaggeratingly bowed. "Where are my manners?" he asked sarcastically. "I'm Sonic the apparently-Mobian hedgehog. And you are?"
"I AM METAL SONIC." It said. "LORD ROBOTNIK'S ULTIMATE KILLING MACHINE."
"Metal Sonic, huh?" Sonic asked. "I don't know whether to be flattered or angry!"
"YOU SHOULD BE HONORED." Metal said. "YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE KILLED BY THE FASTEST BEING IN THE UNIVERSE."
Sonic got into a fighting stance, one which Metal Sonic copied. "Fastest in the Universe, huh?" the normal hedgehog asked. "We'll just have to put that to the test! BRING IT ON!"
Author note: Yes, I made a Trixie cameo. Shoot me.
Also, I would suggest playing Stardust Speedway from Generations or Vs. Metal Sonic from Sonic 4 Episode 2 now. Seriously: stop reading and go to YouTube. I'll wait...
Ready? GO!
Sonic threw the first punch, Metal easily stepping out of the way. With Sonic off balance, Metal brought his knee up and struck Sonic in the stomach, winding him. "IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SURRENDER." Metal said. "I HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED WITH A MASTERY OF ALL KNOWN MARTIAL ARTS. YOU CANNOT WIN."
Sonic scoffed, still holding his stomach. "Good to know." he said. "Than I'll use no martial arts."
"ERROR: GRAMMAR FLAWED." Metal said.
Sonic chuckled. "You'll get the idea." he said. Before Metal could process anything, Sonic tucked himself into a ball and launched himself at Metal's head, sending the robot flying. Sonic landed gracefully and brushed the dirt off his body. Metal immediately retaliated, literally rocketing downwards and slashing Sonic across the chest with its razor-sharp fingers.
Sonic clutched his chest as blood started to leak from his wound. He glared at Metal, who started to slowly approach. Acting on instinct, Sonic curled into a ball and rolled right into Metal Sonic's feet, knocking the robot down. Not taking this for granted, Sonic quickly did a back-flip over Metal, front-flipping and bashing Metal's head into the ground with the heel of his sneakers. As he landed, he saw Metal's head pushed deep into the Everfree dirt, its body twitching madly as sparks flew out of its joints. He smirked. "You're too slow, Metal." he taunted as he turned back towards Ponyville.
As he began to leave however, two metallic arms wrapped around his sides and lifted him off the ground. As he looked behind him, he saw Metal's soul-piercing gaze staring back at him. "So you can fly too!"
"AFFIRMATIVE, I CAN." the machine said. "BUT YOU CANNOT." Looking down, Sonic realized just how high up they were. "FAREWELL."
With that, Metal punched Sonic hard in the face, sending him rocketing towards the ground. The world around him was spinning; no possible way to tell which way was up, down, left or right. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. Two words that he didn't know, but he was sure could save him. Reaching behind him (where he put it subconsciously, he didn't know), he pulled out the emerald Nightmare Moon had given him. With no other options, he lifted the Emerald above his head.
"CHAOS CONTROL!" he yelled, disappearing in a flash of green light.
Metal Sonic watched as Sonic vanished. "MASSIVE ENERGY USAGE DETECTED." it stated. "SCANNING ENERGY SIGNATURE... SCANNING... MATCH FOUND IN RESTRICTED FILES. ACCESSING RESTRICTED FILES... ENERGY SIGNATURE MATCHES THAT OF THE LEGENDARY 'CHAOS EMERALDS'. MARKED AS A MUST-HAVE ARTIFACT BY LORD ROBOTNIK." Metal flew into the air. "TRACKING POSITION OF THE EMERALD... SEARCHING... LOCATION FOUND." He turned towards a small village, just barely visible on the horizon. "TO PUT THIS INTO LAYMAN'S TERMS: WATCH OUT, SONIC. 'CAUSE I'M COMING FOR YOU NOW."
Rainbow Dash was waiting in her cloud house, waiting for any news regarding her brother. She wanted to search for Sonic herself, but Twilight claimed that it would be too dangerous with that 'thing' roaming around the Everfree Forest. This, however, just fueled her worries. If this thing could take a fully-grown stallion out without any trouble, Sonic's skinny body wouldn't stand much more of a chance.
"Who am I kidding?" Rainbow asked herself, face-hoofing. "Sonic stood against Nightmare Moon, no random attacker could get the best of him." She laughed a bit more before melting into her cloud-couch. Just as she started relaxing, however; a green flash of light blinded her, before fading to reveal Sonic face-planting into the wall. "SONIC!" she yelled, hurrying to his aid.
She looked over her brother, noticing the bruises and cuts all over his body. His eyelids fluttered open, his green eyes staring into her magenta eyes. "Rainbow?" he said weakly.
"Sonic, thank Celestia you're alright!" Rainbow said. "What happened?"
"Found the attacker." Sonic said. "It's a robot that calls itself 'Metal Sonic.' Beat me up real badly."
"Looks like it." Rainbow said, staring at the claw-mark on her brother's chest. "Hold on, I'm bringing you to the hospital." Sonic, being too weak to object, grabbed onto Rainbow's neck as she flew him down to Ponyville. "While we're on the way there," Rainbow continued. "Mind explaining what exactly a 'Robot' is?" |
Project ART | Metallic Mayhem: Part 2 | Once again, Sonic was floating in a void. He knew he was unconscious this time, and he was getting used to being here. He looked around calmly, finding that nopony was there. "Hello?" he called. "I know you're there. I wouldn't be here if you weren't."
"Very astute, Sonic the Hedgehog." said the familiar voice, echoing throughout the void.
"So, what is it this time?" Sonic asked.
"There are two very important topics that I must speak with you about." the voice said. "First, I wish to extend my deepest apologies."
"Apologies?" Sonic repeated. "Apologise for what?"
"Due to my haste to return your memories, I have accidentally summoned a great danger to the world you reside in." the voice said.
"Wait." Sonic said. "You're telling me you brought Metal Sonic here?"
"Unfortunately yes." the voice answered with regret. "I was not intending to target such a large threat. In truth, I was trying to target another, weaker robot; in hopes of you accelerating your progress to collect the Chaos Emeralds."
"That still doesn't excuse you for this." Sonic said, crossing his arms. "My friends and family come first; then I'll look for your Emeralds."
"Yes," the voice agreed. "I realize this. And in hopes of righting my wrong-doings, I am going to use the last of my power of the Chaos forces to return the memories you had of Metal Sonic to you; so you may have a better chance to defeat him, which is the second topic."
Sonic shook his head. "Save your energy." he said. "If I'm going to beat that 'bot, I'm gonna do it my way; not his way. Instead, I want a favour from you."
"Although you saying that never did turn out well for the victims, I will do what you ask." the voice said.
"I want to know who you are." Sonic said. "You've been trying to push me to collect these 'Chaos Emeralds' since the Summer Sun Celebration. You obviously know what they are, and what I was; as well as everybody from my old life's world. So I wanna know how you know these things, and why you are going to so far as to bring a killer robot here to get me to collect the Emeralds."
There was a long silence, so long that Sonic half-expected to awaken from this dream realm. Finally, however; the voice sighed. "I suppose that this is a small price to pay." it said. There was a bright flash of light, and a figure appeared in front of him. It's body shape was shaped like Sonic's, but it was curvy, showing it to be a female. She had sandals with silk ankle-wraps on her feet, and a tattered green dress with diamond patterns on her lower-body. On her top was a white tank-top and a golden necklace around her neck. Matching golden bands were around her arms, near the shoulders; and had cloth gloves with a blue band on her hands. The spikes on her head were styled into dreadlocks, parted from her face by a golden headband. She opened her eyes, revealing the deep blue irises within.
"My name is Tikal." She said. "I am an Echidna, an ancient race from Mobius; your home world."
"Mobius?" Sonic asked. "You're like me! Somepony... er... body like me!"
Tikal nodded. "Indeed." she said. "My race was wiped from the planet by a powerful being's wrath, but it spared me; in a way, for protecting the item it guarded. I was granted the ability and duty to watch over space and time. You will not remember this, but I once actually helped you and your friends save Mobius from the wrath of the being that banished my people."
Sonic scratched his chin. "I... actually remember part of that." he said. "Yeah! Eggman planned to use this 'being'... Chaos I think its name was, to take over the world; but something happened and he ended up giving me the Chaos Emerald he had."
Tikal nodded. "I had forgotten about that." she said. "I watch over all of Space and Time at once, so please forgive me for any... continuity issues, for lack of a better phrase. Shall I continue?" Sonic nodded. "Very well. Not long after that event; about 8 years to be exact, I realized that points in time were being erased. Looking into this matter, I found that Dr. Robotnik was using a machine called the Time Eater to erase his past failures. I attempted to leave the pocket-dimension I resided in to assist, but Robotnik's tampering with the Space-Time continuum trapped me there. Fortunately, you put a stop to it; trapping the Doctor in the very Time-Void he had created."
"Oh, and thats' when he started the whole 'erasing me from existence' thing!" Sonic said in realization. "He must have found a way to travel back to when I was a baby and sent me to Equestria."
Tikal nodded. "I saw all of history return to my vision when you initially stopped him." she said. "But I also saw a silhouetted figure stalking around your home town on your birthday, a date I admittedly enjoy revisiting. I realized it was Eggman not long after, but it was too late." her face grew darker. "I failed my duty. The Doctor stormed into the hospital you were in, murdering both your parents and mortally wounding your uncle. He used the temporary weakened state of reality's fabric to throw you into another dimension; this dimension, and started taking over the defenseless Mobius from there. He killed the King, Queen, the version of himself from that time... and all I could do was watch! His actions stripped me of my ability to leave my dimension. I couldn't help, I couldn't do anything."
Sonic scratched his head. "I don't get it." He said. "If Egghead rewrote time, that would cause a... uh... paradox-thingie right? He killed a younger version of himself, so wouldn't that cause him to go 'poof'?"
"You have a surprisingly good understanding of time, Sonic." Tikal said with a smile. "While that would happen normally; because of the weakened state of the fabric of reality, he was rendered immune to becoming a paradox. I'm glad that that's all he did with the weakened reality."
Sonic nodded in understanding. "Well, I guess you did what I asked." he said. "I'll ask Princess Celestia about the Chaos Emeralds and see if she can be of any help in finding them. I know now that these things are the only way to stop Eggman and set things right."
Tikal looked at him with a hopeful smile. "That would be nice. Also, know that your brother will play a large part in Metal's destruction and Robotnik's downfall."
"Brother? I don't have a brother!"
"Yes, you do. You defeated Nightmare together, with the powers of your Emeralds and those Elements combined. He has powers that not even he knows of, but will soon use."
"Wait, you don't mean...."
"Correct. You and Jawsome the Hedgehog are brothers-the Two of the Prophecy of Harmony. It goes like this:
Two hedgehogs rise against all odds,
to stop a tyrant once and for all.
One of fire, one of wind, with the six of Harmony,
will restore the peace of all Mobius.
Needless to say it was quite free-verse."
"But, that sword?"
"I'm sorry, I have to return your consciousness to your body." she said, waving her arm. "I hope that you are successful in retrieving the Chaos Emeralds, they are your only hope in stopping what is to come."
Sonic awoke, lying in a hospital bed. He felt himself over. Other that the multiple bruises all over his body, and the large scar across his chest; he felt perfectly healthy again. He smiled. "Thanks Tikal." he said softly. He was annoyed at her vague explanations, but he knew more about him, and that metal menace. He looked over to his left and saw Twilight and his friends - minus Rainbow for some reason - waiting patiently outside his room. He got off the bed, stumbling a bit for being off his feet for so long; and walked towards the door.
As he opened the door, he was greeted by a mix of surprised and happy faces; and then immediately tackled by his friends into a group hug. He chuckled. "It's great to see everybody -I mean- pony to." he said. He looked around. "Where's Rainbow?"
"She said she wanted to warn your parents about Metal Sonic." Pinkie said. "She should be heading back by now."
"She told you about that, huh?" Sonic asked.
"She told us it was some type of machine with an artificial intelligence." Twilight said. "In her words, 'It beat the snot out of ya'."
Sonic chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "That it did," he agreed. "That it did." Sonic looked at Jawsome with a look of curiosity.
"Well, looks like Tikal broke it before I could come clean." He said. Everypony looked at him like he had just grown a third arm. "I didn't believe her first time either, but it makes sense when you think about it."
Sonic jumped as a hoof was suddenly placed on his shoulder. He turned to see Nurse Redheart standing there with a clipboard in hand.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Mr. Hedgehog." she said. "We were surprised when your status suddenly went from critical to normal before you woke up, but nothing appears to be out of the ordinary; so you're free to go as soon as you sign..." she paused for a second to flip through her clipboard papers, "...here." Sonic took the clipboard and took the candle-shaped pen Pinkie suddenly acquired and wrote his name on the designated line. "Thank you, and have a wonderful day!"
With that, Sonic and his friends left the hospital. Before they could go further than a few feet, however, Sonic stopped them. "Girls, I know this is sudden; but I really, really need to speak with Princess Celestia. I will tell you everything once we're there, but you just need to trust me on this."
"I guess we could take the train to Canterlot," she said. "But I'm not guaranteeing that you'll be able to get an audience with the Princess."
Sonic nodded. "I get it, she's a princess and is busy enough with ruling the country; but what I have to talk with her about may have thousands of lives hanging in the balance!"
"What?" Twilight asked, slightly taken aback by the sudden mood change.
"Again, I'll tell you when we're speaking to Princess Celestia." Sonic said before taking off towards the train station.
Meanwhile, in Cloudsdale...
Rainbow Dash was high above the clouds, just now leaving Cloudsdale for Ponyville. She flapped here wings as she caught a sudden wind, shooting her faster than she was already going. She suddenly slowed herself down as she saw a bipedal blue figure standing on one of the clouds below. She smiled at the familiar sight of her brother. Slowly, flapping her wings as infrequently as possible, she approached him from behind. Once she got close enough, she went for the kill and attempted to tackle her brother. As she dove for him, however; he suddenly took off, sending her sprawling onto the floor.
'Wait, what?' Rainbow thought, she looked up and, indeed, there was a blue blur soaring through the sky. The blur made a 90 degree turn suddenly, and shot straight at Rainbow. "Uh oh." she said. Unfolding her wings, Rainbow took off, herself; the blur smashing straight through the clouds. "That's definitely not Sonic."
"AFFIRMATIVE." said a voice in front of her. She looked ahead, only to see two soulless red eyes staring back. She tried to turn away, but founf a cold hand around her neck before she could do anything. "SWEET DREAMS, RAINBOW DASH."
With her oxygen supply running out, she felt the world grow darker as she fell unconscious.
Canterlot Station - Canterlot...
As Sonic and his friends arrived in the capital, their noses were instantly assaulted with the smell of expensive perfumes and exotics flowers. Sonic looked at the Castle, which was towering over everything else in the city. "Come on girls," he said, motioning for the girls to follow. "We have to speak to Princess Celestia right aw-"
He was interrupted by Applejack. "Uh, Sugarcube." she said. "Ya might want 'ta look up there." she pointed upwards with her hoof.
Sonic looked up, immediately looking at a large image of a blue-armored robot. "What is that horrid thing?" asked Rarity.
"Metal Sonic." Sonic said simply.
"THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, RESIDENT OF PONYVILLE." Metal said. "YOU WILL MEET ME ATOP MOUNT CANTER IN 4 HOURS. YOU WILL GIVE ME THE CHAOS EMERALD, OR I WILL KILL YOUR SISTER. COME ALONE. IF I DETECT ANOTHER LIFE-FORM, I WILL KILL YOU, YOUR SISTER AND WHOEVER YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU. IF YOU FAIL TO MEET ME AT THE DESIGNATED TIME, I WILL KILL YOUR SISTER, THEN DESTROY THE MOUNTAINSIDE CITY BELLOW ME."
Sonic glared daggers at Metal Sonic as the image flickered out of existence. Immediately the population of Canterlot went into panic, running randomly through the streets and running over those who lost their footing. Sonic looked back at his friends. "Come on," he said to them. "It's about time you heard the full story." |
Project ART | Metallic Mayhem: Part 3 | Mount Canter - Peak...
"You know you're not gonna win."
Rainbow sat in a chair, bound by reinforced metal cables; under the close watch of Metal Sonic. "Yo!" she called. "Buckethead! Your ears shorting or something?"
"ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE IMMENSELY AGGRAVATING," Metal said. "THE SYSTEMS CONNECTED TO MY EARS ARE FUNCTIONING AT 99.99% CAPACITY; I CAN HEAR YOU PERFECTLY."
"But you do know you're gonna get your flank handed to you." Rainbow said. "He took down the Goddess of the Moon... with our help, but a bucket of bolts like you 'aint gonna be much of a challenge."
"YOU ARE MISTAKEN, RAINBOW DASH." Metal Sonic said. "I AM SUPERIOR TO ANY ORGANIC LIFEFORM, EXCLUDING LORD ROBOTNIK, IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE."
"But Sonic isn't gonna give you your 'Chaos thingamajig' right?" Rainbow asked. "I know my bro, and he would never do something so incredibly lame."
Metal chuckled, sounding more like actual metal being scraped together. "YOU ORGANICS ARE SO PREDICTABLE." it said. "COCKY UNTIL YOU HAVE A BULLET LODGED INTO YOUR SKULL."
"What's a bullet?" Rainbow asked.
'NONE OF YOUR CONCERN." Metal said plainly, turning his back. "IF SONIC TRULY CARES FOR YOUR WELL BEING, HE WILL GIVE ME THE CHAOS EMERALD WHEN HE INEVITABLY ARRIVES."
"And if he doesn't show?" Rainbow asked.
Metal turned to her, pressing the tip of his pointed steel finger to her throat. "IF SONIC IS TO REFUSE MY OFFER, THEN YOU DIE." he said, "EVEN FOR A MEATBAG, IT IS A FAIRLY SIMPLE CONCEPT." After hearing Rainbow audibly swallow, Metal turned away; satisfied with his work. With the robot's attention no longer on her, Rainbow sighed and waited for somepony to come to her rescue.
"Twilight, my faithful student. What brings you back to Canterlot?" Princess Celestia said.
"Didn't you see the messages?" asked Pinkie Pie. "They were kinda loud."
Celestia shook her head. "I'm sorry my little ponies." she said. "I have been busy in day court for the last little while. The courtroom is soundproof and has no windows; to protect the current clients' privacy. I had only left the courtroom a few minutes ago. Why? Did something happen?"
"That, there, is the understatement of the century." Jawsome said sarcastically. "You see, we have... a problem."
"What kind of problem?" asked Celestia.
Twilight opened her mouth to explain, but Sonic placed a hand over her mouth to silence her. "Your majesty," he said with a bow. "My name is Sonic the Hedgehog; as you might remember from the Summer Sun Celebration."
Celestia nodded. "Yes, I remember." she said. "You were one of the two who; according to Twilight, managed to allow the energy of the Elements of Harmony to bypass my sister's barriers. You are also supposed to be Rainbow Dash's brother, but; no offense, I see little family resemblance."
Sonic chuckled. "Yeah..." he said. "That's why I brought my friends here with me. I promised to explain the situation to them while I'm explaining it to you."
"Then let's hear it." Celestia said, the motherly tone in her voice replaced by a stern, serious tone.
Sonic took a deep breath and started to explain. He told them everything; about the Chaos Emerald, about the dream state it put him in, about Tikal and the memories she showed him, the life he never lived, about Metal Sonic and finally about Robotnik. At the end of it all, Sonic's friends and the princess, Jawsome excepted, were flabbergasted, their mouths hanging open in awe.
"Now Metal Sonic has Rainbow Dash," Sonic said. "and from the little I actually remember about him, he would burn Equestria, kill her, me and anypony else to get his hands on the Chaos Emerald."
"And if I recall, my Metal Copy was just as ruthless. Except he was hard wired to go after the Flame Emeralds, and get them by any means." Jawsome put in. "Eggman even went so far as to try and replicate my Monado, but you can't recreate a sword like this."
Celestia closed her eyes, deep in thought. "If what you say is true, then I have a duty to do whatever I can to defend my subjects."
"But that mechanical monstrosity said he'd kill whoever else entered the area!" Rarity said. "And even if he cannot kill you, your majesty, he might attempt to destroy the city like he claimed he could!"
"Rare's right." Sonic said. "Metal is my responsibility. I let him know the Chaos Emerald existed, it has to be me that stops him."
"Still," said Twilight. "Last time you faced Metal Sonic, you almost died in combat; then he would've gotten the Emerald anyway. We have to come up with a plan to stop him."
Celestia sighed. "I was hesitant to do this, but I'm afraid there is little choice in this matter." she said, getting off her throne and walking towards one of the pillars. "I was not perfectly honest about not knowing anything about the Chaos or Flame Emeralds. It is true I know very little, almost nothing; but I knew that they were very powerful, and there was more than one."
"But how?" asked Fluttershy.
Celestia touched her horn to a specific spot on the pillar, and it started glowing a light blue. As the princess's magic flowed into the stone, it started rippling like water. Standing upright again, Celestia's horn glowed its normal golden glow as she grabbed hold of something with her magic. Slowly, a glass case was pulled through the pillar, revealing a massive cyan gem and an equally massive purple gem with a flame dancing inside it hovering inside.
"These gemstones crashed into the royal barracks 20 years ago." Celestia said. "The Captain of the Guard at the time; a pegasus mare named Flare Warden, brought the artifact to me before any of her men found out about the 'massive, glowing gemstones' that broke through the roof." She opened the case, and the Emeralds fell harmlessly to the ground. "At the time, the only thing I could do with them was scan and hold them. Even being a Princess and the Goddess of the Sun, I could not use my magic to lift them. As previously mentioned, I was able to scan them, and matched their energy signature to fourteen others in Equestria."
"Twelve of them would be the other Chaos and Flame Emeralds," said Twilight. "But what about the thirteenth and fourteenth?"
Pinkie laughed and started hopping around. "It's Sonic and Jawsome you silly fillies!" she said. "He did say Nightmare Moon said that the Emerald's energy whosie-whatsit matched theirs!"
"I trust Twilight, and through her; you, Sonic and Jawsome the Hedgehog." said Celestia. "I am giving you these Chaos and Flame Emeralds in hopes that you can use their power to defeat Metal Sonic, and make Equestria safe once again."
Sonic chuckled, despite the circumstances. "Princess, if I remember one thing about my past life other than ol' Egg-face," he said, walking over to the Emerald lying on the floor. "It's that if one thing isn't threatening the world," he reached down and grabbed the gem. "It's another." Sonic's eyes started glowing as more images and visions flooded his mind, which then turned off as he fell unconscious.
"Believe me, he's not lying. Back there, we had to deal with the Monster of the Week. So, count yourselves lucky you don't." Jawsome said, pulling his Monado off his back, but not activating it. With his other hand, he grabbed the purple Emerald, and eyes glowing molten hot, fell to the floor, sword at his side.
Carefully lowering Sonic to the ground, Twilight looked at her teacher. "Princess, can I see the Library's section on advanced Illusion spells?"
"Welcome back, Sonic and Jawsome." Tikal said. "I was wondering when you'd find the next Emeralds."
Sonic reached his arm up and stretched. "Yeah," he said. "I wasn't really expecting it to be sitting in Canterlot waiting for me to pick it up."
Tikal laughed. "Well, in any rate; I'll start deciphering the memories this Emerald has brought with it."
"You do that." Sonic said, continuing to stretch. "I've got this nasty kink in my back that needs stretching. It's been there since you gave me that Homing Attack way back when."
"Your body is unused to the phenomenal amount of stretching it has to do to curl into the spin-jump form needed." Tikal said. "Perhaps I shall give you the Spin-Dash this time, so you can adjust to it."
Sonic smiled. "That'd be awesome." he said. There was a light pop and Sonic gave a pleasured sigh. "Much better."
"There." Tikal said. "It seems this Emerald will return to you the memories of your group; the Freedom Fighters."
"Yeah..." Sonic said, rummaging through his head. "I remember Egghead saying that he hated the Freedom Fighters. I just assumed he was talking about somepony... er... somebody else."
"Your Freedom Fighters have been at odds with the Robotnik Empire since there was an Robotnik Empire to be at odds with." Tikal said. "You used to be the co-leader, along with your fancy Princess Sally Acorn."
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwait." Sonic said. "I used to date a Princess?"
"Princess Sally is very different to Equestria's Princesses." Tikal explained. "Ms Acorn may not be an all-powerful embodiment of something, but she was an excellent strategist and a gutsy leader. I can see why the old you fancied her."
"Well." Sonic said, scratching his ear. "I always did have good tastes."
"Either way, the clock is ticking." Tikal said. "You have been unconscious for almost an hour at this point, combined with the hour you spent waiting for an audience with Princess Celestia, you have just over two hours left."
"Hold up." Sonic said. "I've only been here for a few minutes, not an hour."
"This is a pocket-dimension." Tikal said. "Time flows differently than in most other dimensions. A few minutes here can be an hour in the real world."
"Well then." Sonic said. "Let's get started, bring on the memories!"
"Alright." Tikal said. "Brace yourself, there are many things I saw in these that may not sit well with you."
"'Kal." Sonic said, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I've beaten an evil super-genius, like; forty bajillion times, I can handle a few sappy moments."
Tikal sighed. "Very well..." she said, a hint of remorse in her voice.
Sonic's eyes glowed brightly as his head filled with detailed pictures and sounds. A forest civilization, a massive robotic city, a floating island. A squirrel, a two-tailed fox, a half-robotic rabbit, a coyote with a sword, a massive walrus; all Mobian, all like him. One memory, seemingly as large as all the others combined, flashed through his mind. He felt pain in his arm and watched as a robotic hand punched through the debris covering the ground.
As the images stopped flashing through his mind, a single tear formed on his eye. "Sal..." he said quietly, before falling unconscious.
Jawsome turned to her, "Again, why'm I still here?"
"You also will gain that move, but you now posses two Flame Emeralds. You now have the power to use Flame Spear. You have also gained a new Monado Art."
"Hold up, Flame Spear? Monado Art? What are you talking about?" Jawsome questioned.
"Concentrate. Delve into your body. Do you not feel the flames? Now, channel them into your hand, in the form of a spear."
Jawsome did as he was told, then looked it over. A short shard of energy was in his hand. He threw it off in the distance.
"As for your Monado Arts, all you must do is activate your Monado and say the words. They will come to you naturally."
"But-"
"Until we meet again, Jawsome the Hedgehog."
Sonic awoke, finding himself lying on a very comfortable bed. He wiped his eyes, finding tears staining his blue fur. "I can't believe I'd forgotten." he said to himself. "Forgotten about Tails, Bunnie, 'Twan." He shut his eyes as more tears threatened to form in his eyes. "Sally..."
Sonic smacked himself, snapping himself out of his depressed trance. "No." he said sternly. "I never met her; any of them. Eggman made sure of that." His lips curled into a smile. "And I know just the bot to take my anger out on."
Smiling, he made his way towards the door, opening it with gusto. His smile widened as he was met with the warm faces of his friends and Princess Celestia. "Sonic!" Twilight said. "You're awake!"
"Yep!" Sonic said. "Awake and ready to get back in action!"
"Good." Celestia said sweetly. "Because Twilight believes she has found a way to defeat Metal Sonic."
"In that case..." Sonic said, disappearing for a second before reappearing with a chair in hand. He sat down and rested his chin on his hand. "Let's hear it." |
Project ART | Metallic Mayhem: Part 4 | Metal Sonic paced back and forward, floating impatiently inches above the ground.
"SONIC'S HESITATION WAS NOT EXPECTED." he thought aloud. He turned to Rainbow Dash, who was still tied to the same chair she had been sitting in for the last 3 hours. "PAST EXPERIENCES SHOW MEATBAGS GENERALLY PROTECT THEIR KIN, AND SEEING AS SONIC IS YOUR 'BROTHER', HE WOULD WORRY FOR YOUR HEALTH. WHY HAS HE NOT COME YET?"
Rainbow smirked. "You learn after living with Sonic for a while that he doesn't do things by the book." she said. "He follows his own drummer, and that drummer drums loud."
Metal gave a digitized huff and turned away. "PLAYING BY THE BOOK OR NOT, I WILL GET THAT EMERALD." he turned his head slightly, so he could see her with one of his robotic eyes. "EVEN IF I HAVE TO RIP IT OUT OF YOUR BROTHER'S COLD, DEAD HANDS."
Sonic and his friends stood in the Canterlot Castle courtyard. Sonic looked to Twilight. "Are you sure this'll work?" he asked. "If I remember anything about Robuttnik, while most of his machines were hunks of scrap, Metal was one of his better builds."
"Sonic's right, sugarcube." Applejack said. "If this robot is half as strong as any of the things Sonic told us about, your spells might not trick it."
Twilight put a confident smile on her face. "Trust me." she said. "During my time in Canterlot I frequently visited a friend of mine; a unicorn named Circuit Breaker. He had a bad accident when he was small, and his horn paralyzed, rendering him unable to perform spells of any kind. After that he devoted himself to researching science, as he could do no good researching magic."
Sonic chuckled a bit, "Wow." he said. "That's the only time I've heard 'Science' in this life."
"When I left for Ponyville," continued Twilight, giving Sonic an annoyed look,"I paid him a visit; and he said that he's been researching ways to fool the sensors built into the machines he built. According to his experiments, Magic spells tuned to a certain frequency can disrupt the sensors, even if only for a short while."
"I'd hate to nitpick, darling." Rarity said. "Didn't you just say he could not preform magic?"
"Yeah." Applejack said. "How did he test that if he couldn't use magic?"
"He usually got my dad to help him." Twilight said. "Breaker's parents disappeared one day, but he refused to go to an orphanage or live with us. I guess my dad saw it as a way of 'redeeming' himself in the eyes of his missing parents."
Everypony, minus Sonic, gave a small aw. "That's sad." Fluttershy said. "But that's really sweet of you dad."
"Well." Twilight said. "On a more positive note, I've told one of the guards to get some of the notes in Breaker's house. There should be something to help us out in them."
"Ah don't see the need fer breakin' an' enterin'." Applejack said. "Why not just get it from Circuit Breaker himself? You know... straight from the horses mouth?"
"Oh, yeah..." Twilight said slowly. "My dad sent me a letter saying that Circuit moved away from Canterlot over-night, leaving behind all of his notes and research. Nopony knows why, but it seems to be working to our advantage."
"So, what?" Sonic said. "We just wait here until somepony comes to us with the notes?"
"That about sums it up, yes." Twilight said.
"Ugh." Sonic groaned, growing impatient to the long pause between action. He walked over to the nearest tree, hopped onto one of the thicker branches, and closed his eyes. "In that case, wake me when we're coming up with a plan."
Mount Canter, Peak - One hour later...
Metal Sonic turned to Rainbow Dash. "YOUR BROTHER'S TIME IS UP." he said. He grabbed her by the neck and started squeezing. "TIME TO DIE."
Metal watched as Rainbow started struggling against his literal iron grip, her fore and hind legs spasming as she gasped for air. "Please..." she said. "Don't..."
Metal punched Rainbow, shutting her up. "YOU PATHETIC WASTE OF MATTER." he said as he watched Rainbow's body hold on for dear life. "I MADE YOUR BROTHER A FAIR DEAL; YOUR LIFE FOR THE POSSESSION OF THE CHAOS EMERALD." He tightened his grip, which made Rainbow's eyes widened further. "SINCE HE OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT CARE FOR YOUR SAFETY, THAN I'LL TAKE IT UPON MYSELF TO-"
"To what?" said a voice behind him. Metal Sonic turned around seeing his organic counterpart standing with his arms crossed. "Let Rainbow go, Metal."
Metal extended his hand. "FIRST, THE CHAOS EMERALD." he said. "THEN I SHALL RELEASE YOUR SISTER."
Sonic narrowed his eyes. "And how do I know you won't just take the emerald and kill us both?"
"SIMPLE." Metal said, his hand still outstretched. "YOU DON'T" Sonic growled before reaching behind him and pulling out a large, shimmering green gemstone. "BRING IT TO ME." Sonic obeyed, walking over and standing in front of the mechanical hedgehog. "NOW. GIVE ME THE EMERALD."
"I'll get you back for this." Sonic said as he placed the gemstone in Metal's outstretched hand. "One day."
Metal chuckled his usual ear-splitting laughter. "PERHAPS, BUT NOT ANYTIME SOON."
"Or," Sonic said, a his lips curling into a grin. "I'll get you back... NOW!"
Metal watched in complete surprise as the blue hedgehog standing in front of him faded away. Before the computers in his brain could compute anything, a blue ball slammed straight into Metal's chest, sending the robot and the gemstone in his hand flying off the side of the mountain. "Take that, you stupid faker!" the real Sonic yelled. "That'll teach you to mess with my family!"
Suddenly, a golden blur shot up into the air. "ON THE CONTRARY." Metal said, a glowing field of golden electricity surrounding him. "YOU HAVE GIVEN ME THE TOOL OF YOU OWN DESTRUCTION," he raised the hand holding the emerald up, "THE CHAOS EMERALD!"
Sonic held a hand to his mouth and started snickering. "Uh, Metal." he said, pointing at Metal's occupied hand. "You might want to look at what you're holding."
Confused, Metal looked to his hand. He was still holding a crystalline item, but there was no energy coming off it. He was holding a normal emerald. "Hey, don't be all sad." said Sonic. "You can buy your girl-bot a nice necklace with that. If somebody actually puts you back together, that is."
"WHAT IS THIS?" Metal asked, completely shocked. "THIS DOES NOT COMPUTE! MY SCANNERS AND RADAR ARE ABLE TO DETECT MICROSCOPIC LIFEFORMS TWENTY MILES AWAY, HOW COULD I BE TRICKED THIS EASILY?"
"Because you're not on Mobius, anymore." Sonic said. "Equestria plays by a different set of rules, most revolving around the use of actual Magic."
Metal turned to look at Sonic, who instantly felt a shiver go down his spine. Even though he was physically unable to show it, there was something about that look that made Metal seem... angry. "FINE THEN." Metal said. "I WILL HAVE THE CHAOS EMERALDS. AND I'LL BURN EVERYTHING ON THIS PLANET TO GET THEM."
"No." Sonic said. "You won't."
"WHO IS GOING TO STOP ME?" Metal asked. "YOU KNOW THAT YOU CANNOT FACE ME IN 1-ON-1 COMBAT, WHAT CHANCE DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE?"
"First," Sonic said, raising his index finger. "It's anypony. Second," he raised his middle finger, but then pointed behind Metal. "That."
"SURPRISE!" said a voice behind Metal.
Sonic watched as Metal was blown forward in a blast of cake batter and confetti, revealing Pinkie Pie and a blue-and-pink cannon with a smoking barrel. As Metal came flying towards him, Sonic did a back-flip with his foot sticking out; knocking Metal into the air. "HI SONIC!" Pinkie said. "Did you see what I just did? Huh,did ya did ya did ya? I was like 'BANG!' and he was like 'OW!' and I was all like-"
"I get the idea, Pinkie." Sonic said. "Nice timing though."
"Eh, I always let villains have their evil monologue." Pinkie said. "It makes them think they have a real chance."
"Well," Sonic said, "Now that Metal is dealt with we can-"
Sonic was cut off as a blur of shining blue smashed into him from above. "YOU DID NOT TRULY BELIEVE IT WOULD BE THAT EASY, DID YOU?" Metal said. "YOU SEEM TO HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT I CAN FLY."
Even with Metal's foot planted on his face, Sonic managed a chuckle. "I'll keep that in mind." he said.
"NO NEED." Metal said. He raised his fist. "PREPARE TO DIE, MEATBAG."
He swung his fist downward, but something stopped him. He looked to his hand, only to find it surrounded in a peculiar purple aura. Before he could even think about scanning this strange phenomenon, he felt something wrap around his ankle. "Peekaboo, sugarcube." said a southern-accented voice behind him.
Once again, before absolutely anything could be processed in his brain, Metal found himself face-first in the dirt. "SO, YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN HARM ME? THEN YOU MEATBAGS ARE MORE IGNORANT THAN I THOUGHT."
"No way! I bucked ya all the way over there and ya ain't even got a dent on ya?" Applejack yelled, having just unleashed a good kick on the bot.
"I got him!" Jawsome said, Spin Slashing him to keep him down. Then suddenly, he saw his vision tinged with white, everything was greyscale. He saw Metal fly towards Applejack, claws extended, yelling,
"YOU MEATBAGS WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH ME GETTING THE CHAOS EMERALDS!" The robot slashed her, and electricity arced from the claws to Applejack, shocking his sister. Two words then came to him. Monado Shield. As it disappeared, he thought, "A vision? But was that a vision?" As he finished the thought, he saw Metal prepare to do it. "No!" He yelled, then swinging the Monado around, the energy blade turned yellow as he yelled, "MONADO SHIELD!" A bright light emanated, and spheres of energy appeared around Sonic, Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie.
"YOU MEATBAGS WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH ME GETTING THE CHAOS EMERALDS!" The robot yelled, flying towards Applejack. His claws glanced off of the shield, and Metal stumbled, disoriented. Jawsome then heard two more words in his thoughts. The Monado's blade turned purple as he yelled,
"MONADO ENCHANT!" A purple aura then covered his friends, and Applejack bucked the robot with a good apple-bucking kick."
"NO! HOW CAN THIS BE! I WILL NOT BE FINISHED BY MY FAKER AND HIS WORTHLESS FRIENDS!"
"Because, we have two things. Magic, and the Monado."
"THAT SWORD HAS NOTING TO DO WITH MY DEFEAT! AND MAGIC HAS NO EFFECT ON ME!"
"You're wrong. Because Equestrian Magic is unique." said Twilight, who walked up to Metal calmly. "You should really learn to adapt quicker."
"No." Sonic said, stepping over Metal and raising his foot. "I'm ending this, now."
"Let's do this, bro." Jawsome said, walking up to the other side of the robot.
Sonic brought his foot down, and Jawsome brought his blade down, but it was stopped by a black, glowing energy field. "IMPRESSIVE." Metal said, lifting himself off the ground, causing Sonic too scramble backwards and get into a fighting position, joined by Pinkie, Applejack and Twilight. "YOU CAUGHT ME OFF GUARD. I SEEM TO HAVE UNDERESTIMATED YOUR ABILITIES. NOW, HOWEVER; YOU HAVE MY FULL ATTENTION." He got into a fighting stance, similar to that of Sonic's. "LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT I'M MADE OFF."
Metal launched himself at Sonic, who; unable to block the fast-moving object, was sent tumbling to the ground. His eyes looked the side, and sw Pinkie aiming her cannon at him. Acting fast, he put up his black-shield again, blocking all the confetti and batter. Taking hold of the barrel of the cannon, Metal threw it off the side of the mountain and watched Pinkie run after it.
Deciding that Pinkie was no longer a threat, he was caught off-guard as Applejack delivered a powerful buck to his side, sending him flying. Recovering in mid-air, Metal launched himself at the cowpony, who started panicking at the sight of the fast-moving object. Before Metal could make contact, a red blur ran in front of his target, and Jawsome delivered a downward slash, sending him crashing to the ground, missing a few spines.
"Give up?" Sonic asked.
"NEvEr!" Metal said, his voice changing pitches due to the damage dealt.
Metal bolted upwards to grab Sonic's neck, but a purple aura stopped him. Holding Metal in her magic grasp, Twilight lifted the robot up and held him dangling by his wrist.
"Give up now, Metal." Twilight said. "And we'll let you leave in peace."
"PeACe?" asked Metal. He started kicking and spasming against Twilights magical grip. "I'lL KiLL yOU, i'LL KIlL yOu ALl! I'lL BuRN EqUeSTRiA, AnD EvERytHING oN iT!
Twilight sighed. "So be it then." she said. She looked to her right. "Sonic? Please take out the trash."
"Gladly." Sonic said.
"Wait." Pinkie said. "He threw my Party Cannon. He is mine." Cannon in tow, Pinkie walked over and aimed it at Metal's head. "Sayonara, sucker." she said before pressing the trigger. Metal was launched upwards, the combined elements of being drained of power and held in Twilight's magic stopping him from defending himself.
"I got this." Jawsome said, his Monado starting to glow blue. "MONADO BUSTER!" A large blade emanated from the sword, and Jawsome slammed it down on Metal. It sheared off half of the robot doppelganger's body. He then kicked him upwards again.
"My turn" Sonic said. He jumped high and met Metal as he started to descend. Not saying a word, Sonic kicked Metal in the face, smiling as the sound of a loud explosion filled his ears. He landed, and was immediately tackled by everypony there. Jawsome held back, looking at the Monado.
"HEY!" Rainbow exclaimed. "YOU FORGOT TO UNTIE ME!"
"Hang on."
Unknown location...
[System Booting]
[Critical Damage to Left and Lower-Body]
[Right and Upper-Body in working condition]
[Turning on visual sensors]
Metal awoke, hearing footsteps. A strange creature approached him, saying
"Did you really think that you could stop them with what you did?"
"WHO DARES QUESTION METAL SONIC, ULTIMATE CREATION OF DOCTOR ROBOTNIK?"
"My name is of no importance. But don't worry, I am not hostile." The cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows. "I will repair you. All will be revealed later. All I need is for you to shut down first."
Metal sighed, a gesture he didn't know he could do, and said, "MY SHUT DOWN SWITCH IS NEAR MY JET MATRIX. PLEASE TURN ME ON WHEN REPAIRS ARE COMPLETE."
"I will." The figure said, as it switched off the robot, then picked it up and walked off into the dark jungle. |
Project ART | Onyx Island: Obsidian Angel | Mobius, hundreds of feet above the Great Mobocean...
On Mobius, the planet used to be sectioned off into areas, called 'Zones' by the Royal Acorn government. Zones were generally all open to the public, with the exception of Industrial Zones like the Chemical Plant Zone and the Oil Ocean Zone. However, the Sky Chase Zone was almost unique as it was one of two natural Zones located in the sky. The other, the Sky Storm Zone, was a constant torrential downpour, located over the southern edge of the Great Mobocean. The Sky Chase Zone was located just northwest of Mount Mobius. During the time before Robotnik's takeover, airplanes were forbidden from going through them on penalty of banishment. Nobody knew why, nor did the Royal Acorn family tell anybody, but they followed it nonetheless.
"To think." Miles said as he piloted the Tornado-X through the Sky Chase Zone. "Just being in this airspace and I could never go back to Northamer."
"It's best not to think of what life could have been like." said Blaze the Cat, who was calmly standing on the wing of the biplane. "You should think of life will be when we take Robotnik down."
"I just want to think of ways to take Eggface down." said Amy Rose, sitting impatiently in the Co-pilot seat of the Tornado. "I don't understand why you had to bring me along though, why not bring along Rotor, or maybe even Gamma?"
"Because they're having issues with the new recruits." Jet said, standing on the other wing. "Hopefully they will have it all sorted out by the time we get back."
"Who knows?" said Zero the Fox, who was sitting relaxed in the passenger seat of the plane, rolling a small ball of fire along his fingers like a coin. "We might have a new, better base to bring everybody to when we get back!"
"That's a nice thought Zero," said Miles, "But even if the myths were correct and the Guardian doesn't immediately blow us out of the sky, I doubt he'll let us make a base on his Island."
"You mean if there is a Guardian." Jet spat. "Until I see this 'Angel Island', this is still a hunch."
"Well, you're not going to have to wait very long." said Amy, who was frantically looking over the radars and scanners in front of her. "'Cause there's something coming up on our scanners, 1000 kilometers straight ahead!"
"There's nothing there." said Jet bitterly. "Are you sure the Tornado's not picking up an underwater fortress? I think one of the newbies said that Robotnik built one somewhere."
Jet winced as a burning-hot cinder was flicked onto the back of his head. "She said, and I quote, 'straight ahead' smart one." Zero said. "Besides, I have a hunch of my own."
Miles turned to Zero. "And that would be?"
"For such a smart fox, you're missing the obvious." Zero said. "Look ahead of us, there's nothing there."
"I can see that smart one." Jet said.
"But that's just it!" Zero said. "There's nothing there! Absolutely nothing is there but the ocean beneath us. The seas are the only part of Mobius Buttnik was never able to master! And yet, there's no clouds, no birds, no winds."
Miles thought about that. "Zero!" he said after a few seconds. "You're a genius!"
Blaze, Jet and Amy looked at Miles with a confounded expression. "He is?" they asked in unison.
Miles nodded enthusiastically. "He's right! It was so obvious! This is the reason why Robotnik couldn't find Angel Island! Because the EMP field surrounding..." the air around the plane and passengers seemed to shimmer as they passed through a wall of energy. Now, where there used to nothing was a massive floating island, beautiful clear waterfalls falling off the edge. "... is also a cloaking field."
"Wow." said Blaze, completely awestruck.
"There it is!" said Jet. "Angel Island!"
"NO" said a booming voice, seemingly emanating from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. "This place is not deserving of the name 'Angel Island.' Not anymore."
"Who is this?" asked Amy, grabbing her trusty Piko-Piko hammer from nowhere.
"As of the current time, you are in no position to demand anything, Amy Rose." said the voice. "But you may refer to me as Enerjak; the Guardian of the Master Emerald."
"Guardian!" Miles called out. "My name is Miles Prower, and my friends and I come representing the Freedom Fighters of Mobius, and we seek your help in our fight against Dr. Robotnik."
"Eggman?" asked Enerjak. There was a pause after that, but after a few seconds, there was a response. "There is an entrance to a cave system on the top of the west mountain, one of my companions will meet you and escort you to the my whereabouts."
"Then we will see you soon, Guardian." said Blaze.
When no reply came, Jet looked to Miles. "I get the feeling we just bit off more than we could chew."
Dr. Robotnik's HQ, Robotropolis...
Dr. Eggman's headquarters was in chaos, robots scrambling around the room to the different monitors and sensors.
"I DON'T CARE THAT THERE'S NO POSSIBLE EXPLAINATION!" yelled Eggman to one of his minions. "MAKE ONE UP AND FIND METAL SONIC!"
"Sir," said Orbot, who was one of the only robots not running around like a chicken without it's head. "Even without Hyper Metal Sonic, there is only a 25% drop in our chances of victory. That still leaves us with 75% in our favor."
"I'm not worried about our odds, Orbot." Eggman hissed. "I'm worried that the Freedom Fighters managed to capture Metal Sonic and turn him against me."
"Oh," said Orbot. "That does make sense."
"Dr. Eggman, sir!" said a stout, silver humanoid robot.
"What is it Bocoe?" asked Eggman impatiently.
"Decoe and I saw a Biplane take off from the Marble Zone." Bocoe said. "Should we send someone after them?"
Eggman waved the idea off. "We can't spare any of our larger regiments." He said. "Send in EL1T3, he'll handle it."
Bocoe saluted. "Yes sir!" he said, running out the door and back to his station."
Orbot watched Bocoe exit the chaotic room. "He's an odd fellow." he thought to himself. "I wonder where Miles is going?"
Onyx Island, above the Great Mobocean...
"Can you see the entrance?" asked Miles as he circled the mountain for the seventh time.
"No, not yet." said Jet, zooming into the mountains with his binoculars. "Wait!" he pointed near the top of the mountain. "Right there. About 2 miles from the top. There's also a landing platform and somebody waiting to greet us."
"Alright, going in for a landing." Miles said. "Jet, Blaze; hold on. We don't have an emergency shutoff anymore."
Miles' warning ended up being ignored, rightly so; as the landing was a smooth one, coming to a rest on the middle of the conveniently placed foothold. Immediately after landing, they were greeted by a Mobian monkey, clad in a fashionable; but battle-worn, vest, wearing a headband of gold, holding a staff. "Hello." he said with a bow. "My name is Monkey Khan, cyborg simian, Guardian of physical Onyx Island and servant of the true Guardian."
"Greetings." Blaze said. "I am Blaze the Cat, ambassador and Princess of the Sol Dimension."
"Hi." Zero said. "I'm Zero the Fox, loyal soldier and supporter of the Freedom Fighter cause."
"Hello." said Amy. "I am Amy Rose, that is all the information I am willing to divulge."
"Hi." said Miles. "I'm Miles Prower, founder, leader and general tech-head of the Freedom Fighters. The green bird who won't talk to you over there is Jet the Hawk. I wouldn't worry too much about him."
"Well, I'm Guardian Enerjak's right-hand man." Khan said. He pondered on that for a moment. "Or monkey, as the case would be."
"Do you know where we are supposed to meet your boss?" Zero asked.
"Well..." Khan said. "I'm supposed to lead you through the Lava Reef Zone, then another colleague of mine is supposed to take three of you through the Hidden Palace Zone and to the Emerald Shrine."
"Why are we splitting up?" Amy asked.
"I'm not really sure." admitted Khan. He gestured to Jet, Blaze and Miles. "All I know is that I'm supposed to hand you three over to the Doc once we reach the Hidden Palace."
"The Doc?" asked Jet suspiciously. "As in 'Doctor? You wouldn't mean Dr. EGGMAN would you?"
Khan laughed aloud. "No, I mean Doctor Finitevus. While I'm the guardian of the physical Onyx Island, Dr. Finitevus is the co-guardian of the Master Emerald. Like Enerjak himself, Finitevus is an Echidna, and has skills creating powerful illusions, which is why Dr. Stunk Cabbage hasn't taken seen or detected Onyx Island. He created the EMP and cloaking field surrounding us."
"Wow." Blaze said. "What is very impressive."
"Well, you'll be able to tell him yourself soon." Khan said. "We should get going. Lava Reef is pretty big, and we've wasted enough time out here anyway."
Dr. Robotnik's HQ, Robotropolis...
Dr. Eggman sat on his throne, having grown tired of the chaos in the control room. Pressing a button on the arm-rest, the window overlooking Robotropolis switched turned into a screen, an image of Cubot ordering robots around.
"Cubot." Eggman said. "Progress report?"
"Aye." Cubot said. "The crew seems to have found somthin' radiating off a' Metal's hanger."
"Cubot, switch your voice chip off 'Scalawag' please." Eggman said impatiently, his palm covering his eyes.
"But Captn'..." Cubot whined. "The landlubbers don't take me normal voice seriously!"
"No Buts." Eggman said. "Now, what were you saying?"
"Well," Cubot said. "According to the scanner droids you gave me, there's an energy signature radiating off Metal Sonic's hanger."
Eggman sat upright upon hearing this. "An energy signature?" he asked. "Does it match any known teleporter? Or anything the resistance might have?"
Cubot turned and whispered something to a scanner droid, who whispered back whilst shaking it's head. "No, sorry boss." Cubot said. "There's nothing I have access to that matches the reading."
"But..." Eggman pressed on. "This sounds like a 'but' statement."
"But there is a match in the restricted cloud, the one that robots like Metal Sonic and his squad have full access to." Orbot said, who hovered over to his comrade. "I, being one of your top minions, have limited access to the restricted cloud; so I was able to perform a surface scan."
Eggman thought on this. After little while of silence, Eggman looked back to the screen. "Send me the frequency." he said. "I'll see to Metal's location myself. In the mean time, send the rest of the E-100 Squad under leadership from Metal Jawsome and E. M. SN to the Marble Zone. Leave the other E. M. units alone."
Orbot and Cubot saluted. "Yes sir." they said in unison.
Onyx Island, Lava Reef - Hidden Palace junction...
Doctor Finitevus was waiting patiently at the crossroad built between the Lava Reef Zone and the Hidden Palace Zone. Enerjak had woken him up, telling him they had some 'old friends' visiting. He was ordered to wait at the crossroad between the Lava Reef Zone and the Hidden Palace Zone, then take the three Mobians Monkey Khan gave him to the shrine.
As one could probably imagine, after living alone with a hot-headed Echidna and an annoying cyborg monkey for twenty years, the mere concept of having visitors on the secluded island was fascinating. What was curious, however; was what Enerjak had referred to their visitors as 'Old Friends'. As far as Finitevus was aware, his master had not left Onyx Island since the day he was born. So how could these complete strangers be 'old friends'?
Finitevus frowned. He hated when Enerjak was cryptic about things like this. It had started when he had originally tapped into the Master Emerald's power. He always seemed to be hiding something from him. He never allowed him to be anywhere near the gem, always panicking when he appeared at the shrine.
His thoughts, however, were cut short when a familiar voice echoed through the tunnel. "YO!" yelled Monkey Khan. "Doc! You there?"
"I'm at the Hidden Palace entrance." Finitevus said.
Soon after, Khan emerged from the entrance to the Lava Reef Zone, five unfamiliar Mobians in tow. "Hey doc." Khan said.
"Khan." Dr. Finitevus said simply. "Which of these am I supposed to take?"
Khan motioned and a two-tailed, yellow fox; a purple cat in an exquisite dress and a green hawk in skateboarder's gear moved up. "This is Miles Prower, Blaze the Cat and Jet the Hawk." Khan said. "Enerjak specifically told me to give these three to you."
Finitevus looked at the other two; a pink hedgehog and a green fox. "And the others?" he asked.
"They're to come with me on a tour of the island." Khan said. "I'm really looking forward to showing the Hydro City."
Finitevus nodded. "Very well." He said. He looked at Miles, Blaze and Jet. "If would please follow me."
Onyx Island, the Hidden Palace Zone ~ 20 minutes later...
The walk through the Hidden Palace Zone was quiet. Miles had gathered that this 'Doctor Finitevus' was not the talkative type, so he decided to keep quiet.
Blaze, however; seemed to have had enough of the silence. "So, Dr. Finitevus." She said. "I couldn't help but notice your illusion field casted around the Island. Very impressive."
"Thank you." Finitevus said. "I take pride in my control over the Chaos forces, even if I have only indirect access to the Emerald's power."
"Wait a minute." Jet said. "'Chaos'? As in, the Chaos Emeralds?"
"No." Said Finitevus. "My master and I control the Master Emerald's power. The Chaos Emeralds and their counterparts, the Flame Emeralds, disappeared many years ago."
"What do you mean 'disappeared'?" Miles asked. "The Chaos Emeralds of legend wouldn't just vanish without a reason."
"While I do not have a proper answer," Finitevus explained. "There is a prophecy written on the walls of the shrine. A prophecy that shows a changing of the times when Sisters Harmony and Brothers Chaos unite to defeat a powerful tyrant."
"Sisters Harmony and Brothers Chaos..." Miles repeated, deep in thought.
"Once again," Finitevus said, snapping Miles out of his trance. "While I may not have an answer, my master Enerjak might; as he has nearly complete control over the Master Emerald's power."
"I can't wait to meet him." Jet said sarcastically.
"Then wait no longer." Finitevus said. Looking forward, the four Mobian saw a massive pyramid, a green glow emanating from the top. "We have arrived."
"Whoa." Jet said, completely awestruck.
"Master Enerjak!" Finitevus called. "Your guests have arrived."
OK, start playing Unknown to M.E. from Sonic Adventure
With that, a figure started descending the steps of the pyramid, silhouetted by the glow. "Greetings, Freedom Fighters." The figure said. "May I be the first to properly welcome you to Onyx Island." The figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing an Echidna, his red dreadlocks the only part of him showing from underneath the black cloth and golden armor. One of his eyes was hidden, blocked by the shadows of his helmet, the other; a single glowing dot glowing an eerie red. One his hands were black gloves matching his bodysuit, a golden wrist-guard and knuckles adorning his fist and wrist.
Miles kneeled. "Greetings, Guardian Enerjak." He said. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Enerjak chuckled. He took off his helmet, revealing a he smiling face of a red Echidna with some type of device attached to his right eye.. "There's no need for formalities." He said. "They are not needed among old friends. You can call me Knuckles."
"Old friends?" Blaze repeated. "I'm not sure I understand. We've never met you until now."
Stop the music now.
Knuckles nodded. "Than it is as I feared." He said. He lifted his hand, and a shimmering screen of energy projected from the palm. On the screen, an image of a large green gemstone, with fourteen smaller, multicolored gems orbiting around it. "This is the Master Emerald." Explained Knuckles, pointing to the large gem. "And these," he pointed to the orbiting gems, "are the seven Chaos and Flame Emeralds."
"20 years ago, long before Dr. Finitevus joined me," Knuckles continued. "The Chaos and Flame Emeralds vanished, leaving nothing in their wake."
"Yes, so we've heard." Miles said.
"At that point, I was still young." Knuckles said. "But still I knew something wasn't right. I was heir to the position of Emerald Guardian; as was my son to be, and so on. I asked my father, who was just barely hanging onto his life. He told me that if the Fourteen Emeralds were missing, then the world was in danger. When my father died, I took over the position, and I finally got to touch the Master Emerald."
"When I touched the Emerald; I saw images and visions." Knuckles continued. "People and places that I didn't know, things I was doing, but had never done before. Thanks to the information you have just given me, my suspicions are proven correct. I now know these visions were memories, memories of a past life that never came to be. Memories of a life before time was rewritten."
"How is possible?" asked Miles. "Time travel is still just a theory, and a shaky one at that."
"But it would explain a lot." Blaze said. "Until he started attacking, there was no records of Dr. Robotnik even existing, no blueprints for his machines."
"You are on the right track." Knuckles said. "If you would, call upon any knowledge you have of the ancient Acorn Government. Keeping that information in mind, Dr. Robotnik is actually a version of Julian Kintobor from 20 years in the future. Had Robotnik not taken over, Kintobor would have betrayed the Acorn Kingdom, to be stopped multiple times by our friend. I believe Eggman did something to prevent said friend from stopping him."
"I'm still not buying it." Said Miles.
"Fine." Enerjak said. "Have you ever had any weird dreams? Dreams of seeing a Mobius without Robotnik?"
"Yeah." Miles said. "Wait..." he thought for a second, quickly shushing anybody that talked. Finally he looked up at Knuckles. "You were there! So was Amy, Sally, Blaze, Rotor and some of the other Freedom Fighters!"
"That is because these are fragmented memories that did not leave your mind." Knuckles said. "You are remembering things that never came, of a better life that now will never happen."
"But... how?... what?" Miles stuttered, trying to comprehend the information.
"And now, with you here," Knuckles said. "I am giving you the chance for these memories to be restored. To be able to remember everything as clearly as I do."
Miles nodded. "I would like that." He said.
"As would I." said Blaze.
"Me too." Jet said.
"And I." said Doctor Finitevus, whom everybody had forgotten had not been dismissed.
"That wait here as I prepare the Emerald." Knuckles said before climbing the stairs of the shrine. There was a moment of silence as everybody processed this information. Soon, Knuckles came running down the stairs, visibly panicking.
"Master." Finitevus said. "What is the matter?"
"Summon Monkey Khan and the other Freedom Fighters." Knuckles said, rising and moving to where he put his helmet.
"What's wrong?" asked Miles.
Enerjak placed the helmet on his head and turned to them, the glowing red iris staring into their souls. "The Freedom Fighters' Headquarters in under attack." |
Project ART | Season 1 Chapter 2: Chaos Outbreak | An ethereal ghost of wind. Something unnoticeable to most. The spirit that had breathed the wind stirred. It felt the source of it's power, it's very nature. It felt..... chaos.
"Now, now, that's enough!" Cheerilee snapped at the group known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. All three of them had been locked in a tussle over what a statue of a draconequis meant. Scootaloo thought it was chaos, Apple Bloom thought it was confusion, and Sweetie Bell thought it was disharmony. As the three fillies stopped fighting, she went on, "You're all right. Discord represents general disharmony, chaos, etc. And since you three exemplified him so well, you get to write an essay on chaos. Now come along!" She said, cheerily. As the school foals fell into line, the statue began cracking.
Soon. It had started twenty years ago by those blasted ponies's reckoning, when he'd felt a small surge of chaos. Now, he would finally be free to cause chaos. Say your prayers, Celestia.
"All right, why are there cotton candy, chocolate milk-raining clouds everywhere?! Rainbow Dash yelled as she tried to corral the clouds away from Ponyville.
"Exactly the reason why the corn is popping!" Jawsome responded as he waded through what used to be the cornfield at Sweet Apple Acres.
"Why's that a bad thing?" Pinkie Pie said from where she was getting rained on. By chocolate milk-raining, cotton candy clouds. Not even Pinkie logic could explain that.
"Because it makes no sense!" Applejack yelled back. Sonic ran up, half coated in cotton candy.
"That stuff is not moveable by hand, man." Sonic said.
"Great. There goes the corn." Jawsome and Applejack said. Suddenly, the apples on the trees nearest the corn started growing really large. The squirrels and woodland creatures began chowing down on them.
"Now, I wouldn't-eeeeeek!" Fluttershy said as she tried to get the animals to stop eating the apples, but mid-sentence their legs grew longer.
"This isn't the best time for a visit, am I correct?" Rarity said, trotting up with all eyes on her.
"Yes." Everypony but her said.
"Don't worry everyone, I have a spell that will fix everything!" Twilight proudly proclaimed as she walked up. She tapped into the ethereal pool of magic, and cast the spell. As the magenta light died, nothing had changed. "I don't get it! My failsafe spell... failed?" She said, in shock at the failure.
"Don't take it personal, Twilight. There has to be some way to stop the chaos." Spike said.
"That's the problem! The spell was designed to fix chaos! So this is either not chaos, or really powerful magic!" Twilight said.
"Wait! Sonic, can't you use that Chaos Control to fix this?" Jawsome said, looking towards his brother.
"Not sure. From what I recall, Chaos Control was only a way to warp time and space, essentially teleportation. I don't think that it actually controls chaos." Sonic said, in his thinking pose.
"It's worth a try!" Jawsome yelled. Sonic flinched, before responding,
"Fine." He grabbed the Emeralds, and raised them into the air, yelling "Chaos Control!" A wave emitted, and when it passed over the chaos, it was fixed. The clouds disappeared, the popcorn became corn again, the apple trees returned to normal, and the animals once again became short.
"Hey!" Pinkie yelled, with a mouth full of chocolate milk rain.
"Yeah! You fixed it!" Spike said, before burping up a letter. Twilight grabbed it in her magic and unfurled the scroll, reading the contents before gasping and saying,
"We're needed in the castle in Canterlot immediately!"
Canterlot Castle....
Celestia paced around the front entrance stairs. The chaos outbreaks were a terrible omen of a dark power reawakening. Hopefully her star student, Twilight, and her friends would arrive soon. Especially those hedgehogs, since the same thing could happen with-
"Princess Celestia! We came as fast a we could!" Twilight said, running into the castle with the ponies and hedgehogs. "What's going on? Why is all this chaos going on? Why-?" She stopped dead as Celestia raised a hoof.
"Follow me." She simply said, and walked northerly.
Tower of Harmony, Canterlot Castle.....
"You see, this is not natural chaos." Celestia said, walking down the corridor to the North Tower.
"Any chaos is not a good thing. Especially giant water gods." Sonic said.
"What?" Everypony in the room, minus Jawsome, who knew exactly what he was referencing, asked.
"Uh, inside joke. Anyway, what does this have to do with us?" Sonic said, sheepish and then curious.
"This is the North Tower. Here we keep the Elements of Harmony, thanks to your efforts." Celestia said.
"But why us? Why not-?" Twilight started, but was stopped by Celestia stopping in front of a door.
"I require you to once again wield the Elements against another enemy, an ancient evil long forgotten. I want you to fight The Spirit of Chaos, Discord!" She said.
"Discord, eh? If I recall, the name itself means chaotic or disharmonious. So, we are essentially facing this world's Chaos?" Jawsome said. Everypony with the exception of Sonic looked at him. The two hedgehogs looked at each other and nodded. "We have something to tell you."
Everypony was listening. Sonic started.
"You see on our world, we have something very similar to your Elements of Harmony. However, unlike them, they are pieces to a set of fifteen in total. The Fourteen Chaos and Flame Emeralds,-"
"We know that!" Pinkie said dramatically. Sonic continued,
"And the Master Emerald. Each is an object of incredible power, with the Master Emerald, the most powerful, generating infinite levels of energy. The Chaos and Flame Emeralds don't generate that much power, but each on its own is extremely strong. The more you collect, the stronger they become, and if all are gathered, then none could stand in your way. You would be.... Invincible!" Everypony gasped.
"But these Emeralds are also subject to other powers. Like two sides of a coin, or the opposite poles of a magnet, the Emeralds have two wavelengths of their own. Positive and Negative. The positive aspects of the Emeralds are much like the symbolism of your Elements, and the power of friendship. However, the negative aspects are what, unfortunately are what we dealt with on a near daily basis. Greed, corruption, hate, anger. The more of these there are, the more their power overrides the positives. In time, a demon would be born. At least, that's what they said. But there was another side to the Great Emerald, Chaos. This being is the God of chaos, but it is normally peaceful, watching over a race called the Chao. In our world's ancient past, a tribe of Echidna lived near the Master Emerald Shrine. One of them was a gentle girl, named Tikal. She was friendly to the Chao, so Chaos did not bother her. Rather, they became friends, where Tikal would always visit, and Chaos would always be welcoming. But the tribe's leader was not so peaceful. Under his rule, the tribe had conquered many rivals. He wished to use the Master Emerald's power to rule all of Mobius. He was dedicated enough to pursue it by any means. He attempted to take the Emeralds by force, in turn hurting Tikal and the Chao. This also enraged Chaos, who used the power of the Chaos Emeralds to exterminate them, but Tikal sealed herself in the Master Emerald with Chaos for all time before he could do any more damage. That is the power of the negative energies of the Emeralds." Jawsome followed up. He then continued, "But there was one other mystery that the Echidna were attempting to solve. The mystery of the Monado. A sword of mystical origins, a tool to manipulate ether, weapon of only certain few. They had attempted to just control it, but could not. They eventually stopped trying, and as a sign of friendship, Tikal placed the sword at the Master Emerald Shrine, where it would await it's one true bearer. That bearer was also the one that could control the Flame Emeralds, counterparts to the Chaos Emeralds. While chaos is malleable, flames are not. They are hard to control, and as such, are only useable by the one of the Monado."
"Whoa." Twilight said.
"And that is just what we remember. We were only just born when we were sent here, so we grew up with your history. We are not just here. We are but two reflections in a mirror, one living a life unlike the other. And if the mirror shatters, then we would be one, experiences and memories intertwining. Me and Sonic would probably just fade from existence then and there." Jawsome finished.
"So I see you two are indeed experienced. However I do not have another Emerald, so-" Suddenly Jawsome's eyes glowed bright gold. His vision tinged with white, scene greyscale. He saw a maze, a strange creature, his friends not acting as they did. He saw the next Emeralds, in a obvious place to find them. And above all, he heard a voice saying
"You will find them back where you began." As the vision cleared, he noticed everyone staring at him, as well as a pain on the back of his head.
"Jawsome! You all right?" Rainbow asked.
"Fine! It's just.... What happened?"
"You just spontaneously collapsed on the floor." Twilight said.
"Well, it's not anything that could kill me." He said, nodding at Sonic.
"What? You saw another vision?" Sonic asked.
"Right. I don't think those Elements are where we think they are."
"Correct you are, Jawsome the Hedgehog." A voice echoed around the hall, deep and sonorous, ended by a loud laugh.
"Discord!" Celestia said.
"Oh, Celestia, how nice to see you again! Well, not really since you rained on my parade a thousand years ago, but it's better than being a bloody statue, now isn't it?" Discord's voice echoed.
"Where is he?" Twilight muttered.
"Why, right here!" The stained glass depicting a.... thing manipulating pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies alike began moving."Ah, yes you irritable ponies. How do you feel having something of value stolen from you?" The image said, flitting from one window to the next.
"Yeah, yeah, smarm it up while you still can!" Rainbow yelled, flying towards the image. It disappeared, leaving her to face plant into the glass with a sickening SMACK and slide down to the floor.
"Ah ah ah, Rainbow Dash. Representing of Loyalty, if I may presume?" Discord taunted, sidling over to a window portraying the Mane Six around the Pedestal of Harmony, Elements in their place.
"You quit this childish behavior and return our Elements!" Rarity scolded.
"Ohhhh, the graceful Rarity, Generosity, if I do hear correctly." Discord said, lying upside down on top of the Pedestal.
"Quit your game before I have to do it myself." Jawsome said, obvious anger showing. A small, almost unnoticeable black aura began radiating off of him.
"No thanks, Jawsie." Discord said.
"Flame Spear!" A red hot shard was now sticking in the glass, which must be enchanted so as not to break. Discord just simply reappeared on top of Twilight's depiction in the window, tutting the now angry red hedgehog.
"Just stop and give back the Elements!" Twilight said forcefully.
"Oh-ho! Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic graces me with her words! Not very nice considering, but wisdom may be in them. Now, why would I do that?" Discord said. Pinkie started biting her lip.
"What?" Pinkie busted out laughing.
"He's dancing.... on your head! Hahahahaha!" Pinkie managed to get out. The image was indeed dancing on the head of Twilight's picture.
"Where can we find the bloody things then?" Twilight hollered.
"Why didn't you just ask earlier? But I will only tell you my way." The draconequis said. "Ahem.... Twists and Turns, all means to an end. But you will find what you seek, back where you began." The Spirit of Disharmony then left. Maybe to pick up a pizza from what they'd seen. Hold the cheese maybe. Twilight started pacing, mind running at a mile a minute, processing what she'd just heard.
"Makes me wonder if a toaster is gonna bust in here yelling 'OH YEAH!'" Jawsome thought. "Wait, why am I thinking that?" He then thought.
"Twists and turns.... Back where you began.... I'VE GOT IT!" Twilight muttered, then yelled. "Discord must have hidden them in the maze!" They all looked out onto the leafy labyrinth in silence.
Maze entrance....
"So, Discord must have hidden the Elements in the middle! It's only logical!" Twilight said excitedly.
"Besides, we might find an Emerald in there!" Sonic added. "As for logic, we-e-e-ll, the God or embodiment of Chaos doesn't play by the same set of rules."
"Whaddya mean?"
"It means that he can do just about anything." Sonic said.
"Well, let's beat him at his own game! Don't even need to navigate with these bad boys!" Rainbow said, then flew towards the maze. But before she could clear the border, a flash blinded everypony in the area. The next second, Rainbow hit the ground, and she, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Twilight were looking very different. Humans? No. Not having their horns/wings? Yes. A laughter quite similar to the one heard in the Hall of Harmony was heard. Then Discord himself appeared. He was quite a character, having a goat's head, lion's paw, deer's antler.... You get the idea.
"Oh, you should see the looks on your faces! They were priceless! Hahahaha!" He laughed. A flash off to the side distracted the ponies however, and they saw someone taking photos. It was Jawsome, but he laughed it off and burned the camera and pictures. He then drew his Monado and pointed the tip of the blade towards the draconequis.
"So, you must be Discord, eh?" He said. He charged a Flame Spear behind his back, and threw it at his head. He simply scrunched it down, and the shard flew towards the hedge wall, but it deflected off somewhere else.
"Ahaha. Now we don't want you burning down this maze, do we?" Discord said. He snapped, and suddenly a red aura appeared around Jawsome. Multiple whishes were heard, but nothing happened to the pyrokinetic hedgehog. He started clapping slowly.
"Nice. A light show. A Motobug was way more threatening that that." He said.
"Hmmpf. Count yourself lucky that my Chaos magic can't tamper with your abilities. You still have yet to find those Elements though, and if I recall, you were looking for an Emerald of some sort?" Discord said, lazily twisting a cloud.
"Shaddup." Sonic said. "Let's just do this, everypony." Everyone nodded. They walked into the gap in the leafy labyrinth. Before they took off, walls sprang up around them.
(Me: this is taking forever, and how will I put the end in? Let's just fast forward.)
Ponyville....
"It... Didn't work?" Twilight said. "It can't be..." Starting at her tail, her color drained away, to match those that were once her friends.
"Twilight! Don't let him get to you! We can do this!" Jawsome said. "I can't.... alone." Growling, he charged a shard and threw it at Discord, who again dodged it perfectly. But once he did that, he realized that.... He just couldn't. The wave overran his fur, changing it to grey. He began walking home, but not before he let his Monado drop in front of the library.
"Yes!" Discord said, celebrating his victory. "Chaos rules once again!" |
Project ART | Season 1 Chapter 3: Chaos Control | Sweet Apple Acres....
Jawsome walked into the barn, wanting to sit on a barrel. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the tree he commonly slept in, and a cyan glow. Walking out to investigate, he saw an Emerald resting on a branch. His memory of the vision, showing him the Emerald's location, and of his friends and his adventures, all came rushing by. As he reflected on the times, a red wave appeared at his shoes, crawling up his body until he was fully colored once again. He grabbed the Emerald, and prepared for it, entered Tikal's realm once again.
Time Space....
"Welcome again, Jawsome." Tikal said. "I see you have found another Emerald." She noted. "I believe this one will restore the memories of your conflicts with Eggman's top mechs."
"Great." Jawsome said, stretching. "Anything else?" He asked her.
"Yes, although you could have done this if you tried. You can now perform a Sonic Boom, as can Sonic. It proved very effective against Robotnik." She said, then noticed the absence of his sword. "Where is the Monado?" She asked.
"I dropped it outside the library, when I let Discord win. I won't let him this time!" He said determinedly.
"I see. If I recall, this new Monado ability is one of your favorites. Use it well." Tikal said, then faded as Jawsome returned to consciousness.
Ponyville, a quick run later....
Jawsome burst into the library, yelling, "Twilight! I know how we can restore our friends!"
"What friends?" Twilight deadpanned. "I don't have friends anymore." Jawsome noticed the Element of Magic, lying right by his foot. He picked it up and held it out to Twilight, saying, "Yes, you do. Remember?" With that word, Twilight began remembering all the adventures they'd had, and the lessons she'd learnt about friendship. Her magenta color returned, and she took the Element from Jawsome. "Let's go restore our friends!" She said.
"Thought you'd never ask!" Jawsome said, wearing a cocky smile.
Sweet Apple Acres (again).....
"Well, me and my so-called "friends" tried to stop Discord, but they didn't lend a hoof to help me." Applejack lied, crunching a bite of Apple back onto the core.
"Applejack!" Jawsome said.
"What? I'm busy here." Applejack said.
"We're going to stop Discord!" Twilight said.
"Sorry to do this, sis." Jawsome said a little regretfully, then tackled the farm pony. A brief scuffle led to him sitting on top of her with his elbow near her windpipe, attaching her Element. Applejack struggled at first, but then the memories returned. Everything, even bashing Metal's head in washed over her with perfect clarity. Her honesty, even when it would have been better to tell a lie, always shone through back then. She winced as the color was returned to her coat, becoming orange once again. Jawsome hopped off of her, and held out his hand. She took it.
"Twilight? Jawsome? I remember it. Discord lying about the future, then it seeming like the truth, and I didn't like the truth, so I started telling lies." Applejack said, hanging her head.
"Not to worry, sis. The whole color thingy tipped it off right away." Jawsome cracked. That earned him a glare from Applejack. "Anyway, we've gotta round up the other Elements." He said, switching to serious. Twilight and Applejack nodded.
Fluttershy's cottage....
When Fluttershy's color returned, she said, "Oh, I just had this awful dream. Did I do anything too bad?"
"Not really." Jawsome said, cutting the rope around the pegasus's legs.
Carousel Boutique...
"What are you doing? Get away from Tom! NO-" Rarity's speech was cut off by a flash. a second later, the rock was rolled out.
"Let's never speak of this again." Rarity said, looking back at the others.
Sugarcube Corner....
"Oh, it's you." Pinkie said as the ponies and hedgehog walked in. "Well, buzz off."
"Nope." Twilight said, as she blasted Pinkie with a stun spell. She attached Pinkie's Element to get her remembering.
"Now all we gotta do is find Rainbow and Sonic." Jawsome said, flipping a Chaos Emerald he found around Sonic's house.
"There." The ponies and hedgehog saw Rainbow and Sonic each lying on a cloud. "Rainbow Dash! Sonic!" Twilight called.
"Hey, guys." Rainbow responded, not turning around.
"Sup." Sonic said, doing the same.
"Oi! You two gonna lie around all day? We're gonna stop Discord!"
"No thanks. I think I'l stay here in Cloudsdale where it's awesome!"
"How could you think that tiny cloud is Cloudsdale?" Rarity asked her.
"The same way he got you to think a boulder was bonified diamond." Applejack replied.
"I. Thought. We. Agreed. To. Never. Speak. Of. That. AGAIN." Rarity said through gritted teeth.
"Well, I think Dash and I will be leaving and taking Cloudsdale with us." Sonic said, and the two raced off.
Later:
"Here." Jawsome said, flipping Sonic the Chaos Emerald. Sonic's eyes glowed as he went to what they had started refering to as the Time Pocket.
Later (again): The eight walked up to the hill where Discord was sitting on his throne enjoying the chaos. He was holding a glass of chocolate milk, which he then drank the glass and threw the glass-shaped chocolate milk behind him, which exploded.
"Oh, I do so love this chaos." He said.
"Well, too bad."
"Ohohoho! Hello there, my little ponies and... err... hedgehogs." Discord said, following with:"How are you enjoying this chaos?"
'Not at all!"
"Oh well, too bad." Discord said as his finger began glowing. Applejack's Element also began glowing, pulling her before Discord, who then made a claw gesture with his other hand, it too glowing. The rest of the Element necklaces reacted like Applejack's, and all 5 of them were floating in front of the spirit of Chaos. Twilight teleported into the middle of them, and used a shield spell, breaking his hold on them. As they floated back down, Jawsome slashed at Discord, sword crackling with energy. Discord simply flicked in his direction, and he was pushed back.
Angling his blade towards the ground, Jawsome yelled "Monado Striker!" and stuck his sword in halfway down the blade. The earth trembled as the power of his sword began cracking the surface, as large chunks of earth began dislodging themselves from their place. Jawsome lifted his sword, and the chunks responded, popping up out of the ground. He pointed his blade at Discord and they rocketed towards him. he barely blocked them, but one managed to get by and smack him in the face. 'Now!" Jawsome yelled.
The Elements glowed as the Mane Six tapped into their powers again. Discord, still recovering, saw this happening, and knew he'd lost. As the rainbow ring blasted from around them, and a wide rainbow shot up into the sky, he knew the inevitable fate that was befalling him.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
As white marble flowed up his body, he tried desperately to escape, but it was no use. As he looked like he was backing away from something terrifying, his stoning was complete. The rainbow split in half, forming a dome over Ponyville, then exploding. when the white light disappeared, everything was back to normal. The statue Discord fell to the grass. It was over.
Canterlot....
The Mane Six walked into the packed ceremonial hall. They reached the steps where Princess Celestia stood, as she nodded. Spike sheepishly waved, from he left, and Sonic and Jawsome waved and gave them a two finger salute, respectively from where they were leaning on Discord's statue.
"We are gathered here today, to once again honor the heroism of these eight friends, who stood up to the villain Discord, and saved Equestria from eternal chaos!" Princess Celestia said. The gathered ponies cheered as Celestia also unveiled a new stained glass window depicting the event. As they turned to face the crowd, they were all smiling. Friendship had prevailed once more. |
Project ART | The Egg Master | Mobius- Marble Zone
"So why did Miles not take us to this 'Floating Island'?" Firebrand asked Rotor, who was monitoring the Marble Zone outside the Freedom Fighter HQ.
"You were having trouble with the new recruits. Same with you, Gamma." Rotor pointed out, continuing to check the hidden cameras.
"Reasoning does not compute." Gamma replied, the robot searching his memory banks. "We are not having trouble with the new recruits, they are having trouble with us."
"Oh sure." Rotor dismissed. Tapping a button, he said: "Will the new recruits please report to Surveillance." Turning around, he began: "We need to work together if we want to bring Buttnik down. Infighting won't do us any good." The door slid open, and the three new recruits entered.
"Good, you're here. I believe we got off on the wrong foot. I'm Rotor, basically second-in-command of the Freedom Fighter forces. This is Firebrand, a former Acorn general, leader of Team Fighters, our assault team."
"The only survivor of Eggman's initial attack." the red and yellow hedgehog replied.
"Anyway." Rotor said with his palm to his face. "This is E102 Gamma, an E-Series robot that betrayed Eggman and joined us. He's one of our assassins." Flipping through some records on another screen from the camera feeds, he didn't notice the large drop ship just out of sight on the sky cam. "You are... Manic, Sonia, and Charles, correct?"
"Yes, sir." Charles replied. All of a sudden, a loud static was heard.
"Rotor? Rotor? Do you read me?"
"Loud and clear, Miles." Rotor replied. "What's going on? Did you find the Floating Island?"
"We did." Miles responded from his position beside the Master Emerald. "Pack up Freedom HQ. We're moving to Onyx Island."
"Onyx Island?"
"Yeah. You've also got a drop ship full of nasties heading straight towards you. Sound the alarm and prepare both teams. Marble Zone's about go to hell."
"What about you, Blaze, Jet, Amy, and Zero?" Rotor responded, keying in the alarm command.
"The Guardian and his two comrades are returning with us. We're teleporting straight to you. Miles out." The communication shut off, and a second later, a brilliant green light appeared near a wall. It disappeared, leaving those that had gone to the island, as well as an armored echidna, a white, cybernetic echidna, and a monkey with a staff.
"Miles? Who are our guests?" Rotor asked.
"This is Knuckles the Echidna, the Guardian of Onyx Island. There's Finevitius, the reason why Eggface hasn't gotten to the island, and Monkey Khan, Guardian of physical Onyx Island." Miles said, gesturing to them in succession. He moved over to the computer and began preparing the defense systems. "Rotor, gather up both Team Freedom and Fighters, and have them quickly briefed. Freedom's our behind enemy lines attackers, Fighters is gonna hold them off."
"Roger." Firebrand said, leaving the room.
"Gamma." Miles continued. "Find a good sniping position, pick off the 'niks."
"Affirmative" Gamma replied, leaving to find a post.
"Rotor, man the defenses. Cannons, Machine Guns, whatever, hold them off while keeping Team Freedom and Team Fighters alive."
"Got it." Rotor replied, turning to the monitors, one showing a crosshair already.
"And us?" Knuckles asked. Miles gave him a grin that would not have been out of place on a pschyopath's face.
"We're bum rushing right at them."
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"Team Fighters, hold your ground!" Firebrand shouted as his men aimed past their barricades. A fleet of Motobugs and a swarm of Buzz Bombers were lying in sparking piles of metal a few miles away, Teams Freedom and Fighters working together to stop them from reaching the entrance to the former Freedom HQ. The Guardian and his cohorts had evacuated everyone who wasn't fighting to Onyx Island. A group of Crabmeats crab-walked out of the cloud of smoke in front of them, only to be blasted into oblivion by Rotor's cannon. Firebrand made a mental note to thank Blast and Ink Rose's equipping the base with defenses like these. As he did so, a squad of Asterons followed by a wave of Shellcrackers emerged. "OPEN FIRE!" Firebrand yelled, Team Fighters MGs flaring to life, bullets spraying out of the barrels towards the onslaught of Badniks. Some fell by themselves, either by Team Freedom's handiwork, or Gamma sniping them from his post a ways away. As a platoon of Slicers were shredded by the rolling spike trap defense mechanism, a shot rang out, louder than any other. A bullet hole appeared on a barricade where one of Firebrand's troops was hiding. "Sniper!" More shot followed, when they weren't missing, they were lodged in the skull of one of his teammates. The force gradually dwindled until only Firebrand and a few soldiers remained. "Gamma, Get that sniper!" Firebrand yelled into his radio mic, the sound transferring to the robot's audio sensory system. Gamma carefully aimed, and shot. The explosive round hit near the sniper's position, revealing a hedgehog-like form holding a sniper rifle. A blast noise in the background indicated Rotor had fired another cannon round, the missile exploding a yard away from the robot which had shot the missile. Another robotic hedgehog form appeared, holding a sword, and everyone knew who that was. "Metal Jawsome, as if this couldn't get any worse." Firebrand muttered. Suddenly, the E-103 through E-122 units appeared behind them. "Son of a bitch." Firebrand said. However, a huge explosion engulfed the ranks of the E-Series squad, Metal Jawsome flying off to stand by the sniper. Miles, Knuckles, and Team Freedom ran out of the smoke and dove behind the barricade where what remained of Team Fighters were hiding. "Miles! Team Freedom! We've taken heavy casualties." Firebrand said, saluting from behind his cover.
"Great." Espio, the leader of Team Freedom said. "We destroyed the E-Units, and unless Eggman really wants us wiped out, Metal and that sniper won't try to poke us with a bullet."
"Knowing Eggman, They'll do that." MIles said. "It's time we leave."
"Really? But what about the information and weapons?" Rotor asked.
"The information was already uploaded to our secure database cloud. The portable weapons were already sent to Angel Island, and I rigged the defenses with trigger bombs in case this happened. Now, we head for Angel Island." At that, they retreated inside the bunker, and raced to where Miles keyed the detonation, and Rotor ran into the room. The timer counted down to 10 seconds as Knuckles said:
"Chaos... CONTROL!" They teleported out just before the timer hit 1 second. Metal Jawsome and the sniper looked on as the Freedom HQ went up in a massive explosion.
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"RGGH! BLAST THOSE DAMN FREEDOM FIGHTERS!!!" Eggman yelled as he saw their former base light up through feeds both the Eggmaster and Metal were transferring to his control room.
"Yes! Victory!" Orbot crowed as he finished a round on a shooter game.
"No, it wasn't a victory!" Eggman said. "It was a tactical retreat! They just held off my badniks, E-units, Egg Master Sniper, and Metal Jawsome while they left and took their intel with them!" He slammed his fists down on his chair arms.
"Dr. Eggman, sir?" Cubot, voice chip now on 'Soldier' for some reason, asked.
"Yes?" The Doctor asked in a menacing tone.
"We have found a matching energy signature to the one in Metal Sonic's bay in the hangar. Sir." Cubot rattled off quickly.
"Eggselent." Eggman said. "Bring it up." A large screen lowered in front of him, showing the signature. "Hmmm.. Looks like a Chaos Control signature." He muttered.
"Area of arrival for Metal not yet confirmed sir! Investigation in progress, sir!" Cubot said.
"Good. Dismissed." Eggman said.
"Doctor." A voice came in.
"Yes, Elite?" Eggman replied.
"I can't find Angel Island. I've searched all over the Sky Chase Zone, but haven't found it." Elite reported.
"Keep searching." Eggman ordered.
"Yes, doctor." Elite said, ending the call.
"Your days are numbered Freedom Fighters. Your days are numbered." Eggman said, then turned. "Begin work of Project Time Destruction!" he barked before leaving the control room. |
Project ART | Season 1 Chapter 4: Jawsome Unleashed | It was Nightmare night, the night revolving around Nightmare Moon. But-
"SPIKE!" Twilight yelled.
Hey! Don't interrupt me while I'm trying to narrate! I'm not paid by the hour ya know? ("Sorry") Anyway, Twilight was fixing up her costume, Rarity was making some for ponies around Ponyville, Pinkie was, well Pinkie, pretty self explanatory by this point, Applejack was running some stands in town, Rainbow was off doing who knows what, Fluttershy wasn't around, Sonic was just hanging out, and Jawsome was nowhere to be seen. It didn't matter, as Spike finally finished screwing around, and the two left the library. "So, how do you like my costume?" Twilight asked.
"Uhhh, you're an old pony?" Spike asked. 'Uh-oh.' He thought, as he could visibly see Twilight's Berserk Button pressed. He mentally prepared for the inevitable lecture.
Later, at the plaza...
"...made 200 spells, and has an entire shelf dedicated to him at the Canterlot library!" Twilight finished her rant. "Maybe I should start a group to teach ponies about pony history?" Twilight wondered.
"Mhhm!" Spike grunted, chowing down on candy.
"Oh, look, we're here!" Twilight remarked, seeing the Mayor on stage.
"Thank you everypony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night festival!" Mayor Mare said as the applause died down. "Now, all the good ponies who have been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the legand of... Nightmare Moooooon!"
"I would be more scared if she wasn't dressed like that." Spike whispered to Twilight, who giggled.
A poof of green smoke appeared onstage and Zecora walked out of it. "Follow me, and very soon; you will hear the tale of Nightmare Moon." She said.
Everfree Outskirts...
They stopped in a clearing, with a stone statue on the opposite edge of their entrance. "Listen close, my little dears; I'll tell you where you got your fears." Zecora said, facing the statue of Nightmare Moon. "Of Nightmare Night, so dark and scary-" She pulled out a cloud of green dust and blew it into the air, where it turned into Nightmare Moon, as she continued, "-Of Nightmare Moon, who makes you wary." The phantasmic figure flew into the group of ponies, blinding them momentarily. "Every year, we put on a disguise, to save ourselves from her searching eyes." Screams of two foals emitted, one of them running towards the statue as Zecora continued, "But Nightmare Moon wants just one thing; to gobble up ponies in one quick swing!" More screams. "Every year she soars the sky; if she sees nopony, she passes by." The green Nightmare Moon apparition, flew around the group, before flying in front of the moon and disappearing.
"Umm, Miss Zecora?" Pipsqueak asked, tugging on her cloak. "If we wear costumes to hide from Nightmare Moon, so she won't gobble us up, how come we still need to give her some of our candy?"
"A perfect question, my little friend; for Nightmare Moon, you must not offend!" Zecora blew more green dust. It materialized as Nightmare Moon again, as Zecora said, "Fill up her belly with a treat or two; so she won't return to gobble YOU!" The apparition leaped toward the ponies with it's jaws open.
"AHHH! Everypony, let's dump some candy and get out of here!" Pinkie said.
Suddenly a wind began blowing. "Hmm, a windstorm?" Twilight said.
"What's up with this wind?" A familiar voice said. Twilight recognized it and the two hedgehogs that entered the clearing.
"Sonic! Jawsome! Why are you here?" She asked them.
"Special effects." Jawsome said. "Not this wind, though. We're not doing it."
"Then what is?" Twilight said. Suddenly, a black chariot pulled by bat-ponies appeared from the clouds surrounding the moon. It flew overhead, a mysterious figure on it. Who could it be?
"It's Nightmare Moon! RUN!" Pinkie screamed, running away. Everypony but Twilight, Jawsome, and Sonic ran for it.
Back in town...
The three approached the plaza, as the dark chariot stopped in midair, and the mysterious pony leaped out. It threw back it's hood to reveal... Princess Luna. Everypony but Twilight, Sonic and Jawsome knelt, but they just said, "Princess Luna!"
"A greeting to all of our subjects!" Luna said, using a very loud voice. "We wish to change Nightmare Night for the better!
Nearly everypony ran away though, leaving only the Alicorn princess, Twilight, and the two hedgehogs by themselves alone in the plaza.
"Princess! It's great to have you here for our celebration!" Jawsome quickly said.
"Ah yes, you were one of the ones who used the Elements of Harmony on us and finished our dark powers! " Luna replied.
"Yes. Though you don;t have to yell?" He said, quills nearly horizontal from the force.
"We are using the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice! It is tradition to speak with the Royal 'We' and use this much volume when adressing our subjects!" Luna answered.
"Maybe we should work on that."
Later (Much)...
"Is this alright?" Luna said.
"Yes!" Twilight answered.
"How about now?"
"Awesome" Sonic replied.
"Now?"
"Perfect!" Jawsome said.
They walked back to where the festival was, wind whipping Twilight's cloak and the hedgehogs quills.
"Oh, by the way, would you like an apple?"
"Hmm? Sure" Jawsome replied, taking the caramel apple.
"It uses a spice I found in my saddle bags. You're the first one to try it." Luna said.
Jawsome bit into it. "Sweet." He commented. Finishing the apple, he said "Wow that was good!" They arrived at the grounds, where he continued, "Plus, there's a lot of fun stuff to do on Night.. mare.... Night..." He faltered for some reason, as a cloud moved to show the full moon. He looked at it then a loud 'Hrrgh!" emitted from him. Everypony there turned to look as he fell to his knees, trembling. His fur turned a darker shade of red, already softer but more menacing than before. Muscles began bulging on his arms, and his gloves were ripped to shreds, revealing claws of intimidating nature. His shoes suddenly grew spikes on the bottom with three appearing on the black stripe on top, already turning into a more metallic color. His teeth sharpened into fangs as he opened his eyes, revealing cat-like irises. He howled a long wolf howl.
"What just happened?" Twilight asked.
"He's the Werehog now." Sonic said.
"Werehog?"
"Once, Eggman tried to take over the world and build Eggmanland. To do that, he needed the Chaos Emeralds to power his Chaos Cannon in space. He lured me into the draining mechanism when I confronted him in space as I was Super. When he fired the cannon, he shattered the planet, and some energy from Dark Gaia was absorbed into me, creating the Werehog. Seems like Jawsome's now it." Sonic explained.
"Wait. Dark Gaia?" Twilight asked.
"Hyper-energy organism hellbent on destroying the world. I stopped it with Chip..." He trailed off.
"Chip?"
"Whatever."
"What's goin' on?" Jawsome asked. His voice was more rocky than normal. "Hey, what you all starin' at?" He asked all the ponies who were staring at him.
"RUN!!!!" Somepony screamed. Everyone ran for it.
"Hey! Wait!" He called, raising his arm, but it was too late. He punched the ground.
"Don't worry, man. I had to deal with this when I was the Werehog." Sonic said.
Later (AGAIN)...
"So, basically, that spice turned me into the Werehog?"
"Yep."
"Perfect."
"Can we fix it?" Twilight asked.
"I stopped transforming when Dark Gaia reabsorbed the energy I got from it, which, if I'm right, he should have something like that doing this. Either way, He'll be normal at sunrise." Sonic said.
"This is my fault." Luna, who'd been silent the entire time, said.
"No!"
"What?"
"It's not your fault. You didn't know what that stuff was, You aren't to blame for this."
"But, I am!" Luna said, then ran off.
"Wait!"
Later(Again, Again)...
"LUNA!" Jawsome yelled. The Princess of Night walked ober to him with her head hung low. "Hey, don't be so sad. I'm kind of used to this. It's not that bad."
"I know but..." Luna said, before she was silenced by the hedgehog-turned-Werehog put a finger to her mouth.
"If life's getting you down, just keep getting up." He said.
"Yes." Luna said, holding her head high... until more wind began blowing through Ponyville.
"What could that be?"
A glowing, monster vaguely shaped like Jawsome was, stepped out of the trees. It was holding a large hammer that screamed 'I hurt people. And now you.'
Jawsome growled as he stepped forward.The half-wolf half-hedgehog stared down the manifestation.
"I know you, Dark Guardian." He said.
"Dark Guardian?" Luna asked a little fearfully.
"Yeah. Guarded the Shamar Gaia Temple when Eggman shattered the planet. Sonic fought it, and beat it by weakening the Altar of Moon." He looked around. "Which, coincidentally, is not here. But he did say he could slam him without it. So let's go." He growled.
Jawsome the Werehog vs. The Dark Guardian
Okay, on YouTube, search Dark Gaia's Spawn and click on one of them. It's the night boss theme from Sonic Unleashed, which both the Werehog and Dark Guardian are from. So let's go!
The Dark Guardian opened by charging headlong at Jawsome. He held up his hands and caught the beast, then reeled back and punched it. He then ran over to it, and began the Feral Werepunch combo. As he was doing the claw uppercut, the Dark Guardian held up it's hammer. Lightning struck down on it, and Jawsome had to quickly guard. A light blue shield actually appeared around him as he blocked. When it was over, he dropped his guard to see the beast charge him again. This time, he jumped, and as the monster passed under him, put all of his weight into a stomp. Half a ton of Werehog crashed down on the dark creature. Jawsome then pulled off the EarthShaker combo, pounding it into the ground. He stood there for a second, and then the Dark Guardian uppercutted out of the dirt. Jawsome flipped in midair and landed on his feet. The Dark Guardian looked to have a blue aura around it.
"Unleashed, eh? Well then, no holding back." Jawsome said, then yelled as a blue aura surrounded him. He and the Dark Guardian began exchanging blows so fast, one could barely make out the attacks. Neither of them flinched when the other landed a hit, but the Dark Guardian's Unleashed wore off fast. Jawsome executed combos to keep it from trying to continue the onslaught. Lastly, he grabbed the Dark Guardian, swung it around, then jumped and slammed it to the ground. When he landed, he let out a howl and slammed his right fist into his left palm. He turned around to face the Dark Guardian, only to find a floating mass of darkness. A beam of purple connected to Jawssome, and he groaned in pain as he began to change back to himself. His sword reappeared, his quills bcame normal, his fur returned to it's normal fire red color, and his shoes even stayed the same, though now they had a spike on the middle of them. The dark mass, then disappeared.
Back in town...
"Sorry about how we acted, Luna." A pony said.
"It is alright, I would have expected as such since a thousand years has passed." Luna replied. She was standing in her chariot, ready to depart.
"Hey, Luna." She looked and saw Jawsome. "Take care." He said, holding a fist out to her. She understood and bumped her hoof against it.
The chariot took off, leaving the memories of the night of the Werehog in Ponyville. |
Project ART | Season 1 Chapter 5: Night of the Werehog | "I thought it left when I beat the Dark Guardian." Jawsome muttered. It had been a month since Nightmare Night. A month since he got the curse of the Werehog (Fun times.). He'd been turning into the Werehog every night since then, and he was getting tired of it. Sure, it had been nice when he learned that basically everything that lived in the Everfree Forest was scared of him, but there wasn't really much else. Maybe Chaos had decided to watch him and as a cruel joke did this. If that was the case, the next time he saw the water god, he was gonna punch him right in the brain. Spikes dug into soft soil. He was treading the same path to Zecora's hut they had followed that day, carefully avoiding patches of Poison Joke (Not that his life could be any more of one.), and making the nightly potion rounds. He always had some stocked just in case. He was debating on becoming a brewmaster for a while, then decided against it. He had other things to do. Besides, he appreciated the night a little more, thanks to a friend.
Later...
"Well, I didn't get attacked, so that's another one up on the board." Jawsome said to himself. Suddenly, a freak rainstorm moved in. Jawsome was (of course), nowhere near Ponyville, but there was an old mansion right next to him. Thankfully, the clouds covered the moon, and he went back to normal hedgehog form. He raced towards the desiccated manor.
"Hello?" Jawsome called. "Hmm. Nothing. Well, I guess I'll wait out that storm here." He said. walking in. He whistled as he walked into the main foyer, noting the three stories and skylight above him, rain lashing against the glass. His wet footprints glistened as a bolt of lightning flashed in the sky.
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"Hmmm." The ghost hummed to herself as she looked over the two most recent photos that her two brothers had taken. One showed a male earth pony with black hair and cobalt skin with his mouth wide open. The other showed a yellow haired unicorn with just his pearly whites showing. The first one was taken by her taller brother, whom she called Bandanna, after his neckwear of choice, the other shot by her shorter, wider brother Bow. (She still teased him about it from time to time.) "This!" The ghost, named Merina, held out Bow's picture. "Garbage." She tossed it like it was a fleck of dust. Bow sank down, speechless, as she floated over to her board where she kept the best ones. She pinned Bandanna's up, then kissed him on the cheek, in a sisterly way. As he flew around the room (Why he did that, she couldn't tell, boys were wierd.), she looked over her other wall, decorated with posters of the Wolfman. She knew he was a myth, but recently, she'd heard her brothers talking about the most recent Nightmare Night (The holidays in this universe were odd, but since that dimensional shear had stuck them here, they had to roll with the punches. (Well, they would pass right through them if they were concentrating. But it was an expression.)), and saying they'd sworn they heard something about a hedgehog that had turned into a wolf like form. She hoped it would be her dream of meeting the Wolfman, even if he was half hedgehog. As she thought about it, Bow turned and left, Band following shortly after.
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'Whoa. Lot of stuff in here." Jawsome said, striding into what looked to be an old dining room. He walked past objects with sheets draped over them. As he looked behind him, he saw a ghost holding a camera. Acting quickly, he got into a 'camera pose' mere seconds before his picture was taken, then saw it was gone. Maybe lack of food was screwing with his head. As he wandered through the house, he could swear he saw the same ghost and another one attempting to scare him and take his photo, but you kind of don't get scared easily, when you've tore through a spirit of pure malevolence. He made some ridiculous photos every time, and unless those ghosts liked laughs, they weren't getting what they wanted."
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"Uhhh.." "Err..." Band and Bow were very nervous. They hadn't managed to scare the red hedgehog at all. He always made a face or got into a pose right before they got his picture. It was almost like he was taunting them. Merina looked though each one of them. Every picture was humorous, but not up her alley. That hedgehog did look a little wolfish, with a fang in his mouth and everything, but that was besides the point. Way besides it. "So? Why did you bring me these? She asked, venom dripping from the last word. "We can't scare the guy." Band admitted, "He's just too fast and unscareable." Bow added. "Well, bring me some proper scare pictures." Merina said, then floated off. The two ghosts also left back into the mansion.
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Jawsome walked down a corridor. He hadn't seen those spirits in a while, and he was starting to think maybe he was hungry. Then he heard a clank. From around the corner, a shadow moved into view. A metal hand grabbed the wall, and a suit of armor with green eyes clanked into view. Another one was approaching behind him, but Jawsome barely noticed. He was shaking. He held his hands over his ears, and fell to his knees. Band, inside the suit, lifted his camera. Finally, that hedgehog would learn his lesson. Outside the window, the clouds cleared to show the full moon. Jawsome then bolted upright, staring at the moon. He felt the wolf reemerging, once again transforming into the Werehog. The ghosts flew back to avoid getting smashed by his arms, the illusions of the armor fading as their cameras flashed some photos. Band looked up, and saw Jawsome snarling at him.
"Uhh... Sorry! Gotta run!" He said very quickly, then dashed over, grabbed Bow, and ran for it.
"What the heck was that all about?" Jawsome asked. He then wandered through the mansion until he found a sitting room. Finding stuff to make tea (A hobby since Sonic had visited Chun-Nan, they both hoped to return someday. Maybe after this crazy mess. They might have to screw around with time a little, or have Tikal revert everything, though.), he began to start brewing.
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Merina was dying laughing. It was one thing when it was a proper scare photo. It was another thing when the photos she was laughing her (nonexistent) lungs out over were of them. "That's it!" Band said. He and Bow knew what they had to do. They clapped their hand's together and green fire blazed from their conjoined hands.
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Jawsome settled into the comfortable armchair next to the fireplace, a crackling fire blazing to dry off the spots he'd missed. Taking a sip of tea, he heard something. Instinct told him to reach out and grab the chandelier, and he did that, swinging around as... something, came up from the floor and looked just in time to see two spiked shoes followed by a ton of Werehog fill it's vision. Jawsome pushed, and flipped over, issuing a yell of challenge. He punched, but it merely passed through the thing. It then turned invisible.
"Oh, crap." Jawsome said moments before he was punched back into the main foyer, a camera flying out and hitting him. He saw a picture and noticed the thing was on there, and when he looked in real life, it wasn't. Piecing together his strategy, he carefully moved forward, snapping pictures, and blowing on them so they would show faster. It wasn't fast enough, as he was launched towards the skylight. flipping in midair, he came down claws sharp. He hit nothing, and wasn't ready to stop the hit that slammed him into a wall. He slumped into a sitting position, eyes closed. The camera levitated 'by itself', and the thing appeared, but then it split into Band and Bow, fighting over the chance to take the shot. Jawsome snapped back into consciousness while they were bickering, and tapped them on the shoulder. They looked behind then to see Jawsome's shoe flying towards them. They flew up into the air, Jawsome winding up a punch. The camera flashed when he got into his stance, and the ghosts flew off, into the night.
The next morning...
Jawsome walked out of the mansion. Seeing the sun, he once again transformed into his normal hedgehog form, and raced off. |
Project ART | Hideout | Early Author's Note here, but I made up an intro to the story purely for the lulz. If you like it, I'll keep it. If not, whatever.
The camera lowers from a cloud view to show a city. The camera pans over the city as robots walk the 'streets', then cut to a shadowy alley. Sparks begin to fly out from it, and then a wall of fire blasts out. The flames die and shows our heroes, transition to the title.
Project ART
Cut to scenes showing robots marching, lightning striking a field, water flooding a city. A scene of Sonic and Jawsome running plays. Scenes of Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, the Tornado-2 being flown by Tails, Angel Island descending, metal buildings crumbling to ash. Cut to a scene showing a shadowy figure emerging from a portal.
10... 9... Gotta open your heart...!
Scenery burns by. We see a frontal view of the hedgehogs. A flash of the side of Jawsome's head, we see a large battleship lift off. A base built be Eggman explodes. Cut to a portal forming with lightning and thunder shaking the earth.
Can't hold on much longer...
But I will never let go!
A scene of Tails flying in front of an exploding building plays, Twilight follows him in the Tornado 2.
I know it's a one way track...
But tell me now how long this will last!
We see Amy and Pinkie with shocked expressions as something appears before them.
I'm not, gonna think this wayy...
Nor will I count on others!
We see Fluttershy and Cream jump off a building, Rarity and Rouge looking surprised as they turn around, Applejack facing an oncoming storm with a determined expression on her face.
Close my eyes and feel it burn...
Now I see what I have gotta do!
We see Eggman standing atop a floating fortress, Metal Sonic and a shadowy pony standing to his sides.
Open your heart it's gonna be alriiiiiiiiiight, yeah!
We see Rainbow Dash fly down next to the two hedgehogs, they nod at each other, and they all run forward as the screen fades to black.
Open your Heart!
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"Welcome to Onyx Island, don't touch the lava, don't touch the flowers, blah blah blah, rules rules rules. Read the sign." Knuckles said, waiving one knuckled hand in a whole whatever gesture. The Freedom Fighters that had arrived for the first time began exploring the island. Miles and Rotor began to set up a base near the Hidden Palace, deciding to tear out a chapter of Knuckles's ancestor's book and design it like the Palace itself. Finitevus managed to create a pocket inside the electro field as they managed to draw up the blueprints. They managed to get it up and running after a month of nonstop building, sweat, and elbow grease. Miles downloaded all the information they tranferred from Marble Zone, Then set to work assigning duties.
Knuckles, Finevetius, and Khan met in the Lava Reef passageway, each having something to say.
"I have felt surges of Chaos and Flame Energy from the Master Emerald. It's possible the Emeralds, wherever they are, are beginning to come together." Knuckles said. "It may be that Sonic and Jawsome in their other dimension are beginning to collect them."
"I see." Finevetius merely stated. 'I have also sensed aircraft in the Sky Chase Zone. They were unable to find Onyx Island, but they are confirmed to be Eggman creations."
"Please tell me this isn't going to have who I think it will come by a knockin'" Khan said.
"Eggman's top soldier, Project E.L.1.T.3." Finevetius said.
"Oh great WHAT!" Khan said. "Wasn't he Project Shadow? Off Space Colony ARK?"
"the same." Knuckles said. "This is worse than we thought. We need to either strike now, or hold off any possible assaults until the Emeralds all come together. After that possibly happens, we could try to open a portal to that alternate dimension. If my memory serves me correctly, the hedgehogs are our best shot at beating Eggman." He stated, viewing a hologram of the fifteen Emeralds at the Shrine. A slight shudder ran through the Island. "We just passed over Soleanna." Knuckles stated, as a Freedom Fighter had come over to investigate. He went back to his duty, passing the message along as he went. "As I send this hope to Chaos, may we be strong enough to face our destinies..." Knuckles said. |
Project ART | Season 1 Finale: A Wedding of Mystery | The intro music begins to play...
The camera lowers from a cloud view to show a city. The camera pans over the city as robots walk the 'streets', then cut to a shadowy alley. Sparks begin to fly out from it, and then a wall of fire blasts out. The flames die and shows our heroes, transition to the title.
Project ART
Cut to scenes showing robots marching, lightning striking a field, water flooding a city. A scene of Sonic and Jawsome running plays. Scenes of Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, the Tornado-2 being flown by Tails, Angel Island descending, metal buildings crumbling to ash. Cut to a scene showing a shadowy figure emerging from a portal.
10... 9... Gotta open your heart!...
Scenery burns by. We see a frontal view of the hedgehogs. A flash of the side of Jawsome's head, we see a large battleship lift off. A base built be Eggman explodes. Cut to a portal forming with lightning and thunder shaking the earth.
Can't hold on much longer...
But I will never let go!
A scene of Tails flying in front of an exploding building plays, Twilight follows him in the Tornado 2.
I know it's a one way track...
But tell me now how long this will last!
We see Amy and Pinkie with shocked expressions as something appears before them.
I'm not, gonna think this wayy...
Nor will I count on others!
We see Fluttershy and Cream jump off a building, Rarity and Rouge looking surprised as they turn around, Applejack facing an oncoming storm with a determined expression on her face.
Close my eyes and feel it burn...
Now I see what I have gotta do!
We see Eggman standing atop a floating fortress, Metal Sonic and a shadowy pony standing to his sides.
Open your heart it's gonna be alriiiiiiiiiight, yeah!
We see Rainbow Dash fly down next to the two hedgehogs, they nod at each other, and they all run forward as the screen fades to black.
Open your Heart!
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All our heroes were having a picnic in a nearby field. Sonic was napping, Jawsome was absentmindedly rolling a small ball of fire along his fingers. Suddenly, Spike ran up, clearly out of breath.
"Hey, Spike, what's the rush?" Rainbow greeted. Spike still out of breath, coughed up two letters, a scroll, and a official looking envelope, seal and all.
Twilight picked up the letter and read, "Dear Twilight,
I hope you are as exited as I am for the upcoming wedding in Canterlot.
Wedding?" She asked confusedly.
"I will preside over the ceremony and would very much like you an your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music.."
"Oh my goodness, what an honor!" Fluttershy said in her soft tone of voice.
"Pinkie Pie, I can think of no other more qualified than you to host the reception.
Applejack, you will be in charge of catering for the reception."
"Well color me pleased as punch" Applejack said with her leeg over her chest.
"Rainbow Dash."
"Eeeeeaaah" The pony in question yawned.
"I would very much appreciate it if you could perform a Sonic Rainboom as the bride and groom say their 'I Do's'."
"YEEES!" That had cartainly elicted a larger reaction.
"Rarity, you will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids."
Princess Celestia want me to ahahah wedding dress for a Canterlot wedding.." Rarity said and promptly fainted.
"Sonic, you have been selected to be the ring bearer."
"Yawah wha?" Sonic said sleepily.
"Jawsome, you have been tasked with general pyrotechnical aspects, as well as providing support for anypony who requires it, except Rarity."
"Why not Rarity?"
"Things tend to get incinerated when I'm around." Jawsome said nonchalantly.
"And finally, you, Twilight, will be playing the most important role of all; making sure that everything goes as planned. See you all very soon,
Yours,
Princess Celestia." She concluded.
"But, I don't understand. Who's getting married?" She asked.
"Try the other one" Twilight opened the letter, and read: "Her most honorable, magnificent and humble Majesty, Princess Celestia the 58th, cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Miyamore Cadenza and, gasp MY BROTHER?!"
"What an overly dramatic title." Jawsome remarked.
"Dude, it's not that bad." Sonic said, still lounging on his tree branch.
"That would be like introducing myself as 'The Pyro Jawsome the 7th, Esqire." Jawsome remarked.
"your brother's getting married? "Con-grat-ulation, Twilight!" Applejack said, shaking her hoof. "That's great news!"
"But, I would think he would tell me about this. I mean he's me BBBFF." Twilight said.
"Your what now?"
"Big Brother Best Friend Forever."
"Ohhhhh." the group said. Sonic and Jawsome just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Although, I suppose we aren't that close anymore. I mean, ever since I moved to Ponyville, We've been hearing from each other less and less." Twilight said, twirling her hoo as she did.
"'Hey, Twilight! Make sure to write when you move! Oh, wait, no need! I'll just get married without you!'" Jawsome mocked. Sonic started laughing so hard he fell out of the tree.
Arrival at Canterlot
The Express chugged along the elevated tracks to Canterlot, the mountainside city looking to have grown a pink bubble. The train stopped in front of it, and was waved through by the guard. The Express pulled into the station, guards everywhere on the platform.
"Warm welcome." Sonic said as he and Jawsome hopped down from the top of the train, where they'd spent the last part of the journey, usually keeping up with the train on foot. The ponies exited, the Express, and they all went walking into the imperial capital. Jawsome glanced over his shoulder, then looked closer as he thought he saw something black flash into an alley.
"Jawsome? Something wrong?" Applejack called back.
"....No. Seeing things." He responded.
They split up at the castle courtyard, Twilight going to find her brother, the rest of the group going to find Celestia. As Twilight walked, she saw a pony in Captain armor.
A Not-So-Heartfelt Reunion
"Of course!" She muttered. "Ahem. SHINING ARMOR! YOU HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!" She yelled. The guards immediately pointed their spears at her, but hte captain ordered them to stand down. He pulled off his helmet, revealing sorta blue (Somewhere between cyan and cobalt.) hair, white fur, and a big smile.
"Twily!' He said, rushing down to meet her. "it's so good to see you again! We haven't seen each other in forec-"
"Cut the chatter!" Twilight snapped. "I would think my BBBFF would tell me when he's getting married!?"
"I'm sorry Twily.I would have told you, but a threat has been made against Canterlot. I have to keep up this force field to keep any threats out." Shining said, and with a flourish, fired a pink bolt upwards, reinforcing the shield. A wave shimmered around the bubble. "I've been rather busy."
"Well, I would think you would know more than to just randomly marry this; 'Princess Miyamore Candenza'!" Twilight said.
Shining chuckled. "But, Twily, you already know her" He said.
"No I don't!" She shot back.
"Twilight, Princess Miyamore Cadenza is Cadence." Shining explained.
"Cadence? The-best-foal-sitter-ever Candence?" Twilight asked.
"Yup." Shining said.
"But how?"
"I told her she wouldn't just be getting a good husband;" Shining said. "She'd be getting an awesome sister."
Meeting with Celestia
"Ah, welcome, my little ponies and hedgehogs." Celestia warmly greeted them. "I trust you are here to help with the wedding?"
"Right." Jawsome said, stretching.
"We're all ready to do exactly what we've been assigned." Applejack said.
"Good. Now, if you will, go to your chambers, get set up, and rest. We all have a busy day tomorrow."
"And some of us have a busy night, sister." Luna said as she walked through the door.
Celestia chuckled. "Of course, dear sister. However, as much as I think they would love to enjoy your night, they have a wedding to help organize tomorrow."
Not everything is forgotten
Jawsome lay out on the roof, observing Luna's beautiful night sky. "It's so pristine." He murmered. "It reminds me of back home..."
A soft flap drew his ear and him to his feet, sword out, fighting stance. However it was just Luna. "I am sorry. Did we startle you?"
"...Yes." Jawsome said, instead of putting his sword back on his back, laid it down next to him, and lay back down. "I was looking at the sky. And remembering."
"What are you remembering?" Luna asked, sitting near the red hedgehog.
"The night sky... It looks like the one on Mobius. Full of stars, yet it's so different." Jawome said. "To think; were it not for Eggman, me and Sonic would never have met everyone we have, or seen all we've seen. we would have no idea Equestria even existed. But... I think we're glad we were able to come here, and do all we did. We also hope that, in case we never get to see this place again, that everyone was glad to know us too." He said.
"Deeply philosophical of you." Luna remarked.
"I guess." Jawsome sighed. He got up and stretched. "I think i'll be heading for sleep now. Thanks for this, Luna."
"What?"
"This." Jawsome gestured to the stars.
Something's not right...
Twilight stormed down the corridor, walking to her brother's chambers, ready to demand he tell her what Cadence was up to. As she neared the door, it was open a crack, and she heard voices.
"I don't care if you wore a rag, just wear the uniform!" Cadence said.
"Yo know, you aren't really acting righ-" Shining began, but Cadence hit him with some magic. When he got back up, he looked a little wall-eyed. Twilight softly gasped.
Later... "..No, I don't care what you saw! Cadence would never do that! She's under a lot of stress from this, and you don't really seem to understand it!" Shining ranted.
"But-"
"But nothin' Twi'. You didn't see anything, and Cadence is not a fake!" Applejack said.
"Dear Twilight, it is possible you are just jealous." Rarity said.
"Um, I kind of agree with Twilight." Jawsome said. "I haven't really seen her act like Twilight's description of her. Something's no right here."
"No, nothing is wrong, bro! You're just being paranoid!" Sonic said.
"Hey! Who you calling paranoid you blue furball!" Jawsome yelled.
"You, you neon pincushion!" Sonic shot back.
"You want to lose some quills?" Jawsome growled.
"Enough! Twilight, Jawsome, I would think you know how to behave. You are now off the guest list!' Celestia said sternly.
"Wha-" Twilight said, looking to be near tears.
"Cadence, you may take it from here." Everyone filed out, leaving just the two ponies and hedgehog alone.
"Sorry, Twilight, but the Princess has spoken." Cadence said. A ring of green flame formed around them. "Too bad no one wlse will be able to see you again!" A green flash, and only Cadence was standing in the hall.
Crystal Mines
The two of them stood back to back, Twilight's aura and the Monado's blade casting light onto crystals everywhere.
"Oh, isn't this sweet. The both of you, trapped down here until you die!' The fake Cadence taunted.
"You- You leave my brother alone!" Twilight yelled. She shot a blast of magic at the crystal.
"Oops, over here!" She mocked. Twilight began blasting magic indiscriminately until one part of the wall was destroyed, revealing a disheveled Cadence. Twilight prepared to pounce.
"No wait!" Jawsome grabbed for her, but Twilight launched at the split second he was about to grab her. She tackled the other pony.
"Twilight! It's the real Cadence!" Jawsome said.
"Oh, really, Prove it!" Twilight said.
"'Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!'" Cadence said, even doing the dance.
"I'm sorry!" Twilight immediately said, hugging Cadence. Jawsome noticed a faint glimmer.
"No way. Another two Emeralds!" Jawsome said.
"I found these when she sent me down here. Do you know them?" Cadence asked.
"Uh, yeah? Can you pick them up with your magic?" Jawsome asked.
"No."
"Yup." Jawsome said, moving to pick up the Flame Emerald. "That's typical." He picked up both Emeralds, feeling the white come over him again.
Origins
"Ah, welcome back, Jawsome." Tikal greeted. The Mobian was standing next to a fountain.
"Good to see you again." Jawsome said. "Hey, Tikal?"
"Hm? What is it, o Red Hedgehog of legend?"
"I've got a hunch that the Flame Emeralds aren't all they appear to be." Jawsome said. "They look a little bit more like a square than the Chaos Emeralds do."
"That would be because they are actually the Sol Emeralds. Something has tampered with them, changed their form. It is possible that whomever did it also created the Sol Dimension." Tikal said. "Ah, I see what these next memories are of. That same dimension, and your friend Blaze. I also notice you've got another skill that may prove useful, two in fact; your version of the Sonic Boost, your Pyre Burst, and a new ability not dissimilar to your old rivals Chaos Blast. You also have a new Monado ability that might be useful in your current situation. But, alas, our time here grows short. I must return you to Equestria. You are needed there. Farewell for now..."
Speak now, or forever hold your peace
"If there are any objections to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace." Celestia spoke.
"OBJECTION!!" The door burst open, revealing the real Cadence, Twilight, and a very angry Jawsome, whose sword was currently blazing green.
"What? Why would you want to deny us of this wonderful pairing?" the fake Cadence asked.
"Because, you aren't the real one. She's a Changeling! She feeds off love while impersonating someone else!" The real Cadence said.
"Now, Let's just see who you really ARE!" Jawsome yelled. "Monado PURGE!" He slashed his sword in a diagonal line downward, and a green wave of energy flew towards the fake Cadence. It struck her square on the horn.
A pillar of green light blasted up from where the fake Cadence stood. As everyone watched in horror, a green wave flashed from the tip of her horn to the bottom of her hooves. Two emerald ryes opened, and then cruel laughter followed.
"Ye gods, it's uglier than I thought." Jawsome muttered.
"Oh, my IDIOTIC ponies! I thought you'd never uncover the ruse! But, obviously, Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, always covers her tracks!" Chrysalis boasted.
"You may have fooled us, but now that I know what the threat is." Celestia said, and the Alicorn and Changeling locked horns. "I can protect my subjects!" She flew into the air and unleashed a gold beam upon Chrysalis, who retaliated with an emerald beam of her own.
"No! NO! I WILL NOT LOSE!" Chrysalis said, as the beam neared her horn. Her efforts rewarded her, as the beam reversed track completely and instead struck Celestia, who was knocked out of the air, sliding a little as her crown fell to her side, smoke rising from the tip of her horn. Twilight immediately rushed to her side. Chrysalis looked up, then began laughing. "Now! The invasion has begun!" Unbeknownst to everyone, a horde of the little buggers had pierced the shield. They rained down like meteors, striking the streets.
"Everyone! We need to get to the Elements!" Jawsome said over the chaos. He grabbed Twilight, and the other mane six and Sonic followed him out.
Changeling Invasion!
It was all going to hell.
Changelings rained down from everywhere. They kept running. A Ghangeling that challenged them was quickly Spin Dashed, another kicked away, a third lit on fire. Then they reached the Tower of Harmony. An army was there, blocking their entrance. One by one, they changed into one of the eight standing there.
"Oh, so you want a fight? Well, a fight's what you got!" Jawsome growled. He charged them all, The others followed. Utter carnage ensued. Sonic bowled over a group of Twilights. Twilight fired magic like a mini-gun, taking down Changelings left and right. Jawsome began getting dog piled, as the Changelings were beginning to see him as the biggest threat. He just stood there, grinning like a maniac. A pile of Changelings soon covered the hedgehog.
"FLAME BLAST!" The shout was muffled, but it was Jawsome. The piled up impostors were thrown off like leaves, until Jawsome was standing there. All of the shapeshifters were down, and they walked into the Tower. Another, even bigger army greeted them.
"Aw sonofa-"
One last Chance
The door to the hall burst open, a group of Changelings leading the the eight of them in. Jawsome's hands and feet were glued together with some green goo, Same with Rainbow's wings, and Sonic's feet.
"well, I see you failed to get your 'fix-all-the-things' gems?" Chrysalis mocked. They didn't say anything. However, Jawsome had secretly melted his bonds. He quickly threw a Flame Spear, which Chrysalis dodged... but he hadn't been aiming at her. It hit the goo holding Cadence in place.
"Go! I'll hold them!" Jawsome said. He dashed away, taunting them by saying "Catch me if you can!"
Love beats Chrysalis - Literally
==============================================================================================================
Note, skip to about 0:50 in the above song.
===============================================================================================================
Cadence quickly ran over to Shining Armor. The brainwashed pony didn't even respond. She lay her head on his sholder. A heart popped out of her horn. It popped in front of the statue-like pony. He shook his head.
"Uhhh, Cadence?" He asked.
"Shining! You have to recast your shield spell." She said.
"I can't I have no energy." He said.
"I'll give you all you need." She said. with that, the two ponies began glowing brightly. The ponies and Sonic averted their eyes. The Changelings, however weren't so lucky. A pink blast caught up all of them.
"NOOOOOOO WE WERE SO CLOSE!!" Chrysalis yelled as she and the Changelings flew off into the distance.
The True Wedding
The wedding went off perfectly. Everything had been set up, so it all went off like nothing. Luna landed next too Jawsome, as the mane six, hedgehogs, and Celestia watched the newlywed couple wave to the subjects.
"Miss Rainbow Dash, Rainboom?" Celestia gently reminded.
"Right!'" Within a few seconds, a rainbow ring spread across the sky.
"Did we miss anything>" Luna asked.
Jawsome chuckled. "Boy, do we have a story for you." He said. |
Project ART | Episode Metal Part 1: The Return of Metal Sonic | The intro music begins to play...
The camera lowers from a cloud view to show a city. The camera pans over the city as robots walk the 'streets', then cut to a shadowy alley. Sparks begin to fly out from it, and then a wall of fire blasts out. The flames die and shows our heroes, transition to the title.
Project ART
Cut to scenes showing robots marching, lightning striking a field, water flooding a city. A scene of Sonic and Jawsome running plays. Scenes of Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, the Tornado-2 being flown by Tails, Angel Island descending, metal buildings crumbling to ash. Cut to a scene showing a shadowy figure emerging from a portal.
10... 9... Gotta open your heart!...
Scenery burns by. We see a frontal view of the hedgehogs. A flash of the side of Jawsome's head, we see a large battleship lift off. A base built be Eggman explodes. Cut to a portal forming with lightning and thunder shaking the earth.
Can't hold on much longer...
But I will never let go!
A scene of Tails flying in front of an exploding building plays, Twilight follows him in the Tornado 2.
I know it's a one way track...
But tell me now how long this will last!
We see Amy and Pinkie with shocked expressions as something appears before them.
I'm not, gonna think this wayy...
Nor will I count on others!
We see Fluttershy and Cream jump off a building, Rarity and Rouge looking surprised as they turn around, Applejack facing an oncoming storm with a determined expression on her face.
Close my eyes and feel it burn...
Now I see what I have gotta do!
We see Eggman standing atop a floating fortress, Metal Sonic and a shadowy pony standing to his sides.
Open your heart it's gonna be alriiiiiiiiiight, yeah!
We see Rainbow Dash fly down next to the two hedgehogs, they nod at each other, and they all run forward as the screen fades to black.
Open your Heart!
===============================================================================================
The Mad Gear Fuel Station. (Copyright Pending)
Metal Sonic stumbled towards the dynamo. Half of him was still missing, but before he'd been shut off until repairs, he'd projected a blueprint. His savior had been able to fix him up using that, and he was now almost ready.
"Are you prepared, Metal?" A pony asked from the shadows.
"Yesss-kshh, Lo--rd Sghatc." Metal attempted.
"Hmmm. Once you're at full strength again, your voice should work right. Enter." Metal rolled into a ball to enter the dynamo. The Mad Gear Zone began rumbling, alarms blaring. Metal emerged, electricity radiating from the powered up android.
"There is one more thing, and then you will be ready. Find the Lost Labyrinth Zone. It is originally from your world, but dimensional shears have put it here as well with the Mad Gear Zone. Find the Hidden Altar."
"Roger, master." Metal said, activated his drive, and flew off.
The Secret Altar
Metal had reached the center of the Labyrinth, hovering over to an altar. Atop it was a \...
"Scan confirms Chaos Emerald. How surprising. I did not think one would be here." Metal remarked. "Objectives updated." He grabbed the Emerald, and a purple orb rose out of the altar. "Take this Emerald to Master Steam..." He absorbed the orb. "And destroy the hedgehogs." The temple shook as he flew out at terminal velocity. |
Project ART | Episode Metal Part 2: Death: Forward Unto Sonic | The intro music begins to play...
The camera lowers from a cloud view to show a city. The camera pans over the city as robots walk the 'streets', then cut to a shadowy alley. Sparks begin to fly out from it, and then a wall of fire blasts out. The flames die and shows our heroes, transition to the title.
Project ART
Cut to scenes showing robots marching, lightning striking a field, water flooding a city. A scene of Sonic and Jawsome running plays. Scenes of Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, the Tornado-2 being flown by Tails, Angel Island descending, metal buildings crumbling to ash. Cut to a scene showing a shadowy figure emerging from a portal.
10... 9... Gotta open your heart!...
Scenery burns by. We see a frontal view of the hedgehogs. A flash of the side of Jawsome's head, we see a large battleship lift off. A base built be Eggman explodes. Cut to a portal forming with lightning and thunder shaking the earth.
Can't hold on much longer...
But I will never let go!
A scene of Tails flying in front of an exploding building plays, Twilight follows him in the Tornado 2.
I know it's a one way track...
But tell me now how long this will last!
We see Amy and Pinkie with shocked expressions as something appears before them.
I'm not, gonna think this wayy...
Nor will I count on others!
We see Fluttershy and Cream jump off a building, Rarity and Rouge looking surprised as they turn around, Applejack facing an oncoming storm with a determined expression on her face.
Close my eyes and feel it burn...
Now I see what I have gotta do!
We see Eggman standing atop a floating fortress, Metal Sonic and a shadowy pony standing to his sides.
Open your heart it's gonna be alriiiiiiiiiight, yeah!
We see Rainbow Dash fly down next to the two hedgehogs, they nod at each other, and they all run forward as the screen fades to black.
Open your Heart!
===============================================================================================
Steam's Base
"Hmmm, and you say this 'Chaos Emerald' is key to us destroying our enemies?" A grey pony with a gear for a cutie mark mused. He was scanning the Emerald Metal Sonic had retrieved from the Lost Labyrinth Zone.
"Affirmative, Lord Steam." Metal responded. "These Chaos Emeralds possess infinite amounts of energy. There are seven in total. They are priority two for Lord Eggman."
"And Priority One?" Steam asked.
"Destroy Sonic the Hedgehog."
" And this Sonic you say, is here as well?" Steam said.
"Yes, Lord Steam." Metal said. "Sonic, his brother Jawsome, and six ponies like youyrself are the reason you found me in such a state." He pounded his fists together, and picked up the Emerald."Permission to destroy them?"
Steam smiled. "Granted." |
Project ART | Season 2 Chapter 1: Crystalline Crisis | The intro music begins to play...
The camera lowers from a cloud view to show a city. The camera pans over the city as robots walk the 'streets', then cut to a shadowy alley. Sparks begin to fly out from it, and then a wall of fire blasts out. The flames die and shows our heroes, transition to the title.
Project ART
Cut to scenes showing robots marching, lightning striking a field, water flooding a city. A scene of Sonic and Jawsome running plays. Scenes of Knuckles standing by the Master Emerald, the Tornado-2 being flown by Tails, Angel Island descending, metal buildings crumbling to ash. Cut to a scene showing a shadowy figure emerging from a portal.
10... 9... Gotta open your heart!...
Scenery burns by. We see a frontal view of the hedgehogs. A flash of the side of Jawsome's head, we see a large battleship lift off. A base built be Eggman explodes. Cut to a portal forming with lightning and thunder shaking the earth.
Can't hold on much longer...
But I will never let go!
A scene of Tails flying in front of an exploding building plays, Twilight follows him in the Tornado 2.
I know it's a one way track...
But tell me now how long this will last!
We see Amy and Pinkie with shocked expressions as something appears before them.
I'm not, gonna think this wayy...
Nor will I count on others!
We see Fluttershy and Cream jump off a building, Rarity and Rouge looking surprised as they turn around, Applejack facing an oncoming storm with a determined expression on her face.
Close my eyes and feel it burn...
Now I see what I have gotta do!
We see Eggman standing atop a floating fortress, Metal Sonic and a shadowy pony standing to his sides.
Open your heart it's gonna be alriiiiiiiiiight, yeah!
We see Rainbow Dash fly down next to the two hedgehogs, they nod at each other, and they all run forward as the screen fades to black.
Open your Heart!
===============================================================================================
Celestia sat on her throne, signing a document. A royal guard burst in.
"Princess Celestia!"
"Yes. What is it?" The Princess of the Sun asked.
"IT. Has returned." The guard said.
"No..." Celestia murmured. "Get Princess Cadence and Shining Armor!"
Upcoming Test
"uhh, Twilight? You sure you aren't overreacting?" Spike asked. The dragon then ducked a book flying into a suitcase.
"No, Spike I'm not overreacting! Princess Celestia summoned me for a test!" Twilight snapped.
"Wonder how long she'll go for?" Sonic remarked, standing outside.
"No idea, but this is entertaining. Popcorn?" Jawsome said, tilting the bag. Sonic grabbed a handful. "Wonder how TV Tropes is categorize this."
Celestia's Test
"I'm still not sure that she is up to the task, Sister." Luna said. The Princess of Night was staring at an odd crystal.
"Neither am I, Luna, but we must take our chances. Cadence and Shining Armor are running out of time, and they need a miracle. Twilight is that miracle." Celestia replied.
"But the Heart has been lost ever since his banishment."
"Right. I'm wagering that she will have what it requires to find it." Celestia and Luna's reflections shone off of the polished glass.
"I'm here! Oof!" Twilight said. She'd hit the door.
"Ah, yes, Twilight." Celestia said. Luna began to walk out of the hall. "Come here and I will describe your test."
"Well, I brought quills, ink, and about 6 miles of parchment." Twilight said.
"That will not be needed, Twilight." Celestia said, levitating the glass dome up and the crystal out. "This... will be your test."
"A crystal?"
Celestia fired a beam at it, and a circular map was projected from it, a town with a crystal spire in the middle. "You see, Twilight, the Crystal Empire has returned after a thousand years. But, those years ago, things were not so bright and cheerful." Celestia's crystal began showing an image. "The evil unicorn Sombra enslaved the entire Empire. Luna and I banished him into the ice of the frozen north, where the Empire was located, but it disappeared after his defeat."
"But, why is ths Crystal Empire so important?" Twilight asked.
"Crystal Empire crystals reflect emotions. Good emotions like this spread light all over Equestria. But let bad intentions take root..." Celestia's eyes began glowing green, with a purple haze coming from the sides of her eyes. She struck the crystal with a beam of the same color, and a shadow crept over, three jagged crystal spikes emerging. Celestia destryed them with her normal magic.
"I understand! I'll go to the Empire and ensure just that!" Twilight proclaimed.
To The Crystal Empire!
The train chugged along, even as a raging blizzard that not even Jawsome dared run in only worsened.
"So, we're basically going out to Ice Cube, North, because some fairy tale Crystal Empire has reappeared?" Rainbow complained.
"Nightmare Moon was also a fairy tale, Rainbow." Jawsome, who was sitting across from Twilight, fired back. "Discord was a statue. Me and Sonic have dealt with deities. I think we've been shoved out of any fairy tale territory."
"Right."
Jawsome glanced at Twilight. The violet unicorn was staring at something. "Uh, Equestria to Twilight? Come in, Twilight?" He asked. Twilight jumped.
"Present!" She quickly stammered. Jawsome raised an eyebrow. Twilight had been acting even more spaced out than usual. He shrugged.
"Is it true that we might find another two Emeralds there?" Sonic said. Everypony gave what amounted to 'dunno' in gestures.
The train stopped at a platform in a frozen wasteland. The blizzard was even worse, like the ice of the north wanted them to die.
"Pleasant." Sonic snarked. A white pony, Shining Armor, appeared from the blinding snow.
"You're here! Great!" He said, relieved. "The Empire's this way." He turned and trotted in a direction. They followed, huddling close to Jawsome for warmth. They had just spotted the Empire, a beacon among the desolation that surrounded them, when an unnatural black smoke surrounded them. "Sombra!" Shining yelled, than "Go! I'll hold him!" The ponies and Sonic ran for the city, while Jawsome stayed and drew his blade, which he had decided to rename Lagina Ignis, stating Monado was just to unwieldy, plus the name fit better. The smoke surrounded them, with a lion-like face appearing from the darkness. Jawsome threw a Flame Shard at it. Passed through like it was nothing.
"We can't fight it! Run!" He shouted to Shining. The two ran for the Empire, which the shade was not pleased with. It surged forward, and as Jawsome reached the border of the city, the red hedgehog turned and readied himself. He didn't need to, as a blue shield appeared in front of him, and moved up, protecting the Empire once again, while part of the shade's horn had been chopped off. Jawsome picked up the trophy, as it could be called. He ran for the citadel.
Not so awake
The ponies and Sonic walked through the Crystal Empire, once brilliant with living crystal, now desolate and dull, shimmering walls replaced with faded gem, a sad reminder that all lights, no matter how brilliant, ceased burning eventually.
"It's so awful." Sonic murmured. " A whole city, snuffed dark like a candle."
"Quite." Rarity agreed.
The central castle rose before them, a white spike of quartz. They entered, and made their way to the throne room. Inside, on the throne, was a familiar pink Alicorn.
"Cadence!" Twilight shouted happily, and the two did their 'Sunshine' routine. "It's so good to see you again!" She said as she hugged her sister-in-law. However, Cadence didn't look so well. As she stumbled back, her disheveled mane and tail shedded like an unstable hay bale (Those things shed). Her eyes were baggy and bloodshot, and she was wobbling on her feet. If they didn't know better, they'd swear she was dead on her feet.
"Cadence! Have they seen you yet?" Shining called as he entered the room.
"Yes." She said, even the word sounding tired. Shining led her back to the throne, a padded cushion on the chair. Before she lay down, Cadence thrust her horn (Get your mind out of the gutter) into the air like Shining had during their wedding, and a blue shield encompassed the city. She collapsed on the cushion, and lay her head down. Shining ushered them out so Cadence could rest.
The Crystal Lore
Jawsome met them by the library, flipping the horn.
"Sup." He said, like he was meeting them for lunch.
"Why did you stay? You could have been killed!" Twilight said, feeling rather irritated.
"And leave your brother to be injured or die?" Jawsome responded, pointing the horn at her. Twilight immediately felt guilty. He had been keeping her in mind before he did what he did. She had no idea what power the shade possessed, her brother could have been torn apart if he were alone.
"Besides, neither Lagina Ignis or my pyrokinesis could touch it. It was like a ghost."
"That's not good." Sonic said. "If we can't scratch it, we need something else."
"Don't think either the Chaos or Sol Emeralds would do anything." Jawsome said, pointing the horn again.
"Naw, I was thinking a vaccum." Sonic snarked right back.
"We need the Crystal Heart." Twilight said, entering the library.
"The Crystal What now?" Rainbow asked.
"Heart."
As they entered the library, Twilight's jaw hit the floor. Shelves of books stretched into the beyond, each stuffed with books. The search began in earnest... more like vague interest. As they scoured each book, Sonic noticed an oddity.
"A page is gone from this one!" He said, and they all crowded around to see. The page before that was one on the Crystal Heart, and the information seemed to end on the missing page.
"I think our objective is the Crystal Heart based on that." Jawsome remarked. "Let's get looking."
Story Quest!- Find the Crystal Heart!
The last page of the book containing information on the Crystal Heart has been torn out. See what you can find from the Crystal Ponies.
"What was that?" Sonic asked.
"A quest alert?" Jawsome guessed.
"Why?"
"Dunno."
The Search Begins
Quest Objective: Speak to the Crystal Ponies to find out about the Crystal Heart.
But suddenly, everything goes black......
"What?" Jawsome muttered as he stood up. He was stiff from lying in the simulation chair for all this time. But still, Eggman was out there, and he had to stop him. The simulation was very unstable. He was surprised it had lasted as long as it did. |
Project ART | Project ART Cast | <Opening h:/files/ProjectART/Cast/list/>
<Finished>
<Secret transmission between Freedom HQ and Freedom Underground>
<Begin>
Cast:
Characters:
The Heroes:
Sonic the Hedgehog: A blue hedgehog who can run beyond the speed of sound. With a heart of gold, he's always willing to help anyone who needs it. Theme: His World by Zebrahead
Jawsome the Hedgehog: Sonic's brother, a red and black pyrokinetic hedgehog with a mystical sword. A little hot-headed, but will always come through. Theme: Last One Standing by Simple Plan / Light 'Em Up by Fall Out Boy
Twilight Sparkle: A purple unicorn-turned-Alicorn who started out as an anti-social bookworm but learned to have friends when she was sent to Ponyville by Celestia just before the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration. The Element of Magic, she can use her magical abilities in many ways. Theme:
Rainbow Dash: A cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail, this loyal pegasus from Cloudsdale became Sonic's adoptive sister when her parents found him when she was a filly. She's the only known performer of the Sonic Rainboom and the Element of Loyalty. Theme: Sonic Boom: Crush 40 vs Cash Cash version
Applejack: An orange Earth Pony apple farmer, this Apple became Jawsome's sister by technicality. With Earth Pony strength and honesty, this old-fashioned pony is ready for nearly anything. Theme:
Rarity: A snow-white dresspony, Rarity is always making a creative style. The high-class high-standards pony is the Element of Generosity and can always find gems. Theme:
Fluttershy: When this yellow pegasus fell from Cloudsdale, she encountered her best friends-animals. She can speak to animals, but was soft-spoken, reflected in her Element-Kindness. Theme:
Pinkie Pie: Who can describe this pink Earth Pony? As the Element of Laughter, she is always doing something random. Theme: Smile, Smile, Smile by Hasbro
The Villains <Limited Information, Incomplete segment>:
Dr. Ivo 'Eggman" Robotnik: A tyrannical evil genius bent on total domination of Mobius. Currently working on a secret project called 'Project Time Destruction'. Theme: E.G.G.M.A.N. by Crush 40 (So far as I know)
E.L.1.T.3: A roboticized hedgehog formerly known as Shadow The Hedgehog. Loyal to Eggman? and his top soldier. Theme: I Am by Crush 40
Nightmare Moon: Luna's evil form. When jealousy for Celestia's day being enjoyed while her night was ignored, Nightmare Moon overtook Luna, forcing Celestia to seal her in the moon with the Elements of Harmony.
Discord: A draconequuis with chaotic powers. Turned to stone about a thousand years ago by Celestia and Luna, recently broke out, and was turned back to stone by the Element Bearers and the hedgehogs. Theme: Discord (Original version) by Super Ponybeat
Metal Sonic: A metallic copy of Sonic, designed to be better than Sonic in every way. Theme: Stardust Speedway (Bad Future) JP Vers./ Vs. Metal Sonic from Sonic 4.
Metal Jawsome: A robot copy of Jawsome created to be superior to the original. Theme shared with Metal Sonic.
The Egg Masters: Five elite robot masters considered to be the successor to the E-100 units employed by the Eggman Empire. Consists of the E. M. M, E. M. S, E. M. B, E. M. P, and E. M. Sniper.
Steam: A mysterious pony. He repaired Metal Sonic, he may make an appearance in the future.
The Princesses <Limited Information, Incomplete Segment>:
Princess Celestia: The ruler of Equestria, white Alicorn responsible for raising the sun in Equestria.
Princess Luna: Co-ruler of Equestria with Celestia, dark cobalt Alicorn responsible for raising the moon in Equestria.
Princess Cadence: Princess of love, pink Alicorn just married to Shining Armor, Twilight's brother.
Other Ponies:
Zecora: Mysterious zebra potions master living in the mysterious Everfree Forest. Brews potions and rhymes on a dime.
Shining Armor: White pony recently married to Cadence. Captain of the Royal Guard. Twilight's brother.
Freedom Fighters:
Miles Prower: Founder and leader of the Freedom Fighters. Genius fox with two tails. Theme
Rotor Walrus: Second-In-Command of the Freedom Fighters. Technician and weapon developer.
Jet the Hawk: Former leader of the Babylon Rouges, and the third ranked in the Freedom Fighters. Uses EX Gear for high speed uses.
Team Freedom: Stealth team of the Freedom Fighters. Recon team and behind-enemy-lines specialists.
Team Fighters: Assault force of the Freedom Fighters. Specialists at improvising and mowing down robots.
Commander Firebrand: Leader of Team Fighters, former commander of the Acorn forces.
Angel Islanders:
Knuckles 'Enerjak' The Echinda: The red echinda Guardian of the Master Emerald, and Angel Island. Theme: Unknown from M. E.
Dr Finevetius: A mysterious white echidna with some minor Chaos powers. Created the protective field around Angel Island.
Monkey Khan: A simian that acts as the guardian of physical Angel Island.
Writing team <Limited Information, Possibly incomplete Segment>:
Every role: The Pyro Jawsome |
Project ART | Mobius: The Great War | Nearly half a century ago, the Great War ravaged Mobius. This war as not simply for freedom, though, in ways it was. The Overlanders, the humans, walking the surface, had seen the Mobians, the previously undergound dwellers, as merely anthropomorphic, talking pets. The Mobians, not taking to theirs status well, made increasingly threatening suggestions for change, or else the Overlanders would suffer. The Overlanders, however, ignored these, and the Mobians declared war.
At first, the Overlanders were unconcerned. Their superior technology seemed to counter the Mobian's high strength and resilience. But as the war drew on, Overlander ad Mobian alike wished for the conflict to end. But, the war raged on. The Mobians were skilled. One Mobian was the equivalent of 20 ODRs (Overlander Defence Robots). Many battles were bloody stalemates, and the war seemed destined to last forever...
However, two Mobians found an Overlander escaping his own kind. Taking pity on him, the two hedgehogs brought him to the Mobian capital, Mobotropolis, the last bastion for the Mobians, for medical aid. The Overlander, Julian Kintobor, leased his tactical knowledge to the Kingdom Of Acorn, the Mobian's only remaining kingdom. With this, the Mobians were able to finally coerce a treaty before the war became eternal. The treaty, declaring Mobian and Overlander to be equal, ended the Great War, but peace would not last forever, as always, a reminder that nothing is forever... |
A Strange New Pony in Town | pre | "Ya know," Applejack started, removing her hat and laying it on the grass beside her, revealing more of her long blonde locks. "I feel a might foalish for not askin' earlier, but what does bring ya here to Ponyville anyway? Travel? Personal business?"
Xarzith shook his head. "I'm actually in the process of moving here," he answered, a response which drew yet another surprised look from the orange cowpony. "Again, long story short, I've 'bought' a vacant block of land in Ponyville, kinda waiting for the paperwork to be processed, and in the next few days I'm hoping to start building a house for myself."
"I did mention you knew a thing or two about construction, AJ" Twilight confessed, sheepishly looking away from her friends.
Applejack just chuckled and face-hoofed at the embarrassed alicorn, while everypony else shared a chuckle. It seemed that her prior suspicions had been suppressed, for now.
"Should' a known you'd say somethin' like that, Twi," she muttered warmly, before turning her attention to the stallion in question. "Ah'll be honest and say we Apples ain't exactly trained builders, but we can give ya a hoof with putting building frames up and that sorta thing."
"I made Twilight promise that you wouldn't be lifting a hoof," Xarzith smirked with a shake of his head. "I just want some advice, maybe a second opinion, that 'sorta thing', if ya'll get me."
Even Xarzith would admit that he did an utterly terrible Mild West accent, but it still drew an amused fluster from Applejack, as well as a few more chuckles from everypony else. Rainbow now seemed a little more at ease with him; the stallion quietly thanked Celestia's alabaster flank for that.
As it was, Rainbow was also the first to recover from her giggles. "You know, for a stallion who's just about the strangest pony to come through this town, you're kinda alright," she smirked. "So I guess we can let you stay for a little while," then her eyes widened. "Actually, where the hay are you staying anyway? If you're, like, building a house and all, where are you living between now and then?"
Xarzith just turned his head, and motioned in the direction of the Everfree. "Well, my initial plan was to make camp on the outskirts of the forest..."
Of all possible reactions the stallion could have provoked, he didn't expect to be suddenly slapped across the face with a cyan hoof.
"Are you out of your feathering mind?!" Rainbow snorted as she hovered above him, her friends all sharing the same concerned look as she glared at him like an angry manticore. "Do you not have a brain between those ears? You go anywhere near the Everfree alone after dark, and there's a high chance that nopony will hear from you ever again."
"Eesh, take it down a few notches." Xarzith huffed and rubbed his stinging cheek; it was officially true, Ponyville was the Equestria capital of crazy; even the mares were crazy! "I can take care of myself pretty well." Rainbow Dash visibly fumed at the response, and looked about ready to gift him with another slap.
"And we ain't sayin' otherwise, partner," Applejack explained gently, replacing her hat. "But the Everfree Forest ain't a place you wanna be chancing at the best ah' times, and especially not after dark... uh, tell ya what, we got a spare room or two back at the farm; ya can bunk there until ya place gets built. Ah'm not sayin it's free, you'll have to do a few things around the farm to earn yer stay, that's the Apple family way, but it'll be a roof over that head'a yers."
"Thanks for the offer AJ, but I've been on the road enough that I'm used to sleeping on the ground. Besides, I enjoy the night sky. Kind of reminds me of home."
Applejack just gave him a look and shook her head. "I can respect that, but ah'm not gonna have no friend of mine get taken by that there forest. Ya can sleep under our trees if it tickles ya fancy that much, but by Tartarus ya'll sure as hay ain't sleeping out here."
"You might just wanna say yes, Ice," Spike cautioned from beside the stallion. "AJ's the most stubborn pony in Ponyville. You'd have more luck trying to convince a brick wall to fall over. Twilight will second that notion." To emphasize his point, the little dragon glanced over at the alicorn; Twilight huffed and nodded in silent reply.
The stallion ran a hoof through his blue mane. Truth be told, being caught between a rock and a hard place was nothing new to him, but Xarzith couldn't help but feel... a bit more conflicted this time round. Applejack seemed to be a nice enough pony, and clearly seemed to have what she believed to be his best interests in mind. Which was a welcome change, but she was inadvertently venturing into territory that could very well end up causing problems. And then there was her sudden turnaround of attitude, which was still plaguing the back of his mind with questions. One moment she'd seemed unsure if not suspicious, and the next she was offering him a place to stay. Just what was going with this mare?
He mentally face-hoofed at the thought. "Now I'm just being paranoid."
"Alright, I accept, but only because I don't want to offend you." He answered, taking not of the smirk and nod he received in reply. Why did this mare rub him all the wrong way?
......................................................................................................
"Well ya'll sure are talkative all of a sudden, now ain't ya?"
"Just thinking to myself," Xarzith huffed, red eyes tracing the darkening horizon through the trees. The sunset back in the mountains had always been more beautiful. Perhaps it was the height. "Just thinking about home and my family is all, kinda wondering how they're doing."
That statement was only partly true. There was no doubt in Xarzith's mind that things hadn't changed in the north, hay, virtually nothing had changed even after the Crystal Empire had returned... well, the blizzards had let up some, which was kind of nice.
Still, he knew not that much would've changed in regards to family life, which rarely did in that part of Equestria. Every day would've brought with it a challenge of some sort, more gems to be dug from the deep caves, a small hill's worth snow to be cleared from the homes entrances, or maybe an ice wolf pack or two to be moved on.
Xarzith huffed. "Now I remember why I left." The afternoon sun brought a pleasant warmth to the stallion's back as the two ponies walked, a pleasant far cry to the cold that settled in the North's dusk.
Having decided to accompany Applejack back to her farm, simply out of having nothing more too really do in town, Xarzith had since stored his cloak in his bag and then proceeded to follow her. Neither had really said much since leaving Twilight and Applejack's other friends, the occasional comment perhaps, but nothing of any real substance. Still, he could sense the mare was uneasy about something.
Applejack like out a quiet chuckle. "Listenin' to how ya'll are sounding, I'm guessing that ya miss em' all a lot."
"When you're a bit different, like I am," he replied with a sideways grin, gesturing to his curved horn with a hoof. "You're family love you no matter what, but others... well, that's something I'd rather not think about." Applejack nodded, but said nothing.
For a long moment, the two once again walked in a state of silence as the world passed around them, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts. Eventually though, the amber mare let out a long sigh and spoke again, though her question caught Xarzith completely by surprise.
"So how'd you actually come to get ya'self a dragon name, anyhow?" she asked with looking at him. There was no venom in her voice, but it didn't across as gentle either. "Now before ya go an' ask, no, ah can't just tell when somepony's lying, even being the element ah' honesty... but I can tell when somepony's trying to sidestep a question like ya did with Dash's."
"You noticed that, huh?"
Applejack nodded. "Kinda hard to miss, partner."
Despite the slight jolt of unease, and a tightening of his chest, Xarzith kept his words polite and controlled when he answered. It was a question he'd been faced with before, only ever a few rare times perhaps, but a few times nonetheless. Most of those reactions had been of shock, or, if the asker saw themselves as part of the Equestrian 'Upper Crust', distaste. Celestia forbid what would happen if he told them the actual truth.
"What I told you wasn't a lie. A dragon saved my dad, and my parents gave me my name... but what I didn't say is my parents ended up making their home pretty close to that dragon. The mountains in the north where we live aren't much better than the Everfree, so living near a dragon has its... well, perks. Uh, anyway, after my dad's 'incident', they also became friends... of sorts... so that dragoness had a lot of influence on my dad."
Applejack, much to his surprise, snickered. "If I was ya ma, I'd be wondering exactly which gal he was he likin' more." Her smirk died when she noticed the cold glare he was giving her. "Sorry," she winced, looking away as they continued walking. "Look... ya don't come across as havin' any bad intentions, and ya seem like a nice enough pony... and I guess I just wanted to make sure that what I thought was right."
The stallion snorted into the air. "I take that was part of the whole 'come stay at my place' logic?" he asked, tail giving an agitated flick. "Wanted to keep an eye on me huh?"
"Now don't go bein' like that," Applejack retorted sternly. "Sure, ah' had my qualms with ya'll, but that don't mean I don't like ya as a friend. Yer' a nice enough pony, and I really did want to keep ya safe from that forest... ah... ah just care a lot about my friends' well bein' is all."
The stallion stiffened, and momentarily stopped walking, as the words struck an all too familiar cord. "You lost somepony close," He said. Both ponies knew it wasn't a question.
The Earth pony huffed and nodded, though not bothering to slow her own pace. "My Ma and Pa. Long time ago ah'll admit, but still... kinda made me change the way I hold those close to me." She seemed a little surprised when a white hoof found its way onto her shoulder, and even more so when her head turned back, and she found the stallion smiling at her. It was perhaps only a small and simple action, but it was reassuring nonetheless.
"I can understand that, and trust me, I have no intention of raising a hoof against your friends," Xarzith chuckled, removing himself. "But look AJ, if I do the same, I'd prefer that you keep what I told you to yourself. It's caused me a bit more grief than I'd like in the past."
Applejack stood in silence for a moment, before, much to Xarzith's relief, she smiled and nodded.
"Alright, ah' think I can do that," she grinned, gifting him with a friendly shove in the shoulder. "Now let's get that flank o' yer's movin', my dinner's probably getting cold by now." They both just chuckled and continued walking. |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 4 | Applejack could proudly say she was always the first one up on the farm. Rain, hail, or shine, she was up and about at the crack of dawn, before the farm's rooster even on some days, the calling of her work always overriding her need for more sleep. Admittedly, there was the occasional day when she didn't want to do so, days when the mare found herself torn between doing her chores in the early morning cold, or staying tucked up in the comfort of her warm blankets for an hour or so more. Still, responsibility always won over, even on those days.
"Can thank me fer that," she chuckled lightly to herself, throwing back the thick covers and rolling from her mattress. "Celestia bless her soul."
What followed was ingrained routine for Applejack. A quick shower to deal with any lingering morning drowsiness, a minute or two spent drying, then a brush of her blond mane and tail followed by neatly tying the locks up with their red ties, and finally the fetching of her Stetson from its place of residence on her nightstand before heading down for breakfast.
She grinned at her reflection as she passed her nightstand mirror. The farm pony would openly admit to not being a Rarity kind of gorgeous, but given her muscular definition and curves, she still liked to think that she could look damn good when she wanted to.
"Still, vanity ain't gonna get the chores done round' here."
She kept her steps as light as possible while traversing the barn's main hallway. Big Mac would've been out and about working in the orchard. By then, he was always the first out in the orchard, and Granny Smith would've slept through an earthquake, but AB was a different story altogether; that filly was a big enough nightmare when she wasn't grumpy, when she was... eesh.
Luckily, she made it past her sister's room without issue, prompting a small sigh of relief from the amber mare.
When she wandered past the guest room, however, Applejack felt her eyebrow rise at what she saw.
The door was partly open, and hence whoever was using the room was probably awake at that point; that was nothing particularly new to the Apple household, and on any other morning she would've ignored it as just an out of pattern occurrence... except this particular time the pony inside wasn't an Apple.
Staying light on her hooves, Applejack approached the door, her sense of curiosity overriding the small amount of embarrassment and wrong she felt for prying on a guest. And on a stallion no less. Upon sticking her head around the corner, the Earth pony couldn't help but blink at what greeted her eyes.
Xarzith was standing up and awake, and currently standing in silence by the room's sole window, something which was considered a small marvel in Ponyville if one wasn't an Apple, or didn't need to be up at an early hour... though that was not what surprised her the most; the stallion was apparently content to ignore his present state of having a scruffy alabaster coat and bedhead blue mane, either of which would've caused a panic if Rarity had been present, and instead watch the sun rise as he drank down gulps of blue... something... from a small glass vial she'd yet to see since meeting him.
What was more, her eyes found themselves drawn to his flank... his glaringly bare flank.
"A stallion his age with no mark?" she pondered. "Well... ah' guess that explains the need to wear that cloak all the time... best not to tell AB."
Having apparently not yet noticed her presence, Applejack felt an uncomfortable knot form in her stomach as the stallion corked the strange glass, turned, and then stowed it back in his nearby saddleback, his entire body giving an almost unnatural quiver as he did so, as if the stuff tasted vile.
"I know it's your house and all, but it's still kinda rude to go watching somepony while their back's turned," he said flatly to the room, going about doing the strap on his saddlebag up.
Applejack winced and bit her lip. "Ah'm surprised ya'll heard me."
Xarzith shook his head. "Smelt you, actually, all the way from down the hall," the stallion offered, his body quivering once more before turning to her. "Your soap is lemon and barely scented, so it's a bit hard to miss it in a place that otherwise smells like apples... sorry if that sounds a little weird."
"Ya must have a better nose than ma' dog if you can tell that," Applejack snickered and blushed, though inwardly feeling more than a bit uneasy. She turned her attention to his saddlebag to change the subject. "If ya don't mind me askin', what'n the hay were y'all drinking just now? Look like ya wouldn't keep it down for moment there."
The stallion just shrugged. "Medication."
"Medication?" Applejack asked bluntly.
"Eh, I've lived most of my life in the Northern Mountains, so my body's basically suited to living in sub-zero temperatures all year round," he replied, shrugging. A slight grin spread across his maw as he poked his own side. "But down here the weather's a lot different, a lot warmer, so I have to take that stuff to regulate my body temperature while it slowly adapts... otherwise I could get hit with climatic shock and end up in hospital."
Applejack simply nodded as the words left the stallion's muzzle; he didn't appear to be lying, but there was something about his story that seemed a little too... perfect, scripted almost. It was kinda of like the numerous times she'd been asked 'where'd you get your hat?', and she'd replied with the same, well versed answer.
"The reason I nearly couldn't keep it down was... well, heh, let's just say it doesn't taste like quality cider," he chuckled as he pulled his cloak over himself, nudging her as he walked past and out the door. "I'll be out by the Everfree if you want to find me."
"What 'bout breakfast?" she called over her shoulder.
"I already ate," was his reply from somewhere down the hall, followed by tell-tale wooden creak of the barn door being opened.
Silence soon took its reign over the house once again, and Applejack, as its one and only subject, just stood in the now empty room in such a state, her mind trying to make some sort of sense of what had just happened as she stared at the floor; this stallion, Xarzith... he seemed to be a nice enough pony, and a rather polite one to boot... but these little things, first the dragon part of his upbringing, and now this 'medication' of his... well, they were starting to paint a cloudy layer over that 'nice enough pony' visage.
It wasn't like he was up to no good, that much she knew for certain... but the fact that there was so much he apparently wanted to keep to himself up until it was discovered... the farm mare couldn't help but find it unsettling.
Applejack's green eyes settled on his saddle bag, which still lay hung on the guest rooms' bed frame. "Ah' ain't no thief or peepin' filly, ma," she whispered, momentarily staring at the barn ceiling. "But some things ah' can't just let be." Holding her breath, Applejack gingerly approached the bags like it was a sleeping manticore, shakily unclipped the latch on the nearest of the two, and flipped it open.
Surprisingly, there was very little to be found inside the small bag. The glass vial with its small amount of remaining blue... medication... a few rolled up scrolls, which appeared to simply be the combination of a map of Ponyville, a few blanks sheets, and a few varying forms relating to the purchase of Xarzith's block, and a quill and ink bottle.
Well... that had been rather uneventful.
"I swear, ah'm going loopier than Pinkie Pie," Applejack huffed in self annoyance, replacing the bag's flap before rubbing her brow. "What in the hay is wro... huh?" she trailed off as something else caught her eye.
It wasn't a surprise that she'd missed it upon her first look, seeing as she'd only noticed it by chance, but there, on the floor beside the spare bed's leg, was a small, glinting... something, that was reflecting the light as it trickled in through the window.
Hastily, the blonde farm pony reached down and plucked it from the floor, resting the small object atop her hoof as she scrutinized it closely. It appeared to be one of the ice-like gem stones that Xarzith had shown them all the day before, and given to Spike at one point, an 'ice diamond' if her memory served her right. The word appeared to come to mind because it looked to have been broken-no, bitten in half.
That was certainly unusual.
"Ah'll... have to ask 'im about this later," she huffed, admiring the stone for a few more seconds, before stowing it in her hat.
........................................................................................................................................................................
"Good morning, Big Mac!"
"Hey, Mac!"
Twilight and Spike's greetings were met first by perked ears, and then by a smile from the red stallion as he turned and inclined his head to the two, a silent acknowledgement of having noticed the adopted siblings presence. Quickly, the half-full bucket of apples, which had been clasped in the second oldest Apple's jaws, was first carried between the nearby tree of his families' staple crop and his wagon, and then poured into the wooden cart.
Twilight just waited and admired the surrounding view while he went about his work, knowing that patience would reward her the same as impatience would, if not less with the red stallion; It was well known that he never said much in public, and was usually withdrawn at the best of times... but, what wasn't well known was that if caught on his own, and in a good mood, Big Macintosh was actually a decent stallion worth a few words.
And a quiet look whilst conversing, Twilight had to admit.
"Mornin' to the both of ya," he replied, emptying a second bucket into an already laden cart. "What brings ya'll out to the Acres this time ah' day? Still pretty early, ain't it?"
"Well you're up, aren't you?"
"Eeyup," Macintosh admitted, prompting snickers from Spike and Twilight. "But that's only 'cause I'm an Apple."
"We came to see how Ice is settling in," Spike answered, sliding down from Twilight's back as she came to a stop, before stretching his legs out. "And help out a bit if we could. We finished re-shelving a day early."
"I think you just want to earn some more ice diamonds."
"Hey! I'm not that shallow! Ice is my friend," Spike huffed, folding his claws, before the edge of smirk crossed his face. "Although, now you mention it..."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "He means Xarzith," she offered, noting the second oldest Apple's confused expression. "Apparently it's draconic for Ice Fire. I don't completely understand the need for translation."
Big Macintosh just chuckled and nodded once. "I'll take your word for it; don't know much 'bout dragons ma'self. Well, anyway, last time I saw that critter, he was heading out towards the western side of the farm; don't rightly know what he was doin', had a rope with 'im and that was about it... did say somethin' about cuttin' down Everfree trees last night though. Ya'll might wanna go find AJ, she'll help ya track hi..."
"Hey! Twilight!"
Twilight grinned. "Speak of Discord," Macintosh laughed, shaking his hay coloured mane.
Sure enough, upon turning and looking up in the direction of the family barn, the three caught sight of Applejack cantering towards them, mane and tail trailing behind in her haste.
With trained ease, Applejack hit the brakes as she neared, and the mare came to a skidding halt barely a meter from the three of them.
"Ya'll see a snake or something, AJ?" Big Macintosh grinned, stepping back from the newly created dust cloud. "Haven't seen ya run that fast since ya'll were a filly."
Applejack just stuck her tongue out at her older sibling.
"Morning to you too," she jabbed, smirking. "Heh, howdy Twi, Spike, ain't it a bit early for ya be awake there Twilight?"
The unicorn in question groaned at the parroted question, whilst her assistant just sniggered behind a purple claw; why did everypony have to make that assumption? She didn't stay up and study every night.
"You're as bad as your brother," Twilight huffed, prompting a chuckle from the farm siblings. "Anyway, we were coming to see if you needed some helping out, and hopefully to check on Xarzith, just to see how he was going... and I was kind of hoping to organize a time to document dragon tongue."
"He knows dragon tongue?"
"Surprisingly, yes... although he's a little tight lipped when it comes to explanations." Twilight explained, somewhat disappointed at her own words; Big Macintosh just gave her a confused look.
Applejack gave an additional shrug. "Well, he was heading out to the Everfree the last time ah' saw him, so I'd suspect he'll be back here a bit later, probably 'round lunch; ya'll are welcome to help out while ya wait... I'd be mindful if ya'll ar' gonna be looking for him on your own though."
The unicorn turned and regarded her friend oddly, the edge of a frown playing at her lips. "AJ... just what do you mean by that?" Twilight asked, looking between the two of Apples. "You seemed to think he was alright yesterday, the hay, you seemed to get along well even."
Applejack let out a long sigh, before pulling her hat off and staring at the dirt. "Honestly, ah' don't rightly know that well anymore, Twilight," she said, sounding unsure as she tipped her stetson, and allowed something small and shiny to fall into her outstretched hoof. "Maybe ah'm just being paranoid... but ah' get the feeling there's more he ain't tellin' us. This mornin' I found 'im drinking down on something blue he called 'medication', and then I found this here beside his bed."
Twilight regarded the gemstone. "Spike..."
"Hey! It wasn't me!" the dragon hissed indignantly, crossing his forearms.
The unicorn just rolled her eyes, first her study habits and now accusations; why was everyone jumping to conclusions this morning. "I wasn't going to accuse you of anything, Spike, I was going to ask if you knew anything about these ice diamonds of Xarzith's? Say... magical or potion properties?"
"Huh? Eh, well, not really," the drake huffed, shrugging his smaller shoulders. "They taste nice. That's about all I know."
Twilight, despite her best efforts to avoid doing so, proceeded to face-hoof. "Ugh! Ok, once Xarzith gets back we can ask him our questions... but I do have to ask Applejack, what exactly are you getting at? What do honestly think's up here?"
All eyes settled on the orange mare.
"Not entirely sure, Twi," she admitted, blowing a lock of blond mane from her eyes. "A pony who's 'from up north', speaks dragon, has no cutie mark..."
"Ya were looking at his flank?"
"... And lugs around a saddlebag full ah' jewels," she went on, ignoring her sibling's questioning tone. "You tell me."
A purple hoof found its way to Twilight's chin, her tail all the while flicking from side to side as she pondered; was Xarzith capable of holding some second agenda? Was there really something he wasn't telling them? He came across as so genuine.
"I think we should hold back on judgement for now... but we'll keep a close eye on him, just to be safe."
..............................................................................................................................................................................
"Ugh! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"
If one were to be wandering, these were not the usual sounds one would've expected to hear whilst out on their morning walk, even if said walk was along the edge of Everfree forest.
Still, the words rang out through the trees like the roars of an angry ursa, their echoes usually accompanied, shortly after, by either a loud crack as yet another proud and tall tree met the forest floor, or a growl that could've been easily mistaken for a territorial dragon's.
The animals and birds had since departed for the protection that the deeper trees provided, all fearing just what could've possibly brought such wrath to their forest.
Another round of 'Stupid!' left Xarzith's muzzle as his eyes began to glow blue once again. A second later, the stallion's spell concentrated all of the moisture found inside the aged willow tree he'd been looking at, froze it solid, and then forced it to burst outwards like an axe blade, the disc of solid ice leaving the tree with a splintering crack.
Then, without missing a beat, the stallion snorted and clenched his jaw, spun on his front hooves, and slammed his back legs into the now detached dark trunk like a pair of hammers, sending the once proud timber giant crashing earth to join its already fallen brothers.
The stallion took a moment to eye his wooden quarry, five fallen trunks so far, before slumping down on of his newly created stump, a white hoof removing the few drops of sweat that had since formed on his brow as he stared out at the surrounding darkness.
"Had to let my guard down, didn't I?" he groaned to the forest around him, continuing to rub his forehead with a hoof. "Start to get a little emotionally attached, and all sense of reason just goes straight to Tartarus; nice one scales for brains."
The surrounding forest offered no reply.
He sighed again as the silence stretched on, each breath he took sending a small puff of mist drifting from his nostrils.
Acceptance. It was something that he'd admit to being the driving force behind his wandering travels; he'd been looking for it in every town he'd visited since setting out, and had, at long last, finally seemed to have found in the small town of Ponyville.
Xarzith clenched his teeth, annoyed at his own stupidity; he'd made the same mistake again, allowing himself to get too comfortable too quickly, resulting in a lapse in his security; a lapse which had only been saved by a well scripted and rehearsed half-truth.
He'd been able to dodge one arrow, but when more inevitably started flying as the questions built up...
"One'll eventually find its mark," he grumbled, staring down at his blank-canvas marble flank, which was just visible beneath his cloak; some questions had no believable half-truth, and there would come a time, just like all the others, when they would surface.
He shook his head and got to his hooves. "I'll deal with that when it comes around."
A few moments later, another tree crashed to Earth. |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 5 | Applejack huffed as she wiped the sweat from her brow, her green eyes looking out across the acres as she momentarily enjoyed the shade of the Acre's porch.
It was a sight that brought with it so many memories. Memories of times spent with her family, with her friends, or just out having fun by herself, running between the rows of apple trees without a care, apple-scented air filling her nostrils as she cried out in delight.
There were painful ones mixed in as well, ones the farmpony seldom thought about, much less spoke of, but they were there too all the same. Those she refused to dwell on, and instead preferred to keep them stowed away in mind as deeply as possible.
She smiled as she admired the vast expanse of green, her gaze eventually drifting over the working pair of Twilight and Spike, the alicorn lifting buckets of apples into Mac's cart with her magic, whilst the dragon skittered amongst the highest branches, sniffing out any hidden apples like the predator that he was.
There was no doubt in Applejack's mind that if anypony in Canterlot somehow found out, then both the nobility and the press would have a field day with the new princess's image, but even that knowledge hadn't seemed to sway Twilight's resolve in the slightest; she might've now been a princess, but she seemed content to stay a working friend of the Apple family despite her title.
Thus was the nature of the farm and her friends. Every day brought with it the ability to make new memories, good ones and the occasional bad ones, just like the apples that hung from the Acre's trees.
Then, however, her eyes settled on Xarzith, and an uneasy line made itself present on her face as she watched the white stallion applebuck.
He'd come back from the forest roughly an hour prior, and had since put himself to work beside her brother, as was their boarding agreement. What concerned her, however, was that he'd returned from the Everfree dragging half a tree trunk, and had simply said that he was going to plank it as an explanation.
Yet another question sidestepped.
Such strength was in no way beyond a pony, Applejack knew for a fact that Macintosh could pull such a load, and probably a bit more, when he wanted to... but he was an Earth pony, and a darn big Earth pony at that.
So for a unicorn to be doing so...
She sighed. Xarzith was... something of an anomaly in her mind; not so much as something to be feared, but rather something curious.
He was so open and yet so mysterious at the same time, a pony who came across as being good and honest, but seemed to hold so much back, and those things, despite him being nice enough, weighed down a little on her conscience.
The weight beneath her hat brim seemed to suddenly become more noticeable.
She groaned and rubbed her temple. "Ah'm just getting ahead of ma'self again." she muttered, leaving the comfort of the porch to return to work. Apples didn't make a habit of bucking themselves.
Perhaps fortune was just looking to make her day as interesting as possible, or maybe it was just chance looking to amuse itself, but about halfway along her venture between the trees and her home, Applejack found herself forced to stop. Three rapidly approaching specks had made themselves visible in the sky towards Ponyville, prompting Applejack to pause and blink. "Just what'n tarnation?"
Soon enough, every pony and dragon else had stopped working to investigate the oncoming objects, which were quickly revealed to be three of the local pegasus ponies, their flight paths lining them straight up with Sweet Apple Acres. Each of them, for some reason, was pushing a lump of grey raincloud towards the farm.
The first of the three, made rather obvious by the rainbow trail that followed behind her, was Rainbow Dash, sporting her usual trademark grin as she noticed her friends standing below. The other two though proved to be a mystery right up until they were directly overhead.
Applejack would admit to not knowing everypony in Ponyville particularly well, but days spent at her family's stall at the market meant that she'd at very least met nearly all of them, and learned their names. This pair of ponies was no exception to that fact; one was the spunky and rather forward mare Cloudchaser, while the other was her near identical younger sister, Flitter, by far the more gentle of the two.
Applejack huffed as she approached the three, sporting an arched eyebrow at their presence. "Not that ah' ain't glad to see ya'll here, but what's the deal RD? And what's with all the clouds?"
The pegasus in question just shrugged. "Eh, Scoot's said the Crusaders needed some rain for this afternoon," Rainbow Dash replied as she landed, flapping her wings to scatter any dust she'd kicking up. Applejack gave her a flat look. "Hey, they said it wasn't for anything dangerous."
"Should'a seen that one coming," Applejack groaned and face-hoofed. "And ya just went and believed 'em? RD, we're talkin' about the Crusaders here," she said, snorting. "Ugh, ah' swear Rainbow..."
"Wait, so we pushed these all the way here for those fillies to use?" Cloudchaser asked as she landed, apparently having been previously left out of the loop. "Captain, are you sure that that's a good idea? We still haven't fully repaired the fire station after the girls tried to get firefighter cutie marks."
Applejack nodded. "Ya'll see ma' point?"
"Well... what kind of dangerous things can they get up to with rainclouds?" Rainbow replied sharply, ignoring the other pegasus's argument. "Huh?"
"Part ah' me is hoping that's a trick question."
Xarzith just watched on whilst the two mares exchanged semi-heated words, the stallion's ears flicking back and forth in a combination of curiosity and amusement as the conversation got more and more intense.
Applebloom had mentioned her and her two best friends' group in passing the night before with great enthusiasm, while her older siblings seemed to find it... a little less enjoyable topic to talk about, much to his initial confusion. Until Applebloom had mentioned something about trying to get a powder monkey cutie mark... yeah, after that it kind of made sense as to why her siblings found it an unsettling topic; fillies and explosives were not a good combination. Ever.
"Just when I thought this town couldn't get any crazier," he sniggered inwardly, flicking his tail as he turned away from the conversation...
...Only to step back again as he came, literally, face to face with the other of the two new pegasus ponies.
She was the smallest of the three winged ponies, although smallest perhaps only by half an inch or so, with a light purple-grey coat, and a pale green mane which lay secured with a pink bow, much like Applebloom's was.
At that moment, her rose coloured eyes were glued on him, with her brow furrowed and her head tilted in a questioning manner.
"You must be pretty light on your hooves," the stallion commented, quickly recomposing himself of his initial shock. "I didn't even hear you land there."
A small, but still evident smile spread across the young mare's muzzle. "Well, my name is Flitter," she replied bashfully, a small giggle accompanying the words as her wings twitched. She seemed to relax a little as she continued to eye him. "Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but who are you? You don't really look like one of Applejack's relatives, and I've never seen you around town before either."
"Name's Xarzith, and no, heh, I'm not one of Applejack's family. I've just moved here from up North, the mountains of the Crystal Empire to be exact... you don't seem surprised by that."
Flitter giggled and bit her lip in reply. "Don't worry. I was at Sugarcube Corner this morning and Pinkie Pie was acting strange... well, a bit more strange than usual. I guess you're the reason why."
Despite knowing that she was a good pony at heart, and practically harmless, Xarzith couldn't help but shudder at the memory of his initial meeting of the bright pink pony-demon; anything that had the ability to defy the established laws of physics and the universe was not natural, nor normal.
"Ugh... because I know plenty about being normal, right?"
"Let me guess, she wants to throw me a party, but she's annoyed at having to wait?" Xarzith said, huffing and rubbing his brow with a hoof. "Doesn't she understand the concept of priority? She can throw me one once I get settled in."
Flitter just shook her head, her bow bobbing from side to side as she did. "Pinkie's special talent is throwing celebrations and making ponies smile, so for her to have to wait is... frustrating for her, I guess," she offered. Her eyes then drifted upwards. "You know, your horn's different than that of any other unicorn that I've ever seen. Is that a family trait or something?"
"Eh, pretty much," he shrugged, tentatively poking it with a hoof. "It's a part of me that I find annoying more than anything. A lot of ponies up North didn't trust me because of it since... well, let's just say old King Sombra's was pretty much the same shape, and everypony in the Empire remembers him for all the wrong reasons."
"I think it's kind of neat."
It took all of Xarzith's willpower not to back pedal in surprise, even more so when the mare he'd been talking to suddenly looked at her hooves, a light tint of red in her cheeks at having apparently said something that she'd been thinking out loud.
Well... that was truly a first.
"Heh, well, um... thanks," he managed to sputter out eventually, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's honestly the first time anypony's said something positive like that... most usually shout 'Sombra's back!' and then make a run for it."
It was a terrible attempt at humour, even Xarzith would openly admit that, but it still managed to draw a laugh from the green-maned mare.
"If I had the chance, I would love to have a horn of my own no matter what it looked like." She said with a smile, finally looking up at him again. "Don't get me wrong, I love being a pegasus pony," she motioned to her wings. "But unicorns like you can do so much more than fly, the hay, you have spells that let you to fly... I don't know, I guess I would just enjoy knowing what having magic would be like."
A white hoof came to rest on her shoulder. "Trust me, magic isn't all that it's cracked up to be," Xarzith explained, noting the mare's slightly crestfallen expression. "My magic is based solely around manipulating ice, so I can't cast all those fancy shmancy flying spells, or spells beyond my talent in general, but I get by all the same... my advice, make the absolute best of what you have, and don't dwell on what you don't."
It took a moment, but a smile once again crossed Flitter's face. "Are you sure you're not just disguising your age with a spell? Because that sounded like something some old wise pony would say."
"Now that was uncalled for," Xarzith said with a mock face-hoof. Flitter just giggled and stuck her tongue out at him. "Hehe, anyway, what's your role around Ponyville?"
"Half and half really," Flitter offered, shrugging. "I'm on with the morning weather shift on weekdays, and then foalsit with my sister in the evenings... well, when I can anyway. Not really the most exciting of occupations I know, but the combined pay's pretty decent... what about you?"
Xarzith motioned to the surrounding orchards. "This is where I'll be for the time being," he explained. "Like I said, I've only just moved here. I've got a vacant lot purchased in town, and Applejack's housing me between the paperwork getting done and the building part getting started... until then you'll generally be able to find me out here."
They both shared a quiet laugh.
Flitter's head then tilted again. "Why Ponyville anyway?" she asked. "It's a nice town and all... but you know that we have our fair share of... uh, surprises, right?"
"Honestly, I doubt you could have anything worse than the North," Xarzith chuckled, his words drawing a surprised and slightly uneasy look from Flitter, her wings quivering to show as such. "Frost dragons, ice wraiths, snow spirits, and the essence of King Sombra to name a few, all of those we have wandering around up North... well, not King Sombra so much anymore."
Flitter's lip twitched. "That actually sounds... kind of exciting."
"Are you two done flirting yet?"
The sudden, and loud, interjection of Rainbow's voice caused to two ponies to yelp and spin around, each taking an unintentional step away from the other.
Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike were all presently smirking behind their respective hooves and claws, all shying away as the two ponies glared at them. Twilight and Big Macintosh seemed indifferent to the situation, as if having been taking absolutely no notice of the pair the entire time they'd been talking, whilst Cloudchaser was giving her younger sibling a questioning look, one that seemed stuck somewhere between curiosity and confusion.
"Captain, you're unbearable," Flitter snorted, her cheeks still a little crimson. "We were just talking."
"And getting pretty comfortable while you were at it," Spike threw in, making kissing faces while Twilight glared at him.
Everypony else just grinned as Flitter's blush deepened a few shades.
Xarzith groaned and shook his head. "Spike, if you ever want another ice diamond from me..." Spike quickly and wisely shut his maw. "Thank you."
Unfortunately, the threat didn't work so well on Rainbow or Applejack, who just continued to snigger and grin between themselves.
Eventually, after apparently deciding that her little sister had been subjected to enough torment, Cloudchaser decided to intervene, crossing the distance between them and giving her sibling a shove in the side with her muzzle. "Anyway, as fun as this has been, I think it's time we kept moving Flitter; you and I still need to get the house tidy and restock the pantry before six. I have to foalsit Rumble for Thunderlane again tonight."
Flitter, still blushing a little from her prior teasing, nodded and made her way to her sister's side to take off.
Though not, however, before turning and offering Xarzith a small smile. "It was nice meeting you, Xarzith. If you're interested and find yourself in Ponyville, I'd like to hang out some time, heehee, you sound like an interesting pony."
Xarzith nodded, smiling as the two mare's jumped into the air. "I'll keep that in mind. Nice meeting you," he called, watching as the two ponies flew off, and ignorant to the looks he was still receiving.
Well... that had certainly been interesting. |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 6 | Despite a mild lack of sleep, amongst other mildly annoying issues that he'd recently found himself facing, Xarzith could honestly say he was having to physically stop himself dancing around the street like an idiot.
The day had since started well enough for him. A shower, an early morning run along the Everfree's boundary as Princess Celestia raised the sun, and breakfast upon his return, courtesy of a somewhat surprised pair of Big Macintosh and a coffee drinking Applejack; the red stallion had stood like a statue for a few seconds upon him coming through the door, as if trying to understand how somepony was up before him.
After telling them of his intentions, and Applejack agreeing to meet up in town a little later on, Xarzith had found himself making the trip to Ponyville, enjoying the sounds of an awakening Equestria and the slowly increasing sunlight as it had fallen across his back.
None of those, however, was what had put him in such a good mood.
This particular good mood had been caused by the reason he'd come to Ponyville so early; a meeting with the local building supervisor, just to iron out any small points before the building of his house finally got underway.
Before the white and blue stallion lay a rolled out sheet of parchment, a variety of drawings inked out across its surface along with their matching annotations, measurements, and alike. To any other pony, they would've been a little interesting perhaps, more so to those with a special talent in the construction industry, but to Xarzith they meant so much more.
They were the completed plans to a home. His home.
"So, as you can see kid, the foundations are gonna need vertical reinforcing rods here, here, and here," the older stallion explained, pointing to various points on the plan. He was an oak brown earth pony named Timber Frame, with a set of crossed spirit levels and a hammer for a cutie mark no less. "You and I both know that Everfree wood's tough as Minotaur steel, but those jocks up in Canterlot who do the regulations and what not don't, and trust me, I'd much rather not have them trying to geld my team when some inspection officer comes down to give this place the 'ok'."
Xarzith just smiled and nodded. "Heh, you're the builder here, Frame, you do whatever you have to."
"I take it you're not the most savvy when it comes to building huh?" Frame asked, offering a smirk of his own. Xarzith gave him a look, to which the older stallion replied with a chuckle. "Don't you go worrying about anything, kid, I'm Ponyville bred; I wouldn't skim something I was building in this town for all the bits in Equestria... speaking of which though, how do you plan on settling the bill for all this anyway? The timber I won't charge you for since it's yours, but the labour and all..."
"I'm getting a load of ice diamonds delivered from up north in the coming days," Xarzith offered simply, eyes drifting back to the plan. "I can exchange them for you, or just let you have them to divide amongst your workers, whatever works best."
A whistle escaped Frame's lips as he lifted his helmet. "Well damn me to Tartarus, when Mayor told me ya'd paid her in them stones, I thought she'd been drinking a bit of the Apple's good stuff... just how much are we talking here anyway?"
"You name the price; I'll get you the diamonds."
Timber Frame, now more than a little wide eyed and slack jawed, simply inclined his head in understanding, before scooping up the plans and heading back to where the trades-ponies were working, barking instructions all the while. Xarzith was sure he heard the words 'ice diamonds' somewhere in what was being shouted, as if it was being used to motivate his still sleepy workers.
Now alone for the time being, Xarzith couldn't help but glance over at the surrounding piles of material, everything from the timber that he and the Apples had planked in the last two weeks, to the bags of foundation cement that had since arrived on site.
At that moment they were just piles of stuff here and there, sorted and stacked perhaps, but still placed in random locations around the sight all the same, and the white stallion help couldn't but wonder how such differing bits and pieces would come together to form a finished piece... that, he guessed, was why there were ponies like Timber Frame.
"Well, you certainly seem to be an exception to the 'morning pony' rule,"
"Good morning to you too, Twilight," Xarzith offered without turning, the alicorn in question coming up beside him a few seconds later. It might've been ironic, but she did smell strongly of lavender. "And might I add you're up as well."
Twilight might've been a princess, but he could tell that she was much more comfortable when spending time with her friends as an equal, not a ruler, and as such made sure to disregard as much formality as possible.
An amused snort escaped the purple mare. "Kind of hard when the block next to yours is a construction site," she offered with a friendly shove in the side.
"Hehe, sorry, I'm not forcing you and Spike to wake up too early, am I?"
"Nope, I'm usually up this early, and Spike's still asleep. Heehee, sometimes I wish I was dragon. I swear that Spike could sleep through a magnitude ten earthquake."
Unbeknownst to her, Xarzith winced, but kept up a smile.
"How is Spike doing anyway?" he asked, turning to face her directly. "I haven't seen you two around Sweet Apple Acres the last couple of days."
Twilight blushed and played with her hooves. "I've been studying and reading up on a lot really, and Spike's been trying to keep me from losing my head," she let out a dry chuckle. "I really should give him some time off actually..."
"I could spend some time with him," Twilight gave the stallion a look. "What? We get along don't we? Besides, it can't be healthy to keep a growing dragon locked up all day, especially in a wooden building."
A few moments of silence carried on after that, during which the two friends, or at least what Xarzith hoped was a friendly relationship, just stood and watched as the various workers went about their tasks. Exactly where she intended to go with this conversation was a mystery to the stallion, but something told him that despite her general friendliness, she was still looking to find something.
Eventually, Twilight broke the silence.
"I overheard that you're getting more ice diamonds."
"Yeah. Working for Applejack's family is great and all, but they pay me with board and food, and I'm in need of something to pay for all of..." he motioned to the construction site before them. "Well, this."
"Is your mother going to bring them down from the Crystal Empire by chance? I'd love to ask her some questions about dragon tongue."
"I'm surprised you remembered that," he replied, huffing a little at the question. "Maybe yes, maybe no. She's my source, but I'm not sure what her plan is, honestly. The biggest issue is that the cost of shipping a load of ice diamonds out of the empire would be enormous, but at the same time... uh, well, let's just say she's not so good around other ponies up north, let alone those who live somewhere like Ponyville."
Twilight's muzzle scrunched up for a moment, before she sighed and shook her head. "You know, Xarzith... there seems to be a lot about you and your family that you don't want to tell anypony," she stated, her wings twitching ever so slightly against his marble colored side. "Why is that exactly? I don't want you to take it personally, we all have the right to keep things to ourselves... but you seem to want to keep a lot to yourself."
"Should've seen that one coming."
Xarzith rolled his eyes. "You're too good sometimes, you know that?" he groaned, Twilight's ears flattening back and her face falling a little at the statement. He shook his head at the action, annoyed at having scolded her for something so trivial. "Look, it's not that I have a problem with you, your friends, or your town for that matter... but a lot of the places I've been haven't reacted well to me, this thing especially," he put a hoof to his horn. "Ugh, I guess I just find it easier to keep my defences up."
"I can respect that, but I want you to know that Ponyville is a remarkably accepting place. Your family background doesn't matter here. Rarity couldn't stand her family before she moved to Ponyville, but being friends with ponies like Applejack and Rainbow Dash made her lighten up."
Xarzith nodded, still unsure of what he thought of that particular mare after meeting her; she was nice and remarkably generous by both reputation and one-to-one experience... but she didn't seem to like the outdoors or the outside world in general that much.
"I'll... keep that in mind."
A silence once again took its reign for the next minute or so, this one though carrying with it a combination of awkwardness, unease, and perhaps even a little hostility; he couldn't really blame Twilight, she was just trying to be friendly and get him to open up; but thinking over it, opening up was not a prospect that Xarzith found particularly inviting. Given what had happened all the other time's he'd open up... yeah, definitely not near the top of the to do list.
He decided to change the subject. "Anyway, I've been meaning to ask somepony about this, and I think you'd be the best source of information; do you have somepony like an apothecary here in Ponyville?"
Twilight gave him an almost startled look, before putting a hoof to her chin. "Well, we have Zecora," she recomposed herself. After apparently noticing his own confused expression, she continued. "Zecora's a zebra who lives just within the borders of the Everfree Forest. She can help you out with most issues involving potions, cures, or potion reagents... why?"
He shrugged his shoulders, looking away from her. "I may need to go see her one of these days," he answered simply. "Anyway, I better be off. See you later, Twilight."
Without another word, the stallion began walking off down the otherwise nigh empty street, leaving a confused and increasingly edgy alicorn in his wake.
...........................................................................................................................
"Spike!"
A moment passed before the young drake could reply, during which he found himself precariously close to falling from his ladder. After that moment had been and gone, and he'd managed to hold on and not end up falling, he quickly descended to the library floor.
He quickly came to regret that decision.
Twilight looked annoyed-no, annoyed probably wasn't the right word; frustrated was perhaps a better description, as she came marching in through the library's doorway, swiftly and loudly shutting it behind her.
Within a heartbeat her magic had plucked a piece of parchment and a quill from her desk, and then thrust them into his awaiting claws. All the while, Twilight had gone about positioning herself in the middle of the room, the alicorn now pacing in a small circle while she grumbled to herself.
Spike took a nervous step back. He'd seen her in similar moods before, which had generally been accompanied by events such as Applejack refusing everypony's offers of help due to pride, Rainbow Dash's ego getting the better of her, and Pinkie Pie's Pinkie sense tearing at Twilight's sanity.
In other words, he was expecting the worst.
"Spike, I want you to take note of everything I say, understand?"
Spike just gulped and nodded.
"Okay. Point one; subject's horn is curved in a convex line but is otherwise symmetrical. Point two; subject appears to have an aversion to large amounts of heat or sunlight without the assistance of medication, apparently caused by environmental differences between Ponyville and place of birth. Point three; subject lacks a cutie mark, despite easily being of age..."
"Twilight," Spike interjected, lowering the scroll he'd previously had been writing on. "These are all things about Ice... why do you want me to document these?"
Twilight, much to his surprise, actually stopped her pacing. She let out a long sigh, before facing him. "Because whether we like it or not Spike, there's something not quite right about that pony."
"But he's been nice to everypony so far, what's changed?"
There was a pause after those words had left Spike's maw, during which Twilight did little more than breath, and look at the floor with her eyes closed, as if trying to accept a fact she found either frightening or repugnant.
"I know he's been nice, and that's what's bothering me the most," the mare said eventually, sounding almost sad at the words. "Spike, let me ask you something; how many ponies have ever been out right friendly to you when you first met them, other than Fluttershy?"
"Well... he did say that his parents knew a dragoness," Spike countered, despite the slight stab of pain in his chest. There were very few ponies who'd had no apprehension upon meeting him, even he'd admit that.
"I know, but isn't it a little strange that his parents knew a dragoness intimately enough for her to teach them to speak dragon, and he just so happens to have a horn exactly like King Sombra's? The only unicorn in history I've ever heard of to have a curved horn. I can believe in coincidence, Spike, but not on that scale."
Unsure of what to do, Spike asked the first question that came to mind. "Well... what do you think, Twilight?"
A hoof found its way to the alicorn's forehead, and she let out a huff before answering. "I remember asking Applejack that very same question. Truth is, I really don't know, Spike. I'm dealing with a pony with some of the most bizarre magic I've ever seen, a strange horn, no cutie mark, and happens to speak dragon."
"You... you don't believe he's related to King Sombra... do you?"
Twilight gave her younger sibling a perplexed look.
"Well what if somepony in his family a long time ago was Sombra's brother or something! And Sombra banished them so they couldn't contest the throne! Ice did say his family lives in the mountains in the north of the empire."
Twilight was about to deliver a rebuttal to how crazy such a conspiracy sounded, but stopped herself just before the words left her muzzle; as crazy as it did sound, given that Xarzith's family had indeed been surviving there after the disappearance of the empire, that wasn't a completely baseless claim.
"I highly doubt that Spike, but I'll admit that I can't rule it out either," she said flatly, resuming her prior pacing of circles. "Really though, there are so many angles to look at this that's it's going to be impossible to figure out the correct one without any physical proof..." she stopped. "Hang on."
Spike's eyebrow arched as Twilight's front hoof found its way to her chin, a strange look crossing her face... one that reminded him far, far too much of the one she'd worn when Twilight set out to disprove Pinkie Pie's Pinkie sense.
"Xarzith mentioned earlier that he'd be needing some potion regents, and I suggested he go see Zecora... if she recognized the ingredients that he was after, and what they could be used for, then maybe we could figure out just what it is that he's been calling 'medication' all this time."
"But, why would you want to know what's in Ice's medicine?"
"Spike, I can accept a pony taking a few days to adjust to a new climate," Twilight replied sharply, lowering her hoof. "But two weeks is beyond normal! Whatever it is that he's been drinking is not regular medicine. Come Tartarus, I'm going to find out what is up with that pony."
Spike could only swallow in no small amount of nervousness; if the past was anything to go by, this was going to get very complicated, very quickly. |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 7 | "Well look who decided to turn up early,"
Xarzith just sniggered and rolled his eyes as he walked, the stallion not even having to look back to know who it was that had since decided to follow him; the sound of wing beats and a new scent on the wind had answered that question half a minute prior.
Despite having gotten to know her over the previous two weeks, Flitter was still something of an anomaly to Xarzith, which was truly saying something, given that the usual 'Ursa in the room' was nearly always him. It wasn't that he found the pegasus to be strange, she was nice and easy going when it came to getting along, and virtually paid no attention whatsoever to his horn, which was an added relief... but that was what had also confused him.
Part of him still believed that it was just due to Ponyville being notorious for attracting all sorts of strange things, and hence anything that was generally seen as 'odd' was instead considered 'normal' by just about everypony and anypony, Flitter included.
Either way, he couldn't help but smile when he heard her voice. Anomaly or not, she was still a kind pony he thought of as a friend, and a good one at that.
"You know, I do technically work for Applejack, Flitter, so you can't expect to see a lot of me around town every day of the week," Xarzith replied, chuckling to himself as he trotted along. "Good to see you too, by the way."
The mare giggled as she fluttered down beside him, before giving him a friendly poke in the side. "You seem to be in a surprisingly good mood for this time of day, what's up?"
"Had a meeting with my project manager this morning, so my house is now officially under way in terms of building."
Flitter's face brightened. "So you're actually going to put down some roots here in Ponyville huh?" she grinned, her prior poke being replaced with a friendly nuzzle along the neck. "You better be prepared for Pinkie Pie; once she hears about this, there's no way in Tartarus that you're sidestepping a party."
The stallion rolled his eyes again and huffed. "Don't remind me; every meeting I have with that pony makes me question more and more of the established laws of nature... she probably knows already."
Flitter giggled, and Xarzith quickly found his own laughter joining hers.
The next few minutes were spent in idle chatter as the pair walked through the waking streets, greeting the few risen ponies they came across, and with Flitter mostly just filling the stallion in on what had transpired in the small town and her life in his absence; the name 'Ditzy Doo' and the word 'destruction' seemed surprisingly prevalent in her stories.
In turn, he told her about how life on Sweet Apple Acre's was going, along with the house details he was mulling over and putting together in his head, from the interior cladding to ideas for the fixtures, hoping to gain some advice on who to turn to when the time came.
The two ponies made their way through town at a steady pace as they talked, stopping once when Flitter had decided she was craving a hay smoothie.
Xarzith grinned as he waved a good morning to Lyra and Bon-Bon while he waited for her, two ponies who Flitter herself had introduced him to the week prior, and they happily waved back.
It felt good to have friends, and have 'simple' problems to worry about for once.
"You'll probably need to go see Rarity for some interior advice," Flitter said, a hoof finding its way to her chin. She was now hovering at his side again, her wings keeping her a hoof or two above the ground. "And Davenport for furniture... but his stock his kind of limited..."
"Isn't he the guy who owns that Quills & Sofas place?" He asked.
"Yep," Flitter grinned, her tail giving a stray flick. "And that's virtually all he sells as well, so you'll probably need to source most of your stuff from Canterlot... which will probably cost you more than a few bits."
"Eh, bits aren't an issue. When you're family have access to ice diamonds, you tend to do pretty well outside of the Crystal Empire."
"What about in the Empire itself?" she asked after taking another drink, now sounding curious.
Xarzith sighed and shook his head. "Ice diamonds... carry a bit of a stigma in the Crystal Empire. They're what Sombra wanted the crystal ponies to mine for when he enslaved them all, so they don't really want anything to do with them. The small supply makes them worth a lot outside the north, but up there... well, you wouldn't want to get caught trying to barter at the market with them."
Apparently sensing his unease at the topic, Flitter changed the subject as they continued walking, looking perhaps a little annoyed at herself even.
"You know... I don't think you've ever mentioned why Ponyville caught your attention. I mean, sure, it's a nice place and all, but so are places like Manehatten, Trottingham, and Canterlot..."
"So you're wondering why I picked you're little town?" he asked, drawing a nod from the mare. Xarzith exhaled. "Hmmm... I guess... because I liked it. It's quiet and out of the way of things, and you don't have to 'fit in' like you'd have to in places like Canterlot or Manehatten."
Flitter's brow arched. "Really? You make Ponyville sound boring when you say it like that."
The stallion gave her a flat look. "And that's coming from the pony who lives in Ponyville."
The pegasus rolled her eyes. "Fair enough," she giggled again as he snickered and mock face-hoofed. "Hehe, you feel like finding something to eat? I'm famished."
"Did you not buy that smoothie five minutes ago?"
Flitter playfully cross her front hooves and stuck her tongue out at him. "I had weather duty this morning," she said, smiling and turning her attention to his side. "And you look like you could do with something besides apples."
Xarzith couldn't help but glance down at his barrel, a very slight sting finding its way to his cheeks; if there was one thing that could be said about living in the north, it was that ponies tended to eat as much as they could when they could...
...And if there was one thing that could be equally said about working on Sweet Apple Acres, it was that it slimmed ponies down. Fast.
"Alright, I guess I could go for something... oh! By the way, do you know where I can find a zebra named Zecora?"
Flitter's ears flattened back and gave Xarzith a strange look, as if he had something unfortunate splattered across his face.
"She lives just past the edge of the Everfree forest, I can show you the path after we're done if you want... but why would you want to go see her?"
Xarzith just waved a hoof dismissively. "Just need a few things, and Twilight suggested her," he answered.
Flitter nodded, though she still looked a little uneasy.
.............................................................................................................................................
"Remind me why we're doing this exactly, Twi," Spike said grumpily, a quill and pad clasped in his claws. "Because if I'm right, the last time we did something like this we ended up having to outrun a hydra."
"Because, Spike, no mystery is solved without intense fact finding and investigation."
"Because spying on ponies is considered investigation right? I'm pretty sure it's called harassment, and that's illegal, even for a princess."
The mare's response was to simply turn and momentarily glare at him, before redirecting her attention to the road outside their bush-turned-hiding place, all the while murmuring things under her breath.
Spike just groaned to himself and buried his face in his claws; and Twilight was supposed to be one of the rulers of Equestria?
It was official, they were all doomed.
He'd tried, Celestia knew he had tried to reason with Twilight, but there had never really been any point.
It was a trait in her that hadn't changed or waned since her filly years; if there was something the alicorn didn't understand or was curious about, or if there was some knowledge to be found or gained in something, she wouldn't relent until her hunger for answers was sated.
The attempt to understand Pinkie Pie's 'Pinkie Sense' was one such example.
"Twilight, do you really think..."
"Quick! They're moving down Bridal Street!"
One loud snap of purple magic later, a now very startled and confused young dragon found himself perched on the roof of Daisy's house, growling and holding his head as the ringing in his ears subsided.
Twilight, all the while, lay on her stomach staring at the street, watching the pair of ponies like a manticore readying to pounce on something.
"Could you give me some warning before you do that next time, Twi," Spike sighed, rubbing his stinging eyes.
His pleas, however, appeared to fall on deaf ears, as Twilight did nothing whatsoever to acknowledge him.
Spike huffed and folded his arms; life with Twilight was always interesting, if not chaotic.
In Twilight's own mind there was only one thought in focus, and that was to find anything that could suggest an answer to Xarzith's... well, Xarzith in general.
So far there was very little to suggest anything new about him, or anything that provided answers to her questions; he'd begun talking to Flitter about twenty minutes earlier, and had so far done very little that was abnormal as the two walked around town together.
She made a mental note to speak with Cloudchaser at the first opportunity, just to see if she'd noticed her sister acting strangely.
A hoof found its way to Twilight's chin. Was this perhaps all a ploy? Was Xarzith just acting nice and normal as other motives swirled out of sight? It didn't seem very likely... but seeing as she had virtually nothing to go on anyway, nothing could be ruled out.
"Just what are you..."
"Twilight, what are you doing?"
Knowing exactly who the voice belonged to, gingerly and with her cheeks now stinging in no small amount of embarrassment, Twilight looked back to find Rainbow Dash hovering beside her, the mare's front hooves crossed while an expression that seemed stuck between curiosity and annoyance crossed her face.
Spike was still sitting a little higher on the roof, his head presently buried in his claws while he muttered to himself.
Twilight blushed and sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, Rainbow, um..."
"We're you spying on one of my weather ponies?" Rainbow asked, leaning forward and snorting. "Because that is not cool, Twi, not cool."
"No, Rainbow, we're investigating Xarzith," Spike added in, sarcasm dripping from the words. "Which is totally different from spying and in no way illegal."
Rainbow Dash's face quickly took on a more confused look as she rapidly glanced between the two, and then shifted attention to the pair of ponies on the road below, her face giving the impression that she was now either curious, or seriously questioning her two friend's sanities.
"So... you're spying on Xarzith?" She asked, now sounding unsure. "Why?"
"Because Twilight is convinced that there's something weird up with him," Spike groaned, holding up the quill and pad he'd been carrying around to emphasize his point.
He fell silent when Twilight shot him a glare.
She then turned to Rainbow. "Dash, one way or another, I am certain that there is something up with that stallion. I don't know what it is, and I don't know how serious it is, but one way or another I'm going to find out."
"What exactly do mean when you say 'up with' him?"
"Something... suspicious," Twilight said eventually, the word leaving a bad taste on her tongue.
Much to Twilight's surprise, rather than laughing her head off, Rainbow dropped down and landed on the roof beside her friends. "So... you think he's, like, dangerous or something?"
"Oh come o-mph!"
Twilight gave Spike another glare as he undid the zipper over his maw, the dragon growling under his breath, but otherwise falling silent.
"I don't know Dash. I would go so far as to say dangerous, but..." Twilight chewed her lip. "I can't say no to that, as much as I want to."
"And you have proof of this?"
The alicorn shook her head. "If you mean physical proof... not exactly; what we do know is that he's been taking something which he claims to be 'medication' for climate adjustment... but I looked through all my books and found no reference to anything like that."
Now it was Rainbow who looked uneasy, her wings giving a nervous quiver. "What are you getting at, Twi?"
"He's hiding something, that much I know for a fact. If he was willing to lie about something as trivial as a potion, then there's got to be more that he's not telling us."
Rainbow then went quiet for a moment, as if juggling a number of thoughts as she swapped her gaze between her close friend, and the stallion at the centre of the situation.
After a long moment, she sighed and held up a hoof.
"Say no more, I think I understand where you're coming from; kinda why I didn't trust him in the first place... something about him rubs my wings the wrong way," she said, before she took on a more firm look. "But I'm not letting you do this alone; if somepony needs to give that stallion a hoofing, I'd be glad to."
Twilight winced. "Don't you think that's a little... extreme, Rainbow?"
Much to the alicorn's surprise, Rainbow Dash's muzzle split into a smirk. "Hey, if somepony comes into Ponyville looking to cause trouble for my friends, they answer to me."
All the while, Spike could only watch on as the two mares began to hatch their plan, the young dragon's jaw loosening with each passing second and every word they said, especially when Rainbow suggested 'getting the girls involved'.
All the while, he tried to ignore the fact he was presently sitting on somepony's roof.
Could this day get any more crazy? |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 8 | "So... this is the big, bad Everfree Forest, huh? Eesh, I can see why nopony would want to come here."
As strange as it felt saying such a thing, given that he'd found himself stuck in far more precarious or dangerous situations before, Xarzith had to admit that it summed up his thoughts on the forest quite accurately.
The north was a miserable place, and that was putting it lightly; it was snowy and cold in the mountains nearly all year round, and had been so on the plains too up until the empire had returned. You were constantly at risk of accidently stepping on a sleeping ice wraith's tail, and then having to run like Tartarus from said ice wraith. Or, if you were really unlucky, you might try and escape an out-of-the-blue blizzard by diving into the nearest cave... only to discover that it was home to a frost dragon.
But none of those unnerved Xarzith like the forest around him did. He'd grown up dealing with such hazards, and knew how to avoid or escape such situations if it came to such, but the forest and its dangers were completely alien to him.
He huffed and shook his head. "Just stay on path and you'll be fine," he muttered, gazing around the dense mass of trees and greenery.
In every direction there was a wall of tree twisting trunks, fallen branches, and all manner of thick foliage, the combination resulting in the walk along the path feeling more like a walk down a long corridor. The leaves prevented most of the sun's light piercing the forests canopy, which in turn gave rise to eerie shadow forms which would dance about with the movement of trees in the wind, the occasional animal noise or set of glowing eyes adding to the unnerving show.
It wasn't exactly a forest that was brutally terrifying or anything, knock on wood, but it felt unnatural in every sense of the word. Flitter had gone on about how it was a 'wild' place, where the plants grew as they pleased, the weather acted as it saw fit, and the animals fended for themselves. Those were nothing really new to him, the entire north was wild, but there was something in the air of the forest that rubbed his coat all the wrong ways.
It was like the forest itself was a living, breathing creature, and it didn't like outsiders coming in, exploring it, and poking at its secrets.
The fact of the matter was that Xarzith couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, and having a white coat in the middle of a dark forest meant that if anything was looking around, he was impossible to miss.
"I swear I'm going crazy," Xarzith snorted to himself, inspecting the side of tree a growing beside the path, before tapping on it a few times; as expected, the tree didn't react in the slightest. "Tch, nothing unusual about you."
Shaking his head, the stallion continued onwards with a little more confidence.
As he went deeper, surprisingly, the otherwise crude dirt path stayed fairly free of fallen logs and debris, drawing Xarzith to the conclusion that this zebra, Zecora, must've either been very picky about the state of the path that led to her front door, or she was a popular source of potions and alike with the residents of Ponyville.
As he walked, that thought eventually gave rise to other ponderings for the stallion, one of them specifically about something they shared in common.
Perhaps having been accepted into regular pony society, she would have some advice on how to... come out, so to speak, and perhaps a few tips on how to make sure that the locals of Ponyville didn't go jumping out of their skins when the time came. Flitter had happened mentioned that Zecora hadn't exactly been received with outstretched hooves when she'd moved to Ponyville, but nowadays she was as much a part of the town as the likes of Applejack and Twilight.
"Hmmf, wonder if I'll ever be a part of Ponyville?"
Although he didn't stop, Xarzith chewed his lip after saying the words. There was something about Ponyville that resonated with him, some part that made him want to stay far more so than any of the other towns before.
He closed his eyes and scrunched up his muzzle. Was it the weather? Not really. Was it the idea of finally being able to 'put some roots down', as Flitter had said? Maybe. Was it the fact that he had ponies he called friends? That was some part of it, a large part even... but thinking it over, the real reasoned seemed to be that Ponyville was different, unique almost.
Equestria was a peaceful place, but that didn't mean it didn't have problems. The Crystal Empire was just getting back on its hooves after a thousand years, the big cities he'd seen were where a pony only got lost in the crowd, and most of the smaller towns seemed either stuck in the past or anchored in tradition.
Ponyville though was different; you weren't just somepony or a stranger, you were a friend and everypony was your friend. You were as much a part of the town as the town was a part of you.
"Yeah, I think I could get used to Ponyville." Xarzith smirked to himself, opening his eyes again to the world around him.
Upon doing so though, he stopped in his tracks as his brain processed what his eyes were seeing.
A house or what he presumed was supposed to be a house anyway, stood at the end of the path up ahead, the road pausing at its front before snaking its way further into the Everfree.
The building reminded him of the library in Ponyville, what with it apparently being a living space hollowed into a still living and growing tree, but this one retained it natural qualities far more so than Twilight's home did. A few coloured bottles hung suspended from the branches by lines of string, while a strange and somewhat unnerving wooden mask stood guard by the door.
"Well... this is going to be interesting," the stallion muttered to himself, gingerly approaching the door.
...........................................................................................................................
Zecora sang softly to herself as she watched over her potion, a bubbling green liquid to rid one's home of pests and vermin. Every now and then the liquid would bubble close to the rim of her cauldron, and each time it did she'd add a few more spoons of sulphur, a smile on her face with the knowledge that it was so far so good.
It didn't exactly smell like dandelions at the height of spring, but she was used to such scents, as her talent and occupation demanded her to be. Plus she'd made sure to light a few scented candles when she'd started, which had offered some reprieve.
Her eyes took a moment to glance between the boiling liquid in her cauldron, and the tome which contained the recipe, just to make sure her memory hadn't failed her, her tongue continuing its song as she did so.
"From darkest night to golden dawn,"
"From all these days my hooves are worn,"
"But for many more I will travel,"
"So I might see the world's mysteries unravel,"
The words were in her native tongue, but there wasn't anything special or magical about the tune, nor did it influence her brew in the slightest, as some ponies might've believed. No, the tune was simply a song she remembered from her long-gone youth, back when travellers would pass through her otherwise quiet village, telling their stories and teaching their songs in exchange for some small hospitality from her tribe.
She exhaled as she blew some of the steam off. Equestria was nice, there was no denying that, but its residents still seemed stuck in an age where ponies knew only ponies. Zebrica was acknowledged by all as her kind's land, but among and beside them would freely live all manner of others, from the graceful antelope to the warrior lion prides, all living in a state of relative harmony in the savannah landscaped country. Sadly, the same could not always, nor truly be said for Equestria.
"I left it not that long ago, but still I miss my homeland so," she sighed to herself as she put her spoon down, heading for a nearby shelf.
Though she was stopped, and her path redirected, by an abrupt knock at her door.
After blinking in surprise, the zebra took a moment to check over her coat, before swiftly trotting over and pulling it open, half expecting to see Twilight Sparkle, or perhaps the youngest member of the Apple family. There pony who stood at her door, however, was neither of the two, nor was he a pony she recognized.
He was a unicorn, that much was made obvious by his horn, with unusual red eyes and a mane perhaps a little darker than her friend Rainbow Dash's hide. His coat, despite being damp and speckled with plenty of mud, was almost marble white, a far cry from the darkness and gloom of the surrounding forest.
She cocked an eyebrow; strangely enough, and although she didn't spend huge amounts of time in town, she couldn't remember having sighted him on her any of her previous visits.
Still, she smiled and inclined her head to him all the same. "A pony who I've yet to see with my eyes, pray tell, what is the meaning of this pleasant surprise?" the zebra asked, making sure to put emphasis on 'pleasant'.
Even more to her surprise, what with most ponies being flipping out when they met her, a white hoof was extended in greeting.
"Name's Xarzith," he offered, sound perhaps a tiny bit apprehensive. "And I've been told you're, uh, in the potion business, so I was hoping that you might be able to help me out with something."
The zebra's smile turned genuine. "I am Zecora, and this is my home," she replied, chuckling. "And if it is a potion or cure you are looking for, then you have certainly found the right door."
Before the conversation could progress further, a loud bubbling pop resounded from inside, reminding the zebra that her brew needed tending to.
She blushed when Xarzith's ears flicked at the sound. "Ah, you're forgiveness I must ask, for I am right now in the middle of another task," she said. "Come, make yourself comfortable in my living room, and I will tend to your needs very soon."
Turning, she swiftly led the stallion inside, though she made sure to keep her head angled and an eye on him.
The pony seemed to find her home and it's decor a curiosity, as his red eyes were constantly spanning the walls and their content, from her many stocked potions to the ingredients that hung drying from the roof of her hut. They seemed to linger a little longer on her tribal masks more than anything... though he didn't seemed unnerved or uneased by them, but rather curious, a fact that made her ears twitch.
"Do you make these?" he asked, indicating to one of her timber masks. "Sorry, just noticed that you have quite a collection."
Zecora smirked to herself, making a mental note to ask Twilight Sparkle about this pony the next time they met; a pony with an interest in her home's decor was an uncommon thing, especially in a place like Ponyville.
"All are mine, that is the truth, but all were gathered in my youth. My hooves are good for making potions and such, but when it comes to carving... not so much," she smirked at the sight of one. "They make some ponies quiver in their skin, but to me they are a reminder of my kin," she said, taking the necessary moment to check her previous brew before turning back to her visitor. "Now then, potions are my specialty as I say. So for whatever help you need, please ask away."
He reached into his saddlebag, and after a moment or so of rummaging around its contents, pulled out a scrap of parchment.
Smiling in silent understanding, Zecora took it from the stallion when it was offered and unrolled in on her table, running her eyes carefully over the contents. She recognized all of the plants he'd specified, though to see the names of some of them actually there did surprise her.
"Of these herbs I have most, though only in a small dose," she said simply as she looked up at her guest, before going down the list again. "They are seldom used in my potion craft, for to risk use by untrained hooves would be daft... hmm, pray tell my stallion friend, to what means is your end?"
The pony chewed his lip. "It's... a little bit complicated. And kind of personal."
Again, the Zebra nodded in understanding as she re-read the list; there were certain potions that a pony would be embarrassed about taking, or would not want to admit to taking at all, even for a good reason. Stallions in particular.
"Very well, I will see what I can find, but for one thing here I am in a bind," she spun the list over on the table, a hoof pointing to one ingredient in particular. "Frost Rose petals you can't buy for any price, they grow only in earth beneath the coldest ice."
Much to her surprise, the pony opposite her just smirked and shook his head. "Those I should be able to take care of," he said, apparently either missing or ignoring her look.
Pushing any further questions to the back of her head, particularly the one about just how a run-of-the-mill stallion would be able to get such an ingredient, the Zebra began hunting through her crowded shelves for the various herbs and reagents that she did have, her eyes darting between her many containers and the scrap of paper she'd been given.
Though something began bugging her as she got further down the scrawled list, a feeling which only seemed to grow with each reagent she found that had Xarzith wanted, until the realization finally managed to hit her like a bucket of cold water.
Different creatures reacted differently to different plants, that was common enough knowledge, but only those with years' worth of experience would know anything about it in the detail that she did. One such detail that she did know, from many, many years spent brewing potions for just about every need imaginable, was the likely effects that some ingredient or rather would have on the magic of each of the pony tribes, and in turn how their magic in their bodies would react to the plant's own magic.
Her issue with Xarzith's list, to put it simply, was that half of the ingredients he'd listed were avoided by unicorns, all of them because the plant had a habit of reacting badly with unicorn magic.
"Your intentions you may not wish to tell, but you do know that some of these can make you unwell," she said, peering over her shoulder at the stallion. He was standing and waiting patiently, eyes running over yet more of her tribal masks. "Some of these and unicorn magic do not mix, and that is not just me playing tricks."
Xarzith shook his head. "Not when you've been using them as long and regularly as I have," he said, before offering a dry snort. "Though I don't doubt what you're saying. I remember when I used too much hock's bane once. Ugh, that wasn't a fun week," he gave her what she assumed to be a reassuring smile when she arched an eyebrow. "Look, Zecora, don't worry yourself too much. I've done this plenty of times, trust me."
After a long moment, the zebra just rolled her eyes. "If you are sure, I will say no more. Though do not blame me if you stomach pulls up sore."
Xarzith breathed a small sigh of relief as she turned her attention back to her shelves, glad that she'd bought his half-truth; sure, he'd been guzzling down 'dangerous' potions since before he could remember, so his body had built up some resistance to their less desirable effects... though the nature of his body had more to do with that then any long-time usage.
Huffing at the thought, the white stallion collapsed back on his hind end as the zebra continued about her gathering.
As much as he hated to admit it, the knowledge that he was, even now, doing everything in his power to deceive both somepony who was helping him out, as well as Ponyville in general, left a sour taste in his mouth. It might have been necessary, but that didn't mean he liked it.
"You look like you've broken something that cannot be mended. Forgive me, but did my words by chance leave you offended?"
Looking up, Xarzith found the Zebra watching him from over her shoulder, her expression reading somewhere between the lines of curiosity and concern.
The stallion exhaled and shook his head. "Na, I'm just... I'm just thinking over a few things," he answered, before holding up a hoof. "And before you ask, no, it doesn't have anything to do with me needing these reagents."
"Hmmf, perhaps not, but you look downtrodden I fear," she said, recorking a bottle full of dried red flowers. "So please, allow this zebra to lend you her ear. Potions are my talent, that I will not deny, but I am a good listener too, so if I may pry..."
The zebra trailed off without looking away, sprouting an uneasy feeling in Xarzith's stomach.
After another long moment of keeping his muzzle shut, Xarzith gave in. "It's just that, well, I'm new in town," he started, rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. "And... and I heard about how you were treated when you came here. And I wanted to ask you about how to fit in, but..."
"But how to go about this, you do not know?" she answered, her ears now perking up. "Or whether you should try to do so fast or slow? For you heard about what greeted me, and you do not wish to go through that same misery?"
The stallion nodded, and while exhaling, pulled his blue mane apart with his hoof, allowing the zebra to see the true nature of his horn. As he'd expected, her eyes widened a little at the sight.
Though before Xarzith could say or do anything else, and before he truly knew what was going on, Zecora gathered his ingredients into individual small bags, and then stuffed them within a larger woven sack, easily big enough to fit a watermelon he was sure.
Except rather than handing the thing to him, and then pushing him towards the door, the zebra dropped it on the floor beside his foreleg, and then headed for one of her other shelves, this one filled with books rather than jars of leaves, flowers, or roots.
All the while Xarzith just sat there and blinked.
"What you have been told is true, my stallion friend, my presence near Ponyville once did offend," she said finally, her eyes scanning the new shelves for an as yet unknown book. "Like you, I left my home to settle here, and yes, at first I was greeted by nothing but fear. The ponies would run and lock their doors at the sight of me, as if I were some evil born out of the Everfree. The conversations I had were few and far between, and even those were mostly just ponies saying that I shouldn't be seen."
Xarzith winced at the tale. "So... what changed that made everypony, well, uh..." he searched for the right words, hoping that whatever came out of his muzzle didn't offend the zebra. "That made everypony see you as one of them. Part of Ponyville and all."
Zecora glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "The truth, of course."
Xarzith folded his ears back. "The truth?" he asked, confused at both the statement, and how simply she said it.
"Yes, you should face your problem at its source." Zecora paused for a moment, and then pulled a large red book from one of her shelves, this one seemingly newer than the rest. Balancing it on her head, she trotted back to him. "I managed to befriend a little filly, and soon everypony saw their fears of me were just silly. I wasn't some evil who wished to eat colts and fillies, rather just a mare that made potions and remedies," she sighed wistfully at the memory. "The circumstances were not ideal, nor particularly pleasant for any, but before I had no friends, and now I have many."
The book was laid out on the table between the two of them, and Xarzith quickly understood why the book had looked so new compared to all the others.
It was a photo album, one that contained the captured scenes of Zecora's life amongst the residents Ponyville. Some were shots taken at what he presumed to be Pinkie Pie's parties, the cakes and tables lined with food in the background demonstrating as such, while others were simply shots of her and a pony or two, namely either Twilight or Applebloom, the backgrounds either matching her house or some other location around Ponyville.
In each and every one the zebra was smiling, as was the pony or ponies standing at her side, none of them showing any apprehension of being near her.
"Not that I'm ungrateful that you showed me this, but how does it help me exactly?" he asked, looking up from the pages.
"Because you are afraid of something that isn't so, and that is your fear of being asked to go. You believe that these ponies would push you away, but I know that they wouldn't behave that way..."
Xarzith rolled his eyes at that. "You'd be surprised," he thought sourly.
Apparently the zebra noticed, as she snorted and put a hoof on his forehead. "You are a pony and they are too, but your fear is that they will not like the real you," she tapped his horn before replacing the hoof. "Get to know them for them, before anything else, but also let them get to know yourself. Who you are is who they will befriend, and after time all of your worries will end. Your outside is what is fueling your doubts, but really it is your inside that counts."
She exhaled and shook her head. "Doubt me if you must, but in my words I have trust. Tell them your story, tell them who you are, even tell them of where you were born afar. Perhaps then you will see what I am trying to say, lest you wish to keep living with fear this way."
As the last words rang in his ears, the stallion chewed his lip as he thought over what he'd been told. What Zecora was saying, even in rhyme, made logical sense, but...
"What if... what if who I am is... even more unusual than just this damn thing?" he asked, indicating to his forehead.
"I am a zebra, as you can see, but does that mean that they treat me differently?" Zecora smirked, tapping chest, her prior annoyance seemingly all but forgotten. "The ponies of Ponyville now know me as Zecora, their friend, not the scary zebra who'd curse them, should they offend."
She pointed at the page of pictures to emphasize her point, before turning the hoof on Xarzith.
"Now, if I, a zebra, can change the attitudes of a whole town of ponies, just by helping a few, what is there stopping you?"
The stallion fidgeted under her combined look and point. Inwardly, he was torn; part of him wanted to believe what the zebra was saying, that with time an understanding could be reached, but both prior experiences and his heritage were standing firmly in the way of such a thing seeming feasible.
Being nice and becoming friends with the ponies of Ponyville was one thing, but showing them what he really was seemed like a breaker, no matter how close he got before revealing himself; Spike and Pinkie might've been alright with it, but the likes of Twilight, Flitter, and dare he say most of Ponyville wouldn't be so graceful about it.
Still... hiding forever wasn't an option. Not unless he wanted to be paying sneaking visits to the Everfree every other week for his entire life.
After a long while staring at his hooves, one of them tapping at the floor, Xarzith spoke up. "Where-or, well, how do you think I should start?" he finally asked.
At that Zecora's muzzle broke into a grin, and she closed her photo album. "Well since you know my story already, perhaps I am a good a place to start as any."
......................................................................................................................
"You know, I really feel that I should've paid you more for all your trouble."
Zecora just laughed and waved her dismissively. "Do not fret such a thing. I enjoyed our chat and your company, and that is more than enough payment for me," she nodded at his saddlebags. "Besides, all the plants I have given you grow here in the Everfree."
Their chat had taken a bit more of a general turn after her advice on finding one's place in Ponyville, and that, Zecora had to admit, had been a much more interesting topic for both of them.
Xarzith had told her about his previous life in the northlands, funnily enough a place that many zebras held strange and often distorted thoughts of, especially concerning the natures of snow and ice. In turn she'd gotten the chance to tell him about Zebrica and life in her tribe, and how her youth had been a vastly different experience, growing up on the savannahs surrounded by all sorts of creatures, than those of the young colts and fillies of Ponyville.
They both agreed that Ponyville could do with a few changes, but was overall a very nice place to call home.
The stallion glanced around the surrounding trees, which now strangely didn't seem so frightening. "Fair enough," he said, before turning back and offering her a smile. "But thanks for everything, I really mean it. The advice especially."
"And I thank you for your praise, which I will cherish for all my days," she replied, returning the gesture. "And I do hope your place amongst Ponyville you will find, though I am always here if you're in a bind."
The two of them shared a finally hoofshake before Xarzith turned to depart, leaving Zecora at the foot of her home as she watched him go. Truthfully, he was a strange character, but one she could relate to, an occurrence which had been virtually non-existent as far as she could remember.
"I can only hope he finds his way. It would be a shame for such a pony not to stay," she thought, deciding it best to head back inside and tend to her brew.
Though she paused in her doorway when rather than turning left at the path's divide, and back towards Ponyville, Xarzith turned right.
"Xarzith, I do not wish to tell you how to chew your hay, but I doubt you want to go that way," she cautioned, prompting him to glance back at her. She inclined her head in the direction he was going. "That way is not for taking in the scenery, it only leads further into the Everfree."
"Yeah, I know."
Zecora him a look that spoke her opinion on 'going further into the forest', though rather than take her expression seriously, he just smirked and shook his head.
And then, still smiling, he turned and trotted away, his white coat quickly disappearing into the wall of trees as Zecora watched on in befuddlement.
A few moments after he'd gone from sight, Zecora snickered and buried her face in her hoof.
"Ponyville, a quiet town I might think. Instead these ponies drive me to drink."
Still laughing and shaking her head again, the zebra again turned on her hooves and headed back towards her hut, mentally deciding she'd had enough of potions and ponies for one day...
...Only to spin around as a nearby thicket began to shake.
Snorting and clenching her jaw, the zebra spun around in the direction of the noise, ready to give whatever jumped out of the undergrowth at her a taste of her back hooves, be it timberwolf or otherwise.
Though all she could do was blink in surprise when the familiar face of an agitated purple alicorn popped out of said nearby bush, followed quickly by those of a concerned looking pair of Spike and Rainbow Dash.
"Ok, just where the hay is he going now?" |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 9 | "...So if I understand your words as truth, you were seeking to try and be some kind of sleuth?" Zecora asked, a curious eyebrow rising as she spoke.
Twilight could only grunt in the affirmative, the alicorn wincing occasionally as she continued to massage her head with a hoof. As usual teleporting too much in a short period of time, along with teleporting two extra bodies, was rewarding her efforts with a foul mood and a throbbing headache.
Zecora's hut was a place Twilight had often liked to visit since they'd become friends, and not just because the zebra was a source of excellent tea either, although it certainly didn't hurt. Zecora was one of the few individuals in Ponyville who she could sit down with and have long winded conversations, about almost anything, and not feel like she was giving somepony a lecture that they didn't want to hear, as they both shared a common passion for learning and acquiring wisdom.
Another reason she liked to visit was that Zecora had experience and a knowledge of the wider world that nopony else in Ponyville did, which more than once Twilight had found an invaluable asset when tricky situations arose. For instance, the zebra could often look at problems and issues she was facing from a different viewpoint, and thus provide solutions that Twilight herself would've never seen or considered; their putting an end to Trixie's short tyranny over Ponyville attested to that.
Its was kind of funny then that Xarzith, the current anomaly she was struggling to make heads or tails of, had gone and lead her to the zebra's hut, just like so many of her other mysteries, predicaments, and quandaries had before.
"You could say that," she sighed eventually, gingerly removing her hoof. Her head still hurt, but Zecora's remedy was starting to help. "Initially I only wanted to observe him from a distance, just to see if any of his behavior suggested something in particular that out of the ordinary-"
"I think Twi's just got her tail in a knot about this," Spike spoke up from beside her. "Ice hasn't tried to hurt anypony, and he hasn't done anything bad as far as we know either," he snorted into the air. "So his horn's kinda funny looking, so what?"
"And I'm the one who thought he was related to Sombra, right?" she asked, drawing a scowl from her assistant. Twilight groaned and exhaled. "Spike, we've been over this. This isn't about whether or not he's done something, and it's not about his physical appearance either. It's about how somepony who we want to call our friend isn't being honest with us," she said flatly, frowning and giving him a sideways look. "Honesty is one of the foundations of a good friendship, and unless Xarzith has something... unpleasant to hide, he should be willing to be honest with us about himself as his friends."
"Yeah! And if he's not willing to be honest with us, then I'm not sure I wanna call him my pal," Rainbow Dash put in, the pegasus folding her front hooves. Unlike everypony else, she'd chosen to seat herself on the floor and enjoy Zecora's fire.
"So this conversation does not go amiss, let us just be clear on this," Zecora said, setting her own tea down and flicking her gaze between the pony and dragon opposite. "You are sure there is something your friend is not telling you, and this something you both believe you should know," the zebra put a hoof to her chin. "My question of you is why is that so?"
Twilight ground her teeth. "Because he's our friend and-"
"To be a good friend you must be honest, that you have already said. But does that mean that to be good friend you must be like a book, everything open to be read?"
Twilight blinked and glanced over at Rainbow Dash, seeing the pegasus's expression match her own. That... wasn't something they'd actually stopped and thought about.
The zebra continued. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, If I may be so bold as to say, I'm not sure you're looking at this the right way," she said, drawing odd looks from both ponies, and prompting a hidden smug look from Spike. "Have you considered that your friend is not hiding himself from you, but rather waiting for the right moment and figuring out what to do? Or even perhaps that he doesn't tell you his stories out of fear, worried about letting somepony draw near?"
Twilight threw her hooves up. "But we've all tried our best to be nothing but friendly. Why in Eque-ow!" she winced as her headache flared up again.
"Um, what I think she means is why would he be afraid of being honest with us when we've all tried to be welcoming," Rainbow finished for her, Twilight nodding her thanks. "I mean, the hay, Applejack's been letting the guy live with her and her family. Doesn't that say anything?"
"Your words I do not doubt, but you should know that it is one thing to be honest with a friend, and another thing for your honesty not to offend," the zebra replied, continuing to face them while a hoof rose and pointed over at a section of her hut's wall.
Following the hoof with her eyes, both Twilight and Rainbow Dash couldn't help but blink in confusion; as far as they could tell Zecora was pointing at one of her drying ingredients, or perhaps a book that adored one of her shelves.
A moment later though their eyes realized what the zebra was actually pointing at, and Twilight splayed her ears back against her skull, while Rainbow felt herself deflate like a punctured balloon. Zecora was pointing at a small hook that was fixed on the wall, the black cloak she'd used to wear when visiting Ponyville hanging on it.
"That thing there once hide my strips from sight, lest I wanted to give somepony a fright," she said as she turned back. "Now, to show my stripes might've been the honest thing to do, but I did not because it often scared ponies like you."
Twilight chewed her lip. "That was only because those ponies didn't know what you were really like. They just... jumped to conclusions," she said, unable to stop herself looking away.
Zecora chuckled and nodded. "Perhaps that is true, but for a time 'those ponies' included both of you," she leant forward and placed her hooves on the table, her shimmering blue eyes leveling with the alicorn's own. "But I am not the source of your present ire, that source would be our mutual friend, Ice Fire," she said, her voice taking on a more serious note. "Now, it is not my place to say what a princess should and should not do... though I will still say this to you; just because he is tight lipped about his history, does not mean you should fear him and his mystery. Let us say that yes, Xarzith perhaps has secrets he does not wish to tell; though if I were you, as somepony he wants to calls his friend, on these I would not dwell. As your little assistant has said, what harm has he brought to you and your town? Are there any real reasons for you to fear when he is around?"
A smirk played across the zebra's muzzle as she leant back in her chair, this time taking up her tea in her hooves. "Besides, If you are afraid of secrets as dark as the Everfree, then you should know our friend Xarzith has nothing on me."
Twilight let out a shaky breath and stared at her hooves; as much as she wanted to deny it, Zecora's words did make her feel somewhat guilty.
Maybe she had once again gone and let her curiosity get the better of her. Just like she had with Pinkie Pie and her Pinkie sense, she had in a way allowed herself to become lost in her hunt for answers, and in doing so had forgotten that she was dealing with a pony she called her friend, not just some old text to be understood or some ancient artifact to be studied.
"I'm guessing he told you something, didn't he?" she said finally, the words leaving her muzzle as part question and part statement as she looked up again.
Zecora smiled and nodded. "He came to me looking for leaves and herbs, but also for somepony to hear his words," she shrugged. "I, like him, know how some ponies can be, so he asked for some personal advice from me."
"And... what was that advice?" Twilight asked tentatively.
"He is not a zebra, but he has something akin to stripes. He wished to know if he should just take his cloak off, or how to tell when the time was right," Twilight frowned in confusion, which Zecora seemed to find amusing as she promptly started laughing. "You may want your answers from me, but to know the truth you will just have to wait and see."
Twilight just grumbled and rubbed her aching temple. If there was one weakness she admitted having, it was patience. She hated waiting.
............................................................................................................................
"Ugh, just why would a pig enjoy rolling in this stuff?" Xarzith growled, the stallion trying, once again, to shake the sticky Everfree mud from his hooves.
The pony wasn't entirely sure how far into the forest he'd actually gone, but judging by the sudden change of the ground from mostly firm soil to virtually all mud, it must've been some distance from the edge that bordered Ponyville. He figured that the firmer soil meant the surrounding weather was under the control of the pegasi, and now that there was only mud... well, that meant that the amount of rain was subjected to the will of the clouds, not Ponyville's set schedule.
The Everfree weather was kind of like the north in that regard; once you got past the outer edge of the Crystal Empire, a grassy field could suddenly turn into a snow-covered plain caught in a blizzard, with nothing but a hoof's width of middle ground dividing the two.
Snorting at the thought he continued on, though now making sure that he was watching where his hooves landed.
Truth be told he was more then glad that Zecora hadn't asked him about why he'd headed further into the forest. She was definitely somepony he'd be happy to call a friend, and it had been a relief to finally be able to talk to another pony who understood his position, but this... he wasn't sure how she'd react to the idea of something like this.
Ponies always reacted badly to things with sharp teeth, and he doubted zebra's were much different.
He chewed the bottom of his lip as he walked, his mind reflecting on the conversation he'd had with the zebra. Just how was he supposed to go about what Zecora had suggested? She'd said flat and simple that his fears about being unwelcome in Ponyville were unfounded, and that was a tempting thought to believe, but whether or not it was actually true was still up for debate in his mind given how some ponies in other towns had reacted.
Sure, Ponyville made itself out as a place accepting of anypony and everypony, no matter what color your fur was. Pinkie Pie was like a giant neon sign that advertised that fact. But what about somepony who wasn't all pony, and who'd gone out of their way to blindside the town for weeks. Would they be so readily accepting of somepony like that?
He huffed and shook his head, a cloud of mist leaving his muzzle with the action. "You can think about that stuff later scale-brain, you've got other things to worry about right now."
Eventually, after some more time spent wandering through the Everfree, Xarzith's hooves came to stop as his eyes spotted what he'd been looking for amongst the trees, his mood brightening a little at the find.
If his eyes weren't betraying him, there was something akin to a clearing a little walk off the beaten path, but deep enough in that it was hard to see if you were just passing by and not looking for it.
After taking a quick look behind for privacy sake, Xarzith promptly began pushing his way through the bushes and ferns towards it, the stallion taking a mental note of how many steps from the path it was.
Emerging from the forest into it, he quickly noted that the clearing itself was nothing special to look at; no secret mass of berry bushes, or anything else that might suggest Zecora used it in her foraging. It was just a spot in the forest where for some reason or rather the trees hadn't grown as densely together as the rest... though judging by a few pokes of the ground, this had meant that there was more dry ground and undergrowth then mud, something which admittedly did please the stallion. After a quick walk around what he figured could be called it's extremity, just so he knew for certain that it was big enough, Xarzith removed his saddlebags and quickly got to work on making the necessary changes.
Where the Everfree had previously been almost silent in the midday sun, save the calls of a few birds and the occasional movement of an animal, it suddenly became filled with the sounds of tree trunks being sliced in half and sent crashing to the forest floor, the stallion freezing the copious amounts of water in their trunks before making it burst outwards. Each tree that he fell was then physically rolled out against the edge of the clearing, and stacked two trunks high against the surrounding trees, creating a makeshift wall between the clearing and the forest outside. Tree by tree, the clearing became more and more pronounced and hollowed out, allowing more and more light to seep into the previously shadowy forest.
Despite how easy it was to bring the trees down though, the pure amount of them that needed to be felled, and then stacked out of the way to hollow out the space, made the task far more labour intensive than he'd initially figured. By the time the last one had been moved aside and stacked like the rest, the stallion would honestly admit his muscles felt like they had molten metal running through them, a feeling which was rather rare given his body's nature.
Exhaling, and with his coat covered in a combination of sweat, mud, and bits of tree bark, Xarzith at last sat his rump down on one of the clearings newly created tree stumps, eyes running over his efforts as he allowed the cold Everfree air to cool his sore legs.
The formerly barely-a-clearing was now completely free of any standing trees, the lack of which had created a space covered only in small plants and alike that would've easily fit a standard sized house, and more then likely could've been seen from the air a good mile away.
"Well it's crude, but it should be more than big enough," he murmured aloud, rubbing his hooves together as he looked around it. "Hmm, big enough, far enough away from Ponyville, easily seen from the sky... tch, just hope Rainbow doesn't catch sight of it," he smacked his head and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, as if she'd be managing the weather this far into the forest."
Shaking his head free of the thoughts, the stallion got to his hooves and approached the middle of his newly created space. One last thing to do before he could head back to Ponyville.
Eyes closed and horn glowing, he began to pull all the ambient moisture from the surrounding ground, forest, and air together before him, the tiny droplets of water seeming to dance as they floated towards the clearing center along the lines of magic. Once he'd gathered enough, the rough equivalent of a small water tower's worth, Xarzith willed the water to change shape and freeze, the former ball of swirling water taking on the appearance of an elongated crystal before being frozen solid.
Happy with his work, and now once again panting from effort, the stallion lowered the newly shaped chunk of ice to the ground. By his reckoning it stood just a little taller than the surrounding trees, and would no doubt last for at least a few days, what with the cloud cover and the pure amount of ice.
"Well it's not perfect, but it's definitely one of my better attempts," he grinned to himself, wiping his brow and giving the chunk of ice a once over. "She'll see this thing for sure."
He chuckled as he turned and headed back towards the forest, his thoughts about how he'd deal with Ponyville and it's residents for now forgotten. It'd be good to see each other again.
........................................................................................................................
"Okay, do you admit now that you blew this all way, way out of proportion?"
Twilight huffed as she heard Spike speak, the dragon's words accompanied by the shutting of the library door behind them. He'd made his feelings about her actions known the entire walk back from Zecora's, and until he got his answer it seemed he wasn't going to let up his assault.
"Alright, Spike. I'll admit that I may have allowed my judgement to be skewed by my curiosity," she replied, turning to face him. "But can you at least understand why I acted like I did?"
He just folded his claws and gave her a look.
Twilight groaned. "Spike, I know that I got carried away. I fully admit that, but I only did because I felt Xarzith was hiding too many things from us to be trusted," she said, snorting and pointing a hoof at him. "And I stand by what I said earlier, Spike. Honesty is one of the foundations of a good friendship, and as much as you like him even you have to admit there's a lot he keeps to himself."
For a long moment the two of them just stood and glared at each other, before Spike exhaled and looked at the ceiling. "Twilight, do you know where I eat when I'm called away to Canterlot by Celestia?"
Twilight blinked. "Uh... with the princesses, I'd guess?" she replied as she lowered her hoof, now tilting her head in confusion. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Rather than answer her question, Spike just shook his head. "Twilight, most of the time I eat with the princesses. Don't get me wrong here, I love what the palace chefs can do, but I'm a dragon, and there's a place down in the lower market district that does excellent griffin cuisine," he leveled her gaze with her. "What I'm saying by that, Twilight, is that when I'm in Canterlot I like to eat meat."
Twilight did nothing but swallow.
She'd always known that Spike would eventually need to eat other things them gems, everything about his body said that loud and clear, but she'd never once thought that he'd already be doing it. And behind her back at that.
"Spike, why didn't you-"
"Let me finish," he said firmly, holding a claw up to silence her. "Now, this isn't something I want to get out around Ponyville, because we both know how well that would go down with everypony," he snorted into the air, a certain three triplets coming to mind. "But just because I don't want ponies to know that I eat meat doesn't make it a bad thing. For me eating meat is normal and natural, kinda comes with being a dragon. I just don't want them to know because they'd react badly."
He pointed a claw at himself. "So, tell me. Does not wanting Ponyville to know that make me untrustworthy?"
"Spike, you're my assistant and virtually my little brother. Why would you think that?"
He threw his claws into the air. "Because that's what you've been sounding like all day!" he snapped. "Twi, I don't understand how, but you've got this idea in your head that in order for two ponies to be friends they need to know everything about each other. And that's wrong! I never told you about eating meat because I wanted to keep it to myself."
With that he walked past the statue-like alicorn and headed for the stairs, turning and shooting her a look only once he reached the top. "Just think about it Twilight. We all have things we'd like to keep to ourselves, and that probably includes you too," he said with a growl, before disappearing from sight.
For a few moments, Princess Twilight, the usually level headed, know-how-to-respond-to-any-situation pony just stood there, feeling like a bucket of ice water had been poured down her. Honestly, she'd thought that Spike had been opposed to her actions because he liked Xarzith, so to know she'd probably been making him more and more uncomfortable with everything she did and said...
...Yeah, that didn't make her feel good. At all.
She exhaled and shook her head. Trust was at the center of this mess; Xarzith didn't trust her and her friends enough to open up, just like Spike didn't trust anypony enough to admit to them that he ate meat.
Maybe... maybe Zecora was right. Maybe the reason Xarzith was so tight-lipped was because he feared what she and Ponyville would think. Just like Spike feared somepony finding out about his eating habits and reacting badly.
She stared at her hooves. How could she make it easier for him to talk? Not force whatever it was that he was hiding out of him, but to let him know that whatever he was hiding wasn't something that would see him ostracized. That first step was obviously to have some idea of what it was he was hiding, and thus the second was to come to understand it, so their would be no need for him to be uneasy about opening up when he decided to, because the last thing she wanted was to have things go sour like her conversation with Spike had, but...
"But where to start?" she huffed, before her ears perked up, and she face-hoofed. "Ugh, it's only been staring at you the entire time. Well done, Twilight."
She Approached one of her bookshelves and began to run her hoof across it, eyes searching for one book in particular; the Crystal Empire might've only returned in recent times, so their wasn't a lot of academic or scholarly material written on it yet, but the empire's own library had plenty of books on it's own history, culture, and alike, even from the ages pre-Sombra.
A small grin crossed Twilight's face as she found the book she'd been searching for, a pale purple tome with the seal of the empire on the cover. Admittedly, not a lot of those books had made it from the Empires library to being printed into sellable copies, but having a sibling and a sister-in-law on the throne did have it's perks.
Smiling, she made herself comfortable on the floor and began flicking through the book's pages, stopping when a certain two words appeared as a title chapter.
"Ice diamonds," she murmured aloud. |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 10 | Applejack put a hoof to her mouth as she yawned.
It had been a slow day at the Apple family stall thus far, and with noon having now crept past she knew it was only going to get slower as the day dragged on. Had it not been for the fact that she was waiting for Xarzith to turn up, she would've either left for home for a few hours or allowed herself to take a nap.
There was a set routine in the market that hadn't changed much over the years; mornings were the busy time for them, what with everypony trying to buy their apples while they were still fresh, or trying to get their hooves on the best ones - something which always made her chuckle, since Granny's quality control made sure they were all 'the best ones'.
Then about midday you'd get the smaller crowds of buyers looking for a quick lunch, those looking for cheaper prices, or the ponies that had been late getting out of bed for whatever reason. After that period, which had a strange habit of ending at twelve exactly, it was pretty much a pony every half an hour for the rest of the afternoon, if even that many.
Finally you had the on-their-way-home ponies who'd grab what was left. These were always the cheapest sales, but a cheap sale still meant bits for the farm.
A smirk crossed the pony's lips as she glanced about at her fellow stall owners. The day had actually been far from a waste just because she hadn't sold as many apples as usual. She'd managed to catch up with Daisy, Berry Punch, and Carrot Top while they'd each been waiting for customers during lunch period, and with Carrot she'd ended up striking an exchange deal for some of her seeds for next season. Plus, as perhaps as silly as it sounded, Applejack kind of liked to just mind her stall and watch ponies go about their everyday lives; she figured it was because life on the farm was kind of isolated, so it was refreshing to be amongst everypony for a time.
As that thought trailed off though, Applejack's ears splayed back as another emerged from the back of her mind.
Of all the ponies she'd noticed from her stall over the day, and there had been many of them, there had been one pair that had really stood out to her, and that was because they'd stood out for all the wrong reasons.
That pair had been her friends Twilight and Spike. She'd been in the middle of serving somepony else, so she'd only managed to see them from across the market, but even then she'd noticed that Twilight had seemed as downtrodden as an old doormat and that Spike... eesh, Spike had looked about ready to sink his teeth into somepony at any moment.
"Might' go see em' tomorrow if ah' get time," she murmured, before rubbing her chin as she looked around the virtually desolate market. "Or maybe ah' should n..."
"Go see who exactly?"
'Girly' mightn't have been a word Applejack often used to describe either herself or her behavior, but she was sure the squeal she let out would've made Rarity proud.
Spinning around, she was met by the sight of a messy maned Xarzith standing calmly beside her stall, the snow furred stallion having seemingly appeared out of thin air, with his head tilted and his bright red eyes giving her a perplexed look.
Truthfully, she wasn't sure what she was more at him; annoyed or surprised.
"In the future, do me a favor and don't do that," she said as she readjusted her stetson, glaring at the stallion. She huffed and shook her head. "Land sakes, were ya trying to scare the darn fur offa' me? Ya could'a just said... well, just walked up and said hello."
The stallion shrugged. "You looked like you were thinking something over, so I didn't want to disturb you."
She grunted and rolled her eyes at how ironic his words were. Thinking and pondering about things was something she was doing especially often nowadays, and the thing at the centre of most those thoughts and ponderings was him.
Her heartrate now back to normal, Applejack proceeded to give him a once over, and as she did one of her eyebrows arched.
She and her brother had met him at breakfast only a few hours prior, and then his white coat had been washed, groomed, and all the rest for his morning meeting with some builder or rather. Now his hooves were practically dripping water, while the rest of his coat had flecks of mud and dirt in patches splattered across it.
"Did ya by chance go fallin' into the stream on ya way here or something?" she asked after a moment, nodding at his hooves.
Xarzith grimaced. "More like I had to spend an age in it to get the mud out of my fur," he said, holding up a dripping foreleg and shaking it. "Long story short is that I went for a walk this morning, and only came to realize just how sticky the mud around here was after I was pretty much covered in it."
Despite her prior annoyance, Applejack couldn't help but snort and smirk behind a hoof.
"Meh, it's not really a big deal anyway. I'll just wash them properly tonight," he continued, replacing the hoof and looking about the market. "Anyway, enough of that. You said this morning that I should meet you here, and I'm here now, so what's the plan for us?"
Applejack's smirk widened, and the hoof that had been over her muzzle redirected itself at him.
"The plan is that ya'll are gonna learn how to run this here stall," she grinned, drawing an uneasy look from the stallion opposite her. She chuckled. "Look partner, whether any of us like it or not there're gonna be times when Mac and I'll need to be workin' the farm. When that happens we'll need somepony else to be here, and since AB's in school that somepony'll probably be you."
"I'd rather do your share of the farm work," he muttered, lowering his head.
She offered him a reassuring shove in the side. "Now come on, don't be like that. All ya gotta do is sell apples to ponies who wanna buy 'em, ain't nothing scary about that is there?"
"...Uh, I guess not,"
After a long moment of silence, Applejack huffed and rubbed her brow. "Alright, spit it out. What about this idea's got your tail in such a darn knot?"
"It's not that I have an issue with it, but... ugh... have you ever tried to sell something somewhere you really shouldn't have?" he asked, now having a slight tint in his cheeks. Applejack shook her head, and he rubbed the back of his own. "Well, shortly after the Crystal Empire returned to normal... I kinda made the mistake of trying to swap some ice diamonds in the market there. And since they're kind of a reminder of Sombra's reign..."
"Ah take it they weren't received well," Applejack finished where he trailed off, wincing in sympathy. She exhaled. "Look, ah'm the Element of Honesty, and ah can honestly say that that ain't gonna happen here, alright. The hay, maybe this'll help ya get your confidence back."
She plucked a golden delicious from a nearby barrel, balancing the fruit on her hoof. "Now look, ya'll say that ya wanna fit in around here, right? Well part ah that is getting ponies used to seeing you amongst em' around town, like here in the market."
"So you're saying that this'll be good exposure or something?"
Applejack smiled and nodded. "Yep, and since everypony'll see ya runnin' our family's stall... heh, let's just say that if the Apple's trust a pony, then most of Ponyville will too," he went to say something back, but she'd already stuck the apple in his mouth, drawing an unamused look from the stallion that only made her laugh harder.
That seemed to finally sink the last of his resistance, as once he'd removed the apple he huffed and nodded, allowing Applejack a silent sigh of relief.
In the end it didn't take long to get him used to how the stall was run. The three big rules were an apple was two bits, buying a dozen meant one wasn't charged for, and no, you couldn't make a down-payment for the coming cider season. As it was past noon they were in the afternoon period, which meant that a pony could choose any combination of apples for the same price, and once evening came around the price dropped to a bit an apple.
Quietly, Applejack was sure it had taken her longer to convince Xarzith to run the stall then it had to teach him how to run it.
"I still don't get how your friend Rarity could do that," he said flatly, placing his saddle bags and cloak down behind the stall. "Just... I don't know, it doesn't seem right in a way."
Applejack shook her head. "It might seem a little underhoofed, but she'll only ever do it if she feels she's really gettin' fed dry grass by the seller. She does run her own store, so she knows what it's like to try and make a bit sellin' stuff," she said, before taking a glance around.
The market hadn't picked up since Xarzith had arrived, and her concern for her friends was still biting at her, no matter how she'd tried to silence it. She could put if off for a day, but doing so would've left her feeling restless until she did check up on them. And with somepony else at the stall now was a perfect time.
She chewed her lip, before turning back to the stallion. "Say, now that you know how this show's run, would you mind if I went and checked up on something for a bit? Ah shouldn't be long, and it'd help me sleep better too."
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"...The exact reason for the signature white-blue colouring is unknown, but vigorous testing of many samples, as well as failed efforts to reproduce the gems artificially, has revealed that their colour is not caused by any recognizable magical properties. So far all indications point to their unique colouring either being geographically dependant, or perhaps in some way related to the harsh cold in which their deposits are found... well that doesn't help anything..."
She turned to the back page. "High advisor to the Crystal throne and forty-seventh record keeper of the Crystal Empire, Bright Shine," she rolled her eyes.
Twilight huffed and shut her book, her hooves rubbing her tired eyes. She'd been pouring through the pages on ice diamonds since she and Spike had gotten home... or after they'd decided it was best to avoid each other for a little while anyway, and so far she'd found nothing.
She stared at her own sheet of parchment, which so far only had a few lines scrawled on it. The problem was that all of the book's information on the stones was all either historical or geological. Information like its ceremonial use in the jewelry of the crystal court, or its relative hardness compared to other common things and materials; neither of these types of information, even the historical, had given her the faintest clue into the mystery that was Xarzith.
Truthfully though... she wasn't really sure what she was actually trying to find. What she knew was this; Xarzith's family seemed to have access to ice diamonds, possibly at a source level. This in and of itself didn't mean anything, but if she could dig deep enough she figured that there'd be some kind of information linking his family to the stones, like how Pinkie's family would be known about in the rock industry, or Applejack's in farming circles, and that this would give some insight into what was keeping him so clammed up...
...But what would that be? Would his family be a group a crystal nobles who had fled during Sombra's reign? Would his bloodline contain Sombra himself? So many possibilities, but no way of narrowing them down in the slightest.
"I need coffee," she sighed as she got to her hooves, feeling her headache from earlier threatening to come back.
Two minutes later she found herself sitting at the library's kitchen table, a mug of coffee between her hooves, and staring idly through the window at the world outside. Calmer perhaps, but no closer to finding an answer.
She flattened her ears back. If it had been any other part of Equestria she'd been studying then there would've undoubtedly been more material to look through, but the Crystal Empire had only just returned from a millennium long absence, and family links aside there was no way of getting any more information about it quickly.
Twilight groaned as her head met the table. Why did it feel like somepony out there had it in for her? She was trying to help her friend now for Celestia's sake.
"You know, I love you and all Twi, but there are times when I really think you haven't changed since we left Canterlot."
Blinking and turning, she found a familiar dragon standing in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the doorframe, claws across his chest, and wearing an amused expression as he looked over her. Oddly enough though... his voice didn't sound as angry as she figured he would after their argument, rather his usual snarky self.
"Hey Spike," she started, her voice quiet and neutral. "Are you... still mad at me about what I said and did earlier?"
Spike offered her a sideways smile. "You needed a wakeup call for how you were acting, that I'm sure about... but I shouldn't have tried to guilt you like that. I know you'd never go out of your way to hurt me, or anypony else for that matter. That's not like you," he leant back against the doorframe and stared at the ceiling. "Let's just agree that we both kinda messed up back th-Blah!"
The dragon hadn't been ready for being yanked across the room by Twilight's magic, but he decided to let it slide just that once, given that he had been pulled over so Twilight could wrap him in a hug.
"You good now?" he asked after a moment, although his tone betrayed that he had enjoyed it.
"I'm good," Twilight smiled, nuzzling her scaly little brother before letting him go.
Her smile widened as he quickly went about pulling up his own chair, and once comfortable levelled his green eyes with her own, a claw resting under his chin. "So, have you given up on trying to spy on Ice Fire like a crazy pony yet?" he asked.
"I've given up trying to find out whatever he's hiding by invasive means. What I want to do instead is get some indication of what it is, and then try to reassure him that there's no reason to be embarrassed about it."
Spike arched an eyebrow, prompting Twilight to sigh. "Spike, I don't want him to have to feel like he needs to hide things from us, like you think you do with your meat eating. It's natural for you to eat meat, so in my mind you shouldn't feel the need to keep it under wraps."
"And you want him to feel the same way about... whatever it is you think he's hiding," she nodded, and Spike leant back in his chair. "I can see why you think that's a good idea, but Twi, if he's like me, he might still want to keep these things to himself. It might be okay for me to eat meat, but I'd still like to keep it to myself for the sake of not disturbing anypony."
"I understand that, Spike... but I'd still rather at least give him the option, just in case he wants to open up but is too afraid to right now, because he's scared of how we'll react or something."
For a long moment Spike said nothing, he simply sat with his green eyes running up and down across her face, as if judging her words by her facial expression. No matter how long they'd lived together, Twilight would swear any day of the week there was more behind those eyes then she, or anypony else could know.
Eventually, Spike exhaled a breath again, this one carrying a long tendril of smoke with it, and began tapping the table with his claws.
"What if I said that I don't think he's a pony; or not a normal pony anyway?" he said at last, the words spoken downwards at the table.
For a second, Twilight thought she'd physically stopped breathing, and that the room temperature had somehow dropped a few degrees; that hadn't been on her list of initial suspicions.
"So-o if he's not a pony, what is he then?" she asked, swallowing and slowly putting her cup down. "And how do you know that, for that matter?"
Spike shrugged, his claw still absently tapping the table between them. "All ponies smell the same to me in a way... like, even though you and Rarity use different soaps and stuff, there's a smell that tells me you're both ponies... sorry if that sounds creepy. But yeah, Ice smells pretty much like a pony, but not quite. It's like there's another smell mixed in with it," he tapped his chin. "Actually, it's kind of weird when I think about it. He doesn't smell like a pony, but he still smells familiar to me, which is strange since I'd never met him before he turned up that day at Sugarcube Corner."
"You can tell all that just from your sense of smell?"
Spike grinned and flashed his teeth. "I'm a dragon, Twilight, and dragons are predators. We need a good sense of smell... for when we're hunting cupcakes."
Twilight snorted as she tried not to laugh. "Well, if Winona ever gets lost, I'll point Applejack in your direct..." her words promptly fell away. "Dragons have a strong sense of smell... strong sense of smell, ready access to rare gems, unusually strong for a unicorn, elementally aligned magic, speaks dragon, familiar scent... Spike, have you ever noticed that's it's virtually impossible to sneak up on Xarzith?"
The dragon shrugged. "I guess so, why?"
He wasn't entirely sure what her reply was, she'd already bolted from the kitchen by the time he'd finished, but it had sounded something like 'It's so implausible that it makes perfect sense!'.
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Shaking his head, Spike hastily followed his sister-figure back into the library's main room. There he found the alicorn virtually tearing through the book that had previously lay abandoned on the floor, and all the while mumbling incomprehensibly to herself while her quill raced across its parchment.
And then she suddenly stopped, and a grin that would make a mad pony jealous spread across her face.
"Uh, should I be concerned right now?" Spike asked tentatively.
"Nope, but you might want to come have a look at this," she replied, spinning the book around so he could see the page she'd been looking at.
Needless to say, Spike initially just blinked in confusion. The page had the words 'Frost Dragons' scrawled as a chapter title, with a sketched depiction of a large dragon perched on a mountain peak just below, its wings spread and its eyes appearing to be staring at the reader.
"You think Xarzith's a frost dragon?" he asked after a moment, trying to not bury his face in his claws.
Surprisingly, Twilight shook her head. "No... or at least not entirely," she explained, flipping the book back over. "But just listen to this, Spike. Ehem, Of all the creatures that roam within the Empire's borders, none can come close to boasting both the majesty and fury of the frost dragon, yep, yep, yes, where is-ah! Here! A curious trait amongst dragons, their colouring is always white for scales, and differing shades of light blue for spines, wings, and horns. This is no doubt to allow them to sit camouflaged in their snowy surroundings, where prey is a rarity and thus every hunt is no doubt a critical endeavor."
"You do realize that our friend Vinyl has a white coat and a blue mane too though, right?"
Twilight gave him a smirk before turning back to her book. "Another curious trait is their apparent fascination with ice diamonds, and in turn virtual disregard for all other gemstones as anything but food. It is as if these stones hold some kind of special or secondary meaning to them, though since imperial scholars have only ever witnessed this behavior from afar, this is purely speculation and cannot be confirmed."
She skimmed down a few paragraphs, before speaking again. "As the name frost dragon suggests, these dragons do not breathe traditional dragon fire. Instead, with a number of scholars having witnessed it first-hoof, frost dragons expel a sort of magical 'frost fire', which they appear to be able to vary in temperature; one researcher some years ago reported that he was hit by a stream from an agitated individual, which in the end did little more than chill him - as if being dropped in a frozen lake, in his own words. In the opposite sphere to this, many of our scholars have witnessed prey being frozen in solid blocks of ice, before being taken up in the jaws and carried back by the dragon to its respective cave."
She peaked over her book with a questioning look. Spike exhaled and rubbed his temples. "You're forgetting one major thing though Twilight, and that's that Xarzith looks and smells like a pony. There's something else in there for sure, but still mostly a pony."
In a surprising action, Twilight smirked, closed the book, and put it aside. "Spike, have you ever heard of hippogriffs?"
"Tch, I've only lived in libraries my whole life," he snorted and folded his claws. "They're the results of pegasus ponies and griffins getting together. Why?"
Her smirk widened. "What if I told you that griffins weren't the only other creature that ponies could have offspring with?" she'd never tell him, or anypony else for that matter, but his face when he connected the dots was practically priceless. "They are rare, extremely so actually, but there have been young born out of dragon-pony relationships before. You said yourself that Xarzith smelled kind of like a pony, but not quite, and yet his smell was familiar to you for some reason. Well, what smell could be more familiar to you than that of another dragon?"
Spike groaned, and this time did bury his face in his claws. "But that doesn't make any sense. If he's half dragon or whatever shouldn't he have some... you know, dragon features or something, like scales or spines?"
Twilight hmm'd and looked over her parchment. Spike had a point, and as curious a shape as his horn was she couldn't quite call Xarzith out on that alone.
If Hippogriffs were anything to go by, cross-race offspring always inherited some manner of physical features from both sides of their parentage, which meant that Ice Fire likely should've had some defining feature that marked his own parentage, if he was indeed part dragon. His lack of a cutie mark wasn't really enough, nor was his funny shaped horn for that matter; they could easily be put down to being unlucky and an odd unicorn bloodline trait respectively. That left the possibility that the dragon features he had he was somehow concealing from sight, but how... wait...
"Medication," she breathed, before slapping herself with her hoof. "Of course! Two weeks is a ridiculous amount of time for a pony to adapt to new climate, let alone something like a dragon!"
"What are you-" Spike started, only to blanch when Twilight teleported across the room, and reappeared directly in front of him, grinning like a maniac.
"Spike, it's his medication! It's not for climate adaption; it's for suppressing and concealing any physical traits that would show him as a dragon! That's why he's been taking it so long," before Spike's eyes the alicorn princess starting bouncing giddy circles around the room. "And that's why he had to go see Zecora! Because his natural dragon magic is overpowering the effects so fast that he's probably almost run out of potion! It all makes perfect sense now!"
"TWILIGHT!"
Within the span of a heartbeat, the formerly overjoyed Princess Twilight Sparkle was backed up against the far wall, and looking at the annoyed dragon opposite her like he was about burn down their home.
She'd never heard Spike roar before, and she wasn't sure she wanted to hear it again soon.
"Twilight, this is what I'd hoped to avoid with you. If I wasn't here to stop you, what's the bet you would've shot out that door and gone looking for Xarzith?" Twilight winced and blushed. They both knew she likely would've done just that. "Look, Twi, just... ugh, you need to get this into your head; just because you've discovered something, doesn't mean everypony has to know that you did. Understand? We don't even know if you're right about this, and you saying something you shouldn't, can and will get us both into trouble."
"Y-yeah, sorry about that," she replied, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "You're right. I guess this is something we should be keeping between the two of us for now, huh?"
"Tch, what are Pinkie Pie's words about abusing trust and losing a friend?"
"...Forever," she shuddered.
Spike nodded. "Yep, so for everypony's sake I think it's best if what we know, if it's actually true, stays within these walls. Otherwise you're probably going to both destroy a friendship, and anger somepony who might be part dragon."
After a moment, his expression softened and he sniggered. "Besides, look at it this way. One way or another, Ice is eventually going to have to stop drinking that potion stuff. At that point, If you are right about all this, he'll just about have to come clean to us whether he wants to or not."
"You're right, heh, and who knows. Given how on edge he's got Applejack lately, I wouldn't be surprised if he was already feeling the heat."
Unfortunately for both dragon and alicorn, Applejack had heard just about everything they'd said in the last ten minutes. She'd been standing at their door, her hoof raised and ready to knock, but not daring to in case she missed out on hearing something important.
To say her head hurt from what she'd heard would've been an understatement.
"Well... ah sure as hay didn't expect that," she murmured to nopony in particular, lowering her hoof to the ground.
Xarzith was a half-dragon? She agreed with Twilight, that was so utterly ludicrous and yet made so much sense; the dragon tongue was one thing, anypony could learn another language if they had the time and the patience, but the diamonds, the unusual strength, the ability to smell her all the way down the hall. Yeah, those were things she couldn't pass off... the question was, 'what to do about it now that she knew?'
If there was one thing she was sure about, it was that she wasn't going to let this slide; truth be told she was far over being fed half-truths by the stallion she was housing.
Spike was probably right about just confronting Xarzith being a bad idea, so she couldn't just march up and try to force him to admit what he was... but maybe... maybe she could make it so he couldn't hide what he was any longer, even if he wanted to.
Her fear for her friends now dealt with, she turned and headed back towards the market, a plan already forming in the back of her mind.
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"Ugh, don't even bring her up. I swear that mare just about drove me crazy in the few minutes I had to deal with her," there was a dull thump as Xarzith face-hoofed, followed by knowing laughter from both Apple Bloom and Macintosh. "Seriously, it was like, 'and if I buy one more apple, will that change the price?'. After the seventh time she asked I seriously wanted to just shove one in her muzzle."
A smirk crossed Applejack's face, but she couldn't quite manage the same laughter as her siblings.
With dinner eaten and the day done, they'd all retreated to the comfort of the family living room, the room's fire providing some much enjoyed comfort to their tired bodies, as well as a nice backdrop to the sharing of the day's stories. Granny had since headed off to bed, and there was no doubt that Apple Bloom would soon follow, but the youngest Apple had been surprisingly willing to stay up just a little longer to hear a few stories.
Applejack knew she should've been enjoying the time more than she was, but the sight of a certain stallion sitting and warming his hooves by her family's fireplace, and the knowledge that his white fur might actually be concealing white dragon scales... she just couldn't quite get past it.
She had to do something about it.
"Awhh, alright everypony, as much fun as this is that'll be it for me today," she said, getting up from her chair and stretching out. "Don't know 'bout the rest of ya, but that shower is singing siren songs to me, and I'll be darned if ah' ain't answerin' 'em."
"Just don't use all the hot water, alright," Mac said, smirking and throwing her a cheesy look.
Applejack huffed and blushed. When she'd met Rarity for the first time, and they'd talked about home life, the unicorn had virtually ordered her to take longer showers so as to properly 'rejuvenate' herself. That had led to many a cold shower for the rest of the family, and Mac had made sure she'd never forgotten.
"Night sis!"
"Night, AJ. Sleep well."
The mare bit her lip as she turned and headed up the stairs. She didn't want to feel bad about what she was doing, but darn did the stallion's voice in her ear make her.
Once she'd reached the second floor, she headed along the hallway towards the bathroom, making sure her steps were loud enough that they could be heard from downstairs, and thus make it known that she had indeed headed for the shower. Once there Applejack turned the shower on full blast, before quickly, and as quietly as she could, backtracking down the hallway to Xarzith's room.
For a few moments she paused at the door to his room, the two sides of her brain fighting over whether what she was doing was right or not; she'd put a roof over his head and tried to be nothing but his friend, so she deserved to know the truth about who he was... but then again, who was she to say that now was the time for it come out.
Finally, she raised her hoof to the knob. "If ah' regret this later on, then so be it," she huffed, pushing the door open and heading inside.
Already knowing what she was looking for and where it would likely be, Applejack headed straight around the bed to where Xarzith's saddlebags lay, all the while keeping her steps as light as possible.
With shaky hooves she unclipped and opened the nearest one, revealing amongst other things the small glass vial she had come looking for, the blue liquid inside now down to perhaps a sip or two at most with its frequent consumption.
It was strange. In the low light the stuff even looked somewhat eerie and unusual, or perhaps that was just the part of her that was saying she shouldn't be touching it, she wasn't sure.
As gently as she could, and with her brain still in a state of conflict about her actions, she pulled the vial from his's saddlebag and quickly headed for the window, the amount of time she spent in the room now her priority. The wooden frame creaked a little as she pushed it open and let in the night air, but thankfully only enough to be heard from the hallway and not the living room downstairs.
Mentally cursing herself, and with a silent promise to her parents that she was only doing what she thought was right, she unsealed the vial and poured out the small amount of liquid left in it, gritting her teeth as the last few drops were drained. In the dark it was hard to tell, but with the recent lack of rain she was sure the ground below would soak it up quickly.
"Gonna take a lot longer for me to forget doin' it though," she muttered to herself.
What followed felt almost like a dream to Applejack. She stashed the vial back in Xarzith's bag and clipped it shut, closed the door as quietly as she could when she left the room, and crept back to her awaiting shower.
Once there she closed and locked the door like she was being pursued by a manticore, pulled the shower curtains across, and exhaled as she allowed the hot water to run across her now sweaty fur, her mind trying it's best and yet still failing to catch up with the rest of her.
She wasn't entirely sure what she'd just done, or what to expect when morning came |
A Strange New Pony in Town | Chapter 11 | "Flitter! Get your feathering rump out of bed!"
To give her credit, Flitter did manage to let something akin to a groggy 'huh?' in the second or so between hearing her sister's voice, and feeling her blankets be unceremoniously torn off her bed.
What was perhaps less deserving of credit was what she did next, which was to yelp and shoot up in surprise at the feeling of cold morning air suddenly meeting her fur. This in turn, thanks to one of her hooves still being tangled up in the mass of sheets, led to Flitter being pulled off the bed with the rest of her blankets.
There were days when she questioned why her bedroom had timber flooring; today was one of those days.
"So did you actually manage to set the house on fire or something?" she snipped as she rubbed her sore head and began untangling herself, her words directed at her sister as she left the room.
"Rainbow Dash flew by a few minutes ago," was the reply from Cloudchaser, accompanied by the distinct ding of the toaster being done from downstairs. "Apparently there's a storm brewing over the Everfree Forest or something and she wants the entire weather team ready to act at the drop of a feather if we have to."
"But I was on shift yesterday and it's my day off!"
"Well the entire weather team includes you, so too bad!"
Flitter huffed and rubbed her eyes with her hooves. So much for getting a day to sleep in it seemed... still, at least it was just a storm and not some ancient terror come to wreak havoc.
It was actually kind of funny when she thought about it. When she and Cloudchaser had left Cloudsdale and moved to Ponyville together, they'd done so believing that it would be a nice, quiet place to live, away from all the 'rush-rush' that dominated the big cities of Equestria. Truth be told, it actually had been like that for the first few years, when the worst things they'd had to worry about actually had been the occasional storm rolling in from the Everfree. But after a certain celebration involving Twilight, Spike, Nightmare Moon, and the Elements of Harmony, heh, yeah, since then little things like unpleasant weather barely ruffled her feathers...
Without warning, her thoughts decided to dramatically change flight paths, and she felt a slight sting in her cheeks; well, there was one little thing that had been ruffling her feathers lately, that thing being a stallion she'd recently become friends with.
She huffed and shook her head. "No, bad brain. It's too early for this."
It wasn't like she'd fallen head-over-hooves for him or anything; she'd thankfully grown out of doing that once her teenaged years had passed. But there was something about him that had piqued her interest when they'd first met, and having gotten to know him over the two weeks he'd been living in Ponyville that interest had started forming into... something else. She wasn't sure if she could call it attraction just yet, but she did enjoy his company.
And honestly, compared to most pegasus stallions, he was like a breath a fresh air. Ugh, she swore they all had clouds between their ears, or at least the ones she knew did anyway.
Alright, maybe that was a bit unkind, but not completely unwarranted. For example, the pegasus stallion she knew best in Ponyville was undoubtedly Thunderlane, what with them being on the same weather team shift and Cloudchaser being Rumble's foalsitter. He was kind of handsome, she wouldn't deny him that, not to mention a decent flyer as well, but his cocky attitude and never-his-fault way of thinking rubbed her all the wrong ways...
...And then there was the fact that he could, at times, be a ripe pain in the flank.
She glanced over at her clock, stifling a yawn as she did so. It was five thirty, meaning that nothing in town would be open for quite a while. Great.
At last accepting the fact that she wasn't going to get anymore sleep, Flitter struggled free of her blankets, and after remaking her bed went about engaging in her usual daily routine; a quick shower, followed by the brushing of her mane and tail, the straightening of her feathers, and finally the tedious task of getting her bow in place.
Despite her best efforts though, her brain simply refused to allow the subject of Ice Fire to disappear all through her routine. The thoughts were like a bird that had been let out of its cage and now didn't want to go back in, instead preferring to fly around the room that was her head with no restraint or care.
Once she'd at last finished doing up her bow, Flitter exhaled and rubbed her temples. What to do about this?
If she did like him, then the most obvious answer was to ask him on a date and see how it went, which likely would've been what Cloudchaser would do in the same situation, but she wasn't her sister. She liked to be a bit more certain when it came to dates and stallions, knowing that the water was actually warm before sticking her hoof in, so to speak. The question was how to best find that out?
"I guess... just spend time with him and get to know him," she murmured to herself, before biting her tongue.
It was, however, too late. With such a thought more followed, each of those followed by two more. Did he find her attractive at all? Would he be open to the idea of having a marefriend? Was their somepony else after him? Was there a proper way to court where he came from? What would her friends think if they did get together? What would her family think about it? What would his family think about it?
She shook her head. Maybe for now the best idea was just to go and ask him if he wanted to hang out later, and go from there.
Besides, she had sent him into the Everfree Forest the day before, and there was nothing wrong with wanting to make sure he'd made it back alright.
"Flitter! Breakfast is ready so get your flank down here!" Cloudchaser suddenly called from the kitchen, the sudden interjection a welcome sound. "I didn't make you cheesy scrambled eggs to watch them go cold."
Flitter couldn't help but giggle, and once she was happy with the reflection she saw in her mirror went to join her sister for breakfast, now a little less angry at the world for intruding on her day off.
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"Ugh, just five more minutes, Celestia," Xarzith yawned as he felt the first rays of sunlight run across his face.
Celestia, however, was as usual not intent on listening to him, as the barrage of light coming in through the window didn't relent in slightest, eventually forcing Xarzith to groggily throw back the covers and roll out of bed.
Quietly, or as quietly as he could with the wooden floorboards, he went about stretching out and limbering up his still half-asleep body, each stretch causing another of his joints giving the occasional crack or groan of protest before obeying his command. A filly named Cotton Twine he'd known once had asked him why he did it every morning, and his response had been that it made his muscles feel good after a long sleep.
He smirked to himself. Despite everything, there had been ponies through his travels that had rubbed off on him, of which Cotton was one. Now and then such ponies would pop into his head, and he couldn't help but wonder how they were going with and what they were doing.
Plus it reminded him that there were good ponies out there.
That happy feeling soon departed though, as once his stretching was done, the stallion immediately went and retrieved his saddle bags from under his bed, still trying to keep his movements as quiet as possible to avoid making excess noise.
Just like every other morning, he found his hoof pausing on the clip when he went to open it. Part of him seriously wanted to just take the bag and throw it out the window there and then, vial, reagents, and all.
But also just like every other morning, the logical part of him told him not to, and in turn decided to throw up mental images and memories of how well... what he actually looked like had been received in the past.
"Hopefully I won't be doing this for much longer," he muttered sourly at last, unclipping and the opening the bag... only to have his breath catch in his throat.
The small glass vial he was looking for was there, but was it was now completely empty, not a single drop of blue liquid remained.
Swallowing, he hastily emptied out everything else onto the bed. Parchment, quills, a bottle of ink, papers and forms for his house, even a few ice diamonds that he didn't know he still had come tumbling out, but not one drop of potion. Had he not corked it properly and it'd leaked? That didn't make any sense, because otherwise the bag and everything else would be stained blue.
He scratched his head and cursed under his breath. The most likely possibility then was that he'd mistakenly thought there was some left when he'd actually drank it all, but at the same time that didn't make any sense either. He'd made sure there would've been enough before coming to Ponyville to begin with, that way a situation just like this couldn't arise.
"Okay, okay, calm down," he huffed, closing the door to his room. Taking deep breaths, he began pacing back and forth. He needed to think.
No potion meant he had two choices... or technically three, but the third was instantly discarded before he even considered it. The first was to creep out of the house and make a run for the Everfree Forest now, while everypony was hopefully still asleep. There he could wait it out until the frost rose petals he needed arrived, mix up some more potion, and then return to the farm in the afternoon.
The second option was to risk it, hang around Applejack and her family for a few hours and act like everything was good and normal, and then say he had to go pick something up from Zecora.
The first option would no doubt cause some suspicion if he was spotted, especially if it was Applejack or Macintosh who spotted him, but the second hinged on what potion he had left in his system lasting until mid-morning, and there was virtually a snowball's chance in Tartarus of that happening.
"I guess I better get this all packed up again then," he groaned, looking at his mismatched pile of belongings.
Fate, however, didn't seem to like the idea of a solution being so easy.
Just as he finished stuffing the last few things back into this bag and clipping it shut, and without any sort of warning, his body suddenly seized up, and then a heartbeat later it erupted with pure agony.
Despite his best efforts, a sound akin to a dragon's snarl left Xarzith as the potion's effects failed, and the frost dragon magic in him broke free of its suppression, starting in his chest and then quickly spreading through the rest of his body.
The feeling was best described as having a chunk of ice melt in his chest, and then having the freezing water flowing around inside him.
Without any input from Xarzith, it forcefully began driving out any lingering magic from the potions that had previously held it at bay. This in turn caused the temperature in the room plummet as that magic left his body the only way it could; the stallion's horn erupted with blue magical energy, and his maw spewed tongues of blue frost fire, painting the walls with splashes and streaks of ice.
It barely lasted fifteen seconds, but by the end of it he found himself lying in a heap on the floor, clutching his chest and panting like he'd just outrun death itself.
"B-buck I hate it when that happens," he wheezed out at last, allowing the pain to subside before slowly rolling over and looking down at himself.
To say he looked different then before would've been an understatement, and a big one at that. His hooves had been replaced by claws, the front two having toes ending with razor sharp talons, while his blue mane was now much longer than it previously had been, a testament to the snow and ice climate of the northern parts of Equestria.
Dotted across his body were clusters of blue scales or varying sizes, and against his sides were now two white wings with sapphire blue membranes, each easily measuring the length of a pony across. On a pegasus they would've looked disproportionately big, but that was the nature of dragon wings - they were built for gliding and soaring, not for being flapped repeatedly.
Growling to himself, Xarzith slowly raised himself from the floor, the action revealing two more distinctive changes to his appearance. There was still a tail where the ponies of Ponyville were used to seeing one, but now it was a white dragon's tail, his snow coloured fur covering its length on top while dark blue scales ran underneath it, a tuft of sky blue fur marking the end where most dragons would have a barb or spade.
The other change, surprisingly, brought a sense of something close to loathing to Xarzith as he stared at it. Where his snow white flanks had always been bare was now a cutie mark, his cutie mark, a tongue of blue frost fire with an alchemist's flask within it, symbolizing his talents with elixirs and potions. What was harder to see against the marked fur were faint scar lines where he'd once, some time ago, angrily run his claws across it.
"Can't call myself a pony or a dragon," he snorted, taking a few steps and trying not to fall over...
...Only to snap his head up when he heard one of the floorboards creak, and upon seeing what had caused it mentally kick himself.
Standing with a hoof on the now open door and looking squarely at him, the same door he'd bucking forgotten to lock, was a wide eyed and slack jawed Big Macintosh. The early to rise farmpony having no doubt heard something when the potion's magic had worn off and come to investigate.
Despite having his heart thundering in his chest, Xarzith didn't move a muscle as they silently traded looks. It was obvious that the red stallion wasn't entirely sure what to make of situation, or how it was possible, but there wasn't any obvious indication of hostility, which was both a good thing and truth be told kind of surprising.
What was even more surprising however was that, after another few moments spent wordlessly staring at each other from opposite sides of the room, Macintosh swallowed and spoke.
"So your pa's a dragon then, huh?"
"My mother's the dragon, actually," Xarzith replied, his words carrying an edge of a growl. He didn't want to scare the stallion, but he wanted to make it abundantly clear that doing anything hostile wasn't a smart idea.
Macintosh didn't say or do anything for a moment, as if weighing up what he'd seen and now knew in his head... and then he did the last thing Xarzith that had expected him to do, which was to quickly and quietly enter the room and shut the door behind him.
"Ah ain't gonna lie to ya, ya've really gone and stuck your hoof deep in it now," he said, locking the door in place, before turning around and pointing a red hoof at Xarzith's muzzle. "Do ya know how mad Applejack's gonna be when she finds out about this? She's been chompin' at her darn bit about ya hidin' something from us all week, and this... well this here is a might more than ya just hiding somethin' from us, if ah do say so ma'self."
A snarl left Xarzith's muzzle, and he flattened his ears back, prompting an uncharacteristic flinch from the other stallion.
"Okay, first off, do you actually think I like lying about this to you and your sister, after all you two have done for me?" Xarzith snapped back angrily as he swatted the hoof away, not missing the other stallion's tone. "Because trust me, I really and truly don't."
"Then why in the darn hay have ya been?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe because looking like this," he gestured to himself with a claw. "Has a habit of getting me into trouble with ponies, to say the absolute least. So I don't really have a lot of choice."
Macintosh snorted. "Last ah heard, ponies didn't go gettin' into trouble 'cuz they looked a bit odd," he said flatly.
Xarzith rolled his eyes; that was a nice thought. "Like you just heard, I'm half dragon. And dragons, unlike ponies, have a slight reputation of eating things and burning down entire villages when they're angry. See why that could be a problem when trying to live in mainstream pony society?"
A look of annoyance crossed Macintosh's face for a moment, before the Apple stallion huffed and shook his head, the sounding giving the impression he wished he was still in bed.
"Alright, alright, ya made your point. Sorry about bitin' at ya like that," he exhaled and rubbed his temple with hoof. "Tch, if ah' didn't know better, I'd say either Discord or the Crusaders had a hoof in this."
Xarzith wasn't entirely sure what that was supposed to mean, but he still breathed a silent sigh of relief at the red pony's ability to be reasonable and understanding; the thought of having to do battle with Applejack's back hooves made him nervous, let alone her older brother's.
After another moment of silence between them, he tilted his head. "You know, for somepony who just found out their houseguest is half dragon, you're taking this surprisingly well. Amazingly well in fact."
Mac let out a dry chuckle. "Crazy as it sounds, what with ya givin' ma' sister the jitters an all ah was kinda prepared for somethin' like... well, not exactly somethin' like this, but somethin' a bit unusual from ya," he said, smirking and shrugging. "Plus ah' ain't the kinda pony to kick first and ask questions later when ah' can avoid it," he grimaced. "AJ on the other hoof..."
"She's probably going to start throwing hooves the moment she sees me, isn't she?"
Groaning and face-hoofing, Macintosh nodded. "Eeyup, so ya might wanna come up with a plan on how to deal with her, and quick. She'll be up and about pretty soon."
"I have a plan. Go to the Everfree Forest and come back looking like a unicorn again," Macintosh gave him a look somewhere between been confused and concerned. Xarzith held up a hoof. "Yeah, yeah. I know it sounds crazy and all, but I have my ways and my reasons. My advice, don't ask."
Mac seemed to consider the words for a moment, before shrugging. "Well alright, but ya know, ya could just tell her what ya told me; she'll be a might angry at ya for lyin', but ah'd reckon that she'd at least understand why ya did it."
"Tch, I would love to be able to do that, but I just don't think that she's ready to see me like this; or Ponyville for that matter," he glanced back at himself. "And honestly, I'm not ready for Ponyville to see me like this eit-"
Crash!
Two sounds that were somewhere cries of alarm and yelps of surprise filled the room as the door, which had previously been locked in place, was suddenly and violently torn from its hinges, the heavy timber crashing to the floor barely a few hooves from where they were standing.
Looking over, both males backed up and swallowed in fear at what they saw, though for very different reasons. Standing in the doorway was a very angry looking Applejack, her head lowered, front hooves pawing, and eyes burning with enough fury to melt a glacier.
Said eyes of burning fury being focused squarely on Xarzith.
"You get the hay away from ma' brother!" she said angrily, snorting before charging straight at him.
Macintosh barely enough time to blink, if even that, before his sister had crossed the room and spun around in front of Xarzith, let alone enough time to either stop her or push him out of the way. By the time he'd fully realized just how close she'd gotten, she'd already hit the brakes and spun her back legs around, each hoof cocked back and lined up squarely with his friend's muzzle...
...Only to kick nothing but thin air.
To Mac's utter amazement, having seen Xarzith stumbling around in apparent pain only minutes earlier, the half-dragon had managed to jump upwards just in the nick of time, his sister's back legs missing him by the width of a hoof.
If that was amazing, then what he did next would've made Rainbow Dash green with envy.
With a single wing-beat he sailed over both of them, landing squarely on the bed where his saddlebags lay abandoned, grabbed them up in his mouth, and then used his back legs to catapult himself out the open window and from sight, all before Applejack even had time to lower her back hooves to the floor.
Apparently the idea that dragons were heavy and slow flyers was a bunch of horse apples.
Once she had all four hooves down again, Applejack was at the window in an instant. "Come back here ya varmit, you and ah need to have a talk!" when no reply to her shouting came, she snorted and marched for the doorway. "C'mon Mac, that critter can't 'ave gotten far, and ah' want some answers outta him."
And then she crumpling as a blur of red slammed down on the back of her head, sending her to the floor and knocking her out cold.
"Sorry sis, but ah reckon ya kinda needed that," Macintosh winced, rubbing his now sore hoof as his eyes went to the open window.
Why did he get the feeling that this was not going to end well?
...........................................................................................................................
"I hope you know that this is going to end badly."
"Spike, nothing is going to go wrong," Twilight said, huffing at the words of the dragon on her back, and now silently relieved that Sweet Apple Acres was finally coming into view. "I promised you that I wouldn't go asking Xarzith any personal questions, didn't I? Isn't that enough to satisfy you?"
"Twilight, this is you that we're talking about," Spike shot back, folding his claws across his chest. "Given your track record of going nutty when you don't understand something, forgive me for not completely believing you."
Twilight groaned but held her tongue, deciding it best not to reply to Spike's accusations, and instead redirecting her attention to the approaching farm gate. As much as she wanted to deny what he'd said was true... well, her little outburst the afternoon before kind of made that impossible.
Bar perhaps a lingering edge of tiredness, and Spike's current apprehension, Twilight would say that this particular morning was pretty close to perfect. She'd woken up to find Spike cooking them a double batch of blueberry pancakes, a rare treat even with his love of cooking, and a much appreciated cup of coffee already waiting for her on the kitchen table.
She wasn't sure if he'd actually known that she'd slept badly or not, but either way it had been absolute blessing.
What was more was that they'd discussed Xarzith as they'd sat down over breakfast, and after some... mildly heated debate, Spike had finally given her a little ground in his thinking, and together they'd tried to figure out the best way to encourage him to show his true colors, so to speak, without the risk of their efforts quite literally blowing up in their faces.
If her theory that Xarzith was half dragon was correct, then in Twilight's mind the issue was mostly likely this; for whatever reason, probably due to either past emotional turmoil or negative subconscious programming, Xarzith felt the need to hide his dragon half in order to avoid confrontation or conflict with those ponies around him. Therefore, what she, Spike, and those around him needed to do, if this was indeed the case, was to make it known that there would be no such conflict if he were to be honest and open up to them, and knowing that would hopefully give him the confidence to come clean with them.
To her it was a foolproof plan, even if Spike didn't quite share her enthusiasm, which he'd made abundantly clear he didn't.
"I just don't get why you think you need to do this, Twi," Spike said, stifling a yawn; unlike her he flat out refused to drink coffee in the morning. Something about it tasting like dirt that had been flavored with more dirt.
"Because sometimes we all need a little push to get things moving Spike," she said, smiling as she pushed the Apples' gate open, the squeak it gave off sounding almost annoyed. "It's a simple fact that we can all become either too comfortable or too afraid to change things by ourselves, even if we know that change can make us happier in the long term," unbeknown to Spike, Twilight's cheeks suddenly took on a pink hue, and she found herself glancing at her hooves. "I guess you could say I'm a great example of that. Remember how I was about making friends before we moved to Ponyville?"
"Yeah, I was pretty certain you were going to marry one of Stablea Maner's books for a while the-Woah! Alright, alright, my bad. That was uncalled for," he said, apparently forgetting that it was her back he was riding on.
"Good, and for your information... I might've had a slight crush on one of the characters," she admitted, her cheeks stinging as Spike burst into laughter. "Alright you, now it's my turn to ask you something."
"Ugh, what is it with you and wanting to know things?" he replied as his laughter died down, smirking as she rolled her eyes. "I'm just kidding, Twi. What's on your mind?"
"I've been thinking about what you said yesterday, about how you know it's okay for you to eat meat, but that you'd still like to keep it to myself," she said, slowing her pace to take in the surrounding orchards. "What I don't understand is why you feel you need to keep it to yourself if you know it's okay.
She heard Spike 'hmm' for a moment. "Honestly, it's not so much that I have a problem with everypony knowing. More that I just don't need the added complication," Twilight stopped and looked back at him with a perplexed look, drawing a shrug from the dragon. "You might not notice it, Twi, but living in Ponyville means that I'm constantly walking the fine line between being me, a dragon," he pointed to himself. "And trying to fit in with everypony else around me by acting like a pony. Everypony knowing that I eat meat would probably only complicate that."
"So it's like you have this... image of yourself that you want everypony see you as, and you think that the knowledge that you eat meat would distort it? Make you look... more dragon then pony?"
Spike smiled and scratched a claw behind her ear. "Smart pony. I always knew there was a reason Celestia chose you as her student."
"Hmhm, I might be smart, but you're the one who keeps me sane," she said, smiling and trying not to giggle at the sensation. "And I won't try to tell you to do otherwise, but I don't think you need to act like anyone other than yourself."
The smile on her face widened as the trees around the two of them parted, and the Apple family farmhouse rose up in front of them like a red mountain in a valley. Truth be told, she was very much looking forward to putting this short saga behind her, even if it meant not being able to tell anypony what she'd found out.
Between the headaches, general annoyance, nights of restless sleep, snooping, and flaring tempers... yeah, the last two weeks hadn't been the most enjoyable.
She grinned as she trotted up towards the house. "Well Spike, Looks like we're here. Now we just need to see if we can track down..." her words trailed off.
Twilight blinked as she looked around the Apple family homestead and the surrounding barn and fields. For whatever reason the farm was... surprisingly quiet for a weekday morning. As in, unusually quiet.
Maybe it was because she enjoyed observing things as part of her research, or maybe it just because she'd spent so much time with Applejack on her farm, but either way, Twilight knew that on Sweet Apple Acres there were certain things that were constant no matter what. Big Macintosh, for example, would always be up and loading his cart with apples by six in the morning for the stall in town... as in, he would be doing it come rain, hail, snow, or shine, and usually with Winona racing about his hooves while he worked.
Today though, his cart lay abandoned by the barn doors and the red stallion himself was nowhere to be found, as was Winona.
"Where... is everypony?"
"You really think that I know?" Spike said as he peered around with her, unease in his voice. "I hate to say it Twilight, but this is a little too much like the day we first encountered Zecora."
"And here I was thinking Cloudchaser had an overactive imagination."
Naturally, the sudden and unexpected intrusion of a new voice, coupled with the fact that she'd already been unsettled by the lack of anypony, prompted Twilight to yelp and spin around, unintentionally throwing Spike from her back in the process...
...Only to see Flitter as she landed a few meters behind them, the younger pegasus giving the two a look that virtually said 'seriously, what is wrong with you both?', or something to that effect.
"Eesh. Flitter, do me a favor and don't do that when Twi's freaking out," Spike said, standing up and dusting himself off.
Twilight gave the dragon a flat look, which he replied to by clearing his throat and staring at a nearby tree, before turning to the other mare. "What are you doing here this early in the morning?" she asked, tilting her head. "Not that there's a problem or anything, but I've never really known you to be a regular around here."
Flitter huffed as she trotted over. "Well, long story short is that there's a storm brewing over the Everfree Forest or something, and Rainbow Dash decided to put the entire weather team on notice just to be safe," she said, before snorting. "Basically, Cloudchaser decided to drag me out of bed at O'dark thirty..."
Twilight's eyebrow arched as all of a sudden Flitter paused, and her light colored cheeks quickly went crimson, her expression changing to one of... embarrassment?
"A-and since there wasn't a lot else to do, I was going to see if Xarzith wanted to hang out later, b-but then I spotted you two," she said, scraping at the ground with a hoof. "Why are you sneaking around then here for then?"
Spike and Twilight shared a knowing look.
"We weren't sneaking around," Twilight said as she turned back, sighing and flattening her own ears. "Kind of like you we wanted to discuss something with Xarzith, but as you can see we just got here and haven't seen hair or hide of him... or anypony else for that matter."
"Maybe zombie ponies got them all," Spike suggested, shrugging.
Flitter giggled while Twilight rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Spik-"
"Come back here ya varmit, you and ah need to have a talk!"
In almost perfect unison, Twilight ducked, Spike cried out, and Flitter squealed and shot for the nearest tree, as the prior silence was shattered by the sound of Applejack's voice, though whether their reactions were caused by the volume or the anger in it none of them were really sure.
And then all three of them jumped again as there was a loud bang, said loud bang followed only a few seconds later by a familiar white blue came racing out from behind the farmhouse. The stallion was running at a breakneck pace with his saddlebags swinging along beside him, just behind them were...
Twilight blinked and shook her head at the sight, momentarily thinking that she was dreaming or seeing things; where she was used to seeing bare white fur on Xarzith's side, when it wasn't covered by his cloak, were now wings, honest to Celestia wings.
What was more was that they were nothing like those of a pegasus pony, as in nothing whatsoever. With his speed she couldn't get a particularly good look at them, but they were definitely more like those of a batpony judging from the shape and the way they hung. Although on a batpony, they quite frankly would've looked ridiculously oversized.
There was no question about it. The only creature they could've belonged to was a dragon.
Despite having either seen or studied just about every oddity Equestria had, Twilight swallowed and took nervous step back. She'd guessed that her thoughts on him being part-dragon had been right, but to physically see his dragon heritage was something else entirely.
"Xarzith, wait!" Flitter called as she dropped from her tree, the pegasus spreading her wings as if to chase him.
He'd either not heard her or ignored her, as if anything his running pace picked up after she'd yelled out.
Within moments his white form had reached the edge of the southern orchard and disappeared into the foliage, a faint rising trail of dust where his hooves had hit the ground being the only thing left to see.
"What... what the hay just happened?" Spike asked after a moment.
Before Twilight could get a word out to answer, Flitter snorted and stamped a hoof. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure going to find out."
She went to take to the air, and then yelped as she found herself suddenly being pulled down by a magical grip around her tail.
"Flitter... you should probably take Spike with you," Twilight said with surprising calmness, nodding to the suddenly uneasy dragon. "I'll catch up with you both once I'm sure everything's alright with Applejack and her family."
Despite the hectic nature of the situation, and the fact she'd just seen a very different looking Xarzith gallop away from the Apple family homestead, Flitter's face still warped into an expression of utter confusion.
"Why exactly?" she asked.
"Flitter, just... just trust me on this one," Twilight said, flicking her gaze between the distant Everfree Forest and her little brother. "I know it sounds crazy, but Spike's probably the only one out of the three of us who can talk some sense into Xarzith right now."
"Twilight, what are you thin-hey!" Spike started; only to suddenly find himself with a wing in his face.
"Less talking and more getting on," Flitter snapped, her expression telling him she was not in the mood for joking around.
Truth be told, she wasn't entirely sure which emotion she was feeling more, panic, fear, or anger. What she was sure of however was that something was very wrong with Xarzith, and catching up with him was as such her number one priority.
The dragon shot Twilight a glare, who offered a sorry look in return, before grumbling and climbing onto the agitated pegasus's back. "Only in Ponyville," he muttered sourly.
......................................................................................................................... |
The King & Shy | pre | Sombra huffed and Fluttershy leaned back against him, resting her head at the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry your Majesty, I didn't mean to laugh, but that's really adorable." A part of her was surprised at her bravery, but this position felt almost... natural. The strength and size of his body, combined with his warmth, was comfortable.
"That as may be," Sombra grumbled, "I never lost that notion, though. Even at the very end, when things were at their very worst."
Not thinking, Fluttershy snuggled in closer and looked up at the King who was too lost in memories to be troubled by her boldness. "What happened?"
"It was the winter that came in my thirtieth year. And it was the worst we had ever seen..." |
The King & Shy | Memoirs of a King | Chapter 8
~ Eight hundred and forty years before Nightmare Moon ~
The winds howled furiously around the cloaked and bundled stallion that was carving his way through the snowdrift surrounding the towering crystal spire at the edge of the Imperial Capital's municipal border. Only his horn could be seen; a long, straight, black spiral lit with a red glow, as a crimson plow made from telekinetic force drove away the heaviest snows from in front of him. The pony finally breached the magical field that was just barely keeping the snow away from Weather Spire Seven's entrance. Staggering against the door, the pony nearly tore it off its hinges in an effort to get out of the terrible weather. The inside of the spire was stifling compared to the storm outside but, in reality, the pony knew it was probably only forty or so degrees.shaking off the snow that had collected on the heavy woolen cloak, he pulled the snowblind goggles off along with the cowl to let a ragged obsidian mane fall tumble down.
"Is anyone there?" he roared, stepping out of the vestibule that barred off the outer atmosphere from the delicate workings of the inner spire.
The sound of hooves thunder down the hall outside the room met his ears followed by an off-gray Crystal mare. Misty Frost, head of Spire Seven and a genial, kind-hearted Crystal Earth Pony in the latter half of forty winters. She bore them well, still possessing a grace and enthusiasm that would have suited a mare half her age.
"Magistrate Sombra! How did you manage to get here in that horrible storm?" Misty cried out, unlocking the inner doors and ushering him in. "We had all assumed the monthly report would just have be shelved until the blizzard blew itself out."
"Oh, you know me Misty," Sombra chuckled dryly. "Nothing gets my quartz up like the heady and exciting goings-on of the weather tower reports. Why, what would I even do with my month without those riveting eighty pages?"
"You're awful, Ere'," Misty choked out between laughs, "absolutely incorrigible. How a young buck like you ever got to be a Magistrate I will never know."
"Oh that's a lie," Sombra retorted as they walked down the hall towards the main working stations. "You know it's because I'm the best, after all."
"Mm, well, I can't deny that," Misty responded. "When they told us three years back that our old Magistrate had passed and his replacement wasn't even out of his twenties I thought one us must have pissed in one of the Cadenza's brandy decanters to get that crap assignment. Who knew we'd end up with the most effective Magistrate in the court."
"Oh I'm certain they thought you were getting a crap assignment, my dear," Sombra replied with a thin smile. "But then again, everypony always did underestimate me."
Misty bumped her rump against Sombra's good-naturedly and chuckled. "Well we certainly did. I still regret the cold welcome we gave you on your first visit."
Pushing open the swinging doors, Misty cantered into the wide, hemispherical working area of the Spire known colloquially as the 'stable'. Embossed on the wall was the number seven. Seven of seven. The northernmost weather spire of the Crystal Empire and widely considered the coldest, most miserable post in all of the region. Half of the workers were considered wild cards or troublemakers while the rest were politically minded ponies who had established themselves as equis non grata to a Cadenza or somepony else equivalently stuffed up their own plot. Sombra was among those so-called 'troublemakers' too. None of the older generations of Magistrates liked the idea of the young prodigy and upstart making trouble and enough of the Cadenza's agreed with them to make things difficult for the dark-coated stallion. Sombra strongly suspected that he had only been granted his position as Magistrate because some icicle-sucker on the council figured a young up-and-comer would be easy to manipulate. He had graduated at twenty-five from the Imperial College with two Advanced Principles in Crystal Magic and Law; a practically unheard of feat of intellect. He had even been granted honors by the Royal family themselves. However, the next two years he spent attempting to introduce a record-breaking amount of legislation aimed at reforming an antiquated monarchical system that left the Crystal Ponies of the surrounding town in a perpetual state of destitution. He had made a great deal of enemies and, when he was twenty-seven, he had been 'promoted' to oversee one of the weather spires. Spire Seven. Sombra recognized a dead-end post when he saw one but he took it anyway, determined to make something of it.
"How's my favorite band of bent-backed miscreants?" Sombra announced as he entered the room. Four tired ponies, a skeleton crew for a Spire, all looked up with pricked ears at the new arrival and moments later Sombra was swarmed by the Ponies of Spire Seven.
Greetings were exchanged and the bustle quickly died down to a more jovial atmosphere. Sombra was unusual in that the Spireponies considered him one of them. Most of the Spireponies hated their Magistrate with a passion but Sombra had put an unusual amount of effort into making sure his crew was taken care of; pushing through requests for funding, repairs, and the like, in addition to doggedly making his way up to the Spire once, or sometimes twice, a month for the weather report rather than ordering one them to make the trip to him. His ready willingness to take on his share of the burden endeared him to the hard-working ponies quickly.
A sapphire coated crystal unicorn stallion, pranced up to Sombra and threw a hug around his wiry shoulders. "Erebos, it's been way too long! Nopony thought you'd come up in this weather. You know we wouldn't have blamed you if you hadn't right?"
Sombra returned the friendly embrace. "Well, good thing it's not up to you, Azure. Then again if it was I'd probably end up as lazy as my predecessor," there was a smattering light-hearted chuckles at that before Sombra loudly cleared his throat. "So, what are we looking at here? I should start compiling that report as soon as possible."
Azure Eye gave a stiff nod and floated over a pile of papers, flipping what Sombra had come to think of as his 'professional' switch. "It's bad news all around. Every time one cell blows itself out another crops up to take its place. We've never seen the like. Worst of all. and most inexplicably, the winds seem to be blowing down from the Crown of Equus but there's no known weather phenomenon that could account for that."
Sombra felt a chill run down his spine at Azure's words that had nothing to do with the weather. "What's the forecast on the storm ending?"
Azure's gaze flicked over the pages nervously before answering. "Best estimates puts it at two weeks out."
"Ponyfeathers," Sombra retorted evenly, his ears flicking in irritation. "I know that look, Azure. Don't give me the mushroom treatment, what's the real forecast."
"Sir, we've never seen a storm like this, it's acting in a way that defies our expertise and-" Azure cut himself off at Sombra's stony glare.
Snorting, Sombra fixed his eyes firmly on Azure before panning his gaze over the other four Spireponies. "We've been friends for three years. I know each and every one of your names, I know your families, your kids, I know each of one of you and that means I know that you lot are the most competent damn crew in this sunforsaken wasteland. I don't believe for a second that the lot of you haven't come up with a working theory. I thought you'd respect me enough to share it with me but I suppose I was wrong."
"Sombra..." Misty put her hoof on his withers before letting out a low sigh and turning to Azure. "Tell him, Az."
"Misty, he can't bring this back to the Empire," Azure responded darkly. "It's complete speculation and, worse, they'll use it to string him up by his horn."
"Azure, I gave you an order," Misty said in a low, deadly voice, her eyes narrowing. Azure cringed back but finally nodded.
"Well, you asked for it," he said dolefully before pulling up a few scrolls and handing them over to Sombra. "By all accounts there's no sign that the cells will stop forming. We can't detect any significant degradation in the windforce, temperature, or size of the child cells to the point that they are, as good as makes no difference, identical to their parent cells."
Sombra's eyes widened with every word as he examined the raw data they had given him. "This... are you saying this storm will never end, Az?"
Letting out a sigh, Azure shrugged. "Theoretically it would have to end sometime. Conservation of energy dictates that much. But... basically yeah. Unless something intervenes then I speculate that this storm will overwhelm the towers within a month. Without their magic the town will probably succumb within a week-to-two-weeks depending on the weather pegasi. The Crystal Palace will probably be buried a month later. Fortunately, I suspect most of the pink pansies will have starved by that point."
Each of the Spireponies were watching the exchange by now, and Sombra saw the same expression on each of their faces. Grim resignation. They all knew about this, probably had known it for over a week. They had all put on a cheery show for him when he showed up so that he would swallow their lie. Even if they did it for him it still hurt. They wanted him to think everything was okay so that he wouldn't be blamed for when things went to Tartarus.
Setting the scrolls down, Sombra rubbed the bridge of his muzzle. "Alright, I'm bringing this to the Magistrate Council, but you aren't wrong. They'll never accept speculation. I'm going to prove you all right and then, hopefully, we'll get some actual decisions out of those powderheads. I need a place to work, is my office open?"
"I'll unlock it for you," Misty said, moving towards the hallway. "Everypony else get back to work, Sombra is going to need all the data we can give him if he's gonna polish this frozen turd, you hear?"
A chorus of 'Yes Ma'am' sounded from the tired workers as Sombra and Misty left the stable. He followed her down the hall and took a right at the vestibule. Further down was a set of offices, each of which were locked up mostly from disuse. Ostensibly, every Magistrate had an office in their Spire but they went unused so often that most Spireponies converted them to extra storage space for various materials. Sombra was one of the only ones who actually worked in his on occasion. Reaching up to rifle through her mane, Misty pulled out a small, worn key and slid it into the lock in the leftmost office, turning it with a dull clunk.
It was dusty but serviceable. There were a pair of desks crammed into the small space and a few chairs along with a large shelf for storing scrolls and tomes. Laying out the scrolls that Azure Eye had given him, Sombra maneuvered around to sit behind his desk, pulling out several blank scrolls to make notations and equations on.
"You don't have to do this you know," Misty said, sliding in to sit across from the dark-coated young stallion bent over the ominous reports. "You could still take the other report back. Maybe advise them to shore up the windbreakers around the outer perimeter to give the town more time. I'm sure this winter will blow itself out eventually."
"I'm not taking that chance, Misty," Sombra answered, not looking up from his work. "I have no reason to doubt any of you up here in Spire Seven. If you say the theory is sound then I'm going to prove you're right so that we can do something about it." Glancing up he caught Misty's blue gaze with his own fiery amber orbs. "And I'm certainly not leaving my friends up here in this sunforsaken outpost to freeze to death when the stormwall overwhelms the municipal border."
Misty gave Sombra a tired smile. "You're a good stallion, Ere'. Too good for politics, you know that?"
"I can name at least three of my rivals that would piss themselves laughing at you calling me 'too nice'," Sombra answered wryly, marking down an arcane equation only to scowl at the result.
"You could have just gone into academia, you know," Misty said softly, her gaze taking on a distant quality. "You're the brightest star the Imperial College has had in centuries, maybe ever. A professorship would have been your for the taking."
"Bah, much too boring," Sombra responded with a laugh. "Those old graymanes at the College spend all their time arguing about obscure lore. They never accomplish anything new."
Misty shrugged. "You could have gotten an advantageous marriage, then. You're young, handsome, and brilliant. Plenty of noble houses would have fought to marry off one of their daughters to you. Still would in fact."
Sombra smirked, shaking his head. "You know I'd never leave you, Misty. You can reject me all you want but my heart will always belong in your cold, surly, angry hooves."
Shaking her head, Misty let out a tired sigh. "You have a witty quip for everything don't you, Ere'?" Her eyes were sad as she reached over and knocked her hoof against the scrolls. "You know we're staring at the end of the Empire here, right? Unless we get a miracle and the storm suddenly breaks of its own accord it'll swallow up everything in two months time, and that's being generous."
"I don't believe in endings like that, Misty" Sombra answered stonily. "This kingdom may have problems but I refuse to let it die like this. I will find a way to end this storm and then I'll find a way to end winter itself."
Misty's smile was small and wan. "If I were ten years younger..."
"And not facing the end of the world?" Sombra retorted, his grim humor still running strong. Misty let out a harsh laugh and nodded.
"I'll go see what the grunts dug up," Misty said by way of response, getting up from the seat. "Black Snow and Winter Dreams were working on some theories. Maybe we lucked out and they've come up with something."
Sombra grunted in response, already back in his world of scrolls and data trying to piece together a fragment of sense in the logic-defying storm that howled outside the walls of Spire Seven. He was in the same state when Misty returned half an hour later with a ration bar made from frost lichen, one of the only stable food sources in the Empire, and the promised data. He barely acknowledged her as she set them down within hoof's reach. She was familiar with his mannerisms though. Enough to know not to disturb Sombra when he was deep in thought and deeper in his work. Four hours later, when Misty returned to check up on Sombra, the scrolls were all neatly arrayed around him and several additional scrolls hung suspended in the air orbiting the dark stallion. Each one was covered in equations, notes, markings, and diagrams. Misty didn't bother going into the room, just poking her head in. She did notice that, as per usual, his ration bar was still completely untouched.
Five days later, Sombra was at his wits end.
"This makes no sense!" Sombra roared, hurling yet another failed set of calculations across his office to bang against the door. The graying mare sighed from where she sat at her desk, and shook her head.
"We did warn you," Misty remarked. "The storm defies all natural and magical laws. The ruptured leyline theory was particularly inspired, though. I'm a little surprised that wasn't the root of it in the end."
"It all added up until the end, too!" Sombra vented, stalking around the small office. "The constantly refreshing storm cells, the force and power of the storm, all up until we got those readings on arcane particle density. Not only was the ratio not dense enough to suggest a ruptured leyline, the density was actually at an all-time low! How is that even possible!"
Misty shrugged. "I'm sorry Ere', I am. We were all so sure it was the right line and inquiry. Sometimes there are just things that happen, though. Maybe this storm is just divine karma or some other justice."
Sombra snorted in disdain. "Horseapples, the only ones who might've earned a rebuke of this magnitude would be the royals and where's the sense in wiping us all out with them?"
"The spirits are hardly picky," Misty retorted.
"Spirits... bah," Sombra shook his dark mane. It had become matted and heavy since he started working. On a lark he sniffed himself and recoiled. "Then again, maybe my body odor is offending them. How are you withstanding this stench, my dear?"
"You smell like roses compared to some of the stallions in this station when they get on a work binge, Magistrate," Misty answered wryly. "Compared to me too, actually. Now go, take a shower, get some food. You'll work yourself into a torpor otherwise and then you'll be no good to anyone. Shoo!"
Misty waved her both hooves at him from where she sat and earned a chuckle from Sombra. A small victory given his increasingly dour mood. "Very well, I will return in an hour and set to work again, though."
"Naturally," was Misty's only response as he left the confines of the office.
As Sombra trotted down the halls towards the residency section, which was really just another featureless hall with a collection of bunkrooms and a communal bathroom at the far end, and turned over ideas about the apocalyptic snowstorm roaring outside in his mind. Every idea he had came up dry, every postulate disproved, and every solution ended up so much hot air. Sombra knew his time was running out quickly. Even if he determined the source of the storm there was no guarantee that it would be in time to stop the storm from destroying his home, so he begrudged every moment spent away from his desk and calculations. Even he had to agree, though, that he was beginning to run out of ideas. His last one had been less of a shot in the dark and more of a rock tossed by a blind, arthritic colt into an unfathomable abyss, whatever Misty said about it. A rupture in a leyline? That was what he had been reduced to testing? Naturally it had come up dry.
Pushing open the door to the shower stations Sombra trotted to the back end of the room. Only one stall was occupied, albeit by two mares who were rather less interested in showering than they were in each other. Without pausing Sombra snorted.
"Winter, Hope, I should think you two would have better things to do," he grumbled as he walked past, eliciting two high-pitched squeaks of alarm.
He didn't begrudge them their actions, if he was being honest. The situation was looking more and more grim by the day and some could only find comfort in distraction. Winter Dreams was Spire Seven's best scanner, though, and her partner Errant Hope was one of his best storm analysts. He needed them working. Sombra reached the furthest stall and depressed the small floor panel with his hoof and grunted in relief as lukewarm water poured down over him, washing away the grime and sweat that had accumulated over the past few days.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh on them, Sombra mused as he quickly and roughly scrubbed his mane and tail, carefully working at some of the worst gnarls. They've had it more difficult than most in this frozen phallus.
Homosexuals were not looked upon kindly in the Empire. Lots of unpleasant words were bandied about; words like 'unnatural' and 'abomination'. Honestly, though, Sombra couldn't have cared less one way or the other who a Pony found themselves in love with, but he had ended up aligned against the conservative members of the Council by dint of his adamance that such Ponies be treated fairly regardless of their preference. Such a small kingdom, he had argued, could hardly afford to judge a Pony by something as inane as sexuality. His impassioned speeches had, ironically, forced the Council to reevaluate their ordinances with consideration of the needs of the Empire as a whole. The end result was a lifting of many restrictions by Royal edict. One of the very few intelligent decisions made by the Cadenza family in Sombra's opinion. As a result many Ponies had 'come out' in celebration; Winter and Hope among them. Sadly such rulings were hardly enough to quell the bigotry of the Council and most found themselves relegated to dead end positions like Spire Seven.
Does this miserable Empire even deserve saving? The treacherous thought had crossed Sombra's mind more than once. No, I said it before. The whole of the Empire does not deserve to suffer for the mistakes of a few, weak-minded dandies.
The water began to turn frigid again and Sombra stomped the deactivation plate in annoyance. He had done as he had been asked and, to his irritation, he found that Misty had been right; he was starving. The small actions of cleaning himself had ignited his body's metabolism. Stepping out from the banks of showers he seized a towel hanging from one of the wall-mounted racks to begin drying himself off.
"Uhm, Magistrate Sombra, sir?"
Sombra peeked out from beneath the towel he had been using to dry his mane at the cream-coated Unicorn mare standing in front of him. "Can I help you, Winter?"
"Is... is this really the end of the Empire?" Her words came out steady but Sombra could hear the quaver in her voice. Her bravery in the face of what might be certain doom was admirable.
Sighing, Sombra shook his mane giving him an almost leonine appearance. "I don't know, Winter. I'm doing my best but this blasted storm is defying me at every turn."
Another, higher voice scoffed from across the room. "So then we all die in a frozen heap?" Sombra glanced over at Errant Hope, a petite, light roan Pegasus mare with a chip on her shoulder the size of the Crystal Palace's east wing, who was busy carefully drying her wings.. "Figures. We finally get some rights and the world up and ends. Well... bright side is that my dad will finally have to meet my marefriend and be civil about it."
Hope shot Sombra a grim smirk. "Oh?" Sombra answered dryly. "Why is that?"
A loud smack heralded Winter's right hoof thumping into her forehead. "Because he said he'd be civil to my face when Tartarus froze over," Winter answered.
Sombra let out a barking laugh. "Well, I can't say I disagree with that assessment. Too bad we'll all be Crystal Pony popsicles by the time the conditions are met."
Hope set her towel back on the rack to dry and cantered over to her marefriend and planted a wet kiss on Winter's cheek. "Yeah well, no big deal. The world's always been against us, right? Now it's just trying a little harder." Turning back to Sombra, Hope reached out and wrapped her forelegs around his neck and pulled him into a hug. "I never said this but... thank you. Even if the world ended up ending so soon, I'll always be grateful that you fought for us, for Winter and I. These were still the best few years of my life because I got to live them as myself. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I don't know what dark sorcerer I pissed off in a past life to earn an eternal storm, but I'm glad I met you, Magistrate."
Sombra had gone perfectly still. Hope pulled away, afraid she had overstepped her bounds by hugging her Magistrate. A second later Sombra seemed to snap out of it, a manic grin spreading over his face.
"THAT'S IT!" Sombra nearly roared, sending both Hope and Winter staggering back several steps before Hope got rubberbanded into Sombra's crushing embrace. "You're brilliant! That's how it's happening! Everything makes perfect sense!"
Without another word he dropped Hope and went galloping back to his office, his large frame and heavy hooves preceding him with thunder and leaving two extremely confused but hopeful mares behind him.
Nearly tearing the door to his office from his hinges, Sombra vaulted his desk and crashed down amidst his pile of notes as an extremely wary Misty Frost looked on in confusion. "Sombra? What's-?" she was cut off by a single raised hoof as several empty scrolls came floating up in front of Sombra followed by a half-dozen quills.
Working at a fevered pace, words occasionally slipped from Sombra's lips as the sound of scratching quills filled the room. "Yes, yes, this is it... no, ignore the fifth law... calculate the integral sequence... log to the base of... hah! Now invert the generation of particles and... Oh... Oh no."
"Sombra, what is it?" Misty came out from around her desk and stopped in front of the grim-faced stallion. "What's wrong?"
"I'm afraid I've discovered the source of the storm," Sombra said in a hollow voice. "Or at the very least I know why it appears to be endless."
"That's... not good?" Misty asked in confusion. "Were we too late?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure," Sombra answered, "but I do know that we drastically overestimated the amount of time we have left. Gather everypony in the Spire into the stable. I need to make an announcement and I don't particularly want to repeat myself."
Misty gave him a sharp nod and cantered off to gather up her crew as Sombra glared down at his calculations. They were worse than even Azure's Worst-Case Scenario. Gathering them up he made his way towards the stable. Seven's crew was small enough that everypony was gathered in front of him within minutes. Each waited patiently to hear what their Magistrate had come up with.
Taking a deep breath, Sombra laid out his scrolls before floating them up, each in sequence. "Good news first everypony, I've found the source of our mystery storm."
There was a small cheer that died quickly at Sombra's expression.
"Unfortunately that is the extent of the good news," Sombra continued grimly. "The storm is being fueled by magic, but not normal magic. That's why we weren't detecting it using our normal instruments. Not only that but it's being created deliberately. I know this because the storm is being fueled by Dark Magic which does not occur naturally except in a very few places on Equus. Nowhere in the north is there a wellspring of Darkness potent enough to do this. More bad news too; we based our original timeline on the assumption that the energy buildup was essentially linear in nature. Every cell built up then expelled itself causing another to build up in turn. As it turns out that assumption was grotesquely optimistic."
Azure went pale as he examined Sombra's notations. "It's exponential," he muttered.
"And it's reaching critical mass," Sombra finished. "We don't have two months. We have two weeks at most before the stormwall breaks and the full force of whatever is building up in there is unleashed."
"And when it is we won't last more than a few days," remarked Hope, eyeing the storm intensity predictions Sombra had laid out. "The windforce from this storm is enough to cover the Empire within a day, we can stretch that out with our weather pegasi but then we're done."
"That's why we need to leave the Spire," Sombra said, his tone brooked no argument. "If we don't bring this information to the Council then the Empire will never know what hit it, and I'm not leaving any of you up here to die. Everypony, get your extreme weather gear on. I want everypony in full kit and barding gathered in the front atrium in ten minutes. GO!"
His final word boomed out through the stable and immediately each pony scattered to their bunks. Sombra already had his gear set-up and ready, he had never removed it from the lockers after he arrived several days ago. It didn't take him long to fully equip himself using his magic. The last attachment to go on was the case containing his notes, secured with locks and wards. Five ponies plus him all trekking back to the Empire. Abandoning their posts wouldn't do them any favors but his math wasn't wrong. Spire Seven was going to be uninhabitable within a week and Sombra refused to leave any of his friends in that situation.
A stocky Earth stallion with a coat even darker than Sombra's and a mane of pure white was the first to arrive. Black Snow, the Spire's resident crystal mechanic, was a loner and a bit surly but Sombra respected him for his diligence and devotion to doing a job right the first time. Azure Eye and Misty showed up quickly behind Snow with Hope and Winter not far behind. Each of them looked to be carrying half again their weight in gear. Not just multiple layers to keep out the biting cold but tools to maneuver the deadly snow drifts and powder falls; areas of loose snow that look solid until any weight is placed on them and then they sink into a pit.
"Is everyone secured?" Sombra barked grimly form beneath his cowl. A series of muffled affirmatives reached his ears. His sharp eyes examined each of his ponies to make sure their gear was strapped and secured properly. The far north was utterly unforgiving to even the smallest mistakes. "Good, then move out."
Stepping through the main vestibule, Sombra pressed the keyplate set into the floor. With a snap of discharging energy the main door opened. The six ponies gaped in astonishment as a flood of snowmelt was forced away by the energy field surrounding the Spire suddenly going active again. The snow had piled almost ten feet high above the door and only the emergency failsafes had removed it safely. They were unlikely to work again after such an intense discharge though.
"Looks like you made the right call, Magistrate," Hope remarked dryly from behind Sombra. "The horseapples have really hit the fan now."
Sombra could only nod as he stepped out, using his crimson magic to break apart the newly forming ice. The five Spireponies filed out after him.
"Everypony, secure yourself to one another," Sombra ordered, pulling out a length of strong rope. "I don't want anyone disappearing under a snowdrift or a dropping out of sight, got it? Keep an eye on one another."
The Spireponies nodded their assent as each began tying themselves off, Sombra secured himself in the lead with Misty Frost behind him, Black snow behind her, then Errant Hope, Winter Dreams, and Azure Eye taking up the rear. The wind howled ruthlessly around them and even through his heavy gear Sombra could feel the brutal cold gnawing at the edges of his awareness. Unwilling to waste any time, the moment his crew was fully secured Sombra began pressing forward, his magic carving a path through the snow. Winter and Azure used their magic from further back to keep the snow from collapsing once Sombra had passed by, creating a temporary trench for the line of Crystal Ponies to pass through. It lasted only seconds after the six had passed by before the storm had erased all evidence of their passage, but by then the crew had moved on.
Sombra grunted as he pressed onward through the storm for hours. Several times he looked behind himself to ensure that his crew was still moving. They always were, so why did it feel as though every step was a titanic labor? His head was buzzing painfully and every step forward carried the weight of the world behind it. Glancing back again he saw his crew was in little better shape. Misty and Black were both doggedly pressing forward with the usual tenacity of their kind, but Sombra could see the strain in their posture. It was like they were being dragged down by something. For himself, Sombra could barely concentrate with the incessant buzzing noise that filled his ears. It was like someone had shaken up a crystalbee hive and then teleported it inside his skull.
"Pull your own miserable weight back there, will you?!" Black Snow's voice roared out suddenly. Sombra blinked in shock, distracted by the normally phlegmatic and stoic stallion's outburst. "I'm not dragging your feathered carcass back to the Empire if you won't at least bloody try!" Black snapped at Errant Hope who was immediately behind him. His face was twisted in anger- no, not anger, something stronger... Hatred.
Hope's normally kind face was marred by an equally furious scowl. "I weigh a third of you, you snirt-grubbing powderhead! And I am pulling my weight!"
"And don't talk to her like that either!" Winter piped up heatedly from behind her marefriend. "Or we'll just leave you behind and get on without you! You're probably weighing us all down anyway!"
"Stop!" Sombra roared, "We can't afford to waste time like this, we need to keep moving!"
"I'll keep moving when we cut off this dead weight," Black Snow snapped.
Hope and Winter were suddenly surrounded by a bluebell glow of magic and violently hurled forward, crashing into Black. "Will you miserable mares pull your heads out of each others nethers and get moving! I'm getting buried back here!"
Azure shook away a miniature drift that was accumulating on his back and pushed forward only to be knocked to the ground by a telekinetic bolt from Winter. "Touch me again and I'll aim for your eyes next time!"
Sombra watched in dismay as his crew fell to violent bickering. Turning to Misty he was about to ask his strong right hoof for help only to realise she was gone. In a panic, Sombra quickly traced the securing line to where it vanished into a large snowdrift. Seizing a massive wedge of snow, Sombra dug feverishly until he found her. She wasn't moving. Misty was laying on her stomach completely silent. Ignoring his arguing crew for a moment, Sombra leaned down close to his friend and let his magic flow into her, diagnosing her health. To his relief she was perfectly healthy aside from the terrible cold that was around them. That wouldn't last though, if she didn't get moving the cold would set in all the quicker.
"Misty, get up!" Sombra yelled over the howling wind. "We need to go! The others are fighting and we're still hours out from the Empire! I need you to help me rally them!" There was no response at first but, after a few seconds, Sombra felt relieved to see Misty stir. He was less relieved when she spoke.
"Why?" Her voice sounded empty. Hollowed out, even. "Why should we bother? The Empire hates us all anyway. It hates you too, Ere'. Why should we bother to drag ourselves all the way there and warn them when they'll just ignore us? Let them die to their own blind ignorance, I say."
Misty never called him Ere' in front of the others. He didn't mind but she said it was 'disrespectful to his position'. She only ever called him that in private. Sombra half-suspected it was just because she just liked having a private name for him.
"What's gotten into you?" Sombra muttered, the buzzing in his head was even stronger now. "What's gotten into all of you?!"
Turning to his crew, Sombra felt rage build up inside him at the Spireponies he had come to save. They had devolved into an all-out brawl. Black Snow had at some point lept onto Errant Hope and they were wrestling in the snow while Winter alternated between shouting at Azure Eye and trying to telekinetically pry Black off of her marefriend. Finally, Winter's interference paid off, pulling Black Snow off just enough for Hope to land a blinding punch into Black's eye, causing him to rear back with a whinny of pain.
What happened next burned itself into Sombra's mind. It seemed to happen so slowly that he could watch every moment of it play out and yet so fast that he could do nothing about it. Black Snow fell onto his back clutching at his face and howling in pain. Before anyone could react, Errant Hope pulled out the heavy spade from her gear and propelled herself at Black Snow with her wings, howling in inchoate rage. The spade fell with a sickening crunch, tearing through his winter gear and deep into his chest. Black Snow gave a violent jerk, coughing up a torrent of blood onto his killer before going terribly still. Winter went still with shock at what her marefriend had done but Azure, who had considered the taciturn, and now-dead, Black Snow a friend, let out a grieving cry and lunged past the stunned Unicorn he had been fighting, pummeling into Errant Hope and driving her to the ground beside Black's cooling body.
Sombra heard the gut-wrenching sound of a horn piercing flesh and Azure Eye impacted the petite Pegasus. As Azure stood above the mortally wounded Errant Hope, Winter let out a maddened shriek and lunged at Azure, taking him to the ground and beating him with her hooves, firing blasts of telekinetic force into his face. All of it happened in a matter of seconds, and Sombra finally found his breath again, like a jolt of electricity carving through his veins. Powering forward through the building snow, Sombra seized the grief-maddened Winter Dreams and tried to pull her off of the brutalized Azure.
That was a mistake.
Despite being horribly wounded, with the whole left side of his face nearly crushed and his horn shattered, he still surged up and seized the spade that was still sticking out of Black Snow's corpse and wrenched it out only to plunge it several inches into Winter's neck between the seams of her suit. Winter Dreams gave a weak, startled gurgle, staring down at the shank of the spade that was protruding from her neck in surprise before glancing at Sombra, terror replacing the madness that had been there. Sombra could only stare back in shock as the light in her eyes slowly went out and she hung limply in his telekinetic grasp. Azure Eye's wounds claimed him only moments later, his body heat and lifeblood seeping out of his body as he collapsed in a heap at Sombra's hooves.
"Why...?" Sombra muttered hollowly as the lambent glow of his magic winked out, dropping the corpse that had once been the brilliant, optimistic Winter Dream into the unforgiving snow. "Why did this..."
The buzzing had returned in force, carving his mind in half. He couldn't dwell on this now. He could wallow in grief and shock when he had the time, but he wasn't the only one left. Misty was still lying supine on the snow nearby.
I'll be damned if I lose everypony to this idiocy, Sombra thought furiously, stomping over and away from the bodies of his friends.
Blinking away tears and doing his utmost to ignore the burning, bilious weight in his chest, Sombra leaned down and bit the bundle of cloth of Misty's suit at the nape of her neck to drag her out of the drift.
"Misty, I need you to get up," Sombra's voice came out raw and choked. "Please, get up."
Her eyes, mostly hidden by her own cowl, flickered up to stare at Sombra. They were as dull and empty as before.
"Why?"
The question echoed in Sombra's mind over and over in a cacophonous, thundering beat. Out of nowhere an irrational flash of fury overtook his mind and Sombra felt the nigh uncontrollable desire to stove in her worthless head. It would be a mercy wouldn't it? If she was so weak that all she could do was lie down and freeze to death then a quick, albeit messy, end would be better for all involved.
"No," Sombra muttered, feeling the buzzing clouding his mind recede slightly as he bent his will against it. "Whatever you are... whoever you are... you will not twist my mind to suit your needs. My mind is inviolate and unbroken."
Dark magic saturated the air, he could feel it trying to wind and twist its way into his mind. Trying to corrupt his thoughts and drive him to insanity the same way it had with his friends. The same as it was doing to Misty at that very moment, preying on her depression and feelings of isolation. She was lost to their whispers but Sombra was not.
"Very well," Sombra said darkly, "let us play this game out, then."
Closing his eyes, he shut away all of his senses leaving his mind in darkness. The storm howled silently. There was no cold, nor roar, nor anything else. There was only Sombra. Opening his magical senses he extended his perception through his horn. He could feel the dark magics all around him. Around him... and above him. The further up he extended his senses the denser the corrupt magic became until he found them. The source. Howling, cackling things seemingly made of condensed spite and hatred. They shrieked and cavorted above Sombra and his fallen crew, and he could feel their elation at the strife they had sown among his friends.
Wendigos, Sombra thought, and some distant part of him wondered at them. They were creatures of myth and legend come to life. Or something like life, anyway. Spirits of strife and discord, beings of pure dark magic. Well, two can play that game, can't they? I am no mere puppet to be strung along. I am Erebos Sombra, the greatest Magus the Empire has seen in centuries. I can master any form of magic... even yours.
Slowly, carefully, and, above all, subtly, Sombra stretched his magic out into the air, letting it hang quiescent amongst the particles of the Wendigo's magic. Further and further he stretched his power until he felt nearly spent, saturating the air just as they had until he was satisfied he had mimicked their technique perfectly.
Now... how do they... ah, how simple, Sombra grinned wolfishly as he discerned their method of feeding. So their dark magic simply acts like stomach acid; breaking down emotions into pure energy for them to devour. What simple creatures. They are not the only ones capable of absorbing power.
It was not unlike taking a very, very deep breath, in the end. His magic, which had permeated and saturated the same area as the Wendigo, suddenly flared into activity. Gorged and unprepared, the three Wendigo spirits that were floating invisibly above them never stood a chance as every particle of their magic was suddenly and irrevocably seized by Sombra's sorcerous mimicry of their feeding process and dragged in to his spiral horn. Suddenly deprived of sustenance, the Wendigo howled furiously. Sombra, however, was not done. He kept pulling, kept inhaling their power and quickly the Wendigo found themselves losing coherence. As hard as they tried to pull away from the strange, dark Unicorn below them, they could not escape his grasp. It was like an iron vice had clamped onto them and, within moments, dragged them to into Sombra's presence.
The stallion before them was different than before, shadow seemed to cling to him like a second skin and he practically shone with power. The Wendigo, on the other hoof, were barely shades. Left hollow, empty, and starving by Sombra's spell. The stallion in question stared down at the withered spirits contemptuously.
"I have no use for bestial cretins," he said, his voice deep and thick with energy. "But you killed my friends... you took them from me. No one takes from me."
With another deep, magical 'breath', Sombra shredded the Wendigo, stealing from them the last power they possessed that was keeping their incorporeal forms constant. They blew away like so much snow in the torrential winds. Within moments the storm seemed to calm slightly, but Sombra could feel the presence of more Wendigo. Thousands more in fact. They dwelt still behind the stormwall. They would come eventually though. Now he knew his enemy, though, and Sombra was determined to end them once and for all.
For now, though, Sombra looked down and Misty Frost who still laid at his feet. Her will was sapped by the Wendigo, nothing he could do would change that.
Or can I? Sombra stared down at his friend. He could feel the weak stirrings of life force within her now. Something about the Wendigo magic he consumed resonated with it. Will is merely impetus. All I need to do is rekindle that within her. Give her a new drive.
"Misty," Sombra said softly, now that the howling winds had died down somewhat. Some part of him felt the need to try just one more time. Try to elicit some response. Something.... anything "Will you come with me now? Please... Misty, answer me."
That hated word was all that fell from her lips in response.
"Why?"
Frustration that had nothing to do with the Wendigo coursed through Sombra and he scowled. "Why?!" He barked at her, making her start. "Have you no pride?! Have you nothing left to drive you forward into the dark?! Have you nothing left?!"
Misty didn't answer, she just stared up at Sombra with empty, weary eyes.
"Fine," Sombra spat. "You want to know why you're going to get up?" His eyes lit with dark magic, green, lavender, and crimson energy spilled out from them like tears as darkness spat from his horn and struck Misty in the head. "YOU'RE GOING TO GET UP BECAUSE I COMMAND YOU TO! AND YOU SHALL DO AS I COMMAND!"
Misty's body jerked and spasmed in place for a moment as Sombra's magic thundered into her mind. Suddenly, his voice was all she could hear. All she wanted to hear. He had commanded her to rise and, on shaky legs, Misty got up. Clenching her eyes shut she let the pounding noise die down before opening them again, her sclera had turned a vibrant shade of viridian.
"Now," Sombra said a little wearily, "it's time to return to the Empire. We still have a job to do."
Misty gave a small nod and turned, stopping only to bite through the rope binding her and Sombra to the dead behind them, and took her place at Sombra's side.
"That last spell took a great deal out of me," Sombra continued, taking a few unsteady steps forward. "Ensure that I make it to the Council." Nodding once more, Misty leaned in to support Sombra,
"As you say," Misty replied. ++
"...in the end we made it back to the Crystal Empire with the warning," Sombra said. "The rest of the story is longer and more complicated but, obviously, the Empire did survive."
Fluttershy nestled herself into Sombra's side, the fur on her face had matted down with tears over the course of his story. She couldn't imagine losing her friends in such a horrible way. And being forced to watch it? To see it play out, helpless to stop it?
"I'm so sorry," Fluttershy said softly, "nopony should ever have to suffer so horribly."
Sombra scoffed in response, drawing a startled glance from Fluttershy.
"If you think that was the end of my trials, mouse, then you are desperately mistaken." Sombra's tone was both bitter and amused.
"I'm glad you told me that story, though," Fluttershy said in all honesty. Horrible though it was. "I feel like I understand you a little better. That's... important to me."
Sombra only grunted in response, seemingly lost in thought.
Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy glanced at the clock and realised, to her shock, that they had been sitting there for hours and that it was already evening. She knew that she had chores to do and that she ought to get an early start on them but...
Fluttershy chuckled quietly. To be honest she was far too comfortable to get up. Sombra was surprisingly warm and something about his titanic frame and the way he seemed to envelop her just by being beside her made Fluttershy feel oddly... secure. Glancing down she stifled another laugh as she realised that, at some point during the story, Sombra had curled his tail around her in a manner that almost seemed protective.
"You know," Sombra said in a soft, bass rumble. "I do believe you're the first pony I've ever told the whole of that story to."
Fluttershy blinked in surprise. "R-really? But the Council... didn't you tell them what happened?"
Sombra scoffed again, shaking his head and causing his leonine mane to flare out. "Only what was necessary. They did not need the details. They were more concerned with the Wendigo and my equations, anyway."
Before Fluttershy could find a response she was interrupted by a heavy knocking at the door. "Oh! That must be the bedframe! I'll go attend to that, your Majesty."
A little creakily, Fluttershy got up from where she had been laying. Her body felt stiff and heavy from the long period spent immobile. Sombra pulled his tail away in an almost grudging manner before rising himself and shifting into the form of Coal Axiom.
"Very well, I will excuse myself for a time, I think," Sombra replied. "I have languished too long today. I'm going to take an evening stroll, see to it my bed is ready for me when I return."
"O-oh," Fluttershy responded, a little disappointed. She had been looking forward to hearing the rest of his story when the bed was set up. Even if that meant sharing the actual bed with- eep!
That is not the thought we want to be having, Fluttershy admonished herself. That is the opposite of what we want, in fact. You're getting too comfortable now.
Instead, she simply gave a small bow and curtsy with her wings. "As you say, your Majesty. Enjoy your walk."
As she made her way out of his room Sombra's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"I shall," Sombra rumbled, stretching his long limbs. "And know that... that I am grateful to you for listening to me. Telling that story feels, somehow, liberating. So, thank you... Fluttershy."
Sombra moved past her and left out the backdoor without another word and only another pounding knock at her front door snapped Fluttershy back to reality.
He... he called me by my name. She thought, a little annoyed at how happy that seemed to make her. Even without anypony else around he... maybe this will work after all.
For the first time since the whole mess had started, Fluttershy felt a little spark of hope ignite in her heart as trotted into the living room and opened the door to greet the movers. |
The King & Shy | Taking Enthusiastic Walks | Chapter 9
The cool night air carried the hints of early autumn in its welcome chill as Sombra walked the border of the Everfree. He briefly considered using the time to retrieve more of his belongings but quickly decided against it. The Everfree was bad enough in the daytime and he little cared to test his fortunes during the night while he had barely the magical strength of a subaverage unicorn, Instead he took a moment to do something he had not done in centuries; enjoy himself. His hours spent recounting his past to the mouse had awakened a whimsy in him that he had thought was quashed long ago. For so long he had cast his gaze towards the future glory of his Empire and to his next conquests. Now, though, he had no Empire to lead, no army with which to conquer, and, in truth, no desire for either at the moment.
Sombra considered that last notion as he edged away from the Everfree and towards the outskirts of Ponyville. Once he had worn the Crystal Crown out of necessity but, looking back on it, there was little he enjoyed about rulership. It was all minutiae and details and, while he had enjoyed the challenge of it, there had been no 'glory' in it. It had been a burden he despised at times; leading the ungrateful, whinging populace had been a chore wherein he dragged them by the scruff of their necks to prosperity as they doggedly tried to crawl back to the dark ages.
Let us say I 'retire' my kingship, Sombra mused idly as he passed some of the more run down houses on the edge of the village, the question becomes: what do I do with myself? I can hardly exist in a world that calls me a war criminal. My pride will not permit me to live in hiding either. I refuse to fade into obscurity after being given a bloody muzzle by the Two Sisters. Sombra let his thoughts carry him down a small farm road and off a small outshoot towards a dingy neighborhood.
Glancing around, Sombra wrinkled his muzzle in distaste. It reminded him far too much of where he had grown up. Still it was almost comforting that, even in the saccharine principality of Equestria, there were still slums. He was about to leave when he felt a pair of eyes set on him from near the edge of one of the more worn-looking houses. Carefully, he extended his perceptions through his horn and cast them towards the shadowed corner of the house while pretending to walk away. The gaze was not idle, it was watching him. He could sense the mind though it was clouded with emotion; fear chiefest of all. Had he been discovered?
Best to face them now rather than permit them to scurry off, Sombra thought in annoyance. At least the nearest houses seem vacant enough from their poor state of repair.
Expending a small surge of his precious magic for a teleportation spell, Sombra vanished and reappeared next to the shadow where his watcher had secreted themselves. A startled yelp of fear answered him and a small figure attempted to dart away. Sombra seized their tail in his telekinetic grasp while wrapping his telekinesis around their muzzle to silence them before turning them about to face him.
The terrified face of a fuchsia-maned filly with an orange coat stared back at Sombra. Her eyes were wide and fixed on him, and he could feel her entire body shaking in his grip. Letting out an annoyed sigh, Sombra briefly weighed the pros and cons of letting the filly go as is versus wiping her memories. On the one hoof she was just a filly and was, therefore, unlikely to be a threat. On the other hoof he had no idea who her parents were. If they had any kind of influence then his life would be made that much more difficult.
Erring on the side of caution it is, then, Sombra decided as he carefully set the filly down.
"My apologies, little one," Sombra said as he released her. "I'm afraid my nerves aren't what they used to be. Are you alright?"
After a moment the filly stopped shaking and nodded her head. "U-uhm, yeah, I"m cool."
"Good. Now, may I ask what you are doing out here in the middle of the night? Surely your parents couldn't approve of you being out so late and alone." Sombra noticed her flinch slightly at the word 'parents' before she shook her head.
"I'm just, y'know, hanging out," she said, waving a hoof nervously. "What about you, huh? You're out here too!" She pointed her hoof accusingly at him and Sombra couldn't help but chuckle at her attitude.
"You are a child," Sombra retorted, amused. "I am not and therefore I have a certain amount of autonomy that you lack by dint of your age."
"Yeah, uh, I have no idea what like... half of those words meant," the filly said, her muzzle scrunched up in confusion before turning away while still shooting a look over her withers at Sombra. "Look mister, I'm just gonna go, okay? Sorry I startled you or whatever."
"Where are you going to go?" Sombra asked, his voice chillingly even.
The filly tensed up. "B-back to my parents of course."
"That would be a difficult thing for an orphan, my dear," Sombra answered darkly. The filly's eyes went wide with shock and she began to move away. Her progress was halted by a single glare from Sombra, his eyes flashing with colors of magic that the filly didn't recognise.
"But... H-how did you know?" she asked in a quiet voice, her eyes teary.
Sombra smirked. "You just told me, but I suspected from how you reacted when I mentioned your parents, although your poor attempt at lying reinforced my suspicion."
The filly scowled and scuffed her hoof on the dirt patch under her. "Ponyfeathers," she muttered. "I guess you're gonna take me back to the Orphanage, huh?"
Sombra considered the notion. Orphans were the least dangerous witnesses. Nopony listened to them and more often than not they tended to slip between the cracks of bureaucracy. Lost children in an uncaring world.
"Perhaps," Sombra answered, "or perhaps not. First tell me your name."
The filly eyes took on a glint of hope. "S-Scootaloo, my name is Scootaloo."
"Tell me, Scootaloo, why are you an orphan?" Sombra asked. The filly flinched at the question, her ears sinking down eyes clenched shut.
"I... I don't really know," Scootaloo said, her voice cracking a little. "I came home from school one day and they were gone. They took all of their stuff and just... left."
"I see," Sombra said dispassionately. "What did you do?"
Scootaloo shrugged. "I scrounged what I could for a few weeks. I did okay I guess. But eventually some ponies from city hall came to find out why my parents hadn't been seen and why the utility bill wasn't being paid. Once they realised my parents had left they took me to city hall. My Mom and Dad hadn't told anyone where they were going, though. Or even that they were leaving. I... I overheard the mayor talking later about debts to some ponies from Manehattan."
"Perhaps they left you so you would not be caught up in their mistakes, then," Sombra ventured. Scootaloo laughed, a quiet and brittle noise.
"That would be a first," Scootaloo said bitterly. "Mom and Dad never gave a flying feather what I did. They just sat around and drank. I don't even know how they paid any of the bills. I cooked for myself, cleaned up after myself... I barely even noticed they were gone after a while."
Sombra narrowed crooked an eyebrow at that before taking a more critical examination. There were no signs of scarring or any of the damage to movement that would imply that the filly was ever beaten. It seemed her parent's disinterest in their offspring was so complete they couldn't even be bothered to hurt her. It must have been some small miracle of pony biology that drove them to care for her through her foalhood.
"My father and mother passed away when I was very young," Sombra found himself saying. It felt odd telling another pony that but, then again, it hardly mattered. "I was orphaned when I was around your age I suspect."
"Oh... uhm, sorry," Scootaloo answered, shifting around a bit uncomfortably. "That sucks, I guess. At least my parents are still alive."
Sombra chuckled dryly. "On the contrary it is, perhaps, less awful that I was orphaned in such a manner. At least my own parents had a good reason for leaving I and my siblings alone in the world. Yours were simply terrible at being parents entirely."
"Well that's nice to know," Scootaloo answered, scrunching her muzzle and glaring off to the side.
Silence fell between the two of them and Sombra found himself considering what to do with the filly. Scootaloo ended up being a bit of surprise to him, reminding him of his own beginnings. A part of him of also genuinely impressed with her fortitude and attitude. She didn't curse the world for its unfair treatment of her, attempt to play the victim, or cast blame. She simply took the world as it came to her and focused on surviving. Admirable qualities, all.
A notion struck Sombra's mind like a lightning bolt. I've been seeking purpose all this time, but... perhaps I've been too close-minded. The first Orders I created in my Empire were out of necessity but I cannot deny a certain sense of pride I felt in creating those well-oiled machines. To reforge them right beneath the Princesses muzzles? Very well, let us see how this plays out then.
"So, uh, can I go?" Scootaloo asked, shifting in place under Sombra's gaze.
The sorcerer's attention narrowed in on the small Pegasus. "Why didn't you fly away?"
"W-what?" Scootaloo started at the sudden question. "You just surprised me was all! I-"
"When a Pegasus is surprised their first instinct is usually to take to the skies," Sombra cut her off. "They're like birds, they seek the escape of flight by instinct with very few exceptions." Thoughts of the mouse chased through Sombra's mind and he suppressed a chuckle. "You, however, tried to flee on hoof. Why?"
For the first time in the coversation Scootaloo couldn't hold back her tears. Her eyes smashed shut and she looked down as the heat behind her eyelids built up. "B-because I can't fly. My wings are stupid... they're too small. They barely get me up off the ground. I'm twelve already and I've never flown, okay? Is that what you want to hear?!"
Instead of answering Sombra allowed some his power to flow into his eyes as he cast a finely tuned detection spell. Scootaloo stared as his eyes took on an unearthly, corpse-light glow. The world around Sombra shifted into washed out shades of muted grays and greens except for the runty Pegasus in front of him. She appeared as a complex network of flowing lines of ruddy energy. Immediately Sombra saw the problem; the lines were thin, fragile, and failed to extended into her extremities properly. Not only was Scootaloo unable to fly, Sombra mused, she was probably unable to Pegasus magic at all. Cloudwalking was almost certainly the limit of her capabilities.
"Your meridians are stunted," Sombra said evenly as the eerie glow faded from his eyes. "Since meridians are what permit magic to flow through your body it is hardly odd that you can't fly. In fact, I doubt you could even shape a cloud. Aside from cloudwalking you are more like a particularly fragile, sickly Earth Pony."
Scootaloo's face fell more and more as Sombra spoke and tears started to fall from her eyes. "W-well, fuck you too!" She finally screamed. "I know I'm a useless runt, okay! I don't need you to tell me that. So what if I'll never fly? I'll figure something out and you... you can go sit on your own horn and spin ya dumb screwhead!"
Only after she finished her rant did Scootaloo realise what she had done, but rather than try and run or apologise she just stood her ground, tiny legs shaking, and glared at the towering, dark stallion. After a moment, Sombra's face split into a predatory grin.
"Excellent," Sombra chuckled, "most excellent. I'm glad I had you pegged right. You've got a fire in your heart that I admire, filly. Your parents left you malnourished and weak, stunting your growth and stealing the sky, your birthright, from you. The world has left your broken, homeless, orphaned, and abandoned and yet you continue to defy it."
"S-so? What do you care?" Scootaloo asked, still not backing down.
Sombra smirked. "I want to offer you a deal, Scootaloo. How would you like me to fix you? I could repair the damage that neglect and hard years have dealt to you. Your meridians would recover, your body would be stronger, and you would, finally, be able to fly."
There was a soft thump as Scootaloo's legs finally gave out from under her. Her eyes were wide with disbelief as she stared at the ground and the dark hooves that belonged to the stallion in front of her. After a moment she stood back up and looked him straight in the eye. Sombra liked the look she wore. It was the look of somepony who had been beaten, trampled, and spat on by life but was never broken. They were eyes that had the determination to win or die trying.
"Okay," Scootaloo answered. "What do I have to do?"
"You're not going to ask what the catch is?" Sombra asked with a sly grin.
"Nope."
Sombra chuckled again. "Good girl."
After doing a quick scan to ensure that they were still alone, Sombra suddenly shed his disguise. Scootaloo gasped as the stallion in front of her suddenly seemed to melt into shadow and reform into a cyclopean specimen of power. Sombra's horn shifted back to its more comfortable curved, blade-like, shape and, lowering his head down, Sombra lifted his right forehoof to it and made a shallow cut just above his fetlock before holding it out to Scootaloo.
"Drink," Sombra said simply. "My magic will do the rest."
"That's it?" Scootaloo asked skeptically. "Just... drink your blood? What are you, a vampony?"
Sombra shook his head and laughed. "No and no," he answered, "This magic is older than Equestria, but it is magic, I am no vampony, and as for your first question; you must not only drink my blood... but survive it."
Scootaloo swallowed heavily before glancing at the proffered hoof. Licking her lips she gave a sharp nod. "You're on, weirdo."
Leaning in, the frail Pegasus filly pressed her lips to the cut. Sombra, for his part, forced the blood to flow steadily into her mouth. Dutifully, Scootaloo drank until he finally pulled his hoof away. Every culture; Pony, Minotaur, Griffon, Saddle Arabian, and all others, had found a kind of implicit agreement on certain things. One of those was things was blood. Blood was life. Blood was power. This magic was not particularly taxing, nor did it require great amounts of magic from the caster. He had created the ritual in order to strengthen his most devoted servants and to ensure their obedience. The cost was not exacted from the caster but from the recipient. Most subjects died after being exposed to the catalyst spell that infused his blood into their bodies. Perhaps Scootaloo would die as well. Perhaps not.
A black and red arc of lightning leapt from Sombra's curved horn to strike Scootaloo in the chest, snaking through her small body and digging into her heart. Scootaloo gasped and fell face-first into the dirt, spasming and shaking. Sombra knew that his blood would now feel like fire coursing through her veins. It would tear her apart and rebuild her from the inside out. He had never used this spell on somepony so young before and could not resist admitting to a certain curiosity as to its side-effects. He was confident she would live, though. Sombra had rarely ever been a betting Pony, but he placed fair odds on this little one making it through.
As Scootaloo shook and spasmed Sombra cast another spell to scan the town for a medical institution. Weariness crept up into his body as he did so and Sombra growled at the irritating weakness that had settled on him. Fortunately his scrying had found a suitable location; Ponyville General Hospital.
One last spell and then I will return to the mouse's cottage, Sombra thought as he gathered up the shivering form of Scootaloo with one leg and pressed her close to his chest. She was feverish and sweating. One more spell.
Silently he teleported himself near the Emergency Room doors in the shadow of an overhang behind a hedge. His scry had shown him an orderly who had stepped out to smoke near the hedge by the exit; a perfect errand colt. The darkness clung to Sombra like a second skin, shrouding the sorcerer from sight as he gently set Scootaloo down on the other side of the hedge from the orderly and stepped back deeper into the shadows to watch. Sure enough Scootaloo eventually cried out again, drawing the orderly's attention. Alarmed, the scrub-wearing pony went poking around the foliage searching for the source of the noise. Inevitably he found Scootaloo, pale, shaking, and fevered.
"H-hey!" he shouted back towards the ER. "Hey we've got a sick filly out here!"
Acting quickly, the orderly tore off the upper part of his scrubs and wrapped Scootaloo in them in an effort to keep her warm before lifting her onto his back and galloping back to the ER, his cigarette forgotten near the hedge. Smirking, Sombra stepped out of the shadows and stomped out the lit end as he cloaked himself in the shape of Coal Axiom once more and turned away from Ponyville and began the return journey to Fluttershy's cottage. He would be seeing her soon again anyway assuming his plans panned out, which they usually did. ++
Fluttershy hummed quietly to herself as she finished fitting the master's new bed with its sheets and blankets. The Ponies who had delivered it had been very nice about making sure it was set up properly. Sombra had been gone for almost two hours ago and for the past hour Fluttershy had been going about the business of making the guest room more fit for a king. Ever since he had shared his story with her she had felt strangely about their roles. Sombra had neither commented nor, really, acknowledged how close he had allowed her to get to him; physically and emotionally. Their dynamic was blurring in her mind and, she suspected, in his. How long had it been since Sombra had a confidante that was not terrified of him or enslaved by him. The geas controlled her actions but her mind was still her own.
Is it? Her mind whispered back to her. You're still calling him 'master' when he's not around.
Pausing in her cleaning, Fluttershy's face scrunched up into an annoyed scowl. It was like a broken record. What if she just... liked calling him that? Was that wrong? Her parents and siblings had lived with a 'master' for their entire lives and had no complaints. They were proud of their roles, in fact.
Maybe Sombra was right after all, Fluttershy thought, a wan smile replacing the scowl. Maybe service is just in my nature. I... can't help but wonder if that's such a bad thing.
The dainty Pegasus was about to pick up her cleaning again when she heard the back door open and then shut. Quickly she finished tucking in the covers and sheets of the bed before turning about to leave the room. She halted, though, as she caught a glimpse of herself in the vanity that had been set up near the window. Blinking, Fluttershy stared at the Pegasus in the mirror. Her apron had a couple smears of dust on it from helping the delivery Ponies in shifting some of the furniture around the room, her long mane was clipped back to keep it in place as she cleaned. More importantly though... she was smiling. It wasn't the smile she was used to seeing on her own face, though; her new smile was easy, relaxed, yet excited.
"I wasn't aware that vanity was among your traits, mouse," Sombra's voice startled Fluttershy. She let out a small squeak as she whirled around to face the towering stallion.
Fluttershy made a deep curtsy and bow. "I'm sorry, your Majesty, I just... thought I saw something strange and ended up distracting myself."
Sombra chuckled as he walked past her into his newly appointed room. "You are permitted to acknowledge your own beauty, mouse. Tis hardly an offense to myself."
A flush slowly crawled up Fluttershy's cheeks at Sombra's words and suddenly her heart was pounding in her chest. He had complimented her voice and her capabilities before but always in regards to how they served him. Never her appearance. At least, not like this.
This is silly, Fluttershy thought silently you don't need to be so excited that he said you looked nice. But... but he didn't just say I looked nice. He called me beautiful. He thinks I'm beautiful.
"You... you really think I'm beautiful?" Fluttershy finally asked softly.
Sombra seemed surprised by Fluttershy's response but after a moment he gave a small nod. "You are," he answered in his pleasingly quiet rumble. "Beautiful, that is. Very much so, in fact."
Warmth seemed to fill up Fluttershy's chest and she could barely keep the smile off of her face. Sombra, on the other hoof, was carefully cleaning off his hooves before moving over to his new bed to examine it. Seemingly satisfied, he lifted himself onto the mattress and let out a groaning sigh of relief.
"Well done, mouse." Sombra rumbled from his new bed. "I had almost forgotten what a proper bed felt like. This is more than adequate, you have your King's gratitude."
Fluttershy bowed again before making to leave, intent on fixing something for dinner. Sombra's voice stopped her in the doorway though.
"Mouse, do you know a runty orange filly named Scootaloo?" Sombra asked. Fluttershy turned to face him, confused.
"I... I do, your Majesty," Fluttershy answered. She couldn't help but feel like an ice cube had been dropped directly into her stomach. "M-may I ask why you wish to know?" Sombra's next words pulled the proverbial rug from beneath her hooves, though, leaving her rump on the floor.
"How long ago was she orphaned?"
Fluttershy worked her jaw a few times before rediscovering her voice. "W-what?! She's not! Or... I don't think- Oh... oh my. Why would you ask something like that? Uhm... your Majesty."
Either choosing to ignore her little lapse or having not noticed it (Fluttershy suspected the former), Sombra shrugged his broad shoulders. "I came across her on my walk. She was hiding amidst some abandoned houses. Apparently, she had run away from an orphanage. I suppose I was simply surprised to see that, even with your vaunted Princesses, neglect and abuse still take their unpleasant toll."
Too shocked to mind propriety, Fluttershy trotted up to Sombra's bedside. "What do you mean? Was she alright? What happened... uhm, I mean if you don't mind, your Majesty."
Sombra gave her a grim smile. "The runt was clearly malnourished and had been for some time. Her wings are stunted along with, I suspect, most of her Pegasus magic. Before tonight she might have even fallen through a cloud."
"T-thats horrible!" Fluttershy cried out, "that's awful and terrible and... and... " Fluttershy's mind finally registered what Sombra had said. "And... your Majesty? What did you mean: 'before tonight'?"
"The filly is strong, she will be just fine, mouse."
Fluttershy's response was stolen by the sound of somepony pounding furiously on her door. For a moment the demure Pegasus was torn between ignoring whomever had come to call in favor of continuing the conversation but the frantic nature of the pounding decided it for her. Bowing herself out of Sombra's room, Fluttershy trotted to the door and opened it to reveal a terrified-looking Rainbow Dash.
'Fluttershy! You've gotta come with me!" Rainbow nearly shouted despite being inches away. "Scootaloo is in the hospital!"
The bottom felt like it dropped out of Fluttershy's stomach at Rainbow's words. No, Sombra, what have you done?
"O-oh no, what happened? Is she okay?" Fluttershy asked, stepping outside of her home and shut the door behind her.
"I dunno..." Rainbow said in a choked voice. Fluttershy had never seen her stalwart friend so close to tears. "I... I'm one of her emergency contacts. The hospital sent a courier up to my house, like, twenty minutes ago I think? I went down as fast as I could. All they said was that it was... it was something in her blood. They called in Twilight a few minutes ago because they're stumped. I... I just needed to come to you because I can't do anything there and... and..."
Finally, Rainbow broke down. The normally brave and belligerent mare buried her face in Fluttershy's chest and started sobbing. It was a hard, wracking noise; it sounded like nothing but pain. Fluttershy pulled Rainbow close, holding her tightly as Rainbow hugged her friend back.
Sombra said that Scootaloo would be fine and, as much as I hate to admit it, I still trust him... he's never broken his word before, after all. Fluttershy thought silently as she held her grief-stricken friend. This is going too far, though. I'm going to talk to him after everything is cleared up with Scootaloo, not matter what this stupid spell does to me. Poor Rainbow Dash... how could Sombra have done something so awful?
The answer, of course, was obvious. In the end he was still Sombra. Fluttershy had almost begun to fool herself into thinking she was making progress... and maybe she was. Only a little, though. He had only been with her for two days though it felt much longer. It felt like she was caught in turbulence when she was dealing with Sombra's seemingly random personality. In one moment he was genial, introspective, intelligent, and almost... kind. In the next moment he made it known in no uncertain terms why he was feared as the Crystal Tyrant and King of Shadows.
After a few minutes, Rainbow stepped away from Fluttershy, wiping her eyes. "S-sorry about that, Flutters. Can, uh, can you maybe not tell anypony about that, yeah?"
"Of course," Fluttershy answered, smiling beatifically. "We should go to the hospital. If you're Scootaloo's emergency contact you need to be there to sign off if they need to do something, okay?"
Rainbow sniffled a little but nodded. "Y-yeah, sorry. I just needed to talk to somepony and... and you were the only one I could think of so... Yeah, let's go. Thanks for coming with me." Fluttershy just nodded as they took flight and started heading back towards Ponyville proper. A few moments later Rainbow spoke up again. "Hey Flutters, I didn't think about it before but... why was I called? I mean, why weren't Scootaloo's parents there?"
Oh no... I guess I wasn't the only one who didn't know, Fluttershy grimaced. I can't keep this a secret though. Rainbow deserves to know at least as much as I do.
"W-well, I recently heard something about Scootaloo you see..." |
The King & Shy | Decisions | Chapter 10
Most newcomers to Ponyville are caught off guard by the Ponyville General Hospital. For such a small, relatively rural, village, Ponyville's medical facilities are surprisingly top notch. A great deal of the credit for that can be laid squarely at the hooves of the town's industrious Mayor; Marelyn Mare routinely put health care at the forefront of her platform and, unlike many politicians, she stuck firmly to her promises. In her own words; 'a healthy populace is both happy and productive, the business of running a town is no business at all if the townsponies are not taken care of'. Her consecutive mayoral terms resulted in one of the finest medical establishments outside of any major city, with a staff of doctors and nurses who possess a level of expertise comparable to Manehattan Medical Center or Canterlot General.
Fluttershy had known all of that on an intellectual level. The Mayor's health policies were among the big reasons Fluttershy had always been happy to vote for Marelyn on election day. Never before had she had a reason to be so grateful for their Mayor's foresight, though, except perhaps that time Rainbow crashed mid-stunt. Fluttershy had been waiting outside the ICU alongside Rainbow Dash for the past hour while Twilight had gone in to aid in the examination almost forty-five minutes ago. To no-one's surprise it turned out that their friend had, among her many earned and honorary degrees, a doctorate in Advanced Medical Arcana. Rainbow Dash had vacillated between being an emotional wreck and catatonic with worry and Fluttershy had been doing her best to comfort her friend. Scootaloo was like family to the cyan Pegasus, though, and the filly's current condition combined with finding out that she had been orphaned by neglectful parents had hit Rainbow particularly hard since she hadn't known anything about it. According to Dash, Scootaloo had never mentioned it and the fact that she had hid something so important from the mare who thought of Scootaloo like a little sister had hurt the loyal Pegasus deeply.
The door to the ICU opening cut off Fluttershy's thoughts as Twilight trotted out wearing a grim expression along with her pale blue scrubs. "Fluttershy, Rainbow, I finished the analysis and-"
"What is it!?" Rainbow shouted, zipping up to Twilight and stopping inches from her face. "Is Scoots gonna be okay? Please tell me she's gonna be okay!"
Twilight let out a sigh. "I don't know, Dash. That's what I was going to say. As far as I can tell whatever is afflicting her is definitely magical in nature but... it's also physical. The closest I've ever seen to this kind of magic is the Poison Joke from the Everfree. It's like a curse or a hex except it seems to reside in Scootaloo's bloodstream."
"So... So she needs blood then right?" Rainbow Dash answered with a desperate edge to her voice. "I can do that! However much you need, take it!"
Stepping back, Twilight put a hoof to Rainbow's chest and gave her a sorrowful look. "That's very generous of you, Rainbow, but we already tried that. Something in Scootaloo's blood is attacking the infused blood even though it shouldn't. It's like the magic is defending itself."
"Could she have wandered into the Everfree and contracted something?" Fluttershy asked softly. She hated the words even as they passed her lips. She knew exactly- well, not exactly but near enough -what had happened to Scootaloo. She felt her heart wrench a little as Twilight nodded.
"That's the working theory," Twilight answered, "since so much of the forest is uncharted and so little is known about the plant life. She may have eaten something toxic and only realised it later. Thank Celestia she had the good sense try to make it to the hospital... I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if she hadn't."
"How did she even get out there?" Rainbow asked dejectedly.
The purple alicorn shuffled through some papers that were floating nearby. "According to the Orphanage's head, Gentle Hearth, Scootaloo has a bad habit of running away from the grounds." Twilight answered sadly. "She has a lot of marks on her record; problems with authority, mostly. According to her caseworker Scootaloo's parents essentially ignored her. I suppose after so long of taking care of herself and her adult 'supervision' being mostly ineffectual that isn't so surprising."
"So... so what's gonna happen to her?" Rainbow asked, her voice cracking.
Twilight shook her head. "I don't know, Dash. She's stable right now, so that's good, but frankly without knowing the root cause of what's happening to her I can't say if that will last."
Fluttershy could feel the geas tying her tongue any time she thought about telling them the truth. Sombra had said that Scootaloo would be fine but what if he was wrong?
If my friends knew that the master did something to Scootaloo maybe they could help her! It was a moot point, though, Fluttershy knew. Stupid, stupid geas. If something happens to Scootaloo I'll never forgive him!
"H-hey," Rainbow said suddenly. She had a look in her eyes like a light had just come on. "What about that new guy? The one staying with you, Flutters?"
Fluttershy's ears pricked up in a surge of fear. "C-Coal? What about him?"
"Of course!" Twilight nearly shouted, her face lighting up. "Coal said he was here to study the flora and fauna of the Everfree! Maybe his research has something useful! Scootaloo got all the way to Ponyville General so she couldn't have made it far into the forest, that means she probably encountered whatever did this to here near the verge of the Everfree!"
This is it! This is my chance! "O-oh, well, I don't know about that." What am I saying?! I just need to say yes! If I say yes then... then... "He's only just started his research, after all. I think he's only been out a few times." Then they'll take him away. They'll imprison him in stone like Discord was, or worse. "I suppose I can ask him but... I think Zecora would probably be a better choice."
Twilight tapped her chin with her hoof before nodding, letting out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Yeah, you're probably right, I should have known better anyway. If anyone knows how long it takes to get actionable results from a long-term study you'd think it would be me. Still, can you ask him to keep an eye on Everfree verge flora and to let us know if he finds anything that might suggest a toxic nature?"
"Of course," Fluttershy answered with a lightness she far from felt. "I'm sure he'd be happy to help in any way."
"I'll go to Zecora's place!" Rainbow declared. "She's probably asleep but we're talking about serious stuff here, we should have thought of her first!"
Without another word Rainbow turned into a prismatic blur, making a beeline for the edge of the forest path leading to Zecora's hut. Fluttershy felt a weight settle into her gut as she watched Rainbow vanish into the forest.
I'm lying to my friends for him, she realised. I can't blame this on the geas, either. It was me, I decided to do this. Even though Scootaloo's life might be in danger I... I protected him. What have I done? ++
Sombra tossed and turned restlessly in his new bed. Although he was asleep the dark stallion did not find rest quite so easily. His mind felt fevered as shadows wrapped cloyingly around his mind. Whispers filled his thoughts with visions of black crystals, cyclopean monuments, and dark, cavernous vaults. He knew the shapes and places before him, even in his troubled sleep he knew the locations that his mind was being pulled toward. Why though?
Why am-
"-I here?" Sombra muttered as he looked down at the sunken temple that his dreams had brought him to. It was a monstrosity of twisting pillars and elegant, sweeping shapes that defied geometry. "This place must have been scoured from the face of Equestria a thousand years ago. The Sisters would not have left even one of these sites standing."
This was no memory, either. There were none of the dark templar who served as devoted guardians. No priests keeping the black flames endlessly lit. It was empty and yet... not. There was more than just the howling winds winding through the pillars. Scowling, Sombra drifted forward, his astral form moving the dream realm around him hazily. The Temple had been built to exist coterminously in the waking and the dream realms but its destruction should have been equally mirrored. If it was here then that meant...
"Impossible," Sombra growled, "if this temple had survived I would have been revived much sooner and with much greater strength. That I awoke so far from my Empire means it must have been destroyed."
That made sense. The logic was there and yet... so was the temple. All logic pointed to the temple being destroyed except for its existence in the dream realm. Sombra hated not knowing what was happening. He especially hated being left in confusion over matters of his own kingdom. Well, former kingdom. As he made his way amidst the pillars and cold firepits Sombra examined the temple grounds. They were just as he remembered them; carved from black crystal and basalt excavated from the mountains and nearby quarries and etched with spells almost as old as the Wendigo. They were almost as much a work of art as of industry. The temple had served as a focal point for Sombra's growing powers in the past and he had used the geomantic architecture to empower his spells, allowing him to craft impossible works of magic and artifice. It was in the depths of this very temple that the first Shadow Golem had been shaped.
A surge of shadow and wind tore suddenly from the far end of the temple grounds, where the soulforge would have lain, to slap violently into Sombra scattering his thoughts like snow. Amidst the howling gale Sombra could hear whispers of a voice both familiar and alien. His memory tried to dredge up the sound but it was so faint. Then it was gone and the tentative memory left with it. Frustrated, Sombra prowled onward. He was determined to divine the source of this impossible temple. He had crafted it for a purpose and, with his fall and the subsequent coup of the Empire, it no longer had one. If it was not destroyed during the purges that followed his defeat a millennium past then that meant the Sisters must have decided on a use for it. There were few things Sombra hated more than someone doing as they would with his own things. He would shake the temple down to its very foundation stones rather than permit it to be used by that pair of winged fancies that called themselves Princesses or, especially, the last scion of the Cadenza line.
The entrance to the temple was a wide, gaping archway that opened to a set of stairs sized perfectly for Sombra's immense frame. It gave other, more average-sized ponies, a sense of disproportion not unlike a young colt trying to wear his father's jacket.
Sombra could feel the presence of a mind deep beneath his hooves. It was old, powerful, and... hateful. It was filled with hatred. Jealousy, rage, and spite, coiled around a heart as black as night. More importantly, though, it was occupying his temple.. Whatever this creature was it-
A sound interrupted the former king's thoughts. It was coming from far away. Far beyond the walls of sleep and into the waking world. Sombra's ears flicked back reflexively trying to pinpoint the noise. Turning away from the temple's maw, Sombra scowled in annoyance. It shouldn't be possible for a sound from the waking realm to reach him here. In dreams, perhaps, but this was far beyond the simple place of dreams and deep within the winding unmatter of magic. That he accessed this realm via dreams should be of no consequence.
Curious, Sombra focused on the sound in an effort to bring it into clarity. After a moment of concentration he succeeded and the sound became clear as day. It was the sound of somepony crying.... No, not 'somepony', that was the mouse's voice. A surge of panic and anger cracked Sombra's icy demeanor, splitting his focus in two like a dropped porcelain plate. He cast a brief gaze back at the portal to the dark depths before shaking his head.
The temple and its invading occupant will be here tomorrow evening, Sombra thought as he began the enumerations of dawn, lifting his spirit from the deep places of sleep and back to his body. I will deal with them on the morrow. For now I clearly have more important matters to attend to. Namely whoever made my servant weep.
Sombra blinked sleep from his eyes as he lifted his head from the pillow a bit grudgingly. Glancing at the clock, Sombra scowled; it was just past two in the morning. Even farmers were not up so early without very good reason. Moments later the feather-soft sounds of crying reached Sombra's ears in the waking world.
"Ah, yes," Sombra grumbled, "my reason."
Lifting himself out of bed, Sombra made his way out of his room and down the hall to his servants bedchambers. He could hear her crying though it was muffled. She was likely trying to keep it to herself and, for some reason, that irked Sombra more than being woken by it had. Pushing her door open he saw Fluttershy curled up on top of her blankets and shaking while every so often another sob would escape, followed by a hiccup and more shaking.
A small sense of relief passed through Sombra's mind when he saw she was unhurt, physically at least. More anger followed quickly on its heels, however, as he wondered who had brought his servant to such a dismal state. Anger that quickly became a cold, dark fury.
"I would know why you shed so many tears, mouse," Sombra's voice was distant thunder caged in a shell of iron. Despite its low volume Fluttershy still started as if she had been shocked. Shadows flickered and writhed around Sombra as his eyes took on a fully green, lambent glow. Lavender flames licked off of the edges of his sclera as his face twisted into a furious mein. "If there is a culprit I would also have their name or names."
Fluttershy stared at Sombra in shock for a moment before quickly wiping the tears from her face. It did little but muss up her fur which was matted from tears and her eyes were unavoidably red from crying.
"I-I'm s-sorry, master," Fluttershy hiccuped. Sombra could still hear the tears straining at the edges of her voice. "I d-didn't mean to wake you. I-I'll try and be quieter."
"Did you not hear me, mouse?"
The buttercream mare blinked in surprise. "I-I... it wasn't a-anypony's fault, your Majesty. Nopony did this to me."
The flames and shadows calmed somewhat as Sombra tilted his head in confused irritation. "Then why do you weep as if you were wracked to your very soul?"
Fluttershy swallowed and sniffled a little before answering. "Because I did something terrible and I don't know what to do. I made a choice and... and now..."
A sigh stifled Fluttershy's self-recriminatory rant before it could gain steam. "I see," Sombra said softly. Gone was the looming specter of destruction, replaced with his normal, albeit exceptional, leonine features. "Tell me what it is you think you have done."
As he spoke, Sombra stepped closer to the bed and sat in front of her. Fluttershy looked pensive for several moments but Sombra knew there was no point in pressing the issue.
She will tell me her troubles, Sombra thought idly to himself. It is in her nature. It is pony nature to rely on others. No matter that I am hardly an ideal candidate.
"W-well..." Fluttershy began, sniffling. "I lied to my friends to... to protect you."
Sombra crooked an eyebrow in confusion. "That's all? The geas forces you to protect me, mouse. If you become distraught over every little lie you are forced to-"
"It wasn't your stupid magic!" Fluttershy yelled, startling Sombra. Fluttershy clapped her hooves to her mouth, horrified at what had just come out of it. "O-oh, I'm so sorry, your Majesty, I didn't mean to- I just got so... so angry and-"
Sombra silenced her with a raised hoof. "Clarify what you just said to me, mouse," he said, once she had quieted down. "What do you mean it wasn't my magic?"
Fluttershy blinked in surprise but nodded. "Twilight and Rainbow were trying to figure out what had happened to Scootaloo when Twilight said that the magic on her resembled something a plant in the Everfree could do. A 'physical curse' she called it. Rainbow suggested they talk to y- to Coal, since you're supposed to be studying Everfree plants. When they asked me if I thought it was a good idea I... I said no."
If he was being honest, Sombra felt rocked back on his hooves. By pure chance the mouse's friends had given her an opportunity to betray him fully into the grasp of his enemies without triggering the conditions of the geas. He had been sleeping and his walk had left him weary, and he had only himself to blame for his short-sighted ensorcellment of the young Pegasus. Fate and his own judgment had left him solely in the hooves of the shy mare in front of him and yet... she had protected him.
"I-I told them that your research had barely started and that you wouldn't have anything useful," Fluttershy continued. "I promised them I would ask if 'Coal' would keep an eye out for any plants that matched the description and... and... and they believed me!"
At this point Fluttershy had broken back down into quiet sobs. Sombra could feel himself becoming more and more frustrated, not with the mouse, not even with her friends. He was getting frustrated with himself. She had protected him for reasons he couldn't begin to fathom. She had only served him for mere days and she had been given a seemingly golden opportunity to remove herself from under his hoof. She didn't and now she was berating herself for the actions she had taking instead. This... bothered Sombra. The fact that it bothered him, in turn, frustrated him.
"I took advantage of my f-friends," Fluttershy croaked out. "I k-know you said that Scootaloo will be alright but I can't be sure and... and if she isn't then it will be my fault! I'm a horrible pony!"
"You will forgive me if that complaint rings a bit hollow in present company," Sombra stated dryly. His borderline-sarcastic tone served to snap Fluttershy out of her wallowing, however, and she looked at him in shock.
Sombra wrinkled his muzzle in annoyance. "You are bound in service to a tyrant, mouse, you are practically sainted in comparison. Besides, you cannot know what would have happened had you agreed to your friend's request. I may be weak but do not underestimate the damage I am capable of inflicting if threatened. You very likely preserved at least one of your friends' lives by deterring them from their ill-advised course of action."
That may have been laying it on a bit thick, Sombra mused as he watched the gears turn in the mouse's brain. True, I am not precisely defenseless but in my current state I suspect a good maiming is a generous estimate of the damage I could inflict before I would be overpowered.
Regardless of the veracity of his statements, Sombra felt a small sense of relief when some of the grief left the mouse's features. She was still horrified by her choices, unsurprisingly, but she was no longer inconsolable. Why that mattered to him at all he wasn't certain. Sombra did know that her crying had an unparalleled quality to it that served to disturb his rest but that was far from the only reason.
Have I truly come to care for this mare? Sombra felt a weariness in him as he asked himself the question. Indulging that impulse is, with utmost certainty, a bad idea of the highest order. Given her status as a Bearer my happening to sneeze within a league of her would be enough to bring down the wrath of the Sisters on my head.
"Your Majesty?" Fluttershy's voice snapped Sombra out of his thoughts and he felt his heart make a sudden leap for his throat when he realised she had gotten almost uncomfortably close to him, with her muzzle only a foot away at most. "A-are you alright?"
"Yes," Sombra rumbled as he stood up from where he had come to rest at her bedside and turned his back on her. "I am quite alright. Now, I expect you to sleep now. My geas will keep you dreamless and ensure your rest is undisturbed as I hope mine shall be."
"O-oh..." Fluttershy answered meekly. "I'm... I'm sorry for waking you."
Sombra shot a glance over his massive shoulder. "Rest, mouse."
Surprisingly, Fluttershy didn't flinch at his tone or his gaze. She just smiled that same radiant smile she always did. It... comforted him to see it.
"As you say, your Majesty," Fluttershy replied, bowing her head slightly. "And... thank you for trying to cheer me up."
Sombra refused to dignify those last words with an answer and shut the bedroom door behind him. His mind was clouded and troubled. Moreover he was almost infuriatingly awake. Despite the early hour he felt a certainty bordering on the prophetic that sleep would elude him as he made his way back to his own room. Pushing the door to it open, Sombra glanced down the hall towards the living room and the front door. From somewhere deep in his sorcery-blackened heart he felt something stirring. Something utterly and irrefutably annoying.
I cannot help but wonder if my revival was somehow botched and left me insipid, Sombra thought dryly as he, instead of entering his room, telekinetically pulled out one of the books from his shelf then trotted out to the living room and through the front door as quietly as possible. ++
Fluttershy woke an hour or two later than she normally would have on a usual morning. Celestia's sun was high enough in the sky to suggest mid-morning and for the second time in a row Fluttershy felt less than motivated to get out of bed. It wasn't as bad as the day before but she knew that every day would bring with it fresh challenges for her to, apparently, fail at. Assuming she survived Sombra's geas she had no idea how she would confess to her friends what she had done. Rainbow Dash would almost certainly never forgive her given how much the little filly meant to the cyan weathermare and Fluttershy wouldn't blame her at all.
Hopefully the Master is still asleep, Fluttershy thought sullenly as she tipped herself out of bed and onto the cold floor. Shivering, she trotted out into the hallway. He'll be upset if I made him wait for breakfast.
She felt a measure of hope as she walked past his closed door and into the empty living room. The kitchen likewise showed no signs of the massive, ash-colored stallion. Smiling, Fluttershy began the process of making breakfast. She chose something quick and simple- honeyed oatmeal with fruit -so she could get to her chores faster and make up for lost time. Especially since she wanted to visit the hospital quickly to see if there had been any updates of Scootaloo's condition. Leaving out a large portion for Sombra sitting covered on the table alongside the condiments in case he woke up before she returned, Fluttershy quickly and gracelessly scarfed down her bowl before leaving to finish her morning duties.
When she returned an hour later to find the bowl untouched and Sombra still nowhere to be seen, Fluttershy felt a small twinge of regret. She had woken him up in the middle of the night. He was probably catching up on sleep. He seemed more energetic at night anyways. Setting up a small warming pad to place under the bowl to keep it at a palatable temperature, Fluttershy penned a short note explaining her absence and left it by the bowl. She only stopped to grab the red scarf hanging on a rack by the door before leaving to make her way to the hospital. She could only hope her decisions hadn't been paid for by little Scootaloo.
The walk was uneventful and quiet, much as it always was, but this time Fluttershy couldn't find any peace in the quiet. For the first time she found herself getting frustrated by how far away she was from town. Abandoning her usual order of business Fluttershy spread her wings and kicked off from the well-trodden path and caught a low thermal. She rarely flew but that was more out of preference than lack of skill. She was a competent enough flier and her lithe frame made her especially maneuverable; Fluttershy simply had an Earth Pony's preference towards keeping her hooves on terra firma. Her speed was far better in the air though, like any pegasus, and within a few minutes Fluttershy made a graceful landing in front of the Ponyville General front entrance. Quickly, she trotted through the doors and up to the front desk.
"Excuse me," Fluttershy spoke up with unusual strength (for her) to the receptionist. A kind unicorn mare named Verity. "A pegasus filly named Scootaloo was brought into emergency care last night and I was wondering what room she was put in?"
Verity smiled. "Oh yes, I was told we had a sudden arrival. Let me check." Her voice was pleasantly musical and she lit her horn to bring up a large ledger to consult. After a worrying minute Verity smiled. "There we are, room one-oh-nine. It looks like an outside consultant is currently attending to her and has been for some time, however, so if he asks you to wait outside the room I must ask that you obey him without question, alright Miss Fluttershy?"
"Oh, yes," Fluttershy agreed readily, mostly relieved to hear that Scootaloo was out of intensive care. "Of course, thank you so much Verity."
"No problem, I think Rainbow is down there too," Verity pointed Fluttershy towards a hallway. "First hall on the right."
Fluttershy nodded and trotted down, following Verity's directions. Taking the first right she saw Rainbow snoozing on a bench outside of the room where Scootaloo was supposed to be. She tried not to disturb her fellow Pegasus who had probably been there all night but she barely made it up to the bench Rainbow was sleeping on before the athletic, nap-loving mare snapped awake.
"Huhzawah?!" Rainbow Dash looked around for a moment before her brain caught up with her body. "Oh, hey Fluttershy, is it morning?"
Fluttershy nodded, feeling a pang of regret for her friend's state. "Yes, I was just coming back to check on Scootaloo. How is she doing?"
Thankfully, Rainbow gave her a smile that shone with relief. "She's gonna be fine. It was touch and go there for a while, but once Coal showed up he was able to give the doctors some pointers on how to deal with it."
I can't have heard that right. Fluttershy stood stock still at what Rainbow had just said. "C-Coal is here?"
Rainbow Dash crooked an eyebrow. "Uh, yeah. Didn't you send him over? He said he woke up after you got home and that you had told him what happened to Scoots. He must have headed over here right afterwards."
"I... suppose so," Fluttershy agreed, trying to cover her disbelief. "I didn't realise he had left right away though. I was so exhausted that I must have fallen asleep right after I told him."
"Well, I'm glad you told him Flutters. The guy turned out to be as reliable as me! I don't think he's left her side this whole time. Heck, that's the only reason I got any shut-eye at all." Rainbow stretched, her spine making loud popping noises.
"Well... that's good..." Fluttershy felt a little light-headed and couldn't keep herself from repeatedly glancing at the closed door to Scootaloo's room.
"I'm gonna go grab some coffee," Rainbow continued unimpeded. "I'll bring some for Coal too. The dude is probably falling asleep on his hooves by now. You want anything?"
"Uhm, no, I'm fine, I'm just going to go check on Coal," Fluttershy answered, snapping out of her daze.
Rainbow nodded at that. "Yeah, probably a good idea. He'll probably need some serious R&R after this."
The words fell on mostly deaf ears as Fluttershy trotted dazedly up to the door and pushed it open. She was half expecting to find him conducting some strange, dark experiment or be surrounded by shadowy coils. She was certainly not expecting to find him wearing a white coat that had been spattered by recent stains, a quill hanging idly out of his mouth that he seemed to be chewing on, and numerous clipboards floating alongside one his grimoires which he seemed to be reading simultaneously.
Glancing back, Fluttershy kicked out with her back hoof to shut the door, making sure she heard it click. Sombra seemed entirely unaware of the noise or her presence as he muttered to himself, absentmindedly chewing on the quill.
"Your Majesty?" Fluttershy said quietly as she approached. He didn't react, so she tried something a little more... risky. "S-Sombra?"
"Not now, Misty," Sombra replied distractedly. "This last sequence is giving me the run around. I'll have it isolated in a moment, though."
Misty? Oh, that was his... his friend from before, Fluttershy's heart hurt just a little at Sombra's reflexive answer. She could tell that, for the moment, he wasn't in Ponyville General. He was back in the Crystal Empire. It's strange but he looks so... comfortable like this. He actually reminds me a little of Twilight.
Sombra still hadn't noticed Fluttershy's existence. Instead, he floated out the partially chewed quill and noted down a few sweeping lines and equations before smirking. "That's done it! Got the little bastard."
The soft squeak that escaped from Fluttershy's mouth at Sombra's words drew the disguised king's attention back to the present and Fluttershy gave a small laugh at his momentarily confused expression before clapping her hooves to her mouth before anything else fell out of it.
"Oh, oh I'm so sorry, your Majesty," Fluttershy couldn't keep the slight smile off of her face. "It's just that you looked really... good. You looked happy."
Sombra snorted at that before turning back to his notes. "The filly will live, as I said. Her life was never in any danger although I did end up catching a few problematic side effects that may have presented themselves before they took root. I suspect they were related to her malnourishment. It is frustrating since I should have foreseen that and I blame my tired mind. I am glad I came out here and oversaw her recovery."
His speech patterns had changed back to his 'kingly' style and Sombra didn't turn to regard Fluttershy at any point, instead choosing to walk over to Scootaloo silently sleeping form. A small spark of magic lept from Sombra's horn to Scootaloo's forehead and settled in.
"There, that should ensure that she awakens in more-or-less the same state as when she fell into her slumber." Stepping back, Sombra peeled back some of the covers. "The changes are settling in nicely, too, see?"
Fluttershy didn't bother holding back a gasp. Scootaloo's wings were the most noticeable change; before they had been small and stunted with little sign of growth in spite of her age, now they were nearly half as big as she was and the feathers growing from them ranged from black to deep indigo before fading back into orange as they moved towards main bones of the wing. There were other, subtler, changes as well, though. Scootaloo had always looked a bit scrawny and lean, but now she looked as though she had been eating three good meals a day for the past year and athletic muscle could be seen along her legs and back.
"What did you do?" Fluttershy murmured, in awe at the transformation that had taken place. "She looks so much healthier now."
Sombra chuckled. "Of course she does, but I don't have time for a lengthy explanation. Simply know that I ensured her health, safety, and soundness of body. Before this she would have been a stunted runt for life. Now she can be whatever she wants. That she will feel beholden to me is, of course, a given."
Fluttershy could hardly hold back the tears that were threatening to fall as she looked over Scootaloo. She had always worried about the little filly, being so scrawny and small. Fluttershy wished she had known about the troubles that Scootaloo had faced at home but now, thanks to Sombra, she had a chance at a normal life. It didn't matter if that had been his first intention, in fact it probably hadn't been, but the fact remained that he had given Scootaloo her quality of life back after it had been unfairly taken away from her by neglect and apathy.
"So you see, mouse," Sombra continued, "you never had anything to worry about."
His words sent a jolt into Fluttershy's heart that sent it hammering away. 'Never had...' is that why he came out here? Did he- No, that's... that's not... Slowly, she turned to face him but his gaze had settled on the sleeping filly in front of the two of them. In that brief moment Fluttershy saw something she had never thought she would ever see on Sombra's face. Something that, even in her wildest fantasies of redemption, she hadn't dared to hope for. His features were softened, completely lacking their usual cruel lines but, unlike before when he had been talking to her friends, he wasn't wearing a mask. No, he looked almost relaxed. The ghost of a smile tugged at the edges of his lips while a warm light had settled in his eyes. There was no other word for it; the way he was looking at Scootaloo was almost... paternal.
Fluttershy opened her mouth but she found a complete lack of words. What she did find was an urge to do something that was some combination of incredibly stupid, brave, and impulsive.
The only words her brain could give her were: Buck it.
"Mouse, are yo-"
Sombra began to turn but didn't get to finish his sentence before Fluttershy leaned upwards, almost having to lift herself off of the ground to reach him, and pressed her lips against his in a warm, insistent kiss. She felt shock roll through him. His surprise only lasted for a moment though before, to her pleasant surprise, he leaned in and kissed her back, wrapping her lithe form in his forelegs and pulling closer.
She didn't even try to resist. She didn't want to. There was so much strength in Sombra and yet, for some reason, Fluttershy didn't feel even the slightest bit afraid. In fact, for the first time she could remember that wasn't in the middle of big fight or huge trouble, Fluttershy dared to say that she felt fearless. |
The King & Shy | Oh My | Chapter 11
Soft.
That was the overwhelming sense that Sombra could feel in that moment. Everything about Fluttershy was soft. He let his hooves trail down her sides and she shivered delightfully under his touch and her wings spread out only to wrap around the two of them, her primaries tracing down Sombra's back in turn. Her lips were like the softest velvet and her whole body seemed to mold against his in an intoxicating manner. Then there was the kiss itself; there was passion, yes, but not a fiery, scorching passion, rather it was more steady and unyielding. Constant, sweet, and deliciously addictive.
When the kiss finally ended and the two parted, Sombra was pleased to see a faintly dazed look on Fluttershy's face. Her mouth was still just slightly open, lips parted and enticingly attractive.
"U-uh, uhm," Fluttershy blinked a few times as she seemed to come to her senses. Sombra could feel the incoming storm as the butter-cream mare's muscles tensed up in preparation for a panic attack. Sombra chose to forestall it by lifting a hoof and placing it over her muzzle.
"Mouse, if you apologise for that I will be sincerely displeased," Sombra remarked dryly.
Whatever it was Fluttershy was about to respond with was entirely lost, however, in the next moment. "Awwww, yeeeeeaaaaaah, I knew it!" Both Sombra and Fluttershy turned to see Rainbow Dash standing in the doorway with two mugs of coffee in a holder on her back and a smug grin on her face. "You go girl! Get some'a that!"
Fluttershy, for her part, suddenly began doing her absolute best impression of a red delicious apple. She was blushing furiously, her ears pointed up and twitching distressedly although her wings, Sombra noted with amusement, had only tightened their grip on him.
After Rainbow had stopped laughing and set the coffee down she turned to the mortified Fluttershy and gave her a more genuine, sincere smile. "Seriously, Flutters, good for you, you deserve a good guy" she said in a much softer voice, poking Fluttershy in the back with a hoof. "And, since Coal came down here in the middle of the night- morning -whatever, and spent the last eight hours making sure Scoots came through this crazy thing okay, I don't think I even have to ask if he'll treat you right." Then she rounded on Sombra and pointed a hoof squarely at his muzzle. "I do have'ta say that if you ever hurt Fluttershy I will definitely lodge my back hoof so far up your flankhole you'll be tasting the last three asses I kicked for the rest of your life, capisce?"
"Duly noted," Sombra answered with a wry grin before turning to Fluttershy who was still clinging to him like an adorable lamprey. "Fluttershy, as much as I enjoy your proximity I will at some point need my personal space back to check up on Scootaloo's vitals."
Fluttershy squeaked something in the vague affirmative before detaching herself, albeit a bit grudgingly. She still remained within a hoof-length of him, though, which Sombra had absolutely no issue with. "S-sorry, Coal, I was... uhm... wasn't thinking."
Rainbow snorted a laugh. "Wow, if that's what you do when you stop thinking we should get you to stop thinking more often. I only caught the tail end of your smooch-a-thon but I could definitely tell Flutters started it. Never thought I'd say that."
A small cough came from the bed, distracting all three of them. Sombra was next to Scootaloo more quickly than even Rainbow Dash. A few sparks of magic lept from his horn and began orbiting around Scootaloo's body. Rainbow glanced worriedly at the dark stallion, then down to the orange filly, then back to Coal. Fluttershy simply stood stoically by Sombra's side as he did a few mental calculations.
Letting out a relieved sigh, Sombra turned to Rainbow. "She's fine. Just getting used to the increased airflow and improved cardio-pulmonary system. For all the danger she was in, her body has adapted to the magical influence of the infection quite majestically, see?"
For the first time, Rainbow Dash took in Scootaloo's physical state; the wider wings, the black feathers, the healthier shape of her body. For a moment Rainbow Dash looked like she was going to cry as she turned to Coal. "D-did you do this?"
Sombra was taken aback by the emotion in her voice, so much so that for a moment he was at a loss for words. When he found he simply shrugged. "In part, I suppose I-"
His explanation was forestalled by Twilight Sparkle entering the room followed quickly by Rarity, Applejack, and lastly Pinkie Pie.
"Coal? I didn't realise you were going to be here," Twilight said with smile as the other three Elements filed in behind her and Sombra sketched a quick bow. "Did you come in with Fluttersh- Why are you wearing a doctor's coat?"
Before either Sombra or Fluttershy could respond Rainbow piped up. "Because Coal's been here since like, three in the morning, using his awesomely weird crystal magic to help the squirt through whatever made her sick!" The four new arrivals reacted with stunned silence, and Rarity was the first to recover.
"That's so wonderful, darling," the alabaster Unicorn stepped gracefully forward, resting her hoof on Sombra's withers. "You really are a good stallion, you know that?"
Sombra was about to respond when he felt Fluttershy tense against his side. He glanced down and saw her muzzle was scrunched up just slightly and she was eyeing Rarity's hoof, which hadn't moved from where she'd laid it.
The mouse is the jealous type, who knew? Sombra noted with amusement.
Shrugging, which had the additional effect of dislodging Rarity's hoof, Sombra just shook his head. "When Fluttershy told me what happened I knew she wouldn't be able to rest peacefully until the filly was back in good health and I do know some ancient techniques that most doctors here in Equestria would have no reason to know."
"So, uh, don't take this the wrong way Mister Axiom," Applejack joined into the conversation finally, "ah'm mighty glad to hear that little Scootaloo is gonna be okay, she's one'a my little sister's best friends, but ah can't deny bein' a mite curious as to how you managed to cure her when all the doctors in Ponyville along with our resident Alicorn Princess were plum flummoxed."
"AJ! What the hay!?" Rainbow practically launched herself forward the few feet that had existed between the two mares. "You make it sound like he planned this or something! He saved Scoot's life!"
"Ah didn't mean it like that," Applejack backtracked quickly, holding up her hooves placatingly. "Ah just said ah was curious. Ya'll don't think it's a little odd?"
"That's perfectly fair, Miss Apple," Coal responded before Rainbow could say something more troublesome. As easy as it was to get on her good side, she made something of an overzealous defender. "I'm sure the thought was on more than just your mind, am I right your Grace?"
"Well, I wouldn't be much of a scientist if it wasn't," Twilight answered with a small laugh before turning to Applejack. "You could have asked your question a little more tactfully, AJ. He's been up for Celestia-knows how long trying to help."
Applejack looked down at the floor, scuffing her hoof on the tiles. "Aw shucks, ah reckon yer right, Twi." Turning Sombra, Applejack held out a hoof. "Sorry about that, pardner.... again. Ah've always been a little mistrustful of outsiders but you ain't been nothin' but civil."
Giving the farm-mare a tired smile that, for once, he didn't have to bother faking, Sombra took her hoof and gave it a firm grip and shake. "I understand completely."
"So... you were going to explain?" Twilight asked a little too eagerly. She had several notepads hovering near her and as many quills too. Sombra couldn't help but laugh a little at the sight. It was certainly endearing if nothing else. "I was under the impression you hadn't managed to start your research project beyond the preliminary stages."
"Yes, that's correct," Sombra remarked earning a few quizzical looks. "That is, I haven't the slightest clue what kind of Everfree plant could have affected this little one so badly. However, I do know of a plant in the Crystal Empire that has similar symptoms. It's called 'Tyrant's Root', three guesses how it earned that name."
"Ooh ooh! Pick me!" Pinkie, mostly content with listening until now, was suddenly leaping up and down in the air waving her hooves. "Is it because of the evil nasty wicked King Sombra?!"
Sombra saw Fluttershy flinch slightly but, fortunately, everypony else was understandably distracted by Pinkie. "Yes, it is in fact. You see the root has a unique effect that causes a pony's meridians to become overactive-"
"Uhm, ya'll are gonna have to explain mer-whatsits to the dumb farmpony over here," Applejack remarked, raising a hoof like she was in a classroom. Before Sombra, or even Twilight, could answer her though, a bright voice piped up.
"Meridians are the magical equivalent of arteries and veins in the pony body," Pinkie answered quickly, drawing several looks of undisguised shock. The pink confectioner continued on unperturbed. "They pull in magic from outside and from food and stuff that you eat then ponies use the magic for lotsa stuff. Earth Ponies use it to farm, Pegasi use it to make weather, and Unicorns use it to cast spells and stuff!"
"Uh... that's exactly right," Twilight said, flabbergasted. "Where did you learn that?"
Pinkie just grinned. "From my Granny Pie. She taught all of us Pie fillies. Earth Pony magic is how rock farms can create crystals inside of rocks. We focus our magic into our hooves and then push it into the rock! Then the inside of the rock absorbs it and gets all crystally! That's why we have to make sure we rotate all the rocks regularly though so the crystals on the insides grow evenly. I was never very good at it, though, but Maud is super-duper good at it! Better than even my Pops!"
"Well," Rarity said, blinking in surprise. "I suppose that's a bit of friendship lesson there, isn't it darling?" She said, turning to Twilight. "Sometimes even your closest friends can still surprise you."
"Yeah, I guess so," Twilight answered with a smile before looking over at Sombra. "Sorry about the interruption. You were explaining about the Tyrant's Root?"
Coughing to clear his throat, Sombra nodded. "Yes, the root was used by Lord Sombra to infuse his most loyal and zealous warriors and servants with greater power. You see, the root caused Ponies meridians to draw in so much magic that it became toxic to their bodies, overwhelming them completely. It's part of the root's life cycle you see. Beasts or ponies who consume the root die of either magical overload or massive organ failure, then the remains of the root grows within the body and becomes a new plant. Sombra used small amounts to make unstoppable warriors and unparalleled sorcerers out of his followers, those few who survived, that is. The mortality rate, I understand, was horrifically high."
"Holy crap," Rainbow muttered, "Scoots ate that?"
Sombra shook his head. "No, not at all. I suspect it was some distant relative of the Tyrant's Root, though. Everfree, being a wildly magical place, probably has a plant that thrives off of magical influx in a similar manner to the root. Most likely she was hungry and attempted to eat something that looked palatable. That is how parasitic plants evolve after all, they draw in victims with a sweet scent or taste."
Twilight was nodding along with everything her expression became grim at the end. "You're not wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if a plant like that existed in the Everfree Forest. It's a really dangerous place after all. So how did you heal her without knowing what she ate?"
"Quite simple," Sombra remarked, "since the Tyrant Root functions by overloading the Pony's body with magic I simply used my magic to create crystalline constructs like so..." A spark of red magic drifted up from his horn and coalesced into a perfectly hexagonal crystal matrix, "and then used them to siphon out the excess magic that was poisoning her system before allowing it to disperse harmlessly. Since the buildup stopped a few hours ago I've been spending the rest of the time ensuring there was no damage to her organs or muscles."
"That's brilliant!" Twilight smiled brightly as she noted down his Sombra's words. "How did you get the magic to safely unbind from her blood, though? That's what stopped me from trying the same thing."
"I didn't," Sombra responded, drawing a look of surprise from the lavender Alicorn. " I just waited for the magic to unbind itself from her blood when it was preparing to transfer to her organ and muscle tissue. Once it was freed from the blood I intercepted the particles with my crystals. After all, why try and force something that would occur naturally?"
Sombra suppressed a smug grin at the look of disbelief on the Princess's face as it slowly turned into one of self-recrimination. "Of course, that... that's so simple! How could I have not thought of that?!" Twilight's notepads and quills floated down to the floor as she scowled, her face down as she stared at the space between her hooves.
You're centuries too early to try and best my sorcery, Miss Sparkle, Sombra thought to himself. A small nudge from Fluttershy drew his attention away from his own thoughts and back to the butter-yellow mare beside him. She was looking at him with a pleading gaze then nodded her head towards Twilight, who was still looking despondent. Sombra flicked his ears in irritation. Oh very well, if I must.
"Your Grace," Sombra said softly, drawing the attention of the five other mares who were consoling Twilight with little success. "In all fairness it was hardly an obvious solution. Nor was it one I could expect an Equestrian-trained mage to even think of, let alone execute. Crystal magic specializes in the transference of energy between points of access, from pony to crystal and back again for instance. Even had you identified the weakness of the affliction there's no guarantee you could have safely siphoned off the arcane particles. I have had decades of training in this school of magic, that is the simple truth."
Centuries, more like, but I can hardly say that now can I? Sombra chuckled inwardly. Turning his head to regard Fluttershy, he felt a warmth grow in his chest at the radiant smile she was wearing. A smile that was directed entirely at him.
"Coal's right, sugarcube," Applejack said sternly. "Ya'll can't be expected to be able to cast magic ya'll ain't even heard of."
Sombra gave a supporting nod. "If it helps, too, my diagnosis suggests that her life was never in mortal danger. I can't say what would have happened but I can say with some certainty that she would have survived the ordeal. Whatever she consumed must have been in a small enough quantity to avoid any dire side effects. That or the Everfree strain is simply less potent than the Tyrant's Root. It may have evolved to affect wildlife rather than the more complex system of a Pony."
"It did way more than affect her!" Rainbow said, interrupting. "Seriously, check it out!"
Carefully, Rainbow pulled the covers away from Scootaloo to reveal the wide, dark-feathered wings and lan, athletic form. If anything, Scootaloo was starting to look like Rainbow Dash in fact so long as whoever was making the comparison ignored the colors of the two mares. Twilight stared in wonder and Rarity nudged herself closer.
"Oh my stars, her coloration is beautiful," Rarity whispered.
Sombra hadn't really given the filly's appearance much thought but, since Rarity brought it up, he had to admit the combination of black and orange created a striking combination of color that evoked the image of the very last moments of sunset; the final whispers of the orange sun before the day is swallowed by the shadow of night. Sombra opened his mouth to say something but his voice was lost as he staggered in place.
Damnation, I've persisted too long, Sombra inwardly cursed himself for his folly. He had exhausted himself when he knew full well that he could ill afford it. I need rest and food.
In the dimness of his consciousness, Sombra heard Fluttershy speak up. "Oh dear, I should help get Coal home. He's pushed himself to exhaustion. Can someone stay with Scootaloo in case she wakes up?" The world was fading in and out, and he felt an unpleasant numbness at his extremities. "Lean against me Coal, we're going home."
Home... yes, Sombra's thoughts moved like they were submerged in syrup. Going... home. ++
It had been a struggle getting Sombra back to the cottage. It took almost an hour but Fluttershy knew it would have been significantly harder had he been in his true form. It had been a little difficult excusing herself from her friends, especially with Twilight offering her castle or Rainbow trying to help Fluttershy with the trip. She didn't want to risk his spell failing where anyone could see him. Fortunately Fluttershy had been able to explain away her reluctance, though she felt another small pang of guilt that she was take advantage of her friends' trust in her. This, however, she knew would have been impelled by the geas whether she would have wanted to protect him or not. Throughout it all she had felt the telltale pressure in her mind driving her to get her king to safety. Not that she needed it anymore. The thought passed through her head without the usual vitriol, surprisingly.
Well, a few things have changed recently... she thought, remembering the passionate kiss they'd shared before Dash had interrupted them. A blush turned her face scarlet, her fur only highlighting the shade.
Carefully, Fluttershy moved Sombra, who was in a kind of sleepwalking fugue state, into the living room and maneuvered him around the dining table and towards the hallway. It was around that point that she felt him getting heavier. For a moment she thought she was imagining it, but a quick glance told her that it was no illusion. Or rather, it was. Coal Axiom was fading away, leaving behind the towering frame of King Erebos Sombra.
Oh shoot, there he goes, Fluttershy thought quickly as she began moving with a little more speed towards his room.
Every step was more laborious than the last, though, as Sombra's frame took on its usual weight and immensity. She barely got him through the door to his room before the transformation completed. The sudden and jarring end to the change caused Fluttershy to catch her hoof on Sombra's tail which had gotten caught beneath them when she turned him to enter the room and, with a small eep, Fluttershy collapsed as the unconscious weight of the king bore her to the floor.
Even when she had moved him before she had never really appreciated how heavy King Sombra really was. Not that he was overweight or anything, she quickly reminded herself, but that the sheer volume of muscle he possessed dwarfed estimation. Now, however, she was painfully aware of his full weight as it pressed down on her.
Oh dear... this is not good, Fluttershy thought privately.
Her wings had, fortunately, been pinned to her sides when she fell. She didn't want to think what Sombra's full weight against her outstretched wing would have felt like. As it was she was pinned beneath him, laying on her right side with Sombra's frame draped over her. Maybe if I lift up I can get... nope. Well, if I just... squirm forward I might be able to... oh fudge. She had managed to get her top half mostly out from under his barrel but now her legs were pinned and she couldn't get them free. She was positioned directly between his forelegs, which were curled in enough to catch her shoulders and no amount of wiggling was letting her get free, not unless she wanted to risk damaging her legs. Fluttershy carefully moved her legs around, ensuring they had some movement so the circulation wouldn't cut off.
"Well, here I am," Fluttershy said softly to nopony in particular. "I suppose this is where I'm staying for the time being. I guess it could be worse. Hm, I wonder..."
Cautiously, Fluttershy unfolded her wings just enough get her primaries loose. It took a few minutes but eventually she was able to maneuver one of them to the crook of Sombra's foreleg. Bracing herself for Sombra moving, Fluttershy could only hope that he didn't damage her wing, albeit unintentionally. Sucking in a breath and then slowly letting it out, Fluttershy gently slid her feather against the sensitive skin.
Sombra twitched and Fluttershy tensed for a moment, hoping she hadn't just made an awful decision. Fortunately, Sombra's movement caused him to shift just slightly to the right, enough that Fluttershy was able to free her legs. Before she could fully escape, however, Sombra's forelegs tucked in, catching the smaller mare and pulling her to his chest. The grip wasn't ironclad, or even particularly strong if Fluttershy were being honest. Now Sombra was on his side and cradling Fluttershy against him and, with a rush of embarrassment, she realised that she had managed to accidentally make herself the 'little spoon' to Sombra's very, very big spoon.
I can get out easily I think, Fluttershy mused as she tested her hypothesis by pushing against one of his forelegs which were enclosing her. Sure enough they had about as much give as the turnstiles at the Ponyville train station. But... I don't really want to. This is comfortable. The thought brought a fresh blush to her face followed by a resigned sigh. I can't just leave him on the floor, though. That's not right even if he wasn't a king. I'm comfy but I'm sure he'll be stiff and sore when he wakes up if I leave him this way.
Grudgingly, she pried herself free of Sombra's grip and maneuvered herself back into position on his right side. Lifting him up, she pushed forward the last couple of meters to his bed and gently moved him onto it. Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the success as she trotted back to the kitchen and fixed herself some lunch. It had been a trying journey and she felt exhausted. After a quick meal of apples and cheese, Fluttershy sat at the table considering what had happened that morning.
When I thought about reforming him this wasn't exactly what I had in mind, she mused as a wry grin turned his lips up. I guess I can't really complain. He may have made me help him but this... this was my choice. Even if it wasn't a good choice.
There was that. No matter which way she cut it Fluttershy had to face the fact that she had some kind of feelings for Sombra. King Sombra. The Crystal Tyrant and Lord of Shadows. Of all ponies she could have fallen for she knew that he was probably at the bottom of the list in terms of good choices. There were plenty of other stallions in Ponyville alone; Blue Note, Time Turner, Caramel. They were all good ponies. She was supposed to fall for a pony with a good heart or... or anypony but Sombra! So why was it that everytime she thought about his eyes, burning with emerald fire and crimson light, her heart started doing flips? Why did his deep, threatening baritone excite her instead of frightening her away? Every part of her mind was telling her this was a bad idea.
Fluttershy let out another sigh. She was doing that a lot lately since the master had come into her life. I suppose I may as well get my evening chores out of the way. Even though it's early I don't have much else to do.
The day was sunny and pleasant, much more so now that Fluttershy didn't have the weight of Scootaloo's fate hanging over her like the Sword of Damareocles. Her animal friends seemed to have gotten used to Sombra's presence as they were no longer hiding in their dens and burrows. It had only been a few days but already they were treating him like a part of the household. That brought Fluttershy an odd sense of comfort. Animals, she had long ago learned, had a sense all their own that Ponies often ignored. An animal could sense disaster hours, sometimes days, before it happened. They instinctively know when danger is near them as well. The fact that they seemed mostly at ease with Sombra was promising in a strange sense of the word.
It only took a few hours and soon Fluttershy was back in the house. She felt drained, like the last several hours had taken out an order of magnitude more than their toll. Turning her head she sniffed at herself and scrunched her muzzle at the scent. I definitely need a bath.
Trotting to her room she turned on her back hoof and stepped into her master bathroom. One of the few amenities she had spent more bits on than she was comfortable disclosing. Lingering in her open bath under the hot water with fresh, scented bubbles around her was one of her favorite ways to unwind. Turning the spout she hummed in satisfaction at the steam rising from the filling tub. Working quickly she added the bubble mixture and scented oils before setting out a large towel to the side. As soon as the tub was filled nearly to the brim, Fluttershy cranked the spout off, took a tentative step into the water, and hissed in pleasure as the heat sank into her tired legs. Careful not to cause a spill, she stepped fully into the tub and settled down, letting the water caress her flanks and withers, rising up over her wings and back to touch her chin.
She wasn't sure how long she luxuriated in the hot water, but eventually to began the laborious task of scrubbing away the sweat of the day from her fur and mane, preening her wings, and combing out her tail. It was early evening by the time she stepped out of the tub and dried off. The water sluicing away the daily grime down the pipes. Far from feeling awakened, though, Fluttershy felt languid.
Oh my, I guess today was more excitement than I thought, Fluttershy walked out of her room and down the hall, into the kitchen for a snack. I guess I'll make an early night of it, I should lay out some food for his Majesty. He'll probably be ravenous when he wakes up.
Gathering some less perishable food, mostly fruits and cheeses along with slices of bread, Fluttershy carried the platter into Sombra's room and slid it onto the nightstand. A long, heavy yawn escaped Fluttershy's mouth, threatening to send her straight off to dreamland right there. Sombra was right where she had left him, a thought that brought more comfort than it ought to have, and the sight of his slow, steady breathing had a startlingly soporific effect.
Then an idea cross Fluttershy's tired brain. An idea that, had she been fully awake, she might have dismissed entirely out of hoof. I wonder if his Majesty would mind if I just...
A blush crept up her face at the thought of what she was about to do, but her tired brain wasn't in the mood to try and offer any counter-arguments. Before she could think better of her idea, Fluttershy had lifted herself onto the bed and laid down with her back to Sombra. Taking care not to disturb the sleeping king, she scooted back until she was in the same position she had been in that afternoon. Sombra's sleeping form seemed entirely fine with that idea as his forelegs closed over her in the same manner as before. Using her wing, Fluttershy lifted the blanket and pulled it over them both, snuggling into the king.
No, not the king.
Her king.
Yes, Fluttershy thought as she drifted off, that sounds much better. |
The King & Shy | Consequence & Judgment | Chapter 12
As soon as Sombra began to stir he could tell something was terribly wrong. Never before had the dark king felt as sick as he did in that moment. It was like somepony had taken a trowel and hollowed him out. He felt fevered, which was impossible. As impossible as the tears he had shed two days ago in Sugarcube corner. Sombra could feel weakness threading through his body like poison; gripping his lungs and heart turning every beat and breath painful. Shivering, he curled in on himself, seeking some warmth. He found it in the small, soft frame of the mare who had, apparently, chosen to sleep beside him.
To say Sombra was shocked would be doing a disservice to the magnitude of the feeling. Fluttershy's soft wings were at rest over her barrel with her back was pressed against him a decidedly pleasant manner while her silken mane was splayed fetchingly across the pillow the two of them had shared and down over her face. Her breath was steady and even, unlike Sombra's, but for a moment the surprise was so complete that Sombra forgot his own ailing body.
But only a moment.
Pain wracked through Sombra's frame a breath later, crawling up his body to his horn and leaving behind a cold, electric sickness. A muted grunt of agony escaped his throat, stirring the sleeping pegasus who was resting between his forelegs.
"My king?" Fluttershy's soft, sleepy voice brought a soothing balm, but it was only mental. There was something very wrong with his body and Fluttershy took notice immediately. "My king?! What's wrong?"
Sombra could see the worry in her eyes as she extricated herself from him and almost toppled onto the floor before turning around to get a better look at him. He was sure he looked awful. His fur felt sweat-stained and matted, his throat was parched, and his horn throbbed in time with his laboring heart.
Sombra groaned. "I suspect something must have gone terribly wrong with my revival. I have not been regaining my magic as I should have. What little strength I possessed I, apparently, spent in healing the filly."
"Oh... oh no," Fluttershy leaned in, pressing her forehead to his for a moment before pulling away, a strained look on her face. "You're fevered, badly, but I'm not even sure what kind of illness could affect a pony like you, your Majesty. What do I do?"
Sombra let out a strained breath. He did not want to admit weakness in front of Fluttershy but he knew he had to. His own reluctance irked him, since there was nothing she could do to harm him. It was simply pride and... something more. It was her, specifically, if he was being honest with himself. Sombra didn't want Fluttershy to see him as weak.
What a foolish notion, there's no point in not admitting my suspicions that this stage, Sombra admonished himself before opening his mouth. "I suspect, little mouse, that almost any illness could affect me now."
"W-what?" Fluttershy cocked her head in confusion. "You're almost as old as the Princesses, your Majesty. What-"
"That is because," Sombra interrupted, annoyed at the words he was about to say, "I was, as they currently are, immortal. I have reason to believe that has changed. When I was revived by my ritual I was brought back fully in body but not so in spirit. No longer am I the Eternal Tyrant of the Empire. Now I am simply Erebos Sombra, a mortal unicorn. What is worse, I am a unicorn with practically no magic and now, I suspect, I am also dying."
Fluttershy stared at him, a stricken look on her face. "But... why? H-how could you be dying? You're just sick!" She moved forward, carefully as though he were a fragile piece of dishware, and buried her face in his fur at the base of his neck, wrapping her forelegs around one of his large hooves and gripping tight. To Sombra's surprise Fluttershy started to shake and he felt hot tears run into his fur.
"The whole of my body relies on the dark magic I wielded," Sombra explained softly as Fluttershy sobbed into his mane. "Without it my body has nothing to fuel itself. It is devouring me, slowly, in an attempt to replace it's lost source of energy. The consumption was slow enough originally but, with such an expenditure as last evening, I believe I exhausted my final stores."
Fluttershy drew away from Sombra with a horrified expression. "Y-you only helped Scootaloo because I-"
A massive hoof came up to gently press against Fluttershy's lips. Sombra was surprised to find that he was capable of such a tender touch. The things one learns around mares, Sombra mused dryly. "I simply hastened the inevitable, mouse. This was my fate no matter the catalyst. I would have persisted another week, perhaps two if I spent little magic, but no longer than that. You are not at fault, especially as it was my own choice. Do not presume to claim responsibility for the actions of a King."
"I- I just... how can you be sure?" Fluttershy was on the verge of tears again, and Sombra felt his heart ache in response. Another unfamiliar feeling that simply confirmed the truth.
"Because I can feel again, little mouse," Sombra answered softly.
That set Fluttershy back on her hooves. "What?"
"The toll which dark magic exacts on its wielder is a lack of control," Sombra explained as another agonizing shiver ran through his body. "It makes one's emotions wild and unreliable. Mood swings, black and white disposition, paranoia, and more. Before I became king I created an artifact that could channel emotions freely, turn them into power, and amplify them. I took the greatest weakness of dark magic and created yet more power from it. The artifact, however, also had the unforeseen effect of turning my heart cold to all emotion. Like a crystal, I became impenetrable. I saw this as a benefit, of course, but in truth it was simply a price in another form. Ah, it also happened to turn me immortal."
"You... you accidentally turned yourself immortal?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief.
Sombra chuckled dryly. "Is that so hard to believe? Ask your precious Princesses someday whether they planned their own ascension to immortality or not and you'll find that accidental godhood is more of the rule than the exception."
The laugh that came in response was small and cracked as Fluttershy leaned in, wrapping her forelegs are Sombra's neck and holding him tight. It was strange, she felt much stronger than before. I must truly be at my last if I am so weak, Sombra thought darkly. That means... ah, yes, one last thing to do.
"M-... Fluttershy, will you look at me?" Sombra said softly. He felt Fluttershy stiffen in surprise, but she pulled away from him and met his gaze. "Thank you, my dear. Now, hold still."
Reaching deep within the dry well of his magic, Sombra scraped up the last vestige of his power and cast it outward. A spark, barely more than a dying ember, flicked from his horn and struck Fluttershy in the forehead. Before Fluttershy could respond, Sombra spoke, his voice booming with dark portent.
"I, Erebos Sombra, Lord of Shadows, do release you from your geas and from all responsibilities therein. By my will, my name, and my horn, it is done." A thunderclap rolled out from Fluttershy's small form and out through the room, rattling the windows in their frames and setting nearly knocking Sombra from where he lay in the bed. "There, you are free now," Sombra said softly. "A geas does not end with the death of the one who cast it, you see. Eventually the geas'd would be driven mad by the arcane mnemonic that impels them to protect that which has already died. I would not consign you to that fate, my dear."
Fluttershy was utterly silent, her eyes wide and her mouth open. Tears wavered unmoving in her eyes and for a moment Sombra would have sworn she had somehow stopped in time. Coughing lightly into his hoof he continued a bit awkwardly. "I would ask, as a favor now since I have no hold over you, that you allow me to expire in comfort. Though I would imagine I hardly deser-"
His words were lost as Fluttershy bolted out of the room in a storm of hooffalls followed by the sound of the door slamming open, then closed, and a quick dust-off as she took flight.. Sombra felt a small pang of sorrow cut into his now-vulnerable heart at her swift exit. "Well," he mused darkly, "I suppose I deserved nothing less all things considered. Dying alone was, in point of fact, probably my fate all along."
Another agonizing shudder ran through Sombra's body as he relaxed back into the bed. It was still warm, not just from his fevered flesh but from her. Running a hoof over the part of the bed she had been laying in not long ago, Sombra could feel the warmth there. The kindness she had showed him was not something he deserved. Commanded, yes, but never deserved. Knowing he was alone, likely for the last time, Sombra forgave himself a last, small indiscretion as he pressed his face to the warm bedsheets. ++
Fluttershy's wings burned as she pumped them, drawing the wind around her to flow beneath them using her native pegasus magic that she had nearly forgotten she had. Every stroke of her wings brought the Castle of Friendship closer and closer, but in spite of that it still felt like she wasn't going nearly fast enough.
'I'm dying.'
Sombra's words echoed inside her head deafeningly. He had lifted the geas, Fluttershy could feel it, and yet she had never felt so driven to help him. There was no more latent pressure on her mind, bending her to serve him. There was no ringing in her ears pounding away at her will that was forcing her to give him anything at all. There was just a gut-wrenching terror that Sombra was about to die and that there was nothing that she could do about. She couldn't. Fluttershy couldn't. But there was somepony who might be able to help him. The most brilliant arcane mind in a hundred generations was now the Shadow King's only hope. That begged the question, however, of how exactly Fluttershy was going to convince Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, to save the life of one of the most notorious tyrants in history?
Does it matter? The thought flickered through Fluttershy's mind. Does it matter how I convince her? Fluttershy never thought she would ask herself that before. Of course it should matter how she convinced her friends to help... right? But if she was being fully honest with herself... No, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that I save him. It's stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. He's wicked and spiteful and...
Sombra's last action stuck out in her mind. He had lifted the geas. There hadn't been any reason to, really. Once he... passed away then whatever happened to the world around him shouldn't have mattered but he still did it.
'I would not consign you to that fate, my dear.'
He cared about her. Sombra cared. There was no other explanation for it. It wasn't just a matter of him desiring her or something crass like that. Sombra had nothing to gain from freeing her but he still did it.
"I did it," Fluttershy whispered to herself breathlessly as she powered towards the castle in the distance. "I really did it." She had made the black-hearted king care at least enough about one pony, herself, to spend a final moment of his time ensuring she was safe. "And now it won't mean a thing if I can't save him!"
Fluttershy clenched her eyes shut, willing away the tears that threatened to spill over. Crying wasn't going to solve anything. What was it she had said to Sombra? Some ponies have a responsibility? Well this was her responsibility. He was her responsibility. She was going to make sure he got through this no matter what. Wheeling about in the air, Fluttershy came to a hard landing in front of the castle steps and without waiting to knock or observe any of the normal proprieties she barged into the main foyer.
"Twilight!" Fluttershy shouted into the empty hall, "Twilight, please I need your help!"
A snap of displaced air and a flash of lavender light heralded Twilight's appearance into the hall, her eyes wide with alarm. "Fluttershy?! What is it? What's wrong?!"
"King Sombra is dying and I need your help!"
Twilight stared blankly forward at Fluttershy for a moment before summoning a quill out of a pocket dimension. Carefully , she stuck it in her left ear, then her right ear in turn, working it around vigorously before giving her head a firm shake and turning back to Fluttershy. "Sorry about that, I think I had something crazy stuck in my ear. What did you just say?"
"Sombra. Is. Dying." Fluttershy enunciated, anger seeping into her panicked voice. "You have to help him!"
"You're going to have to help me out here Fluttershy," Twilight said in a strained voice. "I'm not really following how you would even know Som-..." the Alicorn's voice trailed off as her mind caught up and connected the dots. "Coal. Sombra is Coal isn't he?"
Fluttershy gave a small nod. "He revived a few days ago and caught me outside my cottage. He cast a spell on me so I couldn't tell anyone about him. He said he needed a place to rest long enough to recover and then he would leave." That was a bit of a fib but Fluttershy didn't need to start another argument with her friend. She needed to get back to Sombra. For all she knew he was already... "But he never got any stronger. When he healed Scootaloo he ended up accidentally spending the rest of his magic. Now he's dying, so please, we can't waste anymore time!"
"What spell did he cast?" Twilight asked, "Or describe it, either way."
"Twilight we don't-!" Fluttershy was cut off by an upraised hoof, Twilight eyes were narrowed and angry. Letting out a sigh, Fluttershy nodded. "He called it a geas."
Her friend gasped in horror. "A geas?! Are you bucking kidding me?! That's three different kinds of illegal! Literally! The 113rd Edict of Canterlot banned Cerebramancy as a discipline due to its constant misuse. The Law of Free Mind forbids the use of any form of mind-altering magic on an unwilling pony, even if it was biological in nature! And Bright Eye vs. Trottingham established that, even if consent was given, once the mind is altered then consent could not be rescinded and is therefore impossible to fully consent to!"
Fluttershy withstood the verbal onslaught stoically as Twilight stamped her hoof at each point. When her friend was finally out of breath Fluttershy responded. "I'm not going to try and defend his actions Twilight. I know exactly how horrible being under a geas is, after all. None of that matters right now though. Sombra is dying and I'm asking you to save him."
"And I'm saying 'no'," Twilight answered heatedly. "I refuse to save the life of a horrible tyrant that enslaved an entire Empire for hundreds of years. I refuse to lift one hoof to help the stallion that tried to kill all of my friends, my brother, and his wife, in the midst of trying to re-enslave that same Empire, I might add. You can't ask me to do that Fluttershy, it isn't fair!"
"I know that, but I'm asking you to anyway," Fluttershy said softly, trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill forth. She hated fighting. She hated fighting anypony. But Fluttershy especially hated fighting with her friends. "Please, save Sombra's life."
"No, Fluttershy," Twilight repeated. "Besides, you're under a geas, you said so yourself. Who knows what else he did to your mind! Let me disjoin the spell first, alright?"
To Twilight's shock, Fluttershy laughed. It was a weak chuckle more than anything else, really, but it was surprising nonetheless. Fluttershy started to open her mouth to tell Twilight that there was no point but she realised her friend wouldn't believe her, instead she just nodded. "Go ahead and try."
Twilight had been expecting a little more resistance but decided not to question a good thing. Closing her eyes she called up the most powerful, most subtle dispelling magic she knew: Starswirl's Unwraveling. Any magic on Fluttershy would be unthreaded instantaneously. It took several moments to cast correctly which made it a poor spell to try and use on the fly but Twilight had time so she ensured she cast every facet of the spell perfectly. Once it was fully formed Twilight unleashed the spell. A matrix of power surrounded Fluttershy and tendrils of blue light swept through her. Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle at the sensation. It was ticklish, like feathers sweeping all over her body. Moments later the spell completed itself and faded, leaving a Twilight staring in surprise for a third time.
"It didn't find anything, right?" Fluttershy asked, although she knew the answer. She had the feeling that if there had been a spell to strip away from her she would have felt it. Twilight just nodded silently. "That's because, when Sombra realised he was dying, the first thing he did was lift the geas from my mind so I wouldn't suffer any side-effects related to his death. I knew you wouldn't believe me if I told you that though, so... will you help me now?"
Clenching her eyes, Twilight let out a slow, even breath. Opening them again, Twilight gave Fluttershy a tired look. "I don't want to, Fluttershy," she answered, and Fluttershy's hopes began to crack but they held on desperately at Twilight's next words. "But... I asked Celestia to make the Council's authority legally binding for a reason; because my judgment isn't perfect. I won't make this an outright no, but Sombra is a threat to national security. You can't deny that. If I'm going to consider this then I want all of our friends to have a say in it."
Fluttershy grimaced. That wasn't what she wanted, Sombra might not even have that amount of time. As much as she hated to admit it, though, Twilight did make a good point. Their friends had the right to know what was going on but Fluttershy had hoped she could put it off for at least a little while.
"What if it's too late by the time we decide?" Fluttershy threw her last card on the table, but Twilight just shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Fluttershy," Twilight said, sounding truly contrite. "The fact of the matter is that this too important for me to decide on my own. Neither I nor Equestria can afford a rash decision and... I have to consider that now. I'm a Princess after all, it's my responsibility."
Fluttershy had no argument against that. Hadn't she said nearly those same words to Sombra not long ago? Twilight had more than just herself and her friends to consider now, so Fluttershy nodded. "Okay, I understand Twilight, call the others."
The tension in the room lessened significantly as Twilight gave a relieved smile. "Thank you, Fluttershy. I promise that I'll listen to you fairly about King Sombra, alright? Even if my instincts say otherwise." Twilight's horn lit up and she summoned four pieces of parchment to her side. She penned a quick note on one before magically copying the words over to the other three and then casting another quick spell to send the messages to their recipients. "There, I don't like doing that if I don't have to; a lot of ponies take umbrage to notes that magically track them down but, as you said, we might not have much time."
"It took almost half an hour before the other four members of the Council arrived, Pinkie appearing first, to noponies surprise, followed quickly by Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Applejack, who had the greatest distance to travel, arrived last. They congregated in the map room where Twilight had already taken her seat, Fluttershy had followed suit as well and was waiting on her throne albeit with a nervous impatience and looking more determined than any of her friends could remember seeing her. As the other four entered the chambers any questions they had felt quashed by the tense atmosphere. The look on Twilight's face was the main feature; less the erudite librarian and more the imperious ruler than they had ever seen her. She looked as though a great weight was bearing her down but that she was trying to lift it all the same. Without a word, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash took their seats around the map.
Applejack was the first to break the silence. "So, ah don't suppose ya'll wanna tell us why we're gatherin' up so early? Ah had ta pass half mah mornin' chores to Big Mac on account'a 'Council business'."
"Indeed," Rarity chimed in, "I had several orders planned out today."
"Me too!" Pinkie said cheerily, "but I finished them all before I left! Had to wake up Mister Cake to start the deliveries though, he wasn't too happy about that. He's kind of a grumpy-pants in the morning."
"I was dreaming of sleeping," Rainbow Dash said groggily from where she was slumped on her throne.
"Well, wake up," Twilight said in a dark voice that snapped everypony to attention. Only Fluttershy kept her expression neutral while the other four looked like Twilight had just confessed to having an affair with Discord.
"Wow, who pissed in your inbox, Twi?" Rainbow said as she blinked the sleep from her eyes.
Twilight's ears twitched with irritation. "Technically? Fluttershy. But either way we've got our first serious decision to make as a Council. I mean 'Life-and-Death' serious, girls, and better yet we're on a time limit."
There wasn't even the slightest sign of the absent-minded scientist that Fluttershy was familiar with. This was the 'Princess' Twilight that was coming to grips with affairs of state and national security. It was a side of her that very few had seen thus far. Fluttershy admired it but she wasn't sure if she liked it.
"Ya'll are gonna have to explain what's goin' on then, ah reckon," Applejack said evenly, her features calm after the initial shock faded. "Ya'll're makin' it sound like we're fixin' to execute somepony."
"That's a bit hyperbolic, Applejack, darling," Rarity remarked uneasily.
Finally Fluttershy spoke up. "No, actually it's not. That's exactly why we're here; to decide if somepony lives or dies."
"W-what?" Pinkie broke in, her hair had gone completely flat and her eyes wide. "B-b-but that's awful! We can't just decide that somepony dies! Nopony should be able to decide that!"
"I must say I agree with Pinkie," Rarity said harshly. "Twilight I'm shocked. How could you even say- or think -such a thing?!"
"Yeah, seriously! That's bucked up, Twi!" Rainbow had taken to hovering over her seat.
Twilight's eyes flicked over to Applejack who, thus far, had been the only one who hadn't voiced an opinion. "What about you, AJ?"
Applejack shrugged. "Ah'm waitin' to hear who we're judgin'." Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow stared at the Applejack as if she'd grown a second head. "What? Ah'm a farmer. If you got a rotten apple you get rid of it or risk it spoilin' the whole lot. It ain't pretty but it happens."
None of the girls had a response to that. It was odd, Fluttershy would have once been in exactly the same position as Pinkie but Sombra's cold, pragmatic demeanor seemed to have rubbed off on her somewhat. She still hated the idea of letting someone die, but the notion of a ruling figure being forced to make a decision for the benefit of those they protect was far more than just a theory to her now.
"Alright, well here are the details," Twilight said, her voice still disturbingly neutral. "We have a pony who is, at this moment, on the verge of death. Fluttershy asked me to save him but I refused, we talked and I concluded that I couldn't afford a rash decision in either direction so we called you all here. The pony in question has, in no particular order; enslaved an empire, conducted horrifyingly unethical magical experiments, waged dozens of unprovoked wars for the sake of expansion, has used illegal mind magic on one of our own number, and those are just the sweeping, general crimes I'm aware of. The name of the accused is, you may have guessed, Sombra."
The four newly minted jurors stared in disbelief, but any remarks were cut off by Fluttershy's voice. "Uhm, actually Sombra is his last name. His first name is Erebos."
Twilight blinked confusedly for a moment before the look was replaced with one of wry amusement that Fluttershy thought wouldn't have looked out of place of Sombra's face. "Well okay then, let the minutes show a correction and that the full name of the accused is Erebos Sombra." Turning back to Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Rarity, Twilight could only grimace. "So what's the initial vote girls? Former King Sombra is dying and we might, I stress might, have the ability to save him. Do we?"
"Why should we?" Applejack asked harshly.
The Alicorn of Friendship looked to Fluttershy for the answer. Clearing her throat, Fluttershy unconsciously raised herself up, framing herself straighter with her gaze forward and her wings only slightly extended. Without realising it, the demure mare had begun to mimic King Sombra's regal posture. For herself, Fluttershy just wanted to make sure she was heard and that she didn't hide away from their eyes. Not this time. Not with Sombra's life on the line.
"Because he wasn't always like he is now," Fluttershy responded, her voice even and strong. It was still quiet but it had taken on a quality of power that she had never thought she possessed. I will make you proud, your Majesty. "You see, almost two thousand years ago there was a terrible storm..." |
The King & Shy | The Trial | Chapter 13
The air around Sombra was hot and cloying. He could feel his body straining to continue its labored existence but he could also feel it failing by inches. If he was fortunate he supposed he might live to see the next sunrise but he very much doubted it. The difficulty of every breath and the hard, painful beating of his heart suggested that he had, perhaps, until day's end. Perhaps he would see the sunset? That would not be so terrible of a last sight.
Shivering, Sombra lifted himself from the sweat-soaked sheets of his bed and lowered himself to the wood floor. His body was unresponsive, as if he had attached dozens of leaden weights to every limb. His legs gave out almost immediately and he crashed to the ground. At this rate he might make it all the way outside by the time the sun set.
Well, that or he would expire somewhere in the living room.
Sombra chuckled darkly, a harsh grating sound that originated somewhere in his tortured chest. At least the struggle to see the sun one last time would give him something to do with his last hours. As he imagined the encroaching sunset he was surprised to find himself... nostalgic. Almost regretful, in fact. Sunsets were beautiful, of course, he had always liked them, but there was nothing quite like watching the sun set over the snowy fields of the Crystal Empire. The rime-frosted plains of his homeland that reflected the fading light across everything, spreading color and beauty over pure white expanses.
Yes, there was nothing quite like a sunset in the Empire. It was too bad he was so far from that place. He would have liked to see it just one last time. ++
"...then he lifted the geas. He told me that he wanted to make sure I didn't suffer any side-effects from it when he died," Fluttershy finished. "He didn't ask for help, or for me to try and save him. King Sombra accepted that he was going to die and acted accordingly, like a King should."
Fluttershy had resisted the urge to hurry through the story, as much as her desire to return to Sombra's side needled at her she knew that her friends needed to hear every word. She had related the story of Sombra's past as accurately as possible because, more than anything, it lent him a sense of equinity; something that she knew her friends desperately needed to see if she was going to convince them to save Sombra's life. If they only saw a monstrous tyrant then her goal was a failure before she even started. If he was a pony though... somepony who had dreams, and goals, and a past... That would change the entire matter at hoof. Fluttershy knew she was fighting an uphill battle. There was no reason for her friends to want to save Sombra and the only reason they were listening was because it was one of their own who was advocating the idea. As it was, the five of them, plus Spike who was noting down her recitation in shorthand next to Twilight's throne, were silent. When Fluttershy had confessed to Sombra's actions concerning Scootaloo she had expected Rainbow Dash to say something. Instead the cyan pegasus just looked... thoughtful. It was an odd look for the normally brash and headstrong mare. Pinkie had, of course, cried near the end of her story about Sombra's past just as she had. The idea of losing so many of one's friends so brutally and so swiftly hadn't left even one of former Bearers unmoved. Even Twilight and Applejack looked pained at the idea that somepony had suffered such a terrible loss.
Rainbow Dash, surprisingly, was the first one to raise her hoof. "So Sombra said that the squirt's life wasn't in any real danger, right? I... was he sure about that?"
"Yes, he was very sure," Fluttershy answered with a small smile. "He seemed to take a liking to Scootaloo and... I know it seems strange considering that what he did put her in the hospital, but I think that it was his way of helping."
Applejack scoffed harshly. "Seems like a kinda weird definition if'n ya ask me."
"Nah, not really," Rainbow answered before Fluttershy could respond, surprisingly the yellow mare. "You don't know what the squirt's crappy parents did to her. She was never going to be able to fly, AJ! Never. It's only happened a few times in the past few decades but it happens, alright? I'm not proud of it. I love Cloudsdale but Ponies are Ponies, sometimes they're crap parents. When a colt or filly ends up like Scootaloo, starved and crap? That's it. Game over. Clipped for life. Sombra changed that, even if he did it in kind of a bucked up way. I'm not dumb enough to cry about it. It's not like there was another option anyway! Scoots was either going to live grounded for her whole life or she was going to risk her life to get the sky back. I know which one I'd choose. So considering what I've heard so far I'm throwing my vote in to save his life. Maybe we try him for crimes or whatever afterward but I owe him that much."
Fluttershy was both impressed and grateful. She had been worried that Rainbow would be one of the hardest ones to convince considering how protective she was of Scootaloo. She had also never really considered how Rainbow might view the loss of flight, though. Of course, to Fluttershy, that wasn't such a burden; she spent most of her time on the ground anyway. Sometimes she forgot how integral flight was to the Pegasi because of that. Giving a Pegasus back the sky would probably mean the world to Rainbow Dash even if it hadn't been somepony she had a personal stake in.
It had taken four hours to reach the point they were at though and every minute was one that Fluttershy begrudged. She understood the necessity but her heart was still with Sombra back in her cottage. His life was probably measured in hours by this point, he certainly didn't look particularly hopeful when she left.
Oh Celestia.
She left him.
Fluttershy's heart hitched in place for a moment as she realised what she had done in her haste to reach her friends. She hadn't thought about it because she had hoped she would be right back with help but... but she hadn't come back had she? She had just sped away and left him there on the bed, dying and alone.
"Fluttershy, darling?" Rarity said softly, "are you alright?"
Her friend's voice snapped Fluttershy out of her guilt-ridden reverie, and she shook her head. "No, Rarity, no, I'm not alright at all, but we need to finish this so I can get back to him."
"To... Sombra, yes?" Rarity clarified, uneasily. Fluttershy nodded a little annoyed. "I see, my apologies for this next question then darling but... given the circumstances I'm sure you can see it's validity. I have to ask: are you and the King, ahem, together?"
Fluttershy felt the eyes of all of her friends turn to fix on her and for once she didn't feel an ounce of shame or embarrassment. "Yes, we are." Each of their mouths dropped to the floor with the notable exception of Rainbow Dash.
"Oh, yeah," Rainbow said with a nervous laugh. "I did kinda walk in on you and Coal... uh, Sombra- wow that's weird to say -getting your smooch on, huh? Awkward."
"A-are you serious, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked in shock. "You k-k-kissed him? Knowing who he is and... and what he did?! That had to be some kind of mind magic!"
"Not necessarily," Applejack replied, rolling her eyes. Fluttershy was a little surprised that Applejack was coming to her defense. She knew how much the farmer hated being lied to. "Ah know it might be some weird hoodoo or whatever, but ah'm bettin' somethin' else."
"Well don't leave us in suspense, darling," Rarity responded.
Applejack shrugged. "Ya ever consider that Fluttershy might just have crap taste in stallions?"
Fluttershy flushed crimson and stared at the ground. "He's not that bad."
"He enslaved an Empire and you, Flutters," Rainbow pointed out. "He kinda is that bad."
"Wow," Pinkie spoke up for the first time since the story ended. "Who knew Fluttershy would have a thing for badcolts."
The blush became even fiercer. "Can we please get back to the topic at hoof now?"
Twilight coughed loudly into her hoof before tapping it hard on the table to restore order. "Fluttershy is right, we're getting sidetracked. I admit, I feel bad for Sombra, or at least for the stallion he used to be. I never thought about what the Wendigo Crisis would have been like up north. None of that excuses his actions, however."
"Can't we just turn him to stone like we did to Discord?" Pinkie asked hopefully. Twilight shook her head, though.
"I'm afraid not," Twilight answered. "Discord is a Spirit, not a mortal. He was turned to stone because that's all the Elements were capable of doing to him. You can't kill chaos, after all. You can't banish it either. The closest we've ever come to using the power of the Elements on somepony like Sombra was when we used them on Tirek and Nightmare Moon. It stripped them of all of their dark magic and, from what Fluttershy told us of Sombra's state and nature, using the Elements on him would probably do the same thing which would kill him outright."
"Oh," Pinkie's hair, which had become hopefully poofy, returned to its flattened state.
"Ta get back on topic," Applejack said, tapping her hoof on the map table, "Ah gotta say ah ain't a big fan of makin' decisions like this. To be honest ah'd've been just peachy stickin' ta my farm fer the rest'a my days and never havin' to decide somepony's fate, but that ain't how it worked out. No use cryin' over bruised apples. Thing is, ah feel fer ya Fluttershy, ah really do, but in mah opinion a snake'll always be a snake no matter how many times it sheds its scales." Fluttershy felt her heart chill at Applejacks pronouncement and it only got worse as he continued. "Sombra's a liar, a bully, and a criminal. Now ah'm all fer fair trials but who's to say if we save him that he don't turn on us? Or just run off so he can get back to his 'Evil King' schtick? Mah vote is no, Flutters, ah'm right sorry bout that but that's how ah feel 'bout the matter."
Before Fluttershy could voice a protest, Rarity chimed in. "Unfortunately I have to say I agree with Applejack on the matter. As romantic as the notion of a dark king falling in love is I can't let myself be blinded by the idea of it." Rarity grimaced and shook her head. "I keep thinking back to when we helped save the Crystal Empire and seeing the looks on all the Crystal Ponies' faces; as if they were missing something fundamental. Most of all, though, I recall the look of abject horror on their faces when they thought Sombra had won. I had nightmares about that for days afterwards. I would truly prefer it if we had more time to consider the matter but... if we must decide now then I cannot in good conscience risk unleashing somepony capable of that kind of evil on the world again. My vote is also no, I'm afraid."
Fluttershy could only watch in horror as everything she was hoping for crashed down around her ears. Pinkie's voice broke through defiantly, though, as she pounded her hooves on the table. She wore a scowl that looked utterly out of place on her normally carefree face.
"Are you ladies crazy?!" Pinkie nearly shrieked. "We're talking about letting somepony die! That's forever! No take-backsies! No more parties, no more fun, no more laughs or hugs or smiles or tears! Nothing! When somepony dies that's the end!" Tears had started to flow openly down Pinkie's face as she shouted. "I... I can't believe you girls would just... Even if it's somepony like Sombra! Everypony deserves a chance to be better!" Nopony said a word as Pinkie slumped back in her thrown and wiped at her eyes. When she spoke again it was in a much quieter voice. "No pony is an island, entire of itself, every pony is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Equestria is the less. As well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of a friend's were. Or if thine own were. Any pony's death diminishes me, because I am involved with ponykind. And therefore, never send to ask for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee."
Silence reigned throughout the council chambers as the words sunk in. Everypony looked on in a combination of surprise and sadness at the wilted pink pony who stared pointedly at the floor beneath her. Twilight finally broke through the silence.
"That was Dun, wasn't it?" Twilight asked softly. "No Pony is an Island, right? I remember reading that in my literature classes back in Academy. I never really understood it until I made friends, I guess. I always thought it was too sentimental, but that was back when I thought I didn't need anypony else."
"It's important," Pinkie responded gloomily. "It was my Granny Pie's favorite poem. She used to read it to me before bed. She told me to remember it because it was about Harmony. It was about how we're all in this world together and that nopony, no matter how bad, deserves to be left out. How every life matters, even ones you don't know or might never know. Their lives mattered. It's why I throw parties for anypony who needs one. Even if I don't know them I... I want them to know that they matter."
"Then your vote...?" Twilight asked, clearly already knowing the answer.
Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, I want to help him. That's my vote."
Twilight let out a heartfelt sigh. "I suppose it was too much to hope that a issue this complicated could get a unanimous vote one way or the other..."
"What now?" Fluttershy asked softly, dreading the answer. The only one who hadn't spoken her vote aloud was Twilight Sparkle herself.
"Now," Rarity answered, "the law is clear; since there's no clear majority between the five of us then the deciding vote falls to the Princess. In end we serve as advisors, darling, not a legislature. We're here to make sure Twilight is never making decisions in a vacuum, but in the end it must be her who decides."
That was the answer that Fluttershy had been dreading. With a cold heart she turned to face Twilight who was sitting in her throne silently, forehooves pressed together in front her muzzle as she deliberated over the question. The moments that passed felt like hours, but Fluttershy couldn't bring herself to speak up. Impatience wouldn't help her here. All she could do was wait. Finally, though, after what felt like an eternity, Twilight lowered her hooves and meet the eyes of her friends.
"I've decided." ++
The sun was beginning to dip low in the sky as Sombra shouldered open the door to the cottage and leaned against the frame. His breath came in ragged gulps as pain shivered through his body almost constantly. It was a miserable existence but, he mused dryly, one that he would not have to endure for long.
"Thank the spirits for small mercies, I suppose," Sombra said in a raspy voice.
Letting go of the strength that had kept him moving inch by inch through the house to the door, Sombra collapsed to the ground. With some effort he propped himself up until he was half-laying-half-leaning on the door frame most of the way out of the house. He stared out at the rolling hills surrounding the little cottage and found himself wearing a weary smile; It was a charming place, as places go, with a winding road coiling over the hills, the smell of wildflowers and grass filling the air. There was a light breeze blowing as the sun moved in its inexorable passage across the sky. Sombra had to admit that the view was worth it. It wasn't the desolate beauty of the frozen north but it was nice enough as last sights went. Although there was one more sight he wished he could have before expiring. Images of a warm smile and kind, blue eyes filled Sombra's mind. Her soft, buttercream coat, the musical lilt of her voice. Sombra felt an emptiness in his heart.
You have earned this loneliness, Erebos, Sombra thought silently. This was your fate from the beginning. Do not lament it now that your bill has come due.
Sombra let out a sigh as he felt his heart shudder in his chest, laboring to beat with every moment. He was close now. There was very little time left to him. Perhaps that was for the best. Fluttershy did not need an aged tyrant ruining her life. Assuming he had not already done so.
No, if she is smart she will bury my body somewhere in the forest, or just leave it for the timberwolves, and forget I ever darkened her doorstep. It was hardly a fitting burial for a king but... he wasn't truly a king anymore was he?
A gentle nudge on his side drew Sombra's attention. It was a small, white rabbit. For some reason Sombra imagined the rabbits gaze held much greater intelligence than it ought to.
"Come to witness the death of royalty, little one?" Sombra muttered through a cracked throat. "At least something will bear witness... even if it is merely the local wildlife."
The rabbit watched for several moments before seemingly coming to a decisions and hopping up onto Sombra's left forehoof and settled down to sit and watch the day pass alongside him. He hated to admit it but the company, sparse though it was, gave Sombra a touch of comfort.
"Even the animals know my time is near," Sombra mused, "how trite."
Taking a deep breath of the clean, country air, Sombra tried to find some measure of peace within himself. To his surprise he found some in the scent of her home that wafted out of the partially open door. In the scent of her garden filling his nostrils. All of it gave him a fleeting sense of... home.
"Perhaps passing here is... not so terrible after all," Sombra said quietly. Pain washed over him again but it was duller this time. Lethargy crawled through his body, tempting him to sleep. He refused. He knew he would not awaken if so. He still had a sunset to watch, after all. ++
Fluttershy's breath came in short, hitching waves as she tried to process Twilight's decision.
"W-what?"
Twilight shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry Fluttershy, I said 'no'. I've heard your story and your arguments and I just can't bring myself to risk restoring Sombra. I can't know what state he'll be in if I do. What if he comes back close to full strength? Or even half? I don't know if I'm stronger than him and even if I am he has centuries of practice over me. That's not even considering his crimes. I'm sorry, really, and if the situation was different maybe we could talk about reforming him over time but it's not." Standing from her throne she solemnly lifted her hoof and brought it down with a booming thud on the map table. "As a sovereign Princess of Equestria I hereby sentence Erebos Sombra to death for crimes against equinity. May the Maker have mercy on his dark soul and may he find harmony in another life."
Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had been sure, so sure, that she could convince them to help her. To help him. But... but it had all gone so wrong. Applejack had taken her hat off and placed it over her heart, closing her eyes and bowing her head in respect. Rarity had bowed her own head as well, muttering a quiet apology. Pinkie sat in silent disbelief, staring at her friends. Rainbow just scowled and glared.
"How could you?"
Who said that? That voice was filled with vitriol and anger. It sounded so... oh. It was her. Fluttershy ground her teeth together as she stared incredulously at the ponies around her; at Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack most of all.
"How dare you," Fluttershy hissed, drawing looks of surprise from her friends. "How dare you call yourselves the Council of Harmony and then vote to let somepony die! Even if he is a criminal. Even if he's a tyrant!"
"Simmer down there, sugarcube," Applejack said carefully, "it ain't like we just blew it off, We decided on a course and now we gotta see it out. Ah'm sorry it ain't what ya'll wanted but-"
"But nothing!" Fluttershy stood, her wings flaring out threateningly. "You just sentenced the stallion I lo-..." she bit her tongue on that last word. "You sentenced him to death right in front of me. How dare you."
Twilight reached out to put a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder, her face wearing a pained expression. "Fluttershy, I know it's hard but..."
The normally demure mare slapped Twilight's hoof away violently and shot a burning glare at the lavender alicorn. "You have no idea what 'hard' is, Princess," Fluttershy spat with a venom that not even she realised she was capable of. "If that's how this Council is going to run now then... then I don't think I can be a part of it anymore."
Five mares and a drake, who had been trying to stay out of the furious exchange for the most part, stared with open mouths at Fluttershy's proclamation. Twilight worked her jaw for a moment before finding her voice. "F-Fluttershy... you don't mean that."
That was the wrong thing to say. Fluttershy clenched her eyes shut and tried to master herself but all she could see was Sombra's body lying dead on his bed because she had failed to bring him help. Images of him dying alone thinking he had been abandoned flooded her mind. With a scream of primal rage Fluttershy whipped around in her throne and brought her hooves swinging hard against the back of her throne.
The sound of splintering stone filled the council chambers as a massive cracked appeared in the Butterfly symbol embossed on the throne. When she opened her eyes it was with a dire expression of rage that swept over everypony, and drake, present. All six of them recoiled at what they saw in her eyes.
When Fluttershy opened her mouth she spoke in an empty, hollow voice. "I hope you all are satisfied with your decision. I'm going to go bury my King, now."
With one last violent surge, Fluttershy hopped and kicked off hard against the her throne, shattering the compromised stone seat fully as she accelerated to a speed that left Rainbow Dash thoroughly impressed as Fluttershy tore out of the council chambers, and the castle, for what she suspected was the last time. ++
The sun was beginning to dip low.
It was getting harder and harder to stay awake, which frustrated Sombra. At this rate he was going to expire before he got what he came out here for. That was incredibly irritating given the amount of effort he had expended. How much time did he have left? An hour? Maybe two on the outside. If he could push it out to two he would probably be able to see the sunset. Thank the spirits that Summer was almost faded into Autumn by this point. If the days were still long he would certainly miss out.
It wasn't as though he would get another chance after all.
Sombra snorted in amusement. It was strange how his impending death seemed to engender less fear or anger and more... annoyance. Perhaps he truly had lived for far too long. Life had almost become burdensome. No, it had certainly become a burden. Especially by the time he was banished. Alone in his castle with nothing but his enslaved guards for company. His armies fighting constantly at the borders.
The arrival of the two sisters at his castle to do battle with him in the flesh had been the lone light of excitement he had experienced in a century. He barely even begrudged them his defeat. Of course, his pride was wounded and he had sworn to kill them gruesomely but, if he were honest, that was mostly on principle. Now that he looked back he wasn't even sure he had felt any real hatred towards them. Truly, being defeated was almost... relieving. He had hated his kingdom, his subjects, and his crown. He wore it because it was his duty to wear it. He ruled because it was his right.
But he hated it.
Ah, there it is, that's why he felt so blase about his encroaching demise. Dying in a small country cottage while watching a sunset was, arguably, many times more favorable than how he imagined his death coming all those years ago; slain by blade or spell in the ruined castle of a hated bloodline surrounded by the gormless pissants he called subjects. Surrounded by idiots and yet utterly alone. Alone since Beryl's death, anyway.
Beryl.
Sombra hadn't thought of her in so long. Perhaps his only true friend in those dark days of the Empire. During what the historians now called the Age of Shadows. She had been the only one who would argue with him over anything.
More like everything, Sombra thought, a small smile curving his lips. She hated me.
So unlike Fluttershy and yet... they shared that iron will that Sombra so admired. I wonder if, had I not lost my heart to my creation, I would have come to care for Beryl as I do Fluttershy? That damn arcane machine really did exact a cost upon me. I was a blind fool for thinking otherwise.
"A fool of a King," Sombra muttered, his voice carried the weight of his exhaustion.
The sound of wings drew Sombra's attention, his ears flicking to side as he turned his head up. It took more effort than he had expected and his vision swam as he saw something come to a hard landing not far from him. He heard a familiar gasp and the figure galloped towards him, coming to a skidding stop in front of him. Blinking away the blurriness, Sombra was surprised to see Fluttershy crouching in front of him, he face streaked with tears, panic, and... relief?"
"Oh, oh thank goodness," Fluttershy gasped, she was badly out of breath. "I was so scared I wouldn't get back before you... oh... oh I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!"
Without warning she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Sombra's neck, burying her face in his long, leonine mane again as she shook and cried. Sombra, for his part, was simply shocked she had come back. And alone at that. Slowly, he brought an arm around her and pulled her close. "You came back?" he muttered in disbelief.
"I did! I'll always come back! I'm so sorry I left you, my King!" Fluttershy choked out. "I tried to go to my... my friends, " she hissed that last word in a way that surprised the King, "and ask them to help me save you but... but they said no! They took a vote and... they voted to just, just-"
"Let me die?" Sombra said with a dark chuckle. "Perhaps the fledgling Princess has some backbone in her after all. I certainly would have made the same decision sans the vote I suspect."
Fluttershy sniffled as she pulled away, looking into Sombra's eyes. He was shocked at what he saw. "My friends are supposed to be better than you, my King," she responded with a dry chuckle, "no offense."
No offense indeed. Sombra couldn't bring himself to disagree with that notion. More importantly though... "Fluttershy, may I ask what happened to your eyes?"
The yellow mare blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?" Sombra could only nod towards one of the windows of the cottage. Fluttershy got up and peer in, focusing so she could see her reflection.
She gasped in shock. Staring back at her were a pair of blue orbs, slitted and dark. Completely unlike her usual appearance. Dark mist seemed to filter out from them in very small amounts. She was starting to look like... like him.
"Fluttershy, what happened?" Sombra asked, worrying seeping into his heart. He struggled to reclaim some semblance of energy from his dying body but it was difficult. "You are saturated by dark magic."
"B-but I'm a pegasus!" Fluttershy responded in a high squeak. "How can I have any kind of dark magic?!"
Sombra shook his head. "Unicorns are not the only magic users among ponykind, my dear. All ponies use magic, Unicorns are just obvious about it. Since all ponies are capable of magic that means all ponies are capable of touching dark magic as well. Including you it would seem, though I couldn't..." he trailed off as a thought occurred to him. It came slowly through the grudging morass of his mind but he seized it viciously. "Fluttershy... what happened between you and your friends?"
Fluttershy's eyes narrowed. "They're not my friends. Well... Pinkie and Dash are... they wanted to help. But... but the other three voted to just let you die." She stamped her hoof on the ground in anger and Sombra's eyes grew wider as the dark mist began to flow more heavily from her eyes.
"They're not my friends!"
At those words shadow and darkness tore out from Fluttershy in a wave. |
The King & Shy | Beyond the Wall of Sleep | Chapter 14
The mist bloomed and flowed as the delicious strength of dark magic crashed over Sombra. The pain faded to a dull burn, the lethargy was replaced by vigor and strength. Sombra lit his horn and took a deep breath of the magic flowing off of Fluttershy just like the Wendigos all those centuries ago, Sombra could practically taste the power. It flowed through his crippled body and washed away the weakness that had taken up residence in him. A week ago he would have been thrilled with such a turn of events. One entrusted to hold a fragment of an ancient artifact of light magic had succumbed to a powerful darkness. Not only did it practically eliminate one of the only things capable of harming him, the end result was restoring him to his old strength faster than he could have imagined.
Yes, he should have been excited.
Instead all he felt was terror.
"Fluttershy!" Sombra cried out as the buttercream Pegasus staggered in place, her eyes blazing with an unwholesome green and red light. Dark mists flowed from her eyes. "Fluttershy I need you to concentrate!"
"I-I can't... " Fluttershy's face twisted into a grinning rictus. "It feels incredible, your Majesty. The strength. The power. I didn't know... how could anypony give up this feeling?"
"Because it comes with the price of madness, my dear," Sombra answered angrily, stalking closer to his... what? Servant? No, she was much more than that. "You cannot permit the magic to poison you. It will destroy everything starting with your home and ending with you, assuming somepony else doesn't deal with you first."
"But... but you'll protect me right?" Fluttershy looked up shakily from where she stood in front of her cottage. "You'll keep me... safe?"
Sombra was beginning to deeply regret lifting the geas from Fluttershy's mind. If it were still in place he would be able to subdue her easily. Now, though, her mind was too chaotic to risk trying to implant a new mnemonic.
"Yes, I will," Sombra answered truthfully. "Right up until the moment you destroy me in a fit of dark-magic-induced madness. And it will happen. You've grown far, far too powerful too quickly."
For the first time since the darkness claimed her Sombra saw Fluttershy's face spasm into a semblance of normality. It lasted only a second but it was clear she was fighting it. After several seconds she grimaced, her brow furrowing as if she were in great pain. "What do I do... your Majesty?
"You need to let me in," Sombra's voice took on an echoing, dreamlike quality. "There is a fragment of powerful, ancient magic within you. It chose you to bear it because of the great kindness within your heart. That same kindness has now driven you to a place of hatred, though. It's hemorrhaging power into you now because it's confused. Dark and light are trying to coexist and the catalyzation is creating surges of chaotic power."
"H-how do I... " Fluttershy croaked, her voice was strained and thready. "Please... help me..."
Approaching Fluttershy was like striding through a maelstrom. The power was tearing at Sombra's body and soul alike. It whispered and coveted like always, but unlike Fluttershy Sombra was no novice. He had submerged himself in the shadows for centuries. True, he had been protected by his creation for most of that but sheer familiarity with the power that now surrounded him inured him to its worst effects. No, he had long ago mastered his emotions enough to wield his magic in relative safety so long as he didn't use anything too strong for too long. Fluttershy had no such benefit, though, and the overflow of dark magic was eating away at her psyche. If he didn't stop the surges soon there would likely be little more than a paranoid, schizophrenic mess left behind.
"I am going to enter your mind," Sombra's voice boomed sonorously from within the dark storm of power that was beginning to black out the Everfree verge they stood near. "You will feel a pressure at the edge of your consciousness; do not resist it. Do you understand, my dear?"
Fluttershy cried out in pain as another wave of darkness tore out from her body. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps, but between them she managed to respond. "A-as you s-say, your Majesty."
Lighting his horn, Sombra mused on the fact that, for the first time since he was awake he had absolutely no lack of power and his very first action would be to try and seal off that wellspring that was delivering it to him.
What delightful irony, Sombra chuckled inwardly. Fate truly makes fools of us all.
Finally, Sombra reached Fluttershy. The pressure was impossibly powerful. It was almost all Sombra could do to resist drinking in the pure, unfiltered darkness around him. That would be the height of idiocy though. He was powerful, true, but that amount of dark magic would drive anyone to insanity. Leaning forward, he touched his curved horn to Fluttershy's forehead. He could feel her trembling.
"Everything will be alright," Sombra whispered softly, "I promise."
With some satisfaction, he felt Fluttershy nod. A burst of crimson light followed and he felt a sense of spinning vertigo as he plunged headlong into the storm surrounding her mind.
However bad it had been on the outside, the maelstrom of darkness was an order of magnitude worse on the inside. Sombra scowled as his astral form was torn at by ravenous, clawed winds. Lemures; the semi-conscious spiritual dregs of darkness, with their spiteful claws and envious teeth, knew nothing but mindless hunger. They were not a danger so much as an annoyance, though. The thought that there were some sorcerers out there desperate enough to imbue the insane little devils into mounds of alchemically grown flesh as a source of cannon fodder disgusted Sombra.
No, it was the larger predators that Sombra was concerned with. The shadowy leviathans that drifted on the tides of darkness. Sentient storms of negative emotions; hatred, rage, terror, despair. If he was not quick then Fluttershy would attract one of those horrors to her and it would devour her mind. Spreading ephemeral wings shaped like the leathery appendages of a dragon, Sombra tore through the morass of Lemures. He could feel Fluttershy's mind at the center of the storm. A beacon of light in the shadow. Unfortunately, Sombra knew that if he could sense it then everything else within reach would be able to as well.
Heedless of the damage he knew he was inflicting on himself, Sombra tore through the stormwalls surrounding Fluttershy's soul. He winced at the razor-edged pain that lanced through him. He couldn't afford to let it weaken him though and, with an effort of will, he shunted the damage to his physical form. Sombra knew he was going to be in terrible condition when he emerged from this little venture but letting the little blighters carve away at his astral form would slow him down. Haste was the order of the day and that meant he would just have to weather the pain.
Maybe not just weather it, actually, Sombra thought suddenly. I haven't been strong enough to do this until now but...
As he cut through the stormwall Sombra concentrated, seeking out that coiling pool of pure energy that was his magic; the wellspring from which all of his power flowed. Reaching towards it, he called out to the construct that he knew was still submerged within.
Vae Victus, your services are required, Sombras mind thundered. Without hesitation the pool seemed to explode from within. In front of him a crimson coil of energy bled out of a cut in the air and slowly congealed into the shape of a brutal warhammer; Vae Victus, Suffering of the Conquered. Sombra's personal weapon and the tool with which he had forged an Empire and broken a house of nobles thousands of years old. It was a weapon that, in his own time, had been nearly as feared as he himself. This was merely a projection of it, of course. The true weapon still laid at rest in a hidden place in the Empire. He could feel the weapons power and its echo in the Real. It had not yet been found. Not that he was surprised. It was in a place that nopony would expect to find something of such import.
Seizing the incarnated artifact with his mind, Sombra gave it a hard swing in front of him. He felt the sadistic spirits of the storm shatter under his malicious blow. They were no match for him, especially now. The winds split before him as if they were a mere breeze. He felt Fluttershy's mind much more clearly now. Nothing would stand in his way.
He would reach his mare. ++
Fluttershy shivered in the cold, empty dark. She was surrounded by howling. Endless howling. That wasn't the worst part, though. Through the wind and storm Fluttershy could hear the chattering voices of the ones who had betrayed her.
Twilight, pedantic and condescending. So sure that she knew every stupid answer. No matter that it was one of her best friends asking for her trust. No, that wasn't good enough. She was a Princess now. She knew what was best and Celestia help anyone who thinks otherwise. So the lavender pinhead could put an Ursa Minor to sleep? Good for her. Too bad Major's are practically immune to magic. Its cave wasn't so far away either...
Then there was Rarity. Conniving and insincere Rarity with that fake accent of hers. Anyone who knew her parents knew she was from Whinnyapolis. Siding against her and Sombra for... what? Because she had a few bad dreams? Ha, she should 'relocate' a nest of Tartarus Wasps and make a few of those bad dreams come true.
And Applejack. Dumb, dirt-grubbing, down-home-twanging Applejack. Every problem had some contrived countryism to go along with it. Snakes and scales. Snakes and scales. She'd show Applejack snakes and scales. Maybe she'd drop a basilisk on the orange brute's barn. She knew where one slept deep in the Everfree. Let's see what she thought of snakes and scales when her whole family was being digested ali-
"NO!" Fluttershy cried out, the thoughts were digging into her mind like venomous barbs. She tried to ignore the horrible thoughts that followed every voice but nothing seemed to help. "Please stop! I don't want to hurt them like that! I never wanted anything like that!"
ArE yOu So CeRtAiN, sWeEtLiNg?
A slithering, whisper like jagged razors on concrete scratched into her mind. Fluttershy curled in on herself and screamed, trying to drown out its voice with her own. It didn't help.
We CaN fEeL yOuR rAgE. wE cAn FeEl YoUr HATRED.
The voice was so close to her now. At least... it felt like it was. Was it in her mind? Fluttershy opened her eyes. She was staring into a mirror, a perfect facsimile of her stared back. Right? It was her, right? No... there was something wrong. Her eyes were blue right? Not black. Not dripping tears of pitch and filled with pinpricks of red light. And her teeth, weren't they straighter than that? Weren't they the rounded teeth of an herbivore? She certainly didn't recall them being razor thin and knife-like, dripping some viscous red-
"NO!" Fluttershy turned and bucked at the mirror.
She felt the glass shatter but the image was burned into her mind. All around her Fluttershy saw that horrible thing that wore her skin. She was surrounded. It was moving towards her with unpleasant, hitching strides like its bones didn't fit right under the flesh and muscles it had pulled on like a cheap suit.
Do NoT fEaR uS. fOr We ArE rElEaSe.
FrOm PaIn.
FrOm SuFfErInG.
"You are a release from sanity and nothing more," a deep voice tore through the thick, mental miasma that was closing in on Fluttershy as four thundering hoofbeats slammed down around her. "Begone, daemon, and do not let me catch you taunting this one again or I shall be far less forgiving."
The figure standing over her was a vision of blue and white flames caged in the form of a massive, and familiar, stallion. His curved horn shone like a lantern in the dark as burning, draconic wings curled protectively around her. With a derisive snort Sombra brandished a tremendous and ornate warhammer made of arterial red light. The apparition that had been tormenting Fluttershy staggered back and let out a hiss like a thousand cockroaches. Sombra didn't even flinch. Moving like lightning, he brought his hammer thundering into the daemon's side sending it flying away into the storm with a sickening, visceral crunch of bone and organs. Its shriek was drowned out by the howl of its broken body breaching the stormwall.
"S-Sombra?" Fluttershy staggered to her feet, staring at the winged stallion in disbelief. "You're not... not dead?"
He wore a sad expression. "No, my dear, I'm afraid not. The reason for that is as unfortunate as it is disturbing but that can wait. We need to leave this place quickly before another more dangerous entity decides to investigate this little maelstrom and-"
Whatever Sombra was about to say next, it didn't matter. For the first time Fluttershy did not give one fluffy bunny tail about her actions as she practically tackled him to the ground. Before she could think it through she pressed her lips to his, gripping him tightly with her hooves as if he might vanish at any moment. It only took Sombra a second to recover and when he did he wrapped himself around her, wings and all, and held her close.
"I'm so glad! So, so glad!" Fluttershy cried out the moment she pulled away from him. She clung to him, shaking and crying as all the tension and fear that had riddled her from the moment she had woken up to find him on death's door flooded out of her on a wave of tears. "I didn't want to lose you! I'm so sorry I failed you! I tried! I promise I tried!"
Sombra silenced her another kiss and Fluttershy felt her cheeks warm delightfully at his touch. "I know you did," Sombra said softly as they parted. "Their decision was neither your fault nor was it entirely wrong." He lifted a hoof to cut off the incoming tirade. "Your Princess made a judgment call based on the safety of her ponies; that is the burden of a ruler."
"She sentenced you to die," Fluttershy almost broke down again at that word. "Twilight was just going to... to let you..."
"I will debate this for as long as you want another day, but I'm afraid we don't have time to dally at the moment, my dear," Sombra cut her off, but his eyes were soft with concern all the same. "We need to get out here quickly.
"W-where are we?" Fluttershy asked timidly, glancing around the at the featureless island of calm in the darkness. "I've never imagined a place so... awful."
Sombra let out a weary breath. "There are too many names and none of them would mean a thing to you. Sufficed to say we have passed well beyond the walls of sleep to reach this place and are in great danger. You witnessed one of the more average denizens just now, but your soul is like a bonfire to the hungry creatures that dwell here and it will draw stronger and more terrible foes."
"What happened to me?" Fluttershy met Sombra's gaze and saw the reluctance there. "Sombra, my King, please... answer me."
"You told me, not long ago, that you bore the Element of Kindness, yes?" Sombra stated more than asked. "You still hold the essence of that ancient power inside you, but nothing is ever as simple as light and dark. Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty; there is nothing that cannot be turned dark. When your friends forced you into a position that compromised your Kindness, your Elemental nature turned on itself. From what you told me before... this, you were put into a position where you had to choose between abandoning somepony in need and turning against your friends outright. There was no right answer so far as your Kindness was concerned."
"S-so... my Element of Harmony turned me... dark?" Fluttershy asked in disbelief. That flew in the face of everything she had ever been taught about Harmony. There wasn't supposed to be a dark side to be kind and loyal and... and any of it!
Sombra shrugged. "In part, I suppose. I do not pretend to know the truth of the matter. These artifacts are beyond even my ken. They were ancient before the first foundations were laid for the Crystal Palace. It would take months of research, I suspect, before I could posit a theory that was more than guesswork."
"I see," Fluttershy answered softly. Taking a deep breath she did her best to push the panic away. Sombra was right, now wasn't the time to deal with it and there was nothing to do about it at the moment any way. Still... it wasn't all bad. "But... you're going to be okay?"
That deep, baritone chuckle that Fluttershy had grown to love answered as Sombra nodded. "Yes, for the moment I am going to be fine. I have restored a great deal of my magic. So long as I do not expend too much of it I will have years, maybe decades, to determine a replacement source for my body to sustain itself on. Or, at the very least, I may be able to reverse the process."
Fluttershy let out a tiny 'yay' and wrapped herself around Sombra's wide, barrel chest. It was odd since his current form lacked his dark fur, but it was still Sombra. "Whatever happened made it so that you're not going to die, so I wouldn't change it for anything."
Sombra pulled Fluttershy close and she giggled as she felt him nuzzle into her soft, pink mane. "Let us remove ourselves from this place, then, my dear. Although I suspect we're far from out of the woods yet. Your display will have drawn a lot of attention since you're releasing surges of dark magic like a geyser at the moment."
"Where can we go?" Fluttershy asked, burying herself in Sombra's chest as the storm twisted around her. "My... the others won't just let you take me away. Not without trying to stop you. I'm sure they'll think you're controlling me or that you corrupted me."
There was a small rumble from Sombra's chest as he chuckled. "If anything, my dear, I fear it is you who corrupted me. Your little Council seems to deeply underestimate your persuasive capabilities, it seems."
A weak laugh escaped Fluttershy's lips. "They'll try to take you away, won't they?"
Sombra nodded. "They will, but they will also fail. Not all of my hideaways in the Equestrian mainland have been destroyed, there are still a few places for us to go."
Fluttershy smiled, pressing herself against her stallion's chest. "I'll go where you go."
"If I may say; that seems like rather a crap idea, my dear," Sombra responded wryly.
Fluttershy just quirked an eyebrow up and smiled back at him in a surprisingly sarcastic manner that reminded Sombra of Rainbow Dash more than anything. "Well, according to certain farmponies, I have crap taste in stallions. So I suppose I'll have to live with that, hm?"
Sombra stared in amusement, and even Fluttershy felt a little self-conscious at the casual cynicism she had heard in her own voice. A part of her wondered if that was the dark magic talking. If it had eroded away some of her timidity in speaking her mind.
That may not be such a bad thing, Fluttershy mused and, for once, her mind was silent on the matter. Turning towards the stormwall she glanced over at Sombra, who had followed her gaze with his own, and nodded. Time to confront my friends and whatever else is out there. But one thing is for certain at least... Fluttershy leaned against Sombra for a moment, reveling in the comfort of his presence, ...I've made my choice. |
The King & Shy | The Shadow Gambit | Chapter 15
Sombra opened his eyes and pain immediately wracked through his body. The maelstrom of darkness was still swirling around them which was a small blessing, but he could feel it growing steadily weaker now that Fluttershy had calmed down and it would not be long before the cover faded completely. Sombra scowled as he reviewed the damage to his body; dozens of shallow cuts with a few deeper lacerations. He had been given worse. Glancing down at his feet he saw Fluttershy collapsed on the ground. She was stirring though, which was a good sign. Turning his attention to his own damage, Sombra reached out and snared some of the ambient dark magic. Grimacing, Sombra braced himself; this was going to hurt.
Letting out a hiss, Sombra pulled in the dark magic around him to fill in his wounds. It wasn't healing; dark magic had a poor track record with that discipline, but it would keep the wounds from getting any worse than they already were. Carefully, he fixed the energy in place before letting out a harsh breath. He hated using that kind of magic. There was a reason he usually went into battle wearing full plate barding.
Speaking of which...
Stretching out his senses, Sombra found his regalia stored away in Fluttershy's cottage and, with a thought, summoned them into place. As much as he despised the Empire and his subjects, Sombra could not deny that he had spent so long bearing the weight of his raiments that without them he felt somewhat naked. With their familiar weight in place, he let out a calming breath. Tomorrow he would pay for his arrogance. His body would be stiff and pained and no amount of dark magic would change that. Still, it felt good to have it, he didn't want to risk leaving it behind either way considering what he as planning.
"You look much better now, your Majesty," Fluttershy said softly from beside him. Sombra glanced down and saw she had gotten up quietly, as always, and was smiling up at him. "I think I like you better like this."
Rather than feel the usual pride in his appearance another thought distracted Sombra drawing his gaze down and away from the yellow Pegasus mare he had come to care for. "Fluttershy, are you certain this is what you want? Giving up everything? You can still step outside of this maelstrom and join your friends, you know."
Fluttershy's eyes widened and she glanced away from Sombra towards the edge of the spiraling darkness that surrounded them. "My... my friends?"
He nodded. Sombra had sensed them moments ago. They likely had arrived not long after he had delved into Fluttershy's mind but now the veil was thinning enough that their individuals auras were filtering through. Bearers of Harmony, just like the little mouse in front of him.
"My friends... I don't know if I can go back to them after what happened," Fluttershy said softly, tears showing at the edges of her eyes. "It hurts, your Majesty. I know why Twilight made the decision she did. I even understand where Applejack and Rarity were coming from but... but it doesn't change that it hurts."
"What of the ones who supported you?" Sombra asked quietly, placing a large hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "Do they deserve your desertion of their ranks?"
"Pinkie and Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said their names half to herself. "They tried to stand up for you but... I don't understand!" Fluttershy looked up at Sombra with wide eyes, "don't you want me come with you?!"
Sombra smiled wearily. "I want you to be happy, my dear, and that is something I have not been able to say for many centuries. I think it would have been far too easy for me to become the monster the stories paint me as had I awoken in the care of anypony else. You showed me kindness when I deserved scorn. You gave me patience when I deserved destruction. The least I can do is ensure you are making the right decision. After all, I've only been in your life for a few days and-"
"Your Majesty," Fluttershy interrupted sweetly, "I hope you're not suggesting that I haven't thought this through." She lifted her gaze and fixed bright blue eyes on Sombra's crimson orbs sending a sliver of ice into his heart. It lasted only a moment before she glanced down apologetically. "Maybe before Twilight made her decision I would have stayed but... but things are different now. It's... easier with you because you've never pretended to be anything but who you are. I never really have to wonder if you were being genuine or sincere because, even when it was cruel, you were always honest. I think I need that right now. I feel betrayed and... I know you'll never betray me. Besides, I feel safe around you, my King. I... I don't mean this as an insult but you're a lot like one of my animals; everything you are is right out in the open."
"I think you're friends would disagree based on my deceit," Sombra answered with a dry chuckle.
Fluttershy shrugged. "Plenty of animals use camouflage to protect themselves."
Shaking his head, Sombra let out a defeated huff. "So long as you are certain about this, my dear, I won't bring it up again."
"If I'm wrong I can always leave, right?" Fluttershy asked glancing up at Sombra.
As much as the thought pained him, Sombra nodded.
Fluttershy smiled radiantly in response. "And that's why I'm certain I won't have to."
"What?" Sombra asked, suddenly wrong-hoofed by her contradictory response. Fluttershy just giggled and patted his cheek with a hoof, though.
"So... what do we do?"
Recovered from his confusion, Sombra flashed a dark grin that dripped with amusement. ++
The twisting darkness in front of Twilight and her friends, sans Fluttershy, felt like an unpleasant mirror to what was happening in her gut. The shock of Fluttershy's declaration and the ruin she had left of the Seat of Kindness had shaken her resolve badly. Twilight had been so sure she was making the right decision, even though it was an awful weight, when she ruled against helping Sombra. He was a terror, after all. A tyrant who held an entire Empire in an iron grip of fear and slavery for centuries. Fluttershy had a big heart but this was going to far... right?
"Snap the hell out of it, Twi!" Rainbow shouted into her ear, shocking her out of her thoughts. "Fluttershy's cottage is right in the middle of that!"
"Rainbow," Rarity interjected before Twilight could speak, "I hate to belabour the obvious but you saw Fluttershy's eyes before she left. I would say there's a better than even chance that she's the cause of that."
The cyan pegasus scrunched her face up in confusion. "Yeah what the hay was up with that anyway!? She's a Pegasus, not a Unicorn, how could she use dark magic?"
Twilight held up a hoof to forestall anymore conversation. "Because anypony can use just about any kind of magic; Earth Pony, Pegasus, Unicorn... it just changes how the magic manifests. There are plenty of records of non-Unicorn dark magic users during the Nightmare Rebellions; Pegasi who could conjure uncontrollable storm, Earth Ponies who couldn't be put down regardless of their wounds. It's a discipline that was forbidden for very good reasons."
"It's that snake Sombra's fault, ah'm sure," Applejack scowled at the black storm raging around Fluttershy's cottage. "He's the reason Fluttershy went bad, there's no other way. She was the nicest mare anypony'd every know."
"Maybe... maybe it was our fault..." Pinkie's voice was small and weak, reflecting her flat, drab hair. Her words drew the shocked attention of all of her friends though. Unperturbed, she continued to speak. "For all we know Sombra was... gone when she got back. I mean, okay, maybe he started it, but... can you really blame Fluttershy? She's Kindness right? Asking her to let someone she's helping just-" Pinkie's face twisted up into an angry visage. "We asked her to give up on him. Is anypony really surprised she snapped? Granny Pie had a saying: The wise fear three things above all; a sea at storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle mare."
"Your Granny had a lot of sayings, huh?" Rainbow asked dryly, earning a swat across her ears from Rarity. "Ow! Hey! I voted to help C-... ugh, Sombra, alright?"
"I know," replied Twilight wearily, "this is my fault entirely. I'm the one who made the decision in the end. I was so focused on what Sombra might do that..." Twilight clenched her eyes as her voice choked. "I didn't even consider Fluttershy's feelings in the matter. Not really."
"Darling... everypony makes mistakes," Rarity trotted up and put a hoof on Twilight's withers, "I let fear sway my decision too."
"Ah didn't." Applejack deadpanned.
"Thank you for that, darling, that was very helpful," Rarity replied through gritted teeth.
Rainbow Dash started to open her mouth to say something snide but her sharp eyes caught something near the horizon that drew her attention. Silently, she pointed towards a bloom of light that had appeared in the distance; a gleaming, blinding star that began at the tip of the Canterhorn and shot skyward only to curve around and angle directly down towards the five mares standing at the Everfree Verge. The falling star came to a thunderous landing not far from them, leaving a heated crater where it landed and a plume of smoke pour into the sky. From it strode a sight both familiar... and not.
Aurora Celestia, Diarch of the Sun and Princess of Equestria cantered proudly into their midst. She was not clad as a Princess now, though; instead she wore full plate barding of burnished gold that shone like it had been drawn fresh from a forges flames moments ago. Heat rolled off of her in waves causing the five remaining Bearers to flinch away. Her shaffron turned her normally graceful muzzle into a curved and angular wedge of metal that gave her a bellicose look and her peytral was engraved with solar iconography that seemed to glow their own accord.
"P-Princess!" Twilight scrabbled forward, her wings flaring in alarm.
Celestia looked down at her former student and Twilight found some comfort in the fact that her old teacher's eyes held no blame or anger, just a kind of sorrowful resignation. "Twilight, would you mind explaining why I suddenly felt a surge of dark magic the likes of which I have not experienced since I defeated my sister one thousand years ago?"
"I can answer that, Princess," a light, demure, and familiar voice interrupted. The five former Element Bearers and Celestia looked up in surprise as Fluttershy strode confidently out of the thinning smog of dark magic. "That surge was my fault, I'm sorry I worried you but everything is fine now."
Fluttershy's five friends couldn't help but stare. Fluttershy seemed like a completely different pony. Her stride was strong and confident, almost seductive, and her eyes seemed to glint playfully in the dim light of the setting sun. Her wings flared now and again, idly moving the air around her and showing off the ashen tips of her primaries and coverts. A subtle hint of dark mist drifted off of the edges of Fluttershy's slitted eyes and her mouth was turned up in the faintest of amused smiles. There was almost nothing of the bashful and unassuming mare that they were familiar with in what they were seeing. More telling was her garb; few ponies in ponyville bothered wearing anything more than a hat or scarf and Fluttershy was usually much the same. She had certainly never been seen wearing a fanged necklace set with Jet and silver, or something as audacious as the circlet of blackened iron that was set on her brow which held back her flowing pink locks from her eyes.
The Princess of the Sun held up a hoof to silence the incoming storm of words from Twilight and the others. Celestia felt a tension she hadn't known in ages. Something about the normally shy young mare was putting her hackles up. "Fluttershy? You'll forgive me for not taking your word on that, but I'm afraid I must insist on a little more explanation than 'everything is fine'."
Fluttershy smiled beatifically, strangely unbowed in the presence of one of the most powerful beings in recorded history. "My friends and I had a disagreement on... something important. The conflict caused my Element to surge. I'm sure Twilight can fill you in on the details, your Grace."
"It was Sombra!" Twilight shouted, drawing a shocked look from Princess Celestia. "Fluttershy said he forced her to help him heal! Something went wrong though and he never recovered, she came to me because he was dying and asked for my help."
"Oh no," Celestia muttered, closing her eyes sorrowfully. "Twilight you... you said no, didn't you?"
Three pairs of ears folded back in shame at the admonishment in Celestia's voice. Twilight could only nod, not bothering trying to explain herself. It would have been insulting to assume Celestia didn't already understand the reasoning. The alabaster alicorn turned to Fluttershy who hadn't moved from where she had emerged and was still smiling faintly.
"Twilight asked you to be cruel, didn't she?" Celestia stated, more than asked. "To force another to die for the sake of the many is the very polar opposite of Kindness. The inversion caused a conflict within you and that triggered a surge of dark magic."
Fluttershy gave a small nod. "That's correct, your Grace."
"It's not too late then," Celestia said sternly. "We can still purge the darkness from your body without too much trouble. Please, come back to Canterlot and we can keep this from becoming worse."
Whatever expectations the girls had, not even Celestia expected Fluttershy to laugh at her offer. It was a small, jewel-tone sound that was quite pleasant. "No, I'm afraid I have somewhere else to be. Besides, I don't really feel like sharing present company at the moment. Later, maybe, but not now."
"Is this because my former student's actions led to the death of your charge?" Celestia asked sadly. "If so then please understand that this is for your own sake. You cannot allow the dark magic to root itself within you, it's too dangerous."
"Sombra is just fine," Fluttershy replied with an air of amusement. "My surge replenished him, fortunately, so all is well in that regard at least."
Celestia grit her teeth. "I see, and where is he now?"
"Safe, your Grace," Fluttershy replied with cryptic amusement.
"Rainbow Dash, Applejack, I need you to search the area for any signs of Sombra's presence," Celestia ordered. Such was her authority that the two had already begun to move.
The roar of a typhoon shattered the quiet of the Verge as two massive walls of wind carved out to encircle Celestia and Twilight's Council. All six turned to stare at Fluttershy whose eyes had lost their amusement and were now glaring at them, her wings flared out and crackling with barely suppressed power.
"I'm afraid that's not in the cards, your Grace." Fluttershy said evenly.
Celestia grimaced. "You're taking his side? I understand wanting to help him recover but this has become something far more dangerous." She stalked forward until her full height towered over the lithe Pegasus in front of her. "He is a mind mage, Fluttershy and he's forcing you to stall for him while he escapes. He is abandoning you!"
Fluttershy crooked an eyebrow up before starting to laugh. Then chortle. Then outright cackle in the face of the millennia-old ruler of Equestria. The six of them looked confusedly at each other while the buttercream mare mastered herself before replying. "I'm sorry about that, heh, your Grace. It was just really funny. You're very wrong though, I'm afraid."
Celestia opened her mouth to respond as Fluttershy swept her wings back inward, letting the tip of her longest primaries touch the exposed fur of the Princesses fetlocks. Whatever Celestia had been about to say became a shriek of agony as nearly five hundred thousand volts passed into her body, throwing her to the ground as her muscles spasmed wildly. Before any of the others could snap out of their horror-induced paralysis Fluttershy surged upwards, drawing in a massive surge of air magic and creating a wind-tunnel with her passage and dragging the stunned Celestia in her wake. At the apex of her thousand foot rise Fluttershy pulled a tight U-turn downwards before abandoning her magic and bolt off to the left as Celestia rocketed past her and slammed violently into the ground below.
"Don't worry!" Fluttershy called out to her gaping friends. "I kept the current controlled enough, she'll be fine. Alicorns are quite sturdy after a-"
Her words were cut off by a lucent beam of sunlight tearing out of the crater followed by a furious Celestia. Her shaffron had been abandoned, dented and mangled, where she had landed revealing her bruised face, broken muzzle, and blazing eyes. Fluttershy reacted with perfect timing; arching downwards and using the buffeting of Celestia's passage to propel her away. Celestia pulled a turn only to be nearly slammed out of the sky by an invisible hammer of hardened wind that sent her spinning. Her peytral cracked and dented under the blow but Celestia recovered nigh instantly, and surged downwards towards her target who was hovering some four hundred feet below her with a cocky grin, hurling bolt after bolt of wind at the bloodied Princess. Celestia twisted left and right, letting the powerful shots pass her by, but just as she was about to collide with Fluttershy the shadows around yellow Pegasus seemed to flicker and she vanish, leaving Celestia to plow straight through empty space. She had a brief moment to register confusion before she heard Twilight shout a wordless warning at the same time she felt four dainty hooves land on her back. Twisting violently in midair, Celestia caught the tip of Fluttershy's primary that had been aimed for the back of her head right on the edge of her gorget that sent another thundering surge of electricity into her. Celestia screamed in pain as her tormentor flickered away again. Her gorget was superheated and although her body was proof against flame, mostly, the electrical burns stung fiercely beneath the heavy armor.
Shedding the weighty metal barding, Celestia spun about and sent several curving bolts of light towards her foe. Fluttershy dove and wove through the sky like a dancer, avoiding the bolts expertly as she curved around to send several shots of wind back at the attacking Princess.
"You'll have to do better than that, your Grace!" Fluttershy crowed, as one of her wind hammers clipped Celestia on the side, sending her spinning before she righted herself again.
"How dare you do something so vile!" Celestia roared, sending a fusillade of thin white rays searing through the sky towards Fluttershy. "You are truly the lowest of any creature that calls itself a pony!"
Fluttershy grinned as she curved around the barrage, avoiding the majority of them and deflecting the others with lightning-enhanced wings. "Flattery will get you everywhere, your Grace!" Fluttershy laughed as she wheeled through the storm of light.
The moment Fluttershy cleared the boundaries of Celestia's fusillade she saw her peril. The barrage had been a distraction, a bright flashy, blinding distraction. Below Fluttershy were two dozen mirror images of Celestia surging upwards towards her, a longer, more complicated casting that Celestia had bought the time for through a massive expenditure of power. Flapping her wings hard, Fluttershy pulled up and soared higher. Gravity was working against Celestia, who was much heavier and less aerodynamic than Fluttershy by nature of her shape, and soon Fluttershy had put a wide distance between her and the pursuing horde of Princess lookalikes.
"The problem with mirror images is that they're quite fragile," Fluttershy muttered as she turned about and flapped both wings hard, sending a wave of coruscating dark lightning directly into Celestia's charge. Nowhere near the power that Fluttershy's pinion strikes had, the damage probably wouldn't even penetrate Celestia's passive defenses, but it was more than enough to disrupt the fragile illusory magics that held mirror images together.
Sure enough the energy wave passed through Celestia and her mirrors, fracturing them as their spellwork failed. Fluttershy's grin lasted right up until all two dozen of them exploded, turning the entire sky beneath her into one giant flashbang. It had been a trap. Fluttershy shook the stars from her eyes just in time to see a the flanged head of a conjured mace crack down on her, sending her careening towards the ground and impacting the packed earth with a loud crash.
Twilight and her friends stared in unified shock as Celestia smote Fluttershy to the ground with a single blow. They were even more surprised when Celestia suddenly staggered in midair and dropped out of the sky like she had been swatted by the hand of the Maker to crash near the crater she had just put Fluttershy in... Fluttershy, who was climbing out of said crater almost completely unscathed.
The circlet on her head was glowing a brilliant, molten white.
Celestia tried and failed to stagger to her hooves before settling to glare at Fluttershy as Twilight and the others rushed to her side. She coughed up a small torrent of blood as she opened her mouth, coughing to clear her throat. "I-is that...?"
Fluttershy smirked as she tapped the circlet. "The Crown of Pureblood the Betrayer? Why yes, yes it is. Paranoid as he was psychotic; making a crown that would reflect the first direct hit back on the attacker. Not a bad idea, mind you, considering how many assassination attempts were made on his worthless head."
A flare of red energy shot up from within the Everfree to detonate high above the forest. Fluttershy grinned. "Excellent, just in time. Well, your Grace, I will bid you goodbye til next we meet."
Sketching a mocking bow, Fluttershy dusted off and flickered away, her small form reappearing further into the forest as she shot straight before pulling a corkscrew and dropping down to vanish beneath the canopy.
Fluttershy's five friends sat flabbergasted around the beaten and thrashed Princess Celestia. The silence was eventually broken by a frustrated "What the BUCK was that?!" from Rainbow Dash.
"Crudely put, but accurate, darling," Rarity said in a shellshocked voice. "I barely even recognized Fluttershy. Is that really what dark magic does to a pony?"
"No," Twilight answered, her muzzle scrunched up in confusion. "It just makes them crazy. Their emotions go out of control, they get paranoid and have violent mood swings. It sure as tartarus doesn't turn them into magical juggernauts capable to going hoof-to-hoof with an Alicorn."
"That's because that wasn't Fluttershy," Celestia said from where she lay on the ground, breathing hard around her damaged frame. Her Alicorn healing factor was working overtime but it would be more than an hour before she was able to stand. Probably weeks before she was back to full strength. "I knew it from the moment I was struck down the first time... I've tasted that magic before..." ++
Fluttershy trotted down the spiraling stairs into the lair holding a lifetime's worth of relics and ancient tomes. She chuckled as she entered the main sanctum and heard the sound of a deep, bass voice humming a familiar tune. Even with hooves of such size the owner somehow managed to make next to no noise as they moved around the reliquary.
"Hello, my dear," Fluttershy said, her face turning up in a warm smile.
Sombra turned around with a slight blush, embarrassed at having been caught off guard, before giving his head a shake and trotting over to pull Fluttershy into a hug. "Are you alright? I was so worried about you! I know you said you could win but..." Sombra leaned down to nuzzle against Fluttershy's cheek.
"I'm going to be sore for a few days but I will be fine soon enough." Fluttershy chuckled. "Celestia can't quite say the same I'm afraid. Now, hold still."
Leaning up, Fluttershy pressed her lips to Sombra's. There was a crackle of energy as Sombra began to shrink, his dark fur taking on a yellow tone, his tumbledown dark mane turning into a flowing river of pink silk. Fluttershy, likewise, began to expand, her body redistributing her weight and muscle to a more masculine shape and an arterial red horn emerging like a spear from her skull. Her fur blackened as if it were burning under a hot flame and she grinned as fanged canines emerged.
Sombra took a deep breath, his form now returned to his ownership. "Ah, Theft of Form, I haven't used that spell ages. I forgot how much fun it is. It worked perfectly too, they were delayed long enough for us to make all the preparations. Excellent timing with the flare, by the way."
Fluttershy, for her part, looked down at herself and gave a wistful sigh. "Thank you. And anyway I kind of liked being a big dangerous stallion for once. Also, I didn't think I'd like your regalia but it was.... nice. It made me feel powerful." She giggled as Sombra leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.
"I will look into forging some regalia for you." Sombra said as he walked towards the main ritual circle. It might've been mostly burnt out but the arcane framework was still intact. Enough for one or two more spells. Nothing like a spell of resurrection, but a long-range teleport? That was still in the picture. "You are going to be a Queen after all. It would only be suitable. Did you get everything packed and prepared for the journey?"
Fluttershy blushed furiously at how casually he spoke of her being his Queen. It did have a certain appeal though, she couldn't deny it. "Yes, your Majesty," she answered quickly. "It was a little tricky with Unicorn magic but it was very useful once I got the hang of it. Did your artifacts work alright?"
"Mm, yes," Sombra answered distractedly as he sifted through the neatly packed relics to put away the ones he had made use of. "Pureblood may have been a pompous ass but he was a powerful dark sorcerer and had quite an imagination when it came to forging relics. As for Nevarion's Carconet, it performed magnificently, I never would've been able to outfly Celestia without its magic although I fear if I had used it much longer it might've started trying to transform me. That old shadow drake is a crafty bastard, even dead."
"But you're alright?" Fluttershy stepped up to Sombra's side and leaned against him.
"I am quite fine, sore and bruised, but fine." Sombra nuzzled and nipped at her ear drawing a pleased squeak from Fluttershy. "Now, we need to go. The sooner we go the sooner we bury this sanctum. They can't follow us through a hundred tonnes of rubble."
Sombra and Fluttershy began gathering all of the trunks and enchanted chests into circle. At one point Sombra even ensorcelled a pair of armoires into ambulation to speed the process. It was a difficult job but made easier by the fact that Fluttershy had packed everything perfectly. They were still on a time limit though. In an hour or so the moon would be raised and Luna would be free to pursue vengeance for her sister's defeat.
"By the way," Fluttershy began, "where exactly are we going, your Majesty?"
Sombra heaved the last couple of trunks into place before turning back to Fluttershy. "To a the remains of a small outpost in the southern reaches of the Crystal Empire. Still quite far north by Equestrian standards I should think but it was practically tropical to us. I remember glancing at a map in one of your more modern books and saw that there is a city near it now. I should be able to produce viable papers for the grounds of the estate and enough gold to satisfy taxes. So long as there are no current owners we should be fine. The Diarchs will probably spend months just scouring the Everfree for us before they catch on to our ruse."
Fluttershy laid a hoof on his side, drawing his attention away from the work around him. "Then let's go, I want to be... I don't really want to be in Ponyville for a while. Someday I'll come back and forgive Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity, but..."
A kiss from Sombra silenced her and Fluttershy hummed appreciatively against her stallion's lips. "You are permitted as much time as you need to heal, my dear. Stay with me until then."
Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy felt warmth fill her from her hooves to her tail as she gave an enthusiastic nod. "As you say, your Majesty."
Turning to the remains of the circle, Sombra ignited the latent magic within it and conjured a powerful teleportation spell. As they vanished he set off a small spark, enough to trigger the final defenses of his cavern sanctum. The pair vanished a second later, and a few seconds after that the main supports for the underground lair detonated in a cataclysm of fire and fury, burying the empty hideaway in enough stone to frustrate even an immortal Alicorn.
~End of Act I~ |
The King & Shy | Act 2 ~ What She Left Behind | Chapter 16
The weeks following the battle on the Everfree verge was a storm of secret meetings and grim decisions. Rainbow Dash and Applejack, along with the Royal Guard Commander and Master-at-Arms of the Equestrian Regulars, had been all for putting out a wanted poster and making an announcement of Sombra's return but Celestia and Luna both put the kibosh on the idea immediately. Sombra was both a deadly sorcerer, an accomplished cerebramancer, and a skilled shapeshifter; he wouldn't be recognized anywhere he went even with a wanted poster plastered over every city wall. Fluttershy was likely benefiting from the same obfuscating magics as Sombra was as well. Making the announcement would just start a panic and announcing his ability to shapeshift would just have the whole populace jumping at shadows.
No, starting a panic would just create the kind of chaos that Sombra thrived on exploiting. All traces of his passage would vanish like footprints on a trampled path and they would never find either the dark king or Fluttershy. There was no sign of the pair in the Forest or around it. Not one of the searchers believed that Sombra and Fluttershy perished in the dangerous woods. Not only did nopony think Sombra was vulnerable enough to fall to some forest beast, but the Princesses were certain that if anything happened to Fluttershy the Elements would certainly react.
Life, of course, went on in Ponyville in spite of the tumult and upset that followed the fight and flashing lights. Nopony but those few present at the time knew that Celestia had been soundly beaten; through trickery and guile perhaps but beaten nonetheless. Luna took the fore after her sister's defeat at Sombra's treacherous hooves, mobilizing her much more adaptable and stealth-capable Lunar Guard to begin sweeping the Everfree and its surrounding townships. At first, Twilight and her remaining friends had expected to hear of success within the week. Then the week passed. Then a month.
~One Month Later~
A knock resounded through the foyer of the Castle of Friendship, rapid and panicked. It was early in the morning and Twilight snapped awake instantly. For a moment she had the absurd thought that it had all been a dream. That Fluttershy was knocking on the door and this time she could do things right. Her logical mind quashed that insane notion seconds later and was reinforced by the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice hollering something from the entrance hall. Twilight wiped the sleep from her eyes and blearily cantered out of her room and down the hall to where a very agitated Rainbow Dash was waiting.
"Dash, what's wrong?" Twilight asked, her brain foggy but she felt herself wake up a little at the panic on Rainbow's face.
"It's Scootaloo! She's gone!" Rainbow yelled, causing Twilight to flinch.
Holding up a hoof, Twilight tried to focus through the rude awakening she'd just had. "Okay, okay just hold on. You mean she ran off again? She just got out of the hospital, didn't she have an orderly assigned to stay with her at the orphanage for the next week?"
"She didn't run off, Twilight, she was transferred!" Rainbow hissed. "Transferred to some other orphanage in Manehattan! In the middle of the night, apparently!"
Twilight blinked in confusion as her coffee deprived mind slowly assimilated that information. "T-thats not right... that's- I mean, it's technically legal but it's a really gray area."
"Exactly," Rainbow said darkly. "When I asked about it I was told that the paperwork was all in order and that the transfer was happening that day to facilitate a smoother adoption process."
"Scootaloo got adopted?!" Twilight felt a small rush of joy for a moment before the realisation set in on what that meant. "But that's a months-long process normally! It takes weeks to ensure the prospective parents are properly vetted and financially situated! Then there's reams of paperwork to fill out and-"
Rainbow tapped her hoof on Twilight's nose, interrupting her train of thought. "Yeah, maybe for normal folk, but apparently these 'parents' are some flavor of super-rich. Rules don't apply to rich ponies Twi', you came from a noble house you should know that. These ponies basically just paid to have all that crap taken care of."
"So who adopted her?" Twilight gestured for Rainbow to follow her into the kitchen where she grabbed the percolator and started brewing herself some coffee.
Rainbow just shook her head, ears flicking in frustration. "I don't know. It's a closed adoption so not even her birth parents would be legally allowed know, much less me."
An uncomfortable silence settled over the kitchen, disturbed only by the sounds of the coffee percolating. Eventually, Twilight poured herself a cup and took a sip, her eyes pensive.
"Scootaloo will definitely contact you," Twilight said finally. "You know that right? She wouldn't just... 'leave you hanging'."
A grim smile crawled onto Rainbow's muzzle. "I hope so. If not then I'm going to find her even if I have to turn the Canterhorn upside down and shake it."
~ o ~
Across town, in the dim dawn light, Rarity threaded the needle at her work desk, carefully tying the delicate knot and preparing to correct the hem on her latest design. It wasn't her best work, if she was being honest. Certainly a step beyond the bland offerings that this season had seen in her opinion but the fact that she knew she could do better irked her. It was the work of a few moments to make the correction and then her glittering magic whisked it off to settle onto a ponnequin. She couldn't quite put her hoof on it but there was something lacking in her works lately. Her muse was mum on the matter but she felt it nonetheless. Her instincts screamed that she was missing some spark, something vital.
But she knew what it was already didn't she? It was the same reason she was up at the wee hours working on a dress she had no passion for: she wasn't working to create. Rarity was working to forget. She was throwing herself into her craft in order to find an escape from the guilt that was gnawing at her gut. A choice made in haste had led to terrible consequences and while she knew it was hardly her fault alone it was the fact that she had be party to it at all, and what that reflected of her character, that Rarity had an issue with. She had disappointed herself as well as one of her best friends. A friend she had respected maybe more than any other pony.
"Fluttershy..." Rarity muttered. The name set off a cascade of feelings that Rarity had gone to a great deal of trouble to bury and, like an avalanche, they rolled over her, engulfing her in their crushing weight. Tears rolled down her cheeks and, a moment later, small wracking sobs shook her feminine frame. "Fluttershy, I'm so sorry... I'm so, so sorry."
I know.
A cold shiver ran down Rarity's spine. Had she just heard something? A voice, a terribly familiar voice. Closing her eyes, Rarity tried to convince herself she had imagined the sound. It didn't work. "F-Fluttershy?" She spoke again, this time with purpose in her voice.
Here. Come over here.
The voice had a very definite direction. It was coming from her room and Rarity immediately tore into a gallop, knocking her latest creation from its perch as she ran. Bursting into her room. Her room was turned away from the sun to ensure the morning rays didn't ruin her beauty sleep and, since she hadn't lit any of the magelights nor opened the curtains, so it was nearly pitch black. Rarity glanced about after lighting one of the smaller lamps on her nightstand but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"Am I really losing my mind after all this?" Rarity said with a small, nervous laugh.
Tap tap... tap... tap tap
A noise sounded from Rarity's vanity, lighting the slightly larger magelight built into the top of the mirror, she realised that there was one thing out of the ordinary; a letter in a thick, old-style envelope sealed with black wax. As she picked it up in her magic, curious at the weight and archaic look of the thing, a glint of something bright caught Rarity's eye in the mirror. A pale yellow form moving in the mellow darkness reflected by the glass. Snapping around, her breath caught in her throat as Rarity saw... nothing. Her room was as is as empty as it was when she opened the door. Turning the letter over, Rarity read her own name, penned in mouthwriting she knew as well as her own. Carefully unsealing the envelope, Rarity set the black wax, embossed with a spiked crown naturally, aside and drew out the letter:
Dear Rarity
I know that I hurt everypony when I left the way I did. Especially, I know that I hurt you. For that I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry. I still love each and every one of you so very much, so don't ever doubt that. You are all so important to me. You're my best friends. The truth is that I'm hurt too, though. What happened at Twilight's castle shook me. I never imagined any of my friends would choose death over life no matter the scenario because, to me, that was what made us different from the ones we fought. It left me confused and in pain and feeling like my entire world was crumbling. The ponies I was closest too had chosen to take a life and I couldn't handle that. I still believe that it was wrong but I also want you to know that I'm sorry for how I reacted. I should have tried harder to convince you, or gone to Celestia., or something that would have kept us together. I know that I had as much of a part in driving a wedge between us as anypony else.
I'm still working to overcome the impulses that the dark magic in me causes sometimes. It isn't easy but I'm getting better at it and my love is teaching me how to control myself and my magic in a safe place. That's the last reason I'm sending this letter. until I can trust myself to not act rashly when I see you all, I want you to stop looking for me. I need time to heal and time to make myself safe again.
But I still love and miss all of you.
I miss our spa dates especially, Rarity.
Love & Kisses
Fluttershy
P.S. By the way, please let Dashie know that she's safe and happy. You'll understand when you see what's enclosed.
Tears trickled down Rarity's muzzles as she put the letter away. A large part of her didn't want to show it to anyone else, even though she knew she should. Sombra was teaching her dark magic but, at the same time, she remembered the look of madness on her friend's face in the Council chambers after the verdict had been passed. That look of such manifold rage that twisted Fluttershy's normally beatific features into something so horrible had been seared into Rarity's mind. If there was even a chance that Sombra could help her then... maybe it was time she swallowed her pride and accepted that Fluttershy knew what she was doing. Certainly for all of Fluttershy's demure kindness and shy mannerisms Rarity knew that her friend was at least as capable as any one of them in a pinch. Using magic to swiftly wipe the tears from her eyes, Rarity's gaze fell on the post script. Her brow furrowed in concern and, curious, she shook the heavy envelope and, sure enough, something was inside. Turning it upside, she shook the envelope and snatched up what it contained in her magic before bringing it up to the light to examine it.
Rarity's eyes widened in shock at what she realised she was holding.
~ o ~
Twilight and Rainbow Dash were finishing up an early breakfast when a soft, proper knocking came from the front door to the castle quickly followed by the sound of it opening.
"Twilight? Is Rainbow Dash here?" Rarity's voice called out into the halls.
Rainbow gave her lavender friend a quizzical look before shouting back. "Yeah! We're in the kitchen, what's up Rares?"
The tapping sound of Rarity's light-hoofed canter approached them moments before the white unicorn entered wearing a pair of hoof-made white blue saddlebags that matched her eyes. She looked a little worn around the edges but as beautiful as ever. She also looked... wary.
"Good morning, girls," Rarity remarked in a voice that was a little weary. "Rainbow, I don't suppose you happen to know where Scootaloo is at the moment? The orphanage hasn't opened it's public doors quite yet."
The speedster's eyes went wide with concern at the young pegasus' name. "No, I don't Rares, That's why I'm here. She's gone missing! How did you-"
Rarity held up a hoof before turning and rummaging through her saddlebags and pulling out a thick envelope. "I received this via... some kind of magic this morning. It's from Fluttershy, I would know her mouthwriting anywhere and-" Rarity took out the letter and laid it down on the table "-it has quite a bit to say. But at the end are simply the words "She's safe and happy." along with this.
Rarity drew out the last item and set it on the table next to the letter. It was an orange covert, naturally shed by the look of it, with a black tip the color of dark ash.
~Two Months Later~
The broken throne of Kindness loomed in the quiet Council Chambers of Princess Twilight's castle. The five former bearers and one drake sat around the map that had gone curiously dark since their sixth member had abandoned her post in protest of a damning verdict given by the castle's owner. At the time it had happened Twilight had thought it was a good decision. She felt that it was the best decision she could make given the circumstances and the timeframe. Sombra was a war criminal; although his transgressions had occurred prior to any international statute it hardly diminished the cruelty of his actions. An entire people enslaved. An imperial war machine driven to expand and conquer without mercy by a ruthless tyrant. In the months following Fluttershy's exodus at the side of Sombra, Twilight had delved into the secret histories of the insular Crystal Empire. Cadence and her brother had been forthcoming and sympathetic, as well as interested, in the contents of the once-forgotten manuscripts. The more Twilight read of the Shadow King the more she found herself both impressed and terrified of Sombra. When he deployed his armies there was no quarter given nor asked. No offer of surrender was ever made or accepted. It would begin with a messenger delivering a notice of annexation, not even a declaration of war, simply an edict marking the territory as a new part of the Empire. Then his armies would march in the next day armed to the teeth, brutally putting down any resistance. If the tribe or House controlling the land could muster an army there would usually be a small fight but it was always in vain. Sombra's soldiers marched at the side of shadowy abominations created through dark sorcery; siege engines of black magic with only the command of their King for a mind.
It baffled Twilight to no end. This was the stallion she had chosen to forsake all vows and oaths for? That she chose to forsake her friends for? At first it had been infuriating, then maddening, then... thought provoking.
"Twilight," Applejack started, tapping her hoof absent-mindedly on the dark map. "Ah understand why ya'll wanna meet every so often but frankly we ain't seen hide nor hair of Sombra or Fluttershy for darn near a season. It's the dead'a winter now and the odds of hearin' anything before spring is pretty much zilch barin' a miracle."
The rest of the group grimaced at Applejacks bald-faced summation but nopony disputed it; she wasn't wrong after all. Ponies traveled infrequently in the winter and news traveled just as slowly. Twilight just shook her head, though.
"I didn't bring you all here for an update," she said, her voice had a curious, thoughtful quality to it. "I gathered the Council to ask everypony here a question. One I've already asked Cadence and my brother who couldn't give me an answer."
"Oh?" Rarity piped up, her interest piqued. "Ask away then, darling. I'm not sure what you're expecting to get from us though that even your brother and a Princess couldn't answer."
Twilight fluffed out her wings anxiously for a moment before nodding. "Does anyone here actually know anything about Sombra? Not the King-" she quickly clarified as the voices of her friends raised in protest, "-I mean Sombra the pony. As an individual. There are lots of stories and historical documents recording what he did but... there's nothing- and I mean nothing -about why he did anything or even what he was like. Not even a self-aggrandizing autobiography and even Blueblood has one of those! This was a stallion with access to an Empire's worth of scribes, parchment, and ink and I haven't been able to find a single sentence on the pony himself."
The silence was deafening for a short while before, of all ponies, Pinkie piped up and said "He's very sad."
Everypony turned to face her in surprise. "Why would you say that, Pinkie?" Twilight asked.
Pinkie Pie shrugged. "I remember when he came to the Corner with Fluttershy. It was only once but... when I found out he was from the Crystal Empire I served him some crystalberry scones. I was hoping he could tell me if I'd gotten the recipe right but when he bit into it, I dunno, something happened. He got tears in his eyes and I got really afraid that I had messed up super badly but he told me that... that I had made them perfectly. He said that the scones had just reminded him of better times, before... before he came to power. I think that, uhm, I think he really hates who he became."
"Then why the hay did he do it?!" Applejack practically shouted, slamming a hoof on the table. "Why would he do horrible things like that if he didn't have to?!"
"Maybe he did, didja ever think of that?" Rainbow Dash shot back, stunning everypony.
Rarity tapped her hoof awkward only the table. "Uhm, Rainbow, darling, would you like to, perhaps, qualify that statement a bit?"
"Sure I would," Rainbow face was crossed in a scowl as she glared around at everypony but Pinkie. "I might not like Sombra but right now, according to Fluttershy, he's taking care of Scootaloo. He risked a lot, and almost died, making sure Scootaloo would have the chance to fly. Sure, he's got a bad rep, but I've seen the choices he makes for myself and I gotta say I can't see that guy doing crap like the books say he did without a really good reason. So here's the thing; when I think about what it would take to make me do some of that stuff you know what my answer is?" Everypony was staring at Rainbow in rapt attention, Twilight looked like she wanted to say something but was keeping her mouth shut. "My answer is: if one of you were in trouble. Or Scoots, Or Sweetie, or Applebloom. That's what it would take. I dunno about you guys but if it meant keeping all of you safe then I'm not ashamed to say I'd so some pretty bucked up crap."
"So you think he only did because he felt like he had to?" Twilight clarified, looking a little unsure. Rainbow just shrugged.
"Yeah, basically, or something like that anyway," she answered, "I mean if it were me I'd do it but I sure as tartarus wouldn't write it down for posterity. I wouldn't be proud of it. Seems like the same sort of thing. Maybe I'm wrong, I dunno, but the Sombra in the stories sure doesn't match up with the Sombra I've seen since he got his marbles back."
"Ah ain't gonna pretend ah wouldn't do some dark things to keep mah family safe either, Rainbow," Applejack joined in, "but the reason don't matter none if whatcha did was wrong in the end. If ya'll felt it was worth it well more power to ya but that don't getcha outta being punished."
Rainbow scowled but didn't argue. After a moment she let out a breath and nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's fair. I'd still do whatever I thought I needed to though."
"I wouldn't expect anything else from you, darling," Rarity said, a little sadly. "I think that goes for all of us though does it not? We would all do things we wouldn't necessarily be proud of depending on the reasons. Especially for family."
Twilight nodded. "I would give my left hoof to know what made Sombra do the things he did, or at least to know the truth. Stories aren't always right after all. I really messed up when I made that decision, didn't I?"
"Yeah," Rainbow answered dryly, prompting a gentle swat to the back of her polychromatic head by Applejack.
"Don'tcha go makin' her feel worse, flygirl, it was a rough state for us all," the farmmare remarked.
"I hope they're doing better now though," Pinkie said with a small smile. "I just want them to be happy. I want to see my friend again too but... I want her to be smiling more than anything."
"I'm certain we'll see her again, my dear," Rarity answered, putting her hoof over Pinkie's. "Fluttershy just needs time, like the letter said."
"But we're not going to stop looking, even if we don't have good odds of finding them," Twilight said sternly. "I know what Fluttershy asked but I still don't trust Sombra. I can't, not yet."
A round of agreeing nods answered the lavender Princess. On that, at least, they all agreed. |
The King & Shy | Be Kind | Chapter 17
~Shortly After the Battle on the Everfree Verge~
A dark, musty basement suddenly filled with viridian and lambent purple energy followed quickly by a powerful snap of air displacing as the teleportation ritual finished its work. Along with a large amount of extra containers and luggage, two ponies stood side-by-side; the larger one, a stallion whose coat was a deep ashen black matched by a charcoal mane glanced around his surroundings, his curved and almost bladed horn flashing as he scanned the area quickly to ensure no hostile entities had followed them through the teleportation. His eyes flickered with vestiges of dark power as he pulled the energy back into himself. He was miserly with his magic for good reason as his very lifeforce depended on it. The pony beside him couldn't have been more different; gentle of form, spirit, and demeanor, the butter-yellow Pegasus mare who was standing comfortably in the stallion's shadow seemed badly at odds with her companion. Her pink mane fell in a silk river over glittering blue eyes set above a delicate muzzle that was twitching in an effort to fend off the dust. An effort that was, ultimately, in vain.
"Ah... ah... AHH!.... ha'snoof,"
The stallion gave a deep, basso chuckle. "My dear Fluttershy, only you could make a sneeze sound so genteel and graceful."
Fluttershy rubbed her nose softly with one wing, trying to brush away the dust that she had kicked up with her sneeze. "That's mean, my king, you teleported us into a dusty old basement, what did you expect would happen?"
"You're a Pegasus, my dear, simply bend the dust away from you with an air current," Sombra remarked with a shrug as he began moving out of the magic circle that the two of them had ended up in after their escape from the Everfree safehouse.
"You know very well I can't do that," Fluttershy said, a delicate moue forming on her face, warming King Sombra's dark heart as he watched his caretaker pout. It was terribly adorable after all. "I probably use less Pegasus magic than anypony else, ever."
"We will have to change that, otherwise your dark magic will overcome you without even trying," Sombra responded distractedly as he began examining the walls, Every so often he would tap one of the stones at random as if expecting something. As far as Fluttershy could tell they were in an octagonal chamber with neither doors nor windows. She trusted Sombra though, and didn't worry. At the worst, he could just teleport them out again or blow a hole in the wall.
"I thought you had cleared away the dark magic in me," Fluttershy asked concernedly.
Sombra continued to tap away at the stones. "No, unfortunately I do not possess that kind of magic. Nor, I believe, does that magic actually exist. Once your meridians absorb enough dark magic you begin channeling it naturally. That is the primary reason it is so easy to gain power quickly through dark magic and also one of the reasons most practitioners do not survive long. They succumb to the madness and paranoia that channelling dark magic entails after becoming drunk on power. If we do not work on strengthening your native magic then you run the risk of letting the dark magic overcome your inner well completely."
"You make it sound like a disease," Fluttershy said as she moved out of the middle of the room to her king's side as he continued to tap at the wall.
"Hm, not quite a disease, my dear. Rather it is more that dark magic is alive after a fashion in a way that pure magic is not," Sombra clarified as he moved to the next wall. "Pure magic is just that, pure; no more or less than energy at its most absolute. Dark magic is contaminated by mortality. It contains traces of emotional wavelengths that take root in practitioners. That is why many sorcerers find their worst traits amplified, you see. Whatever emotion most strongly resonates with them becomes exacerbated to an extreme degree."
"Why is it only bad emotions though?" Fluttershy asked softly, "why can't it amplify something like love or joy?"
"Theoretically it could," Sombra answered with a shrug. "But think about it; the kind of pony who would pursue dark magic purposefully is the kind which has no patience for the slower, safer methods of mastering the magical arts. They want power quickly and that is usually not for beneficent ends; they want power because they fear their own weakness, or they want power to dominate others, or they want power for vengeance. They share one thing though: a want of power. It is a sad truth of mortals that those who would seek a quick path to power rarely have good intentions."
"So it's the Ponies-"
"People," Sombra clarified, interrupting Fluttershy. "Not just ponies. Griffons, Minotaur, Buffalo, Deer and many others. There are examples of sorcerers and malcontents in every race."
"People then," Fluttershy rectified. "It's the people who are bad, not the magic?"
Sombra stopped his rhythmic tapping to face Fluttershy with a thoughtful look on his face. "In a sense, that is a fair summation. But do not let that lead you to believe that dark magic is not culpable for their fall in a sense. Plenty of those who have had ill intentions might have been turned to another, brighter path had the poison of dark magic not turned their hearts stony with fear and hatred. True, it is the fault of the sorcerer for falling prey to the trap, but that does not excuse the traps' existence in the first place. Dark magic is a guardless blade, sharp on both sides; do not mistake it for anything but a weapon."
Turning back to his curious tapping, Sombra continued to check the wall for several minutes before finally announcing his success. "Ha! Found you," he proclaimed smugly as he jabbed his hoof into the wall. The stone he struck depressed several inches and a loud grinding noise filled the musty room. A half-meter to the left of Sombra the stone seemed to twist and shift of their own accord until they formed a neat archway leading to a set of stairs going up. Fluttershy followed him up several meters before they reached another archway leading out to another, larger room, that seemed packed with chests and heavy trunks.
"What is this place?" Fluttershy glanced around curiously, though cautiously. She didn't want to accidentally trip any security spells that might have been cast on the area.
Somba grinned. "This is a hidden supply cache from the Second Shadow War. It was originally part of a forward outpost, a fortress overlooking a mining village that provided my empire with valuable minerals and ore before it was captured by the Diarchy. The village, I understand, they simply occupied, but the fortress was torn down to its very foundations and the name of the edifice scrubbed from history. I am given to understand that the reclaimed stone was used to build a grand public bath."
"Oh my."
"Mm, I was not well liked in those days," Sombra quipped as he moved among the crates and chests. "Fortunately it appears my masking spells hid this final cache from the Sisters' eyes. Not surprising, actually. In those days they were pressed on all sides and hardly had time for in-depth excavations and since the Nightmare Rebellion came shortly after my banishment I suppose Celestia had a great deal more to worry about that a few hidden reliquaries."
"Reliquary?" Fluttershy keeps pace alongside the king as he examines each of the containers with a critical eye. "So this is like the place you revived at back in the Everfree?"
"Yes and no," Sombra answered as he stopped at one particularly large trunk. Leaning down he touched his horn to the lock affixed to the front of it and a snap of power sparked between them. "That place was a reservoir of arcane knowledge and was supposed to contain everything I needed to rebuild my personal power as a sorcerer. This location is a bit different." Sombra's telekinetic aura bled into the chest and snapped it open without ceremony. Fluttershy gasped at what she saw inside. "Here is where I left myself the necessary resources to regain my political and social standing."
Gold, silver, electrum, and precious jewels of all kinds glittered before Fluttershy. There were coins of a dozen different denominations from as many different cultures. Gems representing hundreds of different, wondrous cuts. Everything gleamed like it had just left the hands of the craftsmare responsible for creating them. Many of them were incredibly old, but that was not surprising. What was surprising was the sheer volume. If this single chest contained such riches... "My king, there must a hundred crates, trunks, and chests in this room... are they all-?"
Sombra grinned. "I did tell you this was a mining town didn't I? For two hundred years prior to its fall into the hooves of the Diarchy the wealth of an empire flowed through this town. And while not every trunk in this basement contains material wealth, they each contain something useful for rebuilding my standing as an aristocrat. Speaking of which; somewhere in here we'll find the appropriate deeds and paperwork claiming this land as mine."
"Uhm, won't that be a little suspicious, your Majesty?" Fluttershy remarked as they turned away from the chest of treasures to begin examining the other containers.
"I used an assumed name, of course," Sombra responded blithely. "I can't very well show my true face so close to the Empire, even if its borders have shrunk drastically since my time."
"Are we going to have to hide out here then?" Fluttershy glanced around. It was dusty and old, but that was mostly from lack of care. She was sure she could spruce the place up enough to be livable at least, if a bit spartan.
Sombra grinned. "Oh no, not at all, I'm a king, dearest, I can't very well be squatting in a centuries-old basement. No, I intend to have a grand manse constructed above this location using the foundations of the old fortress. It's far enough away from the city that I can play off the eccentric noblepony long enough to keep us hidden. That Celestia made a rather grave mistake when she demolished my little castillo. She may have annihilated the crenellated walls, tower bastions, and sorcery towers, but the true power of this place was set into the foundation stones. The arcane architecture of this place is as strong now as it was when I ruled an Empire that rivaled Equestria in its golden age."
Something about Sombra's wild smile sent a thrill up Fluttershy's spine. Everything about what he said should have made her wary but, instead, it just excited her. There was something intoxicating about his fervor and authority. It wasn't unlike standing near Celestia; but where the Solar Diarch had an almost matronly peace hanging about her, Sombra could not have been more different. He was wild, primal, and powerful.
Applejack was right about one thing, Fluttershy thought, a grin forming to match her king'. I really do have terrible taste in stallions.
"I guess my only other question is, 'where are we', your Majesty?"
Sombra nodded his head, gesturing for her to follow him. "We are almost as far north as it possible to get and still be in Equestria, although you would hardly know it. I studied some modern geographical books, as well as paid close attention to your national paper; remind me to thank whoever thought it was a good idea to meticulously detail where the most divisive areas of your nation are in a journal read all across your country, by the way." He lead her to a massive circular metal seal that was set into the ceiling. With a twitch of power the covering began to twist in place before seeming to melt. Fluttershy felt a surge of fear for a moment. It looked like they were about to covered in a wave of liquid metal. The the metal reformed into a cast iron staircase that spiraled up. As Sombra took the first steps up, Fluttershy shivered at a sudden blast of wind so cold it was painful. "My dear mouse," he continued, drawing her up next to him and flourishing his cloak as it would settle over the both of them. "We are on the outskirts of a city that is rife with discontent and crime, one that is Equestrian in name only, paying lip service to the twin goddesses of sun and moon but owing their true allegiance to those oldest of deities: pain and fear."
They emerged from hidden basement and walked through a thick copse of trees for several minutes until they finally reached a small outcropping that overlooked what must have been a ten-story drop. Below them sprawled a massive, walled city that towered even in the distance. Dull red stones, turned a dirty bronze with age and ill use stood out from the dirty snow that surrounded it. Black smoke poured from great factory stacks that pitted the city like sores. Massive spires, once pristine and fine, twisted up like a shepherd's crook and beneath them the malformed black sheep cowered; filthy slums and poorly maintained habitation blocks made from cold, brutal concrete.
"It went by a different name in my day," Sombra said softly viewing it much like a vulture would watch a dying traveler.
Fluttershy could only marvel at the city's diseased magnificence. "Stalliongrad?" she whispered, "that's almost a thousand miles from Ponyville! We've come all the way to Stalliongrad?"
"Yes, mouse, we have," Sombra answered. "And the Sisters are well aware that they have no power here. We are hiding in a nest of vipers and any attempt to fish us out will result only a bitten hoof and swift, painful death. I hope that we will have a good while before our presence is even suspected here."
"I don't want anypony hurt, your Majesty," Fluttershy said firmly, her eyes lifting to meet Sombra's directly.
The former king nodded, meeting Fluttershy's gaze. "I know, my intention was to place us in a stalemate. Even if Celestia and Luna discovered where we fled to, the area is so hostile to their operatives it would still give us the time we need to prepare. I can't make any promises though, if the Sisters send their agents to this city then it's upon their own heads."
"That's not good enough."
Sombra blinked, caught off guard by the insistence in Fluttershy's voice. She was still staring up at him, her eyes narrowed slightly as she scolded him. Sombra could almost feel her normally gentle blue eyes boring into him. He felt a small grin trace it's way up his lips. There it was again; that iron will. That strength that he had felt when he first laid the geas on her.
"What do you expect me to do then, my dear?" Sombra answered blithely. "Should I stop them as they step off of the train and politely suggest that perhaps they should engage in the pursuit of information in a less lethal environment?"
"No, I want you to protect them if they come here," Fluttershy said evenly stepping forward and jabbing a hoof into Sombra's chest. "I want you to make sure they get back to their family's safely. I want you to keep them safe from this horrible city because it's our fault they're here."
"They're here to find us," Sombra retorted angrily. "To find me! If Celestia is fool enough to send her agents unprotected to this crime-ridden wasteland then upon her head be it! It is not my responsibility to keep the life of an enemy intact as they kick the nest of vipers."
Fluttershy's scowled deepened and she moved forward again until she was nearly pressed against Sombra, her eyes boring up and into him. "It wasn't my responsibility to save you either, your Majesty! You were set on being an enemy to my friends and I from the beginning but I kept you safe anyway. Even when I didn't have to I still kept you safe because I knew that what you needed wasn't punishment, but help. You're a selfish, mean-spirited, and violent stallion, your Majesty, but I know that you're capable of kindness too! So, if you want this to work, if you..." a blush spread over Fluttershy's cheeks, stealing her words for a moment. "If you want us to work, then you're going to have you're going to have to learn to be nice. I know that I'm going to have to okay with you doing some... bad things here and there. But you're going to have to learn to show mercy even to ponies that want to hurt you. I'm not asking you to change who you are, just how you act a little... I know it's risky but... please?"
A stunned Sombra stared down at the gentle mare that had suddenly become a fireball in front of him. Fluttershy's pleading eyes were fixed solely on him and there was a desperation in them. Begging Sombra not to prove her wrong about him. What she was asking of him was ridiculous. It was patently ridiculous. There was absolutely no logic to it at all. What Fluttershy was asking him to do would risk putting them directly in the sights of the Diarchy. The entire purpose to choosing to stay in this location after securing the wealth in the reliquary was use the city as a deterrent and Fluttershy wanted him to protect them from it. That was akin to asking a king to protect an invader from the arrows that were loosed at them as they scaled his walls.
How utterly ridiculous.
But then again, Sombra knew what he was getting into, didn't he? What else could he have expected from the mare that had constantly and consistently protected him from discovery even when it would have been in her best interest to step aside? She was asking him not just to protect them but... to protect her. Or rather, to protect her spirit.
After several seconds he let out a sigh.
"Very well," Sombra answered grudgingly.
Fluttershy's scowl turned into a radiant smile. The warmth in it gripped Sombra by the heart. Never in his long, long life had he ever imagined that a mare with such a beautiful soul would ever look at him that way. If he had to make some sacrifices to his own plan so that she would keep doing that then... maybe that was a worthwhile cost.
"I can only do so much though," Sombra said evenly. "I cannot protect them from their own bullheaded mistakes if they persist."
He felt Fluttershy nod as she leaned against him, going slack after their little argument. "I know, all I ask is that you do your best to keep them safe. I don't want anypony hurt because of us." Sombra wrapped a hoof around her and pulled her tight against him and Fluttershy let out a satisfied sigh as she nestled into his warm, solid frame. "Thank you, your Majesty. Thank you so much for being kind."
Sombra chuckled at the irony. For the first time in centuries he had let someone order him around. It was an unusual feeling. Fluttershy had asked him to show kindness and... he had agreed. Sombra snorted with amusement, "As you say, mouse." |
The King & Shy | Cloudy Skies | Chapter 18
Pencil Pusher was a portly roan stallion who hated his job as much as he needed it. He wasn't what you would call competent: being thoroughly corrupt and practicing embezzlement as if it were a classical art, he was more of a reliable nuisance than anything. He knew the famiglias only kept him around because they knew they could pay him off to ignore damn near anything. If they bumped him then Stalliongrad would just get another administration executive, maybe one with more morals and a few bodyguards for good measure from the 'glorious' capital. So he did his job to the worst of his ability from where he squatted behind a grubby desk in an equally grubby office. It was technically an administrative office but since the governmental administration of Stalliongrad as a whole was more or less a poor joke, it was less than impressive. Still, that didn't help the shy, brown-eye'd, gray pegasus mare sitting across from the mean-tempered functionary.
"And who did you say you were again?"
"U-uhm, my name is Cloudy Skies," she said softly. "I'm not really welcome in Cloudsdale anymore, but my family owned a plot of land outside Stalliongrad a long time ago. My papers are all in order." Her bluish-purple mane was tied back in a functional braid that rested over her shoulders and everything about her screamed pushover. Pusher was pretty sure a fat payday had just trotted into his office. Lucky him.
The greasy stallion took another look at the ancient papers. "This is in the middle the forest," he said after a minute of glaring at the page like it had shorted him on change, "I guess so long as you're not stepping on the hooves of anypony important you can have it. This is some old claims paperwork though, I know for damn sure it's not in line with current policy."
"O-oh, I'm not surprised," Cloudy Skies said gently, drawing the stallion's attention. "My family is a very old line. I hope you understand that, given my circumstances, I was just hoping for an out of the way place where I won't be bothered."
The gleam of bits to be made lit up in Pusher's eye. "Really? Well, I'm sure we could come to an agreement. The filing fee is a hundred bits but if you want it put through quick and discreet there are a few surcharges."
Cloud Skies fixed her gaze directly on the rotund stallion, meeting his eyes. For a moment he swore there was a flash of green but any suspicion was washed away a second later. It was like he was drowning; he couldn't breath, he could barely think straight. He was surrounded by somepony screaming and all he could see and feel were a pair of terrible blue eyes on him. Boring into him. Shaming him. Hundreds of memories flashed through his mind too. Bad memories. Memories of ponies he'd cheated and hurt. Family, friends, and enemies alike. The guilt crashed down on him.
And then it was gone.
There was nothing around him but his grubby office. Nopony screaming. No eyes. Just the timid gray mare with brown eyes. Brown, right? They weren't blue? Pencil Pusher felt a warmth spreading beneath him. He'd pissed himself. His whole body was drenched in cold sweat and his hooves were shaking so badly the papers had fallen to his desk.
Cloudy Skies set a large suitcase on the desk between them then smiled and a chill ran up Pencil's spine. "Oh, I'm sure we can work it out. I can pay you a thousand bits now, including the hundred bit fee, and come back later with-"
"One thousand is fine," Pencil Pusher answered woodenly. His throat felt like he had a vise clamp around him. "I-I'll make sure the papers get processed right away Miss Skies. No problems, no need to come back. It'll all be in order by the end of the week."
The gray mare favored him with a beatific smile that soothed away some of the terror that was gripping him. "Thank you, uhm, if it's not too much trouble you can mail the completed forms to this address here." Cloudy scribbled down an address and passed it to Pencil Pusher. It was a post office box on the city rim. As far as he knew no pony even worked there anymore.
Not that he was going to argue. He'd trot it down there himself so long as it meant making sure she never came back into his office.
"S-sure, no problem, Miss Skies," Pencil couldn't get rid of the rock in his gut. Everything felt turned upside down. One part of his brain was saying to milk her for more money but a larger part was screaming in gibbering, inchoate terror while trying to violently smother the greedy part before she noticed. "A-anything else I can do for you?"
"Oh no, I'm fine thank you," Cloudy said softly, smiling again. It warmed Pencil's heart as much as it unnerved him. "I'll, uhm, come by if anything comes up."
"Uh, s-sure," Pencil had never done a hard day's work in his life, but for the first time since he got this crappy job he was gonna make sure absolutely nothing went wrong even if he had to strangle the file clerk downstairs. "W-welcome to Stalliongrad Miss Skies."
She smiled again before leaving. As soon as she was out the door, Pencil Pusher pulled out a bottle of Stalliongrad's finest backroom vodka, uncorked it, and took a long swig. He was drenched in sweat, his empty stomach was screaming about the icy booze that had just been dropped into it without warning, and he was sitting in his own piss. Somehow, Pencil still felt like he came out ahead. Pretty she might've been but Pencil hoped he never saw that weird mare ever again.
~ o ~
"So, how did it go?" Sombra asked without looking up from the crate he was cataloguing.
Fluttershy had just strolled in through the hatch, shedding the disguise as 'Cloudy Skies' as she did so, her gray fur returning to her normal buttercream yellow. Sombra had taught her the spell over the course of a few days; by unicorn standards it was positively basic but no one expected a Pegasus to be able to cast spells. In theory it was really clever, though; using a Pegasi's natural control over water and air to create a static filter of refracting colors let her make potent cosmetic changes to her appearance. Rarity would be so jealous. "Oh, uhm, I think it went okay. I don't like what my Stare did to the poor stallion I was talking to, though, your Majesty. I think he pee'd on himself."
Sombra chuckled. "He must have done some bad things in his life to react that badly. I did tell you, my dear, that your Stare will have changed, evolved really, with your immersion into dark magic. Good work, though. I was hoping it would be a simple matter to have the documents filed and processed but I was prepared to act accordingly if it hadn't."
"I thought I wasn't supposed to use dark magic, your Majesty," Fluttershy responded as she strolled over and leaned against Sombra's comforting frame.
"You didn't," Sombra answered. "You used your own innate power. It has been changed and influenced by the dark magic in your body but it's still your natural magic. You need to use it more often and regularly to keep your meridians flowing with your native magical power."
Fluttershy shivered at the thought. She didn't want to keep hurting ponies and that was all her Stare seemed to do anymore. She'd only used it a few times since they had come to Stalliongrad now; once to get the post station near them running again, once to get through making a legitimate account with First Bank of Stalliongrad a deposit a large amount of Sombra's more legal tender under her assumed name, and once to make sure she had proper identification could be filed for her. Fluttershy had never thought she would be thankful for the blatant system of bribery and corruption that was so prevalent throughout the city, but then she also never thought she would ever be considered a fugitive hiding from agents of the Crown. None of the others she had used her Stare on had reacted as poorly as the clerk had though.
"Is it getting stronger?" Fluttershy asked meekly. "Is that why it... hurt him?"
Sombra gave a distract shake of his head, sending his ashen mane tumbling rakishly. "No, it isn't. From what I gather you have the ability to speak to a primal part of the mind. It's similar to how you communicate with animals so easily, actually. Everypony has a primal side to them and you can bring it to the fore. I suspect your immersion in dark magic has heightened the emotional responses by selecting and highlighting moments of guilt and shame. The worse a pony is the worse the effect, although I imagine a properly hardened criminal wouldn't suffer as much."
Fluttershy nodded. "So... it only hurts bad ponies?"
The king gave a small shrug. "As a general rule, I suppose. Although I wouldn't put it past somepony with a powerful guilt complex to suffer from it equally. Either way it's noponies fault but their own, really. Quite a selective power you developed, my dear."
Shaking her head, Fluttershy resisted the urge to sigh. She didn't like what her Stare had become but there was no helping it. At least if she knew how it worked and how to control it she could keep from hurting anypony accidentally. It was good to know the worst effect would only affect bad ponies though. She didn't want to hurt anypony but if it had to happen she would rather it be like this. The thought made Fluttershy queasy even as it crossed her mind; once upon a time she wouldn't have even considered hurting somepony, but now she was... well, not okay with it but she was far more comfortable with the idea than she ever expected to be.
"What do we do next, your Majesty?" Fluttershy asked, she didn't want to think about her Stare anymore. There wasn't anything she could do about it and it didn't do to dwell, as her mother always said.
"Contractors," Sombra answered thoughtfully. "Discreet ones, of which I'm sure there is no shortage of in this city. They must be capable and willing to construct a large, defensible structure in a short amount of time with a minimum of interaction with either of us and a reputation for keeping their mouths shut."
"Uhm, that sounds like a tall order, your Majesty." Fluttershy ruffled her wings nervously. It sounded downright impossible to her ears, actually but she felt like saying so might have been a bit impolitic.
Shaking his head, Sombra laughed dryly. "Not at all, my dear. In order to have a stable infrastructure the criminals who run this city require exactly what I described en masse. How else could they keep their holdings secret from the crown, or from each other for that matter? I do not know how much has changed since I was imprisoned but I suspect honor among thieves has not yet become more than a poor jest."
The more Sombra spoke on the matter the more Fluttershy realised he had a fairly good point. There was no way that the famiglias and syndicates of Stalliongrad did much, if any, of their construction work above board. The problem then became; how did they go about contacting the ponies responsible for the work? Fluttershy very much doubted they listed themselves in the public advertisements. Not that there were many of those in Stalliongrad in general. It was something that stood out to Fluttershy as she walked through the city as an incongruity that made everything seems strangely out of sync: there weren't any billboards or advertisements. Everything felt cold and closed off, it was as if the city was telling her she wasn't welcome, and that not even the false smiles and forced cheer of the service industry could penetrate the dim glower of Stalliongrad's walls. No, this was a city where you had to know somebody or be somebody to get anything done. As far as Fluttershy knew, they fulfilled neither criteria.
"You're going to use more mind magic aren't you, your Majesty?" Fluttershy said softly. It wasn't really a question, and the way Sombra stiffened at the words was all the answer she needed. Before he could open his mouth she reached a hoof up and brought it gently to his chin, guiding his face around to look at her. She met his eyes, not with her Stare, but with all the emotion she felt for him poured out without words. "Your magic is the only thing keeping you alive, your Majesty. I-I'm not blind. I know that every time you cast a spell it takes hours, maybe days, off of your life. I want to try to make this work between us but that means you have to value your life at least as much as mine, okay?"
Sombra opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. Instead, he reached out and pulled Fluttershy in close and buried his face in her mane as she squeaked in embarrassment. "What would you have me do, mouse? We face a city that feeds on innocence and destroys kindness. We have risked much already with the few things you've done. I... I do not wish to see you drawn into this world. I have enough magic to last for some time, if I am frugal."
It felt nice, having him so close to her. Fluttershy wasn't ashamed to admit she enjoyed the sensation of it. Not just the physical part, although that was nice too, but the vulnerability he showed every time he got close to her. It was something he showed rarely, but it came out most when he was worried about her. Right now he was worried about both of them, she knew, but this was a problem Fluttershy already knew the answer to. Even if she didn't like it.
"You can rely on me a little more, you know," Fluttershy said softly. "I'm still supposed to be taking care of you, your Majesty. I just... don't know this kind of thing very well."
Sombra pulled away from her and looked down with sad eyes. "I have no desire to see you lose yourself to this filth-ridden city, my dear."
"I won't," Fluttershy answered with a beatific smile. "I told you before that I won't let anything stop me from being kind. It's who I am. You couldn't change me and... and this city is nothing compared to you. My King, right?"
A thin smile showed on Sombra's features. "I can't exactly deny that without undermining myself. Well done, my dear. Very well, let us see what you can do."
Fluttershy continued to smile. "As you say, my King."
~ o ~
Cloudy Skies trotted into a large, well appointed building with all the confidence of one who was supposed to be there. She was finding herself drawing more and more on the lessons she'd learned under Photo Finish's tutelage for being a model. A skillset she had not imagined she would ever use again. The pale, Germane mare had been a ruthless teacher but she had a flawless teaching technique and Cloudy Skies drew every eye to her as she sauntered imperiously through the front hall to the main desk where a small, young Stalliongrad mare stood looking incredibly nervous.
"H-hello, Miss... can I help you?" The clerk stuttered. She grew more relaxed as Cloud Skies smiled at her warmly.
"My name is Cloudy Skies, I need some construction work done quickly and with a minimum of fuss," Cloudy stated, her voice soft but strong. In truth she was just trying her hardest to mimic what she thought Rarity would do in this situation. The memory of her friend sent a pang of sadness and anger through her, but she shrugged it off. "My family once owned a fine mansion outside the city, I've inspected the foundations and they are still whole. I need a group who can raise a suitable home for myself and a few others, now."
Saying so many words all at once without cringing back felt alien, but Cloudy kept a straight face through it all. If she couldn't do this then their only alternative was his Majesty's mind magic and she had resolved to never see him suffer like he had back in her cottage ever again. She could still feel the cold sweat on his fur; his weak, labored breathing, and the wracking spasms of his muscles as his body betrayed him. Never again. She would step as far outside her comfort zone as she needed to to make sure it never happened again.
"Oh, uhm, there are a few groups who do that sort of work," the clerk answered nervously, "but I'm afraid they're very expensive."
"Bits aren't a problem," Cloudy responded gently, "I care more about the demeanor and standards of who I'm hiring."
"O-oh," the clerk shuffled some papers around but looked uncertain. "All of our contractors are complete professionals, I'm proud to say."
"Who work for the highest bidder," Cloud pointed out. The clerk cringed and Cloudy felt a sympathetic pang for the young mare, after a moment of awkward silence, Cloudy smiled again, fixing her gaze on the clerk. "May I ask your name?"
The mare stiffened at the sudden shift but nodded after a moment. "It's... my name is Dusty Shale. I know, it's not very pretty is it?"
"I think it's very nice," Cloudy said, her voice clear and sincere. "If you'd like, I would love to have your company at my home when it's finished."
Dusty stared in surprise. "I-I don't know that you should, Miss. I'm nopony at all, barely worth a name. Inviting me over might cause all manner of rumours."
The smile on Cloudy's face didn't falter. "I can't stop ponies from gossiping; what I can do is be kind. Besides, you seem like a very nice pony. You shouldn't put yourself down by calling yourself nopony. Everypony is somepony, at least in my eyes."
"I think you actually mean that, Miss," Dusty said with a nervous laugh, "if you don't mind my saying so."
Cloudy chuckled lightly. "I think so too."
Dusty pulled a few sheets out from under the counter she was standing at and looked them over briefly. "Don't tell anyone where you got these, Miss Skies," she said as she hoofed them over, "this group was blacklisted for refusing to complete an order for one of the more prominent families. If the family finds out somepony hired them it could mean real trouble for you."
Holding the papers carefully, Cloudy examined the licensing paperwork critically. Back when she had lived in Ponyville she had done most of the upkeep for her house, with a little help from... from the Apple Family with the larger projects. This group worked on a much larger scale, though. It had a number of black marks on the record too, specifically the latest one which noted down a slew of negative remarks. Cloudy grimaced; if even half of them were true she wasn't sure she wanted to hire them. On the other hoof there was probably a better than even chance that they were entirely fabricated to destroy the construction group's reputation along with their chances at getting work from any but the most desperate of ponies. Sliding the papers into her saddlebags, Cloudy smiled radiantly at Dusty, who seemed to blossom under the kind gesture.
"Thank you so much, Dusty, I'll take the papers back and go over them in detail." Cloudy pulled the purse out that Sombra had given her and settled the bill. "I'll see you again, I'm sure, I hope you have a pleasant day."
"Y-you too, Miss Skies," Dusty waved as Cloudy trotted away. "I really hope I didn't just get her in big trouble," she muttered quietly as the gray mare left. Well, Steelhorn was a good fellow, she knew. He and his company deserved this second chance, and they would definitely keep Cloudy's project quiet. They were good at that. Assuming she wasn't doing anything bad with it. Steelhorn's combined temper and conscience was what got him blacklisted in the first place. Grimacing, Dusty turned to the east and bowed slightly, murmuring her first genuine prayer in years."Please, Celestia, let this go well." |
The King & Shy | Something More | Chapter 19
Three weeks had passed since Fluttershy and Sombra had made their escape from Ponyville and into the outskirts of Stalliongrad. The winter was coming on quickly as it was wont to do so far north and Sombra had been growing concerned. The cellar reliquary was well insulated for the most part but a lack of heat, proper plumbing, and a variety of other small necessities made it a deeply unattractive prospect as a place to winter. His main worry had been that the two of them may have had to spend a month or more in the city proper. That would have been problematic for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that avoiding the eyes of the Stalliongrad gangs would have been nearly impossible but also being directly in the city made it far more likely that some of the crown's more passive agents would have had a far greater chance to notice them. Those worries were, for the most part, assuaged when the group that Fluttershy had hired in her Cloudy Skies persona had arrived and begun building the mansion he had designed roughly a week and a half ago. Steelhorn had turned out to be a towering minotaur with a straightforward, bellicose demeanor. Sombra had been wary of the minotaur foreman's attitude but was willing to see their handiwork,
The former tyrant was more than glad he waited. The first wing fairly flew up under the expert guidance of the minotaur architect. He showed all the capability and expertise that his kind were famed for in structural engineering. Not even Sombra's complicated designs fazed the brutish builder; Steelhorn asked no questions nor raised any complaints about the strange, arcane architecture that 'Cloudy Skies' was paying him to build. So long as Steelhorn remained discreet on the matter, the time-tossed stallion was perfectly happy to keep funneling bits into the motley construction company's coffers, even if it did mean that Fluttershy had to keep up her 'Cloudy Skies' disguise almost all of the time. Sombra considered it good practice. At the same time, Fluttershy had begun venturing out on her own into Stalliongrad. At first, Sombra was worried and, with a small, unfamiliar pang of guilt, set a small number of shadow familiars to watch over her while she walked. It wasn't a taxing spell but he knew the mouse would say much to say, and loudly, if she knew he had expended yet more power on her behalf.
She spent most of her time wandering the streets, speaking here and there to common ponies and griffons, of which there was a sizable population thanks to Stalliongrad's relative proximity to the northern aeries. The familiars did not understand Equish so they could not deliver the conversation, but Sombra felt no need to eavesdrop, he only wanted to know she was safe. It was only near the end of the third week that Sombra grew curious. Fluttershy had made several stops into the same building. Over and over she had visited, sometimes leaving with substantially less bits than she went in with. Sombra didn't particularly mind, what she was spending was a drop in the pond and he didn't doubt it was for a good purpose. He half-suspected it was some lonesome charity on the fringes that Fluttershy had taken a shine to. That certainly seemed possible, but the more he watched the more he felt the determined look on her face suggested a much more serious purpose than simple charity.
~ o ~
The sound of ringing hammers, saws, and muffled shouting had become a fixture over the past week. Sombra toyed once more with the idea of expending the energy for a spell of silence as he mulled over the last stack of inventory sheets from the reliquary. It was an idle urge, one he knew would be a waste. The spell would only last a day at most and then he would have to recast it. It would be a colossal waste of energy and he had worked in far less pleasant conditions before. Besides, he was already expending energy that he knew the mouse would chastise him for, he hardly needed to give her another reason to be upset with him. Fluttershy was on her way home now and she looked distinctly pleased with something. Up til now Sombra hadn't cared one way or another what she did with her time; whatever their previous relationship Fluttershy was her own mare now, Sombra expected no less from the mare he desired to share the authority of his throne. That being said he couldn't deny that he was curious. She was showing an uncommon initiative towards something and that piqued Sombra's interest greatly.
Fluttershy was on her way home now, to their little temporary residence; Sombra had to admit it was more than adequate given how short of a time it had taken to erect. It would soon be the east wing of a grand manse that would serve as a subtle channel for his arcane energy; a beacon that would surreptitiously gather ambient magic from the north and draw it down, filtering it like a sieve and serving as a source for Sombra to draw from and sustain himself. It was a stop-gap measure at best of course... Sombra could hardly restrict himself to one locale for the rest of his life. Their new home would be a useful tool but its service as a sort of jerry rigged life-sustainer made it a massive weakness and target as well and he had no desire to draw that kind of ire down on them should anypony discover the mansion's true purpose.
Sombra's grim musings were broken by the sound of the front door opening and four dainty hooves trotting in from the blustery cold. Winter had come in force to Stalliongrad, being the northernmost territory of Equestria outside of the Crystal Empire, and Sombra heard Fluttershy shake the snow from her withers and wings before stepping into the generous living room that Steelhorn had constructed. Moments later the mare herself stepped into the study, gray coloration fading gently back to yellow. Her mastery of the camouflage spell Sombra had taught her was coming along nicely considering he had only been able to instruct her second-hoof on its workings. Fluttershy sidled up to his side and leaned in and Sombra shivered at how cold she was, he could feel his heat draining into her.
Fluttershy giggled quietly. "Sorry, my King, it was really cold outside and you're very warm. How are the final drafts for the blueprints coming along?"
"You are forgiven for this, your most dire of transgressions, my dear," Sombra chuckled as he shifted his weight to better accommodate Fluttershy's presence.
Fluttershy's light laughter answered him as she curled in and let out a long sigh and relaxed against him. Sombra was quiet as he stared down at the yellow mare who was so comfortable against him. She was fierce, kind, patient, and many other things he did not deserve in a friend much less in the strange relationship they currently had.
"So uhm, I didn't want to bring it up until I was sure, your Majesty..." Fluttershy began softly, not looking up from where she was resting, "but I, uhm, I'm sure you remember Scootaloo, right?"
Sombra chuckled. "The little orange pegasus filly that nearly cost me my own foolish life? Yes I do have some vague recollection of her." Fluttershy winced at his remark, but Sombra quickly shook his head at her reaction. "Not that I blame her, mouse. I was operating on false assumptions and made a foolhardy decision. One I would not take back, mind you, but it was foolhardy nonetheless. Why do you ask?"
"Well, uhm, I'm sure you've noticed I've been leaving more often..." Fluttershy pawed the ground shyly for a moment, stuttering over her next words before Sombra's massive hoof came down to gently cover hers.
"I always notice anytime you are not within a hoof's reach my dear, " Sombra rumbled, "but you can tell me anything, you know this. No matter what, I will always hear you out." He could feel her quickened heart rate slow to a steady beat as she nodded, leaning against him again.
"I know," Fluttershy said softly. "I know, but I can't change everything I am. I still have trouble... confronting."
Sombra leaned down to nuzzle the yellow mare's cheek. "I wouldn't ask you to change anything at all, my dear. Now, what is it you want to say?"
Fluttershy took a deep, calming breath before starting. "Uhm, once we got the construction work settled I started asking around about orphanages and foal's shelters. It turns out there's a sizable one operated by the crown. It's... well-funded but like everything else it's corrupt. The ponies there are perfectly happy to sell off children to the gangs and families without asking why. At first I hated them for it..." Sombra's eyebrow raised at the venom in Fluttershy's voice as well as the fiery swell of dark magic rising within her. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it was suppressed, "...but then I realised I could use it... I bribed a few medical technicians at the Stalliongrad Healing Center to have records pulled from the Ponyville archives and, well, it took a few days but I found out that Scootaloo is slated for release soon. I also, uhm, bribed some of the caretakers at the Our Lady of the Sun Orphanage and... they told me that they could arrange to have Scootaloo transferred up to Manehattan if I was, uhm, interested."
A silence grew between the two ponies as Sombra digested that information. As he thought about her actions another notion occurred to Sombra that made a small, wicked grin appear on his face. "Bribery is a complicated game, my dear. One must balance between offering too much and having to deal with the avarice of your mark, or offering to little and garnering either a reputation for stinginess or suspicion. I'm surprised somepony with so little experience in the fields of subterfuge could be so successful."
Fluttershy's ears folded back and she looked away, a small grimace appearing on her face as her wings ruffled uncomfortably. Sombra's smile faded slightly and he leaned down to nuzzle her again. "I apologise, mouse, I didn't intend my comment to be barbed, but am I right in suspecting that you...?"
"Yes, I used my Stare," Fluttershy confessed quietly. "I used it a lot. They were all dishonest, terrible ponies. They sell foals, my King."
"Does that matter? Are you not Kindness incarnate?" Sombra asked half-jokingly. Fluttershy's expression fell the moment the words left his mouth, though, and Sombra felt a tinge of regret for his comment. "I'm sorry, that was an ill-thought remark."
The young mare shook her head and favored him with a smile. "No, I understand what you meant. The answer is 'no', though. I'm still a pony, even if I was chosen by the Element of Kindness. I'm not perfect." Without warning Fluttershy buried her face in Sombra's chest. He could feel her shiver every now and again. After a few awkward moments, Sombra opened his mouth to speak, but Fluttershy interrupted him, her voice muffled by his broad chest. "I-in the spirit of not being perfect... is it okay that I hate them a little bit, my king?"
"Yes, I think it is perfectly fine," Sombra answered softly, "but then again, I am a war criminal and a tyrant, so what would I know?"
Fluttershy chuckled lightly, relaxing in her King's embrace. After a moment she lifted her head to place a trail of kisses along the underside of his chin. Sombra felt a grin tug at his lips as he leaned down to meet her soft, supple lips with his own and deepen the kiss. For a moment they stayed that way, twined with one another, enjoying each other warmth and presence in the cold Stalliongrad winter. This was what his dark rule had been lacking, Sombra realised. Back in the good old bad days of the Empire when his domain spread cancerously across the continent of Equestria he had felt empty. Alone. In part he knew that was due to the Crystal's influence; a curse he had levied upon himself thinking it to be a boon. He had been a foal to believe there was a such a simple path to power. To his surprise he now found himself almost thankful to the Diarchs for defeating him. Had he continued to rule he may have covered all the land in darkness and known only a cold and tiresome eternity. Thanks to the two sisters he had a second chance to live according to his own will without the chains of dark magic shackling his heart.
"So, uhm, about Scootaloo..." Fluttershy began, a tentative tone to her voice.
Sombra nodded. "If you wish to bring the little one up here then I have no objection to the matter at all. Besides, I did expend a substantial amount of effort on her, it would be interesting to see how she develops if nothing else."
Fluttershy gave him a curious look before it vanished, replaced with a smile. "Okay, I'll bring her up here. I'm going to have to go down to Manehattan to finalize the transfer, though."
"Then I will come with you, my dear," Sombra warned. "Beyond this frigid stretch of country the Crown's agents have free reign. If you are not careful..."
Fluttershy silenced him with another kiss. "You know that can't happen. You would have to use your magic constantly to maintain a disguise. Besides, you're the only one who can direct the construction team. Steelhorn has been such a sweetheart about building piecemeal but you have to meet him halfway."
"I refuse to let you go alo-!" Sombra retorted only to be silenced by yet another kiss. A small part of him was irritated at how effective a method of interruption this was and yet he could not find it in him to complain about it.
"I'm sorry, my King, but you have responsibilities here," Fluttershy said fixing her gaze on him. Sombra knew she was right and couldn't deny a certain pride in how assertive she had become since leaving Ponyville. A part of it, he knew, was thanks to the dark magic flowing through her now. All of the tiny inhibitions that had mounted up in her and left her a withdrawn recluse prior to their encounter were being eroded away by the tides of power that welled up within her.
And yet, she was handling the changes with grace and poise. Something few practitioners ever achieved, let alone mastered. He couldn't refute any of the points she had brought up and she had spoken with both the confidence and the eloquence that Sombra had known she possessed. Sombra still wasn't sure that Fluttershy had truly mastered her emotions yet, of course. Here and there he could see the cracks in her psyche and the strain on her emotional stability. He could only hope that her control was strong enough for now.
"I don't like it, mouse," Sombra muttered after a few moments. "You're putting yourself in needless danger."
Fluttershy gave a gentle smile. "It isn't needless. Scootaloo needs us and I think we need her too, you need to have something to do other than just brood all day over musty tomes."
"I am not brooding," Sombra huffed, wrinkling his nose irritatedly, "I'm planning."
His annoyance was answered by Fluttershy's chime-like laughter and another small kiss under his chin, drawing out faint grin. Perhaps she was right and he was staying too distant from matters. Besides, hadn't the original plan been to revive the old Orders? The little pegasus filly was going to be the harbinger of that intention. She had the drive and the wherewithal to survive the transition, now he needed to see how well she took to the training. It would be an amusing diversion if nothing else.
"Fine," Sombra answered finally. "I will train and teach her as best I can given my magical handicap. We will see how she develops. But you must be careful during your excursion to Manehattan, my dear. It may be the heart of winter but your Princess has undoubtedly kept her eyes and ears wide open for any sign of you or I."
Fluttershy nodded. "I know. I'll keep my 'Cloudy Skies' disguise on. If all goes well I shouldn't be away for more than a couple of days, but I need to go let the Orphanage in Stalliongrad know that I want to go through with the transfer as soon as possible, so I'm going to head back into town now, okay?"
"Will you leave for Manehattan immediately after?" Sombra asked, concern coloring his voice.
Fluttershy gave a sad smile. "I think so, yes. Doing this fast is our best bet, but I promise I'll keep my head down, okay? I have a lot of practice at that after all."
Sombra chuckled. "That you do. But still, do not hesitate to use your Stare should it be needed. I would rather see you back unharmed than any other outcome."
"I'll come back with Scootaloo," Fluttershy countered gently. "That's the only outcome I'll accept."
~ o ~
Scootaloo was in shock as the Matron of the Ponyville Orphanage gave her the news. The young pegasus had only just been released from Ponyville General on observation and the promise of further checkups when news came down that adoption papers for Scootaloo had been filed and approved via the Manehattan branch. She was being transferred to Manehattan Home for Foals in Hays Kitchen temporarily where she would wait for pickup by her new family.
"I know it's sudden, Scootaloo," Breeze Whisper said, keeping her voice to a low and comforting tone, helped by her delicate Trottingham accent. She had stopped Scootaloo on her way back from the kitchen and pulled her aside into a small parlour aside from the main foyer. "But you'll have a family now, a real one. One that's going to take proper care of you, you'll see."
"B-but... my friends," Scootaloo's voice was cracked and weak. "W-will I ever see them again? If I'm going to live all the way up in Manehattan I'll..."
Breeze shifted uncomfortably. "Actually, I'm not entirely certain you'll be living in Manehattan. They're only using it as a place to pick you up from. You may be living in one of the suburbs outside the city, or even a village that doesn't have a proper orphanage of its own. That's not too uncommon, I'm afraid. But so long as your new parents are alright with it I'm certain they'll let you send your friends here in Ponyville letters!"
Tears trickled down Scootaloo's cheeks as she came confronted the idea of never seeing Applebloom and Sweetie Belle again. Or at the very least maybe not until all three of them were grown up.
"A-are they nice? My n-new parents I mean." Scootaloo asked shakily.
Breeze smile turned thin. "I'm sorry Scootaloo but... I haven't met them. They contacted us through the Manehattan branch."
She wasn't even going to know who they were? Scootaloo screwed up her face in a determined effort not to cry. She wasn't going to cry in front of an adult, she wouldn't let herself sink that low. Stretching out her wings she took a little comfort in the long sunset-shaded feathers that now adorned them. She'd won the bet with that dark Unicorn, hooves down and came out of it with real wings. Finding a small well of courage, Scootaloo turned back to Breeze Whisper and gave a small, genuine smile.
"I guess I can't help it, but I'll fly right back here if I don't like them," Scootaloo declared. That Unicorn gave her a gift and she was going to use it. Scootaloo had no intention of staying with another family that ignored her, not without her friends, anyway.
Breeze gave Scootaloo a kind smile. "I suppose I can't fault you for that, all things considered."
Scootaloo let out a breath and nodded. She survived whatever weird spell that Unicorn cast on her was, she could survive this. No one owned her life but her and Scootaloo was determined to keep it that way. That being said... it wasn't fair not to give whoever these ponies were a fair chance, even if it did mean moving away for a little while. Scootaloo was about to open her mouth ask about seeing her friends one more time before she left when a loud pounding knock thundered against the main doors of the Orphanage. Without waiting for an answer, the door swung open to admit a pair of stout dun Earth Ponies flanking a lean, studious-looking gray Unicorn with a pale white mane. Breeze quickly cantered off to greet them, drawing Scootaloo alongside her.
"Uhm, hello messirs, can I help you?" Breeze asked, her voice not quite masking the quaver in it.
The Earth Ponies didn't move to acknowledge her, but the Unicorn turned slightly to regard her in a manner that didn't sit well with Scootaloo at all. "Yes, we're from the Manehattan Home for Foals. I was told to pick up a young filly by the name of-" he paused for a moment before thrusting her hoof into his blue jacket and pulling out a paper, "-ah... Scootaloo, I believe was the name."
"W-what?" Breeze worked her jaw for a moment in surprise before recovering. "I wasn't told... it's normally at least a week long waiting period! Especially with a transfer!"
The Unicorn regarded Breeze cooly for a moment before answering. "In certain cases we make an exception for the sake of expediency, especially if the prospective parent possesses readily viable proof and collateral to determine their suitability as a parent."
Breeze Whisper stared at the Unicorn in disbelief. "T-that's-! You can't possibly be serious about this! Just because some we-" A slate-gray aura closed over Breeze's mouth, silencing her and cutting off her building tirade. The Unicorn fixed Breeze with a hard glare.
"All of the paperwork is perfectly in order. Certainly you're not suggesting we're doing anything but acting in the foal's best interest, are you Miss Whisper?" said the Unicorn evenly. "I very much hope not as I suspect your little orphanage could hardly bear the costs of a defense against charges of defamation." The gray aura faded from around Breeze's lips but she didn't open her mouth.
"Good, I shall have Stock and Barrel here gather the filly's things and load them up," he said with a faintly smug grin. "We leave as soon as possible, the next train is in less than half an hour and I intend to be on it, get to it boys!"
The large Earth Ponies bullied past Breeze and up the stairs, navigating the corridors with ease. Scootaloo, having watched the whole debacle play out in front of her, felt yet another pang of betrayal in her heart. In the end not even Breeze Whisper would stand up for her. No one would. No one but... Scootaloo let out a sigh. Rainbow Dash wouldn't be there for her anymore, neither would that black Unicorn. Still, at least that weirdo had given her the means to fight back. No more frail, flightless chicken; she was a Pegasus, it didn't matter who her parents were, all Pegasi were descended from warriors.
Mustering up her courage, Scootaloo stepped out from behind Breeze and looked up at the Unicorn. "What's your name, huh?"
The Unicorn gave Scootaloo an appraising look before giving her a smile that sent unpleasant shivers up the filly's spine. "Lock is my name, and you must be Scootaloo, yes?"
"Yeah, and I want to know where I'm going once we get to Manehattan," Scootaloo demanded brazenly. "And who are my parents going to be?"
Lock gave a cocked smile that lacked any real humor. "You're quite a firecracker, aren't you? Well, I'm afraid I couldn't say since adoption details are confidential. I was just sent to fetch you so I suppose you'll just have to wait and see."
~ o ~
Manehattan was a city of steel, glass, and gray stone. The rains never quite seemed to stop, even with a weather team five times the size of any other city in Equestria, and in the winter those rains turned into driving sleet and bone-chilling snow. Scootaloo tucked her wings around her in a futile effort to stave off the cold as she stepped lightly off of the train behind Lock and his two burly helpers one of whom, Barrel she thought but wasn't quite sure since they were twins, was carrying her few belongings which mostly consisted of some winter clothing, most of which she was wearing, and a few trinkets and tokens she had collected as reminders of her Crusades with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. Remembering her friends lit a fire in her heart, she was going to see them again not matter what these new ponies who called themselves her parents said. A part of her just wanted to give up, be angry, and break stuff but every time she felt that way she could feel that stallion's burning eye daring her to give in to her weakness, to just be one more worthless layabout like her birth parents; living like parasites and complaining about the injustice of the world. That's not who she was going to be.
"Move it, filly, we haven't got all day," Lock said evenly. The three male ponies had taken a few steps ahead were waiting for her. Scootaloo just nodded and stretched the wings out of the holes in the sweater she was wearing, stretching them after the long train ride in the cramped cabin.
"I'm coming, how far do we have to walk?" Scootaloo said as she trotted up next to Lock. She had tried to engage in conversation with Stock (or Barrel?) earlier but they had ignored her. Lock was the only one willing to indulge her in anything resembling conversation but every time she spoke to him Scootaloo got the feeling he was silently laughing at her.
"Shut up, kid," Lock answered curtly, drawing a flinch from Scootaloo He'd been like that ever since they left the orphanage in Ponyville, his entire demeanor turned as stony as the color of his coat. She'd quickly learned to just avoid speaking to him, and was glad they were almost ready to part ways for good.
Scootaloo followed Lock as they trudged through the bitter cold of Equestria's largest city. Every so often she would see a weather Pegasus flit across the sky to try and break up the worst of the snow clouds, but it was barely more than a stop gap. Rainbow Dash had talked about the winter storms in Ponyville often enough for Scootaloo to get the gist for how dense and difficult snow clouds were to properly break up. If a weatherpony struck too hard it would drop its entire payload on whatever unlucky sod happened to be below it. The best case scenario mean it landed somewhere empty but in Manehattan that usually meant a street or alley which caused different problems. Despite the cold and the miserable situation, Scootaloo couldn't help but smile a little. For the first time, she could imagine herself as one of those hard-working weatherponies without the harsh reality of her stunted wings bring her crashing back to reality. Her new reality meant that she had wings that could take her high above the clouds just like her idol, maybe even into the Wonderbolts! For a few minutes, Scootaloo lost herself in a daydream about flying next to Rainbow Dash in the Cloudsdale Cloudaseum. She was interrupted from her imaginings by a small thump on her head from Lock.
"We're here, filly," Lock said.
Stock and Barrel were already ascending the gray stone steps leading up to the main building. It was a grand old building made from old fashioned brick and mortar. It had probably been here long before Manehattan had expanded and become the symbol of metropolitan culture across the nation. Lock led Scootaloo up the steps, shaking snow from his pale mane.
"How long will I have to wait to be picked up?" Scootaloo asked as they entered the building. The filly shivered as the warm air reminded her how cold she really was. Pegasi were cold-resistant by nature but that didn't mean it was comfy out there.
Lock shrugged. "Not long I would imagine, I was told I would be passing you off to your new caretaker upon arrival."
"That's correct, Mister Lock," a soft, melodic voice answered from the side. A Pegasus mare stepped out of the shadows and gave them both a soft, warm smile. She was gray-coated too, but where Lock's coat was more reminiscent of snow-bitten iron, hers was the mellow gray of an overcast day. Her mane had a luminous, nighttime quality to it and her eyes were a warm and oaky brown. For a moment Scootaloo stood poleaxed, a part of her wanted to ask if the mare was going to be her new mother, another, greater part was afraid that the gray mare would say no.
Before Scootaloo could recover, the gray mare had cantered almost silently over to her and stretched out a wing to pull her close. There was something familiar about her but it was all washed away with the gray mare's words. "Hello Scootaloo, my name is Cloudy and I'm going to be your new mother, if that's okay."
Lock cleared his throat loudly, interrupting them and drawing a sharp look from the mare, Cloudy. "Sorry to interrupt, ma'am, but there is the matter of our fee. We got the package here in record time so a little gratuity wouldn't go amiss, if you know what I mean."
Cloudy gave them a thin, glassy smile. "Of course, I have your fee. Scootaloo, why don't you go into the kitchen and get yourself something warm to drink, I'll meet you there and we can head home. My carriage is parked in the back." At that, Lock nodded to Barrel (or Stock?) to take Scootaloo's things to Cloudy's carriage.
Scootaloo, eager to get a warm drink before going back into the cold, cantered towards the kitchen. The last thing she heard Cloudy say was: "Here is your payment, but I did have one question and I'd like you to look me in the eyes when you answer..." |
The King & Shy | Lucid Dreams | Chapter 20
A thundering knock on Sombra's study door split the morning silence and produced a spur of grumbling from the dark stallion sitting at the small table. Sombra had hoped to enjoy his coffee and breakfast in the few moments before he inevitably swamped himself with work again but clearly Steelhorn had other ideas. Wrapping himself in the familiar visage of 'Coal Axiom', Sombra approached the door and wrapped in a pale grey aura, pulling it wide. Steelhorn stood on the other side of the threshold with two well dressed Unicorn stallions behind him, the brutish minotaur looked singularly more uncomfortable than Sombra could ever recall seeing him. Sombra didn't recall a meeting today and if there was a meeting he would have remembered, meaning that this was an uninvited visit.
"Ah don't suppose the lady of the house is up yet?" Steelhorn drawled in his low, dark voice. "We've got a coupla fella's here who wanted to speak with her."
"I believe her name is Cloudy Skies," one of the stallions said in a nasally voice, "I'm afraid I must insist on speaking with her as soon as possible."
Sombra couldn't help a small smile cross his face. 'Lady of the house' was she? Well, that's only appropriate for them to believe since she must be my face in these matters. How ironic, I suppose I must play the good servant this time around.
Schooling his features in his finest 'who left this refuse in my kitchen' expression, Sombra responded. "I'm afraid Lady Skies is in Manehattan attending to business matters. I would recommend a call ahead next time or perhaps a courier."
The other stallion grimaced. "Look here you little horn-wipe, we're not playing games. Your Mistress has made some powerful ponies real angry. Disrespect us and you'll have a lot more trouble on your hooves, yeah?"
"Either way I cannot make Lady Skies appear out of thin air," Sombra answered tonelessly without even turning to regard the speaker. "You will simply have to return at a later date if you're so intent on speaking with her."
"Unfortunately," the more calm of the two interjected, "this was a one time courtesy call. Your Lady Skies has trodden on a few very important fetlocks in her short time here, bribing ponies who work for us, threatening them too by all accounts, and we wished only to politely to offer a bit of advice. There will not be a second visit, I'm sure you understand."
The two stallions turned away without another word, Sombra scowled after them before turning back to his study with Steelhorn on his tail. "Sir, uhm, ah don't mean to intrude on ya Lady's affairs, but that was a pretty serious visit you just got."
"I'm well aware of the their not-so-veiled threats, Mister Steelhorn," Sombra replied as he returned to his desk and began sorting through the day's papers. "The mo- er, Lady Skies has accounted for their attitudes, rest assured. So long as work on the manse progresses unhindered you are free to ignore those hectoring oafs."
Steelhorn didn't look entirely convinced. "Are you sure, sir? No offense but ya Lady Skies don't quite know the Stalliongrad families like ah do. They don't make idle threats."
Sombra turned, flashing a grin whose fangs were neatly masked by his illusions but nonetheless sent a chill up the Minotaur architects spine. "Aye, Mister Steelhorn, I don't intend to ignore them. I only said that you need not worry."
An uneasy look crossed Steelhorn's face as he stopped in front of the desk. "Ah ain't worried about mahself sir, ah'm worried about the folks who work for me. Ah'm responsible for'em and, well, no offense but ah ain't lookin to earn any more problems from the families, ya? If they come lookin fer yer Mistress and ya'self then it's gonna be mah people what're in the way. You get me?"
Sombra bit back a retort. He wanted to tell Steelhorn to shove his concerns and get back to work. The arcane geometry of the manse was incomplete and until then it was dangerous to draw power from it. He had been only doing so in the tiniest quantities to ensure he didn't fall too close to the edge if something unpleasant occurred. Besides, Steelhorn and his laborers were nothing more than a temporary workforce and Sombra had need of them only insofar as they could complete the job assigned to them. If they were too cowardly to finish their work they were of no use to him. Perhaps he was better off turning them into forced labor; regardless of their fear he needed this manse complete or he and the mouse would be in dire straits come spring.
The mouse...
The thought of Fluttershy penetrated Sombra's mind on the heels of his planning. What would she say? What would she think? These were questions he didn't even need to ask. He already knew what her thoughts on the matter would be vis a vis enslaving Steelhorn's crew.
'If you want us to work, then you're going to have you're going to have to learn to be nice.'
Enslaving others and forcing his will on them had all led to his misery and downfall centuries ago. Perhaps there was more wisdom in the mouse's words than even she knew. Perhaps a change of tactics was, in fact, in order.
Glancing up, Sombra was mildly surprised to find Steelhorn still in front him waiting patiently for a response. A tired smile crossed the dark stallion's features and he gave a small nod to the Minotaur. "I fully intend on dealing with this matter before the Lady Skies returns from Manehattan, Mister Steelhorn, don't worry. Those blowhards threatened this household... do not dare to presume that they will escape that unpunished."
~ o ~
Oneiromancy was an art that, in the centuries since his banishment, had apparently fallen into general disuse. From what he had read on the more recent treatises and essays on magical theory it seemed that the common pony thought of dream magic as a divine purview only accessible to Luna and the most ardent of her followers. It both amused and saddened Sombra that the art of dreaming had been discarded so thoroughly. Unlike evokers, conjurers, and the like, there were no strict doctrines to dream magic. No formulae or esoteric runes. Nothing that could be easily studied. In these future times it seemed magic had been taken down to the level of a science, but such a line of thinking could not comprehend dream magic. Oneiromancy was and always would be an art. To dream was to enter the fluid sea of emotion and memory; the gestalt subconscious of the sleeping world. Navigating such a mercurial realm was not a task for the light of heart or the undisciplined. Plenty of acolytes had entered the dreamlands only to have their dreaming minds become lost in labyrinths of spun sugar or be dragged beyond the horizon on a riptide of emotional force, leaving their bodies to wither and starve.
Sombra, of course, was long past that. Oneiromancy was an art he treasured now more than ever because it required no magic from his failing body. He only needed to align his pseudo-sleeping mind with the resonances of the dreamlands to enter it and there he was free. His first instinct, of course, was to reach for Fluttershy. She was there and still distant, but her warm presence comforted him to a surprising degree. No matter that she was leagues away; the dreamscape had little care for physical distances, for which Sombra was grateful. He found the lack of her presence... difficult. He had quickly grown used to the presence of the beautiful mare both physically and emotionally. She had rapidly grown to become not only a confidante, but a conscience. Something he had long since disposed of for himself. That was neither here nor there, though, and Sombra knew he could not afford the distraction of checking in on her. If he did, he suspected he would linger longer than he ought to, and he had turned in early to get a head start on the troublesome pair that had visited the manse. That done, he launched himself away from where his physical form lay and landed amongst the glimmering stars. Immediately he set about seeking the dull, violent minds of the ones who had threatened them early. He found them easily enough but they were pale and flickering; wakeful minds were only barely reflected in the dreamlands. He let them be, he did not expect them to be asleep yet but now he could keep a weather eye on them and await his opportune moment. Time was a fluid quantity in the dreamlands, and Sombra only kept his internal clock calibrated by observing his soon-to-be-prey. As such, by the time felt the intruding presence it was far too late for him to do anything about it. Sombra leapt to his hooves and conjured his regalia around him. His warhammer hovered at the edge of his consciousness, ready to be summoned. Calling a mirrored artifact of such power wantonly would be foolish though. It would draw all sorts of unpleasant attentions.
"King Sombra," her voice was wry and... playful? "We had quite forgotten that thou didst possess the dreaming arts. Now we dost recall though."
Sombra met the gaze of Princess Luna, her eyes were the deep, complex shade of a sapphire reflecting the moonlight. He had been expecting a fight, or at least some show of aggression. Instead she simply smiled at him; a small, enigmatic smirk that irked Sombra.
"My mastery of the arcane arts was matched only by my ego, if I remember your sister's opinion correctly," Sombra retorted, showing a smile that was more teeth than grin. "I found that remark a bit insulting if I'm honest. My ego possesses heights even my magic could never reach."
"So We dost recall," Luna answered as she cantered closer, "may We take our rest for a moment here? Tis been a long day and We are not by any stroke of nature a diurnal creature, and yet it seems betimes there is always some matter of state to handle no matter the godlessness of the hour."
Sombra relaxed his magic a bit and gave a short nod. He had been reclining near a whorl of subconscious memory, idly toying with it while he waited for his targets to slumber. The whorl spun with reflected colors found nowhere in the waking world. Luna settled down near the edge and came to rest. Sombra decided he would play the Princess's game for a while and mirrored her action.
"We don't suppose that thou wouldst give thyself over to Our custody, then?" Luna stated more than asked after a few moments of silence.
"No, your Grace, I think not," Sombra replied with a dry chuckle. "I'm having far too much fun out in the world these days. I almost feel grateful for you and your sister deposing me all those centuries ago."
"Nor wouldst thou give Us thy location, I presume?"
"Again, I will have to respectfully decline, your Grace," Sombra answered.
Luna gave a good-natured shrug. "Well, thou canst not fault Us for asking. In more serious humor We must ask another question; dost thou intend to reignite the fires of war?"
That was a good question. Sombra had certainly considered it, of course. Ensconcing himself in a new seat of power and driving forward a new war machine to roll across the fields and forests of Equestria. He could not deny that the thrill of victory on the field of battle was an enticing one. And yet...
"No, Princess, I do not think that will come to pass," Sombra answered truthfully, to no little surprise of both himself and his guest. Perhaps the mouse is rubbing off on me more than I had initially guessed. "My warmongering days are over, I think. Besides, even with the might of an Empire at my back I could not claim victory all those years ago. I do not imagine I could do so now that I have nothing."
"Most interesting," Luna said, an impish smile playing around the edges of her mouth. "Our sister is quite convinced that thou art off in some distant land planning an uprising or laying the foundations for a new Empire. She fears another war will come to the borders of Equestria, I am glad that her fears are unfounded... and, We must admit, a little disappointed."
Sombra raised an eyebrow at that, which Luna answered with a small laugh.
"The old days of war were terrible, but frightfully exciting," Luna remarked, smiling faintly in recollection. "Dost thou recall the Battle of Ash Ridge?"
"Mm, I do," Sombra said, tacitly deciding to humor Luna's reminiscences. "Your forces had numbers but were badly outflanked. My 4th Legionary company had drawn your honor guard and a full battalion of your Lunar Armsponies into an ambush and surrounded you on all sides with forces from the 8th, 23rd, and 14th companies closing the gate on you. You lost a third of your forces in less than twenty minutes."
Luna puffed out her cheeks and grimaced. "Well how were We supposed to know that thou wouldst want Us to claim the high ground on the ridge summit? Though in retrospect it seems obvious that thou didst likely entrap it. That said We didst not expect that thou wouldst have buried four fully functional Shadow Golems under the ridge. We must admit to a persistent curiosity: How didst thou get them there without Us knowing?"
"Truthfully?" Sombra answered with a chuckle, "those golems were there all along. I had my forces entomb seven Golems beneath the ridge almost a decade before Equestria and my Empire ever went to war. I intended to use them after the Winter thaw the next year to ambush the feudal lord that originally held the territory. To my surprise, he died of some illness during the Winter months and his much more cowardly and pliable heir readily capitulated to my demands. Some papers were, ah, reshuffled, and the Golems were forgotten until your forces pursued my companies to that region. I was most pleasantly surprised to discover four of my constructs had actually survived the passage of time. The rest, as they say, is history."
Silence reigned as Luna stared open mouthed while Sombra related the story. "Verily!? We lost some of Our finest soldiers to a decade-old bureaucratic error!?"
"Funny old world, isn't it your Grace?" Sombra replied with a faint grin.
Luna scowled. "We doubt Our fallen soldiers would consider it 'funny', thou art as much a rapscallion as ever thou were, Sombra."
Sombra gave a regal incline of his head, allowing his dark locks to tumble down as he flashed a roguish smile to the Princess. Luna narrowed her eyes but it didn't manage to distract from the faint flush that appeared on her cheeks. Of the two sisters, Luna was the one that Sombra imagined he knew best. She was calculating and subtle in battle, always ready with an ambush or a turnabout even at the edge of certain defeat. Sombra could hardly count the number of times he was certain she had fallen into one his traps only for her and her forces to slip through his grasp and vanish like shadows. Luna never possessed the raw charisma and force of personality that her sister did though; the kind that inspired troops to charge fanatically forward even if it meant certain death. The Celestia that Sombra knew was a Warrior Princess, more comfortable at the van of a battle than in the commander's tent. Much had changed, they almost seemed to have switched places. A thousand and more years past it was Luna who was the politically savvy one. Luna Dreamwalker, Luna Nightkeeper, Luna of the Watching Shadows. Many titles were given to her, most in acknowledgement of her seeming omniscience. The Night Princess' intelligence network had been second to none in those days. Now she seems almost eager for a fight.
I wonder what changed... Sombra shook his head before fielding a question of his own. "Your Grace, a question if I may?" Luna gave a small nod of assent. "When I was first convalescing back in the mouse's cottage I ventured through the dreamscape many times but the first place I visited was the Gate of Horn I found it to be damaged severely, why?"
Luna's face paled. "Damaged? But that's not possible. We are certain thou hast heard of Our... fall, yes?" Sombra nodded, the mouse had told him of her friends' first meeting on their first walk into the village. "The Nightmare was an entity of terrible power from beyond the walls of sleep, far beyond the Gate of Horn. When We called it forth it damaged the Gate, but sending it back should have served to undo the damage We so thoughtlessly dealt."
"It seems that was not the case, your Grace," Sombra remarked smugly. "Perhaps you should have studied the darker arts in finer detail-"
"Do not mock Us, blackguard!" Luna hissed, showing the first signs of anger Sombra had seen from her since she appeared. "We knowest Our mistake! Tis a path We shalt not tread again!"
Sombra narrowed his eyes in a deadly glare. "Know your mistake? I'm sorry dear but I heartily disagree..." As he spoke the air around the Alicorn and the fallen king thickened until it was almost like syrup. "You meddled with affairs far beyond your knowledge. You were just like every other fool Alicorn who sought greater power than what they were given on a silver platter by dint of their blessed births." The king's voice deepened and the shadows clung to him like thick, wet cobwebs. "Just like everything else in their charmed lives, and yet they wished for more. Always more. It was never enough to be powerful. They had to be more powerful than any other!" Sombra stood and somehow, despite being roughly equal in size to the Alicorn Princess, he seemed to tower over her imperiously. "I know what you believe your mistake to be; that you lacked the necessary power and focus to control that which you summoned. Let me disabuse you of that notion..."
The dark king tipped his head upward, regarding what passed for the sky in that benighted place between dream and reality with disdain. Sombra opened his mouth and from all around the two of them a roar emanated. It rattled out from the air, the memories and emotions of reality. Luna cringed, at first, then her ears flattened, her eyes widened as the noise grew from being simply unbearable into something all-consuming. She tried to stand, to fight against the stallion, the mere Unicorn in front of her, but her body rebelled. Her mind revolted against her as eternity seemed to collapse in on them. Then, Luna discovered it was quite possible to vomit in the aether. Amidst it all Sombra was roaring and all of time and space roared with him and it could have lasted a moment or a thousand times a thousand years. For the first time since her freedom Luna wished she was back on the moon.
Finally, finally, Sombra stopped, and brought his head back down. He looked harrowed, not unlike Luna herself but while the Night Princess felt hollowed out and empty, Sombra looked... more. He looked vital, powerful, and insane; like some mad pagan god-spirit worshiped by the ponies of old before the coming of the Alicorns. Those stranger things that were either demons or angels... or both.
"Do you see now?" Sombra asked, his voice was throaty and raw and it had a husky quality that stirred something primal in Luna. "Do you understand? It was never a matter of focus or power. It never will be. The forces of this place are power and are anathema to focus. You cannot control them. Do not call up that which you cannot put down, your Grace, or you will once again find yourself at the untender mercies of the chaos beyond the gates."
Luna shivered in place for a moment before finding her voice. "W-what didst thou do to Us? We feel weak as a newborn foal."
'I simply took advantage of an aspect of Alicorn biology," Sombra explained, his appearance slowing growing more sane. "You Alicorns are more in tune with this realm of power, it is why you have so much magic. I simply... stirred the pot as it were and the chaos was reflected back into you and since you lack even the slightest respect for this place you did not know how to defend yourself from it. Why, I daresay you even think yourself it's master, O' Walker of Dreams."
"Uhm, I'd really appreciate it if you stopped doing that, dear," a soft, faint voice broke through the twisting air, shocking even Sombra. Fluttershy stood watching not far from them. "Princess Luna looks really... uhm, bad, if that's okay to say, your Highness."
Before Luna could answer Sombra stood and trotted up to the butter yellow pegasus with a curious look on his face. "How are you here? I have not taught you any manner of dreamwalking magic." Lifting on massive hoof, he gently stroked her cheek, an act that Fluttershy leaned into with an appreciative hum. "How is this possible?"
"I'm not really sure," Fluttershy answered after a moment. "We're both in the carriage for the moment, I fell asleep, then I felt you watching me and..." Fluttershy's words trailed off as a blushed crawled up her features. Sombra gave a rakish grin and motioned for her to continue. "Uhm, I felt you watching in my dream and... and I really missed you. So I tried going towards you, or where I felt like you were. I ended up here."
"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant," Sombra's muzzle splits into a wide grin. "You're a natural 'walker, I had to study for decades before I managed it properly, I-"
Fluttershy put a hoof to his mouth to silence him for a moment. "Your Majesty, do you remember what I said about being kind?" Sombra's face fell but he nodded. "That," she glanced over at the exhausted-looking Luna, "does not look like kindness. I said I was okay with you doing some bad things when they were necessary but it looks like you two were just talking. Did she threaten you?" Sombra grit his teeth but shook his head. "Then what you did was wrong."
Without missing a beat, Fluttershy stepped away from Sombra and trotted over to Luna, gently helping her to her hooves. "Are you okay, Princess? I'm so sorry about what he did. He means well, I promise, but he's not very good at it yet."
Luna looked disbelievingly at Sombra, then down at Fluttershy, then back to Sombra again. A moment of silence passed. Then Luna made a soft choking sound and fell to the ground laughing uproariously. For several moments Luna just howled as she beat her hoof on the ground trying to get air into her abused lungs to breath past what looked like a terminal fit of giggles. Eventually she stood up again under her own power and wiped tears from her eyes. A laugh escaped every now and then but she took a deep breath as she turned to regard Fluttershy.
"Thou art safe, for that We are gladdened immensely," Luna said, "We shall inform thy friends and family of thy safety for now. We are quite certain it will soothe Our sister's mind to some end." Turning to Sombra she shot him a knowing grin. "As for thou; We thank thee for the lesson thou hast imparted, harsh though it may have been. We shall be more mindful of the realm We walk. We acknowledge that o'erconfidence has e'er been a failing of ours."
"Your natural talent notwithstanding," Sombra remarked in a more civil tone, "I advise you be more careful of how you tread in this place and to spend some time learning and practicing the old fashioned way. Natural talent only takes one so far. That goes for you too, my dear mouse. Do not idly follow the road into the realm beyond dreams so thoughtlessly ever again. You've seen what lays past that particular wall."
Fluttershy nodded, but as she did so her form become shaky and insubstantial. "I... I think I'm waking up. I'll see you when we get home, okay?"
"I shall count the breaths til then," Sombra remarked sarcastically, before saying in a more serious tone, "but be careful all the same." Fluttershy gave a silent nod just as she faded from existence.
"How very interesting," Luna's voice had recovered its humor and mischief. "How very interesting indeed. Our sister and I shall have a most interesting o'er breakfast next morn, I think."
"That's it then? No attempts to stop me? To bring me to justice?" Sombra asked cheekily, "You're just going to leave?"
Luna rolled her eyes. "Thou knowest just as well as We do that wars are not fought in this place unless one possesses a particularly creative death wish. We shall find thee in due time." As she began to fade from view, a playful smirk drifted across the Princess' features. "We art also gladdened to know even a dark king can be 'whipped', I believe is the modern parlance?"
Sombra scowled as Luna's laughter faded away from the dream realm. He had more important matters to tend to. He had come to the dream realm for a reason, after all, and he could not rightly leave his work undone. Sombra had known many stallions like the two who had spoken to him this morning. They were molded by the cruelties of reality and taught to be cruel in return or else die a forgettable, meaningless death buried in an unmarked grave if at all. The warm embrace of the Diarchs was little more than a distant suggestion to be sneered at from the cold climes of Stalliongrad to these upstart colts. Ordinarily he would applaud their capability at surviving in such a difficult scenario but they had made the fatal mistake of threatening both he and the mouse. That warranted a refresher course in cruelty and it carried an expensive tuition indeed. |
The King & Shy | Daughter | Chapter 21
The carriage rumbled along the broken northern road away from Manehattan. The further one got from Canterlot the more the disrepair became obvious. Of course, the nearer one was to any major city; Fillydelphia, Baltimare, Vanhoover, the better the roads became... except in the north. Stalliongrad was curiously immune to the invasive kindness and pervasive good intentions of the rest of Equestria as a whole. It was as if all the darkness of an entire country had managed to congregate into a single, virulent demesne.
Fluttershy couldn't help but consider that fact as they moved away from the shining metropolitan center of the nation. Manehattan was a beautiful city, for all its faults, and Rarity had often remarked on its virtues. After being in Stalliongrad, Fluttershy couldn't find herself disagreeing with her pale friend. She very much doubted that any city had its underbelly quite so close to its surface as the great northern, smoke-belching city she was returning to. Still, in a way it almost more... honest. Stalliongrad didn't hide what it was from the world behind a veneer of gems and glitter and insouciant civility. Fluttershy felt a slight smile cross her muzzle as she found her thoughts drifting back to Sombra. He was very much like the city, she supposed.
Scootaloo shifted in her sleep, her new sunset feathers fluttering in the cool night air. The young filly's slumber drew Fluttershy's mind back to the why she was still awake. Hours, or perhaps minutes, ago she had awoken from the strangest dream. It wasn't a dream of course. She had traversed some great distance in a place she had never walked before.
The dream realm.
The domain of Gods and Demons.
Sombra had called her a natural dreamwalker but something about that had rung untrue. Or at least... mistaken. Fluttershy had never entered that place before...
Well, no... that wasn't quite true was it? She had been there once not so long ago. When the darkness had overtaken her and she had seen terrible, unspeakable visions. Nightmare vistas that her mind had mercifully blitzed from her memory. Then he had come for her. Sombra had pulled her out of that maelstrom of chaos and darkness in a whirlwind of burning silver and obsidian.
Fluttershy did remember one thing, though. One... thing. She recalled its whispering voice, like a hissing cockroach. She remembered how it looked just like her except... it didn't. Not really, did it? It made Fluttershy think that it looked her but just beneath flesh there was something else. She had hoped that after Sombra had taken her away that she would be free to find some kind of peace but her sleep had been awful these past weeks. She hadn't told him. He hadn't seen it and she didn't want him to know. He fussed over her enough and he was busy keep them safe. Besides, in a strange way... Fluttershy wanted to handle this herself.
She had never entered the dream realm consciously before, though.
Lucidly.
Not until that evening after collecting Scootaloo. Fluttershy had fallen asleep with Scootaloo curled up next to her and moments later had begun to dream. She couldn't remember the dream in any particulars but she knew what it felt like when she left it. It was like being seized by the rib cage and pulled. Not painful but inescapable. Dragged from her normal, peaceful slumber and dragged through a wet, viscous membrane and spat out in a place of swirling, twisting, riotous colour. For a moment she had been gripped by absolute terror and in that moment the first thing she thought of was him.
Sombra.
She could feel his gaze on her, even then. As if he was looking across a vast distance unerringly at her. With the thought of his name an image of him echoed in her mind and suddenly she was vaulted across an illimitable distance to land not-so-gracefully on a swirling shore of light. Sombra had told her a little about the dream realm; how it was a mercurial place full of danger, how it responded to desire and emotion the way the material world responded to physical stimulus. In the carriage, Fluttershy felt a faint blush creep onto her cheeks. There was something just a little romantic about the idea that her need for him was so powerful that the dream realm itself had catapulted her straight to him. It was silly and she knew there was nothing naturally benign about the place she had been in, but it was still kind of... sweet.
The small bundle of feathers and fur curled up in the seat beside Fluttershy shuffled slightly, drawing a faint smile from the demure pegasus. Scootaloo was probably dreaming too, but much nicer dreams, Fluttershy hoped.
Fluttershy contented herself with a few moments of watching Scootaloo sleep; her small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, those beautiful sunset feathers that Sombra had bestowed on her curling around her still-frail body. In that moment Fluttershy felt as if a massive weight had dropped into her heart, plunging it into her stomach.
This was her daughter.
Her daughter.
She was a mother and Scootaloo; little, accident-prone Scootaloo, was her daughter.
A lump of cold dread began to form in her throat. How could she have done this so brazenly? She was responsible for a life now. Not just the small, mostly-self-sufficient animal life like back in her cottage but a real, living, breathing pony. A young filly now relied on her to provide everything she would need to grow up healthy, from food and education, to discipline and order. Fluttershy bit her lip as panic set in. She didn't want to start hyperventilating, that would certainly wake up Scootaloo and then they would both be losing their minds which wouldn't help anypony at all.
Fluttershy tasted the rich, coppery tang of blood on her tongue and she realized she had bitten straight through her lip. It stung but it was a bracing pain. It snapped her back to reality. Fluttershy swallowed the lump in her throat and let out a shuddering breath. She could deal with this when she was back home. Right now she needed sleep. Or something like it.
Stretching a wing over Scootaloo, Fluttershy sidled a little closer to the sleeping filly and curled up beside her and let the steady rocking of the carriage lull her to a peaceful-
-....sleep?
Darkness surrounded her.
Scootaloo was nowhere to be found nor was the carriage. Fluttershy glanced all around her but everywhere she look was just an expanse of matte black nothingness.
It was a dream. It had to be. Not that that really helped at all of course. Dreams, to most ponies, meant they were fine. To Fluttershy it meant that she was potentially in very serious danger. Sometimes she wished Sombra had just kept some of his lectures about the nature of the dream realm to himself. Intellectually, Fluttershy knew it wouldn't have made it any less dangerous but there was a saying about ignorance and bliss which Fluttershy hadn't really felt like she appreciated fully until now.
fOuNd YoU sWeEtLiNg... the familiar voice hissed from all around Fluttershy.
Fluttershy's eyes snapped open and she stifled a gasp. Cold sweat broke out over her entire body. Only the sensation of Scootaloo shifting around in her sleep broke Fluttershy out of the paralysis of terror that gripped her.
That voice.
It was so painfully familiar.
Eyes of pitch and teeth like needles. A voice like a thousand hissing cockroaches.
Clenching her eyes shut, Fluttershy tried to block out the memory. "Leave me alone..." she whispered softly, "Please... just leave me alone."
yOu'Re NeVeR aLoNe SwEeTlInG, the voice in her mind chittered. yOu'Ll NeVeR bE aLoNe EvEr AgAiN.
Tears leaked down Fluttershy's face and matted her fur, Every time it spoke it felt like broken glass scraping on a chalkboard in her ears. She tried to move but leaden weight seemed to cling to her legs. Fluttershy could feel her eyelids drooping down as the overwhelming need to sleep crept up her throat and into her brain. She was so, so tired. A part of her mind scrabbled frantically the fading vestiges of consciousness, but it was all in vain as darkness closed in around Fluttershy's mind like a cloying shadow.
She was so tired.
If she could just rest her eyes a bit she would be okay.
If she could just sleep.
SlEeP. ... ...
DrEaM.
Fluttershy dreamt.
She dreamt of demons and angels as she drifted through seas of frozen fire and towering edifices of brass to cyclopean gilded halls choking with incense and cacophonic music. Twisting labyrinths of spun sugar watched by prismatic ravens that led to vast marshes filled with sunken ziggurat and whispering, mournful cries. Things she couldn't fix her perceptions on clearly cavorted around her as she grew weaker and weaker, all while a distant voice sang to her of quiet, endless slumber. How long Fluttershy slept she didn't know, but time meant very little. It didn't really matter though, did it? All that was important was that she slept and slept and-... and-
Please, a small, frightened voice shook the wet, clinging mass of darkness she was buried under. Please, please wake up. She wanted to sleep but... Fluttershy knew that voice. Please... wake up...
In the deep, wracking darkness beyond the wall of sleep, Fluttershy shifted. Her wings tried to stretch open but she there was something keeping them bound.
What's wrong? Why won't you wake up!?
That voice. Fluttershy knew that voice. Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash's biggest fan. Why was she in her cottage trying to wake her up?
Fluttershy furrowed her brow. No, that wasn't right. She wasn't in her cottage she in a carriage going home to Sombra. She was...
Please... I know maybe it... it's too soon to call you this but... please m-mom, please wake up!
She was a mother.
Two eyes snapped open in the darkness shining with emerald light. The spirit that was woven the dark cocoon around her barely had time to register surprise before a pulse of pure prismatic energy erupted from the captive who had, moments ago, been neatly bound and dying, her strength slowly being leached into the parasitic daemon that had held her captive.
It's name was Sh'herek. Centuries ago it had been worshipped as a minor goddess of vengeance. Ponies and Griffons, mainly, had often called its name to bring down pestilence and dark fortune on those who had wronged them. The last few Solar Inquisitions had not been kind to its few actual priests though, and the last century had seen its name forgotten by all but a few Sorcerers who generally had better things to do than call on a mostly defunct spirit with an, admittedly, poor attitude. It had eventually retreated to the Everfree Forest, one of the few remaining bastions of darkness and mystery. A place where even the Purged and Forgotten could find enough sustenance to preserve themselves. When the little pony had suddenly erupted with dark power Sh'herek had seen a golden opportunity to reclaim much of its lost magic. Too bad the Shadow King had, apparently, seen the same opportunity. Even in its hayday Sh'herek had never possessed the strength to challenge such a powerful practitioner of the dark arts, so it had retreated. Still, it followed the little pony on the periphery, hungrily watching its dreams and waiting for a time when the fallen King was no longer watching over her.
Then she had left the shadow of the old city and Sh'herek saw its opportunity when the little pony expended herself to lash out at the three dull ponies that had carried the little newly mended bird from her quaint home near the dark forest. The pony was tired, so she had slept, and in her sleep Sh'herek had found her vulnerable. Everything was perfect.
So how. How had this happened?!
Sh'herek stared down hatefully at the shining pony that glared up at it in return. One moment she had been wrapped and bound in its web, drained almost to death and in the next the pony had torn through the steel-like strands as if they were cobwebs and held so much magical might caged in her tiny, insignificant frame that she shone like a trapped star.
ImPoSsIbLe! It hissed poisonously. YoU wErE tO WeAk To EvEn MoVe!
Fluttershy turned as she stared up at the daemon that had trapped and nearly killed her. It was wearing her skin like a wicked mockery but now all of the subtle wrongness of its body stood out almost painfully: protrusions under the thing's false fur where its unnatural skeleton sat poorly beneath the disguise, those horrid, needle teeth and its pitch-filled eyes. As Fluttershy took it all in, she didn't feel the same supernatural terror that had filled her in front of her cottage; instead rage boiled in her chest. Not at what the thing had done to her but what it had almost done to Scootaloo. Finally, the little orphan filly had a mother who would love and care for her instead of neglect her and treat her like a burden. The thought of Scoots suddenly having her new mother die out of nowhere right beside her made her want to retch.
Or murder something.
Maybe both.
Fluttershy admitted that she was mostly playing things by ear at this stage.
"The first time you tried to kill me, my King protected me," Fluttershy spoke in a deadly, hushed tone. "He knocked you away like a leaf and warned you to stay away. Now you're back and you're trying to do it again. Since my King isn't here to reprimand you, I think I'll have to." Another thundering cascade of energy ripped out of Fluttershy like the heartbeat of Faust. "And, uhm, I'm afraid I might enjoy that more than I probably should."
Fluttershy had never been a particularly strong flier. Between her general lack of practice and distinctly un-pegasus-like preference for keeping her hooves on the ground, her wings saw use only when she had to get somewhere quickly or needed to reach one of the higher nests. In the realm of dreams, though, even an Earth Pony could soar through the heavens.
A sound like a god's whip being cracked broke the silence as Fluttershy left the ground with a sweep of her wings that now seemed wider and stronger than they ought to have. Sh'herek had barely blinked before the little pony slammed into her like a shooting star complete with a burning corona of light suffusing her whole body. Sh'herek was hurled through the void like a rag doll, a feeling that was annoyingly familiar. This was not the Shadow King attacking it though, nor was it as weak as it had been then. Sh'herek had drunk deeply of the little pony's immense well of power and had strength to spare.
Spreading its rotting, bony wings with a snap, Sh'herek caught itself and tapped into the magic she had stolen, flooding itself with power. Balefire limned its body as bits of skin fell away, revealing more of Sh'herek's twisted form. Its lower half tore away completely revealing a long, spine-like tail ending in a wicked barb dripping viscous brown fluid, the flesh around its mouth ripped and tore as it freed its lower jaw from the confines of its disguise.
I wIlL cLaIm AlL oF yOuR pOwEr! Sh'herek roared. It rocketed back towards Fluttershy with a sweep of its rotten wings as scythe-like blades of flesh and bone tore free from one of its hooves.
As the organic blade slashed towards Fluttershy a spark of inspiration struck. A memory of Rainbow Dash during winter wrap up some years back laughing as she hovered over Applejack dropping snowflakes on the farm-mare from out of reach, using her native pegasus magic to gather moisture from the air around her wings and make a localized flurry, Applejack had spent half the day covered in snow until she got a hold of a rope and lassoed Rainbow down. The ensuing snowball fight had been a thing of Ponyville legend.
A faint smile tinged with pain found its way onto Fluttershy face as she whipped her wings up. Magic arched across her feathers, leaving behind crystals of ice so cold they were black, as her wings caught the attack against the sheathe of curved, barbed ice that now coated her wings like talons. A flash of surprise crossed the daemon's face as Fluttershy flexed her wings, sending it staggering away.
Sh'herek rocketed back into the sky followed quickly by Fluttershy trailing a cold wake of biting wind. Bony spurs met black-ice as they slashed at each other, twisting gracefully around one another with wings moving like blades. Sh'herek snapped its tail around as their wings met again and again to strike and Fluttershy's neck. Before the barb could reach her the once-shy pegasus twisted in place, dragging moisture and cold air from the pure energy that made up the dream realm and formed a dense shell of ice to catch the blow. The barb scraped off the shield that disintegrated just as one of Fluttershy's wings carved through the space to land a glancing cut across Sh'herek's chest.
The daemon seemed to falter for a moment and Fluttershy flared her wings to follow through with the attack. Sh'herek's tortured face contorted into a grin as more of the false fur of its disguise tore away to reveal a writhing nest of dark energy nestled in a cage of overgrown ribs. The cage ripped open with a sound of brittle wood snapping to release a torrent of dark magic at point blank range, slamming into Fluttershy. Arching its back to reposition, Sh'herek turned over to drive Fluttershy from the sky with the stream of pure putrescent energy and into the ground. Its ribs snapped shut, stopping the hemorrhaging power and rocketed down, snapping out a wing and, with a thought, sharpening the edge of the bone to a fine blade. At speed nearing a sonic rainboom Sh'herek crashed into the ground, driving the blade down to where Fluttershy had landed. For a brief moment the daemon felt a surge of triumph and began to draw back its wing.
The wing didn't move.
As the dust cleared, a shining light poured out from the morass of fouled energy Sh'herek had created. Fluttershy stood firm with the blade of bone gripped in her mouth with blood flowing from her cut lips as the black, skintight shell of ice she had congealed around herself began to fall away revealing the furious mare beneath. A snort of air came from Fluttershy's nostrils reminding Sh'herek vaguely of a bull. Where the misty air touched, ice grew like vines, ensnaring and freezing the blade of her wing in place.
Snapping out her wings, Fluttershy tore back into the air. Desperately, Sh'herek tried to wrench its wing from the Fluttershy's mouth as the mare dragged the daemon-thing along roughly, when that didn't work Sh'herek swung its barbed tail around, stabbing repeatedly into Fluttershy's back, but the black shell that had absorbed Sh'herek's trap-spell spoiled every thrust easily, with every crack the daemon's tail made being quickly filled in from the mare's seemingly limitless supply of energy. After another moment the small mare's speed became too great to gain any leverage with the drag stealing the strength from its attacks.
Fluttershy concentrated, biting down hard on the almost metallic bone as she dragged her tormentor across the illimitable space of the dream realm. Here she wasn't the shy, weak, creature she was in the waking world.
Here she was strong.
Here she felt the power that Sombra had always insisted she had within her. That fragment of light from some ancient artifact, he had called it. Fluttershy hadn't had any idea what he was talking about then but now, here, in this place that was so divorced from the physical plane she could feel it. Just a little, Fluttershy thought as she bit down harder feeling the her attackers bone blade crack under the pressure, I can feel... whatever it is that my King thought was there. I can finally... feel it.
Even in the dream realm she could feel her wings burning as she climbed higher and faster. The angry shrieking of the daemon she was dragging was lost to the roar of the false winds around her. Her limit was close, the light in her was sputtering even as it burned ever brighter. At the peak of her rise, Fluttershy pulled a corkscrew and turned down into a full dive. Ice streaked behind her in a nearly solid trail of bitter cold. The ground approached with startling speed and at the very last moment Fluttershy flared her wings out wide, transferring the full weight of her momentum into her unfortunate passenger who struck the ground with the force of a divine hammer with an impact that echoed through the empty space around them for miles.
The crater was nearly two meters deep as Fluttershy walked calmly to the edge and stared down at the mostly-frozen wreckage lying at the bottom. There was very little that remained in one piece; fragments of bone and rime-frosted fur lay strewn around the crater. At the center, though, was her one-time tormentor. Fluttershy cantered carefully downward until she was standing beside the broken daemon. She could tell it was still alive, insofar as it ever was alive in the first place anyway. It was writhing in obvious pain but for the first time she could remember Fluttershy felt nothing but dull, smoldering anger.
"My King ignored you because you weren't a threat to him," Fluttershy said softly to the gurgling, frostbitten mass in front of her. "He only struck you because you threatened me. But I want... I need you to understand something. I am not my King. Whether or not you're a threat to me, you're a threat to my daughter."
Glancing down at her hoof, Fluttershy felt a flash of inspiration, and lifted it. Black ice congealed around it until her hoof was shod in an ornate armored boot not unlike her King's regalia. Flourishes of more lightly colored ice flared into wings on the edges of the boot, and hard, black ice formed the bitter sole.
"I will not abide anything," Fluttershy said imperiously, "that threatens my daughter."
The hoof came crashing down on the brittle, cracked skull. A long, drawn out sigh seemed to flow from the broken daemon. The air around Fluttershy began to shimmer and a bone-deep weariness settled into her body. Just before to returned to the realm of normal, mortal dreams, Fluttershy grimaced and glared down at the shattered daemon.
"Never... again..." she muttered before keeling over.
Fluttershy felt as though she was falling. The air around her was thick and warm and a part of her thought she should spread her wings. That was something you did when you were falling right? It didn't seem immediately necessary, though.
So she fell.
Then her world rocked back and forth. Something was shaking.
Somepony was shaking-
"Mom?" The voice was small and frightened. Instinctively Fluttershy moved to wrap a wing around the small form beside her. "A-are you awake?"
Fluttershy cracked a single eye open. Scootaloo was staring up at her from where she was curled in Fluttershy's wings. The yellow pegasus smiled wearily; she felt as though she had just run back to back marathons. Every inch of her body ached with the strain of the war she had just waged in the dream realm. Still, she was a mother now and exhaustion was no excuse. Slowly she lifted her head to meet Scootaloo's relieved gaze.
"A-are you alright, M-miss?" Scootaloo asked haltingly.
"You know," Fluttershy responded with a warm smile. "I like it when you call me 'mom', actually. If that's alright with you."
A fragile smile formed on Scootaloo's face. "Y-yeah! I'm... I'm fine with that. Uhm, are you okay, though? I couldn't wake you up. I was starting to get really worried."
"It was nothing, just a bad dream," said Fluttershy.
Scootaloo looked like she wanted to ask more questions but decided against it and curled back up next to Fluttershy.
"When we get home, which is near Stalliongrad by the way, you'll be meeting your new father." Fluttershy continued softly, and she felt Scootaloo stiffen beside her. Fluttershy chuckled at her response. "He's a very kind stallion, don't worry. Even if he has a strange way of showing it I guarantee that he only wants the best for you."
"W-will I be able to visit my friends in Ponyville?" Scootaloo asked hesitantly, and Fluttershy grimaced.
"I'm not sure, I'm sorry. It's quite far away you see," Fluttershy answered. "And there are other reasons that I promise I'll explain when we get home and we can all three of us sit down and talk, okay?"
Scootaloo ruffled her feathers and frowned but nodded. "Okay, but I'll fly away if I don't like it. Got it?"
"Got it," Fluttershy answered with a warm smile. "But I promise it won't come to that."
Satisfied, Scootaloo curled in closer to her new mother and Fluttershy wrapped a pale, grey wing around her. This felt right, it felt good. She hoped that Sombra would feel the same way about the young filly in time. Despite his carefree attitude toward Scootaloo, Fluttershy suspected he would be a very good father figure for her and that he cared more about her than he let on. She only hoped that her former friends wouldn't come looking for Scootaloo, that she hadn't just drawn down additional scrutiny on their already tenuous situation. Either way, Fluttershy silently vowed to protect her daughter with everything she had.
Glancing over her own wings, Fluttershy stretched out one of her primaries and focused... nothing happened. Furrowing her brow, she glared at the feather, silently demanding what she wanted from it. For a brief moment Fluttershy felt that same pull within her that she felt every time she used her Stare. It was followed quickly by a splitting headache and a wave of exhaustion causing Fluttershy to flinch, snapping her eyes shut and biting back a cry of pain. Letting out a slow breath to ease away the pain of her aching skull, she opened her eyes.
Her primary was covered with the faintest coating of black rime.
Fluttershy smiled wearily as she lowered her head down rest beside her daughter. She would protect Scootaloo. |
The King & Shy | Father | Chapter 22
It was early evening when the carriage rumbled into the sparse, snowy forest that surrounded the slowly rising mansion outside Stalliongrad. The snow was falling heavily as the edge of winter began to creep in. Stalliongrad was famous for its bitter, biting winters and especially for the snowstorms that roared down from the far north, although lately the storms had been of less worrying intensity. Most of the citizens attributed that to the re-emergence of the Crystal Empire for the more mild (by Stalliongradi standards at least) winters. The far northern Crystal Pegasi helped to guide and the tame the intense storms, breaking them up before they reached the northern regions of Equestria in full force, instead dispersing a half dozen small storms across the whole of the great northern borders.
Still, the snowfall was far heavier and more intense than Fluttershy was used to. Even the carriage's enchantments, which were designed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the cab, were not quite up to snuff in keep the biting cold out. Scootaloo shivered, curling up closer to Fluttershy, her small body more adapted to the temperate climate of Ponyville,
"Why do we live so far outside the city?" Scootaloo peered out the slightly shuddering window and watched the trees pass, every so often spying a white rabbit dart across the tableau.
"Because the city is full of terrible ponies," Fluttershy, still in her disguise as Cloudy Skies, answered softly. She hadn't been apart from Sombra since they had met and she found that she did not care for it at all and was very much looking forward to being together with him again.
"So why do we live here?"
"Because," Fluttershy replied with a gentle smile, glancing over at her daughter who was staring questioningly at her. "We're trying to avoid attention and best way to do that is to hide amongst those who don't wish to be noticed."
Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at that answer. "Uhm... did we do something wrong?"
Fluttershy shook her head.
"So why are we hiding?"
"Did I say we were hiding?" Fluttershy asked, ruffling her gray feathers.
"Basically," Scootaloo said flatly.
"Hm," Fluttershy shrugged. She was feeling confident being so much closer to her King and knowing she was getting closer every moment. "I wonder how he does it. Saying so much without saying anything at all."
"Who?" Scootaloo dropped down to the seat and curled up next to her new mother.
Fluttershy leaned down, nuzzling Scootaloo's cheek and eliciting a small grunt of annoyance. "Your father, he's a very accomplished stallion and spent a lot of time in higher courts."
"So he's a politician?" Scootaloo asked.
"A sorcerer, actually."
Scootaloo blinked, not knowing exactly how to respond to that. She wasn't stupid. Sorcerer was an archaic term and not a particularly polite one. The word Sorcerer conjured up images of dark robes and darker magic. Illegal spells and proscribed crafts. Scootaloo didn't know what to do with the fact that her mother chose to use that word knowing full well what it meant.
"W-what's he like?"
Fluttershy turned to look down at Scootaloo warmly and for a moment the small filly saw a sparkle of something... fiery in her mother's eyes.
"He's terrifying," Fluttershy said finally, her voice full of affection. "And wonderful, and powerful, and dangerous, and noble. Your father is a terribly dangerous stallion who has done terrible things to many ponies, yet he carries a throne in his heart wherever he goes, holding himself to a higher standard than anyone else."
Silence thickened in the carriage cab as Scootaloo swallowed dryly. Moving back to the window, Scootaloo watched as a large white archway slowly came into view. The rumbling of the carriage wheels became slightly less pronounced as they reached the properly cobbled roads leading up to the manse's more finished regions. Passing under the arch, Scootaloo's eyes widened as she saw the partially constructed edifice rise fully into sight. It was half-built, true, but that only seemed to add to its imposing appearance. The eastern wing was the most finished section; made of dark stone, not quite black but clearly something other than plain granite. There was something that Scootaloo couldn't quite put her hoof on though, something about it felt... old. Even though it was clearly brand new and currently under construction there was a feeling of antiquity about the whole place. Rather than being built it felt like the whole place should be a crumbling ruin.
There was life here, though. There were workers of all stripes moving to and fro between the various structures and scaffoldings. It was a motley crew that stunned Scootaloo with its diversity. Two griffons worked alongside a pegasus on the roofing section, a broad-shouldered female mule pulled a cart of quarried stone up an incline towards a section of excavated foundation supported by two earth ponies on either side of her. Near what Scootaloo guessed would eventually be the western wing was a caribou, his coat heavy for the winter, lifting dozens of large square stones into place as he mortared them together, his enormous antlers aglow with light from his magic. In the center of them all was a huge minotaur underneath a field pavilion and surrounded by tables and desks covered in blueprints. She lost sight of the activity when the carriage turned, the driver guiding it into a small alcove off of the east wing that had a distinctly temporary look to it.
"So uh, I guess this is a stupid question but are you like, super rich or something?" Scootaloo asked as she stepped out of the carriage, shivering in the sudden bitter cold.
Fluttershy shrugged. "We have wealth, but only your father knows the full extent, but I think by reasonable standards the answer is 'yes'. Now, follow me, we're going into the study. We have a lot to talk about before anything else."
Scootaloo stared at the innocuous side-door adjoining the carriage garage to the east wing like a viper, and Fluttershy let out a small sigh before trotting over to the scared filly.
"I promise it will be alright," Fluttershy whispered, leaning down to nuzzle Scootaloo's cheek. "Nothing bad is going to happen, not while I'm around."
Tearing her eyes away from the door Scootaloo looked up at Fluttershy, and the disguised mare felt a small pang in her heart. She wanted to shed this disguise as soon as possible, she hated being hidden from her new daughter even though she knew it was important that she never show her true form outside the walls of the slowly rising complex. Secrecy was their greatest defense here, after all.
Lowering her wing over Scootaloo's back and pull her closer, Fluttershy nudged the filly forward towards the door and began walking. Scootaloo obliged a bit haltingly but eventually they were inside, out of the cold and surrounded by what had quickly become the more familiar smells of home. Woodsmoke and strong coffee permeated the air, a sign that her King had spent numerous late nights working. There was also the faintest scent of something darker, the scent of Sombra himself, a kind of rich spice that sent a shiver up Fluttershy's spine and down her wings.
Quickly hanging her scarf and hat and doffing her boots, Fluttershy turned to Scootaloo and smiled. "Finally, we're indoors. Scootaloo, I'm going to show you something but I need you to promise that you won't tell a soul about it, okay? It's incredibly important."
Scootaloo paused from pulling her own scarf free. "Uh, okay yeah, I mean, it's not like... something weird and creepy is it?"
Chuckling, Fluttershy shook her head. "No, it's just this."
Shaking out her wings and mane, the gray coloration drained off of her like water as her fur slowly returned to its natural butter-yellow and her mane one again became the pink, silken waterfall she was accustomed to. In moments the mare standing in front of Scootaloo went from being a near-stranger to the familiar face of one of the kindest mares anypony in Ponyville had ever know.
"F-Fluttershy?!"
Scootaloo stared at the mare she had come to know well over the course of her friendship with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. The one who had braved the Everfree Forest and an angry Cockatrice to help them during their sleepover. Who, according to local Ponyville gossip, had stood up to a dragon. Who had stood hoof to hoof against Nightmare Moon, tamed Discord, and together with her friends had banished both King Sombra from the Crystal Empire and Tirek from Equestria as a whole.
Only to vanish mysteriously.
Of course, Scootaloo had heard rumours. Orphans were invisible to most and heard more than almost anypony suspected. That Fluttershy had done something unforgivable. Some even claimed to have seen the demure mare dueling Princess Celestia herself. Which was silly. Right? Then there were the rumours that Fluttershy had been willingly harbouring some evil unicorn who used dark magic on her. That Scootaloo believed, even though none of the orphans did. She was positive she had met the very creature Fluttershy was accused of helping.
That would, of course, meant that Scootaloo's new father was most likely...
"Scootaloo?" Fluttershy asked with a wary but hopeful smile. "Is everything okay?"
With no response forthcoming, Fluttershy moved a little closer. Wrapping a wing around Scootaloo, Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled her cheek. A second later the filly snapped out of her stunned torpor and stared wide-eyed up at Fluttershy.
"S-so... are you still my mom?"
"Yes!" Fluttershy almost gasped out, tears shimmering on the edges of her eyes, "Of course I am, I adopted you because I wanted to be your mother and nothing will change that, I promise!"
Those words broke the dam and Scootaloo sniffled before burying her face in Fluttershy's soft fur before the sob that quickly turned into full crying escaped her lips. The two of them stood there, lost to the world around them for several moments as Scootaloo slowly got back in control of herself. She had spent so much her life prepared for the absolute worst, knowing it would be more likely than not to happen. Suddenly having all of that weight lifted from her tiny shoulders, paradoxically, made her feel like she was suffocating. Her mind was trying to tell her to relax but the ingrained memories in her muscles were telling her to find the danger. To find the lie. To find the threat.
If it had been anypony but Fluttershy it might have been harder, but the yellow mare practically exuded calm and. Eventually, Scootaloo found her breath again. Looking up into the warmly smiling face of her new mother who reached a hoof over to gently wipe away the streaks of tears that were matting down the fur of her face.
"Better?" Fluttershy asked softly. Scootaloo just nodded, earning a smile from her mother. "Good, now let's go see your father." Fluttershy didn't bother denying how good that word in connection between herself, Sombra, and Scootaloo, felt to say.
~ o ~
The newly completed audience chamber was, in Sombra's opinion, quite adequate. As compliments go, that one was quite high given he had ruled an empire for centuries and his standards for such things were high.
It had been completed no less than forty hours ago and decorated mostly with the more lavish rugs and pieces of artwork from the cache below the foundations. There were few windows, and none of them were of any considerable size, leaving the whole place dimly lit with only the numerous braziers saving the place from near total darkness. Sombra preferred it that way if he were being honest; he wasn't sure if it was his northern heritage, coming from a land of limited sunlight, or his nature as a creature of shadows, but he had a strong preference for the low light conditions of sunset and evening. It was why he had preferred to take his walks at night.
Either way he had found himself spending more and more time working in the wide, empty audience chamber than he had in his study. Partially this was due to the fact that, frankly, he had been growing tired of the quarters. Something about them made them feel cramped, rather than cozy, without the Mouse nearby. The other part was, honestly, that the throne he had designed for himself and the Mouse was actually surprisingly comfortable. It was a gorgeous, dark marble affair, more akin to a bench curving in a half-moon form with a high, scooped back depicting various images of royalty and more than a few eclipsed suns; his own private, albeit petty, jab at the Diarchal sisters. As if anypony but himself would notice. It still gave him a slight chuckle every now and again.
He had spent the past day and a half going over the latest construction reports alongside the reserve of wealth under his hooves. He preferred to pay the workers directly rather than use any of Stalliongrad's banknotes. That way there was no paper trail to judge how extensive of a construction he had ordered and he could maintain the facade of 'Cloudy Skies' occupying a small, previously overlooked, estate quietly. Spending too many bits in a place like Stalliongrad was an excellent way to be noticed by the wrong sorts of ponies. To say nothing of potentially tipping his hoof to agents of the crown who might have been keeping a weather eye on the flow of bits in the city..So far things were going quite well; construction was ahead of schedule, there was no sign of the Royal Sisters wising up to their location, and first trickle of arcane power was beginning to flow through the structure like a sieve. It was, comparatively, only a few drops, but it was more than Sombra had tasted since the Mouse had refilled his reserves. The former King had been settling in for another day spent settling various accounts when the interruption came.
Several loud raps at the chamber doors broke Sombra from his calculations regarding a chest of centuries old Zebrican coinage and whether it was best used as tender or sold as a collection. Blinking away a bit sleep from his eyes, Sombra glanced up, his spine cracking loudly in the dark silence of the chamber.
"Yes? You may enter." Sombra spoke with an almost reflexively dark authority. Just of a hint of a growl rumbled behind his words. A habit from his Imperial days. Sombra smiled faintly, feeling rather glad his old ruling habits hadn't died off fully.
There was a brief delay before one of the large double doors cracked open to permit a sight that Sombra had been sorely missing the past few days. Fluttershy stepped into the audience chamber and onto the plush red carpet leading up to their new, shared thrones. Setting his work off to the side, Sombra could feel a faint grin tug across his face as he stepped off of the dais of the throne and trotted forward, quickly speeding to a canter and nearly tackled Fluttershy, sweeping her up and pulling her close. The pale yellow pegasus giggled wonderfully as Sombra nuzzled against her neck, face, and muzzle, before pressing his lips against hers. Fluttershy gave an appreciative hum as she leaned in to her king's affections. This is what he had missed, this is what had been missing for a long, long time, but most recently for the past week.
"Ewww..."
Sombra grimaced and pulled away from Fluttershy at the sound of a third, and familiar, voice. Fluttershy giggled again and turned her gaze and Sombra followed it to settle on a small, orange filly with wings that were far more impressive than they used to be. Scootaloo had a look of revulsion on her face.
"I see you were successful, Mouse," Sombra said dryly as he, reluctantly, pulled away from Fluttershy and stepped around her to close in on Scootaloo. The filly's features went from disgust to something like panic as he closed in on her. "So, you survived." Of course she did. He ensured that she did. Not that she needed to know that at this juncture.
Scootaloo swallowed the lump in her throat and tried to stand up straighter, unconsciously flaring her wings to make her small frame seem larger and more threatening, a hopeless act of defiance against the towering, muscular draft stallion. Her only warning was a flash of dark light from Sombra's horn before she was hoisted bodily into the air with an undignified squawk of alarm and brought to eye level with Sombra.
"Do you know who I am?" Sombra asked, his voice had a deep, resonant quality to it. Scootaloo was reminded of when she was younger, of how she would hide under her bed during thunderstorms. How the distant, and sometimes not-so-distant, rumblings would shake her to her bones.
It took a moment but Scootaloo found her voice. "Y-you're the evil wizard Fluttershy was hiding, right?"
Sombra's eyes narrowed. "Accurate, but not what I was asking, try again."
Swallowing again, Scootaloo wracked her brains. "Uhm, a... bad guy?"
"Debatable and more a matter of perspective," Sombra answered with an ominous grin. "But still wrong, try again. Who am I?"
"I don't know!" Scootaloo shouted, squirming in his arcane grip. "Alright? I don't know!"
"Dear..." Fluttershy said softly, putting a placating hoof on Sombra's shoulder.
Narrowing his eyes, Sombra drew Scootaloo closer. "You have been adopted, yes?" Sombra asked, drawing out a nervous nod from the filly. "Then I ask again; who am I?"
"M-my dad?"
His gaze still fixed on Scootaloo, Sombra releases his magic, letting her drop unceremoniously to the ground. "You will address me as 'father'," he began, without preamble, pacing around Scootaloo like a wolf circling prey. "You will be awake with the dawn each day, and you will join me in the courtyard to practice forms. You are far too small for your age which means we have a lot of catching up to do. Breakfast comes after morning practice, then you will begin your schooling. Your days will be far more difficult than they have ever been. I am not a gentle teacher nor have I ever been a parent, and kindness does not come to me with any manner of ease. So, hate me if you will, but I will ensure you are prepared to deal with whatever challenge comes your way and believe me, they will. Months ago I offered you the sky on the wager of your life, now it's time see that investment come to bear fruit. Have I made myself clear?"
Scootaloo fixed Sombra, no, her father, with a hard glare, one that he met with an equal ferocity. They stared one another down for several minutes, while Fluttershy watched them both with not a little bit of worry. She trusted Sombra but she also knew he was a difficult pony to live with at times. The silence stretched into a dull tension, with neither filly nor king turning away from the other.
"Am. I. Clear?" Sombra enunciated in a soft, dark tone.
Instead of answering, Scootaloo snapped her wings out wide, loosing a gust of cold air in the dim audience hall. With a single flap she nearly vanished, picking up speed at a rate that would have made her idol proud. The door thundered open as Scootaloo tore out of the chamber, leaving a faintly grinning Sombra and a shocked Fluttershy.
"Not surprising," Sombra rumbled, dark light igniting at the tip of his horn to summon a fitted fanged and jeweled carcanet to his throat. Another flash conjured black, draconic wings from his back that dripped misty shadow. "Wait here a moment while I give our daughter her first lesson."
Scowling, Fluttershy leaned in and up to plant a soft kiss on his cheek. "Be kind, your Majesty. And gentle. She's been through a lot." she said, before kissing his lips "And don't use too much magic, okay?"
Sombra chuckled, "I'll do my best."
With another flare of black magic, Sombra vanished from the throne room, leaving the slightly annoyed Fluttershy behind. "Well, that went about as well as I could have expected, I suppose." Looking about, she finally stopped to appreciate the changes that Steelhorn and his exceptional crew had wrought in her week-long absence.
The audience chamber had exactly the kind of dark grandeur she expected from her king's designs. Some kind of ashen-colored marble with streaks of white that caught the flickering torchlight in such a manner as to both fill the area with smoky illumination and make the place more intimidating. Fluttershy smiled slightly at the thought to meet petitioners here, her king towering over them, herself at his side counterbalancing his ferocious mein. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the thought.
"Queen Fluttershy," she whispered softly to herself, giggling at the sound of the incongruous words. "Father and mother would be so proud."
~ o ~
Scootaloo tore out of the bleak throne room without a word. Her 'father' was nothing like Fluttershy but he was, perhaps, exactly what she expected from the dark unicorn that had given her the wings she was now using to flee his estate. A shout of surprise was elicited from a pair of draft Earth Ponies she dove between as she erupted from the east wing of the quickly rising manor. None of the workers caught more than a glimpse of the burnt-orange blur before she made it into the snow-filled forest. A moment later the cold caught up to Scootaloo and she began shivering in flight. The winters out near Stalliongrad were far more dangerous than the ones in her hometown, she knew. She would have to get higher, and try to find a thermal to ride back to Ponyvi-
SNAP
A massive black figure appeared several feet from her prompting a terrified squeak as Scootaloo pulled up hard to avoid a sudden and unpleasant impact, plowing through the canopy and about a meter of snow, blinding her as she emerged into the cold, open sky.
Scootaloo barely had a moment to clear her eyes of the white powder before a gust of hot, wild wind struck her from the side, sending the small pegasus wheeling in the air. Flaring her wings reflexively, Scootaloo steadied and brought herself to a hover. Her eyes widened at the sight of the dark unicorn hovering several meters away from her, wide, shadowy draconic wings flapping lazily to keep him aloft.
It was more than just his form though. There was a presence to him, wicked and foreboding, as he drifted in the air. "Well? You were fleeing me weren't you?" Sombra grinned languidly, his fangs showing past his dark lips. "I'll just tell you now, there's a Lucent Barrier around this manse. Its purpose is to give a false image to scrying sensors and anyone looking from afar. Thus, if you can breach past the barrier's limit, I'll not be able to follow. I can't risk anyone seeing my magic or my true form after all."
Blinking away the snow caught in her mane and eyes, Scootaloo glowered at Sombra. "Why are you telling me that? I'm trying to escape, remember? You aren't supposed to help me."
Sombra's unconcerned smile remained in place. "You believe you can escape me, then?"
Scootaloo's glower turned to a scowl. "I know I can."
"Excellent," Sombra hissed. "Try."
He had barely finished the word before Scootaloo vanished in a hard, clap of displaced air, her newly minted wings seizing the air around her like a vice, thundering her away away at high speed. Sombra careened after her, grinning. The little orange filly had an intuitive grasp of Pegasus magic that he had rarely seen even in seasoned weather Pegasi of the Crystal Empire. He had a notion as to why, too; Scootaloo had spent most of her life straining for even a taste of the sky, drawing in what tiny, bare sips of sky magic she could in order to obtain something like lift. Without ever realising it she became better and better at efficiently using those tiny drips of magic, maximizing the output. Now that her meridians were healthy and powerful, she was pulling in more magic than ever. Combining that with her natural talent for optimizing her magic, it made her throughput something to behold.
Not that it was even remotely fast enough. She might have had efficiency of magic, but her flight skills were atrocious. Even Sombra could see that. Scootaloo constantly flew and pulled against the wind and thermals. Whenever she struck a crosswind she ripped it out of her way, anytime she hit a thermal wrong she kicked it into shape.
In short, Scootaloo didn't ride the wind so much as she did beat it into submission, and that took too much time.
Scootaloo nearly made it to the edge of the barrier; it was like looking through a heat haze, just a slight blur that was making everything beyond a certain point seem slightly insubstantial. She was almost to it when another surge of heated air crashed around her, lifting her high in the sky and away from the barrier, spiraling her around as the vastly differing temperatures of air caused her wings to catch one moment and flounder the next. Unfortunately, her fine control was badly lacking and another burst of air, ice cold this time, sent her spinning to the ground, flailing her wings as she suddenly had no grasp of anything at all. Snapping out her wings, the constant motion left Scootaloo desperately scrabbling for lift but the spinning, vertigo, and wildly thrashing winds were too chaotic for her to exert any control over. The only thing she knew was that the ground was closing in fast.
"AHHHHH!" The scream left her throat reflexively, only to trail off as her brain registered that she had stopped moving. A dark, tingling aura of magic surrounded her, keeping her levitating about a foot above the snowy ground.
"Your technique, if you can call it that, is in desperate need of refinement, little wing," Sombra said, a dark bass chuckle hiding just at the edges of his words. Scootaloo wheeled herself in the air turning to face him.
"Yeah, guess so," Scootaloo said grumpily, realising she had no way of breaking the sorcerer's grip. "So I'm trapped here then, huh?"
Sombra's face lost its playful mirth, and set her down gently. "No, you will never be trapped anywhere, I promise you that. If you really want to leave, I will do my best to facilitate it. It would, I'm sure, break the Mouse's heart to see you go, but I know her well enough to say with some certainty that she would never keep you against your will either."
Scootaloo blinked in confusion as her mind worked around Sombra's words. That was it? She just had to say it and she could go... wherever? She tried to find the lie, or the catch, but she couldn't. "After all that... chasing and windy magic and stuff?" Scootaloo asked, staring up at the centuries-old mage. "After the threats and the stuff about training and being up a the crack of dawn and investments? You were just... lying?"
Shaking his head, Sombra gave a fanged grin. "Not at all, I made no threats, little wing, and my intention of training you was entirely serious. Even you can't deny you need it; you were just outflown by a Unicorn. I am a difficult taskmaster and I expect a great deal from you, but that's only because I firmly believe you have a shining potential to be somepony truly incredible hidden within you that needs only time and a little direction to bring out." Sombra said, his voice growing soft towards the end. After a moment, he surprised even himself when he put a single, large hoof on Scootaloo's back and drew her closer.
Leaning down, Sombra did what he remembered his mother doing for him when he was young, foolish, and feeling lost, and nuzzled her cheek. "I believe that with all of whatever is left to me of my heart, little wing, I promise."
To his surprise, Sombra felt warm tears against his muzzle as Scootaloo gave a soft sob and leaned into him. Unsure of what else to do, he simply remained where he was, letting her cry against him. After a few moments, Scootaloo mastered herself, and pulled away, but not too far. "So, uhm... is it okay if I just... call you 'dad', sometimes?"
Staring down at her, into her bright and intelligent eyes, Sombra felt a little bit of his iron will cave. Letting his shoulders sag, he smiled a little wearily. "Sometimes, only sometimes, and only in private, agreed?"
Scootaloo nodded happily, hugging him around his barrel chest, even though her small limbs didn't even come close to reaching around him. "Yeah! Thanks... Dad." |
The King & Shy | Promises, Promises | Chapter 23
Sombra and Scootaloo emerged from the snow-covered forest together with the small filly riding contentedly on her father's back, the sight of which warmed the heart of a certain pegasus mother as she watched her two loved ones approach their home. Scootaloo was snoozing away when Sombra entered the foyer of the east wing, shaking some of the snow free, but gently so as not to wake the sleeping filly. Fluttershy just let her heart swell as Sombra carefully trotted over to the short chaise lounge near his study desk and ever-so-softly lifted, and then lowered, the sleeping Scootaloo onto the cushions. With a small tug of magic Sombra pulled one of the quilted blankets that was draped over the seat and folded it over his new daughter.
"We shall have to set up a proper room for her, you know," Sombra rumbled, as he returned to Fluttershy's side. "She can't sleep in my study every night. It's hardly befitting."
Fluttershy felt her grin reach to her ears as she leaned up to nuzzle her King. "I know, I've already made some preparations with the building team, the room is ready it just needs some furniture. One of the carpenters is already working on a bed frame and dresser. I can get a mattress easily enough."
"Hm, well enough, then," Sombra grumbled as he returned to his desk. A small flash of magic brought his work from the throne room into his study in front of him. "How did the trip go? Any trouble at all?"
"No, none..." Fluttershy answered softly as she moved with Sombra to his desk. "I may have used my... ability on the Ponies that collected Scootaloo though. I don't like the idea of those stallions collecting colts and fillies."
"I find myself categorically unsurprised," Sombra replied sardonically.
Fluttershy ruffled her wings, turning away with a frown. Sombra bit his tongue and grimaced, turning from his work to pull Fluttershy to his side. She let out a breath and leaned into him, pressing her face into his broad, powerful chest. "I'm scared, my King. I keep... doing things. Terrible things. It feels like I can't even help myself. Like I want to do them. I feel like I'm losing myself."
"Such is the danger of dark magic," Sombra said quietly, lowering his snout to nuzzle her cheek. "It may be this way for the rest of your natural life. To my knowledge there is no means of fully purging dark magic from anyone. Even if there were, I suspect your attunement to your element would complicate matters too much to risk it."
"I don't want that though," Fluttershy whispered softly, clenching her eyes shut and her wings hard to her sides. "I don't want to have those f-feelings for the rest of my life. I want to be n-normal, I want to be how I used to be! I don't want to feel like hurting other ponies or... or any of the awful, awful things I k-keep thinking about."
"I know..." Sombra held Fluttershy close, it was all he could think to do. "In the end, though, the cruel truth of life is that we are not given a choice in how our hearts are molded. We live as we must insofar as it permits us to survive. What truly matters, I believe, is whether we choose to mindlessly act on what we have been made into, or if we chose to make something more of ourselves. When I deafened myself to my own heart, I made the choice to simply be what I was made into: a tyrant." Pulling away slightly, Sombra looked down into the eyes of his future queen. "You can be so much more."
Fluttershy stepped back as she let out a low, steadying breath before looking up at Sombra and smiling. "You know, for an evil king you're very good at cheering me up."
"Only you, my dear," Sombra responded with a doting smile. "Only you."
"Mm, and Scootaloo now," Fluttershy corrected gently as she nuzzled under Sombra's chin. "She's our daughter, so cheering her up comes with the territory."
"Technically, she's only yours, at least on paper, my dear. After all, we're... hmm," Sombra trailed off, drawing a curious look from Fluttershy.
"My King?"
Sombra didn't answer, there was a flurry was questions and answers firing in his mind as he looked down at Scootaloo. A daughter. His daughter. He had never had children nor had he ever considered it. He had been immortal, after all, so an heir would have been superfluous at best. At worst, a liability. Now, though, his future was uncertain. His mortality was deeply in question. As far as his research led him to believe; so long as he maintained a steady flow of magic his body would sustain itself indefinitely. That was a rather large caveat to his existence though. If he was deprived of magic or struck down and forced to expend too much to quickly then... Perhaps an heir was in order. Moreover, there was another, significantly more important factor to consider.
"Your Majesty? Are you okay?" Fluttershy lifted a hoof to Sombra's cheek.
Sombra closed his eyes and let her touch fill his senses. It was soft, gentle, and reassuring. Her scent filled his nostrils and brought a calm to his heart that was only present when she was by his side. All this time they had been together, in refuge from the Crown of Equestria, hiding away so that they could be together. Perhaps... it was time to confront that last part of his withered heart.
"Sombra?" Fluttershy stepped a few inches closer, her eyes filling with concern. She rarely called him by his name unless she was worried. Or upset.
"Begging your pardon, my dear," Sombra responded in a quiet voice. "I need some time to... reflect on a few things, I'll be downstairs in the relic cache if you need me."
"O-oh, okay," Fluttershy felt a pang of worry run through her heart. Worry and a touch of sadness. She had hoped that... oh well, these things take time, she knew. "I'll be here for you, your Majesty." It was a gentle, but insistent promise.
Sombra nodded before turning and setting off towards the audience chamber. His hooves carried him swiftly through the cold halls of the east wing. He made a mental note to install some sconces capable of holding some basic heating and lighting enchantments.
The secret staircase that lead deep beneath the swiftly rising manse was hidden near the back of the throne room and sealed away with a variety of spells powered by the manse itself. Nopony but Sombra or those he deemed worthy would be even be capable of finding the valuable horde. The masking spells had kept the stash secret for a thousand years, King Sombra reckoned that now that the spells were finished recharging they would serve to protect it for another millennia.
Moving around behind the throne Sombra tapped at the stone, sending a surge of magic through the arcane matrices carved into the heavy, quarried gray rock of the floor. Within moments the stones had rearranged themselves into a staircase leading down to the metal seal which in turn melted into the spiral staircase leading into the cache. Stepping carefully down the narrow walkway, Sombra let the entrance seal itself away above him. Passing by the wealth of a small nation without sparing it a glance, Sombra felt around with his magic, seeking out what he knew was down here amongst the relics he had recovered from the Everfree Cache. It would have a very distinctive- ah-ha!
With great care, Sombra retrieved a crate from one of the shadowed corners and drew out from its depths a small wooden box carved with intricate fractal designs. Touch his horn to the lid, he felt a crackle of power displace itself as the wards released at the familiar twinge of their maker's magic. With a slight hiss, the lid opened and revealed... gems. Small, smooth, spherical gems that glowed with an inner light.
There were ten places for ten identically shaped gems. Only four of the spaces were filled, something that would have frustrated Sombra back when he was at his height of power but now it sent a pang of regret through his heart. He had not really had friends in the bad old days, but he had had comrades, of a sort. Still, the one he was looking for was still here, a deep and beautiful green, the same color as the coat of the mare who had owned it.
"My loyal servants," Sombra said softly. The light in the gems flickered at his voice, almost as if it were responding. He was not looking forward to this, but a King faced the rightful consequences of his actions no matter what. Had he not told Fluttershy exactly that?
Taking a deep, steadying breath, Sombra wrapped the gleaming green gem in a cushion of magic and lifted it from its velvet setting, snapping the lid of the box shut as he did so and returning it to its rest in the crate. Moving into the burnt out ritual room which he and Fluttershy had first appeared in after their flight from the Everfree, Sombra channeled a small amount of power into the gemstone.
"Servant eternal, your King commands you thusly... awaken, for even death dost not lift the yoke of duty." Sombra intoned the powerful, driving summons, and immediately felt the response.
The gem practically leapt from his magical grasp and stopped to float in midair less than a meter from him. A mist the color of ocean spray drifted down from the gem, first in a trickle, them a stream, then a thick torrent. The mist took the shape of a Crystal Earth pony, first it was a crude approximation but as the moments passed the mist began to resolve into a coherent form around the gem. A beautiful young mare in her prime, eyes closed and looking for all intents and purposes fully alive, stood in front of Sombra. Her coat glimmered like emerald gemstone, casting fractal patterns of light around the room while her tail and mane was the riotous blue of the ocean. Only the touch of mist occasionally drifting from her body and the faint hint of translucence at the edges of her form hinted at her ethereal quality. Finally, after five, excruciatingly long minutes (by Sombra's perspective) the spell completed itself and the mare's eyes snapped open. Her left eye gleamed with the green gravelight of the gem, the other was a livid and familiar blue that fixed Sombra with a glare.
Sombra felt a clench in his chest like a vice grip. It was an alien sensation that he had not felt in so, so many years; apprehension. He was afraid and... ashamed. It must have showed on his face because the green mare quirked an eyebrow up in confusion. She recovered quickly, though, schooling her features into a hard, implacable gaze and lifting her left foreleg to strike it across her chest in salute.
"War Marshal Beryl Esmaralda reporting for command, your Majesty."
~ o ~
Fluttershy gently lowered Scootaloo's tiny, slumbering form onto the large bed in Sombra's room. Technically it was just Sombra's room and Fluttershy had her own just across the hall, but truthfully she knew that she could count the number of nights which she had actually spent in her own room without even using all of her hooves. Almost every day ended with her cuddled up with her King, nuzzled into his warm, barrel chest. The thought still made Fluttershy blush despite their sleeping arrangements having been a regular thing practically since their rooms were finished.
In fact, Fluttershy mused as she pulled the duvet over Scootaloo, she could probably just repurpose her own room into Scootaloo's and then just make Scootaloo's 'under construction' room a guest room. Or maybe for a second foal if she and the King ever... Fluttershy's face flushed crimson as the thought quickly latched onto her brain and ejected whatever else she was thinking. She couldn't help but wonder what their foal would look like. Would they be more like her, or like her King? Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle joyfully at the thought as she quietly stepped out of the room to let her new daughter sleep. Sombra was rough but he had excellent paternal instincts, he would be a good father to Scootaloo and any other foals they had.
The thought plastered a semi-permanent grin on Fluttershy's face as she reflexively donned her 'Cloudy Skies' form before stepping out of the door to the study and into the biting cold of the Stalliongradi winter. On instinct, Fluttershy spread out her senses, lifting her wings just slightly to catch more air along the surface area of her feathers. She could almost taste the bitter cold around her, but it carried other things on it as well: the piney stirring of the evergreen trees, the faint musty grit of factory ash from the nearby city, the coppery tang of blood.
Blood?
It was the only hint Fluttershy had that something was very wrong before the attack came. She felt the thin tine of metal splitting the air towards her side and, more out of reflex than anything, she dropped to the ground letting the long, wicked needle fly over her to stick fast into the stone wall a meter from where she fell prone. Casting her wings out, Flutershy rocketed from where she was crouching up a dozen meters, high above the half-built estate, just as several more needles buried themselves in the snow where she had been an instant ago. Now that she had a birds eye view Fluttershy spotted several lumpen shapes in the snow and places where the white blanket covering the land was stained red. The builders, only a few though, the others must have made it safely to cover somewhere, or fled the grounds. Fluttershy grit her teeth and felt a fire ignite in her chest that was becoming more and more familiar. Rage and fury nearly blinded her to the next attack, but her wind-sense picked up the disturbance just in time to trigger her reflexive response; Fluttershy jerked to the side as she felt the air split again and hissed in pain as the needle cut a burning line along her barrel.
The hovering gray Pegasus narrowed her eyes, purposefully flapping hard to stir the winds. Scanning the ground and the border of the forest she waited. More and more Fluttershy found herself thanking providence that Sombra had insisted she study advanced Pegasus magic in depth to better counterbalance her condition, as well as join him for at least a few of his morning training regimens. 'A healthy body and a healthy mind go hoof-in-hoof', according to him and Fluttershy found herself in agreement. She was leaner, faster, and more agile, mentally and physically, than she had ever been.
Whoever had trespassed her home was expecting a soft, demure target. They would live to regret that assumption. The attackers wouldn't stay still forever, they would eventually grow confident enough to attack again and then- There! A flicker of gray-black motion on the edge of the treeline was all that gave the attacker, or attackers, away but it was enough. Fluttershy dove down, hearing the whistle of needles rip through the air she had just vacated.
Fluttershy hit the ground like a pony-shaped missile, sending out an explosion of snow from where she impacted. A griffon, her feathers a mottled light gray and black that camouflaged well in the snowy landscape, leapt away with a panicked squawk of alarm. The griffon hen flicked her wing strangely as she retreated, and Fluttershy felt the now-familiar sensation of a needle splitting the air towards her. Pivoting on her front hooves Fluttershy spun about, avoiding the attack and bringing her face to face with her attacker, letting the needle bury itself in the snow.
Snow descended in calm flurries from the sky to settle into the tree branches and drift slowly down to the wings of the combatants as they squared off against each other. There was no sound but the rustle of wind. Even the small beasts of the surrounding forest, long accustomed to the constant sound of construction, had fled at the scent of blood. The Griffon assassin fixed her hawkish eyes on the mare that the criminal element of Stalliongrad knew as Cloudy Skies. The timid, unassuming gray mare that had cajoled and bribed her way around Stalliongrad for the past few months was supposed to have been an easy target; a gilded little bird removed from society and throwing around too many bits for the famiglias to be comfortable with that was supposed to die without a fuss. She had trodden on too many fetlocks and gotten far too many supposedly tight lipped functionaries to talk and none of them could rightly say why.
"Why?" the mare hissed, her eyes narrowed and angry. "Why did you attack my home?"
Nyada wasn't the type answer questions. Ever. Certainly not about clients, and she met the mare's eyes to tell her how she could go sit on some pinheads horn and spin. She tried, anyway. Ice sluiced through Nyada's gut and her heart hitched in her chest the moment she met the gaze of Cloudy Skies. Nyada's skull filled with the sounds of screaming and for a moment all she could see were two sapphire blue eyes burning with baleful green fire.
"Answer. Me."
Fear, no, terror, like this was alien to the assassin, and as Nyada's throat unglued itself it took a monumental effort of will not to simply spill every single answer the mare asked her for. Her brain was screaming at her to do anything, anything to make this mare go away. To make her stop staring.
With a shriek of defiance, Nyada made a maddened lunge at her target. Startled at the sudden failure of her Stare, Fluttershy backpedaled while sending a hurricane force surge of wind at the Griffon hen. With her wings splayed out in intimidation, Nyada had no chance; the powerful gust caught her perfectly, picking the assassin up and bodily slamming her into the massive evergreen behind her before dropping her limply to the ground. Fluttershy winced at the cracking sound of the twin impacts.
"M-miss?" Fluttershy said timidly as the snow knocked from the branches settled. "Miss? A-are you..." the words died in her mouth as she saw the bloody smear on the tree.
With an alarmed squeak, Fluttershy sprinted over to the prone Griffon, her wings hung at unnatural angles, and she heaved with every laborious breath. Blood leaked freely from Nyada's beak as she feebly tried to get away from the gray mare approaching her. It was no use though, her back was broken, her wings shattered, and her abused lungs could barely suck in air. Doing her utmost not to meet the Griffon's eyes, Fluttershy knelt and gently brushed away the snow from her erstwhile attackers body before pulling her close, trying to share some warmth.
"I-I'm sorry," Fluttershy sobbed, "I didn't mean to hurt you like that, I swear, you just... usually my Stare works but..."
The Griffon hacked blood onto the snow, patters of it staining Fluttershy disguised coat. After a moment of ragged breathing, she spoke, too weak to resist the mare's siren call any longer. "The... the nightmares..." Fluttershy leaned, perking her ears to catch the whispered voice. "They said... nightmares... came from... here. Hired me to... kill the owner... stop the... nightmares."
Fluttershy scowled. "Sombra... what have you done?"
Even more gently than she carried her own foal, Fluttershy lifted the Griffon on a cushion of air then onto her back. Ignoring the blood, Fluttershy did her best to swiftly but carefully move the assassin out of the forest and towards the manor. She had only barely made it past the thickest part of the forest and out onto the manse grounds when she was met by Steelhorn and a small number of his crew; the towering minotaur brandished a brutal, two-headed axe.
"Ma'am," Steelhorn drawled, in a calm, deadly voice. "Ah'm gonna hafta ask ya ta hand that chickenhawk over to mah crew if ya please."
Squaring her hooves, Fluttershy lifted her head to scowl at her workers. Steelhorn was flanked by heavy draught Earth Ponies on either side of him, and a Caribou just behind them.
"Not a chance," she responded icily.
Steelhorn sighed, leveling the smile of his axe at Fluttershy and her wounded passenger. "Miss Skies, ah'd rather not do this, but that there chickenhawk hurt a number of mah crew fairly bad."
"Deaths?" Fluttershy braced herself for the answer, but Steelhorn shook his head, and she let out a sigh of relief. "Then I'll pay all of their medical bills personally, but I will not let you hurt a helpless Griffon. End of discussion."
The workers moved to surround Fluttershy and the Caribou's horns lit up, preparing for a spell. Steelhorn didn't budge. "Ah'm afraid that ain't your call, Miss Skies. So you're gonna give us that chickenhawk one way... or the other. An' ah happen ta like workin' for ya Miss Skies, so ah'd deeply appreciate it if it'weren't the other way."
"You'll have to kill me to get her," Fluttershy answered gravely. The steel in her voice set the four workers back a step. There was no hint of fear or hesitation in her voice. Just an cold and utterly certain conviction. "But you will fail."
The silence stretched for what felt like hours but, eventually, Steelhorn stepped aside. "Fine, ah suppose ah ain't got your conviction, Miss Skies. But believe you me, me an' mine'll want a proper explanation as to why we're lettin' some lowlife hired killer walk past us and why you're willin' to die for her, ya'hear?"
"You will," Fluttershy answered. "But you won't get her life either way, not unless she attacks you. I will never permit I've promised to help to be given death without mercy like that. Not ever again. Is that perfectly clear?"
Steelhorn glanced to either side of him; his workers didn't look happy but they didn't look like they were in the mood to argue the matter either. "Ayep, crystal clear, ma'am."
With that settled, Fluttershy trotted carefully back into the east wing of the house and down to her mostly unused room. The moment she was out of sight Steelhorn and his three workers let out a breath of relief. Steelhorns axe nearly fell from his hand, burying one of its heads in deep into the stone. Both of the draught ponies looked like they'd just had ten years shaved off of their lives, and the Caribou looked fit to pass out.
"Boss," one of the draught ponies said after a moment of heavy breathing, "if it's all the same to you, I'm fine not ever bringing that subject up with Miss Skies ever again."
Steel dropped onto his rump and chuckled blithely. "Y'know, Axel, ah reckon ah'm perfectly alright with that. The moment she cottoned to our intentions it felt like my heart was fixin' to tear itself right outta mah throat."
"My horns are still tingling," the Caribou muttered. "I don't know what kind of magic she was using but it was... dark. Very dark. I'm with Axel on this one, Boss. I'd rather shear my horns off and spit in Princess Luna's face than piss that mare off again."
"Ah hear ya, Anu," Steelhorn replied before turning to the other draught pony. "This here decision a unanimous one, Checker?"
"Pretty ah pissed myself somewhere in that conversation, suh," Checkers said as he got shakily to his hooves. "So yah, ah'll toss my vote into the 'keep Miss Skies happy' pot and keep it there, thank ya."
"Right, then we've got an accord," Steelhorn said, taking a deep breath as he got to his hooves, wobbled a bit, then found his footing. "Ah'll let the rest'a the crew know about Miss Skies' generous offer of treatment."
"And her promise of righteous, unflinching retribution on anyone who threatens her guest?" Axel asked with a wry smile.
Steelhorn chuckled. "Ayep, reckon ah'll cover that'n too." |
The King & Shy | Apologies | Chapter 24
"Beryl." Sombra said the name so quietly that it was easy to imagine that he had not intended to say it aloud at all.
"Yes, your Majesty?" Beryl replied, her odd eyes examining the King carefully. "How may I serve?"
Sombra shook his head, clearing away the tattered remains of his thoughts.
"I have not called you up for your service, Beryl, I simply..." his words trailed off and for a moment he lost himself in memory as he reached out to touch his War Marshal's shoulder.
His hoof passed through her, as he knew it would, and Sombra felt the pain of his displacement in time more clearly than he had in all the time he had been awake. Just for a second, he had wanted to believe he could touch her again. The greatest ally and fiercest opponent to ever stand by his side as he cast his endless shadow over the continent. He had not known it then but Beryl had been far more than his General. She had been his conscience.
Beryl glanced down at Sombra's errant hoof in confusion. Letting out a weary sigh, Beryl spoke again, this time with far less respect.
"Did whatever brought you back addle your brains, my Lord? Or are we going to continue your bloodbath? I didn't consign myself to that wretched glowing rock to be poked and prodded."
Her tone startled Sombra out of his musing and drew out a low chuckle, Beryl's eyes widened in shock at the sound. "No, I suppose you did not. Though I am curious, why did you allow me to bind your essence to that soulstone? I would have thought you'd have been pleased to finally be rid of my 'loathsome presence', even it was simply in death."
Pushing away her surprise for the moment, Beryl scowled. "Obviously, your Majesty, I let you bind me to ensure that you would always have me by your side to shout down your latest atrocity masquerading as a tactic. A world exposed to your unshackled ego and utter disregard for life hardly bears thinking about and I couldn't rightly trust some other schmuck to rein you in, could I?"
Beryl emphasized each point by jabbing her incorporeal hoof into Sombra's armored chest.
"I see," Sombra regarded his Marshal pensively for a long moment. Long enough that Beryl drew back under the scrutiny.
"Something's changed," Beryl said. "You've changed."
"I have," Sombra agreed, "and in more ways than one, and in my opinion, the changes have largely been positive, although they have come with a hoofful of irritating caveats to my existence."
Beryl advanced on her king, her mismatched eyes narrowed as she looked him up and down. She circled him several times as if searching for something, her ghostly hooves making no sound in the silent undercroft of the mansion. Finally, Beryl stopped in front of him, a strange look of disbelief painting her features.
"Who... are you?" Beryl asked quietly. "You look like him, like the Tyrant, but you stand differently, and you speak with a weight that I'd almost call... regret."
"I am Erebos Sombra," Sombra answered curtly. "I am- was- the Crystal Tyrant, the Slaver King of the North, and Emperor of the Crystal Dominion. I prosecuted two wars of brutal annexation, oversaw the mass enslavement of thousands, and was responsible for the misery of tens of thousands more."
"And?" Beryl prodded again, and this time her tone was more curious than acidic.
"And..." For once, King Sombra felt his throat close around his words. He knew what he wanted to say, but to say it was antithetical to his existence.
A King did not make apologies for his actions. A king did not regret what was necessary.
But therein lay the question. Were his atrocities necessary? For certain, Sombra still believed wholly that the line of Cadenza needed to be demolished. Whatever nobility it might have once had had long since decayed by the time he had been born under their troubled rule. The House of Cadenza was synonymous with nepotism, disregard, decadence, and cowardice such that even the citizenry of the Empire were happy to install an autocrat like Sombra over the once-noble Cadenza.
Sombra imagined they regretted that decision eventually, of course.
But were his actions necessary?
No. Not all of them. Perhaps not even most of them.
Sombra's had allowed his heart to be encased in cold crystal and to darken with both the pollutants of the Wendigo's magic, his own awful temper, and his rage at seeing the only ponies he had ever considered to be friends butchered in front of him.
King Sombra closed his eyes and exhaled, then raised his head to meet his War Marshal's gravelight gaze.
"And I am sorry," Sombra said. "For what I did to you... and to the Empire... and for the monster that I became, I am sorry."
Beryl's jaw dropped and her eyes widened.
"An apology for my atrocities is poor compensation," Sombra continued. "I saved our Empire, and then turned it into an abattoir, created an artifact of light and then used it to blacken the whole of the north."
"Why are you saying this?" Beryl hissed. "Why now? When it has long since ceased to matter!"
Sombra shrugged, a curiously unkingly gesture. "To prove to myself that I am able to grow, perhaps, and perhaps that is a selfish and unworthy reason for an apology, but it is all that I can give."
"Do you think an apology can make up for your sins?" Beryl snarled. "Can they wash the blood of a dozen petty kingdoms off of my hooves? Can they rebuild the villages you ordered me to have razed?! CAN THEY RESURRECT THE ARMIES I KILLED?!"
Sombra endured Beryl's tirade with the stoicism of a mountain.
"WHY NOW?!" Beryl bellowed, and if she had been corporeal Sombra truly believed she would have attacked him. Instead, she paced like a caged manticore, impotent and enraged. "Why not somewhere in your centuries of bloody rule? If you were going to grow a soul why couldn't you do it before you dragged us through Tartarus?!"
"I have no answer that will satisfy you, Beryl," Sombra replied. "I cannot undo my acts as King, but I can try to make it right."
"Then go out into the snow and die!" Beryl hissed.
Sombra lowered his head.
Death was what he deserved. This much was true. He had done more terrible things in his long and unwholesome existence than most could manage in twice that amount of time.
"If there was justice in this world," Sombra started quietly, straightening his posture as if he were lifting a great weight, "then I would have been consigned to the shadows of madness and that madness would have ended in a painful, ignoble death."
Sombra took a step forward, reaching out until his armored hoof hovered a hair-span from Beryl's ghostly form.
"Were it within my power to grant you the peace of my death, I would." Sombra lowered his hoof from Beryl's face as ephemeral tears, of rage or sadness Sombra was unsure, tracked down her cheeks. "My life does not belong to me anymore, however... it belongs to a mare who dared to make a better stallion of a cruel king."
"So the Tyrant has fallen in love," Beryl said bitterly. "Horseshit."
"I do not deserve her kindness," Sombra agreed. "I do not deserve this chance I now have." His jaw clenched as he spoke the last word, and his next words came out hard-bitten. "But I did not deserve to watch my family starve to death in the cold of winter because our noble rulers could not deign to open their larders. I did not deserve to watch my friends butcher one another in fits of madness drawn from a curse levied onto our selfish Empress! This world, War Marshal, does not give one copper bit about what we deserve!"
"And that excuses you?" Beryl asked. The vitriol was gone from her voice and replaced by a strange kind of weariness.
"Nothing excuses me," Sombra replied. "But I have the opportunity, now, to make her happy. I have the chance to do as a king ought to, and... perhaps this time I will do so correctly."
"She truly has hold of you, doesn't she?" Beryl stated more than asked, and Sombra nodded.
"Aye, War Marshal."
"Does she know she holds a heart blackened by the sin of ages?" Beryl cocked her head, and there was almost a hint of a smile at her lips.
"Aye," Sombra repeated. "She knows."
"And still she accepts it?" Beryl chuckled and shook her head, sending her seastorm mane tumbling. "Then she is a better, and far more foolish, mare than I."
"I owe her my life," Sombra gestured to himself. "I owe her more than that, in fact... and even if I cannot repay the thousands I harmed, I can and I will repay her."
"Then my final question, O' King," Beryl's words twisted around the last word, and Sombra found himself smiling at her familiar sarcastic tone. "Why raise me up? Why not leave me to sleep the endless sleep of the damned in this," she gestured to her gravelight eye, "this thing?"
Sombra stared into the eye of his Marshal. Beryl had been his most loyal enforcer, even if she had also been his harshest critic. She always followed his orders, no slave-collar required, but she did so in her own manner. She had always tried her best to operate within his rule and to soften the blow of his iron hoof, and she had failed more often than not.
Yet, she had always done as he demanded.
For better or worse.
"I want to release you," Sombra said finally. "To life, or unto death if that is what you wish."
Beryl stared at him, unblinking, for a long moment. It wasn't quite disbelief, but it was close, like she was waiting for the other bit to drop. When he did not continue, she let out a quiet sigh, and chuckled.
"You know," she said, "I thought that, given the chance, I would want to have a chance at life outside of your rule, but now that it comes to it I'm not sure I can do that knowing all of the things I did in your name..."
Beryl looked over Sombra's shoulder to the other three gems set into the velvet brace of the box, and for a moment her face took on an infinitely tired cast.
"Let us go, Sombra," Beryl said. "Let us rest, and not in this false, dreamless nonexistence... just let us move on. We only ever persisted to try and blunt your endless cruelty." She looked around for a moment before settling her gaze on Sombra again. "I'm not sure if this is just some kind of selfish madness on my part, but if I'm being truly honest, I think you may have actually changed."
"Not by choice, I assure you," Sombra replied wanly, and Beryl laughed.
Not a forced, harsh laugh. It wasn't her mocking, sarcastic cackle, or a bitter guffaw. It was a laugh that Sombra had never heard pass her lips in all the span of her service to him. It was a real, true peal of laughter.
"I will miss your counsel, War Marshal Beryl," Sombra said.
"I will not miss counseling you, your Majesty," Beryl replied.
Sombra chuckled and nodded.
"That is fair." Sombra raised his hoof up and schooled his face to an expression of regal authority. "War Marshal Beryl Esmaralda, in light of your years of dutiful service, flawless record, and many honors, I, King Erebos Sombra, do discharge you from active service with full honors."
Beryl's form flickered with Sombra's words, and her false eye gave a weak, gentle pulse like an ebbing candle-flame.
"Rest easy, soldier, thy duty is done," Sombra intoned as he lowered his hoof. "May the Summerlands greet thee at thy journey's end."
With a long, echoing sigh of relief, Beryl raised a hoof over her chest barding, offering Sombra one last salute in the old manner of things, and for the first time, she did it without a scowl.
And then she was gone.
Three more to go.
It was hours later before the secret stairs behind the throne descended again, and King Sombra emerged from the cache with a weary, dragging stride. His armor and crown weighed more heavily than they had ever done before, and he made it all the way to the edge of the throne before sagging.
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," Sombra muttered as he sat on the steps that led down from the throne.
Raising his hooves to his brow, he lifted the crown and let his long, dark mane spill around his face. Strange that it did not seem nearly so heavy when it wasn't resting on top of his head. Here in his hooves, the crown was almost light.
Sombra had never considered himself a superstitious creature. Magic notwithstanding, baseless superstition only ever served to hamper one's ability to rule, in his opinion. A king could not put stock in the entrails of chicken to guide his decisions or allow the manner in which sun reflects off the moon to change his path in war.
But perhaps a crown can bear more weight than the metal and precious stones that make up its structure.
"The weight of the dead, perhaps," Sombra mused.
"My King?"
Sombra jerked in surprise and the crown nearly tumbled from his hooves. A cushion of air caught it, and with the wind came the sweet, familiar scent of the young mare that had become so important to him.
"Mouse," Sombra began as he plucked the crown from the cushion. "Why are you-?"
The words died on Sombra's tongue as Fluttershy, who had apparently been resting on their shared throne, stood. Her side was stained pinkish red with blood stemming from a long, thin cut that had been left untended. Her movements were shaky but her gaze was unwavering as she limped off of the throne bringing herself level with Sombra.
"Is something the matter, my King?" Fluttershy asked.
"You... you are wounded." The words came out with dull numbness. "That is a weapon's mark, Mouse, what-" Sombra bared his teeth and his hackle rose along the back of his neck- "who has harmed you?!"
Fluttershy tipped her head in a pantomime of confusion.
"The assassin, of course," she replied curtly, but before Sombra could reply to her statement she continued. "After all, you've apparently been inflicting nightmares on the ponies of Stalliongrad, and it was really only a matter of time before they reasoned out where the nightmares came from and tried to make them stop."
Nightmares.
Sombra felt his mouth dry as he recalled the rude stallions who came to the door. He had Dreamed that night, and in the place between the walls of sleep he had found the pools of those stallion's dreaming minds. He had drawn the mean, low predators of the Dream to them, and he knew where one found meat others would follow.
Wicked minds are fertile ground for nightmares.
And then he had left. He had ignored them, content that his petty vengeance had been served. They would not sleep well for a good, long time, perhaps not ever again if they were not wise enough to leave Stalliongrad.
He had acted on impulse. On old impulses. His demesne had been impinged upon, his subjects threatened, and his sovereignty questioned, and in response, Sombra had done what he always did. He struck down the ones who had dared to make themselves a nuisance.
Who had inconvenienced him.
"The assassin is currently resting the guest room being tended to by a physician I called from the city," Fluttershy said, ignoring Sombra's flabbergasted expression. "And that is where she will stay, safe and sound, you-" Fluttershy jabbed a hoof into Sombra's chest- "are going to make sure of it!"
"She attacked you!" Sombra snarled.
"She was hired to attack me because of you!" Fluttershy snapped.
Fluttershy's usual demure and soft tones were gone, replaced with fire and fury. Fluttershy advanced on Sombra, and had anyone had been in the audience chamber they would have treated to the sight of the dark king backpedaling away from a much smaller mare who was glaring daggers at him.
"What did I ask you to do when we came here?" Fluttershy spoke flatly. "Be! Kind!"
"They threatened us!" Sombra retorted.
"They're bullies!" Fluttershy countered. "Of course they threatened us! They're mean and scared! That doesn't mean you get to afflict them with horrible nightmares for weeks on end!"
"I-!" Sombra bit down on his lip. Clearly he had miscalculated somewhere. Admissions of wrong-doing did not come easily to him, however. "I admit that the... the nature of the punishment... may have been ill-conceived, Mouse."
Fluttershy sighed quietly, and the tension fled from her limbs as she pressed her forehead against her king's barrel chest, her soft fur matted against his armour, and Sombra let out a sigh of his own as he wrapped an arm around her.
"I know you're not good at this, my King," Fluttershy began. "But because of a decision you made, an assassin came for me. Not you, me."
That notion sent a sluice of ice down Sombra's spine. Never before had he been forced to contend with the possibility of collateral damage, or rather, he had never cared. His soldiers had not been collateral, they had been coin spent to buy land and territory. Civilian casualties had been necessary messages, burnt villages were the same.
His cruelty had brought no shortage of assassins, but their blades had always been aimed solely for his own neck. It was well-known that the Crystal Tyrant cared for his subjects only insofar as they were of value to him... only so long as they were productive, and no threat against them would move that cold, cruel king.
But now, he was in hiding. Cloudy Skies was the face that Stalliongrad knew. Fluttershy was the target now, not him, and he had...
"I had to hurt her," Fluttershy started to shake as she spoke. "I hurt her very badly, my King. I broke her wings, and her back too, I think..."
"This is my fault." Sombra lowered his head and buried his face in Fluttershy's pink locks. "I... this was not my intent, Mouse... I..."
"I know," Fluttershy nuzzled against Sombra's cheek. "I know you're trying, and I knew you wouldn't do it right the very first time... it's just..."
"I forced you to do harm," Sombra said. "No less than if still had you slaved to my geas."
No, my King, I chose to do harm," Fluttershy corrected quietly. "But you did make me have to choose, and I would have very much preferred not to have been forced to make that choice."
"Now what?" Sombra asked as he pulled back.
"Well, what do you think should happen next?" Fluttershy asked pointedly.
She stared at him. Not Stared. Just stared, with those deep blue eyes of hers, eyes that were so much like Beryl's but lacking the War Marshal's deep cynicism and acid personality. Fluttershy's gaze wasn't accusatory, nor was it angry, it was just... patient.
"I... I recognise my mistake," Sombra said. "And I will correct it... I am sorry, Mouse."
Her features softened to a smile, then she tilted her head up and pressed her lips to his in a gentle peck.
"I forgive you, my King," Fluttershy relaxed against him and shivered. "I should, uhm, probably have the doctor look at my side now, I think."
Sombra let out a huff of annoyance as he wrapped her in a telekinetic sheathe and gingerly lifted her onto his back, Fluttershy squeaked slightly as she came to rest on his broad shoulders, then relaxed against him as she found a comfortable balance while he walked.
"Why did you not seek healing immediately, Mouse?" Sombra grumbled.
Fluttershy mumbled something incoherent against Sombra's fur as they made their way down the hall. Sombra was patient, casting a glance over his shoulder every now and noting Fluttershy's slightly red cheeks as he carried her, following her silent, nudging directions to the room where the doctor was looking over the would-be assassin.
"Well?" Sombra asked again as they paused outside the door, and Fluttershy extended her wings to lighten her descent from Sombra's back.
Once she was on all fours again, Fluttershy paused at the door, scuffed a hoof awkwardly against the floor, then sighed.
"I... I wanted to make a point, my King," Fluttershy said, pointedly avoiding his eyes. "I thought that maybe if you saw my wound, with no bandages or treatment, it might make my point a little better."
Sombra raised one eyebrow slowly as she explained, and Fluttershy's cheeks turned a shade redder.
"You left a wound inflicted by an assassin's blade untreated," Sombra said slowly, "for dramatic effect?"
"Oh hush," Fluttershy swiped a hoof over Sombra's lips. "I learned it from you."
"And what if it had been poisoned?" Sombra asked as Fluttershy nudged the door open.
Fluttershy laughed; a quiet, gentle giggle that lightened the air around her as she gave Sombra a disbelieving look.
"My King, I lived on the edge of the Everfree Forest for most of my life," Fluttershy said. "I would know if I'd been poisoned."
As she was turning away from him, Fluttershy's butter-yellow coat rippled and shifted to the gray of Cloudy Skies just before she vanished into the small room, leaving a bemused Sombra behind her. The little Mouse had changed greatly since they had come to Stalliongrad. It was a cold land, not as cold as the Empire, but still... cold. Places like this tended to harden the very soft, and break the very brittle. It was good, then, that the Mouse was proving to be made of sterner stuff than the pig-iron these criminals were seemingly crafted from.
He'd felt it the day they met in her garden. Before she had saved him, and before he had realised how much he had changed, Sombra had felt what lay beneath that soft exterior when he'd pitted his will against hers.
Steel of the finest quality.
Sombra donned his illusory facade of Coal Axiom and followed Fluttershy into the side room. A young unicorn mare in a faded habit was quietly admonishing Fluttershy as she applied a salve to the shallow wound.
"By Celestia's Grace, you're fortunate this was not deeper, Miss Skies," said the nurse as she pulled the bandages snug. "Even if it was not envenomed, it might have become infected."
"I had business to attend to," Fluttershy replied gently. Her tone was one of warm formality and polite respect in her guise as Cloudy Skies, and sounded far more confident than her natural timbre. "Besides, the hen was in far worse shape than I, she needed your attention more."
"We can agree on that, at least," the nurse said before turning to Sombra. "And you are?"
"Coal Axiom, majordomo to Lady Skies," Sombra replied smoothly. "And you?"
The nurse eyed him up and down critically, then glanced at Fluttershy who nodded. Only then did she relax and give Sombra a weary little smile.
"Gentle Repose," the nurse replied finally. "A sister of the Convent of Her Morning Light."
"Ah, a Celestian," Sombra did his best to keep the strain from his voice as he looked past her and met Fluttershy's gaze evenly before turning back at the nun. "I trust you possess formal training?"
"Yes, Ser Axiom," Repose said with a nod. "If this were any other city I might work in a hospital but, as it is Stalliongrad, the only place I can help those who need me most is from the halls of the Convent."
"So you are not a mare of faith?" Sombra asked.
"Of course I am!" Repose replied sharply. "I was raised in Celestia's light, one does not need to be atheist to be a doctor, Ser Axiom."
"Coal." Fluttershy spoke the name of his guise and nothing more, but beneath that single syllable was an entire admonition.
Despite being on the receiving end of it, to hear Fluttershy rebuke her servants so gracefully actually filled him with pride. Regardless, Sombra bowed his head in studied apology to Gentle Repose.
"I meant no offense, Sister," Sombra said.
Gentle Repose gave the dark stallion a narrow-eyed look, but finally nodded and turned back to Fluttershy who had moved to the sleeping hen's side.
"You keep your servants on a short leash, Miss Skies," Repose said with a small smile as she joined Fluttershy.
"I do what I must," Fluttershy replied diplomatically. "Will the assassin live?"
Repose nodded. "She will, though it will be some time before she walks again, and even longer before she flies."
"Then you will care for her until she is able to do both," Fluttershy said in a tone that brooked no argument and drew a frown from Gentle Repose.
"With respect, Miss Skies-" She began, but Fluttershy shook her head.
"I will put you on retainer," Fluttershy spoke over Repose with a kind of quiet grace that made it difficult to speak back. "I'll pay out a donation of five hundred gold bits to the Convent per month for you to remain and treat the hen."
Repose's eyes widened. A sister of a Celestian convent she might be, but five hundred gold bits would go a very long way towards helping the needy around Stalliongrad, and five hundred per month even more so.
"Why?" Repose asked before she could stop herself. "This hen tried to kill you. I won't heal her just so you can torture information out of her if that's what-"
"I would never!"
Fluttershy's voice struck a deadly hiss, like a razor being drawn across oiled leather, and Repose froze in place as Fluttershy's eyes fixed coldly on her for a long moment before softening.
"My apologies, Sister," Fluttershy said quietly. "To be clear, I only want you to heal her, nothing more. Just make her well again... please."
"Why?" Repose asked again. "I don't understand."
Fluttershy laughed a little bitterly, a sound that put a splinter of pain in Sombra's heart. He had brought Fluttershy here to hide from Celestia's light because Stalliongrad was the only place dark enough; it was a city where even the nuns were cynical.
"Why? Because it's the right thing to do, Sister Repose... I'm not sure how else to explain to you that all I expect you to do is be kind." Fluttershy put a hoof on her shoulder briefly, then sighed. "If you won't stay, I won't force you, but I would ask that recommend someone, pony or otherwise, who might be willing."
Gentle Repose stared at Fluttershy for a long, disbelieving moment before relaxing back and looking down at the hoof on her shoulder. Sombra could feel the conflict in her, the roil of emotion and distrust that was warring with the very Equestrian desire to trust that this gray pegasus mare in front of her was being genuine.
Fluttershy, for all of her timidity, possessed a natural charisma. Whether it was her aura of kindness or something more nebulous, Fluttershy made ponies want to believe in her.
"I'll stay," Repose said finally. "If you're telling the truth, then I will stay."
Fluttershy's smile was radiant.
"Thank you, Sister." Fluttershy drew her into a quick but warm hug, then pulled back and turned to Sombra. "Mister Coal, please draw up the necessary paperwork and dispense the funds."
"As you say, Lady Skies."
Sombra's reply came with only the slightest quirk of the lip as he bobbed his head in a quick bow, and Fluttershy gave him a smile as warm as she dared without betraying herself.
As Sombra left, Fluttershy spoke up again.
"Since you're going to be staying, I'd like you to do a checkup on my daughter..."
Sombra chuckled as he dissolved into shadow and moved through the rooms of the mansion to the throneroom. It would be a relatively small expenditure, and it would not be unwise to have a medical professional on hand. That she was a Celestian nun was problematic, but in a city like Stalliongrad that might be the best case scenario.
Hopefully, he would be able to keep things manageable. The famiglias would not know one way or the other if the assassin succeeded, but if he lifted the nightmares they might assume the act was at least enough to accomplish their goals.
Tonight he would banish the creatures back to the deep places of the Dream once more. No more unearthly nightmares for now. Still, he would have to speak to the Mouse about a reckoning of some kind. They had been attacked in their home, and that had to be answered, and besides...
The Mouse had no love of the famiglias, and at that thought Sombra tapped his lip as he shed his disguise and came to rest on the throne.
Perhaps it was time to go on the offensive in a more concerted manner than just petty vengeance. It would have to be in a manner that the Mouse agreed with, one that resulted in a net gain of 'good', whatever that meant. He would leave that to Fluttershy to determine, she was far better at judging such things than he was.
With an effort of will, Sombra reached beneath him to the cache and summoned one of the smaller crates of material wealth to his side. Sifting through it, he counted out the amount for the month's retainer, set it aside, and teleported it to the sealed coffer in his office. He would handle that in the morning.
As he did, something caught his eye.
A bracelet, subdued and beautiful, and crafted from soft, yellow gold, with a bloody red garnet set into the middle.
Carefully, Sombra drew the band out of the crate and turned it over and over, eyeing it critically for a long moment before nodding to himself and setting it aside. He would perform an engraving on it later and enchant it with a charm of durability, and then...
Yes, perhaps it was time.
Every King needs a Queen, after all. |
The King & Shy | Cleaning House | Chapter 25
~ One Month Later~
"Are you sure about this, your Majesty?" Fluttershy whispered.
She spoke out of the side of her mouth as she trotted down a side road through the industrial district of Stalliongrad. It was a musty, smog-choked section of the city that was among the oldest of its districts.
Both its age and its location near the heart of Stalliongrad was a part of its appeal for the criminal famiglias, but the main draw was the network of interconnecting tunnels that wove beneath the central industrial areas. Originally, they had been built by none other than King Sombra during the Second War of Shadows as an intricate set of interlinked supply depots, although they had long since been cleared out by the Sisters by the time the famiglias moved in.
Now they were being put to use as smuggling tunnels.
'Perfectly sure, Mouse,' the shadows around her whispered.
Fluttershy nodded and continued. She had mastered the ability to refract light around her some time ago and was using its more advanced form to close in on a warehouse that King Sombra's shadow spies had narrowed down as the main base of operations for the Kamjen Famiglia, who had originally hired Nyada.
After the assassination attempt, Sombra had put Fluttershy through her paces more rigorously than ever. It went beyond her simply joining him for his morning routines and exercises. Now he was teaching her, along with Scootaloo, how to defend themselves.
Part of that training was mental. Sombra had drawn both mares into the Dream where he taught them the finer points of their pegasus-born magic. Time passed far more slowly in the Dream, as well, meaning he could pack days of training into a single evening.
The fact that both mother and daughter had proven to be even more apt pupils than he had anticipated helped too.
Scootaloo had little talent for the subtler points of holothurgy like Fluttershy did, but her skills as an aerothurge were prodigious. She might not be able to turn herself invisible, but she could manage basic disguises, and Sombra considered the ability to pulverise a boulder into gravel with a hammer of air to be a fair trade-off.
Furthermore, while they had been training, Sombra's spies had been gathering information.
'There are several guards, Mouse,' Sombra whispered from the darkness. "Once we're inside it will take time for me to manifest, find a spot out of the way so I can emerge, then I can end them and we can confront this bloated fool.'
"I would rather not turn this warehouse into a slaughterhouse, your Majesty," Fluttershy replied quietly.
A quiet sigh issued from the darkness.
'Do you have a better idea?'
"Well, uhm... we could ask them nicely?" Fluttershy offered.
Sombra mused on that notion from where he rested in a side-dimension of shadows. If it were anypony else who made that suggestion, it would have certainly been a joke. These were hardened criminals they were approaching, not some gaggle of misguided ne'er-do-wells waiting for a helping hoof to put them on the right path.
The only reason that Fluttershy was going in instead of himself was to ensure no one witnessed him. If any of the guards were compromised by the EID and escaped, that would be it. All of them had to die, or else none of them could witness him.
'You're aware that won't work, yes?' Sombra said after a long moment.
"You don't know that," Fluttershy countered quietly as they approached the door. "Can we at least try?"
'They sent an assassin after you, Mouse, do you really think they're open to dialogue?' Sombra grumbled.
"They did try dialogue first," Fluttershy said pointedly, and Sombra grimaced within the shadows. "I'd like to try it... please?"
Another sigh rippled out.
'Very well.'
"Thank you, your Majesty," Fluttershy said warmly.
With their plan settled, Sombra guided Fluttershy through the maze of alleys and backstreets. It was raining and like everything else in Stalliongrad the rain was cold and bitter. This was actually a benefit to the pair, however, since pegasus magic used water to reflect light, and the surfeit of rain ensured Fluttershy remained totally invisible. A unicorn would find maintaining their own version of the spell impossible in these conditions, with the rain constantly striking their invisible form and making their presence painfully obvious.
The warehouse near the northwest edge of the district was an old one, and from the outside it looked practically condemned. King Sombra's arcane sight revealed somewhat more, however. The facade of crumbling brick was reinforced with layers of enchantment that would keep the building standing through an artillery fusillade. It also contained a powerful dimensional lock, preventing any teleportation in or out of the building except by those who knew the key that bypassed it.
Magically speaking, the place was a fortress, and that made the dark king smile. It had been a long time since he'd toppled a fortress.
"Where do I go in?" Fluttershy mumbled.
'Around the left side there's a door,' Sombra replied. 'My spies have seen ponies go in and out of it throughout the day and night.'
Fluttershy followed Sombra's guidance. As she did, she glanced up and around, occasionally spotting her King's little familiars. They had all the appearance of an average black crow, save for their beady red eyes and unnerving silence, and Fluttershy quite liked them. They were friendly enough if you didn't bother them, and they seemed to like her as well.
'There.' Sombra whispered, a tendril of shadow spilling up from beneath her and nudging her to the side.
Turning her head, Fluttershy spotted the door. It was old and made from rusted metal, and the frame was set deep into the wall such that if she hadn't been looking for it she probably never would have seen it.
She glanced around rapidly, twitching her feathers as she did to pick up any slight motions of the air, and once Fluttershy was certain she was alone she approached the door and gave the handle a little tug.
"It's locked," Fluttershy whispered.
'Not for long.'
The shadows boiled up from underneath Fluttershy, flowing like oil into the lock. A moment later, Fluttershy heard a quiet click and rattle, and the door creaked open.
'Ladies first.'
"How gallant," Fluttershy flashed a warm smile at the tendrils of shadow that were surrounding her like the tentacles of a daemonic sea-beast before they silently retreated into her shadow.
Pulling the door open, Fluttershy stepped inside. It was cool, but not cold, and the temperature was too regular and comfortable to be anything but the product of magic. She'd entered a small vestibule that contained something like a waiting room. Cheap carpets covered the stone floors, and a few decent chairs were pushed against the walls. There was a table near the largest assortment of chairs that had an ashtray filled with spent cigarette butts and a stained deck of cards.
A few meters down from the table was a heavy wooden door reinforced with solid steel bars and a thick padlock.
Another smaller door to the left of the table opened a moment later to the sound of a toilet flush as a lean, scarred stallion with a cutie mark depicting a tire iron and whose coat was the color of old asphalt stepped out and went back to the table. He was wearing a flat cap over his dirty brown mane which he adjusted as he plopped down on a seat and pulled out a cigarette.
Fluttershy cleared her throat with a quiet cough.
"Uhm, pardon me?"
The stallion yelped and leapt to his hooves, scattering the cards and sending the chair sprawling as he snatched up a long, heavy bit of lead pipe in his mouth from near the wall which he brandished as he looked wildly around.
"Oh, right." Fluttershy shook herself daintily, shedding a layer of water from her coat and bleeding back into the visual spectrum in the grayscale guise of Cloudy Skies. "Good morning, my name is-"
"AAAAHHH!" The stallion let out a muffled blend between a shout of panic and a battle-cry past the pipe he gripped in his teeth as he charged Fluttershy down.
He got all of a meter before he was nailed to the floor by Fluttershy's irritated frown as their eyes locked and panic filled his soul and emptied his bladder.
"Please don't do that," Fluttershy said firmly, and the stallion staggered drunkenly as a pair of eyes that alternated between warm brown, piercing blue, and burning, neon green sliced into him. "I just want to talk, alright?"
The pipe dropped from the stallion's jaw with a clatter as he made several inarticulate squeaking noises.
"Oh my," Fluttershy broke off her Stare as she frowned down at the damp spot beneath him, then sighed. "I really wish that didn't happen all the time." Looking back up at the stallion, she gave him a warmer smile. "If you're willing to stay civil and be nice then I won't have to do that again, okay?"
"Uh... uhm... y-yeah," the stallion nodded numbly. "Sure that, uh... that sounds good."
"Good." Fluttershy's smile turned beatific. "What's your name?"
"Uhm, it's uh... it's Grit, m-ma'am." Grit looked fit to expire on the spot as Fluttershy took a few steps closer, her smile never shifting.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Grit," Fluttershy said. "My name is Cloudy Skies, and I'd very much like to talk to Papa Kamjen about something, can you take me to him?"
"I... I don't-" Grit stammered as he tried to back up.
Fluttershy frowned again and reached out to put a hoof on Grit's shoulder.
"Grit, I really need to talk to him," Fluttershy said. "It's important and I am sorry, but you're going to take me to see him, and I really would rather force you to do it if I can help it."
Grit stared at the strange mare who called herself Cloudy Skies for a long, agonizing moment. Sure, he'd probably get his nuts chopped off by a burly minotaur in a gimp mask if he brought this crazy mare to the big boss himself, but between that and whatever hoodoo she'd put on him just by looking into his eyes?
"B-Baba Yaga..." Grit mumbled, and Fluttershy raised an eyebrow.
This was her. Grit knew it like he knew his mother's teat. Nothing- nothing- compared to the sheer horror that had filled him when she looked him in the eyes. It was like a curse. This mare was a pegasus, not a unicorn, so she shouldn't be able to cast spells, but legends said that the Baba Yaga was a shapeshifter and a witch... she could look like anypony at all.
"Who?" Fluttershy asked, but Grit clammed his mouth shut and shook his head.
Maybe this was the witch of legend, maybe not. What he did know was that the mare was terrifying and Grit decided that if there was one thing that scared him more than his bosses, it was the prospect of this little mare looking him in the eyes for even one more second.
"I'll t-take you," Grit replied finally.
The warmth returned to Fluttershy's expression as she patted him on the cheek and stepped back,
"Thank you, Grit," she said with a smile. "I would really rather do this without everyone in the warehouse dying."
Grit swallowed hard before nodding.
He too, Grit decided, would also like this to end without everyone in the warehouse dying, since that would almost certainly include him.
Turning about, Grit moved to the door with the slowness and care of a stallion who suspected he was about to shot in the back of the skull, reached under his flat cap, and drew out the key before fitting it to the lock. It clicked and the door opened smoothly to a spacious room.
The room had a number of other ponies in it as well as an assortment of griffons, all sitting around drinking and smoking. Among the ponies, there was also a pair of minotaurs in the back playing cards and a heavy-set yak who appeared to be napping upright near the corner. All of them had the look of hardened criminals, and Grit swallowed back his panic as he stepped inside with the mare who called herself Cloudy Skies right behind him, smiling as if she were just visiting a good friend, and not walking straight into the primary base of one of Stalliongrad's most notoriously violent famiglias.
One of the minotaurs stood up from their game and eyed Fluttershy suspiciously before turning his gaze onto the stallion door-guard. He was an enormous specimen, fully eight feet tall, and better than half that wide. His coat was the color of loamy earth, broken up by networks of thick scars, and his belt held a brutal, heavy, single-edged blade that resembled nothing so much as an enormous machete.
"Grit, who's this?"
"Don't matter, she's got business with Papa Kamjen, Two-Stack," Grit squeaked out. "She's a player."
The minotaur, Two-Stack, turned back to Cloudy who smiled up at him, utterly unperturbed by the tower of bipedal muscle that was glaring down at her.
"It's very important, I assure you," Fluttershy said. "Will you let us through?"
Confusion crossed Two-Stack's features as he glanced between Fluttershy, Grit, and his companion. His stature and expression only ever provoked one kind of response from ponies, which was terror. Even the most fearless of Stalliongrad's mercenary elite knew a moment of hesitation when he stood over them, but this waif of a mare had no fear whatsoever.
And it wasn't feigned.
Stay in the merc-for-hire business long enough and you can tell who's just trying to fake it til they make it, assuming they ever did. Those ones tended to die early, though... too much bravado, not enough sense. The other ones though? The ones that could stare down a manticore and grin? Those were the ones Two-Stack had learned to be truly wary of.
Two-Stack lowered himself until he was practically bent over the mare. His shadow eclipsed her entirely, and Grit let out another squeak as he scrambled out from between them.
"Oh, my." Fluttershy reached out and patted Two-Stack's chest with a hoof. "You're very large, you must be getting plenty to eat, hm?"
She chuckled lightly as she smiled up at the minotaur.
"You ain't scared." It was a statement, not a question.
"Of course not," Fluttershy replied brightly. "Why would I be?"
Something about the way she said that put a knot of ice in Two-Stack's gut. For a moment he felt an unfamiliar, almost nostalgic, flicker of fear at her tone.
She wasn't crazy. Two-Stack knew crazy, and that wasn't it. This mare was just very, very... certain. She knew she was in no danger from him and that worried him, because the only ponies who acted like that were the ones who had stacked the deck so far in their favor that it was all but impossible for them to lose.
Those were the worst enemies to go up against.
"Name?" Two-Stack rumbled, feeling that Grit probably had the right of it. Whoever this mare was, she was a player. No one who wasn't deep in the game had a spine that straight.
"Cloudy Skies, it's very nice to meet you, sir," Fluttershy chirped. "Would you mind seeing me to Papa Kamjen? I'm sure Grit has to get back to the door, and he's been very kind to see me in."
"Yeah, sure." Two-Stack turned to Grit and jerked his head for him to back, which Grit did with obvious relief. "What's ya business with the big cheese?"
"I just wanted to clear up a teensy misunderstanding," Fluttershy replied with a smile. "Some of his men came by my house and my majordomo was, uhm, a bit rude, and it all got a little out of hoof, so I thought we should talk and clear the air."
"Uh-huh..." Two-Stack felt the oddest premonition of something awful creeping up his spine as he turned and gestured for her to follow him.
Two-Stack escorted Cloudy Skies into the main compound, down a few flights of stairs, and into a lushly appointed foyer. There was operatic music playing faintly but clearly over a hidden P.A. system, and the whole place smelled of rich, smoky oak.
"Wait here," Two-Stack said as he stepped past her and knocked his fist twice against the door at the end of the room.
The grille of the door slid open with a hiss and Fluttershy listened to the muted exchange. It sounded like a hushed argument.
'I cannot believe we've gotten this far,' Sombra mumbled from Fluttershy's shadow. 'There is something very wrong with these ponies.'
"With respect, they're just ponies, your Majesty," Fluttershy spoke quietly out of the corner of her mouth as she watched Two-Stack's broad back. "I'm sure they don't want to fight any more than I do."
Another sigh issued up from the floor.
'I highly doubt that, Mouse,' Sombra said after a moment.
"Well that's no reason not to give them the chance, at least," Fluttershy countered. "You always resort to violence first and talking second, when it should be the other way around."
"Miss?" Two-Stack turned and straightened, looking down at Fluttershy as he did.
"Yes?" Fluttershy replied, trotting up to his side cheerfully.
"Papa Kamjen will see you now, but he's a busy guy, so..." Two-Stack trailed off, but Fluttershy nodded knowingly.
"Of course, I want to finish this quickly, too," Fluttershy assured him. "I'm sure once we can talk we'll have this all sorted out in no time!"
"Uh, right..." Two-Stack stepped away from the door and nudged it open for Fluttershy, who bobbed her head, thanked him, and stepped through.
The moment she was out of sight and the door closed behind her, Two-Stack heaved a sigh that was dredged out from the deepest parts of his lungs. A shiver ran across his limbs and down his back as cold-sweats broke out over his skin, leaving trails of gooseflesh behind, while his stomach roiled with uncomfortable waves of nausea as a pressure he hadn't even realised he'd been feeling was suddenly gone.
"What in Tartarus-?" Two-Stack staggered as his vision swam for a moment before righting itself.
He hadn't felt like that since his first years as a mercenary, decades ago. Stepping away from that mare had been like coming down from the torturous adrenaline high of his first real battle, one that left him weak-knee'd and vomiting on the floor even though the company he'd signed with had won.
Slowly, Two-Stack turned to stare at the closed door that Cloudy Skies had just passed through with wide eyes as a deep, terrible, instinctual fear took up residence in the back of his mind. It was that primal fear of a natural disaster incoming, and it warned him to run. Run far, far away, and don't look back.
Something was about to happen and Two-Stack hadn't lasted this long as a mercenary by sticking around for those particular types of 'things'. Instead, he obeyed his instincts, turned on his hoof, and ran, hauling at full tilt back the way he had come, out past his companions in the entrance hall, and past Grit who stared at Stack's fleeing back for all of half a second before immediately following him, leaving the rest of the crew watching them in bewildered confusion.
Back in the compound and through the door, Fluttershy trotted happily down a short hall until she reached another door. This one was pony-sized and made of thick, warm mahogany, and she admired it for a moment before pushing it open.
The door opened to a wide and well-lit room with an enormous, conference table that stretched a full six meters down and at least two wide. There were seven ponies in total seated at the table, three on either side and one at the head on the far end of the room, and none of them looked very nice, in Fluttershy's opinion.
Furthermore, there were another ten assorted mercenaries, six ponies and four griffons, arranged about the room and armed to the teeth.
And it was dead silent.
Fluttershy looked over the ponies at the table as she closed the door behind her, noting each one in turn. Sombra's spies had turned up their identities which Sombra had shared with her, and they were all ponies she had expected to see today.
Along the left, nearest to Fluttershy, there was the dun-coated smuggler, Rook. Limber and lean, he had a dangerously nervous energy about him. Seated beside Rook was a black unicorn mare with a teal mane named Grim Tidings, a highly rated wetworks broker who was said to know every killer in a hundred-mile radius, and just next to her was one such killer, a one-eyed blue pegasus named Payday, a notorious marksman, and a black-market arms dealer on the side.
On the other side of the table was Winterlight, a pale-coated, red-maned unicorn mare who had gone rogue out of Celestia's own school, fleeing to Stalliongrad where she started up her own spellwork business. She sold all manner of illegal enchantments and spells that had been banned by the crown for good reason. Then there were the twins down from her, Kindle and Spark. The two crimson earth ponies were known for their highly illegal concoctions, all of which exploded regardless of whether or not they were supposed to. Their once-unbroken red coats were pocked with scorch marks, and both of their manes grew slightly patchy, the result of numerous close calls.
At the head of the table, of course, was the crimelord himself.
Papa Kemjen, or 'Stone' in common Equestrian. He was possibly the biggest, meanest, nastiest looking stallion that Fluttershy had ever laid eyes on. His coat was a shade of granite commensurate to his name, and his black mane was cut to a short buzz. His body rippled with a combination of fat and muscle, and the sheer immensity of him gave the stallion a ponderous look.
His eyes told a different story, though.
They were the sharp, bright blue of the open Stalliongradi sky in winter, and there was nothing slow or ponderous about them at all.
"Dabro pazhalovat." Kamjen's voice was like a distant thunderhead boom beyond the horizon.
"Uhm, good morning," Fluttershy bobbed her head in greeting. "I'm very sorry to have interrupted, but I needed to speak with you, Papa Kamjen."
"And who are you to decide this?" Kamjen asked.
His inflection did not change, but a subtle pressure washed over the room, and everyone in it flinched.
Everyone but Fluttershy.
"Well, my name is Cloudy Skies, and recently you tried to have me killed," Fluttershy explained, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. "I'm certain it was just a misunderstanding, so I wanted to discuss it with you and hopefully we can sort this out."
Kamjen stared at Fluttershy in contemplative silence for several moments as he tried to decide if she was joking, crazy, or a combination of both. It took him another few minutes to eventually come to the conclusion that she was neither, and that she was, in fact, being entirely genuine.
"Cloudy Skies," Kamjen repeated finally. "You are the one who my men say made nightmares come to them for days on end."
"Well, uhm... not exactly," Fluttershy sighed as she scuffed her hoof awkwardly on the floor before raising her head again to meet Kamjen's dour expression. "It was really just a misunderstanding, your men were rude to my majordomo, and he overreacted. I've already spoken to him about it."
"And the assassin?" Kamjen asked.
"Oh, she's fine," Fluttershy said brightly. "I'm afraid I fractured her spine and broke her wings when she attacked me, but she's recovering nicely now."
The ponies seated around the table shared nervous looks. Even the notoriously unstable twins looked unsettled at the casual remarks Fluttershy was making. For her part, Fluttershy read their expressions as ones of concern and stepped a little closer until she was at the table.
"I promise you, she's perfectly fine," Fluttershy assured them. "We had a nice talk and she's promised not to try and kill me again, and I told her I would get all of this sorted out with her employer."
"I am curious how she gave you the location of this compound since, to my knowledge, she did not know of it," said Kamjen in a deadly tone that sailed cleanly over Fluttershy's head.
"Oh, she didn't tell me anything," Fluttershy replied.
Kamjen leaned forward on the table, and the massive wooden beam creaked under his weight as he glowered at Fluttershy.
"You lie."
"I would never!" Fluttershy replied in a huff. "That's very rude! Accusing someone of lying when you don't have any proof? Shame on you!"
Winterlight sighed and there was a dull thud as she dropped her head to the table briefly before looking back up at Kamjen, then over at Fluttershy with a tired grimace.
"This is a waste of my time," Winterlight said in the stiff, cultured tones of a Canterlotian native as she stood up. "I'm just going to kill her and-"
"Sit down."
Fluttershy's voice never rose. It never pitched higher or grew any louder than before. The only sign of something different happening was Fluttershy turning to Winterlight, fixing her with a heated glare and only the slightest narrowing of her eyes.
Winterlight shat herself on the spot.
Tremors rolled up her body as her mind was filled with screaming. Her skull rattled with the voices of the hundreds of ponies her pain-spells had tortured, and from behind her eyes the accusing glares of all of the corpses she had helped make stared at her with hungry, silent rage. Her breathing became harsh and labored as she toppled backward, spilling out of the chair before striking the ground and scrabbling backward on her rump while babbling near incoherent apologies, although who they were directed at was a matter of debate.
"I wasn't talking to you, Miss Winterlight," Fluttershy continued sternly. "I was talking to Papa Kamjen, so please wait for your turn."
When she turned back to Kamjen, his expression had hardened to something far darker than annoyance. Now he was wary. He had heard of an unpleasant curse that somepony had laid on a few of his men, and had struck back on principle. His men were his hooves, so to strike at them was to knick at Papa Kamjen's fetlocks, and the murderous stallion's policy had always been to repay every knick and scar a hundredfold.
Kamjen watched Winterlight babble and scrape. Moments ago she had been as proud and haughty as ever, and now she was reduced to little more than a terrified filly who couldn't even control her own bodily functions.
"I'm so sorry about your carpet, Papa Kamjen, but that sort of thing happens a lot, I'm afraid," Fluttershy said, turning back to the famiglia boss. "I'll be sure to pay for the cleaning bill, just send the invoice by post."
Without a word, Papa Kamjen clapped his hooves together with a dull boom, and all ten of the guards raised crossbows and took aim at Fluttershy, whose only response was to frown a little more deeply.
"We don't have to do this," Fluttershy insisted. "I'd rather just talk."
Kamjen snorted and the sound came out more like a bull ox than a pony as he raised his right hoof and poised it like an executioners axe that was ready to fall over the neck of this impertinent mare.
Before he could drop his hoof, though, Fluttershy said:
"Don't kill them, please."
Papa Kamjen had a brief moment of confusion, as Cloudy Skies didn't appear to be speaking to anyone in the room, but rather to the ground. That confusion turned to shock as the room exploded into a torment of writhing shadows. Tendrils of darkness lashed up with the speed of a serpent's strike, shattering bows, splitting bolt quivers, and knocking the guards from the feet.
The other members of his small council screamed and scrambled to get off of the floor. Kindle hauled Spark up after him. Payday tucked and rolled from his seat to the top of the table with the grace of an acrobat. Rook was somewhat less nimble, and as he was mounting the table a tendril of darkness sprouted up near him. In a panic, he lashed out with a hoof to kick it, but his hoof sank into the substance like it was gelatin. The tendril thrashed violently, yanking the stallion off of the table, but not before he screamed and grabbed Grim Tidings by her back legs, dragging her with him.
Both stallion and mare were screaming, cursing, and shouting as the tendril flailed. Grim Tidings was spitting invectives as she was thrown drunkenly around the room by the tendril-gripped Rook who refused to let go until finally she had enough, lit her horn, and sent a roiling bolt of black, necrotic lightning arcing into Rook's body. The stallion's body withered and rotted where it touched, killing him instantly, and his grip slackened in death, dropping Grim Tidings to the floor in a graceless pile from whence she scrabbled over to a nearby end table, knocked the vase from atop it, and pulled herself into its place.
In the corner of the room, Winterlight just curled into a little ball on the floor and sobbed through hysterical fits of giggles as the tendrils ignored her.
Through it all, Papa Kamjen just stared, dumbfounded as his guards were scattered and disarmed, and six of the deadliest ponies in the city were reduced to scampering foals, all at the whim of a single, unassuming mare. The stallion who had brought much of Stalliongrad to its knees through backroom deals and broken bones didn't often find himself at a loss for words or actions, but simple shock dulled his rage as he watched Cloudy Skies frown delicately at the ensuing madness she had wrought.
His rage could not be tempered for long, however.
Bellowing like a bear, Papa Kamjen heaved the entirety of the table out of his way, sending his allies flying with cries of alarm as he barrelled towards Fluttershy, head low, shoulders set, and fury painting his reddened face.
The tendrils attempt to halt his advance, lashing and beating at his body while others grabbed at his legs but Kamjen was a juggernaut of momentum, and he tore through the ephemeral substance without slowing
He got within a quarter-meter of Fluttershy before their gazes met and Kamjen's charge stopped dead.
Eyes like the endless blue skies pierced into the stallion called Papa Kamjen for a moment before they scorched over with rancid green fire and black smoke. Screams filled his ears while the blood of his thousands of victims filled his mouth, poured down his throat, and choked his lungs with rancid gore. Visions of burning homes danced like juddering zoetropes in the back of his mind as memories paralysed him.
For a moment.
Only a moment.
Kamjen howled with fury. His black heart was numb to even the most wicked extremes he had taken, and Fluttershy staggered back as the enormous stallion broke through the wall of her Stare by brute, mental force.
Blind with rage, Kamjen swung one cinderblock hoof in front of him in a wide, bone-crushing swipe that would reduce any living thing he struck to a brittle sack of shattered gristle.
He hit nothing but air as Fluttershy dove between his legs. Rime trailed behind her as she left a trail of pure black ice on the ground, skated elegantly along the ice path she wove in front of her and putting her out of Kamjen's reach in the space of a breath, and her escape left behind shackles of numbing ice that were growing quickly across Kamjen's fetlocks and up his legs.
"BITCH!" Kamjen howled as he tore himself free, leaving behind patches of his coat and, in some places, skin. "I'll bury you in the SNOW!"
He charged, battering through furniture and guard alike, leaving both broken in his path as Fluttershy bolted straight up and over the furious Stalliongradi who buried himself in the wall on the far side of the room.
"Please stop!" Fluttershy pleaded as she landed crisply on the leg of the upturned conference table. "We can talk! We don't have to fight!"
"DIE!" Kamjen bellowed again as he turned and charged again.
The conference table was reduced to splinters as Kamjen tore through it towards his target, and Fluttershy bolted upward again, and she made it all of a meter before she jerked to a violent stop.
Kamjen had fought flyers many times, and they always moved upwards. Griffons and pegasi alike sought the safety of the skies by instinct, and the moment Fluttershy had taken her eyes off of him to coil up for liftoff he had pushed off, putting all of his considerable muscle into a leap, and caught her tail in his teeth as she had tried to escape.
"EEP!" Fluttershy squeaked as she was swung around like a living flail. The room heaved and spun about her as Kamjen bore her to the ground.
She didn't want to fight.
Fluttershy hated fighting.
WHY DID THEY ALWAYS WANT TO FIGHT?!
Fury bloomed behind Fluttershy's eyes as she swung her wing down, catching the moisture in the air on the tips of her feathers and creating a smooth, cold, blade of ice at her wing's edge an instant before the feathers sliced across Papa Kamjen's face-
-and cut through his eyes.
Fluttershy went spinning away as Kamjen howled, and the shadows welled up to catch her and carry her out of the flailing stallion's reach. The moment she landed, the shadows began to bubble upward, though, taking on an almost-physical weight.
"Don't!" Fluttershy hissed. "Don't manifest!"
'He will kill you!' The shadows snarled.
"No, he won't," Fluttershy replied as she backed away from the advancing psychotic behemoth that was Papa Kamjen. "Stay in the shadows, if anypony sees you then this was all for nothing!"
'I will not let you come to harm, Mouse, you cannot ask that of me!' Sombra bit the words out, and the shadows beneath began to darken as Sombra began the arduous process of bleeding himself back into reality and out of the half-Dream shadow realm he occupied.
"Stay where you are!" Fluttershy snapped.
The shadows shivered beneath her as she ducked and dodged more blind strikes. Kamjen was surprisingly agile for such an enormous stallion, and even blind he was terribly dangerous.
"I decided to do it like this, so I have to do it myself, okay?" Fluttershy continued. "I know you'll keep me safe, my King, but do it from where you are, please."
A nest of tendrils boiled up from beneath Kamjen as he took a step, sending him sprawling and giving Fluttershy a moment of reprieve as she bolted up and over the enraged crimelord to land on the other side of the room.
'This is foalish, Mouse, my magic is limited from here!' Sombra's voice was tight and strained. 'We should have just killed them all to start with. If they're all dead then no one saw me! It would never have been an issue!'
"What we do and how we do it is a reflection of us, my King, not them," Fluttershy replied. "If we're going to do this then we're going to do it the right way, so please, if you love me, don't come out."
'Damn you, Mouse, that's-'
"Do you?!" Fluttershy bit out.
Silence answered her for a moment, broken only by the bellowing, hate-filled stallion that was tearing the room apart several meters away.
'You know that I do.'
"I do," Fluttershy replied, smiling. "And I love you too, so please."
Another sigh issued up from beneath her.
'Very well.'
Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy flared her wings out and pulled the water from the air to coat her body in another layer of moisture over her disguise. Where the droplets sank in, ice formed and grew like a fast-motion reel of leaves opening in the spring across her wings, chest, and back.
Ice as black as midnight coated the body of Cloudy Skies until it clung to her like armor. Her wings became arsenals of numbing cold; primaries became blades, pinions turned into spears, and her hooves became rime-caked hammers of cold.
She didn't want to hurt anypony, not even an awful stallion like Papa Kamjen, but at the same time, there was a limit to all kindness. Sombra had wanted to be better in his own crude and sometimes wicked manner. The dark king was not good at being good, but he tried, and he apologised when he failed, and then he would try again.
That was all that Fluttershy could ask for, and she was truly happy with that. She had faith that, one day, Sombra would appreciate kindness for its own sake, even if that day was a long way off.
Papa Kamjen was different. He was cruel and horrible, and it was obvious that he felt absolutely no remorse for the unspeakable things he had done.
Fluttershy surged forward, riding a slender path of black ice and keeping low as she wove between Kamjen's blind, thundering strikes.
From deep within the shadows, Sombra watched, his heart in his throat as Fluttershy bobbed and weaved around bone-crushing hooves. If even one of those attacks so much as glanced across her it would buckle the armor, to say nothing of a direct hit. With twitches of mental effort, Sombra sent tendrils of shadows up and around Kamjen. They couldn't stop him, the massive stallion was simply too strong for the shadow constructs to hold him back, but they could slow his attacks, put him off-balance, and Sombra prayed that would be enough.
Beyond the shadow, Fluttershy ducked beneath Kamjen's attacks. Where they hit the stone floor, pits of gravel opened up. Furniture was reduced to splinters in an instant, and Fluttershy prayed the other guards had the wisdom to get away from this room, although there were enough bodies to attest to the fact that not all of them had been quick enough.
Papa Kamjen had murdered his own men without even seeing them. They might as well have been plaster statues that he had torn through.
The thought infuriated Fluttershy.
A hammer-like hoof crashed down where Fluttershy was standing an instant after she vacated the spot, and as she landed, she shook her head, and spoke.
"I won't kill you," Fluttershy said. "But I think you might wish that I had when I'm done."
Whipping her wings out, Fluttershy hurled a spear of frigid air at Kamjen. Where it passed, it created a path of black ice, and when it struck Kamjen his body went rigid as rime flash-froze over his coat, and his hooves were anchored to the ground by growing ice.
Roaring, Kamjen heaved his front legs up, tearing free of the ice.
It was exactly what Fluttershy had wanted.
She bolted forward, riding the ice like a slide that carried her underneath Kamjen. She flicked her wing once, catching the air and spun herself around, then lashed out with her other wing at the backs of his front legs. Icy blades sliced through tendon and muscle, freezing the blood before it could flow and blackening the flesh with frostbite.
Fluttershy's momentum carried her past the stallion a breath later, out from under him and behind him where she did the same thing to his rear legs, crippling Kamjen in a handful of seconds and dropping the blind, blunted, and frostbitten stallion to the icy ground.
From within the shadows, Sombra could only stare in shock as Fluttershy stood, staggered for a moment as the spinning stopped, then shook her head, and trotted over and around Kamjen.
Papa Kamjen tried to rise several times, but his crippled legs gave beneath him like tortured support struts. His breath huffed out of him in waves of warm mist as he brought his head up and turned his blind eyes towards Fluttershy.
Towards 'Cloudy Skies'.
"You... what are you?" Kamjen asked raggedly. "H-How...?"
"It didn't have to happen like this," Fluttershy said sadly as she put a hoof gently on the side of his face. "We could have just talked."
Kamjen stared blankly in Fluttershy's direction for several moments. He wanted to kill her, but his limbs had stopped obeying his commands. He was too cold, his muscles were torn, his legs were crippled, and his eyes were gone.
He had nothing left.
"Kill me."
"No," Fluttershy replied.
Kamjen made a weak lunge at Fluttershy, but his body turned it into more of a pathetic flop than anything.
"KILL ME!"
"No."
Silence reigned for a long time as Fluttershy sat with him, until finally, the broken crimelord sagged completely down to the floor, giving up even the pretense of struggling.
"Why?" Kamjen asked. "Why not?"
"Because I'm kind," Fluttershy answered, "not merciful."
With that, Fluttershy stood, flared out her wings, and shook the ice from them before turning them this way and that to check the striations of the wind. There were still living ponies in the room, although there had been so much destruction she wasn't sure how many were left.
"I know some of you are still alive," Fluttershy announced. "I came here for Kamjen, not you, so I'll give you a chance to leave Stalliongrad forever. Take your things, take all of your business, and leave the city... you're no longer welcome here, and if I find out you stayed, just remember what happened to the last pony who was unreasonable."
Turning on her hoof, Fluttershy made her way out of the conference room. As she did, she glanced over to the side and saw the pathetic, quivering mess that was Winterlight. The tendrils which had ignored her had also stopped the majority of the debris from harming her, but she still hadn't moved.
"Can you bring her with us?" Fluttershy asked.
'Why?'
"Because I think she might really regret what she's become." Fluttershy had never seen such an extreme reaction to her Stare, and Sombra had said that the worse a pony's guilt, the stronger the effect. She hoped that meant Winterlight had a chance. "Please?"
'As you say, Mouse,' Sombra replied, and the tendrils closed around Winterlight, dragging her down into the shadows. 'She will sleep in darkness for a time, and you can decide what to do with her once we've returned to the manse.'
"Thank you, my King," Fluttershy said warmly.
Once they were out of the room, Fluttershy marched out, through the compound, up the stairs, and back into the large room where the guards were. The looks they gave her suggested they were surprised that she was still alive, but they didn't bother her beyond that.
'Sound-proofed rooms downstairs, I would guess,' Sombra mused as Fluttershy passed them by and stepped back out into the rainy, overcast Stalliongradi day.
"Take us home, my King," Fluttershy said, and on the heels of her words the world turned to darkness and there was a sensation of falling accompanied by an omnipresent whispering that lasted all of a moment before Fluttershy's hooves settled on cool stone.
The shadows bled away to reveal the throne room of the manse, and Fluttershy took a deep breath of her home as she waited the few moments it took Sombra to emerge from the shadows as well, fully solid and as powerful as ever.
"That was dangerous, Mouse," Sombra admonished quietly, but he pulled her close to him nonetheless, burying his snout in her soft mane that was already fading from gray back to silken pink.
"Doing the right thing is always harder, my King," Fluttershy replied as she nuzzled against him. "But I need you to be willing to do that with me, okay?"
"I am well aware, but that does not mean I have to be pleased that you're putting yourself in danger," Sombra grumbled.
He sighed and rested his forehead against Fluttershy's for a moment before pulling her into a warm, insistent kiss which she readily and happily returned.
As they parted, Sombra stepped back and shuffled awkwardly while Fluttershy smiled up at him with the same loving patience she always did.
"My King?"
Sombra sighed, then lit his horn and pulled the small box whose contents he'd spent the last few weeks enchanting out of a pocket dimension.
"Mouse- no, Fluttershy- I..." Sombra took the box in his hooves and turned it around, staring down at the simple wooden container for a long moment as Fluttershy waited.
"I am never going to be the stallion you deserve,' he began, "and yet you have chosen to stand by me time and again in spite of my ill temper and unpleasant nature."
"You're not that bad, my King," Fluttershy said with a sardonic smile. "You do try, at least."
"I try for your sake, not mine," Sombra replied gravely.
"I know." Fluttershy reached up and set her hoof against her cheek. "I can't ask you to be somepony other than yourself, my King. The fact that you're trying to be better at all is enough for me."
"Am I?" Sombra asked quietly.
Fluttershy frowned. "Are you what?"
"Enough?" Sombra looked up at Fluttershy and, for a moment, she could see the ages of loneliness worn into his eyes. "Am I enough for you?"
There was so much weight on his shoulders, and not all of it belonged to the crown on his brow. The weight of his hatred and his cruelty bore down on him, not the guilt, but the impulse that he was always denying in her presence. Fluttershy could feel the desire to be better in him like a faint ember, and she knew that he did not believe that it was in him to do so.
The fact that he was trying despite that spoke volumes.
At least, to her it did.
"Always, my King," Fluttershy answered finally.
Silently, Sombra turned the box to Fluttershy and opened it, revealing the bracelet within. It gleamed with polish, and the garnet shone with a bloody light that mirrored the color of his magic.
"Then would you be my Queen?" Sombra asked quietly. "For however long the world permits me your presence?"
Tears welled up in Fluttershy's eyes as she reached into the box with her wings and drew out the delicate-looking piece of jewelry. She could feel the humming magic that was strengthening it, and she suspected that despite its appearance it could probably stand up to almost any punishment.
Looking up from the bracelet, Fluttershy held it out to Sombra and nodded.
"You never had to ask," Fluttershy said in a slightly wet voice. "But I'm so very glad that you did."
Taking the bracelet in his magic, Sombra unhooked the latch and slid it over Fluttershy's right foreleg before locking it in place. As it closed, the magic in the bracelet sized it down enough so it fit as snugly and comfortably as possible.
"Now I just have to make you a crown," Sombra said with a soft chuckle. |
The King & Shy | Suspicions In Stalliongrad | Chapter 26
~ Five Months Later~
Shining Armor rubbed at his eyes as he trudged into the expansive dining room of the Crystal Palace. Thanks to every light source reflecting off of everything else, mornings in the Crystal Empire were both much colder and significantly brighter than the ones in Canterlot despite it being the seat of power for the Diarch of the Sun, and he had never really gotten used to it.
Even now, after better than half a year of living in the latest protectorate of Equestria, Shining found the mornings to be the most difficult part of the day.
The fact that he was not a 'morning pony' didn't help.
The coffee did, though. Especially since the cooks were always sure to make it extra strong. Double-brewed black coffee bitter enough to kill a small rodent was just about the only thing that could kick his sludge-filled brain into gear these days.
"Lord Armor." One of the Crystal Knights, the Imperial equivalent to the Canterlot Royal Guard, approached him and saluted as Shining sipped his coffee.
He briefly considered dropping the guard out of the nearby window. It was far too early to deal with whatever it was that required a damned Knight to deliver it to him, personally.
Well, technically all missives delivered to him had to be done so through a Crystal Knight. It was some hackneyed holdover from the Empire's old traditions. The Imperial military was surprisingly autonomous compared to the Equestrian Guard. Senior officers and the various echelons were expected to handle their own problems, and if the problem required a higher pay grade, it had to be delivered by someone who was under the direct commander of that pony.
That meant that if something needed the attention of the second-highest executive authority in the Empire, and the highest military one, it would have to be sent through a Knight, and it was far too early for something that dramatic.
"Yes, Captain Opal?" Shining asked quietly once he had swallowed the contents of the mug, then slid it out to be refilled by a waiting servant.
"My apologies for disturbing you so early," Opal began, "but we've received a direct communique from Canterlot, and it bears the Triune."
The Triune.
Shining Armor swallowed hard as a newly refilled mug was put in front of him. Moving quickly, he wrapped the mug in a sheathe of telekinetic energy, slugged it back, swallowed again, turned to the Captain, and held out a hoof.
"Let me see."
A scroll, thick and heavy, was placed in his grip. It did, indeed, bear the wax-sealed Triune as promised, which did not bode well.
The Triune was a symbol that had only recently come into use, and it bore the combined detailing of Celestia, Luna, and Twilight Sparkle's cutie marks. The only reason his wife Cadence's mark wasn't among them was because, legally, she wasn't an Equestrian Princess. She was an Imperial one.
That meant that this scroll bore the sum total authorities of the three highest rulers on the continent. The Princesses of Sun, Moon, and Friendship had apparently deemed something so important that it deserved to carry the weight of three thrones.
"Thank you, Captain." Shining set the scroll down and reflected on how he hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. "You may return to your duties, I'll call if I need you."
"Yes, Lord!" Captain Opal saluted with a metallic crash, then turned in perfect parade-ground order, and marched out of the dining room with a deafening clangor.
Metal-shod hooves on a crystal floor.
Who in Celestia's name thought that was a good idea?
For once he couldn't blame Sombra since the palace predated his rule, meaning it was probably thanks to his wife's ancestors which did not speak well of their common sense. Then again they were nobles and, however well intentioned, nobles would always be nobles.
"Crap." Shining stared at the scroll like it was about to unfurl and bite him. "I wonder what the odds are that that thing holds good news..."
Not great odds, he'd wager.
Sighing, Shining Armor looked up from the scroll, leaned back, and took a deep breath before yelling: "CADENCE!"
His shout was answered by a magical detonation, and Shining Armor winced. She'd probably been in the middle of feeding Flurry, who still had the occasional flare. They were nothing like they used to be, which had been downright apocalyptic, but they were still an alicorn-scale surge of magic.
A flash of light heralded his wife's arrival. She appeared a few feet to his left looking slightly singed and seriously put out.
"Yes, darling?"
"Ooh... sorry about that." Shining grimaced as Cadence gave him a flat stare while she magically smoothed out her mane and sifted the ash from her coat. "It's important though, honey."
He held up the scroll for Cadence, showing the wax seal outward, and Cadence's eyes widened as she recognised the mark.
Trotting over to her husband's side, Cadence took the scroll and broke the seal, then unfurled it on the table so they could both read the message that her Aunties and little sister had considered important enough to warrant one of the first official uses of the Triune. It was thick and heavy and consisted of almost two dozen pages, all regarding the same topic.
"Stalliongrad..." Shining let out a thoughtful hum. "I thought Celestia had pretty much given up on that place."
"She didn't give up on it, Shiny," Cadence said. "But Stalliongrad's criminal element is too entrenched for her to do anything meaningful. If she sends funding, it goes missing, internal investigators either find nothing or suffer 'unfortunate accidents', and no matter where she looks everyone's hooves are either squeaky clean or she's handed some low-level patsy."
"Why not just put the whole city under martial law, then?" Shining Armor asked, stomping his hoof as he did. "It's clear the place is corrupt!"
"Stalliongrad is huge, Shiny," Cadence replied with a sigh. "It would take half the Guard to secure that place, and that's assuming nopony gets bribed... and it would be the citizens who suffer the most, not the criminals."
"So what's changed that it warranted the Triune?" Shining asked, turning back to the scroll. "Is she asking for a joint action between our Kingdoms?" He paused thoughtfully, then nodded. "That might be effective."
"Maybe..." Cadence mused as she skimmed the text. "Wait... no, it's something else. Here, honey, look!"
She pointed out a section of the scroll a page-and-a-half in, and Shining read it over in detail.
"Wait, seriously?" Shining looked up at his wife in disbelief. "She wants you to perform an investigation on why Stalliongrad has suddenly started paying its taxes?" He lifted the page and scanned it again before looking back to his wife. "I don't get it, isn't that a good thing?"
"Y-Yes... in theory," Cadence allowed. "But the more pressing question would be: what changed?"
"Who cares?!" Shining laughed and pushed the scroll away. "Why would Celestia want us to go poking a bear that's finally decided to stop raiding the garbage?"
"Maybe she's worried it has something to do with King Sombra?" Cadence said.
Shining Armor settled back down at the table, took a drink of his third refill of coffee, and Cadence grimaced again, this time at the strong smell coming up from it. He sipped at it a few times, and his brow furrowed as he stared down at the swirling dark brew.
"I can't reason that out," Shining admitted. "Sombra would have nothing to gain from changing the status quo of Stalliongrad. If, and I do mean if, he was in that area, he would benefit far more from leaving things the way they were." Shining Armor shook his head. "No, I still think Saddle Arabia is our best bet."
"I highly doubt Sombra had anything to do with the vizier's death," Cadence grumbled.
"He died out of nowhere!" Shining countered.
"He was ninety-five!" Cadence huffed before turning back to the scroll and scanning over it until she reached the middle.
There were several pages that had clearly been compiled by Twilight Sparkle herself. They mostly contained data points and charts, but they all painted a picture of Stalliongrad as a city that had held onto a terrible but stable municipal standard for decades before seeing what appeared to be a miraculous spike in prosperity three months prior.
Currently, Stalliongrad was reporting record low unemployment rates, cleaner streets, lower crime, and a happier populace, and that was just from the reports from the Equestrian Intelligence Division's few operatives in the city.
Moreover, several known criminal cells had gone dark all at once. Known fronts for Stalliongradi famiglias were found mysteriously deserted. Suspected famiglia agents were vanishing too, sometimes under the very noses of the EID operatives who were actively tracking them.
There were no trials though. No criminal proceedings were moving through the Stalliongradi courts either. Nothing more interesting than average petty crimes, anyway. The worst offense they'd had to deal with in the past month was a case of regarding some poor stallion's cabbage cart being repeatedly overturned by an unlicensed unicorn aeromancer which was more unfortunate than tragic.
Still, Cadence mused, Shining Armor had a point. None of this actively suggested the influence of a being like King Sombra. The Crystal Tyrant was subtle, but even by his standards turning a city from a cesspit of misery into a thriving and productive Equestrian city was just too convoluted.
More likely it was some clandestine shadow war between the famiglias that got out of hoof, the result of evil and selfish ponies finally turning on one another the way they always tended to.
At least, that was Cadence's line of thought until she reached the last few pages, between which was an envelope that held several magically taken photographs..
"Shiny, look." Cadence shook the photos out and scattered them over the table.
The images were in color, but the shades were a bit washed out due to the speed at which they probably had to be taken. They all seemed innocuous at first, save for a single pony that was somewhere in each of the images. In each case the pony in question had been circled in ink.
It was a lithe young pegasus mare. Her coat and mane were varying shades of gray, and gave the impression of an overcast afternoon in the far north. In a few of the photos her eye color was visible; a soft, unassuming shade of brown, and overall she was the sort of mare who probably couldn't have stood out in a crowd if she tried.
Cadence and Shining both would have overlooked her in an instant if she hadn't been specifically pointed out.
Both unicorn and alicorn stared at the mare for several moments.
"There... there's certainly a resemblance," Cadence said finally.
"She's the wrong color, but an illusion is nothing to a sorcerer like Sombra," Shining agreed, then started nosing the photos out of the way to look over the final page. "The dossier says her name is 'Cloudy Skies'... EID reports say she claims she's a social outcast from Cloudsdale, although with a common surname like 'Skies' that's probably impossible to prove one way or the other."
Cadence tugged the sheet away and skimmed it.
"Lives on the outskirts of Stalliongrad in a recently finished manor," Cadence read off, then frowned. "EID hasn't been able to reach the grounds, though... something about getting lost in the woods, and the suspicion is magic."
"Could be a perception filter." Shining went back to the photos and looked over them again. "Sombra was a tyrant and a murderer, but his actual magic was a lot more subtle than the history books give him credit for."
"Agreed," Cadence said. "This also says she's regularly seen in the company of two bodyguards."
"Is one of them a dark stallion?" Shining asked blithely.
"Surprisingly, no." Cadence set down the page and started sifting through the photos until she found one in particular. "Here... here they are. A griffon hen and a young female pegasus not much older than a filly."
Cadence turned the photo to Shining Armor and held it out. Shining took it in his telekinetic grasp and examined it more critically than he had the others. The griffon hen was young, too, but she had a hardened look to her. Probably a professional mercenary, he would guess. There were a lot of those types in the north.
The other one, though... the near-filly pegasus was almost an identical shade of gray to Cloudy Skies, though her mane was significantly shorter and a little darker. Also, unlike Cloudy, her feathers darkened to a deep, thunderhead-black at the tips while Cloudy's wings were a uniform, if somewhat mottled, gray.
Both hen and filly were wearing light and tightly strapped leather barding, a favorite of pegasus and griffon mercenaries as it served to spoil the worst of an arrow or crossbow bolt's damage without hampering their flight. The griffon appeared to be unarmed, but for all Shining knew she simply favored her claws in combat. No griffon was ever truly unarmed, after all. The lack of visible arms didn't eliminate the very real and likely possibility of hidden weapons either.
The filly, on the other hand, had an obvious and unusual weapon strapped to her side.
A warhammer.
"Hey Cady," Shining said as he examined the filly. "Twilight said that she and her friends received a message from Fluttershy months ago regarding that filly, Scootaloo, right? The one Sombra cursed and then healed while he was in hiding?"
"Mhm." Cadence nodded. "Do you think that's her?"
"Could be," Shining allowed. "Could definitely be... Sombra was known to favor the warhammer too, which is a strange choice of weapon for a unicorn."
"Why?" Cadence asked.
Shining set the photos down and hummed thoughtfully as he took another sip of coffee. Sometimes he forgot that his wife didn't always have her horn. Unlike his sister, the only other Alicorn ascendant, Cadence had been born as a pegasus.
"It's the weight," Shining began. "Unicorns have always favored lightweight weapons because we wield them with our telekinesis. The lighter the weapon, the longer we can use it. That's why the oldest legendary weapons of Unicornia were made from mithril."
"Light as a feather, hard as dragonscale," Cadence recited quietly.
"Exactly, a mithril rapier, for instance, could be wielded almost indefinitely." Shining Armor set his mug down and picked up the photo of the three figures again, this time focusing on the filly's weapon. "But a warhammer is heavy, it's meant to break joints and crush through armor."
"A symbolic weapon for a tyrant," Cadence said angrily.
"True, but it's also a tool of intimidation," Shining pointed out. "Do you have any idea what kind of magical powerhouse you have to be to wield a weapon as heavy as a warhammer in a protracted battle?"
"So his choice of weapon is him flexing at his enemies?" Cadence asked, drawing a chuckle from her husband. "Color me unsurprised... so you think that filly is Scootaloo and that he's teaching her?"
"It's not outside the realm of possibility is all I'm saying," Shining replied. "This is all assuming these random loose threads tie up into an actual lead, though. It could be coincidence, I still can't figure out a motive and we're making a lot of assumptions here, grey pegasi aren't exactly uncommon."
"No, I know," Cadence said. "Twilight seems convinced, but you know how she gets when she thinks she's found a pattern."
Shining nodded. He did know. He grew up with her after all. Twilight was brilliant and incredibly keen-minded, but she was also obsessive and had a tendency to find patterns where there was only chaos. That didn't mean she was wrong, though. There were definitely suspicious signs involved, and the timeline mostly matched up.
It was worth checking, anyway.
"Why us, though?" Shining asked. "Why not just deploy more EID operatives?"
"It's political, I think," Cadence replied. "The Equestrian government is compromised by corruption in Stalliongrad, or at least it was last we check, but a foreign dignitary like me isn't beholden to the crown."
"But you also can't do anything permanent," Shining pointed out. "They'll bow and scrape then go back to whatever they were doing the moment you leave."
"It's not about changing anything, Shiny, it's about investigating." Cadence shuffled the pages of the scroll together and pushed it towards Shining Armor. "The information in the scroll points towards this 'Cloudy Skies' acquiring vast amounts of property via some extremely shady transactions. All surface-legal, of course, but they don't make any sense otherwise."
"You think it's a takeover?" Shining mused.
"It sure looks like one." Cadence sighed and shook her head. "If it is Sombra that means he's using Fluttershy as a cats-paw."
"Then it's a good thing we're going to check it out," Shining said. "I'll have the knights put together an entourage, you want to ask Sunburst to look after Flurry?"
"Yeah, we should leave as soon as possible," Cadence stood and began trotting towards the doors of the hall, but paused as she reached them.
"Cady?"
"Sorry, just..." Cadence shook her head. "I really hope it's just a coincidence. Stalliongrad is too close to the Empire for comfort."
Shining Armor could only nod. The northmost city of Equestria was practically sitting on the Imperial border. As much as he wanted to find Sombra and Fluttershy, he didn't want to imagine what they'd been doing so close to the Empire for that long.
That and, ever since Sombra returned, there had been sightings of a pillar of shadows in the tundra far, far to the north. So far out that even Cadence couldn't recall anything ever being built out there.
It never came closer to the capital, but it also popped up like clockwork.
The pillar was too much like Sombra's magic to be unrelated.
Maybe if they found him they could just ask.
Shining Armor chuckled at that. Sure, ask the Crystal Tyrant about what that horrible shadowbeast on their borders might be up to and could he please maybe put it back wherever it came from.
Sighing, the Commander of the Crystal Knights stood from the table, finished his coffee, and left the room to find Captain Opal and see about that entourage. If Sombra was in Stalliongrad then they would need as much muscle as they could reasonably afford.
As cities went, Stalliongrad was never destined to be a great beauty among them. It had none of Canterlot's graceful, sweeping grandeur, and even as an industrial center it lacked the orderly lines of Detrot and Fillydelphia.
It looked, instead, like what it was: a stubborn old matriarch, long past her troubled youth and hard bitten by brutal winters and short, unpleasant summers.
There was nothing aesthetically pleasing about the city. The roads were wide enough to feel mildly agoraphobic only in the places where they weren't cramped and uncomfortable. The bare brick structures bore the wear and tear of decades, and the people who inhabited the city were not much better.
Suspicion lingered on the carriage being drawn by Imperial porters as it trundled down the open boulevard that carved through the heart of the city like a poorly healed scar. From its windows, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and her husband, Prince Shining Armor, looked out over the huddled masses that moved in lonely throngs.
"They don't even look at each other," Cadence said quietly as she pulled the curtains back over the window. "Even in crowds they act like they're alone."
"I never liked Stalliongrad," Shining said. "It always felt like I was being watched."
"You've been here before?" Cadence asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Once," Shining replied. "It was a training deployment. We did joint exercises with city guards all over Equestria. We went out to Vanhoover and Las Pegasus, and it went alright. Fillydelphia was probably one of the better ones..."
"I sense a 'but' coming," Cadence said with a wry chuckle.
"Even the best were just like any local militia," Shining admitted. "Poorly trained, and mostly civvies in uniform. Most of them were just good mares and stallions wanting to do their civic duty, but they weren't soldiers."
"Was Stalliongrad different?" Cadence cocked her head as she asked, and her husband looked pensive for a moment.
"Kind of..." Shining said. "They... well, they certainly knew how to fight, I'll say that much."
"Why does that not sound like a compliment?" Cadence asked.
Shining chuckled. "Because the militia of Stalliongrad didn't fight like soldiers, they fought like insurgents, or guerillas. They used advanced urban clearing tactics, psychological warfare, and some... questionable policies."
Questionable policies had been the polite way to say it. The Stalliongradi defense force had a standing policy to use extreme force. They didn't hold back, never let up, and never stop hitting until whatever they were coming down on was beaten senseless or dead. It was a combat doctrine that turned them into a military equivalent of a rabbit punch followed up by a series of low blows and a shiv to the kidneys.
It was effective, though.
At the time, Shining's superior had wanted to reprimand the Stalliongradi for their brutality, but technically speaking nothing they did was illegal or disallowed. They simply operated at the extreme end of violence that they were permitted to, and the fact that they kept themselves so carefully on the 'right' side of the line suggested that they knew precisely what they were doing.
In short, that meant that their brutality wasn't a result of the local Captain and municipal defense committee having loose control over the militia. It was the opposite.
This was how they were trained.
"Will it be a problem for us?" Cadence looked concerned as she glanced back out the window. "Stalliongrad is famously corrupt, and I can't imagine any amount of recent improvement can change things that quickly."
"I doubt it will be an issue," Shining said. "There's no reason for them to attack us, and if they did it would be all the evidence Celestia needs to bring down the weight of the crown on Stalliongrad."
That would be an understatement.
If the Stalliongradis attacked a foreign Princess on Equestrian soil it would be a diplomatic incident. It didn't matter that the Empire was a protectorate. In fact, that would arguably make it worse since there would be fewer political hangups preventing a joint action. No, Shining was certain that the militia of the city would leave them alone. If something unusual or illegal was happening the main problem that he and his wife would face would be finding it at all.
But that wasn't even why they were here. He had to keep reminding himself that the reason they were here wasn't to investigate wrongdoing. The true matter was to determine if King Sombra and Fluttershy had fled to the north.
The more Shining thought about it on the trip to the ancient city, the more he disliked how likely it seemed. Sombra would find no welcome on Imperial soil, but it was hard to remember sometimes just how huge the Crystal Empire once was in his day. The borders of the Empire used to encompass the city that would become Stalliongrad, and all of the land around it. Hiding here put Sombra close to his former seat of power while providing him with a haven amid a den of lions.
It was an open secret just how little control the Princesses had over Stalliongrad, after all, and a creature as subtle as Sombra could easily determine that much.
If he was here, though, then why were things improving?
That was the only part that failed to track in Shining's mind. Why would Sombra make the city less dangerous for agents of the crown. The worse the city is, the easier it is for him to hide.
So why?
Shining's thoughts were interrupted as the carriage came to a juddering halt.
"Ooh!" Cadence pushed the door open and goggled up at the building they'd stopped in front of. "This isn't so bad."
The structure was massive, ten stories of solid red stone quarried from the nearby mountains. Unlike the rest of the city, it had weathered the years with remarkable aplomb. The walls were rough, but whole, the great pillars stood as solidly as ever, and the looming presence of its immensity towered over the rest of the city like a sullen patriarch.
"The Red Hall," Shining said. "It's the administrative heart of Stalliongrad, and the seat of the Governor as well as the parliamentary council."
"Is it bad that I was expecting a crumbling ruin?" Cadence asked with a weak laugh.
"Not really," Shining replied, smiling wanly. "All things considered, they could probably be taking better care of the city at large."
"Hopefully the governor is agreeable," Cadence said as the Crystal Knights formed up around them and they began ascending the steps to the Hall.
The great double doors of the Red Hall opened with a pained groan of ancient wood and metal as the party approached. On the other side were four figures dressed in the white-and-red livery of the Stalliongradi guard; two were ponies, a mare and a stallion, both earth ponies. The other two were griffons, and all four looked unimpressed.
"Welcome to Stalliongrad, Princess Cadenza." The large griffon at the lead, a dun-colored male with mottled white spots across his feathers, bowed his head briefly as he spoke with a thick but cultured accent.
The bow itself was more telling, though. It was low enough to indicate respect, but short enough to make it seem more perfunctory than genuine.
"I'm afraid you've come at a troubling time." The griffon continued. "We would be happy to take you to the diplomatic suites, though. I must insist that you take only four of your guards with you, however. This is policy, I'm sure you understand."
"Of course." Cadence gave the griffon her best smile before turning to dismiss the other six guards.
"We would like to meet with Governor Prochnost as soon as possible," Shining said, taking a step closer to the guards. "Our visit comes at the behest of the Equestrian Triarchy."
"Yes, we are aware," the griffon said, which caught both Cadence and Shining off-guard. "Unfortunately, the Governor has recently stepped down from his post to see to pressing family matters and the governance of Stalliongrad currently rests with the council."
Cadence and Shining Armor shared a look of shock. The governorship of a city was no mean posting, especially for a city that rivaled the size of Equestria's largest and most prosperous cities. Abdication of a seat was practically unheard of.
"Then... we would need to address the council, I suppose," Cadence said. "Can we speak to them?"
"The Interim Chancellor will be closing the session in a few hours," the griffon replied. "You will be met with at a time shortly after that."
"I see." Cadence glanced at Shining who just shrugged, then turned back to the griffon who had begun leading them up a set of stairs. "May I ask a few questions of you?"
"Certainly," he replied.
"Firstly, I'd like to know your name," Cadence asked.
"It is Grunveldt," he replied. "Of Bitterclaw."
"Grunveldt Bitterclaw," Cadence repeated. "Your rank?"
"Lieutenant Commander."
"Well, Lieutenant Bitterclaw, can I ask about the role of 'Interim Chancellor'?" Cadence continued. "What exactly is that?"
Grunvedlt sighed, a sound of annoyance more than anything else, but he replied after a moment of consideration.
"You are aware that the governorship of a city is appointed by the crown, yes?" The griffon took on a lecturing tone as Cadence and Shining both nodded. "But the parliamentary council is elected from the landholders. In the event that the city lacks a governor the council elects one of its own to act as a temporary executive authority."
Shining frowned. "That's... that makes sense I suppose, but I don't think a redundancy like that has actually been used in... Written's Quill... a few centuries at least. I can't remember ever hearing about it."
"You are correct," the griffon replied. "The station of Interim Chancellor has not been used in over three centuries, but with the abdication of Prochnost, it became necessary."
"That's fair enough," Shining agreed.
In truth, he'd been hesitant to deal with Governor Prochnost at all. The stallion was known for being hard-nosed and bellicose, and it was a strong opinion within the EID that Prochnost was one of the most deeply corrupt individuals in the city. For certain, it was unlikely the famiglias of Stalliongrad would be as well behaved as they were if the local government wasn't playing ball with them in some capacity.
There was no proof of course. It was in the famiglias best interests to ensure that their friends in the local government appeared squeaky clean, and the few times Prochnost had ever been investigated there had been nothing to suggest he was in league with any of the criminal families.
But the suspicion was still there.
As they reached the diplomatic suites, Grunveldt directed his small squad to sweep the room, and the Crystal Knights followed suit a moment later, going over the room again before bringing in their charges and their associated luggage.
"I will send someone for you when the Chancellor is ready," Grunveldt said.
"Wait!" Cadence trotted out after him as the griffon turned to leave. "The Chancellor, what's his name? And what's he like?"
"The Chancellor?" Grunveldt chuckled darkly. "Her name is Cloudy Skies," Cadence felt the bottom drop out of her stomach at the name, "and as for what she is like? Let's put it this way... the local nickname for her is 'Baba Yaga', make of that what you will."
As the Stalliongradi guards left the pair to their suites, Cadence and Shining Armor both felt a chill run down their spines at the griffon lieutenant's unsettling promise. If Cloudy Skies was indeed Fluttershy in disguise, then how much had she changed? |
Crime and Punishment (Rewrite/Clean Version) | pre | "Ah think...mah next heat...we need t' head to the park. Ah've always dreamed of showin' everypony else how much Ah love mah brother and husband... how perfect we are t'gether. What better way than to show 'em that than by how willing Ah am to bear his second foal, an' for all to see?" Applejack asked, only getting a small smile from him.
"You worry 'bout recoverin' from havin' this foal first, then we can discuss havin' more and just how we will, yeah?" Mac asked, getting a soft nod from Applejack as she held her little colt to her chest, now humming softly a tune her own mother used whenever she was upset. As he started fussing, and with some help from Twilight, he was placed to his mother's teat as he started to take in his first meal. "Ah ain't against havin' more though, handsome as this'un came out."
Twilight looked down at the beautiful little foal, unable to help it as tears came to her eyes as she remembered how he just might not be here right now if things hadn't turned out how they had.
"What's th' matter Sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she saw her friend crying, before Twilight quickly wiped away the tears.
"It's, uh, nothing. It's just, he's such a handsome little colt...almost reminds me of my own son from Mac, Crimson Dawn. Thanks again for him..." Twilight fibbed, getting a knowing look from Applejack, but with it being dropped after that.
"Eeyup." Mac replied simply.
"Um...after he's done eating...would it be OK for me to hold him?" Fluttershy asked quietly, "I've gotten really good at handling foals since I had our foal Butterscotch. Um...speaking of, Mac, would it be possible to give me another foal this upcoming mating season? I'm sure Butter would love a brother or sister to play with..."
"Eeyup, we'll discuss it later." Mac said, before focusing back on his sister and son. After all, Applejack had agreed to let him keep studding for other mares so long as she came first and foremost to him, and Mac agreed to let Applejack have sex freely with other stallions so long as she used protection and he was the only one allowed to give her foals. Neither had a problem with that arrangement.
"Oooh, me next!" Pinkie asked significantly less quietly, "in holding the cute li'l' foal, AND getting studded by Mac! I want a cute fuzzy little baby too!"
"Yeah, Ah don't mind them holdin' our foal, do you bro?"
"Not at all, mah love. Not at all." ~
It was nearly a year later, with Burgundy and Apple Bloom playing together in another field with Granny Smith watching them, that Applejack and Big Mac stepped out into the grass fields of Ponyville Park. Big Mac could smell his sister's fertile scent, his penis already dropping from its sheath as he was called by that scent to breed his mare. "So," Big Mac asked, "Y' ready t' make yer dream come true; to show everypony just how much we love each other?"
"Ah've...never been more ready in mah life Mac. Get on mah back and rut a little brother or sister for Burgundy into me, like ya did fer Fluttershy 'gain. Knock me up with our second foal, just like you gave her and Pinkie one," Applejack replied, flagging her tail over her back for all to see, Mac completely hard by this point.
"Only too gladly, mah wife..." Big Mac whispered into her ear, before mounting her without further ado, getting a loud moan from her that caught the attention of the other couples having sex nearby, or those others simply enjoying a meal and a show of the others having sex, "...y'ain't gotta be quiet no more. Let everypony hear how much ya love me an' mah cock."
"I love YAAAAAH!" Applejack exclaimed as she felt Mac impale her onto his dick in one fluid movement, her so wet and ready from her estrus that he slid to her core in one slick thrust. She'd never felt so much freedom before, just being allowed to be mounted and bred like this in public without fear of persecution feeling so utterly liberating to her.
They held together after that, savoring the feeling of filling or being filled, the eyes of many other ponies on the Element of Harmony as she was being given a second foal by her brother. Some of the other ponies who had been passive now mounted on their mares or mares on their stallions, a chorus of moans joining Applejack's as she felt Mac's huge cock once more sliding perfectly through her as she looked around, a shudder going through her as she saw how many eyes looked back; how many ponies could see just how much she loved her brother. "F-Faster..." Applejack demanded, and Mac was only too happy to oblige, widening his back hooves a bit to get the needed leverage.
Applejack leaned her head back as she met Mac's lips in a kiss. This was not a kiss to desperately try to hide their pleasured sounds, oh no, they let those bellow out for all to hear. No, this was a kiss of lovers as they worked to make a new life, Mac's hips now moving at a smooth, rapid pace as he bred his mare. "M-More..." Applejack demanded as she felt the pressure in her building, the burning in her womb for her stallion's seed growing more insistent, her inner muscles kneading the cock within her to try and sate it.
"Be patient mah love...Ah'll give ya our foal soon..." Big Mac teased, though the stimulation more than make his hips want to rock faster into the nearly-hot, slick, demandingly-tight walls of his sister's pussy.
"Ah...Ah want it...n-now. Show everypony...how much Ah want yer foal...gimme..." Applejack stammered out, before squealing out as her orgasm hit her and her back arched up sharply, her body going into overdrive as her rhythmic, orgasmic contractions rolled through her pussy. The eyes of everypony on her, and the promise of getting another foal, made it all so much more intense.
"Ahlright...y'win...here it comes..." Big Mac said as he felt his internal ripples kneading him for all he was worth, slamming home and meeting his fully-swollen flare to her cervix again with one firm hump. Applejack squealed as she felt him pulsing within her, then letting out a loud cry of pleasure and nearly collapsing as she finally felt as each massive glob of her brother's cum made its way up his cock, before then being launched into her womb. She could feel it all pooling there as more and more was added with each rapid throb, her womb eventually stretching a bit to accommodate the huge, unending load pumping into her.
Both ponies stayed there stock still as their bodies worked hard to conceive a foal, Applejack claiming every drop from her brother, slowly rocking her hips and keeping him deep to assure she got every last sperm. They held like that, quickly hearing the orgasmic cries of other ponies around them as more new foals were likely conceived as well, the scent of virile stallions and fertile mares mixing together alongside the scent of sated lust.
"There ya go sis...that should be enough for a foal, huh?" Mac asked, enjoying the gentle ripples that Applejack's orgasmic aftershocks sent along his cock as he remained hilted, an occasional dry pulse rewarding them as his flare kept his seed dammed in her womb.
"E-eeyup...Ah can't wait t' meet them next year..." Applejack said, before meeting Mac's lips in another passionate kiss as she felt just how much Mac had 'donated' to her, "Thank ya'gain, mah love."
Eventually, Mac slid off of Applejack's back, a large glob of his excess semen following his partially-swollen flare out. They then lay cuddled together there as they shared their afterglow, looking around at all the other satisfied ponies around them. Ponies who now knew just how much they loved each other. |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | pre | "I don't know..." Anomaly said as he turned back. He looked.... older. She didn't know what was going on with him. She was not able to read people like Rarity was. All she knew was that he was in trouble... and she needed to help him. She let exhaustion overtake her as she entered into a long sleep.
Author's Note: Well, that's Chapter 3. I will probably do something regarding the battle with King Sombra. I have plans for him also. I will say it will involve the Changelings or more specifically, Chrysalis. Also, Season 3's previews are revealing some VERY interesting hints of foreshadowing.
Now, the preview for Chapter 4!
"Princess Celestia! Princess Celestia!" The guard known as Star Silver announced as he ran toward the throne room, looking haggard, though not as much as Celestia.
"Brother, I apologize for this, but now isn't the best time. Her highness' pupil, Twilight Sparkle has gone missing," Golden Star explained to his younger twin. He pointed his hoof to see the somewhat frantic looking Celestia.
"What?! Maybe it has a connection to the escape!" Star Silver said as he jumped around panicky.
"Who's escape, Star Silver was it?" Princess Celestia said, trying to maintain her calm stature but looking very worried. Star Silver cleared his throat and waited a few moments to compose his nerves.
"Discord, m'lady. He is no longer in the Royal Gardens..." |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter IV- Cause | A/N: Hey everypony! Happy Thanksgiving Break! Yeah, after some relaxation, I managed to get this chapter out. About time the others got some attention on them. It's kinda hard trying to write for everyone and making ti sound authentic. Of course, try too hard and it sounds... false. I will try and get Chapter V out also sometime this week.
Also, I having two open suggestions contests! One is for the name of the changeling in the jar. He will play an important role later on. Two is for what kind of home should Anomaly and Twilight live in. All I will say is it has to be technological. Whoever has the best suggestions, I will place a cameo in my next chapter! Just tell me through comments or messeges!
Enjoy!
Chapter IV: Cause
Twilight awoke from her dreamless sleep. For the past week, she wasn't able to dream much, but her sleep was restful at least. She looked and saw the sunrise of Celestia. Or rather, the sundown. She turned to Anomaly, who was laying down on the large spider with the Changelings nearby. It had been a week ever since she ended up having to leave Ponyville.
She was too exhausted by the events leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself to fully comprehend what had happened; with her mind clear by rest however, she began to fully grasped the ramifications of her decision. She was pretty miserable about it for the first day, but things began to gradually look up. She spent the days talking to Anomaly, who seemed content to wandering Equestria by spider. If nothing else, she found a form of solace in visting new areas. They haven't stopped in many towns and with food, he brought her some peaches that he grew from a pit.
After a week, she was probably not going to have them for a while. Besides observing the landscape, she spent her time studying the changelings. They seemed to lack individuality and spent most of their time sleeping. Then again, there was little they can do in their position outside of being in a state of statis.
However the train of thoughts halted on account of inclement weather. Namely, rain. The weather had been mainly overcast or sunny, but it was going to rain.
"We'll go and make a shelter," Anomaly told her. While he could have cleared the rain, he did not what to show off all of his power. From the sense he managed to maintain, he figured the less power he used, the better. Well, scratch that. The more carefully he used it, the better he could maintain whatever control he had on who he was.
Also, just plain changing the weather would arouse suspicion.
As for shelter, they simply found a large cave for the Duke to slumber in and for them also. From the look of the downpour, it would be raining for the rest of the night. Twilight found herself curling up and going to sleep, but not before Anomaly placed a blanket on her.
Anomaly had curled up into a ball as he was muttering to himself. He was losing himself. 'Simon... this is what you went through... wasn't it?' Anomaly told himself as he recalled the blue-skinned wizard. To think that he is able to relate to fiction in this stage...
Well, everyone needed a way to cope.
Twilight could not understand what he was saying, but she knew something was troubling him. She sought to ask him later. She got out of her bed and her horn glowed. The blanket slipped over him before she faced the fire.
She wondered how everyone was doing....
She's been gone about a week more or less and she wondered if anypony suspected something...
Maybe... maybe they can rescue her...
Twilight's eyes widened as she remembered how Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon. She then remembered Discord... She faced Anomaly.
"No... maybe they can save us both," she muttered to herself as she went back to her bunk and fell asleep watching the fire, wondering what her friends were doing.
The next morning, at Golden Oaks Library...
Spike woke up and scratched his scales. "Best sleep I had," Spike said before he turned and saw no Twilight. When he saw the note, he wasn't too alarmed. Perhaps she wanted to catch up with Shining and the real Cadance. He didn't think too much of it when she didn't come back and spent the days helping out his other friends, especially Rarity.
However, it was now a week and he was becoming concerned.
He figured he would start at Sugarcube Corner and start off with cake for breakfast. What Twilight won't know, won't hurt her, right?
Spike arrived at Sugarcube Corner and stepped inside. "Hi Mr. and Mrs. Cake, is Pinkie here?" Spike asked the duo. Before they could answer, Spike heard a loud "SURPRISE!" behind him. Spike yelped in shock before releasing a burst of green flame, lighting the candles of a nearby cake.
"Oh... hey Pinkie Pie," Spike told her as he managed to get ahold. "Morning Spike. Whacha doin?" Pinkie asked him. "I've been wondering if Twilight was here. She didn't come home yet," Spike asked her. "Nope. Haven't seen her at all," Pinkie responded in her cheerful fashion. Spike shrugged his shoulders.
There were three other places left to check.
"Well, have a nice day then," Spike said. "I'm coming along. It will advance the plot," Pinkie Pie shouted. Spike looked at her for a few seconds before continuing, deciding best not question Pinkie for being Pinkie.
"Okay then, next stop would be Sweet Apple Acres," Spike said as Pinkie Pie was bouncing along. Spike looked up and felt a drop of rain hit his snout. "Uh oh..." Spike said before the train began coming down. Spike and Pinkie Pie began running as the drizzle became a downpour. Spike and Pinkie Pie entered the nearest building.
The sight of freshly-made dresses and the sounds of stitch-work meant they entered the Carousel Boutique, the workshop of Rarity. At the sight of the ivory mare, Spike briefly went into his dazed state before mostly recovering himself, remembering that Twilight was still missing. "Hey Rarity. Have you seen Twilight? Spike said she still hasn't come home yet" Pinkie Pie said. "Yeah, I was wondering if she would have been staying at somepony else's place," Spike said.
"I'm afraid Twilight isn't here either," Rarity answered, now interested at Twilight's absence. "Well, that just leaves Fluttershy's house or Sweet Apple Acres," Spike said before his stomach grumbled. "Oh... yeah, I didn't have breakfast yet," Spike said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I suppose we can all stop by Applejack's and see if we can have breakfast together," Rarity suggested. "Yeah, Twilight search party!" Pinkie Pie added.
Rarity's horn glowed before some umbrellas began floating. "You know, this rain is giving me some ideas for stylish rainwear," Rarity suggested as they began going out. The rain has softened up so it wasn't as hard.
As the trio began heading to Sweet Apple Acres, they saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash under their own umbrella. "Hey Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie Pie greeted happily. "Hey guys! Fluttershy and I are going over to Twilight's to see if the new Daring Do book came out! Wanna come?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"That's actually why we're going to Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight's still not at home, so I thought she stayed at somepony else's house. She wasn't with Pinkie Pie or Rarity and I'm guessing neither of you seen here since last night," Spike explained.
"Spikey-wikey thinks Twilight could be with Applejack. Besides, none of us had breakfast yet," Rarity added.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looked at one another in slight surprise. They were surprised that Twilight wasn't home since last night.
"Well, I'm sure she's with Applejack. I mean, I wouldn't think that egghead would be gone from the library that long," Rainbow Dash said while Fluttershy simply nodded in agreement. And with that, the friends headed to Sweet Apple Acres and hoped Twilight Sparkle was there.
"What do you mean she's not here?!" Spike asked once inside Applejack's home. The rain began picking up when they arrived so Applejack invited them in. They were going to have a late breakfast, what with not having to water the trees early in the morning.
"Sorry Spike, but Twilight's not here..." Applejack said as they were at a table. "It's been a week and we still haven't heard anything. I hope nothing bad has happened," Fluttershy stated. "We should check around her house for clues," Pinkie Pie said as she pulled out a magnifying glass.
"How about after breakfast?" Spike added as everypony's stomach grumbled. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked a bit embarrassed, Pinkie Pie just snickered while Fluttershy just eeped. Applejack also snickered a bit while Spike blushed also.
"All right then. We'll look for Twilight after breakfast then," Applejack said before breakfast began being served.
After breakfast, at Twilight's house
"Anypony see anything yet?" Spike asked as they looked around Twilight's house for anything. Spike figured perhaps Twilight left a note somewhere and it got misplaced. "Nothing here," Rainbow Dash said. "Well Spike, I reckon there isn't anything here to tell us where Twilight is," Applejack said.
"Do you think something could have happened to her?" Fluttershy wondered out loud. Everypony looked at her as they began thinking the same thing.
"Like what? Last time we saw Twilight, she was back in Canterlot and we would have heard something from her parents if something happened," Rainbow Dash wondered.
"Yeah, and who'd have it out for Twilight? I mean, Nightmare Moon's gone, Discord is still in stone and the changelings..."Applejack began before she paused. Everypony felt a chill. While it was Twilight who saved the day, they didn't know how and they didn't ask her.
So the changelings were still out there possibly...
"Y-you don't those changelings have Twilight, do you?" Rarity asked as the thought filled her and the others with dread.
"Look, let's not jump to any conclusions. I'll write a message to Princess Celestia. We'll the go to the train station and asked if Twilight was any of them here," Spike said as he began writing a letter.
"And if she wasn't..." Pinkie Pie asked as her hair drooped to its straight position. Spike held his breath before he let it out. "We go to Canterlot then," Spike said as he finished the letter and let out a breath of magic fire. As soon as the letter vanished, the ponies and dragon began heading to the train station, all of them sharing a foreboding feeling.
Meanwhile, in Canterlot Castle
Princess Celestia had woken up feeling invigorated. She was unusually happy today. Then again, it was hard to question why. Her niece was married to a good stallion and her student had defeated the changeling invasion. Her student had grown so much... it has been awhile since she spent time with Twilight.
Then again, she did not expect much to happen today. Most of the week was spent helping to rebuild the town as well as refortifying it. Furthermore, she had her scribes look up the ancient books and scrolls for information on changelings while putting a bit more funds into the Royal guard and her espionage centers.
She let out a breath. Her niece was currently honeymooning nearby while her husband recovers from the effects of the Changeling toxins. She wished she could go out and spend a quiet day out with her sister. Or a rowdy day with Twilight and her friends.
After breakfast and examining her paperwork, she saw a message appear. Celestia didn't expect a letter from Twilight or Spike so soon. She unrolled the message and began reading:
Dear Princess Celestia,
It's Spike. When I woke up, Twilight wasn't around at all. It's been a week already. I figured she might have made a schedule change and forgot, but we're all getting worried. I thought she may stayed at one of our friends' homes, but she wasn't in any of them.
We're scared that the Changelings may have kidnapped her for revenge since we aren't sure what happened to them. We're going to ask the train ponies if they seen her arrive and then we're going to head to Canterlot,
Spike
Celestia's expression was one of shock before she reread the letter a few times. A stern and worried expression got on her face. It may have been possible that Twilight had decided to stay with her parents and simply forgot to alert Spike. However, a kidnapping was regrettably more likely considering motive and method. Twilight would not forget to alert Spike she would be staying with her parents so he could adjust her schedule.
But a kidnapping?
Motive: Vengeance
Method: Transformation & Kidnapping
Likelihood: Reasonably high
Celestia began getting her guards together and asked to look around Canterlot for Twilight Sparkle. She could not help but feel the unease in her chest grow.
The guard who had been assigned to contact Twilight's parents were going back, having found nothing. He didn't tell much to avoid causing a panic. As he headed to the castle, he saw one of his fellow guards, his younger twin brother, run to his side.
One had gold-colored hair with gold eyes and the other had silver-colored hair with silver eyes. They were both a bright shade of white. The silver haired one also had a gap in his front teeth. Their cutie marks were a gold six-sided rounded star and a silver five-sided rounded star respectably. They were some of the best unicorn guards in Canterlot.
"So, Celestia's pupil isn't here. This is troubling," Golden Star muttered to himself. "So you have bad news to report to tell the princess?" Star Silver asked his older twin,
"Princess Celestia will not be happy hearing this," Golden Star said as they approached the castle. Star Silver nodded. "What is going on? I mean, I go out to visit someone in Manehatten and I find a ruckus going on," Star Silver asked. "Will tell you later," Golden Star said as he approached the throne room.
Star Silver simply shook his head before going to the gardens to look around. Golden Star entered the throne room.
"Princess Celestia, I bear bad news..." Golden Star began as he braced himself. Star Silver reached the gardens before hearing the Princess release a surprising "What?!"
Star Silver had been wondering the garden before noticing an empty pedestal. Huh, that was odd. He wondered what was there before looking around. The only one missing was...
Wait a minute, he was in the restricted section and only one statue was supposed to be here...
"HORSEAPPLES!!" Star Silver said as his eyes widened as he sprinted to the throne room.
"Princess Celestia! Princess Celestia!" The guard known as Star Silver announced as he ran toward the throne room, looking haggard, though not as much as Celestia.
"Brother, I apologize for this, but now isn't the best time. Her highness' pupil, Twilight Sparkle has gone missing," Golden Star explained to his younger twin. He pointed his hoof to see the somewhat frantic looking Celestia.
"What?! Maybe it has a connection to the escape!" Star Silver said as he jumped around panicky.
"Who's escape, Star Silver was it?" Princess Celestia said, trying to maintain her calm stature but looking very worried. Star Silver cleared his throat and waited a few moments to compose his nerves.
"Discord, m'lady. He is no longer in the Royal Gardens..." he began before Golden Star looked shocked.
Princess Celestia just sat there stunned. She began taking deep breaths to calm down. First Twilight disappearing and so did Discord?! I mean, didn't the land go through enough?
"What do you mean?" Princess Celestia asked as she managed to calm down. "Well, his statue is not there anymore. I don't sense his magic either," Star Silver said before the doors burst opened to reveal the ragged looking group of Spike, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack.
"Princess... Princess... we asked the train ponies and they said Twilight wasn't on any of the trains," Spike said as he tried to catch his breath.
"Yeah, was it the changelings that got Twilight?!" Pinkie Pie panicked, somehow being the first to catch her breath.
"Calm down, my little ponies. I fear it was not the changelings..." Princess Celestia said as she looked serious.
"My guard, Star Silver, informs that Discord has somehow escaped from his stone imprisonment," Princess Celestia told the group.
"WHAT THE HAY?!" Rarity responded for everyone. Despite the unladylike outburst, she plainly spelt out everyone's reactions to this.
"Maybe he's the one who took Twilight!" Rainbow Dash said furiously.
"Now hold on, sugarcubes! If it was Discord, wouldn't we see chaos by now? Applejack intervened as she tried to calm everypony down but was also scared.
While the group was debating between changelings and Discord, Star Silver and Golden Star were talking to themselves.
"Your thoughts, brother?" Golden Star asked Star Silver. "Hmm.. wasn't Twilight the one who disrupted the rehearsal and then Shining told her off," Star Silver asked before Golden Star nodded his head.
"Correct. Twilight Sparkle is the younger sister of Shining Armor," Golden Star said. "Well, maybe she left on purpose. Think about it. I mean, her brother, her friends, her mentor all thinks she's nuts and left her. Then she ends up saving us all from the changelings," Star Silver says.
"Hmm... interesting. If they have not apologized, then that would have served as motivation. Although she did act foalish in her approach, the facts were that did Twilight Sparkle was close to Princess Cadence and she has done enough to merit some ," Golden Star says in an agreeing tone.
"Yeah, she then even saved all of our flanks and we really didn't thank her..." Star Silver said before both brothers realized something.
It was quiet.
Too quiet.
Slowly, they turned their heads around to see Spike, the rest of the Mane 6 and even Princess Celestia facing them with a mix of horror and shock.
Golden Star and Star Silver faced one another before they facehoofed.
Ooooh colt...oooooh colt indeed. |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter V- Effect | A/N: Hey everypony, he's back!!! Sorry I was gone. I got hit with writer's block as well as post-finals anxiety. Well, with my current semester done, all I could do is wait for my grades. Oh boy. Anyways, the contest is still-ongoing. I will try and get into the process of updating this as well as adjusting to the new format. Thank you for having patience and enjoy
Chapter V: Effect
Now, Golden Star was a serious pony. He was the serious one of the duo while his brother was more of the goofball. He had once recalled a situation where his brother was in trouble. Star Silver ended up describing it so silent you could hear a pin drop.
A quirky hyperbole in the opinion of Golden Star.
However, the deafening silence that exploded throughout the room was perhaps this rarely achieved level of stillness.
It was highly unnerving to say the least. The Star brothers faced one another, at a loss of what to say and . They were unaware that the others had garnered attention of their own theory.
However, based on their expressions, it was an idea that was not even in their minds. The idea of someone close to them leaving because of insensitivity at the worst time and place... it was a piercing thought that shook them up.
Golden Star recomposed himself however. He and his brother were tasked with the return of Twilight Sparkle. However, if the third theory proved true, then the only approach was to let the Princess and Twilight's companions compose themselves. His and Silver's primary directive is to locate Twilight Sparkle and escort her back, safely and soundly. The secondary directive was to investigate behind said disappearance. If it is the third theory, then it would be investigating where Discord has gone to.
Golden Star . Star Silver looked confused before his eyes lit up and agreed. If Twilight Sparkle was to come back and if she left because of the betrayal felt, then to them it was simple.
Princess Celestia and Twilight's friends would need to confront their side of error and come up to apologize and make amends. They would bring her here only when they were ready.
"...We will leave you to... formulate your plans, your highness," Golden Star said before he led his brother out and closed the doors. They took a few steps before letting out held breaths.
"I didn't expect to overhear us... but maybe it was for the best," Star Silver said to break the awkward silence.
"Agreed," Golden Star said before he felt his brother give him a hug. Golden Star returned the hug with a soft smile. The epiphany must have reminded them of the fights they had in their youth.
"So, what's the plan now, bro?" Star Silver said as they continued to walk. "Well, we need to figure out where Twilight Sparkle could have gone," Golden Star said as he paused to look at a map of Equestria. Star Silver also looked at it.
"Hmm... Well, probably none of the major cities and she couldn't have gone too far. My best guess could be the woods of Foal Mountain or the Ruins near Everfree," Star Silver said as his brother nodded. "We should send out some of the pegasi to find any signs of her," Star Silver added as they continued. As they headed to spread the word, they overheard some of the soldiers berate themselves for failing to notice the suspicious behavior of Princess Cadence's imposter.
"Looks like hindsight is 20/20," Star Silver mumbled to himself before he and his brother wondered how the others were taking the news.
Both were unaware that they were near an open window and a certain ruler of the night overheard matters. "I best talk to sister and the others," Princess Luna mumbled to herself before heading off to the throne room.
Back in the throne room, silence continued to haunt the room. Spike and the rest of the Mane 6 continued to look at one another with shock. Princess Celestia was the first to recover herself.
"My little ponies... I think it is best if we try and... digest this theory amongst ourselves. You are free to wander the castle while we think," Princess Celestia said carefully. The others simply nodded as they left the throne room. They ended up dividing into pairs. Fluttershy went with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie went with Applejack and Spike ended up with Rarity. Silence had dominated the room. It was a personal trial for every pony as they had to face up to the errors they committed to one of their dearest friends.
Celestia was looking outside the window, or rather at her reflection. The idea of her student leaving because of their actions was a haunting one. However, the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. She had been recalling some of the troubles her student went through for her sake.
She felt sick to her stomach. She looked to the reflection. She was trying to think of a plan. Something...
Anything!
And yet, all she could do was keep the calm face. The one she wore since...
Since she had to banish Luna to the moon after failing to save her from the influence of the Nightmare...?
Since she and Luna along with their friends against Discord and they were the only ones left...?
Since... she could not remember anymore...
For what seemed like an eternity of confusion and silence, Celestia stared at the cool mask she had been wearing since possibly fillyhood. However, something or rather someone broke the silence.
"Celestia? Are thou okay?" a familiar voice said.
Celestia turned around to see her younger sister, staring at her with concern. "I overheard from the guards what had transpired," Princess Luna said as she came over to Celestia.
"...I am ashamed of myself, Luna. For the last few days, everyone had been in such a rush to accomplish matters for the wedding that we let the Changeling Queen fool us. Not only that, but my niece was trapped in those caves for several days and worst of all, when Twilight pronounced her suspicions..." Celestia began saying, but she found herself unable to finish to her statement.
Unable to voice to express her failure in her student.
Princess Luna remained quiet. She didn't know much about Cadence so she could not voice her judgments well. "But... surely, Twilight Sparkle did not know Princess Cadence that well, although I confess in not knowing her well" she suggested.
"That's right. Cadence was Twilight's foalsitter. They even have a song and dance they performed each time they saw one another, a memory Twilight never forgot. Beyond that, Cadence was able to take any demanding task and perform it with her characteristic warmth and kindness. Compared the amount of days that we spent with the imposter and her behavior and the few hours we had and how the real Princess Cadence behaved," Celestia explained as she thought back.
The differences were there in plain sight, with the only person to see it was Twilight Sparkle.
Her faithful student, yet she did not return the faith. She trusted her to bring her back her sister and to stop Discord. To do the tasks that Celestia could not do.
"I wished her luck in stopping Discord and I had faith in saving you, but only now I grasp what I was asking her to do. To be honest, Luna, it terrifies and sickens me. I sent six little ponies to fight against Discord, the Spirit of Chaos. I let them take my place to play his twisted games," Celestia said.
"Our place, sister. I cannot imagine the ordeal Twilight and her friends underwent to stop him," Luna said as she stepped closer to Celestia.
"I am supposed to protect Equestria from threats. Yet it seems like the only one who has been doing was Twilight and the others. Have I grown so... so...?" Celestia said as her calm front began to deteriorate. She couldn't think of the word. Weak? Dependent?
"Sister..." Luna said before Celestia gently put her hoof on Luna's mouth, determined to try and finish what she was saying.
"After I sealed you in the moon, I had grown lonely. I long practiced to put up this calm front, but Luna... I was scared without you. Looking back, I realized there must have been something I could have done to save you without having to seal you in the moon. Then again, I used the Elements myself... only me..." Celestia said as she looked down.
"All those centuries... I was lonely. Only having myself, I did my best for our kingdom and subjects, but it was with great difficulty. I cannot remember the last time I went out to do something fun for myself until... until I met Twilight," Celestia continued.
"Just having her there, how she looked up to me and how much she has done, it was wonderful for me. The opportunity to see her grow filled a void in my heart. However, I didn't want her to grow up alone like me. While she had Spike, she needed to learn the Magic of Friendship. She had met her wonderful friends that I had managed to meet," Celestia struggled as the first tears began to fall down.
"She was the first joy I obtained in all these years and yet I let her down. Even yesterday, when it came to stop Chrysalis, it was not me who stopped her, but it was Twilight. All that time, I should have appreciated having her..." Celestia said before she couldn't continue. She stood there as she let tears go down her eyes.
Celestia could no longer control herself and let her mask break. She let all the emotions she locked fall through over all the events that had transpired with Discord, Luna, the Nightmare Moon incident, the loneliness that came with it, meeting Twilight, seeing her sister come back, unable to do nearly anything as her little ponies were tortured at the hands of Discord and now at the suffering her niece had through and the heartbreak she had put her student through.
Luna could only watch her sister before she rushed and enveloped her sister in a hug.
Celestia was caught offguard before she embraced her sister back and let herself cry. As she began calming down, Luna began to speak once more.
"The guard, Star Silver... he said that hindsight was 20/20. I did not understand what that meant so I asked another one. He told me that looking back, we were able to reflect on the mistakes we made. Many of the guards themselves express disdain toward themselves for not catching on sooner," Princess Luna began before looking at her older sister and wiping a tear from her eye.
"Princess Cadence holds no grudge against you. I believe Twilight Sparkle holds none against you. She idolizes you. Everything will turn out all right," Princess Luna said as she smiled. "She is a good pony and I am sure she will forgive you and her friends," Luna said. Celestia managed to smile back as she wiped her tears. She faced the window.
She dearly wanted to see her student again and spend time with her, not just as mentor and student, but also as friends. Yet, Celestia could not calm the guilt within. As she looked to her rebuilding kingdom, she reflected on her actions or lack of. She began worrying not just for Twilight Sparkle, but also for Spike, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy also.
She couldn't afford to remain the same.
"Rainbow Dash?"
Rainbow Dash snapped out of her silent depression as she turned to her companion, Fluttershy. They had been silent for a long time as they began heading to the palace gardens. Rainbow Dash had been debating that it was Discord since it was Twilight who saved them...
Then they overheard the theory.
The guards were just a bit too loud and they grew curious as they overheard more and more until it unfolded before them.
Rainbow Dash was not comfortable in the slightest. Then again, neither was Fluttershy.
"Uh... Rainbow?" Fluttershy questioned her once more. Rainbow Dash was aware but didn't know what to say.
"...Let's fly a bit," Rainbow Dash mumbled. Rainbow Dash then went into the sky followed by Fluttershy. They didn't traveled that far up. In fact, Rainbow Dash just flew high enough to get a cloud before coming down near the top of the castle and sulking on her cloud. Fluttershy got a cloud of her own and went to Rainbow Dash.
The two pegasi remained silent until something caught Fluttershy's eye. It was Philomena. Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at seeing the phoenix fly. Rainbow Dash also noticed her.
"I'm glad she is well. I remember when I tried to cure her. Nothing seemed to be working. Then Twilight found and she tried to help me get her back..." Fluttershy said as watched the firebird fly around the rooftops of Canterlot Castle.
"Yeah... Twilight always helps us when we need it..." Rainbow Dash as she buried her head in the clouds. She could feel bile, warm and slimy, oozing up her throat, but she kept it down. She was trying to hold it together, but failing miserably.
Memories of her time with Twilight played in her head... Some good... some bad...
Then came the match of Discord...
It was without a doubt one of her greatest shames.
Not only was she the one to make them lose the 'game,' one with the prize not even involved, but she was the last one to be cured...
She clutched the cloud she was on as the first of tears were spilling out.
She remembered discussing with the others of what to do with Twilight...before they found out the bride was an imposter... She was the one say that Twilight needed to make up for the trouble that happened... that they were going to give her a serious talk...
Then this occurred... her words seem quite cruel...
Contrary to what they had spoken, they were the ones who needed to be forgiven...
"Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy said as she looked at her friend. Rainbow Dash looked up to see the concerned look on Fluttershy's face.
"Oh, what have we done?!" Rainbow Dash said in an outburst, frightening the shy pegasus. However, shock turned to concern and sadness when Rainbow Dash enveloped Fluttershy in a tight embrace.
Fluttershy looked down as she slowly hugged her friend back. She knew that for all of Rainbow Dash's arrogance and brashness, she still has an inner part of herself that was terrified. If she failed, if... if...
"Fluttershy... I... we..." Rainbow Dash sobbed out before burying her head back. Fluttershy could not do much but hold Rainbow Dash. After another while, Rainbow Dash sat back and hiccupped.
"...Twilight needed us... and I... we failed..." Rainbow Dash began as she wiped her wet eyes. Fluttershy said nothing though she felt her own tears begin coming down also.
"It was just like the Smartypants incident. She was suffering from something and we didn't take her seriously," Rainbow Dash said as she curled up into a ball while on the cloud.
"She was always there for us... for me. She stuck by us, through everything. And yet... I'm ashamed of myself, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash confessed to the meek pegasus.
"There we were, arguing about what to do with Twilight, how about how she had to make it up for the outburst, but now... we were the ones that messed up," Rainbow Dash said a bit louder. "I'm supposed to be the Element of Loyalty. But... I let her down... twice now. Now, she's in danger or she's mad at us and its all of our fault!" Rainbow Dash said louder still as she buried her head in her hooves.
"...You're not the only one who let her down. We all did," Fluttershy said as she recovered from Rainbow Dash's minor outburst. Rainbow Dash looked up to see her friend also look downcast. "I'm the Element of Kindness, but... I didn't show any kindness to her. None of us did," Fluttershy muttered as she also looked down.
Silence dominated the area once more. The area also darkened slightly from the clouds that blocked Celestia's sun.
"Looking back, we made a lot of mistakes, haven't we?" Fluttershy muttered as she looked up at the sky, gradually being filled with clouds.
She had taken the word over a stranger over one of her best friends. Granted, Twilight did get a little flighty, remembering her reaction on what Celestia would have done regarding her pet phoenix. At the same time, Twilight seem to have known Princes Cadance. She was also the smartest one and while she may have the tendency to exaggerate facts under duress, she wasn't a liar.
But now she was gone... Twilight Sparkle was gone from them...
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked at one another before Fluttershy realized something.
"...But we can't give up," Fluttershy said as her eyes widened. Rainbow Dash saw the change of expression on Fluttershy's face. "Just because I was unkind to her then... that doesn't mean I can't be kind to her now and fix this..." Fluttershy said with a realizing tone. "Yeah... I mean... loyalty means not giving up... I'm not giving up on Twilight. I'll apologize everyday... I'll even write it in the sky every day!" Rainbow Dash said as she began cheering up. She then hugs Fluttershy who hugs her back.
"It's odd... normally you're the forgiving one, but I also see you're the first to ask for forgiveness," Rainbow Dash commented on her before looking down in slight shame.
"It's something I noticed about you, Rainbow Dash. You show a lot of humility..." Fluttershy said, much to the confusion of Rainbow. "It's hard for you, but the fact that you still try is important..." Fluttershy told her. Rainbow Dash smiled and felt reassured.
However, both pegasi girls felt something was amiss however as they flew back to the palace... |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter VI- Consequences | A/N: Hey everypony! Sorry it took so long, but I had to get into the character's heads and the holidays are stressful! I hoped everypony enjoyed them! As a gift, enjoy this lengthier chapter.
Chapter VI: Consequences
Star Silver stood on the castle grounds waiting for the messenger he sent. According to the report, there was a zebra named Zecora who lived in the Everfree Forest. She has occasionally been seen in the company of Twilight Sparkle and her friends; she has also been reported to be well-versed in potion-brewing and alchemy. Star Silver decided to recruit her in the search for Twilight Sparkle.
He sent a messenger who was not only from Ponyville, but who had prior experience of the mysterious Everfree Forest to request for Ms. Zecora's assistance.
Meanwhile, Golden Star was checking up on some of the search parties. While they had not found traces of her, they found other interesting sights. One particular track was that of what could be gathered as a large crawling insect... like a caterpillar. Furthermore, they found traces of chitin, specifically the type found in changelings.
However, Golden Star remained steadfast in not jumping to conclusions.
He turned to see Star Silver walking to him. "The messenger should be here soon. I hope Zecora has a potion or serum that would allow us to track her down," Star Silver said as he stood near his older brother.
"I believe so. Meanwhile, we wait for the rest of the Elements to recompose themselves as well as Princess Celestia," Golden Star said before he noticed his brother getting a dreadful look.
"Hey bro... who's going to tell Captain Shining about this?" Star Silver asked nervously. Golden Star let out a breath.
"Perhaps if we are lucky, this could be mended before Shining becomes aware. He is still recovering from the Changeling invasion... not to mention the rumors I have been hearing about Princess Cadance and her cutie mark..." Golden Star says after a moment of silence. The brothers await the messenger to return, mulling of what lies ahead.
"...Pinkie Pie? Sugarcube, you all right?" Applejack asked as she and her fellow Earth pony went off in their own direction. Applejack was feeling, well, like a rotten apple. However, at this moment, she is more concerned about Pinkie Pie. The cotton candy mane had flatten and straightened and the rosy mare's face uncharacteristically has a deep and remorseful frown.
Applejack knew however that everypony, including the Princess, were feeling down in the dumps about this realization.
Pinkie Pie seemed to not snap out of her trance however. This got Applejack even more concerned. As understandable as it was, Pinkie's current mood was just too unsettling for the farmer pony.
Applejack tried to think of how to get Pinkie Pie to stop sulking. However, while both ponies were in thought, a guard was walking by, eating a banana. He aimed the peel at the nearby bin, but he missed.
Instead, it was in the path of Miss Applejack, who promptly slipped and fell on her face.
Smf..
Snicker....
Pinkie Pie began laughing and her mane went back to its cotton candy-like style as she laughed. Applejack laughed with her, feeling a burden being lifted and despite being slightly in pain, hearing Pinkie Pie's laughter and the overall dreadful atmosphere cheerfully vanished by the laughter of the mares.
Eventually, all good things must come to an end and Pinkie Pie and Applejack stopped laughing. Pinkie Pie remained silent for a few minutes before hugging Applejack. "Thanks Applejack, I needed that," she said. Applejack just hugged her fellow Earth pony back.
Maybe matters would go back to normal... No...
They wouldn't until they confronted this...
They can't lie to themselves or pretend this didn't happen...
"Pinkie Pie... when we were talkin' about Twilight actin'... like how she was with her brother, what were ya thinking?" Applejack asked her. She recalled Rainbow Dash's firm beliefs on her behavior as well as Rarity. While Applejack stated that all she needed was a stern talking-to, Fluttershy and Pinkie really didn't say anything.
Pinkie Pie's mane deflated slightly once more. Despite her discomfort on discussing the subject at hand, she picked up from Applejack's expression that this issue will not go away and she needs to do this for Twilight.
"To be like you, Applejack..." Pinkie began before Applejack looked at her confused. Pinkie let out a slight giggle. "I mean honest, because you're honest, so when I said 'to be like you,' I mean 'to be honest,'" Pinkie elaborated, bringing a small smile to Applejack before Pinkie continued.
"Like I was saying, I didn't know what to think. I did think Twilight was being silly, but then I remembered how I felt when Twilight didn't believe me about Gilda. I did sound silly then so I really didn't say anything because I didn't know everything about it," Pinkie Pie explained.
Applejack stood quiet for a moment. Pinkie Pie followed them with the rest, preoccupied with the wedding arrangements with everypony else. She wondered if Pinkie's silence was because of her hindsight on the similarity of the situation though with reversed positions.
"...Applejack, I feel bad about all of this. We hurt Twilight. We all thought she was silly, but she was right. We were wrong, so we were the silly ones, and not the good silly," Pinkie Pie stated, breaking Applejack from her stampede of thought.
Applejack felt lower than an earthworm's tummy. "I reckon... I also feel pretty rotten. I keep thinking to how frantic she was and compared to all the times she helped me out... Twilight's a smart cookie, even if she can act a bit nutty. She's not the type to lie about this," Applejack said as she tried to face her own guilt.
They all knew they all had a fault in this, even Twilight for her reaction. But they never apologized for it... Twilight made up for her mistake by saving everypony from the changelings.
Applejack always viewed herself as reliable and doing her best to help anypony who needed it... but it seems that she failed the one pony in her direst hour... one who was reliable to her no less...
"Where are we?" Pinkie Pie asked suddenly. The girls had been wandering the halls for awhile now. Applejack snapped out of her musings as they continued to look around. Pinkie Pie then lit a little bit.
"Oh, I know where we are! We're at the wing of Starswirl the Bearded!" Pinkie Pie pointed out. Sure enough, ahead was the gate where the time spells were held among other powerful magicks.
"How do you reckon that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked Pinkie Pie. She didn't know much about Starswirl besides him a powerful unicorn that Twilight respected. "I was here with Twilight and Spike when that big future-disaster thingy happened," Pinkie Pie responded.
Applejack remembered that. They all trusted Twilight when it came to the safety of the town. Twilight's hobby of making lists helped a lot during the Winter Wrap-Up and she showed it off again when they were looking over the town over anything that could have led to a disaster.
Despite it was Twilight acting all panicky about it, she had reason to be and despite the fixings not stopping the so-called disaster, it was still important and she managed to lead everypony through it. Compared to how she was at the wedding, it was pretty dang unusual of her. That usually meant it had to be something REALLY bad.
"It's funny in a mean way, but we all trusted Twilight with the town when that big event happened, but we didn't when it came to her. Twilight's not a selfish pony and when she panics, she always has reason to be...: Applejack said.
"That's not funny, Applejack," Pinkie Pie stated as the girls moped for awhile. However, Pinkie Pie faced the wing and she got a smile. "We can't be sad anymore though. We have to make things happy again. We'll apologize to Twilight and then have a big 'We're sorry we didn't believe you' party and then a 'Thanks for saving our flanks' afterparty!" Pinkie Pie stated. She remembered how she helped out with Twilight coming in here. She wouldn't give up until she was sure things were all right.
Pinkie Pie always kept on going to help out.
Applejack looked at the enthusiastic mare with her own smile. "You're right Pinkie Pie. No more feelin' sorry. It's time to do something. When a pony messes up, ya gotta own up to the responsibility," she said before Pinkie embraced her.
Applejack hugged back before they turned back to walk to the throne room.
"Integrity!" Pinkie Pie shouted suddenly. "Pardon?" Applejack asked her. "It's the word of the day of the calendar Twilight gave me for my birthday. It means 'self-respect.' Now that I think about it, that fits you Applejack!" Pinkie Pie said as she trotted along happily.
"I guess it does," Applejack said, learning a new word. "Ya don't give up in trying to cheer ponies up, do ya? You have a lot of..." Applejack said as she struggled to remember the word. She once heard Uncle Orange use the word.
"..Perseverance? Yeah, that's it!" Applejack said as she smiled back. "Thanks! I don't know what perseverance could rhyme with, but I could find something with integrity!" Pinkie Pie said as she giggled as the mares headed back to the throne room.
Twilight woke up as she noticed the storm seems to have paused for the time-being. She got up and looked up to see Anomaly also stirring. He rolled out of bed and began stretching while Twilight observed. She turned toward the window of their makeshift dwelling. The changelings had covered themselves in a slime to protect themselves from the rain.
"Looks like the rain is done," Anomaly says before grabbing the changeling in the jar and stepped out into the plain. Twilight followed and looked at the stone dome. "Anomaly... we can't stay in that little place," Twilight said as she looked around.
Anomaly nodded. "You're right, we need a permanent headquarters," Anomaly said as he faced the sky. There was no choice. He needed to use a greater amount of the power given to him.
Which meant he would need to tell Twilight Sparkle the truth.
"Twilight... before I do this. I have to tell you the truth. About my powers..." Anomaly said as he was in the clear opening. Twilight Sparkle leaned her head forward slightly. The changelings were mostly asleep, but the one in the jar was also listening.
"I'm listening..." Twilight said, feeling anticipation and anxiety from the possible answer.
"It has to do with Discord..." Anomaly warned her as he waited for her reaction. Her expression went of shock to fury before she went and tackled him to the ground.
"ARE YOU DISCORD?!" she shouted at him as she clutched his head and gazed at him with righteous fury.
It all makes sense... The Changelings, how he knew this, his powers... Twilight told herself before recalling what Discord's first words to them were.
What fun is there in making sense? No...
Anomaly wasn't Discord. There was no chaos rampant, Ponyville is safe and he really has not done anything...
And he had a very offended look on his face at the notion of being said Spirit.
Twilight realized she jumped to conclusions too fast and didn't give him the opportunity to explain himself. She blushed as she got off of him and mumbled an apology.
"...No. I know him however. He is the reason I am here, however," he said as he sat down. Twilight sat down next to him.
"My kind, we call ourselves human. We are part of the primate family and yet, we are quite different than most ving primates. I guess you can picture us as minotaurs, minus the bovine traits," Anomaly begins as he looked at the cloudy sky.
"I'm from a different world entirely. One where magic is either dormant, inaccessible or a myth. In my world, nature takes care of itself, much like the Everfree Forst," Anomaly says as he waited for Twilight to ask any questions.
Twilight smiled for the first time in a while. She observed him with a look of intrigue and fascination as she studied him. He was from a whole new world?! The fact there could be no magic also made things more fascinating.
Her smile became giddy as her mind raced with the possibilities for this entire new branch of research. Twilight was so caught up in her fantasies that she remained unaware of Anomaly's stare at her.
Anomaly sighed before summoning a bucket of water and splashing it onto her, causing her to shriek before giving him a glare. Anomaly sheepishly smiled before drying her off.
Twilight's glare vanished as she decided to research him later. However, she never heard of humans. How did Discord know?
Discord was arguably the oldest surviving being in Equestria. The only known ponies to have still lived during his reign were the princesses. Then again, Twilight wondered if he ruled only the area or also the entire world.
"How did Discord know?" Twilight asked Anomaly. He shrugged his shoulders before facing the plains. "I don't know. All I know is that he dragged me here to take his place," Anomaly said. "I don't have the slightest understanding of how magic here works. With Discord's magic, I just seem to let it flow..." Anomaly added before he sighed and rubbed his temples. This lack of knowing worried him. Then again, it seemed like many matters were worrying him. He seem to be becoming more and more adjusted to the magic, but he feared the true might of this unique magic.
"...You're not Discord," Twilight said, breaking him from his anxiety. He turned toward her.
"Discord wouldn't care about anypony he hurts or the consequences of his actions. He just uses his powers to treat all of Equestria like his personal playground. You care about others. You're not like Discord. So... don't worry so much," Twilight told him while giving him an awkward smile.
Anomaly looked at her before smiling back and facing the plain and waved his arm and let his imagination take over for the creation of the new base. He seem to realize something about Discord's magic. You don't fight it. You let it flow. You go with the flow, take it in and redirect it. He took a breath as he let himself go of fear.
Twilight examined the extraordinary construction of their new home with awe. She never saw Discord really do much, reality simply seem to go to pieces as his wish. Anomaly is content to let his creations have a beautiful birth.
She saw all sorts of cogs, flanges, springs, sprockets and overall gears form from the earth below. They swarmed together like bees to form all sorts of simple contraptions that grew larger and larger as they combined with additional and more complicated parts. Anomaly was glowing with a big smile on his face as he moved his hands like a conductor orchestrating his symphony of steel.
Speaking of, large plates of steel appeared as if woven like cloth and began covering the complicated innards. Within seconds, a massive clockwork half-sphere, the bottom half, was formed. Anomaly's smile indicated he wasn't done yet. By a mere wave of his hand, stone and metals flowed like putty toward the flat top and began being molded and shaped. The gears continued to flow toward the stone structure as they turned from large lumps to towering and complicated castile-like structure.
With each passing second, the monumental clockwork castle became more finished as wooden structures also formed. As the floating structure's details were finalize, Anomaly snapped his fingers and large trees sprout out like wildfire. Thick, almighty and everlasting, they grow to four certain openings of the underbelly of the stronghold.
The remained floating machinery parts then dropped to the floor before scattering like everlasting swarms of insects to the trees and buried themselves into the trees. As they did, the trees became less organic and more machine like as they stabilized and the finishing details of the palace was done.
Twilight could only stare in awe as the giant clockwork moving castle he had created for them. The changelings looked at Anomaly with reverence; Queen Chrysalis no longer mattered to them, once seeing the power of this being, he was their new leader.
"I present the Clockwork Castle!" Anomaly said to the flabbergasted audience. He snapped his fingers and castle's legs lowered down as a staircase unfolded itself. Up close to where they could walk to it, Twilight saw the palace in more detail. Easily rivaling the palace of the princesses, it could fit in the Duke of Crawlington with ease. Anomaly carrying the changeling in the jar while Twilight followed and so did the Duke, carrying all the others.
Once inside, the stairway retreated and the castle leaped into the air. Twilight, near a window, examined the action. When the castle was in the air, the legs folded under the dome before large wings unfolded from the sides of the castle along with propellers and proceeded to lead the castle into flight.
Twilight's head was buzzing with thoughts from the recent relevations she learned. While she would normally spend the next few hours attempting research, she simply felt too mentally exhausted and needed to absorb everything. Sensing her fatigue, Anomaly led her to her room. When she opened it, she couldn't help but show him a smile of appreciation; the room was done in a library style. Having her bed along with table, writing supples and such, there were also numerous books for her to read. She went to the bed and fell asleep. Anomaly looked at the changeling in the jar before seeing the Earl drop the net and heading to his designated area.
"I think I will call you Iaiunus... it means hunger in a famous dead language from my world..." Anomaly says to the newly christened Iaiunus. "Though when I'm done with you and your friends, you'll want to change your name," Anomaly said as he entered a massive laboratory.
He placed Iaiunus out of his jar and let him fly for a bit. "All right. Before I can get to work, I need to warm-up..." he says before placing his instructions to Iaiunus on what to retrieve.
"Rarity... you okay?"
Rarity snapped out of her stupor by the sound of Spike's voice. While Rarity normally threw dramatic anguishes over misfortunes, she was surprisingly silent during this unfolding. Out of character for her and Spike knew it, hence his further concern for her.
Spike himself is feeling very somber. Two of the most important girls in his life were in deep trouble, with Rarity reeling from the possible cause for Twilight's disappearance as well as Twilight herself being gone.
"NO! Of course not!" Rarity said out loud before she covered her mouth in mild horror. Spike's sudden flinch followed by his sadder expression caused her to pause. She then gave Spike a quick hug. She did not mean to upset Spike, yet she had because she placed her own feelings before his.
Just like she and everypony else placed the priorities of the party before Twilight's feelings.
This was not the first time she placed her own feelings above those of her friends. She recalled when she visited Canterlot and befriended Fancypants. She began making essential business connections and showed those other uppity ponies that she was like them and she was even invited to Canterlot Garden Party. She chose her business connections and the party over her beloved friends and Twilight's birthday party. Despite that, Twilight showed no hard feelings and even understood the importance of the connections.
This made Rarity all the more ill when she thought about it.
The dress...
The plain yellow dress that was Twilight's gift... it suited her better than any of her original plans. Her original plans were ornate, even gaudy. That wasn't Twilight.
She is practical, simple and comfortable, much like the dress.
The lavish dress plans was not created out of the gift for Twilight, but out of her need to prove a point to the upper class.
That was just her errors however. What about the ones they all committed toward her? Surely, the 'Smartypants' incident was one that they still think about from time to time. Then again, they were still recovering from...
Rarity shivered at the time they said never to speak of again before turning toward Spike, realizing she had been neglecting her little Spikey-Wikey.
Spike's concern is just as important as hers and perhaps even greater because of their closeness. Therefore, Spike would seem to be in more pain over his transactions.
"Sorry about that, Spike. No... I am not okay and I take neither of you, dearie," Rarity answered to him as they continued walking throughout the palace. Spike simply sighed before nodding.
Spike felt bad. He left Twilight, even if he wasn't sure of what had been happening. Unlike the others, he knew Princess Cadence, if only offhandedly. However, he wasn't there to observe the fake behavior. To be honest, he felt more or less out of the loop for the whole wedding.
Despite this, he let Twilight down. She is more than a friend, she is his sister. When she needed him and the others, he abandoned her like the others. He could not help but recall the incident he had when Twilight acquired her new owl assistant.
He felt like his purpose was robbed, that she would no longer need him and kick him out. It is his nightmare, his greatest fear. Would she kick him out when she came back? Or rather... will she come back?
"Spike, where are we?" Rarity asked Spike, snapping him from his musings. Apparently, they wandered out of the actual palace and into the gardens. Specifically, near the palace labyrinth. Spike saw Rarity shivered and he instantly looked around to see what could be causing her discomfort.
His eyes laid rest on a lonely looking pedestal as he tried to remember what once stood in the pillar.
Not a 'what..'
But a 'who'
Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony
Spike recalled encountering the draconequus only once and that was with Twilight's insistence he take Rainbow Dash's place as the Element of Loyalty. Thinking back, it may have worked... after all, he was still loyal to the other ponies. He remembered being frightened, however he escaped the cruel trickery that was incurred on his beloved Rarity, Twilight and the rest of his friends.
"...It's funny. I once told my friends that we should never speak of this again..." Rarity pointed out with a brief chuckle.
"Rarity..." Spike muttered as he eyed her with concern.
"However, I never told that to you Spikey-Wikey, so I can talk to it about you," Rarity added before she took a breath.
"Well, from what I want to talk about right now, I remember seeing this big rock as a big beautiful diamond named... Tom," Rarity said as Spike listened.
"What bothered me wasn't just that I saw that big rock as a diamond... but that I considered a diamond more important than my friends. I'm supposed to be the Element of Generosity, but I am so... selfish all the time," Rarity confessed before hugging Spike for support.
Spike stood in shock before hugging Rarity back.
"You are the Element of Generosity, Rarity. I mean, it's like you said, you're selfish... but, BUT," Spike emphasized upon seeing Rarity's raised eyebrow.
"You don't let that stop you. You overcome that burden and be one of the nicest ponies I know," Spike told her before Rarity gave a tearful Spike.
"Oh Spike...," Rarity could only say before giving another hug. "You know... you don't have to hide it. You're hurting more, but you're putting on a brave face for everypony," Rarity said as Spike blushed
"Mare's intuition, darling," Rarity replied as she waited for Spike to speak. Spike sighed as he looked down. "Twilight's like my sister and I always been with her. I do my best to not let her down... but I let her down big time," Spike confessed.
"Oh Spike, you made a mistake we all did, now its time we make up for it and send all the apologies to Twilight Sparkle," Rarity said as she remembered Twilight's words. "It's like she said, 'Friendship isn't easy, but it's worth fighting for,'" she described with confidence. Spike smiled as he gazed admiringly at the mare who held his heart before nodding with a determined look in his eye.
As they trotted back to the palace, Spike was thinking of something. "You know Rarity, one thing I admire about you is that you are so forbearing," Spike told her. "What's that, Spikey-Wikey?" she asked him curiously.
"It means patient, moderate and in self-control," Spike defined before sighing. "Twilight made me read the dictionary as punishment for something," he said sheepishly before Rarity blushed.
"Thank you, but I am not that. I am such a... drama queen," Rarity confessed as she blushed. "Yeah, but you always hold yourself up and know when to stop a fight," Spike added, causing Rarity to smile again.
"You know Spike, Twilight should appreciate a more trustworthy gentledragon like yourself," she said with a giggle as they walked toward the palace.
"You've returned, messenger," Golden Star said to the pony.
"Yes. Zecora is coming over. She claims to have a potion that when activated with a charm, will allow us to see different types of magic. We will be able to find Twilight Sparkle through her magic signature," the messenger, nicknamed Grankuwaga, replied.
"Thanks, Grankuwaga!" Star Silver said before the messenger smiled and went off. Golden Star looked at his brother.
"He likes the nickname," Star Silver answered as he shrugged his shoulders. |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter VII- Crystal Empire Pt 1 | Twilight awoke from her slumber. Her bed was unlike her bed at the library or the back of the Duke. She got up and looked around. There were books upon books on the shelves as well as a large telescope for observatory reasons and even her own lab. She could not help but smile.
"He's such a caring goof," Twilight said to herself about her... master. She decided to step out and marveled at the interior of the castle. The halls were decorated with amber-colored metals and beautiful mahogany floors. She noticed there are more empty rooms in this hall. She walked through before ending up in a massive room. She could see the beautiful view from the enormous window in front. She saw several desks and equipment around.
"Morning Twilight!" a sudden voice said as she was hugged from behind.
Twilight Sparkle made a loud 'Eep!' before turning to see her laughing master. "Very funny, D Anomaly," Twilight Sparkle said as she rolled her eyes. D Anomaly is still dressed as he was a few days ago.
"It's almost time for breakfast!" D said cheerfully. He looked less troubled and more vibrant. "It's time for all of us to eat something!" D said as Twilight got a puzzled face. "What do you mean all of--" she began before D made a loud whistling sound with his two fingers. A blue blur came into the room and landed on Twilight.
Twilight turned her head to see a beautiful azure-colored bird. "I had Iaiunus find me a phoenix. This guy is pretty old and had turned to ash when he arrived. I then decided to place the ashes in flames before making the fire into... negative fire, or cold flames. The ashes turned to snow white and he arose like this" D stated proudly. Twilight stood in awe at the ice phoenix as it looked around before flying off to an interesting collection of strange items. She then faced D.
Knowing the truth of his powers, but not much else, she knew that he is capable of powerful acts. In this case, he made flames that instead of giving off heat, removed it and ended up changing a phoenix from a firebird to some sort of ice bird.
She felt giddy and terrified at the prospect of what else he could do.
They were on large pedestals with a plush cushion or stand was there to hold the item. Over the item was a glass container. Twilight walked over to examine these strange items. "I couldn't go to sleep so instead I decided to create my own magical items," D said as the ice phoenix observed the one it was perched on.
Inside the case rested a large gem. Shaped as a heart, it reminded Twilight of a fire ruby though it was smaller than the one Spike gave Rarity. It was... prismatic. It changed color constantly. It changed color upon Twilight's fascination.
"I call it the Empathy Heart. This is perhaps one of the most powerful objects created," D Anomaly told her as he admired it with pride.
"What's it do?" Twilight stated, her researching compulsions acting up.
"I'll show you," D Anomaly said as he phased his hand through the case and grabbed the gem. He channeled emotion into it and held out for Twilight. Cautiously, but excitedly, like about to test a brand new spell for the first time, Twilight proceeded. She placed her hoof on the gem and felt a rush of emotion flood over her.
She felt happiness.
She didn't know why, but she felt really happy. She felt joyful, mirthful, and just so fun-fun-fun!
Twilight got a hold of herself as she realized she said the latter out loud. She blushed a lovely shade of pink as D chuckled mirthfully.
"Empathy, Twilight Sparkle," D said as he let the gem float in his hand while staring at it with reverence.
"Do you what empathy means? Give me the definition," D asked her expectedly. Twilight wracked her mind for the definition of the word from her time of reading the dictionary as a minor hobby.
"Empathy- the intellectual identification of the thoughts, feelings, or state of another person" Twilight said automatically, causing D to raise an eyebrow. He understood what that mean, but hoped she wouldn't just copy it
"Uh, Twi, how about in a better definition," D replied, causing Twilight to raise an eyebrow in response, but decided to give another one.
"The capacity to understand another person's point of view or the result of such understanding," Twilight stated before realizing.
"You're telling me that the Empathy Heart allows one to share emotions with one another?" Twilight asked incredulously.
"Close, Twilight Sparkle. The Empathy Heart allows the wielder to share experiences and emotions, being able to feel and understand what it is like for the other person. It is very powerful and frightening aspect when you dwell on it too long. Despite that, a lot of good can from this," D says before putting the Empathy Heart back in its case.
"The others are not as good, but they are still unique," D says as he shows off a few of the other trinkets he made. One was called the Song Soul, a wisp-shaped glass about the size of a banana. D explained that it allowed one to play powerful music.
"Music is powerful and has magic of its own," D explained cryptically before admitting he did not fully understand it.
Another was a large cube with colored gems on the side. The cube itself was white while the gems were on golden and ornate bezel settings. The gems were red, orange-yellow or goldenrod as D called it, green, light blue, purple and magenta. They reminded Twilight of the Elements of Harmony.
"I call it the Tranquility Cube," D says as he observes it with a critical eye. "I made it in case Discord ever came back and messes with the Elements..." D says as he looks it over.
"A cube... six sides... six elements of harmony..." Twilight notes as she makes the connection.
However, she notices D's... lackluster look. "Something is lacking... I just know it," he mumbles before walking to the final item.
The last item is a very strange one, Twilight thought immediately as she looked at the strangely shaped item.
In human terminology, it resembled a vajra of Buddhism lore. Unlike most vajras, which had three, five, or even nine spokes, this one has twelve at the end. The vajra is gold-colored while the spokes had small gems of differing origins. In the center, it was a pearl that swirled of differing colors.
"This one... I do not remember what it does. However, from the little I recall from my inventing frenzy, is that it involves magic, so it is probably best you don't go near it until I remember how it works," D advised Twilight. She nodded as she took a step back. She noticed that the ice phoenix observed each one of the items while sitting on their glass containers, it seem to avoid the final item.
"I think... I called it the Mirariclavis..." D said before Twilight turned to him. "What does that mean?" she asked him. D could only shrug his shoulders. "Well, I better get to work for breakfast. I'll make us pancakes," D said cheerfully before going to the kitchen, carrying a cookbook and... a history book?
Twilight watched him go off before seeing the ice phoenix go to her. She lifted her hoof and let the ancient and unique bird land on it. "D hasn't given you a name yet, has he?" Twilight asked the icy bird. He looked to her and nodded. "I think I will call you Elder. D says you must be an old phoenix," Twilight told him before hearing a loud sound.
She jumped before looking around. She found a glass rectangle, a monitor. It was of the Duke of Crawlington! Twilight noted he grew even larger and more colorful. He also had a collar of fur around his neck.
She then faced the window and saw something extraordinary...
Princess Celestia smiled as she saw her little ponies come back, smiles on their faces. "Well everypony, it appears we all learned something important about friendship. When your friend Zecora arrives, she will assist us in finding Twilight Sparkle," Celestia announced to them before seeing a messenger arrive.
"Your highness, your highness," the messenger pony nicknamed Grankuwaga announced to Princess Celestia before pausing to catch his breath.
"A hundred apologies, your highness, but it has returned..." Grankuwaga told her as he kneeled. Princess Celestia looked surprised before she began getting the guards ready. Her face became solemn as Princess Luna also entered.
"Princess Celestia, what's going on?" Spike asked her upon seeing the sudden news. "My little ponies, the Crystal Empire has returned," Celestia announced to them.
"What is that?!" Twilight cried out as she pointed to what she saw through the window. D Anomaly rushed to see the marvelous sight before him through the window and his expression darkened. He had read this through one of the books.
"It is the Crystal Empire, Twilight... and I think it has a connection to Princess Cadence..." D Anomaly began before Twilight looked at him confused.
"Don't be surprised. In fact, only reason I know is luck. One of the books I summoned happened to be a well-preserved journal, apparently from someone whose's family once lived in the Crystal Empire," D explained.
Upon seeing the confused faces, Princess Celestia began to explain. "To be honest, my own knowledge of the Crystal Empire is limited," she began as she made a certain crystal hover over to present a hologram of the Crystal Empire.
"From what I do know, is that it contains a powerful and ancient magic. However, all of that changed when, 1000 years ago, a powerful unicorn with a heart as black as night took over..." Celestia elaborated.
"His name was King Sombra. From what it was described in the journey, the citizens were enslaved and despair ruled the kingdom. Ultimately, he was turned to shadow and banished to the northern ice by Celestia and Luna," D told Twilight as he paraphrased and summarized what the journal said.
He then looked out the window. "I betcha the Princesses will send your friends over to investigate along with your brother and Princess Cadance," D said before Twilight gave him a suspicious look.
"What does Cadance have to do with this?" Twilight asked.
"To be honest, not sure. She's a Princess and her cutie mark is some sort of crystal heart so there's probably a connection," D said while shrugging his shoulders. However, he then realized, what will he do about this. He looked to Twilight.
Should he let her go?
On the one hand, that would mean letting her go and if Celestia recognized that mark, he would be in loads of trouble. On the other hand...
Helping her friends, her family...
It was the right thing to do...
SiNcE wHeN dId We CaRe AbOuT tHaT
...since always... that is my way...
"...I won't stop you. The Kingdom's in Northern Equestria, near the icy areas," D Anomaly told her as he faced away.
"You sure?" Twilight asked after a brief pause. She recalled on how she could no longer go back and yet he was letting her go back. Part of her wanted to ask why he could not come and investigate matters, but she didn't want to push it.
"Yeah, go help out your friends," he told her before he began walking off. Twilight stared at his retreating form. She wondered how his life was back on his world. She quietly trotted to him before hugging him, much to his shock.
D Anomaly froze upon receiving the hug. Back on Earth, he was a very huggy person, but the only people who bothered to hug him back were his family. So getting a hug from someone... not of family... but...
But...
A friend...
"Thanks... Twi," D told her as he gave a small smile before giving Twilight a scarf. "It's cold. You better get going," D told her as Elder landed on her.
"I'm taking Elder with me," Twilight told Diego before she began heading out. D Anomaly looked back at her, specifically the mark. He snapped his fingers as it made itself invisible. Besides serving as a mark indicating her loyalty to him, it would allow to know when she was in trouble.
D wondered about what to do next before hearing his stomach growl. D ran back to the kitchen to serve himself some breakfast. However, thoughts of his new friend made him ask questions.
"Uh... how do I get there?" Twilight said as she returned, realizing she went ahead without a plan. "I'll teleport you there. However, have some breakfast first," D told her. Twilight and Elder along with D Anomaly settled for breakfast.
"I still feel like I should have gone with them, sister," Luna stated as she saw the train go off toward Northern Equestria. "Without Twilight Sparkle, it seems like the group will not do well," Luna explained before turning to Celestia.
"I know your fears, but I trust them. Not only that, I feel Twilight Sparkle will go over there. I have faith in my student," Celestia said with a hint of pride. Looking back, she thought of the accomplishments her student underwent and decided to show more appreciation toward her student.
"Princess Celestia, I present to you, Zecora of the Everfree Forest," Golden Star said as he introduced the zebra.
Zecora approached before bowing. She had great respect for the monarchs and it was interesting to meet them for the first time.
"First of all, I want to thank you for taking care of my little ponies, Zecora," Celestia said in a friendly tone.
"No trouble, for them, I am a friend. I wish to help you and the others amend," Zecora spoke in her native rhyming style as she did a quick bow.
"And I thank you for your kindness," Celestia said as she walked over to her before facing the window where the Crystal Empire laid.
"You said you can concoct a solution to aid us in finding Twilight Sparkle," Celestia asked.
Zecora nodded. "With the aid of this potion and amulet charmed, we can find her before she is harmed," Zecora proclaimed before she took out the mixture and the amulet.
"You stated you needed a hair of Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia stated as a manebrush was floating. The violet hair from it levitated into the mixture before Zecora dipped the amulet in it. The amulet glowed and caused the potion to spread in a mist. The amulet emitted a light to show off the magical aura.
Zecora was then lifted to the back of Celestia as she began flying to find the trail. Luna remained behind to keep an eye on the events. Celestia followed the trail. It went from Ponyville, but then all the way to the distance where she saw an unknown structure.
She saw some of Twilight's magic flow to it. Celestia began flying there to investigate. Zecora herself had a strange feeling about the place.
D Anomaly sensed strong magic. He excused himself while Twilight decided to wash the dishes. She enjoyed the breakfast. Elder flew to D's shoulder before D opened a hatch. He nodded and Elder flew through the hatch and exited through an opening of the castle.
Elder looked around and saw the Princess and Zecora. It then flew down, leaving faint ice crystals and went to D Anomaly.
"It's her, isn't it?" he asked the ice phoenix. Elder nodded. D sighed. He needed to get Twilight Sparkle over to Northern Equestria before
"All right, I'm done with the dishes," Twilight said before she trotted back in. D then gave her a scarf. "Here, it will protect you from the cold," D said as he placed it on her. Elder then went onto Twilight's back.
"...D Anomaly?" Twilight asked.
"Yes?"
"...If my friends see the mark, what should I do?"
D remained silent before he turned to her. "Whatever you think is right," he confessed to her after a moment of pondering.
Twilight stood there before she let out a small smile and nodded. "D... Don't worry. Everything will be all right. We're friends, right?" she said.
D turned to face her suddenly. His face is a painfully obvious mix of shock, happiness and gratitude. He then puts his own small smile. "Yeah," he said before he got his fingers ready.
Twilight took a moment to observe the mix of emotions on D's face. Her words seem to have impacted him greatly.
D snapped his fingers and Twilight and Elder were gone to where the others were. However, he also vanished, deciding to investigate another matter.
Shining Armor could say he felt lousy... if he wanted to make an understatement. He was on special potions to help cure him of the effects that that Changeling Queen had on him. After being awaken, he was out cold for a few days.
When he got up, he asked to be briefed of the situation. Hearing how Twilight saved the day, he wanted to go and apologize to his sister for everything that transpired. Unfortunately, he was still ill and the fact he was here in the field was only because of sheer importance of the matter.
That and he snuck out.
"So, you're Shining Armor?"
Shining Armor was snapped out of his musing as he turned to see a mysterious figure walking beside him, in a black cloak.
Shining Armor became suspicious. After all, this stranger appeared out of nowhere and was on two legs, not making him a pony. His size meant that he was no dragon either.
What was he?
Meanwhile, D Anomaly examined Shining Armor. Just from the circles in his eyes, the slight green tinge and the posture meant the guy was pretty tired.
Looks like he hasn't healed. Why is he here?
"Why are you out here in this area?" D Anomaly asked Shining Armor.
"I'm here to examine the Crystal Empire's reappearance. You've seen it, right?" Shining Armor said. Despite his exhaustion, he was examining the mysterious man's every move.
D simply nodded before Shining let out a lamentful sigh. "I'm also here because I need to apologize to my sister," he added. D raised his eyebrow in interest.
"I said some things I shouldn't have said and just... well I have wanting to say sorry, but I have been in the hospital for a while, getting my strength back. Only now I was able to leave," Shining explained, carefully choosing his words.
More like sneak off. But... he snuck off and came here to be with his wife and to apologize to Twilight D thought to himself. He confessed he did not put much blame on Shining, his judgment impaired by the mind toxins of the Changelings, but the fact he still went out and said it.
"...Here," D Anomaly gave Shining Armor a thermos filled with... soup? It was warm and filled with veggies. "This will help you feel better," D stated to the Captain. Shining took a small sip before smiling and took some more.
"Thank you...?" Shining stated before seeing that he was gone. He was reminded about the strange figure Cadance mentioned...
As he levitated the thermos, he saw a note on it,
"Thank you."
Spike and the others shivered as they began making their way away from the train station and through the blizzard.
"Hey! Heyy!" a voice broke through the wind. The girls and Spike looked to see Shining Armor.
When he arrived, he noticed a certain lavender mare was missing.
"Hey, where's Twilight Sparkle?" he asked them. Spike and the others looked at one another. On the train, they discussed what to do in case they were asked about her.
"She's um... arriving later!" Rainbow Dash stated while the others nodded with what she was saying.
"...Y-yes. Twilight will be here soon enough..." Fluttershy added, though she was shivering from the cold.
"All righty then," Shining Armor stated. "We better get going. This is a dangerous area," Shining said as he led them.
"Why, what's out here besides cold?" Applejack asked.
"Let's just say that the Crystal Empire isn't the only thing that returned..." Shining said ominously as he led the group through the across the frigid wasteland. However, great billowing towers of black smoke appeared as an evil face appeared from them.
"It's King Sombra!" Spike pointed out, recognizing the frightening face from the hologram that Princess Celestia showed them.
The ponies began running toward the empire and the dome surrounding them. Spike tumbled and fell, but he was levitated onto Rarity's back as they continued being pursued by Sombra.
Shining Armor turned and attempted to launch a beam of magic at it, but he dodged and attempted to attack Shining. Before he could plunge at the prince, another burst of magic hits Sombra from the side and causes him to growl in pain.
Shining Armor, Spike and the Mane 6 turned to see who was it and big smiles were on everypony's faces.
It was Twilight Sparkle. |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter VIII- Crystal Empire Pt 2 | Chapter VIII- Crystal Empire Pt 2
Everypony was stunned on seeing the scarfed and brave-looking lavender mare standing defiantly against the dark apparition of the monarch that haunted the Crystal Empire millennia ago.
Twilight Sparkle was sure that despite the boost giving to her by D Anomaly, she would not be able to fight King Sombra. However, she shot out another burst of light, blinding him
"Everypony, let's go!" Shining Armor commanded as everyone began heading out, including Twilight Sparkle. They entered the barrier.
King Sombra snarled before he chuckled. From the miasma of darkness, a secondary pair of green eyes glowed and chuckled as dozens of eyes glowed in the miasma.
"Sparkleriffic!"
Pinkie Pie's ecstatic yell broke people out of their fright as they gazed as the beauty and marvel that was the Crystal Empire. As they trotted, Shining Armor then went and hugged his little sister.
"Shining?"
"Twi... I'm sorry. For not believing you about the imposter and all those things I said and for not keeping touch and... and..." Shining Armor began ranting on in a frenzied and rushed manner that was reminiscent of Twilight Sparkle herself.
She smiled a tearful smile before she hugged him back. "You weren't yourself... I am so happy everything turned out all right," Twilight stated, brother and sister tearing up.
Spike and the other mares were doing their best not to tear up. While the scene did enhance their guilt, it also reinforced their resolve to apologize and make it up to her.
With everyone in lighter spirits, they trotted over to the empire, where they marveled at the crystalline architecture, mostly Rarity. However, even the wondrous scenery was not enough to distract them from what they had to do.
When they arrived at the Crystal Palace, they saw an awfully tired Princess Cadance. However, her expression lit up when she saw Twilight. They went toward one another and did their special song and dance before laughing.
Shining Armor looked visibly relieved while the others looked on also. Unfortunately, they were also painfully reminded of the doubt they presented when it came with Twilight and her belief regarding Cadance, well the fake one.
"One of these days, we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance," Princess Cadance joked before she accidently faltered in her keeping the barrier.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asked her worriedly.
"Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That's what seems to be protecting the kingdom. But she hasn't slept and barely ate," Shining Armor says before he presents a thermos filled with delicious soup. His worried look convinces Cadance to take a much-needed drink and she feels herself feeling better.
"I feel better. What was in that soup?" Cadance asked Shining.
"To be honest, I don't know. Some strange bipedal being appeared out of nowhere, talked with me and handed me the soup. Kinda strange, but friendly," Shining stated. Cadance raised her eyebrow before her eyes lit up and realization. Apparently Twilight also realized it before both girls turned toward one another and giggled.
Twilight's friends wondered what they knew about that, though Shining did not heed much to it, there were more pressing matters to attend to currently.
"Well, with Cadance feeling better and with me alongside her, we will be able to protect the empire for the time being. However, the attack force has been getting stronger and we even seen the shield being drained or something," Shining stated as he went alongside his wife and enhanced the power of the shield through their love.
"But I reckon y'all need a more permanent solution," Applejack stated. Shining nodded. "Well, that's why I'm here, to help out," Twilight stated.
"Why we're ALL here, Twilight," Spike stated as her friends approached. After not seeing them for what felt like ages and the possibility of truly never seeing them, she was bottling up all the emotions. Unbeknownst to her, her friends were also on the verge of emotional outbreak, especially Spike.
They made the plan to try and investigate the rest of town. Twilight noticed Elder had gone to fly off around. She figures he will be back soon. They attempted to ask and prod any hints, clues or answers from the gloomy-looking townsfolk.
The results were at best inconclusive. However, one thing was for certain. Something has caused these people to lose that spark of life; they trembled at the mere thought of Sombra and were not able to remember their lives before that accursed era.
With nowhere else to turn, they entered the library. Twilight went to ask the librarian, however, she wasn't much help. She apologized before she left them alone in the library. The group, most of all Spike, watched her leave.
An awkward silence invaded the library.
Before anypony could do anything, a loud and guilt-ridden sob shattered the peace.
A shocked Twilight saw her number-one assistance dart toward her and embrace her while he was letting a torrent of tears. This caused the others to start tearing up, including Twilight Sparkle.
"I'M SORRY, TWILIGHT! I'M SO SORRY!" Spike sputtered out through tears as he hugged her tight. Twilight, tearing up, hugged him back.
"Spike..."
Before Twilight could say anything else, Pinkie Pie bawled before she hugged Twilight Sparkle. This caused Rarity and Fluttershy to follow suit. Unable to contain it, Rainbow Dash and Applejack finally let out their emotions and they joined the large hug for Twilight.
All seven friends were immersed in the hug as they let out all the pent-up grief, regret and sadness.
"WE'RE SO SORRY, SUGARCUBE!"
"PLEASE FORGIVE US, DARLING!"
"WE'RE SORRY WE DIDN'T BELIEVE YOU ABOUT EVERYTHING OF THE WEDDING AND THAT WE DIDN'T LISTEN TO YOU AND THAT WE DIDN'T THANK YOU FOR HOW AWESOME YOU WERE!"
"WE'RE SORRY THAT WE WERE SO MEAN AND MADE YOU ALL SAD!!"
"P-PLEASE FORGIVE US!!"
Afterwards, any coherent words dissolved into tearful blubbering as Twilight was overwhelmed with the emotions before she used her magic to levitate them off of her gently before she brought them into a big hug.
"OF COURSE I FORGIVE YOU ALL! YOU'RE ALL MY VERY BEST FRIENDS!" Twilight stated with tearful eyes, but a big grin on her face. Soon the group was all smiles once more and they once more embraced. Each felt a massive weight from their shoulders as they were all together again.
It took awhile for everypony to get a hold of themselves.
"So what happened? Where did you go?" Spike, being the one to ask. Twilight began thinking. Should she do it? D trusted her.... Then again... she trusted her friends. It was the miracle of friendship.
She took a deep breath as she pondered how to even begin explaining this to them. She saw Elder the Ice Phoenix fly into the library and led them to a private corner in the library. The others were in awe before Twilight signaled for them to follow her.
"Girls, I have to tell you something," Twilight stated once they were all in private. The group gathered closer to hear.
"Ooh! Ooh!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly, raising her hoof while jumping up and down. "Does it have to do with Discord?" she asked.
"Yes it does as well as what really happened on the wedding," Twilight Sparkle said, giggling at Pinkie's antics and feeling the trust in her friends. Her horn glowed and the mark appeared on her flank.
Spike and the others looked at the mark. "What is it? Some kind of new cutie mark?" Spike asked her.
"No, it's the mark of... my new friend..." Twilight began before she explained her tale.
How she met D in the caverns, how he helped find the real Cadance, his power boost her gave Twilight to defeat the Changelings, his backstory and how it related to Discord, his marvelous creations and how she ended here...
"That sounds... SO AWESOME!!" Rainbow Dash stated as she gave a look of amazement.
"Yeah! This is great, everypony! We now have someone to protect us! Ooh, but that just means somepony else will come for the Worf Effect," Pinkie Pie stated in her usual excited tone.
"Well sugarcube, we're happy to have you here to help us with all of this, but I wonder why he just doesn't solve all of this?" Applejack asked, wondering about Twilight's new friend.
"Well from what Twilight said, he seems to be afraid of using his power too much. Especially since Discord could come back," Rarity reasoned after a moment of thought.
"Well, he certainly does sound nice, if not a bit strange. I think we should give him a chance. He used his magic so far to do good," Fluttershy added.
"Yeah. Though I imagine he'll probably be nervous about meeting the Princesses," Spike seem to add before he cleared his throat. "Now that Twilight is with us, then we'll be able to protect the Crystal Empire for sure," he added before he saw Elder go and land on his head. He laughed and so did everypony else.
They saw Elder pointing his wing at a shelf, specifically at a certain book. Twilight levitated it out to see the title.
"History of the Crystal Empire. I just hope it has the answers we need," Twilight Sparkle stated as she levitated the book to the table and they flipped throughout the pages.
"A Crystal Fair. Established by their first queen, it became their most important tradition. The fair was held every year to renew the spirit of love and unity in the Empire so they could protect from harm. My friends and I could put it together. Everything we know is in the book," Twilight stated. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance gave their approval before Spike closed the book and they headed to the main room to the read the book.
Twillight Spakle: Princess Cadance needs our help
Her magic will not last forever
I think we can do it
But we need to work together
We have to get this right
Yes we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
Rainbow Dash: It says that they like jousting
Rarity: They flew a flag of many hues
Applejack: Made sweets of crystal berries
Fluttershy: They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes
The Mane 6 and Spike:
Oh we have to get this right,
Yes we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
Pinkie Pie: There was a crystal flugelhorn. That every pony liked to play
Twilight Sparkle: And a Crystal kingdom anthem. Can you learn it in a day
The Mane 6 and Spike:
Oh, we have to get this right,
Yes we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history
Celestia has returned to Canterlot along with Zecora. According to Zecora, the magical signature disappeared from the area though it shined to the area... of the Crystal Empire. Princess Celestia showed a bit of relief, seeing that Twilight Sparkle headed there over to help her friends, her brother and her sister-in-law.
As she looked alongside Zecora where the Crystal Empire laid, Luna walked to the other side of their sister.
"I should be there with them, sister," Luna stated after a moment of silence.
"I have faith in Twilight Sparkle and her friends," Celestia responded as she faced her sister with a smile, who after a moment, smiled back.
Zecora also smiled, feeling a bit odd being with the two princesses. However, something told her something was ahoof. She wasn't sure, but she swore she saw a tall and strange structure while she was riding with Princess Celestia.
However, she decided not to voice her concerns just yet. Everyone was on edge as the seven heroes traversed in the Crystal Kingdom to protect it.
"Hear ye, hear ye. Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor do cordially invite you to attend the Crystal Fair!" Twilight announced with said couple behind them waving to the ponies.
The Crystal ponies began enjoying themselves for the first time in a thousand years. Everything was going as predicted and things were looking up. However, some ponies were expressing disbelief at the Crystal Heart, much to the interest of Rainbow Dash.
"Of course we have it! Can't have a Crystal Fair without the crystal heart, right?" Rainbow Dash claimed when asked about the Crystal Heart before seeing the librarian come over.
"Of course you can't. The whole purpose of the Crystal Fair is to lift the spirits of the crystal ponies, so the light within them can power the Crystal Heart, so that the empire can be protected!" The librarian crystal pony stated before she gasped and exclaimed "I do work at a library!"
Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at one another in nervousness. "W-what's that about 'powering the heart'? " Rainbow Dash asked nervously.
"I just can't believe you found it. King Sombra said he'd hidden it away where we would never see it again! I only hope it will still be as powerful after all these years!" The librarian stated before going off for some funnel cake.
Rainbow Dash winced before she flew over to the Crystal Heart and covered it with a large cloth. When Twilight Sparkle came to protest, Rainbow Dash told her the shocking news.
The Crystal Heart was in fact an actual relic. Twilight Sparkle feverishly searched the book only to realize the last page was torn out.
Twilight Sparkle ran to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to announce what she discovered.
"I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the crystal ponies powering the heart! I wish I noticed the missing page!" Twilight Sparkle said with a pout.
"It isn't your fault, Twilight," Princess Cadance told her with a smile before Shining Armor pointed out that the shield was faltering.
For a brief moment, they saw holes in the shield like swiss cheese before it faltered and saw the grim winter storm outside along with the sound of a ghastly roar.
In the distance, they spotted a large miasma of darkness with the green eyes and crimson horn. Next to him, there were feminine green eyes surrounded by insectoid eyes.
"Chrysalis and the Changlings?!" Twilight Sparkle screamed, reflecting the shock of everypony else as Sombra began charging at the Crystal Empire.
Princess Cadance looked to her husband and both nodded before they used their power to recreate the large shield, blocking the charge.
All that made it through was a chunk of King Sombra's horn.
"I didn't think Chrysalis would team up with Sombra, based on the fact Sombra seems to feed on fear... Then again, I suppose with the Changelings, they feed on the love and all that's left is despair and fear, allowing Sombra to rein.
Pretty ingenious.
D Anomaly watched through binoculars the situation from a balcony while wearing a thick coat. He was currently beyond the boundaries of the Crystal Empire. After Northern Equestria and the Crystal Empire, he sees mainly some mountains and frosty areas though he does seem to notice settlements.
He doesn't know the name of the northern lands beyond Equestria or if they are part of the territories of the Crystal Empire.
He lowered the binoculars and began thinking...
Could he change things with a snap of fingers?
While Discord was powerful, the Elements took him down. The Crystal Heart will take down Sombra while the love would blow away Chrysalis and the Changelings.
You're going to help them...
D Anomaly looked in the direction. They had to take care of this themselves. And yet... He looked around his massive clockwork stronghold, currently in hiding. He could help Twilight for the time being but sooner or later...
He will have to make a choice...
Remain in shadows forever or become the Chaos...
No... there was his choice...
The right choice...
Even if he was afraid
D Anomaly smiled before he decided to learn what he could of the Empire. He snapped his fingers ad what replayed him was what Celestia knew. He saw her perform the dark magic and he shuddered a bit.
He know had a clue of what this Sombra character was capable of. D Anomaly snapped his fingers before vanishing.
Twilight Sparkle had set out to find the Crystal Heart while her friends were in charge of keeping the Crystal ponies happy so they could wield the Crystal Heart. Rarity was in charge of the stands, Applejack was guarding the fake Heart and Rainbow Dash just roped poor Fluttershy into jousting with her as a distraction with Pinkie Pie just doing whatever she could to keep the Crystal Ponies happy.
Twilight and Spike entered the castle. "This is probably the best place to start looking, but how do we start?" Twilight wondered out loud.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance."
Twilight and Spike saw D Anomaly literally emerge from the shadows. Spike hid behind Twilight briefly.
"Spike, this is D Anomaly. D, this is Spike, my number one assistant," Twilight Sparkle stated as Spike nervously offered his hand to shake.
D bent his knees and shook Spike's hand. Spike visably relaxed as he saw the strange figure. "All right. The others probably told you about Sombra, but here's the conversation that Princess Celestia gave to your friends," D said before Elder flew into the room and landed on Anomaly's arm.
D stroked Elder's head before it opened its mouth and played the scene of what Celestia explained. Twilight observed the magic show Celestia used before she turned to the large crystal throne.
"Hey D, you think you could use the... dark magic that Celestia used," Twilight Sparkle stated. He looked at her and nodded. He sighed as his eyes glowed and his arm became surrounded with the dark magic. D Anomaly grit his teeth as he felt the sensations from the magic before he fired a ray at the large crystal on the throne.
D Anomaly, Twilight Sparkle and Spike saw the large black crystals appear and the staircase heading down.
"Thanks D..." Twilight Sparkle began before seeing that he disappeared with Elder flying above. Spike rubbed his eyes. "He does that a lot, doesn't he?" Spike pointed out after a moment of silence. Twilight just rolled her eyes.
"Spike, stay here, all right?" Twilight Sparkle stated as she headed downstairs. Spike sat down and crossed his arms as he waited for her.
Twilight Sparkle took a breather as she finally made it down all the stairs. Much to her chagrin, the door was also enchanted, moving and hopping around each time she tried to get closer. She paused as she remembered Celestia's usage of the magic as well as seeing the effects from when D used it. She took a breath and began channeling the dark magic that she saw the two perform.
Her eyes turned green.
Her horn began emitting the dark magic before she launched a shot of the dark magic at the door in front of her, enabling it to open it.
Fluttershy was trembling as she looked at Rainbow Dash across in the jousting arena. She was particularly fond of this idea, especially considering who she was facing. She knew Rainbow Dash wouldn't go all out, but she enjoyed the show and Fluttershy was not one to want to do this.
However, that was not the only thing that worried her.
Beyond the evil King Sombra, she had heard rumors from her friends that the Changelings, including their Queen, allied themselves with him. While she had faith that all of them will pull through, she was still worried.
She saw Rainbow Dash's confident smirk, but Fluttershy knew she was nervous. Pinkie Pie was being extra peppy and cheery to try and distract the ponies, especially when they see the barrier starting to break apart once more.
Applejack began losing her nerve as she did her best to shield the fake Crystal Heart from the eyes of the Crystal Heart.
Overall, everypony was on edge and they were hoping Twilight would hurry up.
Nightmarish.
Twilight could only describe the scene with that word and in her opinion, it was a complete understatement.
All around the area, the landscape was twisted and turned around The laws of physics went out to lunch along with the laws of nature... literally. All around, she could see ponies, dragons and griffins all in great suffering and agony. She ran all around as she saw her friends and family all twisted and mixed with all sorts of things.
Her friends... they were all Discorded and mutated... Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and even Spike... there were warped into beings made of animal, vegetable and or mineral, all with the maddened looks in their eyes.
It was too horrible for her to describe. She shrunk back and covered her eyes before she heard cacophonous laughter. She looked up to see the figure in charge.
It was D Anomaly.
Looking like a mix of a human and draconequus, he floated above her.
His evil grin revealed rows of fangs. He retained his human shape but also had several parts from different animals. A bat wing and raven wing were on his back, which seem to have part of a turtle shell. He had deer antlers and ram horns on his head. His right arm was a large tiger claw with sharp claws. His other arm was a massive claw, with sharp jagged fingers under the claw, as if wearing a gauntlet. His right leg was one of the jaguar and his left leg was one of a velociraptor. However, he also had a set of spider-like legs emitting from his back and a long snake like tail covered in barbs and ended with the tip of a scorpion's.
His hands had threads of light connecting to his puppets:
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Both had looks of despair on their face as the crimson sky switched through night and day.
Twilight Sparkle begged for it to stop. Wishing he would snap out of it. For D Anomaly was no longer there, but Discord, using his cobbled body as a new suit.
"Twilight..."
"TWILIGHT!!!"
Spike's voice shattered the illusion as Twilight shook her head. She noticed her eyes were wet and she wiped them before she took a breath to regain herself.
"I know you told me to stay up there but you were down here for such a long time and you weren't answering and I got worried so I came down here and you were just staring at that wall and... I was calling your name, but I couldn't seem to get your attention, and- What were you looking at?"
Spike cautiously approached the closed door before he opened it. His eyes glowed red with pupils.
"No, No, NO!!! PLEASE TWILIGHT... DON'T... I BEG OF YOU!!" Spike began shouting before Twilight slammed the door shut and noticed Spike crying.
"King Sombra used his dark magic on this door. A gate to your worst fear," Twilight said before she saw Spike still shaken up. She wrapped her hooves around him to comfort him and also admitting herself.
"You say you didn't want or need me anymore... that you were going to get rid of me..." Spike confessed. Twilight Sparkle simply hugged him closer.
"That fear will never come to pass. I'm never going to get rid of you. You're my number 1 assistant and one of my best friends," Twilight Sparkle stated, her words causing him to smile and in turn, he smiling back. Her disappearance must have shaken them all up. She herself was still feeling tense and she supposed that there were more frightening things than disappointment.
"And we're going to stop King Sombra and the Changelings!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed with reinforced vigor. Recalling the positive magic she saw Celestia do, she did the same onto the door, resulting it in revealing the real door.
What laid ahead were...
More stairs.
King Sombra really knew how to safeguard his weakness.
"Spike, I would really like it if you came with me," she asked him. Spike nodded as he eagerly followed Twilight up the seemingly endless stairs.
Meanwhile with the others... matters were not the best at all. The charade was exposed though they manage to convince that the Heart was in reach, though that little to soothe the Crystal Ponies.
Especially with the following events.
King Sombra has broken through once more and the Changelings were rampaging the area. However, the Crystal Ponies didn't seem too worried about them. Not having gone through the experience of the Changelings, they were not as frightened of them.
The Changelings themselves were hesitant to attack also. After all, many recall the beating the ponies gave them. Rainbow Dash began using her jousting lance to swat as many as she could out of the sky. Applejack herself used whatever she could or even just buck one at a group of them. Pinkie Pie brought her classic party cannon and began assaulting the Changelings. Rarity began showing off some her own attacks, mainly in levitating some nearby crystals and using them to knock into Changelings. Even Fluttershy managed to spook them by using her famous Stare.
All of this seem to stir some confidence into the Crystal Ponies.
However, the hopeful atmosphere seem to shatter upon the arrival of the Changeling Queen.
"Hello, my little ponies" Queen Chrysalis hissed as she sneered at the ponies.
Princess Cadance looked to her husband and he nodded before they went to the battlefield. Queen Chrysalis simply smirked at seeing the duo.
"If it isn't the Crystal Princess and her prince. You two are no match for a real King and Queen," Queen Chrysalis stated with a chuckle before, from the shadows, emerged King Sombra, who growled at them.
Princess Cadance and Shining Guard simply held hooves as they prepared for the fight of their lives.
Twilight Sparkle groaned as she stopped to rest. She and Spike were climbing for awhile and they were getting nowhere. Twilight Sparkle took a breath.
"Maybe its endless stairs. We need some way to get up fast," Spike stated as he caught up. Twilight Sparkle looked at the mark and remembered she does have a boost.
"Spike, remember those gravity spells we practiced?" Twilight Sparkle reminded him with a smile. Spike nodded before she performed the spell and began riding the underside of the staircase.
After a while, they reached where the Crystal Heart was located. Twilight and Spike approached and attempted to get it. However, King Sombra was alerted.
He growled in anger before he got hit in the face with a well-placed hook from Shining Armor. King Sombra disabled Shining's unicorn horn before summoning large black crystals to trap Twilight Sparkle.
"The Crystal Heart is mine!" he said in his growling voice as the large black crystal began heading to the palace.
"Spike, you need to give the Crystal Heart to Cadance," Twilight Sparkle stated as she gave it to him.
"But Twilight..."
"Go! Everypony is counting on us!"
Spike began sliding down and headed to Cadance. Before she could fly over, she was tackled viciously by Queen Chrysalis, who's Changeling army held captive the Twilight's friends.
"And so it ends..." Queen Chrysalis says as King Sombra headed to Spike, intent on devouring him and the Crystal Heart. In his haste, Spike tripped and was headed to the malevolent unicorn tyrant.
Spike managed to grab the heart before he...
He vanished.
Literally, he was swiped out of the air.
A cloaked blur grabbed him before landing on the ground. The shockwave emanating resulted in Queen Chrysalis being knocked back along with Sombra.
Queen Chrysalis was about to screech at whomever dared to attack her only to realize the all familiar shape and she trembled.
Spike held the Crystal Heart and headed to Cadance as he performed a double-take to see who saved him from falling.
The entire area was in surprise as D snapped his fingers and cured Shining Armor of the affliction.
"Who is Tartarus are you?!" King Sombra snapped, his patience finally lost and seeing his moment of victory snatched by this strange being.
"Who am I? WHO AM I!?" D stated as he smiled, dying to do this.
"I'm gonna tell you something important so you better dig the wax outta your ears and listen close!" D stated very loudly and with dramatic gestures no less.
"The reputation of my friends and I echoes far and wide! When they talk about their awesome leader, the one with indomitable spirit and courage, they're talking about me, the mighty D Anomaly!" D stated as he dramatically pointed to the air.
Twilight Sparkle stared with a mix of shock, a bit of annoyance and a slight amount of awe. Her friends also had differing levels of the previously mentioned emotions while the Crystal Ponies were snapped out of their depression.
King Sombra closed his mouth before opening again.
This fool...
"You dare and mock me, foolish being?" King Sombra stated.
"No, I was just the distraction," D Anomaly stated before a massive glowing appeared.
The Crystal Ponies stared in awe at the return of the Crystal Heart and the one holding it, their Crystal Princess.
"The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure King Sombra does not," Princess Cadance declared as the heart flew to its pedestal. She then went there with Shining Armor and Spike. As the Crystal Ponies began using the love within, they regain their vivid colors as well as their crystal pattern and bow before their princess and prince. A bright blue light covers the ground around them and spreads throughout the Empire. The Crystal Heart begins to spin, generating a blinding sphere of light that engulfs the empire.
Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor gazed at one another amorously before they used their love also with the Crystal Heart.
The sphere glowed even brighter before a massive shockwave with the field of light blasta and destroys Sombra. D Anomaly quickly flew and grabbed the horn, trapping it within a jar before grabbing a hair from Chrysalis, who looked undignified and shocked at her second defeat.
He stamped "Loser" on her forehead before he spray-painted her chedder yellow and watch her fly off. He noticed his crystal pattern and saw everyone was all right. He went to the palace where he flew down Twilight Sparkle to her everypony else who embraced her. He watched the scene and smiled without a care in the world for the first time since he arrived.
Lastly, the blue light shoots up the empire's central tower and bursts into a massive shockwave resulting in a gorgeous display of many ribbons of light arcing across the sky. They reminded D of the Northern Lights... well kinda. To compare, the Northern Lights were like retro Gameboy graphics and this was beautiful HD quality that is beyond awe-inspiring.
The shockwave and light show traveled across the landscape, even through D's stronghold. The Empathy Heart glowed an immense multitude of colors before it settled down. Lord Crawlington looked surprised while the Changelings in it stared at it with awe.
The ribbons of light shine across the sky and are visible from Ponyville and Canterlot. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna see that the ponies have won the battle, and they gladly touch their horns together. Zecora smiled and even did a little jig.
The Crystal Empire was safe. |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter IX- Royal Encounters | Chapter IX- Royal Encounters
Twilight Sparkle watched as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy ask Anomaly some questions about his kind. Spike was lying on Twilight's back, listening to the answers, but overall resting from his experience and just being happy Twilight is back with them. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance were escorting them back to Equestria.
Now, Anomaly had been feeling pretty nervous. He knew he could no longer remain in the shadows and was now accompanying the Mane 6 to Canterlot.
To meet the Princesses.
He decided to take his mind off to indulge in more questions from the ponies. He already explained a few things such as wearing clothes, activities and he was wrapping up the explanation of being an omnivore.
"...So, from what I figure, because of the Ice Age, we had to adapt to eating meat to survive. To be honest, it is a personal choice whether you wish to consume meat and to wish extent you want to. Considering my powers, I could literally make my own food from thought," Anomaly explained.
"Next question," he presented.
"How did you know about us?" Twilight decided to ask. The other ponies, even Shining and Cadance grew interested. Anomaly took a breath to try and explain. This was going to be difficult.
"It's complicated though here is what I believe. Every story, every idea and so on, exists in the omniverse. Yes, Rainbow Dash that means there is a Daring Do. However, through... vibrations or some other way... we get acknowledgement of this through dreams and or ideas. In my world, we know of you as a popular series of cartoons or animations," D explained to them as well as he could. His facial expressions indicated that he didn't know how else to.
He figured movies and such existed. After all, there is a place called Applewood, so he assumed there were movies. They seem to nod, though there was confusion all around.
They looked to Twilight Sparkle who reassured them she will try and explain later. She found it fascinating about all of this. It was truly a wondrous and wild field of science and magic she was eager to research.
Speaking of... she thought of Princess Celestia. She was so caught up in all of this, she wasn't sure how the Princess would take this. Twilight's head was abuzz with a plethora of scenarios playing in her head and the rush was starting to make her quite agitated.
Spike, sensing her agitation, hugged her while giving a comforting smile. Twilight visibly relaxed at the gesture. Despite his newly acquired power, Anomaly was looking the most nervous. Granted, he was meeting the powerful princesses who he may or may not exceed in power, but he lacked the vast wisdom they gathered from millennia of experience.
Eventually, they arrived at Canterlot Castle. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance awaited outside. The Mane 6 and Spike stepped in, Anomaly deciding to remain in the shadows for the time being. After all, he had time to introduce himself, but this was the time for Twilight and the Princesses.
Slowly, they entered the throne room. There, awaiting them were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Zecora. Neither Twilight nor Princess Celestia dared make a move, though Twilight looked a bit surprised at Zecora's presence.
Twilight looked down in indecision only to see Anomaly briefly in the shadow and gave her a smile of encouragement.
"My faithful student..." Princess Celestia began before Twilight Sparkle simply ran and wordlessly embraced her mentor and mother figure, tears beginning to wet Celestia's coat.
Having lived many long years, Princess Celestia was not one to show her emotions often. The solitary centuries of her rule had enforced her to remain strong. The last time she cried was in her reunion with Luna. However, she was overjoyed and relieved that her faithful student was not only safe and sound, but she has forgiven them.
Princess Celestia returned the embrace as she also let her tears fall. No words were stated nor were they really needed. The actions conveyed the feelings that needed to be stated.
Pinkie Pie was doing her best not to bawl like she did when Luna and Celestia were reunited. Rainbow Dash was furiously trying to wipe any loose tears while Applejack adjusted her hat to not show her wet eyes. Rarity smiled tearfully at the scene along with Fluttershy and Spike.
Princess Luna also smiled, relieved that everypony was okay while Zecora did likewise.
Anomaly also watched the situation with his own smile. He had risen from the shadows and was doing his best to hide behind a pillar.
"I am happy to see you Twilight, but who's the one trying to hide from sight?" Zecora asked.
...Horseapples
Anomaly stepped out from behind the pillar. He was in different garment this time. It seems to be a medieval styled black tunic with a hood, though off along with some gray pants and some fabric boots. The tunic has several gold ornamentation on it, on the back was a partially eclipsed sun and moon. In front, there was an ornamental and rather unique-looking A emblazoned on the sun and moon. It brought many words to Twilight's mind.
Asymmetrical, atypical, abnormal, aberrant...
...Anomaly
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood straight as they say the strange figure in front of them. They could sense powerful magic from him... stronger than theirs...
In fact, it was reminiscent of Discord...
However, Celestia also noticed the posture. He looked rather... passive and worried. Her eyes trailed to the eyes of her little ponies. Their eyes had no fear of him.
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance escorted them here and they were also unafraid of him. They were not hostile to him and they saw no hostility in him.
"Who are thou?" Princess Luna asked after the silence dragged on for what seemed to be an eternity.
Anomaly stood nervously before Twilight pushed him forward with a bit of magic. He faced her and the others. Twilight Sparkle was giving a smile. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were nodding in support. Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down while Rarity and Fluttershy also had on smiles. Spike even gave him a thumbs up.
The human took a deep breath to calm himself.
"My name is Anomaly... a human. Discord attempted to use me as... his champion against you and all of Equestria. He gave me free rein and his power to do what I pleased. He wanted to me use the power for whatever whimsy I wanted; any act, large or small, was free to be carried out and ultimately expected me to lose myself to it," he began. He took another deep breath.
"I had no choice. Discord could have chosen someone much worse... His whimsy picked me and so I was brought here. However, I would not lose myself. I used the magic for some quirky actions, but I refused to cause trouble. To that end, I went in and alongside Twilight, we banished the Changlings out of Canterlot. However, your student made the decision to make a pact to me. During the reception, I expressed the urge to leave, motivated by the fears I had for not just myself, but for her.
Ultimately, the return of the Crystal Empire led Twilight and then myself to intervene. Through this, I realized I couldn't be afraid. So, my new friends helped me muster up the courage to stand before you, your highnesses," Anomaly said before he bowed to them.
The Princesses of the Sun and Moon looked at one another. To think that Discord would recruit a human. However, in terms of friendship... of trust... of doing right... Discord did not understand that. Who wouldn't want to do this, in his eyes? Yet, this lack of judgment benefited them. With Anomaly on their side, there will be much less to worry about in the future. The ponies now had an almighty guardian.
"Don't be so nervous. I hear your words and from the actions you have done, you more than proven yourself a good pony... er human," Princess Celestia stated to him with a kindly smile.
"Thou truly are good at heart. Welcome to Equestria," Princess Luna added.
Anonaly sighed in relief before he smiled at them.
"YAY! We beat two villains and we got a new super-powerful friend! It's time for a Glad-Everything-Turned-Out-Okay-In-The-End Party!" Pinkie Pie stated. Everypony seem to smile and laugh with mirth, Anomaly most of all.
It looks like things will be okay after all.
"So what will you do now?"
Anomaly snapped from his musings to see Princess Celestia sitting in front of him. He turned to see everyone enjoying themselves at the party. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were being competitive in the games, Rarity and Spike were dancing. Fluttershy was flying along with Philomena and Elder, the two birds being quite close to one another. Twilight Sparkle was showing Zecora and Luna a new game and Pinkie Pie was helping herself to the cake.
It appeared the party would start going into full swing as Pinkie Pie's infectious cheer began spreading all around.
"I suppose I'll stay at my castle. I'll visit my friends in Ponyville, but I guess I'll be working on my own projects. I don't think Discord is gone. He's too cunning to not have a fallback plan. All I can do is prepare for any situation I can think of," Anomaly explained to the Princess as he smiled at all that occurred.
"A wise decision. It is fascinating the parallels our worlds have in terms of geography," Princess Celestia stated, as she recalled their earlier talk about Equestria and the rest of the world.
"...You and your sister knew about humanity, didn't you?" Anomaly said in a quieter voice, looking at his reflection in his tea. The tea was green tea, from the eastern side of the world. If he recalled currently, the Far Eastern lands were called Chineigh, though he may be wrong, he wasn't sure.
Princess Celestia's smile faltered a tad before she took a sip. "Yes. We admit we know little of your world, though we are aware of the lack of magic on your world and the... temperamental nature of humanity," The Princess stated before she decided to ask the billion bit question.
"Would you choose to go back?"
Anomaly began weighing his options. He looked at the reflection at his tea once more. He recalled the happiness he had with his family. Despite that, he had to set out to do what he wanted to do in life. They would understand, although they would miss him. He would visit them occasionally, he owed them that.
But to go back and live at his home world...
He needed to be honest with himself.
"Probably not."
Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow at him.
"Don't get me wrong. I have no contempt in my kind. In fact, I believe in humanity. Whenever someone starts saying bad things, I'm the first to counter. I can name you examples of many great individuals of humanity. However... I never really had friends. Not only that, I never really fit in with normal society. Of course, there are oddballs in all societies, but I was granted the opportunity to be here, and I wouldn't trade it for the world."
"Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie... even Zecora, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence and now you and your sister..."
"All of you are my friends," he explained to her as he faced her with a smile.
Princess Celestia looked a bit surprised. However, her look turned to one of approval.
"I am happy to hear that. I hope your life is one filled with joy," she stated to him. Anomaly took his own sip before he looked at her and something occurred to him.
"Princess... I know you had to do a lot during the long time you were in charge... but if you or Luna need to talk to someone, just as a friend, you have me," he told her. Anomaly was well-versed in fiction and a lesson he learned was that immortality brought a great burden, especially isolation.
He felt a stab of pain... of the thought of how the princesses must live... what would happened to them?
Now that surprised the Princess. For a brief glimpse of a moment, he saw the multitude of emotions that flashed across Celestia's face. It was sadness, shock, gratitude and joy...
It all the more stirred the curiosity in him, wondering about her past. He was unsure if he was immortal. Questions needed to be answered, yet all he could do was express that he could be there for them.
However, the next second, the regal and calm mask of the Princess slipped back on, though the traces of the gratitude were still there.
"Thank you."
"Hey Anomaly! Are you planning to court the Princess?" Pinkie's voice rang out, breaking the two of their conversation. Anomaly dropped his mug and turned an impossible shade of red. Princess Celestia actually began laughing.
Not just giggling, a full-out laugh. It rang across the room like harmonious bells. Princess Luna stared amazingly at her sister. It had truly been millennia since she heard her sister laugh and was unable to contain as she took began laughing alongside her.
It wasn't long before everypony began laughing at his expense and even Anomaly himself began laughing. He had a feeling these smiles and laughter was only the beginning.
Eventually, Luna had to raise the moon and it was time for everypony to go to bed. The Mane 6 along with Spike and Zecora were invited to stay in a guest room. Having endured such trials, they all agreed to sleep in the same room, even Zecora, as flattered as could be. Considering that she came in to help them, it was the least they could do.
Anomaly bid them all farewell as he teleported himself to his Clockwork Castle. It then began to whir and hum as flight mode activated. It was a little while but it flew to near Canterlot and attached itself to the mountainside alongside it. He headed to his bed as he looked to Elder in the room and all the others in there.
It was going to be a new beginning indeed.
"SURPRISE!"
D screamed in shock before literally jumping out of bed and clutching the ceiling. He looked down to see who was it that surprised him.
Unsurprisingly, it was Pinkie Pie, who was there with the rest of the Mane 6 and Spike.
"Oh, morning, everypony," D said as he let go and dropped down like a cartoon.
"Well, we saw your big awesome castle just fly and attach yourself to the mountain so we just haaaad to see it!" Pinkie Pie stated to him with her usual pep.
"We're sorry if we disturbed your rest, but Pinkie insisted we go off early. Then again, this home of yours is truly a marvel to behold," Rarity told him as she examined everything around the room.
"I gotta say, this is mighty interesting stuff you made," Applejack added as examined the minute details the human added as well as the items he created.
"Yeah, yeah, awesome stuff. Hey D, what's with that heart gem of yours glowing?" Rainbow Dash interrupted.
D turned his head and so did the other ponies. The Empathy Heart was floating instead of lying on its pillow and was glowing with an intense power.
"When the Crystal Heart activated, the Empathy Heart must have reacted by absorbing that prismatic blast," he surmised. He looked over. He noticed Fluttershy was not in the room. He looked out and saw Fluttershy staring with fascination at the giant caterpillar snoozing in his habitat.
"What's his name?" she asked him when she noticed he was there.
"That's the Earl of Crawlington," D Anomaly said proudly to her. He then saw the Changelings sleeping. "I have an idea on what I'm going to do with these guys. I have been examining Iaiunus to learn more about Changelings and got some interesting information... but that's for another day," he said as the cogs in his head were whirring.
Beyond his room, D Anomaly began taking the Mane 6 and Spike on a tour, with Elder accompanying them. Besides several guest rooms, there were some kitchens, laboratories, observatories, medical rooms, some blank rooms for miscellaneous purposes, repair rooms as well as some of the important rooms where the machinery is run and such.
Eventually, it was time for the ponies, where D Anomaly teleported them back to Ponyville. Before they left, he told them that if they wanted to visit, they could talk to Twilight. One advantage of her mark is that she can teleport to wherever D was.
D waved good-bye to them before he sent them off. He turned to face Iaiunus and the Changelings. He then summoned the reagents he had obtained.
The horn of King Sombra
A vial of slime from Queen Chrysalis
All he needed was some pony magic as well as a few books.
He looked at the insectoid pony-like creatures. "Once I finish all the details in my head, things will change..." he said cryptically.
"Starting with you, Iaiunus," D added as he looked at the Changeling.
He looked back at the view. He was so happy at how everything turned out. As Elder flew from his perch to D's head, he chuckled. He then heard the doorbell.
He wondered who it could be.
He teleported to the gates and opened them. He saw a pair of unicorn guards.
"May I help you?" D asked the pair as he saw they crossed the bridge he made when he attached his stronghold to the mountain.
"Princess Celestia assigned us to be your... chaperones if you will," Golden Star stated to him. "Don't mind us or her. It's just to make sure everything is all right," Star Silver added. D nodded in understanding.
"The Princess requested that you send her weekly reports to her so she knows how you are doing," Golden Star stated. D smiled. He was now going to send friendship reports to the Princess just like his pony friends.
He wondered what awaited him... |
The SinEater of Equestria: Cataclysm | Chapter X- The Magic of Renewal | Chapter X- The Magic of Renewal
Golden Star and Star Silver walked on the bridge established to check on Anomaly. It has been around two weeks since he settled in Equestria. Despite that, he kept mainly to himself, either teleporting himself directly to the homes of his friends or remaining in his castle and doing what he calls 'preparations.'
"I wonder if we checking on him has to do with the fact he is kind of a hermit," Star Silver asked his brother. Golden Star himself did not know, though he surmised that to be the most likely answer.
"From the observations we made, he seems to be afraid of rejection," Golden Star explained. Star Silver nodded. While he grown used to the human, he figured that it would take a while for everypony else, even in Ponyville to grow accustomed and considering that was where Discord's main rampage site was located when he escaped, it was no surprise he was being cautious.
Beyond continuing to be guards of the unicorn division, they were also giving the rank of Anomaly Watcher, a friendly term for an observer of their new resident.
As such, they would occasionally talk to him.
They entered the gates to see Anomaly writing using a pen. Unlike most ponies who used quills, he created a nifty pen.
"Hey guys, take a seat," he told them before they went and took their spots.
"We are here to learn about how your interactions with the townsfolk have been," Golden Star asked him.
"I haven't communicated much with the townsfolk to be honest. I have been content with staying here in my stronghold for now. However, I predict I'll have to make an entrance eventually," Anomaly explained to them as he looked.
Anomaly had spent much of his time in the Clockwork Castle. He has a fascination with clockwork, despite not being good at making them by hand. It helped he could could animate the mannequins to teach him. Beyond that, he had his own projects.
Mainly, he was preparing himself for his ultimate project. The Changelings spent most of their time sleeping, as they were trying to conserve energy. They seem to survive off of heart-shaped cookies Anomaly makes. Considering he makes them with love, it seems to serve as a basic substitute for the short run, prompting him to finish the preparations. Ever since the Changeling invasion, new protocol was being administered and he had a say. Having found an old book, he looked on how these things fed.
It wasn't pretty. It looked like they were swallowing someone's soul, according to the drawings,
Besides his research, Anomaly began to train himself. He feared the day when Discord would come and take the reality-changing powers, so he began taking advantage of the powers to give him changes Discord couldn't take away directly. These included learning how basic carpentry, wood-working and smithing. It also served as an outlet for the nervous energy he got. He also learned how to defend himself. He relied on using a stick like a staff, mainly because it seem to be the easiest thing.
Regarding the various activities he had done to hone his mind and body, he conversed with the Star Bros.
"Fascinating activities, Anomaly. However, we must cut our visit short," Golden Star said as he levitated his dishes to the sink.
"Yeah, the Princess is having delegates from Saddle Arabia coming over. I heard her student, Twilight Sparkle is in charge of preparing a show for them. Perhaps you can assist them," Star Silver added before the stallions bid him farewell.
Anomaly began thinking. While he would like to spend time, he wondered if he should. Why was he so worried? When did he be so paranoid? He wasn't Batman... not even with his reality-warping powers.
He wasn't worthy.
He began making his plans. After all, he needed to have legitimate blueprints for his stronghold and he would need a great deal of ponies to take care of the place if he ever lost his powers.
He wondered how his friends were doing...
Twilight Sparkle was practicing for her big show she had prepared for Princess Celestia and the Saddle Arabia ponyfolk. She was levitating some of Fluttershy's animal friends for the show, much to the anxiety and worry of the pegasus. However, Spike was currently doing his best to reassure her.
The Mane 6 along with Spike, were happy that their lives returned with a sense of normalcy. D dropped by occasionally and he promised that the next time the girls came, their sisters could come.
He always wanted to meet the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He even heard a new member joined through Applebloom's cousin, Babs Seed. He found them endearing, though quite naive at times. They didn't seem to understand how Cutie Marks work.
Besides that and Pinkie's discovery of a magic pond, not much was happening.
The animals fly through the air in the infinite shape and a few other shapes. Twilight noticed that her magical skills have begun increasing at a faster rate, a growth attributed to her connection with the benevolent Chaos being.
"Your magic has really improved since we came to Ponyville, Twilight. Princess Celestia's going to love it," Spike complimented her while he and the animals comforted the frightened Fluttershy.
"Thanks, Spike. I have to be at my best when she arrives with the delegates from Saddle Arabia. I can't believe she's trusting me with the entertainment," Twilight proclaimed with pride. Suddenly, a familiar rainbow blur pounced on her.
"Twilight! Come quick! It's an emergency!" Rainbow Dash told her with worry all over her face.
The four friends went on over to Ponyville, where a crowd had formed to see what new trouble arrived in the town.
A hooded and cloaked pony had been terrorizing a few ponies, currently with Rarity. The pony shot a crimson beam at Rarity, forcing her into a colorfully tacky dress, a vile thing in the eyes of fashionistas, such as the Element of Generosity.
Rarity gasped before she yelled "You beast! This shade of brown should only be used for accents!"
Rarity then fainted onto Applejack who began carrying her away alongside Pinkie Pie. " Come on, Applejack. We've got to get her into a nice, soothing pink. Stat!" she proclaimed before Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash arrived.
"What's going on here?" Twilight asked.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't... Twilight Sparkle," a familiar voice said as she lifted her hood off, revealing the menacing turquoise pony.
"Gasp... Trixie!" Twilight said with a suspicious tone as she glared at Trixie. "What's she doing here?" Spike as he glared at her.
"You call that great and powerful?" Rainbow Dash demanded of Trixie, showing off the example of Trixie's bullying.
Trixie's response was her eyes glowing a bright red momentarily before shooting another crimson beam at Rainbow Dash; the result was one of Rainbow Dash's wing to much larger than the other, rending Rainbow unable to fly properly.
Snips and Snails commented on Rainbow Dash's misfortune before Trixie turned to them and also zapped them. The result was their horns being fused together. Snails ran and attempted to shake off Snips, but to no avail.
"Stop picking on my friends, Trixie!" Twilight demanded.
"You and I have some unfinished business," Trixie began as she faced Twilight Sparkle. "My magic's gotten better since I was here last. And I'm going to prove it! Me and you. A magic duel. Winner stays, loser leaves Ponyville forever!" Trixie proposed to a disapproving Twilight.
"Forget it! I'd never make a deal like that!" she answered before she turned away.
"Hm, your choice," Trixie said before she targeted Spike. She caused him to stretch and fold into a ball, where he was helplessly bounced around, much to Twilight's rage.
"Trixie, put him down! Why are you doing this?!" Twilight asked her as she used her magic to free Spike.
"Why? Because you humiliated me! After you showed me up with that Ursa Minor, I became a laughingstock! Everywhere I went I was laughed at and ostracized. I even had to take a job on a rock farm just to earn a living! A rock farm!" Trixie ranted as she used her magic to recreate a video of what has happened to her, including ending up on the Pie Rock Farm.
"Hey! You're lucky a rock farm would take the likes of you!" Pinkie Pie angrily replied, offended at the insulting nature Trixie was implying. Trixie responded by recreating a cursor from a computer and deleting Pinkie's mouth, rendering her unable to talk, much to her sadness.
"Now I want revenge! And I'll just keep casting spells 'til you agree. Well? What do you say?" Trixie teased. Twilight looked at her friends being tormented and decided enough was enough.
"Alright, Trixie. Let's duel!"
"Excellent," Trixie proclaimed before turning everyone to normal, albeit keeping Pinkie Pie mouthless.
"If I lose, I won't set hoof in Ponyville again. But if you lose, you're the one banished from this one-horse town!" Trixie proclaimed, much to the shock of the Mane 7.
Twilight simply prepared herself as do did Trixie.
The air was filled with tension...
Anomaly watched the duel with interest and slight worry. He had summoned an enchanted mirror to check on his friends and saw Trixie return with a vengeance. Anomaly got a bad feeling from the strange looking trinket holding Trixie's cloak.
He decided to watch for now.
However, he realized the time to remain in hiding was running out.
He would have to make an appearance to Ponyville sooner or later...
"May I be cowardly or just overly cautious?" Anomaly asked as he turned to face Iaiunus and Elder. The two looked at one another from their locations before facing Anomaly with puzzled expressions. The Lord of Crawlington responded with a strange humming sound.
Anomaly sighed as he looked at the mirror to see how the duel was doing. He clenched his fist to focus.
"DRAW!"
Trixie launched the first spell; she shot a red beam toward a nearby fruit cart and barrels, hurtling it to the sky. Some ponies ran way, although one tripped. She was saved by Twilight's levitation of the objects and setting them back down.
Twilight sighed in relief before she saw Trixie levitate several large pies and flung them at her. Twilight countered by summoning a Parasprite to devour them. It then burped out a new one, which Twilight made it along with the original vanish to avoid a calamity like last time.
However, Twilight looked to see a large snowfall land on her, which she melted.
She then took the initiative and launched her own spell on Trixie, giving her a large handlebar mustache, to the amusement of her friends.
Trixie huffed, but she summoned scissors to remove the mustache. She smiled. Time for her trump card.
She had Snips and Snails step forward before she blasted them with the familiar red blast. However, it then turned into a swirling mist before revealing a foal Snips and elderly Snails.
Twilight gasped in surprise.
"An age spell? But... how can you do an age spell? That's only for the highest level unicorns," she stated in shock.
Trixie smugly rubbed the amulet with her hoof before looking at it. "Well Twilight, give up?" she asked, confident that Twilight wouldn't be able to do so.
Twilight herself wasn't sure if she could do so, but she had to try.
For her friends.
She took a deep breath and began focusing as hard as she could, her horn leaking magic. The two former colts began levitating into the air to try and perform the age spell.
"Come on, Twilight, you can do it," Spike said, voicing the confidence her friends had in her.
Twilight continued to try, but all the practice with Fluttershy's animals had tuckered her out.
She began lowering on her legs as the two colts were being lowered.
"Who do you think you are, Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight's clenched eyes opened to hear the voice of Anomaly in her head.
"You're one of the Elements of Harmony. You're Celestia's student. You and your friends beat Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis and Sombra! Don't lost to this bragging cheater. Go and win this! Anomaly's voice echoed in her mind.
Twilight felt her magic coming back to her. She couldn't give up, not know. The mark she had of Anomaly began glowing under the applied makeup on her leg.
Her friends were with her. She had the magic of friendship on her side.
Snips and Snails began glowing once more and were lifted up. A familiar vortex appeared around them as Trixie looked appalled and Twilight's friends amazed. The vortex cleared, revealing the restored Snips and Snails.
Twilight was exhausted. She wiped the bead of sweat on her brow and smiled. Her legs were wobbling slightly and Spike went over to help her in case she fell. She did it. She performed one of the most difficult spells a unicorn could do it. When she remembered her friends, she felt her magic grow stronger...
Thanks to them, she is developing into the best unicorn she can be.
Trixie couldn't believe it. How? How?! HOW?!
She had the Alicorn Amulet. With it, her magic soared to that of the highest levels of a unicorn. And yet, her power was rivaled by that of Twilight Sparkle, who did out of raw talent.
It wasn't possible.
"It's NOT possible! How did you do that?! I have the Alicorn Amulet! My power should have surpassed yours!!" Trixie proclaimed, her calm and smug demeanor shattered by this turn of events.
"That explains it. How you were able to do the spells. You used the Alicorn Amulet to amplify your own magic. That also explains the different colored aura of magic," Twilight said as she finally took notice of said amulet and remembering Anomaly's words.
"You meant she used some weird looking piece of jewelry to boost her power?" Rainbow Dash asked, also surprised.
"Figured somepony like her couldn't beat somepony like Twilight in magic by herself. So she got some fancy ancient artifact to boost her power," Applejack voiced.
"That also explains the change in the color and strength of her magic," Rarity realized.
"Unfortunately, looks that even wasn't enough to beat Twilight. I knew you were awesome, Twilight, but this takes the cake. You're now one of the highest level of unicorns," Spike proclaimed as her friends came over and congratulated her.
Twilight smiled and blushed at the praise. She was happy that she accomplished this. She also needed to thank Anomaly for the little boost that was needed as well as restoring her magic back to normal levels.
Pinkie Pie was bouncing in joy, but muffled noise was only what came out. Twilight promptly restored her friend's mouth. "That means that Trixie is a big cheater and she loses the duel!" Pinkie pointed out.
The group of friends faced Trixie, only to recoil in shock. A permanent magic aura of a diabolical red shade surrounded Trixie.
"I WILL NOT LOSE TO YOU, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!" Trixie seethed from the mouth as the amulet was glowing and her eyes also shifted to red.
"GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT! THIS IS MY TOWN NOW!!!" she said before caving into maniacal laughter. Fluttershy shrunk back in fear as the others also backed up.
"I-I think that amulet is making her really upset," Fluttershy pointed out.
Trixie then released a shockwave of red magic, flinging Twilight out of town and heading toward the Everfree Forest.
"And to make sure nopony gets any funny ideas..." Trixie said, the expression on her face resembling an evil version of Twilight during the Want it, Need it incident. She then created a large glass dome over Ponyville. The others tried to rush out, but they were electrocuted upon hitting the barrier. The group of friends stared out, hoping Twilight was okay.
"What do we do now?" Fluttershy asked as Trixie began to take over the town.
Spike was thinking, until he remembered something.
"We call a friend," Spike said before he led them to the library.
The friends barricaded themselves in before Spike wrote a quick letter and sent it to the mightiest being they knew outside the Princesses.
Anomaly watched the duel and was angry. He was proud of Twilight's spell, but shocked at Trixie's breakdown by the Amulet and mad from Twilight being launched. Before he could do anything further, he received the letter from Spike, requesting for help with Twilight. It mentioned she flew in the direction of Everfree Forest.
Anomaly placed the letter away before he left Elder in charge of the stronghold.
He snapped his fingers and teleported to the Everfree.
He ended up at Zecora's hut, where the surprised zebra was pulling in an unconscious, but undamaged Twilight Sparkle into her hut.
"Goodness me, how did she end up in this condition? I fear it is a cause of great suspicion," Zecora asked Anomaly.
"I'll tell you inside," Anomaly said as he carried Twilight into a cot before he sat down and explained to Zecora. She was preparing something for Twilight for when she awoke.
It wasn't long before Twilight stirred from her slumber and Anomaly finished the story.
"This tale of woe upsets me so. No wonder you're dour, it's an abuse of power," Zecora said in reaction to this. Before more could be said, Twilight's moaning from the pain got their attention.
"No longer must you be a fretter, for now you are feeling better," Zecora said as she gave Twilight some tea to help her.
"I told her what happened. Good job on the age spell. However, I don't anyone expected for her to flip out, though I think that amulet has got something to do with it," Anomaly added as he gave Twilight a comforting smile.
"What do I do though? My friends and all of Ponyville are probably suffering under Trixie's hooves," Twilight said as she tried to calm down with the tea. "I mean, I was able to pull off the age spell, but Trixie is out of control right now and I don't think I can go horn to horn like how she is," she explained.
Zecora took a sip before she smiled at her. "If you train with me, so good you'll be, I'll show you the way to make sure she won't stay," Zecora stated.
"You'll train me in magic? But I barely beat her last time and now she's lost her marbles," Twilight said.
"When it comes to magic, it would be tragic if somepony licked me, especially Trixie," Zecora reassured her.
"You really think I can beat her?"
Zecora nodded and Anomaly simply smiled at her. She recalled his words from moments before.
"Okay, when do we start?"
"You think he got the letter?" Fluttershy whispered to Rainbow Dash.
"Beats me. Maybe the dome is stopping the message from being delivered," Rainbow Dash replied quietly.
"Silence! Continue, hanging those banners!" Trixie proclaimed to them. The two along with Cloud Kicker proceeded to hang the banners that bore her likeness, courtesy of the threatened Rarity. All of the town has become enslaved under her rule and dark clouds loomed inside the dome.
Trixie's sanity had been plunging since her defeat. Her mare was in disarray and she had a kooky look in her eye. She looked even zanier than Twilight did during the 'Want It, Need It,' fiasco.
"Hurry up with that throne!" she yelled at the Cakes, who were currently making a large elaborate throne of sweets.
"And you! How long until my apple sauce facial?! Trixie demanded from Applejack, who was currently preparing said apples.
"Forget it, Trixie! I ain't doing nothing until you bring Twilight back home," Applejack stated defiantly as she crossed her forelegs.
"Oh really?"
Trixie then aimed a dark red/black beam at the nearby bushel of apples. They glowed and a shimmering sound was produced before the apple was now turned to stone. She then aimed her horn at Apple Bloom who was currently scrubbing the place down along with her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Get the message?" she asked to a horrified Applejack as she lowered her horn.
"All right, I'll do it, I'll do it!" Applejack stated as she began pressing the apples quickly, in fear of what Trixie would do.
"The ol Trixie may have been a blowhard, but she wasn't evil or crazy like that fancy amulet is making her," Applejack told Rarity, both were shivering at the heinous threat Trixie had made.
"Dance for me!!"
Trixie began firing erratic beams to make Pinkie Pie dance and dodge too. "This isn't fun at all," Pinkie said, her poofy mane down at the cruelty of it all.
"Ponyville is being ruined and Trixie is growing crazier and crazier with that amulet on her," Rarity said as she was sewing. She winced at the needle poking, but continued, afraid of what Trixie would do to Sweetie Belle.
"Somepony has to help us," Rarity proclaimed quietly.
Anomaly surveyed the situation with a disturbed look on his face. Zecora was currently training Twilight. She was balancing on one leg while Twilight stood on the water and levitating orbs of water.
"No noise, no sound, no din, no fuss, must interfere with your focus. Unlearn what you have learned, only then can victory be earned," she recited before she did a double take on what Anomaly's mirror was showing.
Zecora was quite horrified by the fact Trixie would threaten the fillies. Twilight herself caught a glimpse which broke her concentration.
"Oh Celestia! We have to do something now!" Twilight proclaimed, beginning to hyperventilate from all this. Zecora began to calm down Twilight, though worry was clearly present on her face as well.
"How am I supposed to beat that amulet? My magic's not good enough!" Twilight said as she was trying to calm down.
Anomaly and Zecora were quiet and trying to think of what to do. "The situation has grown dire, and the time is down to the wire," Zecora mumbled before she paused and she reached an epiphany. She then faced the two with a smile.
"Twilight Sparkle, much work have you done. You learned all of my lessons; all but one. If Trixie's tricks have you in a fix, you must nix your magic and use the six."
"Nix your magic, use the six... Nix your magic, use the six! Use the six, that's it! Zecora, you're a genius!" Twilight said before she faced Anomaly and stated the plan. Anomaly smiled as he tapped his staff on the ground and summoned a familiar box.
Trixie had been hearing commotion on the outside of her barrier. She had Snips and Snails drag her bed over there. When they questioned the lack of wheels, she treated them with a nonsensical and conspiracy-ridden rant on how the 'wheel' was out to get her.
This had been going for half an hour.
Her tirade was interrupted by the loud tapping on the dome. She turned to see Twilight Sparkle and a zebra stand there. Surprising her most was the strange clothed bipedal being behind them.
"What's the matter, Twilight Sparkle? Not enjoying your exile?" she sneered at Twilight.
"I beat you, even when cheating and you threw me out," Twilight said, taking note on how the Amulet was burying itself into Trixie and the wild look that Trixie had on her.
"Nonsense! Now leave or else!" she said as her horn glowed.
"Okay, I had enough of this. Let us in," Anomaly said as he stepped up.
"What can you do?!" she said mockingly at Anomaly.
Anomaly smirked.
" This"
He tapped his staff on the dome.
A shockwave shattered it and the force blew the clouds away. Snips and Snails were blown into the bed while Trixie was blown out of it. All of Ponyville felt the power and they peeked from their locations to grasp the newcomer.
"W-who are you?"
"My name is Anomaly... and I am the Guardian of Chaos"
Ponyville was where Discord first appeared. His torment left many ponies afraid of him though besides all the madness occurring and making life difficult for them, they were not scarred as say the Crystal Ponies by Sombra.
Nevertheless, they were surprised to see a new spirit of Chaos, a benevolent one nonetheless.
Trixie herself heard about Discord, but remained unaware that Twilight was one of the ponies who defeated him.
Even with the Alicorn Amulet, the fear she felt over the vast magic he had showed. She then recovered and put on a façade.
"You are going to challenge me?" she demanded, the amulet and her eyes glowing.
"I would want to, yes. But I don't need to. However, you need to be defeated and more importantly, what is needed is the method," Anomaly said before Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity, Spike and Applejack went over to Twilight, checking that she was all right before thanking Zecora for helping her.
Twilight then opened the box and familiar trinkets also appeared on the mares.
The Elements of Harmony.
"True magic... it doesn't come from the amulet. It comes from the heart," Anomaly began before letting Twilight take over.
"You see, Trixie. I used to be afraid of you, but I realized it was the amulet I feared. To be honest, I am afraid for you. That amulet has turned you into a monster," Twilight explained before the six friends began floating.
"I was like you... I didn't have any friends and I was obsessed over magic and studying. Then I came to Ponyville. I learned about honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness and laughter. All those things make something wonderful... it makes friendship.
And that comes to the most important lesson I learned..."
The amulets began glowing and began syncing. In desperation, Trixie tried to shoot a beam, but an invisible aura absorbed the blast.
"Friendship is Magic!"
The girls' eyes glowed before releasing a large rainbow that soared through the air and crashed onto Trixie. Her red glow was over taken and she began shouting.
Red and black smoke emitted from the alicorn amulet before something seemed to have been burnt off. For an instant, the amulet was now changed from black and red, to gold and blue. No one took notice, although Anomaly stretched his hand to put it away in a box.
The rainbow then folds onto Ponyville and restores the town to normal. The friends all hug one another and a crowd cheers.
Trixie wakes up and looks at Twilight. "That's where real magic comes from, Trixie. From having friends," she says. Before anypony could say anything, a mint green pony pounces on Anomaly.
"Bipedal, hands like a monkey, primate-like structure... you're a human. You are real! I always knew!" Lyra said as she shook the self-conscious Anomaly.
"Yeah, that's me," he says nervously. Bon Bon stepped forward and looked amazed. She was well-aware of her friend's eccentric interest in the bipedal beings, but to see one here, flesh and blood, it was truly a surprise. "Lyra has been waiting ever so much to meet someone like you. And you came in to help save our town," Bon Bon stated. Soon, the crowd began to surrounding Anomaly, asking him questions, giving him thanks and so on. As the Mane 6 did their best to control the crowd as well as help set up for the delegates from Saddle Arabia, an ashamed and repentant Trixie slipped away.
"If there is anything we can do for you, we will be happy to assist in any way," Mayor Mare proclaimed to Anomaly. A short award ceremony was being held, mainly while everypony was prepping for the arrival of Celestia and her guests.
"Thank you, ma'am. And to everypony, I am well aware that you all suffered in one way or another from Discord. While he may never come back, there is always the chance he can. I will do my best to protect you and everypony else alongside my friends," Anomaly proclaimed to the other ponies, who cheered in response.
The entire party went smoothly. Twilight's show with the animals was even better and all of her friends helped pitch in. However, all were mildly surprised at the fireworks display. When they turned to Anomaly, he shrugged his shoulders though he looked to the direction and saw from an abandoned cottage a blue horn disappear.
When the festivities died down, the group decided to see. Inside, they saw a very shameful looking Trixie.
"Everypony... I wanted to say... I'm sorry for everything," she said as she was hiding behind cobweb-laden sofa. She was quite afraid. After all, her acts were nothing short of horrendous and even she felt vile with herself as she recalled everything she did under the amulet's control.
Beyond that, the rainbow wave also allowed her to see her past behavior for how it truly was and it compounded her shame more. She was by no means a bad mare, just a mare who made some bad decisions and allowed them to consume her.
"I was hoping... that someday... you could forgive me..." she said before she hid across the sofa. Before the girls could say anything, Anomaly shooed them out of the cottage. Trixie peaked and Anomaly gave her a comforting smile, enabling to smile for a split second on her own.
The group looked at one another in silence as they walked away from the lone cottage. The ponies wondered why their strange friend did this, but in Anomaly's mind, this was something they needed to mull over.
"What do we do about Trixie? I'm not sure if her staying in town is a good idea," Applejack said as they were walking. Even if they didn't have a grudge against her personally, the other townsponies might.
"Forgiving her would be a difficult task," Rarity worded carefully. Trixie was by no means a bad pony, but her nature rubbed on them the wrong way.
"She did make a really big mess of things. I mean, can we trust her?" Rainbow Dash asked in her hushed but blunt manner. Anomaly faced them.
"Well, everypony deserves a second chance. Not to mention that she was obviously not herself," Anomaly said.
"He's right... it was kinda like when Discord brainwashed you..." Spike pointed out. The girls shivered. The faint memories they had when they were not themselves were things they didn't like to ponder about.
"I think we should discuss this tomorrow. We should head to bed," Twilight proclaimed. "I'll walk all of you home," Anomaly offered and began doing so. He looked up at the night sky.
One by one, he dropped them off before he vanished back into the strange building he called home.
Anomaly walked past the enormous sleeping caterpillar. Anomaly then looked where the Changelings were held. Most were asleep. Others were looking at their reflections. Anomaly looked at them as he tried to figure them out. They appeared to have some form of individuality, but it appears that they did little outside of looking for their next meal.
Furthermore, Anomaly wondered what Chrysalis was attempting to go forth. If she suddenly became the most powerful being in Equestria, then what? The ponies would eventually die from starvation, dehydration, suffocation or loss of will to live. Furthermore, the sheer panic it would cause would cause the love to drop out. Even if they did succeed, the other nations would have learnt from this and no doubt try to avenge Equestria or at least end the Changeling race.
Based on how Chrysalis was surprised on beating Celestia, she really didn't seem to have a full grasp of the situation. No doubt she would try harder if she attempted once more, but she still seemed to lack the whole picture.
Anomaly wondered what to do with them.
Despite having power at his fingertips, he had no real clue how they functioned or if they had limit. Anomaly also noticed there was a lack of books outside of Equestria here in the libraries. In fact, not many ponies seem to know what laid beyond. Anomaly prepared to sleep.
There had to be something done with Trixie and he had no idea what was coming up next. However, Anomaly nodded off to enjoy the current peace. |
Anthrexia: A New Element | pre | "Tradition, I'd say." Short and simple. But, of course, she wasn't going for that.
"You have a tradition based on a nudity taboo? That seems a little strange..."
"Well, to elaborate, we lost our fur, so we put on clothes, and now we feel naked when we take them off."
"Why'd you lose your fur?"
"You ask a lot of questions. The answer is: No idea. It was a long time ago. Evolution."
"Pricess Celestia said that questions are a sign of an active mind."
"Well, congratu-fucking-lations to her. Me? I'm still hungover. So please, hold your questions until after the
demonstration." I sweeped my arm dramatically before jumping in the air, grabbing the hems of my pants, yanking them
off, then landing on my feet with them in hand. I'd perfected this trick in high school. Apparently, Sparky found it impressive, she started clopping clapping her hooves, and laughing. I bowed sarcastically and dropped my pants to the ground. Then again, there isn't much I don't do sarcastically.
"Ta-da. I am now indecent." She finished clopping clapping and looked at me expectantly. I guess holding true to her 'Hold questions until after' promise.
. . .
Pinkamena Diane Pie was sitting in her room with the lights off, a manic grin on her face as she gazed lovingly at her tools. She picked one of them up, a long shiny number that was sure to do some damage. She licked the sweet, salty nectar off of it as she contemplated the large gynecologists table she had installed. She didn't know who, or what this 'John' thing was, but she did know one thing:
They were going to have alot of fun together.
. . .
A sudden shiver ran down my spine.
"What? Are you cold? I know a few spells that could-"
"No, no... I just had a weird chill there..."
"O...kay... Well, back to business." With her horn, she levitated a notebook with a similar emblem to her ass-
tattoo. Actually, the same emblem.
"That custom? It matches the mark on your butt." I gestured between the notebook and said mark.
"It's called a cutie mark, and yes it is! I've been saving it for a special occasion!" She flipped it open.
"I'm flattered." I said, toning down my sarcasm till it almost sounded genuine. She just floated a pencil to the
paper and looked at me expectantly.
"What, you want I should strike a pose?" I struck a ridiculuously lewd pose. "I want you to draw me, Twilight.
Draw me like one of your French mares."
The sudden movement caused my penis to start wagging back and forth, which caused her eyes to follow it,
which was kind of funny. Until she opened her mouth again.
"Does it always... hang like that?"
"Yep."
"I can kind of see why you wear clothes all the time, now. Just... stand like you normally would, I guess."
I complied. She began to draw. Now, I would say that during these minutes I contemplated how I got here and
what I was going to do now. But then I would be lying. Ever since I dropped out of college, I'd taken my life one day at a
time. It made it easier to dodge the curveballs sent my way by God or Morgan Freeman or whoever was in charge. Or,
maybe now it was this Celestia chick. Whatever. So, basically I just stood there with a somber expression until she
finished up the sketch.
"There, that goes in the archives... Now, I'll need one of you clothed to send to the princess." She slid the
notebook onto a small secluded shelf, possibly her personal works.
"Why didn't you do that before I got naked?" She blushed when I asked.
"I...I guess I was just excited."
"..."
"..."
"...Sweet Jesus, that sounded wrong." I began putting my clothes back on. I gestured to the bookcase. "Can I
see the sketch?"
I'd already managed to get my pants zipped and buttoned by the time she answered.
"I guess..." She seemed reluctant.
She floated the notebook over and grabbed it out of the air. The sketch was crazy accurate. It even had parts labeled. I had to correct her on a few things, though.
I tossed the notebook back to her, then pointed at my blonde hair. "Hair, not mane." I pointed at my
nose. "Nose, not snout."
She raised an eyebrow as she made use of the eraser. "So, you call your manes hair? Your hair, would then be
made of hair?"
"I heard you like hair."
"What?"
I slipped back into my shirt. "Nothing. Is my dick really that big, or did you 'Enlarge to show detail'?"
"I tried to be as accurate as possible. Is it normally smaller? I'd guess you're about average for a stallion." Her
voice dropped as her face fell. "Not that I would know."
She's comparing my penis size to that of a horses. I should be flattered. "Yeah, I heard what the pink one said."
She turned red again. She's embarassed. I sit down in a chair to tie my shoes. My mouth commits insubordination.
"Listen, Sparky. I take it you're embarassed about being a virgin. Don't be. I lost mine to some fucking slut who
dumped me when I stopped buying shit for her. And if you don't count anal, I lost it to some bitch who left me when I
wanted to get serious. Hang on to your cherry, Little Girl, and save it for someone who'll pop it gently."
. . .
Brain: SOULDAMMIT MOUTH, I'LL HAVE YOU COURT-MARTIALED!
Mouth: Is there a problem, Brain?
Brain: YES! I DON'T CARE IS THE PROBLEM!
Mouth: If you don't care, why is it a problem?
Brain: But I... It... You... The horse... Fuck you.
Mouth: Eat a dick.
Brain: You eat a dick, you're the mouth.
. . .
I finished tying my shoes. "Not that it's any of my business."
. . .
Mouth: Better?
Brain: A little. You're still a dick, though.
Mouth: No, Dick is a dick.
Dick: You rang?
. . .
You ever just get a boner for no reason at all? She shook her head, still looking at the ground. "It's not that. It's just that I've never... gotten to that point with anypony... I've never even had a coltfriend before..."
. . .
Brain: Don't do it... You're just digging a hole, bro... DON'T YOU FUCKING DO IT!
. . .
"From where I'm sitting, you seem like a nice girl. Dateable. That just means you need to take the initiative.
Make the first move once in a while. The guys probably think you're shy, or they're being polite. That's how it was on
Earth."
. . .
Brain: FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
Mouth: Lolumad?
Heart: Now give her a hug! Everybody likes hugs!
Brain and Mouth: STFU!
. . .
She brightened somewhat. "You... You think I'm dateable?"
. . .
Mouth: (About to reply, closes before he can do any more damage.)
Brain: Fuck. Fuck! FUCK! Why'd you ask? Why'd you even say anything?
Mouth: I will admit, not what I expected.
Dick: I'm going to hide now. Good luck, page me when you need me.
Heart: I swear to Soul, if you idiots break this innocent creatures little heart, we will feel the guilt until our dying
day.
Brain: (Sigh) Fine. Mouth, damage control.
. . .
"Sure... You look... nice..."
. . .
Brain: You... are a fucking idiot. Words cannot describe my hatred for you in this instant.
. . .
Sparky giggled and began drawing again. I struck a slightly thoughtful pose in the chair. This time I was actually
thinking.
How did this shit get so awkward? It's not that they're ugly, they're a different species. I can understand in an aesthetic manner, but... no. Now I'm trying to console one and give it relationship advice, when literally not one of my relationships has turned out. Why the fuck am I here? What the fuck is going on? If it's ten times better than the leading brand, WHY THE FUCK ISN'T IT THE LEADING BRAND?
"Twilight, I'm going to go outside for some fresh air." I stood up and left without waiting for an answer. I unlocked
the door and opened it, stepping onto the welcome mat, closing it behind me. Why do the doors have handles?
No, if you value your sanity, do not think those thoughts.
. . .
Twilight sketched the creature, trying her best to get his features correct. It was unlike drawing a pony in almost every way, and for some reason, that made it fun. Many ponies would have just taken a photo of him, but not her. A sketch was much more personal. Just as she was putting the finishing touches on his clothes, he stood and said he was going to go outside. He was already gone before she could protest. She drew the button of his 'pants' and surveyed her work. It was fairly accurate, though the eyes were a bit too big.
She began to write a letter. Spike was out running errands, so she wielded the quill and parchment on her own.
Taking them in her magic, she began to write.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I am writing this letter to bring to your attention an anomaly. As I am certain you are aware of, the fact that Ponyville is on the edge of the Everfree Forest, and as a result, we see quite a few strange things out here, the most
of which, a creature that calls himself a 'Human'. Enclosed is a sketch I drew of this creature. His name is John. I will be researching him as much as possible while he is here. Please respond with your thoughts.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
She rolled the note into a scroll and tucked it away. She would give it to Spike to send when they went to lunch.
Speaking of lunch, she had to fetch the guest of honor. With her magic, she opened the front door and called to
him. "John?"
. . .
I had become slightly detached. But I had put down a few ground rules.
1: Thou shalt not fuck cartoon horses.
2: Thou shalt not make the cartoon horses cry.
3: Thou shalt acquire undergarments.
4: Thou shalt not ask questions.
5: Thou shalt acquire ALCOHOL!
Short, simple, easy to remember. Five simple rules to keep me suave, sane, and sappy. I just finished
memorizing the list when I heard a certain bookish mini-horse call my name hesitantly. "John?"
"Yah?" I called back over my shoulder without turning around.
"Um... We're supposed to meet Spike and Nurse Redheart at The Hay Barn in a few minutes, so..." I heard her
walk up behind me.
I sighed heavily. "Alright, then. Allon-sy, Madamoiselle." |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And A Few Queries Are Made | "How long until he gets here?"
"I don't know Spike, he should have been here by now. Oh, I hope nothing happened to him..." Nurse Redheart fussed. The young dragon and she were currently biding time at a table in the Hay Barn, receiving pointed looks from one of the waiters every few minutes.
Finally, Redheart's crowd-scanning paid off. "There he is, Spike!"
She pointed a hoof down Mane Street, and sure enough ,the strange biped could be seen, weaving through the market-day crowd with what appeared to be a lavender sack of potatoes slung over his back, drawing much more attention than he had this morning.
Indeed, several ponies screamed and fled.
Setting the lavender deadweight down in the chair beside him, the creature took a seat in the last available spot, filling the tables four chairs.
"Whatsup-whatsup, Miss Tasty." he said, an obvious greeting. He grinned his sharp teeth, obviously in a better mood than he was this morning. However, his smile quickly vanished beneath a curtain of green fire.
"Spike! What are you doing!?" The dragon said nothing, just continued spitting flames at their guest, who raised his arms to protest his face, falling backward in his chair. Spike jumped up on the table, spraying John until his cheeks turned deep purple and he paused to take a breath. Redheart knocked him lightly off the table with a hoof, careful not to hit him too hard, before tending to the human. Amazingly, he appeared unscathed, his body outlined by charred wood, but without even a speck of soot on his jacket.
"John, are you alright?"
"Woah. That was weird." He had apparently noticed his lack of being-on-fire as well. He stood and examined his still-glowing outline on the floor. Then, he did the unthinkable. He simply shrugged, righted his chair, and sat back down.
"Fire-breathing iguana. Now I've seen everything. Also, 'Fire-Breathing Iguana' sounds like a good name for a band." Only now did he seem to notice that the entire resturant seemed to be staring at him. He frowned. "Take a fucking picture, it'll last longer."
One of the ponies in the restaurant actually pulled a camera out of nowhere and snapped a photo of the of the biped. John sighed and grabbed a menu.
Spike, who had finally managed to claw his way back onto the table, breathed smoke from his nostrils as he demanded, "What did you do to Twilight, you..." He paused and tried to think of the worst insult he knew. "You JERK!"
John sighed again, and set his menu down. "The iguana talks. I stand corrected, I haven't seen everything."
He answered Spike's question. "I didn't DO anything to her. I just told her I was an alien, and she said something along the lines of, 'Holy shit, John, you're an alien? That is so cool, that I might lose consciousness.' and then she passed out."
The nurse looked at him concernedly. "Now why would you tell her a silly thing like that?"
"Because it's true. Here." He pulled out that strange black device he always carried with him from his pocket, holding it up for her to see.
"Have you ever seen anything like this? Anything like me?" He tapped at the device and it began to glow. He tapped it a few more times before showing her its face. A mottled blue, green, brown and white sphere turned slowly on an axis, strangely-shaped continents spinning endlessly in a sea of stars.
"This is my planet. We called it Earth. It's in the Sol system, Milky Way Galaxy. Heard of it? No? Didn't think so."
. . .
Honestly, it was making me a little homesick. I've haven't even been here for twenty-four hours and I already miss that mudball.
I swallowed the pain and locked it in that special chest where I keep all of my real emotions. I turned the phone off and tucked it back in my pocket, explaining further.
"I showed Sparky the same thing, she made a couple weird noises, then keeled over."
Honestly, the only thing I was currently sure of was that I wasn't on Earth anymore. Nothing seemed right here. Not only was it the fact that I saw mini-horses with wings pushing clouds around (including the gay blue one I saw from the show) That kind of shit just plain doesn't happen on Earth. But I had a feeling in my gut that this was not the planet I was born on. It's difficult to describe.
I sighed. "But don't worry, I'll show you a trick I learned from my friend Dutchy." I dipped my fingers in my water glass. I then flicked the water at Sparky's unconscious face.
"Excito." Her eyes flicked open with a gasp. She was about to start yapping again, but I covered her mouth with my own wet palm. "Before you say anything, I just want to remind you that we haven't eaten lunch yet, and questions can always be answered later."
She nodded and I removed my hand. She took a deep breath. "Okay. Lets eat, then."
"Coolio." I picked up my menu again, ignoring the glares from Fire-Iguana. Flipping through it a few times, I looked toward the kitchen. "Is this some sort of vegan restaurant?"
"What do you mean, John?" Red inquired from behind her menu.
"There's no dairy or meat products on this menu. There isn't even any eggs or fish."
"Dairy or... Meat products?"
"What the hell are Hay Fries?"
"Hold on, 'meat' as in..." I heard her swallow loudly before finishing in a tiny voice: "Flesh?"
"Um, yeah, what else would it mean?" I lowered my menu to look her in the eyes. They were terrified. "Though I guess it makes sense, now that I think about it. You're all herbivores."
"And you're not?" Spyro finally joined in the conversation. "Celestia said I'm a minerovore."
"Nope, omnivore. You name it, I'll eat it." I grinned, baring my teeth. "You don't get pearly whites like these babies from crunching on carrots. Speaking of which, you guys have cheese curds here? I fucking LOVE cheese curds!"
Red was really pale, which was weird, not only because her coat was white, but because she's a nurse, wouldn't she deal with blood and guts all the time?
"Besides, I don't eat stuff that talks, so you don't need to worry."
A waiter approached the table. "Miss Sparkle, I'm afraid you're going to have to take the creature outside, it's disturbing our other patrons."
I piped up before Sparky could answer. "If the other patrons are disturbed, they can rightly piss off. Now if you're through insulting me, I'll have the fried cheese curds"
The waiter seemed to be surprised that I could talk. I glared at him and he wrote my order down, and as he took the others orders.
Sparks ordered first. "I'll have a daisy sandwich."
Barney Junior next. "I'll have an order of hay fries."
And finally, Red. "Just a salad for me, thank you."
The waiter wrote all this down, cast me a fleeting, fearful glance, and cantered away. I turned to Red. "Is everyone here but you an asshole?"
"An... asshole?"
"I'd explain, but I don't think it proper table conversation. It's a term for someone who's not very pleasant." I'd decided to start defining things in childs terms, because of their naivety.
There was an awkward silence. I leaned back in my chair and put my hands behind my head, staring to the open sky. I saw a bird fly above me, green and gold. I'd never seen one like that before. I felt something spark inside me, like a little animal stirring back to life. It took me a second to put a name to it, and when I did, I was surprised at the results.
It was my curiosity, long dead to the world.
"Alright, let's play a game, to make this fair; I ask a question and get an answer, And in return, you ask a question and get one. That way, everyone learns, and I don't get overwhelmed."
Sparkles seemed a little taken aback at this. She put her head in her hooves and thought of a good one. "You're really an alien?" I guess that's all she could think of.
"I think so. Nothing I've seen here really makes me think 'home', and if the closest thing you have to human here is the beast from the labyrinth, I get the weird feeling I'm a fish out of water. Scratch that, a fish in space. On fire. With tits, while I'm at it." I slapped my forehead suddenly. "Aw, FUCK. If I'm the only human here, where am I gonna find TITS?"
"Um, is that your question?"
"No." I sighed and thought for a second, before pointing at the green and gold songbird, who had landed in the decorative hedges that bordered the restaurant. "What kind of bird is that?"
Once again, she seemed taken aback, but answered me nonetheless. "I believe that's a Green Jay, Veridicitta cristata. It subsists mainly on seeds, nuts, and insects, and migrates into the northern-"
"Green Jay? And since he's a bird, he'd be a Green Jay Pecker. I think I'll call him Aaron Rodgers." I then chuckled quietly to myself. To my surprise the bird flitted off its perch in the hedge and alighted on my pointed finger. However, my new equine acquaintances seemed more confused by my cheesehead humor than by the birds behavior.
"Holy shit," I said quietly. It just sat there for a moment, cocking its head to one side before hopping up onto my head. "What do I look like, Saint Francis?"
It chittered a few times before settling down in my hair like a nest. It didn't seem to plan on moving soon.
Sparkly McGee seemed uncertain. "Can I ask a question, now?"
"Sure, ask away." I replied, careful not to move my head too much.
"How did you get here?"
How did I get here? For the first time today I began racking my brain for details. They came back in little chunks, like someone had been rummaging around in my head and didn't do a very good job of cleaning up.
I was at the bar...
More of a pub, really...
Dutchy was there...
He was singing a song, one of those classics Dad always liked...
Now, John at the bar is a friend of mine...
Lana was there, too...
She was sucking some guys dick in the mens room...
She thought I didn't notice her sneaking away...
I always do...
Then, I saw the girl with the red eyes...
Probably contacts...
I was working the bar and she didn't order a drink...
She ordered me...
Two can play at that game, Lana...
As I led her up to my room, I saw Dutchy being dragged away as well...
By some black-haired beauty in a leather singlet...
He always was into some pretty kinky shit...
Speaking of kinky shit, I think my new girlfriend has a forked tongue...
She hurls me onto Dutchy's bed...
She's no longer giving me bedroom eyes, her eyes are instead full of...
OWOWOWOWOWHOLYFUCKICANFEELMYFUCKINGMINDTEARING
. . .
Suddenly John clutched at his head and began grunting loudly. His chair scooted backward as his legs kicked involuntarily. His eyes shot open and there was an ancient, dark light in them. His grunts became words:
"Red eyes, dreaded lies, red balloons in sulfur skies," He growled. Twilight quickly pulled out a quill and notepad, scrawling everything he was saying. Other than that, everyone at the table was too shocked to move.
"A cosmic clown, the chaos crown, he turned this world upside down." He coughed wetly before continuing, his hands curled into claws.
"But, he's not done, with his fun. Nay, his devilish tricks have just begun." The claws that were his hands once again flew to his face.
"For his childish game, he'll take the blame; The Chosen One cannot be tamed!" John flew into a coughing fit, grabbing a napkin and hacking into it. All of this had been rather quiet, his chair scooting back being the loudest part. Those in the restaurant who had noticed were pointedly ignoring him.
He continued his fit for a good minute before removing the napkin. It came away black and sticky. He took one look at it and said simply "Well, thats not good."
Stuffing the stained napkin into a pocket, he continued as if nothing had happened. "Sorry, Sparky. I can't... It's not there anymore. All I remember is... AHHFUCK!" He clutched his head again. The next part came out as a whisper:
"Red eyes..." He winced "The goddamned bitch had red eyes..."
He let out a tense breath and steel entered his gaze. "Someones been fucking around in my head. And I intend to find out who."
And then there was another awkward silence.
"Um..."
Spike broke it by turning to Twilight. "What just happened? Was that normal?"
The nurse jumped up, making flustered noises, and began taking the humans temperature, prying his jaws open to look down his throat, basically, everything but telling him to turn his head and cough. Over all this, John heard Twilights head hit the table with a soft thunk as she murmured, "He's TOO weird. I'll never understand him."
. . .
The nugget of wisdom was out before I could stop it.
"My dad always said, 'If you bite off more than you can chew, shove some in your cheek for later." Fuck.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"If a problem is too big, take it a little bit at a time." I replied numbly, having asked the same question eight years ago.
We'd completely forgotten our game, I was too distressed, she was too excited.
"What's your family like?"
Don't cry. Don't cry, you fucking pussy. I answered her in a soft monotone. "I have a brother named Michael, he's four years younger than me. Dutchy is like the big brother I never had, and his sisters might as well be my sisters, too."
"What about your parents?" She asked it so nonchalantly, not knowing how sharply she was twisting the knife in my heart.
"My parents are dead. They were murdered five years ago."
I hastily wiped a bit of moisture that had been gathering in my tear duct.
Red stopped checking my pulse. "Ohh, poor little guy." She wrapped me in a tight hug.
"Red, please stop hugging me." I shifted, trying to squirm out of her grip. Twilights eyes were sad, too.
"That's horrible. What happened?" My hands clenched into fists on the edge of the table.
"Some cunthole fucking cultist... tried to make it look like a goddamn accident... Fuck it, I don't wanna talk about this anymore. Ask me something else." Like I said, I forgot whose turn it was.
"Um, what was that poem you were reciting earlier?" She seemed to be trying to change the subject.
Poem... "Poem?" I have no memory of this poem.
She gestured to a page of paper on the table. I slid it over and read it.
Red eyes, dreaded lies, red balloons in sulfur skies
A cosmic clown, the chaos crown, he turned this world upside down
But, he's not done, with his fun. Nay, his devilish tricks have just begun
For his childish game, he'll take the blame; the chosen one cannot be tamed
"When did I say all this?"
Band Name answered me. "You don't remember? It was like, two minutes ago."
Red shuddered in her embrace, nuzzling my shoulder. "I thought you were having a seizure... and then you started coughing..."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the stained napkin, studying the strange black fluid. It smelled... disgusting. A bitter, oily scent that made me immediately think THIS STUFF IS BAD AND WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BAD.
"So, I wake up in the magical land of talking ponies, get accused of sexual assault and get a concussion, I can't remember anything from last night, and if I try to, I get a migraine and start speaking in rhyme. Then I start coughing up black shit and forget what I said. According to the poem, there's someone with red eyes who tells lies, fucked the world up, and is now trying to screw with me. And of course, the chosen one gets involved at some point."
Spark was mumbling under her breath. "Red eyes... dreaded lies... chaos crown... If I didn't know any better, I'd say that sounded like Discord. But he was turned back into stone a couple weeks ago."
"I don't know who that is, but I'm assuming they're a cocksqueeze." I noticed the waiter approaching with our food. "Bottom line, shit's fucked, and it's not entirely my fault." |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And Then I Promptly Fled | The meal really wasn't that bad. My cheese curds tasted kinda weird, but I guess I'd get used to it. Would I have to get used to it?
How long am I gonna be here?
Whatever. Might as well have fun while I am. ...
Oh, shit, Red's choking.
"Oh, no you don't, I owe you money." I stood and moved behind her chair, placing a fist under her diaphragm, and my other hand over that. I heaved her upward and Red made a strangled noise.
"John, what are you doing?!? You're hurting her!" Twilight stood as well and her horn started glowing. It fizzled out and her eyes widened.
"Come on, Red, don't be that way. If you die, I'll feel bad." I gave another heave and finally, the half-chewed cherry tomato rolled lazily out of her mouth and back onto her plate. She coughed once and took a big gulp of her water. I ran a hand through my hair and a smile came to my face.
"Whoo, Jesus. You had me worried, sister. Next time you want to swallow something, chew it first." Red seemed to recover, and before I knew it, she had her hooves around my neck and was peppering my face with kisses.
"Oh, John! You saved my life!" She managed to say in between pecks.
"It's... It's fine, really... No big deal... Seriously, cut it out." I gently pushed her away. "I'm just glad you're okay."
It was only then that I noticed something was wrong with Twilight. She was just staring at me, mouth open, eyes wide.
"Um... Twi? You okay?" She snapped out of it, shaking her head.
"What are you?" She said in a whisper.
"I'm a human, Twilight. We've discussed this." I knelt down and looked into her eyes, checking for dilation. "Are you okay?"
Suddenly, her horn glowed and she fired a bolt of magic directly into my face, blinding me. I blinked a few times to adjust and when I could see again, I noticed Twilight's eyebrows were furrowed and she had a manic gleam in her eye.
"What are you?" She repeated, louder this time. Her eyes began to glow white and she fired another, stronger blast. Again, all I felt was a light puff of air, though now I heard a distinct crackling noise, like a drop of water flicked onto a hot pan.
I looked behind me and saw a comically John-shaped outline charred onto the hedges that made up the walls of the open-air restaurant. Great, now we're causing collateral damage. I'm not paying for that. Twilight began charging another spell, her horn throwing off sparks.
"WHAT ARE YOU!?!" She screamed. If she lets that loose, she'll blow the whole place apart! I needed to do something.
On instinct, I reached out and wrapped my hand around her stubby little horn. The charged magic dissipated at my touch and Twilight gasped.
"Sparky? Calm. The fuck. Down."
"John...L-let go of my... Hah-horn!"
"Fine, but only if you calm down, and quit trying to kill me. Not only is it not working, but its annoying." I stopped cupping her horn and noticed that her face was flushed. I disregarded this and continued. "Now, take a deep breath and tell me what's the matter."
She did exactly that; "John... You're... I don't know how, but somehow, none of the spells I've been casting on you have been working. At first I thought it was my fault, but now I'm thinking... John, I think magic might not work on you."
To this startling revelation, I responded by waving my hands halfheartedly and going, "Ooooh."
Red, whose face was also slightly red, turned to me. "John, you don't understand, but this is a big thing. Magic isn't something you can just NOT be affected by. It's like..."
"Gravity?" I guessed.
"Exactly! It's a universal force, like gravity."
"It makes sense Twilight would be upset, considering you just basically defied one of the Laws of Magic. That doesn't give you the right to touch her like that, though." Spike looked a little perturbed, to be honest.
"I don't know why everyone's so embarrassed, I just grabbed her horn. It's not like its an erogenous zone or something." I mean, that'd be ridiculous. "Right?"
Their silence was the only answer I needed.
"Uhm... Sorry, Sparks. I didn't know." The question is, did I just do the equivalent of grabbing her tits or grabbing her dick? Nevermind, I'd rather not think about it.
Apparently all of this had caused quite a commotion, because our waiter decided to hassle us again. I didn't notice him until I felt him tugging on the hem of my pants leg.
"Is there a problem, Garcon? Because I'm kind of busy."
"Monsieur, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to pay for your meal and leave."
"Why." It wasn't a question, but a prompt.
"I think you know why, sir. You've done nothing but disturb the other patrons since you arrived here. The ponies came here to enjoy good food, not be bothered by... you." Twilight and Red tried to interrupt, but I held up a hand to stop them.
"Really? Well, maybe it's not the patrons who are disturbed, but you, friend. I'd like to speak to the manager, your xenophobic behaviour has offended me, and were I not currently on a fine outing with two upstanding ladies, I would challenge you to a duel."
The waiter looked taken aback, for a moment, but apparently decided it would be easier to let the manager deal with me. He went into the kitchen and soon returned with a green unicorn stallion in a brown vest and fedora. His ass-tat appeared to be a bowl of mashed potatoes.
"What seems to be the matter, Maitre Dee?" He asked in a pleasant Irish brogue as he looked me over with a raised eyebrow. I crossed my arms as Dee explained.
"Ever since this creature got here, he's been causing a commotion and distracting our other patrons from their food. In addition, he seems to have damaged the floors and hedges. several of our customers complained of him acting lewdly to Miss Sparkle, so I asked him to leave and he was quite rude to me."
"In my own defense, the floors and hedge were not my fault."
The green pony looked from me to Dee and back again. He cantered over to the mark on the floor and rubbed it with a hoof. "Ah, nuttin' but a little soot, is all. I'll have Bussy clean it up later. As for the hedges, they needed trimmin' anyways, so no harm done."
"But-But Cole! He was fondling Miss Sparkle right in the middle of the restaurant!"
"So what? What's a little rub on the horn once in awhile between friends? Oy know for a fact what you and Bussy do in the storeroom after ya close up."
"But... Hey!"
"You need to loosen up, Maitre. I swear, your flank is so tight that if you farted, only diamond dogs would be able to hear it." He turned to me and offered a hoof, which I gratuitously shook. "Colcannon's the name, but me friends call me Cole. Yeh'll have ta forgive Maitre Dee. He's a Canterlot boy, bit too big on fancy 'etiquette' and a bit too small on fun, but he's a darn fine waiter."
"John Salem. Nice to meet you, Cole. You run a nice establishment here."
"Yes, Oy'm mighty proud of 'er. Tell ya what, if yer a drinkin man, stop by later tonight and ya might like 'er even better."
Alcohol? "I just might do that, Cole."
"Well, if that's it, then Oy won't keep yeh any longer. Dee, yeh can take yer break, now, if yeh want." And with that, he disappeared back into the kitchen.
Dee sighed. "Cole is right, I do need to loosen up. I keep forgetting that I came to this small town to relax. For what it's worth, Mr. Salem, I apologise." Then he left, too.
"Well, that worked out nicely." I reached into my wallet and pulled out a twenty and a few dollars tip, before I noticed Twilight and Red using what appeared to be gold coins. "Aw, shit, I just realized none of my money's going to work here!"
"Is that what that green paper is? Human money?" Twilight seemed a little too excited over something as mundane as a twenty-dollar bill. "How does you banking system work?"
"Probably the same as yours, considering. I'll tell you all about it later, but right now I have to worry about the meal I just ate that I can't pay for." A problem that was quickly solved when Red pulled out a few more coins and set them on the table. "Thanks, Red."
"It's the least I can do, considering you saved my life. Or did you forget?" Honestly, in all of the commotion, I had.
"Like I said, it was no big deal. And you can't tell me that ponies never invented the Heimlich Maneuver." Again, their silence was the only answer I needed.
"Well, that's just plain unsafe. How do you save somebody who's choking?"
Twilight answered me, of course. "Generally, there's a unicorn around who can remove the blockage. Sometimes this can be difficult, though, as telekinesis is mainly sight-based."
"Interesting, and not entirely irrelevant." I checked my watch, which, despite this being an entirely new world, still appeared to be on time. "However, it's almost noon now, so..."
"Noon!? Spike! We still have to pick up the cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner!" And then the mare known as Twilight galloped out the door, a little purple lizard literally on her tail.
Red glanced at my watch, then gave me a disapproving look. "It's only half-past eleven."
"What can I say? I wanted to get rid of her before she started blasting again."
. . .
"C'mon, Spike, if we don't pick up the cupcakes on time, the Cakes might give them to another customer, and then we'll have to wait for another batch, and then we'll be late for the picnic, and then-"
"Uh, Twilight?" Spike interrupted, looking at the clock tower. "You do realize it's only, like, eleven-thirty? John needs to reset his watch."
Twilight was relieved beyond words. "Oh, thank Celestia! Who knows what would have happened if we'd been late! Do you still have the list?"
Spike once again pulled out the impossibly long checklist. "Yeah."
Twilight started walking again, though at a more leisurely pace. "Alright. How are we doing, Spike?"
"Let's see... We've already dropped off your cape at the cleaners, returned the blackboard you borrowed from Cheerilee, ordered new parchment and quills from the stationary shop-"
"Hmm. We just placed an order for those a few days ago."
Spike looked back at the trail of paper behind them. "I can't imagine why we go through so many of them."
"Sounds like we're ahead of schedule! What's next?"
Spike checked the list again. "Cupcakes!"
"Oh, yeah! How could I have forgotten?"
. . .
"You know what, Red? I'm in a really fuckin' good mood." The prospect of alcohol combined with the fact that my hangover was all but gone had me walking on sunshine. We were just walking down the street, enjoying said sunshine. My unfriendly appearance seemed to keep curious souls away, and according to Twilight, I really wasn't the strangest thing to happen to Ponyville.
"Well, that's wonderful, John."
"Red, this is gonna sound weird, but I actually feel a little lighter. As in, like, weight."
"But you just ate!"
"I know, that's why it sounded weird. Come to think about it, it felt like this ever since I woke up this morning. I think Equestria might have lower gravity than Earth."
"Equestria is the country, John. The planet is called Eden."
"Good to know. Maybe I'll-" I was interrupted by a loud crashing in a nearby shop and a piercing cry. I acted on instinct.
"John! Where are you going?"
"Damsel in distress!" I called over my shoulder. Wasting no time, I ran in the general direction of the source of the noise and made it to the door of the building in record time. The screech once again pierced the air.
"Horrible, HORRIBLE!"
With a cry of "Hoowah!" I nearly kicked the door off its hinges. I was about to draw my gun when I realised I didn't carry one anymore. Damn, that would've looked cool as shit. I settled for scanning the room and calling out, "Is everything all right?"
"No! I need help right this instant!" Well, at least she's direct.
The place looked like a mess. There was fabric and ribbons strewn everywhere.
I looked around a pile of fabric to see a little white unicorn laying on a red sofa, looking faint. Her ass-tat was three gemstones and she seemed vaguely familiar
"You alright?
"HOLY MOTHER OF-" She fell off her couch and onto the floor at the sight of me.
"Easy there, Drama Queen, I'm here to help. What's the problem?"
Though she seemed taken aback, whatever her dilemma was seemed more important. "Well, I should think that would be obvious. Look at the state of this place!"
That's it? "Is that it?"
"What do you mean, 'That's it?' If somepony walks in and sees the state of this place, imagine what they'll think of me! My reputation would be ruined!"
"...I think I'm gonna leave now."
"Wait! You can't expect a dainty little filly like me to clean this whole boutique all by myself, can you?" She fluttered her eyelashes at me.
"..."
"I'll make it worth your while."
"Fine, but only 'cause I'm a nice guy." I picked up a roll of fabric.
. . .
"That should be fine, John. Can't let it get too clean. Thank you for being so helpful." There was still a few items scattered about, but it was way better than before. Not that Rare had been any help. As soon as Red caught up with me, they just set themselves up on the couch and gossiped while I cleaned the place.
"Well, if that's really it, then I'll get going."
"Oh, nonsense. Come have some tea with us!" Red and Rare seemed to be pretty good friends, considering. Go figure. Red had explained my whole backstory and everything to her, and judging by the enthusiasm she was receiving the information, it would be all over the village by sundown.
"I really should get going. New world to explore, and all that." The pair of mares gave me one look and I changed my mind. "Fine, but only for a few minutes."
I'd barely pulled up a chair when Rarity slid a pile of gold coins across the table to me. "For your trouble." She explained with a wink. I scooped them up and tucked them in one of my many pockets, nodding.
"So, tell me, John, how are you liking Eden so far?"
"It's definitely different. It's like... Every time I see something that reminds me of home, something else happens to remind me I'm not there." They seemed a little disappointed by my answer. To my own surprise, I felt the need to make them feel better.
"But it's definitely not the worst place I've ever been. I got off to a rocky start, but I can't help but think my stay here will be a pleasant one."
"Well, that's good to hear."
. . .
"See ya, Rare!"
"Goodbye, Rarity! Thank you for the tea!"
The mare Rarity waved to us from the steps of her shop. I couldn't help but smile, having just met yet another person whose presence I could stand. Maybe being here wouldn't TOTALLY suck ass. I noticed Twilight trotting down the street, toward us. I quickly dragged Red in the opposite direction, hoping she hadn't noticed me.
I can practically hear all of those butthurt... brownies? Bronies? I think that's it. I can practically hear all those bronies yelling at me for being ungrateful, but you know what? I never asked for this shit. Being transported into a magical land of ponies might be some basement dweller's wet dream, but not me.
This beautiful, perfect world doesn't need a stain like me on it. I'll just end up hurting people. Ponies. Whatever-the-fuck.
I need to get out of here. I need to leave.
And before I do that, I need a place to hide.
"John? Is something wrong? What do you mean, 'You need to leave'? You just got here!"
Had I said that out loud? "I mean... I just... All these people staring at me is making me nervous." I lied quickly. In reality, the townspeople seemed to be pointedly ignoring me, just like in the restaurant, but Red immediately sprang into action.
"I'll... I'll take you to the park! We can relax there! Nopony will stare at you there!"
"Sure, I don't care." But she had already wrapped her little pink tail around my hand and was dragging me down the road.
. . .
The park was nice. Too nice.
Too perfect.
I don't belong here.
The grass beneath my butt as we sat on the side of a hill was lush, green, and beautiful. There weren't any candy wrappers or beer cans strewn about. There weren't even any sidewalks or dirt paths. What they thought of as a park, was actually just a green, slightly hilly field with a couple of young ponies playing with a ball.
As I said, Red and I were sitting on a hill overlooking the small valley that reminded me of the field behind the playground at my elementary school. I'd had my first kiss there. Except rather than a plateau of wood chips and too-easy-to-fall-off-of equipment, there was a small forest behind us, providing shade.
Everything seemed so familiar, but yet so different. It was tearing me apart.
"John."
"...Yeah?
"I don't think you're upset because ponies were staring at you."
I worked up the courage to look Red in the eyes. She could read me like a book. Just like Mom could. I turned away, biting the tears back again. God, I missed them so much.
I wish Mike was here. He was always the mature one. When Mom and Dad died, I became his legal guardian, but he was always the one taking care of me.
"I'm sorry, Red. It's just... so much. I'd explain, but I don't think you'd be able to help even if I did." I concealed wiping away my not-quite-tears by reaching into my jacket for another cigarette, my second in Equestria so far. This fucking world is making me feel like a fucking pussy.
As I lit it up, I felt Red pat me on the shoulder. "I think I know what's wrong. Every day, I see ponies come into the emergency room, see what they've been through, and I wonder; 'What did they do to deserve this?' But, in the end, those ponies have the strength to push on, and everything works out."
With a gentle hoof, she turned me to face her. "John, I know you never wanted to be here. But as long as you are, I promise to do everything I can to make sure you're happy."
I gave a small smile. Simply knowing that someone here cared was something I hadn't been expecting. It was nice. Back on Earth, true friends were few and far between, and getting harder to find every day. For someone to accept me so quickly was an alien concept to me.
So imagine my astonishment when Red leaned forward slightly and kissed me on the lips. My jaw dropped, which she mistook as an invitation to stick her tongue in my mouth. Now, I don't know a lot about pony culture yet, but I'd seen several ponies kissing in town, and unless I'm sorely mistaken, it was not a between-friends thing.
And besides, I have a girlfriend. A cheating whore of a girlfriend, but still a girlfriend. Facebook says so.
After a few seconds, (That were likely long for her in a good way, but were definitely long for me in a bad way) she broke the kiss, giving me the purest, most innocent smile in this world or the previous one. I saw a convenient distraction in my peripheral vision. I pointed to it.
"What the hell is that?"
And then I promptly fled.
. . .
John, I know you never wanted to be here. But as long as you are, I promise to do everything I can to make sure you're happy.
Redheart felt true sympathy for this creature. However, those generous words were followed by one of the most selfish acts she would ever perform in her pony life. And the most courageous.
She kissed the terrifying, two-legged meat-eater on the mouth. His saliva had a bitter, ashy taste to it, and when his mouth opened slightly to let her in, she felt his soft little tongue, his pointy but not quite sharp teeth, the ridged roof of his gums.
At the time, she felt this was what was the best course of action. He was lost, alone, and confused. He needed a friend, he needed to know that someone here accepted him for what he was. The action was born purely of compassionate instinct.
When the kiss was broken, however, she was proven wrong. The look on his face was an almost indescribable mixture of surprise, anger, panic, and fear. His eyes flickered and he pointed across the valley.
"What the hell is that?" An instinctive reaction, she glanced at the horizon, where a large rainbow mushroom cloud could be witnessed. She turned back, only to find John no longer there. The only trace of him was a still-glowing cigarette butt and a distant crashing in the woods.
Realizing the greatness of her mistake, Nurse Redheart reached out feebly toward John before collapsing to the ground in a sobbing heap.
1: Thou shalt not fuck cartoon horses.
2: Thou shalt not make the cartoon horses cry.
3: Thou shalt acquire undergarments.
4: Thou shalt not ask questions.
5: Thou shalt acquire ALCOHOL! |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And It's Getting Really Hard to Come Up With Chapter Names | Heart: My Soul, what have you done?
Brain: I... I don't know. I didn't know what to do... so I had us run.
Dick: You did the right thing, Brain.
Mouth: I'm taking Heart's side with this one. There's nothing wrong with a little kiss. Dutchy was always kissing us, and there wasn't anything wrong with that. Not every sign of affection has to be sexual, Dick.
Dick: Ugh, don't remind me. Besides, it's my job to be gutter-minded, I'm the dick.
Heart: Never mind that. The point is, that was an asshole move, and something needs to be done about it. Go back.
Brain: No. To go back now would be even worse. We all need some time. I'll just keep wandering around in the woods until we feel better.
Heart: Fine. But there will be words with that filly sooner or later.
. . .
What is wrong with me?
"WHY DO I HAVE TO FUCK EVERYTHING UP!?!" I screamed to the forest, punching a tree. The foot-thick pine rattled and needles rained down on me as I felt the jarring, cold pain of my knuckles splitting open.
I punched it again, leaving red spots in the bark. No matter what I do, or where I am, the only thing I can do right is hurt people.
What appeared to be a cross between a lion, a bat, and a scorpion, apparently drawn by my emotional turmoil, appeared out of the underbrush near me.
"And just what the hell do YOU want?"
The creature growled threateningly at me.
"Yeah, well. Look me in the eyes, motherfucker. Either put that stinger in my neck where it belongs, or fuck right off. I'm not in the fucking mood to fuck around right now."
To my own surprise, the creature whimpered and backed away. I pondered this for a few seconds. It's likely the creature is not actually afraid of me... but instead afraid of... something much bigger.
I turned around, only to find a pair of blood-red eyes inches from mine. Giving it a quick look-over, the monster appeared to be a massive snake, almost as thick as my waist and long enough for its tail to reach all the way across the clearing and scorching the shrubs thirty feet away. It's red eyes sent a chill down my spine, and a golden crest flipped up on its head as a menacing growl bubbled out from between its blackened lips. With a sudden revelation, I realised this guy exactly matched the description of a basilisk, the king serpent of old. It all made sense now, if Unicorns and Pegasi exist here, why shouldn't other mythical creatures?
I've always been sort of an animal whisperer. I can tell what a lesser creature wants or needs by the way it moves and breathes. And I could tell that, unlike the scorpion-lion-thing, the basilisks growl wasn't a 'Get out of my territory' growl, but instead an 'I'm gonna eat you alive and digest you slowly' growl. As the creature reared back to strike, my hand darted forward and grabbed the dangly red things under its chin.
"Oh, Honey, you picked the wrong day to piss me off. Squeal for me."
One Needlessly Violent Murder Later...
The basilisk now lay twitching on the ground, an unnatural crink in its neck and a yellow fluid that I assumed to be its blood flowing unbidden from its mouth. I pulled out my Aves and put them on.
"Cock-a-doodle-doo, Motherfucker."
Y'know... cuz a rooster's crow is one of the only things that can kill a basilisk... Yeah, Mike made me play too many fantasy RPGs. Though the knowledge may come in handy now that I'm stuck in a fantasy world, of sorts.
It's too bad Mike can't be here, he'd probably love it. He'd also probably know how to get us both home. He was always the smart one.
Oh, Mike. I wish you were here.
I sat down on a nearby log and lit a cigarette to replace the one I'd left behind in my hasty retreat. For the first time in years, a tear rolled down my cheek. The creature I now recognised as a greek Manticore approached and touched my hand with its nose. On impulse, I reached up and pet its mane, and what do ya know, it started purring like a housecat. "Yeah, you just act tough, Fluffy. I actually am."
"Indeed." With a start, I looked up towards my most recent kill. My new manticore friend backed away and hissed at the newcomer.
I thought I was hallucinating. A creature who appeared to be an amalgam of other creatures, like if some psychopath had cut apart a petting zoo and glued it back together wrong.
It had a long thin body of a snake and a matching pit viper head. It stood upright, a tiny claw on its hip. All of its limbs were scaly and reptilian, though I could tell one of its pseudo-hands was a chameleon grasper, the other a gecko's paw, and its legs were both didactyl raptor feet. The whole thing was a little less than two feet tall.
"Who the hell are you? Or, more appropriately, what the hell are you?"
"As for who I am, my name is unimportant. As for what, I'm the same as you: A kindred spirit. We share a goal, Human." It's voice was smooth and comforting, like silken sheets.
"Human. You know what I am. Without me telling you."
"Of course I do. Our people were once allies, though it has been too long since I've seen one in the flesh." It jumped off the dead basilisk and slunk to the center of the clearing. "Last I heard, the Solar Queen was organising your fellows into concentration camps."
"I wouldn't know anything about that. I just got here."
"Yes, you did, and I'm sure you're scared and confused, but don't worry, we'll get through this together, won't we?"
"Ugh, you sound like Red. Unless you can get me home, or even a stiff drink, I've got nothing to say to you." I stood and turned to leave. Frankly, I got the weird feeling he was bullshitting me. Solar Queen? Concentration camps? Ooh, I'm so scared. I deal with shit like that on my way to real problems. Like where my underwear are.
"Actually, I might be able to help you on the former. I have powerful friends in powerful places. They might do a favor for a favor, if you catch my meaning."
This caught my attention. "What kind of favor?"
"My friends require certain... items... of importance. Items that would best be retrieved by you."
"Didn't your Ma ever tell you stealing is wrong?"
"To be fair, they were taken from us first." Ah, so my new serpentine acquaintance has a stake in this, as well. Don't commit to anything.
"I'll think about it."
"Ah, of course. No need to make a decision right away." He held up a paw and began swaying it though the air. At the same time, his skin began to pulse with bright colors. The whole effect was so distracting I didn't notice the thrashing in the underbrush to the right. I felt myself slipping away into those pretty colors...
"In fact, I suggest that you sleep on it."
...and I'm gone.
. . .
A Few Minutes Earlier...
"La la la la la..." Fluttershy sang as she gathered flowers for her lunch. She'd finally managed to work the kink out of Mr. Bear's back, and worked up quite the hunger while she was at it, and if she ate too much at the picnic later, her friends might think she was a pig, not that there was anything wrong with pigs, she was sure they were all wonderful, anyway, she didn't want to eat too much at the picnic, hence the flowers.
Fluttershy's mental insecurities aside, when Mr. Manticore roared in agony near the edge of the forest, she was so startled that she threw the entire basket into the air and hid behind the nearest stump. When the flower explosion cleared, she peeked out from behind the stump before berating her lion-like friend. "M-M-Mr. Manticore! P-P-P-please don't scare me like that!"
Mr. Manticore mewled plaintively and tugged her tail. "It's important?"
The manticore nodded and gestured to the forest. "Your friend is in danger?"
It nodded again and growled. Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. "You want to lick my what?"
The beast facepawed and growled louder. "Oh, I thought you said something completely different. In that case, there's no time to lose!"
And so, the shy pink-maned pegasus pony and the massive melodramatic manticore fled into the Everfree Forest. A few minutes of thrashing about brought them to a clearing. Just as they broke through the underbrush, a bright flash blinded them both. Fluttershy's vision cleared just in time to see a tall, two-legged creature toppled to the ground, cracking its head on a fallen log. Wasting no time, Mr. Manticore dashed to its side, using his horns to scoop the strange creature up onto his back. Fluttershy was a little distracted.
By the dead basilisk.
The manticore moved to her side, still carrying their rescuee. A tear ran down her cheek. "What happened?"
A tiny sound gurgled out of the greek monsters throat. "It attacked you and then this... creature saved you? It would have had to be really hungry to attack you."
Mr. Manticore inclined his head and grumbled. "And then another weird creature appeared? And it reminded you of Discord? This is pretty serious..."
She seemed to notice the biped for the first time. He appeared to be fast asleep, but he was bleeding badly from various wounds on his head. Some of them were old, but the one on the back was new. The creature had a strange aura about him, almost... foreboding. But he was hurt, and it was Fluttershy's job to help hurt animals.
She turned to the manticore. "We'll take him to Zecora's. It's closer, and she might know what he is."
She looked at the biped uncertainly, before picking up the pair of sunglasses on the ground. "Maybe."
In response to this, the creature grunted and rolled in its sleep.
. . .
Fluttershy knocked on Zecora's door with a hoof. Please be there, please be there. Zecora wasn't the most reliable medicine mare, she was often out gathering ingredients, or so deep in meditation that she could completely ignore knocks on her door. Several times before, the yellow pegasus had simply left without a word rather than interrupt the zebra. But this was important.
There was an animal in danger.
The creature gurgled again. He was bleeding hard from his head, and his forelimbs had been scraped red and raw. It must have been some sort of circus animal, he was wearing a costume. He must have escaped into the Everfree forest and got lost. She'd heard of strange creatures being captured across the ocean and being brought to Equestria, but that was extremely illegal.
But it was no wonder he escaped, he must be very tough or very sneaky to survive in the Everfree forest for that long. Even fifteen minutes among the enchanted trees could be dangerous to those who aren't careful.
After an agonizing wait, Zecora finally answered the door. "Ah, Fluttershy, what a surprise! Why is there such panic in your eyes?"
"Zecora! I found this poor thing out in the woods and I need a place to put him and also need to borrow some bandages because he's bleeding!" Fluttershy blurted before she could stop herself. "Uhm...if that's okay with you..."
"Of course, let me banish this unwanted guest, then we'll allow your friend to rest." She returned to the hut, and a few seconds later, a brown colt stumbled out, followed closely by the resident zebra. She shouted after him, "Now, I hope this little mess has been sorted, I am not some lovestruck mare to be courted!"
She gestured for Fluttershy to come inside, and the manticore followed. She was less panicked now that they were safe at Zecora's. "Who was that?"
Zecora shook her head. "Just a smitten colt who bothers me to no end. But never mind that, let us see to your friend." Mr. Manticore laid the animal on the floor and began snuffling at him worriedly.To the zebra's and the pegasus' surprise, the creature spoke.
"Mmm. Five more minutes, Payback."
Zecora took a closer look at him, before jumping back and exclaiming, "Kidole Pepo!"
"What is it, Zecora?" Fluttershy peeked out from her sudden hiding place inside Zecora's cauldron.
Zecora, in her distress and haste to convey the information, forgot the Zebrican tradition of rhyming when speaking other languages;
"A Kidole Pepo, a Fingered Demon. In the Time Before Peace, they came in the night and stole young zebra foals away and transformed them into monsters. But that's not possible, they went extinct after the Time Of War. Where did you find him, Fluttershy?"
"He was just in the woods when Mr. Manticore led me to him. He fell down and hit his head on a log." She gestured to his head wound, which was currently bleeding all over Zecora's floor. His blood was a darker shade of red, and it didn't have the rainbow sheen pony blood had. "Speaking of which, we should probably bandage that up. Mr. Manticore, could you hold his head for me, please?"
The manticore used his tail to prop the demon's head up while Fluttershy used her mouth to wrap the borrowed linen bandages around it. Every time her snout brushed his face, he giggled in his sleep.
"Heh-heh. Quit it, Payback, that tickles." He didn't seem to be pained by his wounds at all.
When the pegasus was done tending to his wounds, she leaned him up and glomped him with her hooves. "How could he be a demon who kidnaps foals when he's so cute?"
The zebra couldn't deny that the creature was appealing, with the funny, round ears and his golden tuft of hair, but it was just a ruse to lull one into a false sense of security, Zecora was sure of it. Since she was a foal, the elders of her village had told cautionary tales of zebras who wandered the Zavannah alone, how they would be taken away and turned into monsters, then returned to the village they came from, to haunt their friends and family. She shivered at the thought.
"Fluttershy, could you be a dear and not go so near? I'd suggest a healthy dose of fear, his murderous intentions are clear." Zecora remembered the rhyming tradition as she noted the basilisk blood that was staining the creature's garments. He had killed, likely to fuel his carnivorous rage. And to murder a basilisk was a nearly impossible feat. He was a demon and a monster.
"But wook at his widdow face!" She moved the demons jaw up and down to simulate speech. "Zecora! I ruv rou! Prease take care ruv me until I wake up?"
Zecora was slightly disgusted at this display, and slightly confused at Fluttershy's suggestion. "What?"
Fluttershy explained, "Zecora, I have a picnic to attend soon, and I can't bring this 'demon' with me. He's too heavy, and he's asleep. Also, since you know so much about him, it only makes sense for you to keep an eye on him. You know, if you're not doing anything..."
"No, absolutely not! The demon shall not stay in my hut!"
"I'll give you five bits."
"If you make it ten, you can count me in."
And so it was settled. Until both mares noticed the demon was awake. Their eyes widened as it leaned up and looked first at Zecora, then at Fluttershy. Then it spoke in a thick growl that made their coats stand on end:
"Did you just sell my ass for chump change?" |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And Apparently, She Decided That Was a Good Time for Tongue-Wrestling | I dreamed. I haven't dreamed since my parents were killed.
I'm home. My real home, my childhood one, not the dingy apartments I've been spending my mid-twenties in. I'm home, and everyone I love is there.
My Dad was in the kitchen, washing the dishes, his tanned, calloused fingers contrasting with the white bubbles. At six-foot-ten and with black eyes, black hair and the build of a 60's-era Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was an intimidating man. Despite this, he was soft-spoken and kind-hearted, I can't remember a single time in his life that he raised his voice.
When the semi T-boned them at ninety miles-per-hour, he'd attempted to shield my mother with his body.
My Ma was in the kitchen as well, wearing her favorite apron and stirring a pot of potato soup. She was a petite woman whose golden blond hair I'd inherited. She always wore a constant smile and was the best cook in the world, as far as I'm concerned. Her tiny, perfectly manicured hands were somehow capable of propelling a mixing spoon at Mach 2 if you tried to taste something before it was ready. She'd been talkative and bouncy, and I still blame her for my Canadian accent.
As a result of Dad shielding her in the crash, she'd remained conscious for two and a half minutes after the collision, paralyzed below the waist and fighting a punctured lung.
Mon pepe, my grandfather. He and my grandma immigrated to Canada from France back when they were teenagers, and he refused to speak English in his house until the day he died of a heart attack at the ripe old age of seventy-eight.
Ma meme, my grandma. She taught me French when I was a kid, a little bit at a time. This came in handy a decade later when she developed Alzheimer's and forgot how to speak English. She also forgot that my dad was dead and didn't have blond hair. Other than Mike, she's the only surviving member of my family.
Mike was in the dining room with his fiancee, I mean, wife, Ariel, perched in his lap. I can't believe the wedding was already six months ago. I also can't believe he made me best man. Ariel is nice, though. I don't know her too well, so I'll have to trust Mike's judgement. As I walked through the house, warm nostalgia washing over me, my family turned and smiled at me, one by one. They didn't speak, but I could sense their happiness. I closed my eyes, bathing in it.
I felt a strange presence. I turned around.
There she was. A woman I'd never seen before. Her hair was red like fire, her eyes as green as grass in the springtime. She had a cute little pixie face to match her pixie haircut, and was dressed in a thin summer dress. She was barefoot. She smiled at me and held out her hand.
I was confused, but Dad walked up behind me and put a hand on my shoulder.
"It's okay." He said in that voice that had been so unlike my own, quiet and careful, but yet deep and resonating. When he spoke, the world listened.
I nodded. I reached for the girl...
I felt a soft, furry snout nuzzling me awake. I smiled.
"Mmm. Five more minutes, Payback." She wanted her morning walk. I wanted to get back to my dream. She'd been so beautiful...
I heard people talking, two women. One of them sounded angry, or maybe concerned. Probably the lezbos in the apartment next door. God, they never shut up.
Payback had moved up to my face, her soft fur brushing my nose. "Heh-heh. Quit it, Payback, that tickles."
I felt something wrap around my neck and rub its fuzzy cheek against my own. Definitely not Payback.
"But wook at his widdow face!" Something grabbed my jaw and moved it up and down, causing me to softly bite my tongue several times, and snapped me out of my half-asleep state. "Zecora! I ruv rou! Prease take care ruv me until I wake up?"
Upon opening my eyes, I encountered what appeared to be a mini-zebra arguing with a pink-haired primrose pegasus. Mini-Zebra replied to this with an intelligent, "What?"
Yellow Pegasus explained, "Zecora, I have a picnic to attend soon, and I can't bring this 'demon' with me. He's too heavy, and he's asleep. Also, since you know so much about him, it only makes sense for you to keep an eye on him. You know, if you're not doing anything..."
"No, absolutely not! The demon shall not stay in my hut!"
"I'll give you five bits."
"If you make it ten, you can count me in."
As interesting as this all was, I decided to chime in. I turned to the pegasus who made the offer. "Did you just sell my ass for chump change?"
Their reaction was immediate and overdramatic. The zebra did a ninja-flip across the hut, snatching a bamboo staff off a stand, and the pegasus seemed to disappear entirely.
"Whoa, chill there, Stripes. I come in peace and all that shit."
"Mimi si akageuka na uongo wako, pepo ya uchafu na damu!"
"Kutomba vizuri wewe, basi." I replied easily in Swahili. Yes, I speak Swahili. It's a long story. I was a bit rusty, and my accent was nearly impenetrable, but she obviously understood.
She seemed taken aback at my use of what I could only assume was her native tongue. But I was more worried about the pegasus, the shy one that I not only recognized from the show, but remembered was my favorite. I did a miserable attempt at softening my voice.
"Uh, yellow one? You can come out, if you want. I won't bite." I nearly slapped myself for my wording. I was almost literally a wolf among sheep. I heard a small noise from inside the cauldron in the center of the hut. I stood, and Stripes thrust the staff at me like a spear. Giving her a stern look, I caught it and yanked it away. I made to snap it in half, but thought better of it and tossed it across the room.
What little courage the poor thing had been hanging onto crumbled away and she backed away, almost entirely across the little hut. I moved to the side of the cauldron and peeked in. It was all I could do to not just reach in and cradle her to me. I'm not normally one to get all baby-talk about cute stuff, but she looked so fuckin' pathetic, terrified for her life at the bottom of that cold cauldron.
"Hey, come on. I promise I won't hurtcha."
"Did you tell that to the basilisk?" She muttered through clenched teeth as she cowered.
"No, I generally try not to talk to things that want to kill me." Growing impatient, I reached in and grabbed her by the barrel. She seemed to freeze in panic as my arms wrapped around her. "Calm yourself, nothin' to be afraid of. I just wanna get a good look atcha."
I set her down on the floor and stepped back. Stripes rushed to her side and looked her over for damage. Though she found none, I became the focus of her next glare, as Yellow peeked out at me from behind her weird emo hair. I cleared my throat.
"There, now that we've all become acquainted, I think it's high time I introduced myself. My name is John Salem, and I'm a human. Or, more appropriately, THE human." I held out my hand again, not really expecting either of them to shake it. They didn't.
"Maybe I should explain." So I did, starting with when I woke up this morning. I just told it how it happened, I didn't try to sugar coat it. So, of course, I got a few questions.
"-and she thought that I had raped her. So I-"
"Did you?"
"Rape her? Not even in my most inebriated of minds would I find a horse attractive." I shook my head. "No offense, but personally, I prefer to mate within my species, thank you."
. . .
"...And apparently, she decided that was a good time for tongue-wrestling. As-"
"Tongue-wrestling? Do you mean like... kissing?"
"Yeah. As I said before, ponies are off my radar, so naturally, I high-tailed it outta there. Unfortunately, the only place to high-tail to was this forest. I ran for a little while, and when I took a break, Fluffy here showed up. He bared his teeth a little, but as soon as King Python shows up, he remembers his place on the food chain: Below me." The manticore in question chose this moment to rub his head a little harder against my side, his jungle-cat purrs sounding like a roaring chainsaw. I scratched behind his horns. "Yeah, you."
I looked Yellow straight in the eye. "I'm not saying killing is right. In fact, being a bit of an expert on the subject, I speak from first-hand experience when I say that it's mostly wrong. But I did what I had to do, and because of that, there are two alive and one dead, rather than the other way around. The death of one to save many can be a hard trade to make, I know because I've made it before, but in the end, it can be worth it. Do you understand now?"
She looked down at the floor for a long moment. "I understand. I don't agree, but I understand. You come from an unforgiving world, Mr. Human."
I smiled in relief. "Please, Mr. Human was my father. Call me John. And I won't disagree with you, there. Earth was kind of a shithole, and it's been getting worse every day."
She nodded. Quite clearly, she said, "My name is Fluttershy. My special talent is caring for animals. I'm fond of daisies, sewing, and singing. What's your name?"
Slightly confused, I introduced myself a third time. "Um, okay. My name is John Salem and I'm fond of alcohol, beautiful ladies and... not bleeding to death."
"I'm sorry it's just that normally when I introduce myself ponies don't seem to hear me so a lot of my friends have been asking me to work on my introductions so I don't always have to repeat myself."
"I'm sorry, you're gonna have to speak up, sugar, I didn't quite catch that."
"N-Nevermind..."
"O-kay... Well, then, what's your story, Stripes?"
Apparently for Fluttershy's sake, she said the next part in Swahili.
"Listen to me, hairless monkey-demon; because you have not, to my knowledge, harmed anypony yet, by the warriors code, I cannot harm you. But if you put one hoof out of line, I will stretch your scrotum so far over your head you will be able to use it as a shelter in a sandstorm."
"There are a few things wrong with that statement; mainly that I haven't harmed anyone yet, and my scrotum is going nowhere except back to Earth, with me attached. And if you get within two feet of me, I will shove that stick so far up your tight pony ass that I could batter-fry you and call you a corn dog. Capisce?"
"Your threats carry no weight, creature, for I don't even know what a corn dog is!"
"It's a chunk of animal flesh on a stick, dipped in corn-based batter and fried in oil. A tasty snack on my homeworld. We clear, Stripes?" I licked my lips for dramatic effect. She huffed and disappeared into the alcove where her bed could be found and threw the curtain.
"Well. I guess we're done talking." With an air of finality, I adjusted my coat and nodded to Fluttershy. "Thanks for the save, darlin', but I really should be going."
She looked half glad, half concerned. "Are you sure? I mean..."
"I'm a big boy, Shy. I can take care of myself." I was careful to duck as I exited the hut. See? I can learn! I paused and glanced back. "You comin', Fluffy?"
Fluffy practically scampered to my side. I rubbed him behind the ears. Shy stood in the doorway, giving me a concerned look. "Don't worry, Flutters, I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again real soon."
I winked suggestively to keep her guessing before wandering off into the forest with Fluffy right behind me. Or so she thought.
. . .
Nurse Redheart was frantic. She weaved through the Sunday marketplace just as the sales were winding down. Where was Twilight? Finding the unicorn was at the forefront of her mind, until she noticed Big McIntosh trot by with a doll... An amazing, wonderful doll.
She had to have it.
. . .
I was not wandering. In fact, I knew exactly where I was going. Once I was out of sight of the hut, I checked the sun for time and direction. It had almost set by now. I had no idea how far Fluffy dragged me. "Hey, Fluff. You think you could find that basilisk for me?"
He nodded and fled into the undergrowth. I followed.
It really didn't take long. Forty-foot snakes aren't easy to miss. "Nice job, buddy. I'll make you a treat."
I pulled out my knife and unfolded it. On the mean streets of Madison, it wasn't uncommon for me to get mugged once (even twice, a couple times) a day. I'm pretty intimidating, but some people just don't give a shit. Hence.
You've seen enough Man vs. Wild to know here this is going. What, did you expect me to become a vegetarian? Not fucking likely. I sawed the head off and peeled the skin free like your girlfriend's stockings. Oh, you didn't know she wore stockings? Well, she did for me.
I hung the pelt in a tree. Maybe I'd make some boots or something. I dragged the guts out and Fluffy almost immediately started chewing on them. I set up a long fire pit between two trees and strung the carcass in between them. "How're them guts, Fluffy?"
He shook shit from the intestines before slurping them down like pink, rubbery spaghetti. "I take that to mean it's safe to eat."
I lit the fire and watched the sun go down, turning my dinner every few minutes. About halfway through cooking, a loud "Twilight Sparkle!" echoed through the trees. I shrugged my shoulders and turned back to my dinner. By the time it was done, the sun had set. I had been trying not to think. I just need to survive till I get home.
Speaking of survival, the basilisk was done. I sawed off a chunk of the cooked flesh. I would later learn that basilisk meat was considered a delicacy by the carnivorous population of Eden due to the difficulty in obtaining it. I, however was immune to both it's killing gaze and it's poisonous breath, meaning I suffered from no such difficulties.
But for right now, I was just wondering if the meat was poisonous. It was an odd ashen gray, and was flaky like fish. It smelled delicious, but my inner Admiral Ackbar was tapping the inside of my skull insistently.
"Fuck it. YOLO." My hunger won out as I popped the chunk into my mouth and chewed. Imagine the sweet tang of bacon combined with the hearty body of prime rib. Probably the best meat I've ever eaten. And as a born-and-bred Wisconsinite, my diet consists mainly of meat, cheese and corn products, so I'm pretty experienced on the subject.
I began wolfing the meat down like there was no tomorrow. No need to stretch it, there was plenty. Even after I filled myself to bursting, almost three-fourths of the animal remained. I sliced off about a dozen cutlets before nodding to Fluffy, who'd been drooling over it ever since he finished his guts, and he tore into it almost as ravenously as I had.
I folded the basilisk skin, which had been drying over the fire, into a loose bag and stowed tomorrows lunch inside. "You just about done, Fluffy?" He gurgled contentedly, stomach slightly distended. Reminding me every bit of Templeton, he dragged his suddenly fat ass over to me and nuzzled my side. I smiled and sighed.
"Well, Fluffy, It's nice knowing that there's another monster on the loose that I can hang out with, but I really should be getting back before Red and Sparky have a conniption. I don't think that following me into town would be the best idea, either, so I suggest you sleep that snake meat off, and I'll come find you sometime tomorrow, deal?" He belched loudly in response and I laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."
Giving him a goodbye rub behind the ears, I turned and began the trek back into town.
There's a bar calling my name.
. . .
"Princess!"
Celestia was not in the mood for this. All day she'd been running around, playing the pretty, benevolent princess. Smiling for the cameras, answering her subjects pointless, menial questions. For the Gods sake, she was a Mortal God, a manipulator of the forces of nature itself! Why should she care if little Daisy Chain is almost sixteen and hasn't had her first estrus yet? But apparently it was important enough to bother the rutting ruler of the country about! It's not like she has a mother around to explain where foals come from or anything!
She sighed for the hundred and forty-second time that day. The kingdom had lived in peace for a thousand years, and that was definitely a good thing.
But you know what they say about too much of a good thing.
Without any war or poverty to worry about, her people have become spoiled. Without an enemy to hate, they've turned their hate on themselves.
She was glad she could finally relax. Focus on her own comfort for once. She laid herself tenderly on her velvet cushion in front of the fire.
"Princess?" She cringed again as Peppermint's high, raspy voice grated against her ears again. Her butler's throat condition was a result of taking an assassins arrow to it in her stead a few years back. He still bore the scar and now could only speak in a grating falsetto and was only capable of drinking hot liquids, such as tea.
"Yes, Peppermint?"
"Pardon me, Your Grace, but I thought you'd wish to know; while you were off visiting Marexico, we received a letter from Mistress Sparkle."
"Send for it. I could use some good news."
"At once, Your Majesty." He flipped his red-and-white striped mane at one of the younger servants and they scurried off. He continued, "Did you enjoy your trip, Highness?"
"It was successful. The minor drought has been alleviated by the reorganization of their weather teams. In addition, the guard have captured an abandoned dragon egg, a Charred Ruby, judging by the egg markings."
As usual, Pepper read her like a book. "Yes, but did you have fun?"
"A week of speaking Manish and eating tacos. Yes, of course, I had a wonderful time. My digestive system is a wreck and if I have to hear one more, Si, Princesa, I'm going to scream."
"Well, at least your capacity for sarcasm is undamaged. You may vent, if you wish."
"A few thousand years ago, a dry year was the least of everyponys worries."
"Do not tell me you are bored, Highness?"
"The most fun thing I did today was banish a 'want it, need it' spell. That was the most strenuous use of magic I've had in days. I have gone beyond bored, Peps. My job as ruler is to keep the balance, but the world is already balanced. What's the point of having an immortal God-Princess around when the kingdom's biggest problem is a unicorn with slightly spastic magic use?"
"A rather attractive unicorn. Shame she's such a spaz."
"Pepper!" She had no further time to reprimand the head butler, however, for the letter had arrived. The princess sent the newly arrived and eager-to-please servant away. She preferred to read Twilight's letters alone or in Peppermint's company. Other than Luna, Peppermint was the only pony left who really understood her. "I wonder why she didn't tell me she sent a letter."
"It arrived earlier today as I was cleaning your study. By the by, you really should be more careful with your ink." Her Majesty rolled her eyes in an unprincesslike manner and proceeded to read the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I am writing this letter to bring to your attention an anomaly. As I am certain you are aware of, the fact that Ponyville is on the edge of the Everfree Forest, and as a result, we see quite a few strange things out here, the most of which, a creature that calls himself a 'Human'. Enclosed is a sketch I drew of this creature. His name is John. I will be researching him as much as possible while he is here. Please respond with your thoughts.
Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle
As she read, the princesses eyes grew wider and wider.
"No..." It couldn't be. "Not again."
She flipped to the next page, only to find a detailed sketch of the most destructive creature she'd ever encountered. One that existed outside the very bounds of her world itself. Her voice became deadly calm. The sketch caught fire in her telekinetic grip.
"Peppermint, notify Captain Armor to mobilize the guard. I need a battalion of Solar Soldiers and get my armor polished and cleaned. A few ballistae couldn't hurt either."
"Princess? If you don't mind me asking, what did the letter say?"
"The Humans have returned. And there is a good chance they want revenge."
Peppermint's eyes widened. Then he shook his head. "No, that's impossible. The portal was sealed and is under constant guard. Nothing could get in or out."
"Humans are clever. And spiteful. There must have been some contingency, some loophole we didn't think of-"
"We're not even sure it's really a Human. It could be a shapeshifter, or a Phobo."
"Nonsense. Humans are immune to all schools of magic, even Illusion. Nothing can magically take the form of a human but another human." The princess brought out a pen and parchment and began to compose a letter. "I destroyed every record of their existence myself, Twilight wouldn't have been able to draw one in such detail if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes."
Celestia looked over the letter.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
The creature you found is a blight on our world, it's mere existence an insult to the way our universe works. I will be there to retrieve it by sunset tomorrow, until then, do not believe anything it says, do not let it out of your sight, and for the Gods sakes, do not let it touch you!
Princess Celestia
It would have to suffice. There was a lot to do, and very little time to do it. Taking down a Human would require tact, secrecy, and an overwhelming force of numbers. Their immunity to magic and otherworldly biology meant that one Human warrior could be the equivalent of up to a hundred guardsponies, and their upright stature and clever fingers could get up to all sorts of mischief.
The princess shook her head. When the Humans emerged the first time, nearly ten millennia ago, there was a massive uproar that nearly tore the planet apart. She would do anything to prevent that from happening again.
Anything.
Shining Armor burst through the doors to the Princess's private lounge. He'd only done this once before, and he'd left stammering and red-faced. Now, however, his face was pale and his voice deadly calm as he did a hasty bow. "Princess. You've mobilized Goldenrod Squad. May I ask why?"
"An ancient enemy has resurfaced, an enemy older than any history you've been taught. Their mere presence nullifies magic, they carry Discords cunning and the strength of a ten stallions. They are nothing like you have ever seen."
"I am ready, Your Majesty."
"No, you are not. You will guard the castle and prepare the dungeon while I am apprehending the creature."
A surprised and hurt look crossed the captains face. "But... Princess!"
"No. I need you here protecting the castle in case my mission fails. Ponies are going to die, Captain. These creatures nearly split the planet in two. Literally."
The captain sighed. An order was an order. "I'll fortify the dungeon and double the castle guard in preparation for your return."
"Good. Dismissed, Captain." He trotted out with that cold fire in his eyes. That cold fire was why Celestia made him the Captain in the first place.
She tossed the letter into the fireplace. It instantly disintegrated into a puff of smoke and flew out the window as she slumped down onto her velvet pillow. Peppermint, who'd been quiet, leaned over and began massaging her haunches. "Still bored, Highness?"
She sighed for the hundred and forty-third time that day.
"I just had to open my big mouth..." |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And The Bartender Says, "Hey Buddy, Why The Long Face?" | "The Bannered Mare. References within references. Whoever's writing this stupid fanfiction needs to stop with the pop culture and come up with some original material." I punctuated this sentence by punching myself hard in the gut. After I caught my breath, I corrected myself. "I mean, 'I find the popular culture references to be witty and entertaining!'"
. . .
I decided against any further fourth-wall-breaking. All it would bring me is pain and insanity, whereas the least I could do to whoever's writing this is make his readers lose their immersion.
Anyway, the bar was called 'The Bannered Mare' according to the sign above the door, which depicted what I could only assume was an attractive female pony giving bedroom eyes and covering up her naughty parts with a flag. I don't get it. Why would it be considered lewd to cover up what's already hanging out most of the time?
I looked over the pub again. It was the restaurant from this morning except, the sign was different, there were colored lights and a bouncer out front glaring at a long line of ponies. I had barely glanced at him when he caught my attention and waved me over. I waded through the small sea of quadrupeds, earning a share of dirty looks, which I ignored.
"Are you..." The burly black stallion checked his clipboard. "'John the Human'?"
"I'm a human, and my name's John, so, yeah."
"You're a VIP guest of the co-owner. Go ahead in." He set the clipboard down and waved another guest over. I did as he said and went ahead in.
The doors swung open like a classic spaghetti saloon. The raucous bar patrons quieted down upon noticing me, until you could've heard a fly shit himself. The DJ stopped spinning with loud scratch of vinyl, all of the ponies on the dance floor stopped dancing, the ones at the bar stopped drinking, and I'm sure the ones in the bathroom stopped pissing.
I tried to play it cool. I adjusted my jacket and walked calmly to the bar, my footsteps echoing like thunderclaps. I sat in one of the stools, which only came to my knee. The bartender, a green stallion with an eyepatch and a bottle of booze for a cutie mark, stopped polishing a glass and cantered over to me. He leaned a hoof on the bar and spoke to me in a rough Scottish accent.
"So, yew must be that tew-legged lad that me brother was talkin' aboot. Ah heard you got a wee bit more'ah Twilight then ye could handle?"
I chuckled. "You did, huh? Been here less than a day and I've already got chicks practically throwing themselves at me. Too bad they all have more legs than eyes."
He laughed a deep belly laugh. The kind that makes everyone in the room instantly relax. I was kinda just relieved that he didn't get offended at my eye comment.
"Ahahahahaha! Well, I'd gladly trade places with yeh, boyo. She's a right bonnie that one. Shame she's such a scunner, or I'd have at that wif two shakes o' me tail." He chuckled again as he shook his head. "So, 'John', what're ye after? Feelin' drouthy?"
Finally. "A little. Tell ya what: Surprise me."
He smiled, revealing slightly rotted teeth. "That's what I like ta hear." He pulled out several bottles and a cocktail mixer.
"Well, that's what I like to see." I smiled, too, revealing my perfectly white smile. He mixed a few promising liquids together as the bar began to regain the ruckus it had before. None of the patrons approached me, but they stopped glaring at me, so I guess it could be worse.
He poured an oddly bright-colored drink from the mixer. He added an umbrella and pushed the tall glass towards me.
"It's green." I observed.
"And all the rest of the colors, too. It's called a Tonic Rainboom, boyo." As he said this, the drink began changing from green to blue, then blue to purple, purple to red, red to yellow, then back again.
"Well ain't that interesting." I took a sip and smacked my lips twice, searching for the familiar bite of alcohol. It tasted delicious, like exotic fruit, but I didn't come here for taste. I came to get drunk. "There's no booze in it, though."
"Booze?" I felt the cold spike that preceded disappointment pierce my heart.
"Y'know... Alcohol. What kind of bar is this?"
"Alcohol is for disinfectin' wounds, boyo, not fer drinkin'. I don't know what kind of bars they have where yew come from, but we don't serve medical supplies here." The confusion on his face made my heart sink.
1: Thou shalt not fuck cartoon horses.
2: Thou shalt not make the cartoon horses cry.
3: Thou shalt acquire undergarments.
4: Thou shalt not ask questions.
5: Thou shalt acquire ALCOHOL!
I pulled out my flask before slamming half of the drink quickly. I poured the contents of my flask into the glass until it roughly reached the top, then used the umbrella to stir it. The barkeep watched as I took another sip and savored the burn of the two-twenty-proof vodka as it went straight up my sinuses. I'd gotten a case of it as a birthday present from Dutchy two years ago. He special ordered it from a friend of his in Russia because it was the only thing that could even hope to get him drunk. He must have a liver made of steel or something.
My head twitched slightly as the heavy liqueur clashed with the fruitiness of the drink. "That's better."
"That's alcohol? And you're drinkin' it?" The bartender looked more curious than anything else. "Gie's a shot, then, lad!"
"Have at 'er, my man." He picked up the glass and took a tentative swig. He shuddered so hard he almost dropped the glass.
"Ho, that's a right scunner, that is! You got some peaches, sonny."
"I guess it's an aquired taste." I shrugged and took another swig. He nearly fell over laughing.
"Ya know what, John? I like you. M' names Single Malt, but me mates call me Scotch." He stuck out his hoof, which I shook. I was still a little bummed that they didn't serve alcohol, but that wasn't his fault.
It was this fucking worlds fault.
None of the other ponies would talk to me, so I pretty much just talked to Scotch the whole time. Every few minutes he'd dash away to serve drinks, but in between he told me about how him and his two half-brothers owned the place jointly.
"Cole wanted ta run a family resturant, and I wanted ta run a bar and grill. Hunter didn't want to be tied down ta either, so he suggested we split it. So, now I run the bar at night, Cole runs it during the day, and Hunter handles the funds, advertising, and such."
"Cool. Like a time share, except you're making money instead of losing it."
. . .
Alcohol: (Enters and gives Mouth a hug.) Well, ain't you a sight for sore ethyl! Soul, it feels like its been forever since I last saw you guys!
Brain: It's been like... less than a day.
Mouth: (Motions to Brains seat.) Well, make yourself comfortable, buddy. We've got a long night ahead of us.
Brain: Hey, that's my chair!
. . .
"Alright guys, ten o' clock! You know what that means!" The DJ, Disco Ball, announced, prompting the crowd to cheer in response.
I leaned over and whispered to Scotch, "What happens at ten?"
"Every Saturday and Sunday, DB picks somepony from the crowd to sing a song. It's actually pretty popular. Normally he goes for ponies who haven't been or before, but he'll pretty much pick anypony who catches his eye."
The DJ pulled out a list. "Let's see... Do we have a 'John the Human' in the crowd tonight?"
Shit.
. . .
Alcohol: Sounds fun! Let's do it!
Mouth: Al, we suck at singing. Like, really bad.
Brain: For once, I agree with Mouth. We are physically incapable of engaging in this form of reverie. Let's just order another drink and pretend we don't exist.
Alcohol: You guys suck, I'm going for it!
. . .
"That's me!" Well, now I'm fucked.
I stood up and weaved through the crowd toward the stage. Climbing up it in a single step, I stood before the crowd who less than an hour ago, had been in a similar silence as I walked in. I'm sure they all remembered me, though the silence was more curious than suspicious this time. Disco Ball played it cool.
"So, tell us a little bit about yourself, John the Human?" He used his telekinesis to levitate the mic to my mouth. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention he was a Unicorn.
"Just John, please." I swallowed. I always get nervous on stage. "Well, where do I start? I'm a human, a creature not native to this planet. I have absolutely no idea how I got here."
"So, you're an alien, then? Like from the comic books?"
"Sure, I guess you could say that."
"You're not gonna take over Eden and enslave all ponykind, right? Cause that would kinda ruin my day." He tried to make it sound like a joke, but I detected a note of genuine concern in his voice.
"Nah, I'm just gonna see if I can find a way home. But while I'm here, I might as well party with the ponies, right?" Scotch clapped and cheered and soon the rest of the crowd did, too. "Right?"
"So, what kinda music you have where you come from, John?"
"All kinds. Here's a taste of what humans have to offer." My vodka-addled mind seemed to have forgotten one teensy detail: My singing voice sounds almost exactly like a dying toad.
The reason my voice sounds like I've been smoking four times as long as I have is because; A few years ago, on my quest for vengeance, I recieved a small... injury... to my throat. I'll get to the details later, but the point is, one of the bullets tore through half of my vocal cords, and the other grazed my spinal cord, causing massive nerve damage and nearly paralyzing me. Doctors say it was a miracle I survived. I don't believe in miracles.
But, of course, I was half pissed up, and I wasn't going to disappoint my new fans, was I?
"You don't happen to have a guitar around, do you?
DB quickly fetched me a guitar and a stool. I spent a few seconds tuning it, and spoke into the mic again. "It's been a while since I've done this, so sorry in advance.
"Now, this is a song of youth and love, in the genre of Rock-and-Roll, a classic back home. This is Bryan Adams' 'Summer of 69'"
I cleared my throat and began playing. Oh god, it's gonna suck.
"I got my first real six-string,
Bought it at the Five-and-Dime.
Played it 'til my fingers bled,
It was the summer of sixty-nine."
. . .
Vinyl Scratch listened to the strange creature play his song. It was unlike any ponies voice. Like the crooning of a spring peeper, it brought back memories of growing up in this small town among these little ponies. The words of dreams and aspirations, combined with the creatures rough voice had her mind spinning. She found herself unconsciously thinking of what would happen if she put it through a mixer, maybe auto-tune...
No. She came here to relax, visit her family, not work. She glanced at her little brother up on stage nodding his head to the human's music. He'd done her proud, adding in a drum kit and synth at the exact right moment. But even pride for her youngest sibling couldn't keep her shaded ruby eyes off the alien creature for long.
Dang. He's kinda cute.
Vinyl had always been contrarian by nature. She lived to go against the norm. What was less normal than an alien?
Wait... was she contemplating rutting an alien? She shrugged. I've bucked worse-looking things than that. She concluded, grinning.
Most ponies didn't know, but Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ PON-3, was a nymphomaniac. And a master seductress. And tonight, she craved something out-of-this-world.
"Standin' on your Mama's porch,
You told me that you'd wait forever,
Oh, and when you held my hand,
I knew that it was now or never,
Those were the best days of my life."
"Hey, Daisy, gimme a hoof up, will ya?"
. . .
Mouth: (On phone) Uh-huh... Uh-huh... Yes, I know... Well, take it down and try again, and tell Larynx I can't hold his hand through every little thing. No... Fine, I'll tell him. Yeah, thanks. (Hangs up phone, addresses Brain) Well, the guys down in Throat are doing the best they can, but theres only so much they can do with Larynx encased in a half an inch of scar tissue. Trachea's trying to pick up the slack, but we can't keep this up much longer. Oh, and Al?
Alcohol: Mmmmnyes?
Mouth: Epiglottis told me to tell you that you're a dick.
Dick: Why does everyone use my name as an insult?
. . .
Luckily, my second random boner of the day was hidden in the fold of my pants.
Besides that, my throat was reminding me why I don't sing. It feels like I'm trying to swallow a tennis ball.
The effort for one of my Dad's old favorites was worth it, though. I'm more suited for Nickelback than Bryan Adams, anyway.
I haven't played a guitar in years, but for some reason the crowd still cheered me on, like I was a real rock star. Cross that one off my bucket list, then.
One of the ponies actually stood on another's shoulders to get a better look at me. Her shades were what made her catch my eyes. She had a blue spiky mane and a white coat, I couldn't tell what her... Okay, I'm sick of calling them Cutie Marks, I mean FUCK, before today, I wouldn't have even thought of using the word 'cutie' let alone naming a fucking STAPLE OF MY SPECIES CULTURE AND BIOLOGY after it!
So from now on, I shall alternate between tramp stamp, ass-tat, and maybe anal emblem should the situation call for it.
Anyway, her anal emblem was not visible to me at the moment. She noticed me noticing her, and, in an obviously significant gesture, she lifted her tinted glasses, exposing her rose-red eyes.
Then she winked.
And I winked back.
"Standin' on your Mama's porch,
You told me that you'd wait forever,
Oh, and when you held my hand,
I knew that it was now or never,
Those were the best days of my life.
Oh, yeah!
Back in the summer of 69!"
I finished up the song and the crowd became quiet. Red-eyes got down from her friends shoulders, but my gaze followed her. She went to the corner of the bar and sat down. I've always considered myself to be a good reader of people, and I guess ponies are people, too, because everything in her pose said, Come and get me.
Well, I guess could politely explain that I'm not into ponies. Boner notwithstanding.
. . .
"Scotch! D'eux, s'il vous plaît!" I held up two fingers, and in response, two glasses of grape juice slid down the bar. Only in advanced stages of shitfacedness do I resort to French. I assume it's a subconscious defense against saying embarrassing things while I'm soused. I picked up my glass and immediately downed half of it. "So, you called for my attention, Mademoiselle?"
"Hey, who're you callin' a Mademoiselle?" she said, feigning anger. I laughed. I like her already. She graciously took the grape juice as I mixed mine with vodka, despite my use of français telling me I'd had enough. "That was a pretty rockin' jam there, sweet cheeks. You a musician?"
"Nah, I'm more of a John-of-all-trades." I chuckled at my shitty joke. I was drunk, okay? "How about you?"
"Yeah, dude! I DJ at a lot of parties and stuff, but you can't beat me behind a mixer!" She didn't sound prideful, she sounded like she just got tickets to the coolest concert ever and I was invited. "Normally, I work up in Canterlot, but I'm visiting my fam. Small town pride, y'know?"
I did know, I grew up in one. I was about to regale her with tales of my escapades in the Central Wisconsin Village of Onawash (Pop. 562) when she looked over my shoulder and did the pony equivalent of cussing like a biker. "Ah, Mother-rutting haunch-sniffer!"
"What? Qu'est-ce qui se passe?" I turned around to see what she was looking at. I just saw a lot of ponies doing exactly what we were doing; having a drink and chatting. Oh, there he is.
A pink stallion with a broad chest was approaching us, grin on his face and flanked by two more stallions. "The guy with the ugly mug and a pair of his butt-buddies?"
"His names Lady Killer. His talent is supposedly seducing mares. I turned him down when I was visiting a few months ago, and now every time I come down, he keeps trying to get me in his bed. Big pain in the rump, if you ask me."
"I'll take care of him." My stool scraped as I prepared to start a bar fight.
. . .
Balls: YEAH, KICKIN' ASS AND MAKIN' MESSES!
Brain: And where in Souls name have you been?
Balls: In the latrine, PUKING MY GUTS OUT because of all the FUCKING GODDAMN PINK in this COCKSUCK EXCUSE FOR A WORLD! ALSO, ALCOHOL, LONG TIME NO SEE!
Brain: Like I said earlier, less than a day. And you'd better keep your hormones in check-
Balls: (Interrupts) MOTHERFUCKER, I AM HORMONES!
. . .
I swear I just felt my balls drop, a good sign. "What's crackin', Lady? I heard you and your little rump-rangers were cruisin' for a bruisin'."
"What? My name is Killer, and who are you?" He gave me the up-down. "Oh, you. That was a pleasant... noise you created up there."
Oh, he did not just insult 'Summer of 69'.
"Yup, it was. Listen, Lady, I'm gonna level with you. The girl I was just talking to? You're nothing to her. Run home and let real men get the girls all excited. And take your merry fudge packers with you." I think I got him. His nostrils flared and he pawed the ground.
"You... You thing, how dare you speak to me like that!" And then, I shit you not, he yelled, "Get 'im, boys!"
Lady charged me first. He reared up on his hind legs and shot a hoof at me. I quickly twined my arm around it and shifted my footing. Using that leverage and my superior weight, I launched his head at the bar. Hard. He collided with it in an explosion of teeth and weird rainbow pony blood. I let him go and he slid to the floor with a gurgle.
His little chode stroker friends just stared at me, jaws dropped.
"Boo." God, I always wanted to do that. They spun simultaneously and tried to run, I caught them, a tail in each hand, "Oh, no you don't, I'm gonna teach you a little lesson in the value of friendship."
Yanking them backwards, I grabbed them both under their bellies, lifted them over my head, and did a double suplex through a table. I got up and dusted myself off. Then I checked out the mess behind me.
The solid oak table had snapped like balsa. I shrugged and turned to Scotch, who'd watched the whole thing with wide eyes. I clarified, "I'm not paying for that."
"Only one rule concernin' barfights in the Mare: Losers pay for damages."
"Friggin' dope. Shame they broke so much of your juice stock." I winked.
"What... Oh!" He laughed, then shouted to the patrons, pointing at my victims. "Another round on these poor sods here!"
I chuckled as I got back to my date. "I don't think he'll be bothering you anymore."
"Dude...you're nuts!" She laughed like a loon, and in my drunken state, it was infectious. when we were done, I got the conversation back on track.
"So, you're a DJ?"
"Yeah, like I said, high-end stuff, nobility, even royalty sometimes. But you gotta remember your roots, yeah?"
"Hell yeah. Heres to that." We clinked our glasses and I downed a little more ill-advised alcohol. "I just realised I don't even know your name!"
She wasn't used to having to introduce herself. "Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch."
"Now, who's ready to PARTY?" Disco began spinning what was clearly a dance mix.
"Yeah, I own this beat,
You can call me the king or the ruler.
Felon on bass, getting hoarse at the mic!
We're getting twenty percent cooler!"
I immediately began nodding to the beat. "This is, like... really catchy."
Vinyl was getting really into it, swinging her tail and tapping her hooves. "YES, this is my favorite song! Wanna dance?"
. . .
Alcohol: Chill, Bros. We can totally dance.
Brain: Not with you around, we can't.
. . .
Next thing I knew, Vinyl and I were out on the dance floor. Apparently, pony dancing is a lot less exciting than human dancing. They kinda just stood there and shuffled their hooves to the beat.
. . .
Alcohol: Aww, look at them, they're so cute, it's like they're all shy or something. Alright, class is in session, watch and learn.
Brain: I do not approve of this.
. . .
Imagine a drunk, 6 foot, 9 inches, 400 pound white dude partying hard, lazers all around him, Vinyl Scratch across from him in awe, a small circle of quadrupeds cheering him on like he wasn't drunk and white.
Imagine it, because that's all the description you're going to get.
However, the fast songs quickly ended and I actually felt the night become tender as Disco Ball put on a slow song. I asked Vinyl with my eyes if she still wanted to dance, and she nodded.
"I close my eyes and breathe again,
The minutes bend, as they turn into years.
My mind begins to drift away,
Don't make me stay in here."
. . .
Vinyl knew she'd have to pay Deeby back somehow. She'd been the one to nonverbally suggest the slow song to him while she and the human danced. Maybe take him to a concert... No, focus, Vinyl. It was obvious he couldn't slow dance the way a pony would, so he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "So, how do you want to do this?"
She felt his hot breath on her neck, the musky, dry scent of his jacket. He was so close to her, and thanks to her little brother, they would be closer still.
"Any way you want."
"Alright." He held out his hand, and she put her hoof in it. He gestured to his shoulder. "Now put the other one here."
She obliged and wrapped her hoof around his rock-like shoulder muscles. His hand stroked down her back and came to a rest on her rump. "Hold on," he warned, then, to her surprise, he pressed her body to his and picked her up. Her hind legs swung beneath her and their faces were mere inches from each other.
His deep blue eyes met her rose-red ones as he did a modest two-step. His scent enticed her and calmed her.
What the hay was going on? She was supposed to be the one seducing him, not the other away around! She needed to get it together.
But she couldn't deny the wetness between her legs, or the way her hooves trembled as they walked back to the bar when the song was over.
. . .
"So, anyway, that's how the human reproductive system works. It's definitely more complicated than it seems, hey?" It had seemed like an odd and specific request, but hey, I wasn't embarrassed. Drunk as a skunk, but not embarrassed.
"Yes, fascinating..." She leaned forward until I could smell her breath, a tingly scent, like the air before a lightning strike. She whispered in a vixen's voice, a siren's song.
"In fact, I'd love to see a demonstration."
"..."
"John?"
"Sorry, I spaced out for a second, there. What'd you say?"
"I said, I'd love to see a demonstration."
I frowned and held up my index finger. I then held up my other hand, pointer touching thumb, forming an O. I moved my finger in and out of the O repeatedly.
"A real demonstration, John."
"I don't know how to illustrate it any clearer without showing you myself. And for that, would need a human female, of which there are none." I shrugged.
"Oh, for Lunas sake!" She grabbed my hand in her mouth and began dragging me across the club. "Scotch, I'm borrowing your back room!"
"Wah! What are we gonna do in the back room?" I wasn't sure I liked where this was going. Or my hand in her mouth, for that matter. She dragged me in and locked the door behind without answering me.
I'm gonna go back on that old saying, ' Nothing good happens when the door locks behind you.' No time is that truer than now. The look Vi was giving me was almost predatory. She needed a lot less force to push me over than Twi did, due to me being a lot less steady on my feet.
"Heh-heh... Vi? Um... Hey, that's tender!" Her push had knocked me against a crate full of bottles, now she hopped up on it as well, bending me over it backwards. As I lay prone over those crates, her forehooves over either side of my head. She set herself down on my stomach. Just as when we dancing, I was struck by how little she weighed.
"Now, where is it?" She began shifting herself around on my belly.
"Where is what?" Maybe this was some sort of pony welcoming ritual. Because that's the only reason I could think of that she would take me into the dark back room and pin me down.
Don't get me wrong, I could've easily thrown her off at any moment, but even among humans I was extremely strong. Almost freakishly so. I didn't want to hurt her.
I didn't want to hurt anyone any more.
Whatever she'd been feeling for, she seemed to have found it, she stopped squirming.
She leaned forward, and met my lips with hers. Unlike Red, who'd been tentative, Vi seemed to have no reservations at all about my odd, flat face. On the contrary, she was rather exuberant about it.
She pulled away, leaving a small string of saliva between us. Rolling her tongue around in her mouth, she smacked her lips and smiled. "Hm... weird. But I like it."
"What the... fuuuuuck..." My jaw quivered in its place on the floor.
"Do you get it now, John? Now, take your weird leg-things off, my magic isn't working for some reason."
. . .
[The various organs are all gaping, except Alcohol, who is clapping excitedly.]
Brain: What in Soul's name have you got us into?
Alcohol: Well, what I'm getting us into should be obvious, now Dick, be at the ready!
Dick: How about 'Not a snowballs chance in hell'? You're stretching this 'Whiskey-dick' thing a bit too far, I'm not doing it. Even I have standards, asshole.
Alcohol: Oh, come on, all the other fan fictions are doing it!
Brain: Stow that mindless fourth-wall gibberish, right now! I will not tolerate any of the parts under my command to be put inside an animal!
Heart: Now hold up, that's a little-
Brain: No. For Dick's sake, and for the sake of the moment, Vinyl Scratch is an animal. (Turns to Alcohol.) You will be forcefully removed from the premises, you've caused enough damage for one night.
Alcohol: (Laughing hysterically.) Ha ha! You think this is the last of me? Ha ha! It doesn't matter what world you live in, what body you're in command of, I will find you, and I will KICK YOUR ASS! HAHAHAHAHA! (Continues laughing as he's dragged away by Liver and Kidneys.)
Brain: (To Liver.) Have Bladder keep an eye on him until he can be properly discharged. (To Mouth.) I don't care what you have to say or how inebriated we are. Get. Us. Out. Of. Here.
Ass: (Enters.) Good evening, gents. I've heard my name called several times in the past few minutes, and was wondering if I could perhaps be of assistance?
All: NO!
Ass: I'll take my leave, then.
. . .
Oh shit. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. What the fuck.
"Oh shit. What the fuck."
She stopped licking my ear for a second. "What's wrong, baby? Am I too heavy? We can try a different position, if you want."
"No, no... Bad girl, bad girl. What the fuck. Bad girl." I picked her up with shaking hands. She seemed to misinterpret my stern reprimands for eagerness.
"Ooh, yes, I'm a bad girl, and I need to be punished!" She hit me with another sexy look and a wiggle of her hips.
"Oh God, Morgan Freeman, fucking fuck." I set her down on a juice crate, and she turned around and presented herself.
"Call me whatever you want, I'm the one being punished." Her tail lifted slightly. I grabbed it and pulled it down. I didn't want to see that.
"I have to go... get my... virginity. I'll see you in... I'll see you." I quickly turned and kicked the door down, fragmenting the frame near the lock. I ran up to Scotch behind the bar and dropped the bag of gold coins that had been my payment from Rares in front of him.
"I must go. My people need me."
"I don't think ya bought that many drinks, lad."
"Yeah, I also think I broke your door."
"Alright then, if ya need ta go, I won't keep yeh." He shrugged, as if property damage was a part of his nightly routine. For all I knew, it was. I was interrupted in my thoughts by a buxom blue-haired broad calling my name.
"John? John, where are you going?"
"I'm going to Disney World!" I fled out the front doors and booked it back to Twilights house, praying to all the gods of all the religions that Vinyl Scratch didn't follow me.
. . .
She decided not to follow him. Let him think he was safe. "I love it when they play hard to get."
"What did you do to 'im, lass? He ran outta here like a diamond dog with its tail on fire." He knew her well enough to know that her face was flushed from arousal rather than embarrassment.
"I gave him a little taste of what's to come."
. . .
"You lost him?" Dusk had fallen. Twilight had not. She was in fact, quite steady on her hooves as Nurse Redheart gave the news of John the humans disappearance from her care. She sighed. "Alright, what happened?"
Redheart swallowed the lump in her throat as the guilt leapt up again. "We went for a walk, to get away from town, you know, and he started talking about how lonely and scared he was and, I guess I sort of..."
"Yes..?"
"Kissed him." She said, louder this time.
"You... kissed him." Nurse Redheart cringed in anticipation of a marvelous ass-chewing that was surely in store for her. "What was it like?"
Redheart was taken aback. "Excuse me?"
Twilight pulled out a piece of parchment. "What was it like when you kissed him? How many tongues did he have? Are his teeth as sharp as they look?"
"Umm... It was really hot, Like temperature-wise. I keep thinking he has a fever, but maybe humans just run hotter than ponies. He only has one tongue, but it's really small and kind of weird shaped. It's almost pointy, but it's really soft. And his teeth, well... they're definitely not as sharp as they look, but they're pretty sharp." As the nurse relayed this information, her sadness and shame began to disappear.
Being a nurse, she also noticed that Twilight was showing textbook signs of arousal.
"What did he taste like?"
"Kind of ashy. Maybe because of those smoke-sticks he uses."
"Hmm..." Seeming to be intellectually satisfied, at least, Twilight slid the parchment into a notebook that bore her cutie mark and replaced it onto a shelf across the room. "Well, I guess we'll just have to find him again. I won't be able to locate him magically, I've tried, but we could follow his physical trail if we needed to. Assuming he's still in the forest."
"Do you think he's okay?"
"I know he is. From what Fluttershy's telling me, he can take care of himself. His Null-magic field must have protected him from the basilisks magical attacks, giving him an opening. And before you start, Fluttershy, it's okay, you didn't know." Fluttershy sat in the corner, mortified that she'd let such an important creature get away.
The girls were still gathered in tree library after Princess Celestia's visit and were getting each other up to speed on the human situation. Twilight and Redheart did most of the talking with Fluttershy chiming in a bit near the end. Rarity, of course, had shared a rather stimulating conversation with the creature, as opposed to Pinkie Pie, who seemed to have nothing good to say about him. Rainbow Dash had caught a glimpse or two of the human during her weather duties, which was still more than Applejack, who'd been working all day and hadn't even known of the human until the meeting they were having at that moment.
"Rainbow, I suggest you comb the skies for him, he's not easy to miss. Fluttershy and Applejack, you should ask around the forest, see if any of the animals have seen him. Rarity and Pinkie can ask around town, and me and Nurse Redheart will stay here in case he comes back. Everypony got that?"
General assent was passing around the room when there was a knock on the door.
"Now who could that be?" Twilight said, as she went to answer it. before she could however, the knob turned of its own accord.
The door opened, revealing John on the other side. He scooped her up in a tight hug and twirled her around.
His voice sounded oddly slurred. "Oh God, Twily, it was horrible. My dick touched a pony vagina."
. . .
Michael Salem awoke in a cold sweat. He turned to his wife, snoring peacefully beside him. The frogs and bugs made an imprssive din outside his window, having their last hurrah before the cold hit. It was that wonderful time in Wisconsin between summer and winter, the time when the world calmed down and got ready for a long nap.
All was peaceful.
But all was not right.
Michael felt a tug on the string in his heart that connected him to his brother, the string that had held them together even when their parents had died and their family had nearly been torn apart, the string that always told him something was wrong even when his more protective sibling wouldn't.
Something was wrong now.
John, where are you? |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And Now You're Gone | For Arthur
Hang in there, little buddy
John, where are you?
"Honey, I'm sure John's fine. Maybe he just lost his phone or something?"
"No, Ari, you don't understand. John isn't fine. I've called him twice now, and it keeps saying he's out of range."
"So? That happens all the time."
"Not to John. I don't know what calling plan he uses, but he always says I can call him whenever I need him and he'll be there. That's not the sort of promise he takes lightly." John had a worldwide, zero dead-zone phone service. I don't know where one would get such a thing, and whenever I asked, he say it was a secret.
My brother has a lot of secrets.
"Besides, I won't be long. I'll probably be here before you get back from work. I'm just going down to Madison to check on him. I'm sure he's fine." I hope he's fine.
Ariel leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. "I'm sure, too, baby. Be careful on the highway, okay?"
"Of course, babe. Have fun at work."
"Always."
I'm a lucky guy.
. . .
The drive took almost three hours. The rain didn't help, but at least the highway was mostly clear. The gas shortages have been keeping a lot of people off the roads lately.
I visit John pretty often, but never on a whim like this. Ever since he gave me Mom and Dads house, he moved to
Madison with his friend Dutchy. I call him every few days and he visits almost every weekend.
Ariel was an only child. She couldn't understand the knife of dread that pierced my heart even as I drove down the cloud-darkened streets of the city that had become my older brothers home. She couldn't understand the fear that lanced my soul when I went to John's apartment, only to find it locked.
I knocked and waited. He should be at home. He normally sleeps this time of the day.
I waited for a long time.
With no other way to get in, I decided to try finding him at the bar where he works. I walked out the apartment building and was almost to my car when I was jumped by a gang of homeless people. They wanted my wallet, so I calmly pulled out a few hundreds and passed them out, shaking each of their hands and telling them to buy themselves something nice.
They waved goodbye as I pulled away. The random act of kindness did little to ease my feelings.
I pulled up to Dirty Mike's Bar and Grill, the most recent establishment John had been earning petty cash in since he retired from his 'Secret Job'.
Not that he needed to work any more. Ever since he retired, John had more money than he knew what to do with. Hence the three grand that was currently on my person, which was just a percent of a percent of my 'Christmas Gift' from last year.
John's 'Secret Job', as he'd been calling it since I was a teenager, was exactly that; a secret he'd kept from me since the day he came home with a strange Dutchman and a pair of bullet wounds in his neck.
That was the first, but definitely not the last time, that I feared my older brother would die.
. . Flashback Time, Motherfuckers . .
I chewed a hot pocket as I screwed around on the internet. I was a bit of a multi-tasker, I was simultaneously writing a 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!' fan fiction, coding a zombie survival video game, watching a Japanese cartoon, and listening to Now You're Gone by Basshunter.
Needless to say, I'm a lot less single-minded than my brother.
It had been less than a year since Ma and Dad died, John had dropped out of college and moved back in to take care of me. I distracted myself with the normal teenager stuff, spent hours at a time on the internet, did my best in school, and hung out with my then-girlfriend-now-wife, Ariel.
John took it harder than I did. He'd moved into my parents room. Sometimes, he'd keep me up all night with his constant pacing, a habit he'd gotten from Dad. He'd stay in there for days at a time, only coming out to say goodnight and work at the bar in town. But he paid the bills, bought groceries, and helped clean the house, so I couldn't complain.
Tonight was a little different, though. I drove home from school, dropping Ariel off on the way. He'd been in the kitchen, washing the dishes, his tan arms clashing with the white bubbles. He was singing along with the radio, obviously in a good mood.
"I kissed a girl, and I liked it,
The taste of her cherry chapstick.
I kissed a girl, just to try it,
Hope my boyfriend don't mind- Hey, Mike!"
"Hey, man." I set my backpack down on a chair, and started digging through cupboards on an epic quest for munchies.
"How was school?" He continued without looking up
"Sucked balls, as usual." I stuffed a cookie in my mouth and grabbed another.
"Well, hang in there, buddy."
"Ariel makes it better."
"Hmm?" He turned the radio down with a bubble-studded hand. "Who's Ariel?"
"My girlfriend?" I said through my cookie before swallowing. "I thought I told you about her."
He turned off the radio and flicked water at me, then dried his hands. "Was I drunk?"
"Maybe."
"Probably." He threw the towel at me and sat down in one of the chairs. "Pop a squat, little man. We gotta talk."
"Oh, shit, not this. John, you realize they have classes for this, now, I know 'the birds and the bees' and all that."
"I know, I know, gimme some fuckin' credit. I'm talkin' ground rules, buddy." He began ticking off fingers. "Rule One: Don't ask, don't tell, meaning, if I don't ask, I don't wanna know. Rule Two: No hanky-panky while I'm in the house. I don't pork girls while you're here, return the favor. Rule Three: Protection. All the time. No exception. I'm not taking care of your spawn. Other than that, have fun, and don't get caught. How long's this been going on? What base you at?"
"Almost all year." I laughed and willed my face to stop being so red. "Second."
He slapped me five. "The tits. Nice. Real talk though, I gotta leave in an hour. I'll leave money for a pizza or something."
"What's going on?"
"Biz."
"Kinda biz?"
"None-a yo biz." To this day, he hasn't told me what happened after he left. He did as he said and left some money, however, I ordered Chinese as opposed to pizza. I considered inviting Ari over, but it seemed in bad taste, since John essentially just gave me permission to have sex with her. So I went on the Internet.
I couldn't sleep, so I ended up cruising the web for a long time. At about a quarter to one, a car pulled into our driveway. It had begun raining, and I hadn't noticed it.
Now, who could that be?
I ran down the stairs to the door and opened it. I didn't like the look of the stranger who got out of the car that looked suspiciously like my brothers. He ran around the car and helped someone out of the passenger side.
I pulled my glasses out of my pocket. I'd inherited Mom's nearsightedness. Putting them on, I saw a familiar shock of golden-blond hair and an equally familiar black leather jacket. John?
. . .
John hated lying to his brother.
But he had to. To protect him.
Ever since that day, nearly a year ago, now, he'd been lying to Mike. He told him that he'd gotten a job as a bartender, when in reality, they were living off Mom and Dads life insurance. He told Michael he was getting better.
He wasn't.
But it was going to get better, now. He had them pinned. Almost a year of tracking, scheming, reading newspapers, going to the library, fucking around on the internet, hundreds of dollars in bribes, gallons of blood in torturous beatings. The loving father-figure he was to Michael was the polar opposite of the vengeful, bloodthirsty beast he became at night, when his little brother thought he was working. In a way, he was.
All of it for the medallion.
A golden sheep impaled on a golden sword.
He'd found it on the ground near where his parents died, where they were murdered. On the back he found a code. The code started the journey. And now he was going to finish it.
Build a bridge of blood all the way to Heaven.
Yeah, I'll build you a bridge to heaven. With blood, if you want it.
The drive took four hours, and it started raining in the middle. He pulled up to a seedy motel directly out of every shitty horror movie, and tonight, he was the antagonist, and they would be the helpless victims.
The Cult of the Sacrificial Lambs were the lambs now, and John was the tiger. He stepped out of his car and pulled up his hood against the rain. He went around to the trunk and opened it. And used a key from his pocket to open the silver case.
He'd spent a long time choosing his weapon. He'd eventually decided on the Desert Eagle. He'd obtained it through perfectly legal means, and waited the required period. Said it was for home defense. Luckily, the guy hadn't asked why one needed a silencer and hollow-point rounds for home defense.
He'd made his choice partly because it was ironic. The Cult of the Lambs got stared in Israel, and the Deagle was an Israeli weapon. Born of the desert, die by the desert.
But he'd mostly chosen it because it was the biggest damn handgun he could get his mitts on. I don't want to kill them. I want to destroy them utterly.
His hands shook with nervous excitement as he screwed on the silencer and tucked the Deagle into his jacket. He then put two spare clips into each back pocket, and put the box of bullets in his other jacket pocket. Finally, justice would be served. Finally he would get his revenge.
The Lambs were careful. Careful and cunning. They made every one of their sacrifices look like an accident. John had done so much research in these months, he probably knew more about them than their own members. The medallion and the code had been the key. Even now, as it bounced against his chest, he thanked the poor sod who'd been his deliverence. They'd gotten sloppy leaving evidence like that.
John Salem entered the hotel with murderous intent. It was exactly as you'd expect a dingy motel to be. Puke-yellow, peeling wallpaper, ugly, stained maroon carpets. The pretty lady behind the counter smiled.
"I'm sorry, but we don't have any vacancies right now!"
"I've got a room in reserve. Here's my key." I pulled out the medallion and dropped it to the desk. It jangled and her eyes widened when she recognized it. Everyone in this hotel was a Lamb, in one way or another.
She reached for a hidden button under the desk. John grabbed her wrist. She looked into his eyes, terrified.
"There's no need for that." He pulled back his hood, eyes tender, and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Then slammed her face-first into the desk. She rocked backwards, blood spurting from her nostrils. John pulled out the Deagle and pointed it at her. She was still terrified.
"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll have plenty of vacancies... in Hell."
Clack
Clack
A pair of roses bloomed on the hostesses chest, spraying little red ink dots over the desk.
John calmly reloaded the Deagle. Killing his first human being wasn't as hard as he thought it would be.
He leaped over the desk and stuck his hand down her shirt. After a bit of groping, he found what he wanted. He pulled out the bloody medallion, identical to his. He tucked it into his pocket, followed by his own, then checked the desk and drawers for any more information. In a locked drawer, which was quickly broken open, there was a notebook with the Symbol of the Lamb on it.
Flipping it open, John found dates and pictures. The pictures appeared to be taken from afar, and some of them had big red X's through them. Sifting through them, he found many people he didn't recognize. The last two pictures to be crossed out didn't surprise him. But they still hurt.
Johnathan C. Salem, Sr.
Bellefille L. Salem
The dates underneath the pictures were the same day they died.
John tore up the pages with his parents pictures on them. The fact that the Lambs had their likeness on hand was an insult to their memory. He was considering burning the notebook when he noticed the first person without an X.
Laura T. Rodriguez
The date underneath her picture was today.
They were going to kill her tonight, here in the hotel.
John didn't intend for that to happen. If there was a ritual happening tonight, all of the members would be present. John couldn't let this opportunity slip though his fingers. He lit the notebook on fire with his cigarette lighter, and dropped it in the trash can. He wiped a leftover tear from his eye and grabbed his gun from the table.
Now, he had to find the door. The hotel itself gave the Lambs a constant supply of money and victims, but John doubted they conducted their rituals in any of the rooms. There was likely a basement, hidden behind a false wall or cellar door.
After almost fifteen minutes of knocking on walls and checking under rugs, John found it. A false wall in a janitor's closet. He decided politely knock before knocking really hard.
"The Lion chases the Lamb, but there is no need," came the answer from the other side. The proper reply was: 'For the Lamb offers themselves willingly. John, however, didn't know this, so instead he replied:
"Well, the Lion is sick of the Lamb's shit," and proceeded to put his foot through the false wall. He felt it connect with flesh, and grinned. The guard had been directly on the other side.
Using the false wall's new window as a handle, John tore the entire structure off and threw it aside. He entered the small room and it was like entering a new building entirely. The dingy, peeling walls were replaced with gray stone, and the flickering, exposed light bulbs were replaced by fancy golden candelabras.
The guard John kicked was curled up on the floor, holding his stomach. John strode to him and grabbed the collar of his maroon ceremonial robes, lifting him completely off the floor. He pressed the silencer to the man's throat.
"Alright, little birdy, sing for me. Where's the sacrifice?"
"Who are you?!?" The young man bellowed, terror in his eyes. John pistol-whipped him savagely.
"Class is in session, I suggest you pay attention. Where. Is. The. Sacrifice?
The guard spat out a tooth. "Downstairs. The ritual's already started."
John grinned again. "Good job, you passed the final exam. Here's your gold star."
He pulled the trigger, blasting red paint all over the boring gray walls. He dropped the guard, who was now drowning in his own blood, to the floor, and began looking for the stairs.
Down said stairs, Brother Steve had the familiar, blocky golden dagger in his palm. With Brother Herman passing on tonight, he had taken over the ceremonies. Brother Herman and the sacrifice lay together on the stone table, naked. The old man had his eyes closed and was unrestrained, as opposed to the sacrifice, who chewed her gag as her eyes rolled about the room fearfully. Brother Steve stroked her head soothingly. "Be still, little lamb. The sacrifice goes to heaven, too."
Brother Herman took a deep breath. "Enough dawdling, Brother. Send the lamb and I to the lion's jaws."
"Yes, Brother Herman." The gathered cultists began to chant in the old tongue.
"بناء جسر من الدم على طول الطريق إلى الجنة"
"Build a bridge of blood all the way to heaven."
Brother Steve spread his arms, dagger in his right, medallion in his left. His eyelids fluttered as the words filled him.
"لا ذبيحة واحدة يمكن أن تذوب خطايا الرجل."
"No one sacrifice can dissolve the sins of man."
Brother Steve raised the dagger over the tribute. His eyes closed, so did hers, and tears ran down her face. He felt a sliver of apprehension, but quickly brushed it away. For Brother Herman to go to Heaven, this young woman had to die.
"يجب أن يكون الطعام بين فكي الأسد ولحم الخروف."
"The jaws of the Lion shall be fed the flesh of the Lamb."
Clack
Brother Steve felt a strange force, like someone had punched him in the chest.
"I can't believe you guys started the party without me!" Brother Steve looked toward the intruder, who brandished a smoking pistol. Surely he hadn't?
He brought the hand that held the medallion to his chest. Only when he saw that it came away bloody did the pain of getting shot hit him. As the life bled from the wound in his chest, he gently set his medallion and knife down before falling dead to the floor.
"Haven't you guys ever been to a party before? You blow out the candles, THEN you cut the cake." The intruder raised the gun again and shot Brother Herman, who'd leaned up wondering why he wasn't dead yet, in the face.
Sister Melissa grabbed the dagger from the offering table. "Murderer!" She screeched as she charged the man. "He was about to ascend!"
He caught her arm just as she was about to plunge the dagger into his heart. His grip was like steel, and Sister Melissa felt the bones in her forearm crack as the stranger spoke through gritted teeth.
"Me, a murderer? If I'm a murderer, what are you? Me killing your boyfriend and your grandpa there was no different than when you killed my mom and dad, and all those other people in your little notebook."
"They were sacrificed! They went to Heaven!"
"Then you can join them." He pressed the gun to her soft belly, causing her to gasp slightly.
Clack
Clack
Sister Melissa slumped to the floor. He aimed the pistol again. Only one of the cultists took cover behind the stone table.
Clack Brother Alistair began breathing through a hole between his eyes a split second before he fell to the floor with a dry thump.
Clack Sister Susanna clawed at the beautiful red flower on her chest before it's lead roots ended her struggle and she succumbed to the darkness.
John tucked the pistol into his jacket where it belonged. "I don't particularly feel like reloading. So let's make this a little more personal, shall we?"
The man knelt and picked up the knife Sister Melissa had tried to kill him with. He took a second to close her eyes.
"Now, let's play a game. If you manage to touch the door behind me, you get to live." He didn't really plan on letting any of them touching the door, and even if the did, he'd kill them anyway. But the robed cultists that remained didn't know this. They thought they had a chance.
The ritual forgotten, the first contestant stepped up to the plate. He was a little taller than John, which was an impressive feat.
"Our brothers and sisters have suffered dishonorable deaths by your hand. When I touch the door, my hand will be stained with your blood." He pulled a ceremonial knife from the folds of his robes. "Prepare to do battle."
"Are you gonna attack me, or talk about it all day?"
Brother Joseph bellowed a battle cry and charged at John. He felt a pain in his wrist, then a stinging sensation in his neck, then nothing at all. His body fell against the door, the new stump on his wrist leaving a smear. John shook the severed hand from his new knife, then threw it at Brother Andrew. It stuck fast in his neck, and he gurgled and fell against the wall.
"Two contestants left. I think this calls for a bonus round. You have two choices: Fight me, or fight each other. Winner gets to live."
The remaining cultists looked at each other. Suddenly, Sister Josephine tackled Brother Justin and began to claw his face. Grabbing his temples, she slammed his head against the stone floor until he stopped screaming, stopped struggling, stopped breathing.
She stood, breathing hard, and began crying. Her voice was hoarse from screaming apologies to her victim. She felt a pair of comforting arms wrap around her from behind, and leaned into them. It was only when she felt the knife slip between her ribs, did she wonder exactly whose arms they were.
John gently laid the last of his victims on the floor. He felt a strange nothingness in his soul, not an emptiness, but an absence of emotion. The warm pleasure of a job well done leaked through him, but other than that, he felt nothing for these people. As he'd trained to fight them, tracked them like a bloodhound, even as he painted himself red with their blood, they'd been the object of his revenge, his hatred.
Now that'd he'd slaughtered them, it wasn't the same. They were a job that needed doing, trash that needed taking out. He felt nothing for them.
John felt nothing.
He dropped the knife and checked on Laura. She seemed to have fainted. He undid her restraints and began gathering the cultist's medallions. He'd kept the first medallion as evidence to himself that his parents hadn't been victim to a random accident, but victims to a sacrificial cult's rituals. Now he needed them to remind himself that, tonight, people had died by his hand.
"What are you doing?" John spun, surprised at the voice. Then he mentally kicked himself. The cultist who'd hidden under the stone table crawled out and dusted himself off. John pulled out his pistol and fumbled to reload it. The cultist spun and kicked the gun and clip across the room. "No need for weapons, vriend, I'm not one of them."
John didn't bother trying to get the gun. He had a feeling it would just get knocked out of his hands again.
"Really? Then who are you?"
"Sir Doctor Inspecteur Sebastian Lied van de Rivieren, at your service." He spoke all his titles with total seriousness, and in an obviously Dutch accent, probably Amsterdam.
"I'm going to call you Dutchy, rather than remember all that." Dutchy rolled his eyes and continued.
"Americans." He grumbled under his breath. "Alright, fine, Dutchy it is. Now answer my question: What are you doing?"
"Collecting their medallions."
"May I ask why?"
"I... don't know."
"Well, I'm going to ask you to stop." He pulled the cloak off over his head, revealing a man who looked a little older than John. His short, black hair had silver streaks in it, and a matching short salt-and-pepper beard cloaked his chin. A massive, ragged pink scar cut his face in two, going from the upper right of his head, all the way down to the base of his neck on the other side. He wore a brown trench coat over a red plaid button-up and a pair of rancher boots poked out underneath his faded blue jeans. "And then I'm going to ask you why you're here."
"Revenge."
"Who'd they get?"
"Parents."
"You don't talk much, do you?"
"Less than most."
"Ahhh, the strong-silent type. What's your name?
"John."
"Salem?"
"How'd you know?"
"You're not the only one who read their little red book. For what it's worth, I'm sorry your family fell victim to these varkens. I would ask you to remain uninvolved, but it's a little late, now, nee?" Dutchy pulled out a jade dragon carving that he'd hollowed out into a pipe. He began calmly packing it. "Well, now that I know why you're here, I should probably tell you why I am. I'm an operative for a company known by the acronym UNJO, which stands for United Nations Justice Organization. A misnomer, given we're not affiliated to the United Nations. We've actually been around longer."
"So, you're a secret agent. A spy." John wasn't surprised. When he began his search for the Cult of the Lambs, John entered a world beneath the skin, a world where conspiracies were real, and big brother was always watching.
"No, I'm not an agent, I'm an operative, there's a difference. But, yes, I am a spy. I was planted to track this coven's movement's, then dispose of them. Thank's for doing my job for me, vriend." He lit his newly-packed pipe and took a puff. "And congratulations as well. You've managed to impress me, not an easy feat."
John was about to ask what he meant when they were interrupted.
Brother Justin finished reloading the intruder's pistol, pulling back the hammer with a click. Brother Shawn had been a traitor, and their entire coven was slaughtered by a single person. From his vantage point on the floor, he watched as the traitor and the stranger had a nice chat, mere minutes after his brothers and sisters had been slaughtered before his eyes. He aimed the pistol at Brother Shawn. His betrayal was unforgiveable.
"Die, infidel." Brother Shawn's eyes widened when he noticed the gun barrel pointed at him. But, as he pulled the trigger, the stranger stepped in front of him.
John stood there as the bullets tore through his neck. He felt himself being pushed aside. He heard a gunshot.
"Nee!" Sebastian pulled out his own gun and shot the surviving cultist in the forehead. John stumbled slightly from Sebastian pushing him, but remained on his feet, blood leaking from the base of his throat. The cultist surely dead this time, he rounded on John.
"Domkop! I could have dodged that!"
John opened his mouth to speak, but instead of words, a sickening gurgle and a copious amount of blood came out. He rocked on his feet for a second before falling into Sebastian's arms. Surprisingly, the Dutchman could hold his weight.
"No, do not speak." Sebastian probed the wound with a finger. John gurgled in pain. "Ach, this is not good. We will need a professional. Not a civilian hospital... Ah, I know just the person for the job."
He reached up and pinched his earlobe with bloodied fingers. "Nest, this is Cobalt Cobra, over... Mission was a partial success, I need a cleanup crew ASAP, several bodies and an unconscious civilian, over... Negative, Nest, one of the Lambs escaped, I'm going to hunt him down. I'll may be out of contact for a while, over... Cobra out."
He threw John's arm over his shoulder. "That should buy me a few hours. We need to get out of here, do you have someplace safe?" John pointed at Laura, still passed out on the stone table.
"The cleanup crew will be here before she wakes up. They'll take care of her, but we need to be gone before they arrive. I ask again, do you have somewhere to go?" John nodded and pointed up the stairs. Dutchy helped him climb them into the office on the first floor. One of the bullets had lodged in his spine, his body refused to obey commands from his brain. Somehow, he managed to quickly write down some directions on a pad of paper make it to the his car. Sebastian staunched his throat-hole with a towel from one of the guest rooms.
"Much as I hate to leave my baby here, do you have your keys?
John handed his key ring to Sebastian, and they tore down the road mere seconds before the cleanup crew arrived.
. . .
Why did he come home with some stranger? And why is he limping?
I yanked the screen door open and ran to him, the gravel stinging my bare feet and the rain soaking my back. Lightning flashed and I saw that his arm was around the strange man, a bloody white towel pressed to his neck. The stranger had a massive, disfiguring scar over his entire face.
"WHAT DID YOU DO DO MY BROTHER?" I shouted. I reached the man, and tried to pull him off John. An iron arm twisted around both of mine like a tentacle, then pinned my neck in an unbreakable grip. It didn't hurt, but it was uncomfortable. He didn't even have to let go of John to do it.
"Be still, de kleintje, help me get your brother into the house. We will talk, then. He's lost a lot of blood." He had an odd, but obviously European accent. John smacked him softly in the chest.
He let me go without another word. Not knowing what else to do, I moved to John's other side and put his arm over my shoulder. I looked at his face as I supported him. He was smiling, despite his obvious pain. He tousled my hair weakly. When did I start crying?
We got into the house and set John down in a kitchen chair. "Hold the towel to his neck, keep the pressure. I need to make a call."
"Now? He's bleeding!"
"We need someone to fix him. I'm a doctor, but not that kind of doctor. I'll make a call, then we'll stabilize him, ja?" I did as the strange man said and held the towel to my brother's throat. The man stepped back and pinched his earlobe. He began to speak in French.
Of course, I understood every word. "Patch me in to Doctor Ivoire, secure channel... Hello, Èbene? Yes, I need your assistance... Yes, bring your tools... No, your other tools... Èbene, please, not so many questions, my new friend is bleeding out and you're the only one I can trust... Of course, anything you want, my dear."
He turned to me again. "The doctor is on her way. How is he doing?"
John gave a thumbs up. I glared at the stranger for putting him in this state. John obviously couldn't talk because of the throat wound that, for all I knew, this man had given him.
"Ah, but where are my manners? My name is Sebastian, you must be John's brother?" He extended a hand that had a pink scar circling the wrist
I looked to John for wisdom. He nodded. It's okay, Mike, he's a friend.
I shook Sebastian's hand, still holding the towel to John's neck. "Well, Sebastian, my name is Michael, and if you don't mind me asking, what happened to my brother?"
He looked at John, who shook his head and pointed toward himself. I'll explain. Sebastian turned back to me. "That is probably something you two should discuss alone. I will go and wait for Doctor Ivoire."
I realized that we couldn't discuss anything if John couldn't talk. "Sebastian, could you grab a pen and a piece of paper for John? I would, but I'm kind of keeping him from bleeding out. There's some on the desk in the living room."
"Oh, yes, I forgot."
When he got the pen and paper, John began scribbling in his curving, loopy handwriting.
what do you want to know
"Why are you bleeding from your neck?"
I got shot
"How in the hell did you get shot?"
that is a long and painful story that Im not going to tell you
just know that I helped Seb do a really dangerous job
and that mom and dad can finally rest in peace
I tried my best not to scream at him. "John, you need to let it go. I miss them, too, but the truth is that they're gone and can't come back. It's not fair, but there isn't anything we can do, and obsessing about it isn't healthy, for you or me."
one day when youre older Ill explain all the way
but for now you can hate me if you want
A tear ran down my cheek. "John, I could never hate you. You're all I have."
dont make my cry because if I start
sobbing its going to hurt really bad
"I'd give you a hug, but I'm a little busy keeping your blood in your body." He smiled sadly. I chuckled, then sobbed. It was tearing me apart to see the strongest man I'd ever seen, bleeding and unable to even walk by himself. "Don't die, John. I already lost Mom and Dad, I can't lose you, too."
I promise that I will never ever die
"The doctor has arrived. Gentlemen, may I present to you, Madame Èbene Ivoire. Michael, She's going to fix your brother." At first, I thought he was kidding. Surely a woman of such beauty would be married to a doctor, not one herself? She was the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen, and she wore a cliche' white lab coat over an elegant form-fitting black dress. Simple makeup, complete with classic rouge-red lipstick, accented her already beautiful face, and a pair of square glasses perched on her delicate nose.
As if this wasn't enough to get my teenage hormones raging, she held a large black bag in front of her with both hands, causing her arms to squish her boobs together in that special way that all guys and lesbians love.
"Merci, Sebastian. I'm assuming zis is ze patient?" Her accent reminded me of my grandmother, which rather than turning me off, somehow made her more enticing. She quickly set her bag down, pulling out a pair of rubber gloves and putting them on.
"Doctor, I'm ready for my check up!" I blurted suddenly, then flushed red.
"Aww, you are cute. But non, you are too young for me, petit goujon." Guys obviously hit on her all the time. She handled that like a champ.
"Hey, I'm legal!" I exclaimed, scandalized.
She laughed. "Si mignon! Be a dear and help Sebastian lift ze patient onto the table."
I blushed again and did as she said. Despite my brother's situation, I was having trouble keeping my eyes off her. She pulled out a syringe and flicked it. "Alright, bel homme, Sebastian already explained what happened, I'm going to put you under sedation, c'est bien?"
John nodded, blatantly staring at her tits. So it wasn't just me. She put the needle into the side of his neck. The wound was in the front, where his chest met his throat. I removed the towel, and saw that it was not one wound, but two ragged round holes, as if a vampire or a giant spider had bit him.
"Ahh...de toute beaute. What was the caliber of the bullet?" She used a flashlight to look in the holes, sounding extremely pleased, despite the man dying in front of her.
"It was a Mark XIX Desert Eagle, chambered with .50 Action Express hollow points."
Doctor Ivoire's eyes widened behind her glasses. "He should be dead!"
Sebastian nodded gravely. "I know."
She opened John's mouth with a gloved hand, and what seemed like a gallon of blood and saliva spilled onto the table. She shivered, and her legs smacked together oddly. "He should definitely be dead. A normal human would be."
Instead of asking what she meant by that, I opted to grab John's hand. I squeezed it and he squeezed back in his sleep. Doctor Ivoire spent the next few minutes digging around in the wound. The wound began to bleed a little more when she pulled the first bullet out, so she clamped a few arteries shut. For some reason, I smelled something I hadn't smelled since I was last making out with Ariel.
Female arousal.
And Doctor Ivoire was the only female in the room.
Sebastian wiped sweat from her forehead. She smiled as she informed me, "I'm doing the best I can, but the wound is very bad. There is going to be scarring, and the second bullet is in his spine. There is a chance ze nerve damage was too great and he will spend ze rest of his life as an invalid. I will not know until I remove ze bullet. Allons-y!"
She enthusiastically plunged the forceps into my brother's open neck. He began to violently spasm on the table as his nerves were violated. I had to help Sebastian hold him down.
Finally, after almost a full minute of induced seizuring, John fell limp and Doctor Ivoire triumphantly held up a mangled chunk of lead. "Je l'ai fait! I've done it!"
She set the bullet on the tray with the other one and inspected the wound again. "I have ze good news, and I have ze bad news. Ze bad news, ze nerve damage was as bad as I thought. He will not walk by himself again."
Thank God, he's going to live.
"Unless," She continued. "I use my special treatment. And in order to do that, I need Sebastian to do me a favor."
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Of course, Èbene, we already discussed your payment. You brought your tools, I assume? So, administer the treatment, as I'm sure we're all getting impatient."
I was on the other side of the table, but I plainly saw him reach over and squeeze her butt with his left hand, which was missing its ring finger. She purred, delighted, and reached into her bag of tricks, this time pulling out another syringe, bigger than the last. It was full of a creamy-looking, off-white fluid.
"What's that? It looks like..." Semen.
"I know what it looks like. It is my treatment, I call it Touche de la femme. Sebastian will explain, my English is not good enough."
Sebastian did as he was told. "Èbene will be injecting your brother with, as everyone but her calls it, 'The Miracle Cure', or just Miracle. Miracle is a substance composed of unaligned stem cells and proteins. The stem cells will absorb your brothers DNA and use it as a map to rebuild his throat. It is very expensive to produce, and it isn't perfect."
She pushed the plunger down and stated proudly, "Ze latest batch has only twenty-five percent chance of ze cells becoming cancerous!"
"You're joking, right?" She hummed as she began closing the wound. "Right?"
She sewed him up, and John came to as she wrapped gauze around his neck. The whole surgery had taken less than an hour. "Before you speak, don't. Even with ze Touche de la femme in your system, you will need a few days to heal. No talking."
John nodded. He pointed at his chair in the living room. I need to sit down.
I helped him up and helped him walk to the living room. "Doctor Ivoire? He's not gonna be like this forever, will he?"
"Non, petit garçon, I injected ze Touche de la femme directly into the wound. He will be healed in a few days. I will leave my number in case zere are complications. And please, call me Èbene."
John had me fetch the pad of paper from the kitchen. until then I could use a drink
Surgery over, Sebastian helped the good doctor out of her coat. "Tres bon! Zat is a good idea. Alcohol will numb ze pain and disinfect your throat. Do you have any wine?"
just boxed
Mike could you get it please?
I fetched the box of wine from the fridge. Sebastian laughed when he saw it, and helped himself to a glass. "Wine in a box! Now, I've seen everything! Ahh, Americans..."
Mike you should get some sleep
Ill call school write a note to excuse you from school tomorrow
but you'll need to take it there.
"Are you sure you're gonna be alright?"
Ill be fine go to bed
I didn't go to bed. I went up the stairs and waited, listening. I could only hear what Sebastian and the doctor were saying, since John couldn't speak. They made small talk for a few minutes, but suddenly Sebastian brought up something that confused and concerned me.
"John, do you remember the offer I made you in the car on the way here?"
I heard John scribbling something.
"Now that you are capable of doing so, what is your answer?"
John wrote something, crossed it out, and wrote something else.
"How old is he now?"
Scribble, scribble.
"Then you have nothing to worry about, John. You can call him any time you want, you can visit. Hell, I visit my sisters all the time!
Scribble, scratch.
"As I said, you have nothing to worry about. We take care of our own."
Èbene chimed in, speaking French and sounding drunk. "Oh, you two are boring me, all you do is talk. Sebastian, I'd like to be paid, now. The wine, it makes me so horny!"
I raised an eyebrow. John wrote something.
"Good, you won't regret it. Now that that's settled, do you have a guest room? Èbene and I must retire for the night. And I believe my dear wants her payment for the night, hmm?"
Èbene growled and John wrote his final note for the night.
"Thank you very much, John. Again, you won't regret your decision." Oh, shit, he's coming up the stairs. I quickly, but silently padded back to my room. For the next hour, I endured the sweet siren song of Sebastian and Èbene having what sounded like very rough sex in John's old room.
When they were done, I heard a knock on my door and the now-familiar sound of Sebastian's voice. "Michael, I know you are awake. May I come in?"
I stood up from my bed and let him in. I'd opened the door only to notice he wasn't wearing a shirt, and was covered in blood. "Holy shit! You're bleeding!"
"Perceptive, aren't you? This is what I get for putting a woman's needs ahead of my health."
"What do you mean? Did Doctor Ivoire do that to you? I thought you guys were just..."
"Of course. And we were. Èbene is a rare and precious gem who needs very special treatment. I do my best to tickle her fancies."
"I still don't understand."
"She suffers from hematolagnia. I'm one of the few who is willing to tend to her needs."
"Hemato-what?"
"She likes blood."
The gorgeous doctor suddenly became slightly less attractive to me. Slightly. "Whatever. What did you need?"
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you." He sat down and patted the bed beside him, being careful to not get blood on the sheets. I sat down next to him. "Michael, I'd like to tell you a story."
His eyes grew distant. "Once upon a time, there was a man. He was a kind and loving man, and one day he decided he wanted to help people for a living, and devote himself to the needs of others. But his father told him that helping others was pointless, and that he would only get himself killed. He did not listen. He defied his father, and became so good at helping others, he gained the attention of the worlds greatest men and women, and he joined their ranks.
"And so, the man traveled the world. Many good things happened to the man in his travels. He saw things that had not graced the eyes of mortals in a thousand generations. Tasted foods fit for the gods, heard songs that made him shiver in ecstasy. He made love to hundreds of men and women around the world and touched the hearts of children everywhere.
"But bad things happened as well. He killed dozens of men and women and children, and watched even more die by the hands of others. He had his heart broken, he was tortured, beaten, burned, and cast aside. He killed his best friend, he watched his twin brother die in his arms. He felt anger, sadness, vengeance.
"He also experienced happiness, relief, contentment. Love." He sighed and came back to Earth. Then he looked at me. "Do you know what true love is, Michael?"
"I like to think so." Leave it to some weirdo who talks like Goldmember to make me doubt myself.
He continued as if I hadn't spoken. "True love is when you are willing to give everything you have and everything you are for another human being, without second thoughts or regrets. I know what true love is, Michael. The man from the story was me."
He stood, and I suddenly felt very small before him. "Sometime soon, your brother will tell you something you will not like, maybe even hate. All I can ask of you is to do as I did, and love your brother truly."
"What's he going to ask me?"
He patted me on the shoulder. "All in good time. Just remember; We were all put on this Earth for a reason, Michael. I know my reason. I think I can help John find his."
And with that, he swept out of the room and closed the door, leaving me confused in the growing light of the dawn.
I got a few hours of fevered sleep, and when I woke up, Sebastian and Èbene were nowhere to be found. I began thinking the whole thing had been a crazy dream, until I entered the living room and found John passed out in his chair, his shirt still bloodstained and gauze around his neck. I grabbed the note explaining the situation from the desk and brought it to school, then headed back, only to find John sprawled out on the floor, waiting for me to come home.
"You fell down." John nodded.
"And now you can't get up." He nodded again.
I spent the next few days off of school, taking care of John. Within four days, he could speak again, though in nothing more than a low growl.
"Here, put me in a chair, buddy, we gotta talk." He still wasn't strong enough to walk by himself, but he was getting better. Setting him down, I leaned back, my spine popping.
"If nothing else, hauling your fat ass around is giving me a good workout." We shared a laugh.
"Yeah, sorry about that." He sighed. "I'm sorry about a lot of things."
"Mm-hm. Like what?"
"I'm sorry for all the lies I told. I'm sorry for getting shot up and making you worry. I'm sorry for not getting a job, and getting drunk all the time. And I'm really sorry for what I'm about to tell you."
"What?" I'd been dreading this moment since Sebastian warned me about it those days ago. And now it was finally happening.
"I'm leaving." He wouldn't look me in the eye. "When you go to college in the spring, Sebastian's going to help me get a job at the company where he works. I can't tell you the details, but I have something that needs doing.
True love is when you are willing to give everything you have and everything you are for another human being, without second thoughts or regrets
I love my brother too much to see him suffer like this. So, I did the hardest thing in the world for me to do.
I let him go.
"John, I trust you enough to know what's best. If this is what you need to do, then I support it."
"Thanks, buddy. You have no idea how much that means to me."
"But, in return, you need to honor the promise you made to me.
"Which one?"
"The one you made when I asked you not to die."
He made to stand up. I tried to help him, but he waved me off. Then, for the first time since he'd been shot, he stood on his own, to his full height. He looked me in the eyes.
"Michael, I promise that, no matter what, I will always come back to you. I will always be there when you need me, no matter the challenge I have to face, because no hardship, no pain or suffering, is worth letting you down." He pulled me into a tight hug.
"I promise that I will never, ever die."
. . .
"Hey, Mike!"
"Hey Mike! Is John around?"
The other Mike scratched his chin, stubble crackling. He was at least a decade older than me, had a big old beer gut and a balding head. But he was nice. "I haven't seen him since last night, and I just got here a few minutes ago. Some chick dragged him into the back room, and I assumed they went home together. Why?"
The knife of dread pierced my heart again. "Could I see the back room please?"
Mike threw an arm around my shoulder. "Sure, man! It's before business hours, nobodies in there."
"Thanks."
He led me into and around the bar. "Mind if I ask why, though? He gone missin?"
"Well, he wasn't at his apartment, and he's not answering his phone"
"Well, that's not like him at all."
"I know." He unlocked the door to the back room and waved my in.
I couldn't understand what I saw. There was a cot in the corner, and it was torn all to hell. There were scorch marks on the wall, and several boxes had been overturned, as if there'd been a struggle. I moved to the side of the cot.
"Now, what the hell did he do to my back room? Ugh, this is gonna take forever to clean."
I inspected a burn mark on the wall. It gave me a bad feeling. "I don't think it's what John did, but what someone else did to him. Why is there a bed in here?"
"Andrew's parents kicked him out, so I've been letting him stay here till he finds an apartment. Why? What do you think happened?" I checked under the bed, only to find a badly shredded, burned piece of fabric.
I pulled it out and immediately recognized the pattern. I held up the Limited Edition Darth Vader boxers, which were John's favorite. And before you ask, I lived with the guy for eighteen years of my life, I know his boxers when I see them.
"I don't know, but these were his."
"Holy shit..." He took one look at my face and put his arm around me again. "C'mere, you need a drink."
"I don't drink." He plopped me in a stool and set an open Sun Drop in front of me.
"I know, gimme some credit, Mike." He patted me on the back. "I'm gonna call the cops. We'll find him, man."
I wasn't so sure.
John, where are you? |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And No Matter How Hard You Scrub | His voice sounded oddly slurred. "Oh God, Twily, it was horrible. My dick touched a pony vagina."
"What?"
"Vinyl Scratch. At the bar. She tried to touch my pee-pee." He made an odd noise at the back of his throat and hugged her tighter, nearly crushing her in his iron grip.
"J-John? You're crushing me..."
He set her down, and put his forehead in a hand. "Sorry. I get... huggy, when I'm drunk."
Twilight caught her breath. She still felt an odd, cool sensation where his arms touched her. It wasn't entirely unpleasant. "Alright, now start over from the beginning."
And so, John spun a tale of singing and dancing, drinking and being merry, fights and a blue-haired seductress. He nodded at the good memories upon finishing. "All in all, a productive night, as far as I'm concerned. I'm kinda just hoping she doesn't try to find me. That'd be awkward..."
"Speaking of awkward..." He turned to Nurse Redheart. She cringed, expecting a reprimand for earlier that day, when she'd taken advantage of his distress and kissed him. Instead, she felt his arms, like tree trunks, wrapping around her and picking her up, hugging her close. "I'm sorry, Red. I shouldn't have run out on you like that. I just... I need some time to adjust, okay?"
She felt his lips brush her cheek. Then, his hot tongue dragged up her ear. He sighed. "Oh..."
The mane six's jaws dropped as, for the second time that day, John the Human locked lips with Nurse Redheart.
. . .
I ran my hands down to Red's butt and gave it a squeeze. "Mmm..."
I felt her arms wrap around my shoulders, and she pressed her mouth harder to mine. I ran a hand through her hair and breathed in her sweet scent. I pressed my member, tight in my jeans, against her belly, making sure she felt how hard I was.
Oh, God, I was so hard.
"John..." She breathed.
"Lana..." I replied, pressing her chest harder to mine, to better feel her breasts.
Her chest was flat, her sternum hard, unlike my girlfriends soft, luxurious D-cups. The spell was broken. She was a pony again.
"John?" She leaned back in my embrace, wondering why I'd stopped.
"I'm sorry, Red, I really am. It's just not doing it for me." I gave her a last peck on the lips and set her down. I smoothed her mane and turned away. The other ponies in the room were staring. "Take a damn picture, it'll last longer."
Pinks actually pulled out a camera and took a picture, blinding me. I yanked it away and threw it against the wall.
Twilight completely ignored this. "John... what the..."
"Leave it alone, Twilight."
"Um... okay. What happened with Vinyl Scratch, then?"
"Kinda like what happened between me and you earlier today, except she meant to do it." She blushed at the mention of the earlier misunderstanding.
"Well, there has to be a reason all of these mares are feeling oddly attracted to you."
As she pondered this, I turned in a circle, checking the room. Rares and Shy were there, and of course, my best friend ever, Pink. Other than Red and Twi, there were two more ponies there, both from the show.
The rainbow-haired one and the cowboy one. I held out my hand. "We haven't been introduced; I'm John the Human."
Cowboy Pony replied first. He shook my hand enthusiastically. "Well, shoot, John, we might as well already be friends, considerin' how much Twi's been talkin' 'boutcha! Mah name's Applejack!"
"Well, it's nice to make your acquaintance, Applejack, I see my reputation precedes me. I'm just glad I'm not alone among all these girls. All this female energy make's a guy uncomfortable, am I right?"
"Umm, yeah..." He looked confused.
"Whatever." I turned to the other guy, the pegasus. "I think I know your name... Rainbow... Flash?"
"Actually, it's Dash, but you were close! Fastest flier in Equestria!" He flew into the air and flexed his arms.
"That's interesting, you're very interesting." I pulled out my flask and shook it. There was only a little bit left. I downed it. "Alright, now that we're all friends, I'm tired, so I'm gonna go to bed."
I tucked the flask back into my jacket, then proceeded to smash Twi's coffee table by violently falling asleep on it.
. . .
He tucked his odd silver bottle back in his coat, and then collapsed onto Twilight's coffee table, causing it to disintegrate under his titanic weight. He let out a soft, growling purr. A snore.
Applejack voiced what was on everypony's mind. "What the hay just happened?"
"I think he fell asleep."
"Let's rape him!" Everyone looked at Pinkie. "What?"
Rainbow Dash clocked her over the head. "Rape is never funny, Pinkie."
"I wasn't trying be funny..." She grumbled, rubbing her cotton candy locks. Nurse Redheart moved to John and opened his mouth, sniffing his breath.
"As I thought. Alcohol sickness. Help me roll him over, please?" Applejack attempted rolling the human over with extreme effort.
"Fella's heavier'n he looks, Dash, gimme a hoof, here." When the ponies finally managed to flip him over, Redheart began digging through his coat pockets. She pulled out his odd, silver bottle and opened it, sniffing. It reminded her of scraped knees and paper cuts. Alcohol.
"Why was he drinking alcohol? Is he trying to poison himself?" Redheart shook her head, at a loss.
Twilight remembered something he'd told her earlier about the contents of the flask. "He told me it keeps him regular. Maybe alcohol is important to human biochemistry, or... or..."
Rainbow brought her back to Eden. "Rather than wonder, let's just wake him up and ask." She dropped from her perch, and prepared to kick the creature in the head.
"Um... Rainbow... I'll do it." Fluttershy knew her friend had a strong kick. She leaned close to the human's ear. "Um, John? We need you to get up now."
"Mmm... but Ma, I just graduated, can't I sleep in for five minutes?"
"No, John, you have to get up." Grumbling, the human obliged, getting to his hands and knees. He looked at Fluttershy.
"Good morning, Ma." He held up a finger and hooked her under the chin. "Give us a kiss."
He leaned forward and pecked her on the tip of the snout. She eeped and fled the room. John giggled drunkenly.
"She's real cute, that Shy." He shook his head and stood, swaying. "Holy shit. Goddamn."
Twilight chalked this up as another one of those weird things he did that would probably never be explained. "Um, John, you've been acting strange. Is there a reason why?"
"Well, partly because I'm a pan-dimensional traveler, and partly because I'm drunk off my ass. Do you have a shower?"
"You're... drunk?"
"Yeah, soused, boozed up, buzzed, crocked, inebriated, plastered, sloshed, tanked, tipsy, three sheets to the wind, wasted. You see, you drink alcohol, and your brain gets all derped up like this. Do you have a shower?"
"Um, yes, upstairs, straight across the bedroom."
"Good. Thanks." He scooped her up in another hug before stumbling up the stairs. Fluttershy re-entered the room, now that John was gone. He made her feel funny.
If Twilight had fingers, she would have pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. Failing that, she settled for a loud sigh. She turned back to the gathered ponies.
"All right. Well. We found John, he doesn't seem hurt, so... crisis averted, I guess. You can all go home, if you want."
All the ponies but Redheart filed out, saying their good-nights.
The nurse hung back, glancing up the stairs to where the Human disappeared. She sighed and turned to Twilight. "Make sure to contact me if the alcohol sickness doesn't improve. And don't stress yourself out over him, either."
Shaking her head, she moved to the door before turning around again. "Take care of that human, Twilight."
A few seconds after she left, Spike entered. He tossed a letter onto the writing desk and flopped down onto his favorite ottoman. "Hey, Twilight. What was Nurse Redheart so upset about?"
"Spike, where have you been? I haven't seen you since Celestia came by!" She checked the clock above the door. "And it is WAY past your bedtime!"
"Relax, Twi, I've stayed up later than this before we got Owlowiscious, and besides, it's not like I need more sleep than I already get." His eyes glazed over slightly. "The things I have seen, Twilight. The things I have seen..."
"You spent an hour catching and subsequently eating a butterfly, then took a nap in a field until you got hungry again and wandered back."
"It was a grasshopper, but other than that, you're spot-on. What's for dinner?"
"It's one o'clock in the morning, if you want something to eat, you're making it yourself."
"Harsh."
Twilight giggled. Leave it to the little dragon's antics to cheer a mare up.
. . .
I entered the bathroom and removed my shirt. I checked my reflection, flexed a little. I'd gone in the woods before heading back to town, but all the Tonic Rainbooms were making me have to piss like a racehorse. Upon seeing the state of Twilight's throne, however, I needed a confirmation, first.
"Twilight! There's something wrong with your toilet!"
"What? Theres something wrong with my toilet?"
"Yeah, it's like... a baby toilet. Also a couch." What I meant was, the device itself was wood and brass, and had a cloth cushion for a pony to support itself whilst engaging in activities. The entire structure, however, was obviously far too small and flimsy for my human body.
The procedure would've required too much finesse for my drunkenness to allow, so I decided to just pee in the shower.
I peeled off my slightly dusty pants and tossed them in the corner with my shirt. I'd taken off my jacket after I entered the house. That was all my clothes. All my possessions.
I took my shower. Alone with my thoughts.
So alone.
I miss Mike.
I took care of him after Mom and Dad died. Their deaths hit me hard, but Mike Helped me through it. He helped keep me from going insane. He gave me something to come back to.
I calmly washed my short blond hair with Twilight's lavender-scented soap.
Whenever I went out and got drunk, he made sure I got home safely. When I came back home one night full of holes, he'd been willing to fight Dutchy to help me. No small feat, he's an intimidating guy.
I dried off with a very small towel and attempted to wrap it around my waist. I checked the mirror on the wall.
As I looked into the mirror, I noticed something in the corner.
The odd lizard creature from the forest stared at me from the mirror, reclining on a pile of towels. "Hello, John. Settling in nicely, I see."
I turned around, only to find the image in the mirror didn't match the real thing. The towels were barren of any lizard-like chimeras. "How...?"
The creature in the mirror inspected his claws. "I'm using the mirror's reflective surface to communicate with you. It would be too dangerous for me to actually appear with Celestia's little lackey so close."
"Hey, don't be a dick."
It raised a brow. "Oh? Don't tell me that you actually care for the little witch? You're nothing but a specimen to her, John. A frog in a jar, waiting to be dissected. Mark me, my human friend, nothing good comes from associating with ponies."
"They've been a lot nicer to me than you have, snakeskin. How the hell do you know my name, anyway?"
"Come now, John, considering the commotion you've been making around town? It would be a trick for me not to know your name by now. Speaking of which, your little magic friend has told Celestia of your appearance here. She's on her way right now to dispose of you."
"I can handle myself."
"Precisely my point. Regarding that, have you considered my offer from earlier?"
I hadn't really devoted any thought to the subject, being somewhat distracted. I thought of Mike. He probably didn't even know I was gone. If I do what lizard-lips says and get back to Earth quickly, he won't have to miss me, and I can pretend this whole thing was just a bad dream.
"I'll do anything within reason if it'll get me home."
"Good man. Your mission is simple: We need you to take back the Chaos Crowns, six ancient artifacts that were stolen from my people by Celestia several millennia ago. She and her sister feared any power that rivaled their own, so they turned my oldest brother into a statue and imprisoned the rest of my siblings in the pits of Tartarus. I was barely able to escape. Only recently was my brother freed and the spell holding my family hostage broken, unfortunately, it was immediately re-cast. My other brother and sisters were freed however, and we need the crowns to save him and protect ourselves from the Princesses wrath."
Chaos Crown... Where have I heard that before?
"Cool story, bro. But why do you need me again?"
"The Crowns are heavily protected, even me and my siblings powers combined couldn't get through. I'm sure you've discovered the ability unique to your species: Immunity to magic. This immunity renders you invisible to detection spells, and capable of passing directly through even the strongest of wards with no protest."
"So, you want me to steal these 'Chaos Crowns', and then you'll send me back to Earth?"
"Yes, they are imperative to both our needs and yours; my family and I are not powerful enough to send you back on our own. We need their power, and so do you. I believe the Human term is, 'Win-Win'.
"Fine, then. I won't make any promises, but I'll look into it. If I see any crowns that look particularly chaotic, I'll nab 'em and bring 'em to you, capische?"
"Wonderful! However, if you find the Crowns, I shall come to you, as I doubt you could find us at our current hiding place. Good luck, my champion!" In the mirror, the creature opened the window and a pair of reptilian wings unfolded on his back. He waved goodbye and flew away into the night. When I looked back, the window was closed and had no sign of being opened at all.
I still don't trust the little fucker.
Call me suspicious, but my instincts were screaming, and my instincts have been keeping me alive for years. When they speak, I listen. But, if there's no other alternative, I may need to improvise a little in order to get back home in one piece. And I have to get home. For Mike.
John, where are you? His voice echoed in my head, frantic and fearful in a way I'd never heard it before.
"Mike? Is that you? MIKE!"
. . .
"Mike? Is that you? MIKE!"
Twilight heard a loud crash from the upstairs bathroom. "John? What are you doing up there?"
There was a loud thump and a bellow of pain. What if he's in trouble?
Twilight sprinted up the stairs, and hesitated before the closed bathroom door. He's probably naked in there!
Why did this thought send a shiver down her spine?
She shook it away and opened the door. John was seated on the floor, nude as she'd predicted. Her mirror was smashed and his Human blood painted the tiles deep crimson. He stared at his hand, which was cut and bleeding from the broken glass. Hearing her enter, his head snapped sideways at an unnatural angle, and he spoke in an ancient, dead voice.
"Flesh of the King still remains," He clawed at his chest, leaving streaks of his own blood across it, then trailed his hand down his arm, leaving a stripe of. "Blood of the King runs in his veins,"
"Once an evil thought destroyed," He attempted to stand but stumbled, catching himself on the counter. "Soon becomes an evil employed,"
"He shall come in the night, awaken in the day, and consort with the creature he was born to slay." He finally managed to stand. "But the lies will fall on deaf ears, Deception's heart, his blade will pierce!"
John spread his arms, blood dripping from his cut palm and a manic smile on his face. "His heart shall be shielded by his pain, blood shall spill in torrential rain, the greatest evils shall be slain, the Human race shall rise again!"
He bent over at the waist and vomited a putrid black liquid over the floor.
"Ow!" He stood up again and checked the cut on his palm. He looked at the floor, then at Twilight. "I don't remember eating that."
He sighed. "I started spouting poetry again, didn't I?"
"It's getting worse."
. . .
John had to take another shower, then he fell asleep on the guest bed across from Twilight's. The mare herself remained awake, studying John's poem, as well as the black liquid he'd regurgitated. It was almost enough to fill a large jar and it swirled around in it's container under it's own power. Sometimes, it formed human faces that she didn't recognize, and they would whisper terrible things to her. She tried to argue with it, but it refused to listen.
"Why do you obsess so over these silly pursuits, Twilight? Your friends find it obnoxious."
"What are you? How do you know my name?"
"You pursue knowledge doggedly, but to what avail? Everything written eventually fades, everything learned is eventually forgotten. It is pointless."
"Shut up."
"No matter how many books you read, no matter how many spells you learn, he will never love you, Twilight."
Rather than giving the jar a swift kick, like she wanted to so badly, she instead wrapped it in a blanket and stuffed it in a drawer. Turning her head to the poem, she mulled over it's meaning for the hundredth time.
Red eyes, dreaded lies, red balloons in sulfur skies
A cosmic clown, the chaos crown, he turned this world upside down
But, he's not done, with his fun. Nay, his devilish tricks have just begun
For his childish game, he'll take the blame; the chosen one cannot be tamed!
Flesh of the King still remains, blood of the King runs in his veins,
Once an evil thought destroyed, soon becomes an evil employed,
He shall come in the night, awaken in the day, and consort with the creature he was born to slay.
But the lies will fall on deaf ears, Deception's heart, his blade will pierce!
His heart shall be shielded by his pain,
Blood shall spill in torrential rain,
The greatest evils shall be slain,
The Human race shall rise again!
The first two verses was likely talking about Discord, or perhaps some other draconequus. Were there other draconequi?
The next verse chilled Twilight to the bone. Was this poem a prophecy? Was Discord going to return?
It also spoke of of a Chosen One, perhaps Twilight herself, but likely John. The flesh and blood lines confused her, as did the ones about evil, but the coming in the night and awakening in the day described his coming to the world well.
Twilight could not figure out what the rest meant. She sighed and closed the notebook that bore her cutie mark. She blew out the candle and worked her way up the stairs by the moonlight filtering in through the windows. The candle in her room was still lit. When she entered, she noticed that John was still awake, sitting on the bed and looking through his wallet. His shirt, socks and shoes were off and neatly stacked beside the bed, but he still wore his pants. His rounded, smooth musculature caught the shadows nicely, and his face sparkled in the candlelight.
Seeing her enter, he wiped his face and the sparkles disappeared. "I wasn't crying."
"Sure."
"Seriously."
"Whatever you say, John. Regardless, do you want to talk about it? It might help."
He sighed and wiped his face again. "That's what they say, isn't it?"
She opened the notebook again and magically pulled her hair into a bun. Conjuring a quill and a pair of reading glasses she didn't need, she jumped up onto the bed and curled up, getting comfy. This display prompted a small smile and a chuckle from John.
"Heh. That's a good look for you, Twi. Cute."
She blushed at the compliment. Stallions didn't often compliment her on her looks.
. . .
D'aww, wook at her with her cute widdle glasses!
Girls hate it when you squeeze their buns, but I REALLY wanna squeeze that bun.
. . .
He reached over and softly squeezed her bun. "Honk. Sorry, I couldn't resist."
Twilight cleared her throat and readjusted the bun. "Alright, then. You should start with what's bothering you. What were you sad about when you were cr-"
"I wasn't crying." He reminded her.
"What upset you so badly?"
John apparently wasn't very good at expressing his feelings. "Alright. Well. I'm just here, in this world, don'tcha know, and... I don't know If I'll ever get back. I got out my wallet and I saw the family picture, I saw Mike and... I'm worried I'll never see my little brother again. You got any brothers or sisters, girl?"
"Just one. My older brother. I haven't seen him in a while."
"How would you feel if you were in my position? Stuck on some weird planet where nothing makes sense, and there's a good chance you might never see any of the people you love again?"
Twilight was beginning to understand to scope of John's plight. Never able to see Shining Armor again? Never again able to hear Fluttershys tiny voice, or Pinkie Pie's laughter? John must have had friends he loved back on earth, too. "I'd feel absolutely terrible."
"And I can't do anything about it. I don't remember how I got here, almost all the locals won't even look at me, and Mike is probably worried sick."
Twilight took off her glasses. This was beyond her expertise. What would Princess Celestia do?
"Princess Celestia!"
John leaned up at her outburst. "Hm?"
"Princess Celestia might know how to get you home!"
"What makes you think that?"
"She's an immortal ruler with the power to raise the sun, maybe she knows how to make a portal or something? I don't know, John, but I just have a feeling she'll be able to help you. I'll write a letter to her right now!"
. . .
"Is my carriage ready?"
The Peppermint Butler was struggling to keep up with the long, purposeful stride of his princess, currently she was giving him a rather unfortunately good view of her rump as she hurried through the halls of her castle to her personal armory. "Of course. Goldenrod Squad is ready to move on a moments notice, your armor is prepared, and the ballistae are loaded and stallioned."
"Good." She reached the door to her personal armory and opened it with her magic. There her armor stood, in all of its glory. I was golden, and it curled and flowed, shining bright like the sun itself. It had been nearly four thousand years since she'd last donned it, yet it was well-maintained and was just as beautiful as ever. "Peppermint, if you please."
Peppermint shrugged out of his coat. "Your wish is my command, Highness."
He removed her regalia gingerly. Most ponies didn't know this, but the royal garments burn with the fire of the sun to mortal hooves. Few were allowed to see a princess without them. Peppermint marveled at his princesses wild beauty when the pieces were removed. She was the most noble and beautiful creature she'd ever seen. He didn't deserve to look upon her, let alone be her butler.
He picked up the chain mail shirt in his teeth and pulled it over her head. He helped her put her hooves through the sleeves and buckled the skirt to it. The plate mail was belted on and the weapons were sheathed soon after.
"You will be careful, Highness?"
"Even if I'm not, I have my butler to take care of me."
"Highness, you don't mean... I... I shall accompany you?" Peppermint hadn't dared to hope.
"Of course, Pepper. We will both have a chance at vengeance this day."
Peppermint's pale face stretched into a wide grin, clearly displaying his sharp, carnivorous teeth. There was a reason why the Peppermint Butler never smiled.
"Then I shall fetch my best coat." Of course, the situation called for fancy dress.
It isn't every day that one meets their maker.
. . .
John fell asleep to hopeful thoughts.
At least, Twilight hoped so. So far, the Human's emotions had been very difficult to read. Nonetheless, his grumbling snore resonated though the room quietly, like the purring of a content cat.
She pulled the notebook from the shelf and gazed at it again. It's not like she was going to get any sleep anyway. Not with such an exciting specimen snoring softly in front of her.
Truly exciting.
She opened the notebook to the page where she'd sketched him naked.
Why did she have these feelings? What was wrong with her?
What would the Princess think?
These questions, nor their answers, did nothing to put out the burning flame of desire in her heart, or the raging inferno between her legs. She looked at the Human's accurately sketched penis, she imagined the spear-shaped head piercing her, filling her with the glorious pain and pleasure of her first intercourse...
I'm having sexual fantasies about an interdimensional alien. Twilight Sparkle realized this and accepted it.
She considered going to him, waking him up, and asking for sex. Then she realized this might not be a good idea. She considered attempting intercourse while he slept. Then she realized this also might not be a good idea. So, she did what any shut-in, horny virgin would do.
Masturbating to an image of John was easier once she committed to it.
His hands ran up her body, like warm tingly spiders, taking her breath away. His hot, smoke-scented breath whispering to her, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Absolutely," She'd reply.
The fur about his mouth would tickle her lips as he kissed her passionately, she would feel his teeth, pointy, but not quite sharp, his tongue, soft and hot. His hand would run down and around her rump, and his long, rounded fingers begin pleasuring her in both her holes. Those hot, foreign objects, so strong, moving gently back and forth within her forbidden forest, lubricated by the sweet-smelling rain that fell within. He wouldn't break the love-seal. Not at first.
"Ah! Not so fast! At this rate, I'll..."
"Well, we can't let that happen right away, can we?" He'd kiss her again, softly, tenderly. He'd gently position herself over her and hold her tightly.
"I'm going to enter you now. And I'm not leaving until you cum." He'd say, in exactly the way she always dreamed a stallion would. Just like Bloodletter said to Aortic Valve. He'd enter her slowly, carefully, so as not to hurt her. the spearhead of his penis would part her hymen like a scalpel, painlessly and bloodlessly. He'd go in and out and in and out, filling her and leaving her wanting more. She would feel him get closer and closer until neither of them could stand it any more, and then they would cum together.
"Twilight!" He'd scream in ecstasy, as his love filled her from the bottom up.
"John!" She'd say softly, wrapping her hooves around him.
And there they'd lay, basking in the afterglow they created together.
. . .
People are often surprised to find out that I'm a light sleeper. Maybe it's because I'm so big, or maybe I just seem like a really mellow person, but people often just assume I sleep like a rock. But often I'm woken up in the middle of the night by the smallest of noises.
This time, it was a quiet whisper from Twilight. "Absolutely,"
Who the fuck is she talking to this late at night? I leaned up and turned my head. Twilight's hoof was between her legs, and there was a notebook on the bed beside her.
A notebook with her cutie mark on the cover.
Her hoof began to rub faster. "Ah! Not so fast! At this rate, I'll..."
As I recall, there are nudies of me in there.
Her body tensed up. "John!"
Only nudies.
It took a moment for my sleep-addled mind to process this. ಠ_ಠ
OH MY GOOOOOOOOOD SHE'S SLAPPING THE CLAM AND I'M THE OBJECT OF A HORSE'S SEXUAL FANTASIES WHAT THE FUCK
-Crack-
. . .
Twilight rode the wave of her afterglow for a few minutes. She opened her eyes and put her notebook away. Now she could sleep in peace. A quiet night before the long day that await her.
Quiet night.
John wasn't snoring anymore.
Twilight looked to the absence of noise that was the human. There he lay, fully awake. His mane was mussed and his jaw was nearly on the floor. He'd seen everything, she knew it.
"John... I..."
. . .
Brain: (Screaming.) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Mouth: (Rocking back and forth in the corner.) Get them out, get them out, I can feel them fluttering around inside me, like pretty little butterflies, blue ones, yellow ones, red the color of blood, warm, tasty blood...
Dick: (There is an audible popping noise as his mind fizzles out, and he falls to the floor, unconscious.)
Balls: (Sobbing.) You know, (Sniff.) I never wanted this job, (Sob.) when I was little, (Sniff.) I always wanted to be a dancer. I had a cute little outfit and everything.
Ass: (Puffing indignantly on his pipe.) My word, how indecent! I understand that ladies have their needs, but they should satisfy themselves in private! I mean, really!
Heart: Aww! She likes us!
. . .
His mouth closed slowly. Then it opened again, before closing once more. He looked at Spike, who slept peacefully. He looked out the window at the moon shining through. He looked back at Twilight, who'd frozen with her hoof between her legs. He nodded sagely.
He laid his head back on the pillow.
His soft, purring snore permeated the room once again
. . .
Mike actually convinced me to have a beer or two before I reminded him I needed to drive home. Apparently, someone needs to be missing for at least forty-eight hours before the police get involved. But I felt in my gut that John might not last that long, wherever he is.
My passenger door suddenly opened and an old friend entered. I was driving down the highway at seventy miles and hour. "Hallo, Michael."
I jumped at his sudden, very unexpected entrance. "Sebastian! How the fuck-"
"Well, I wasn't going to try to flag you down! You're on the autobaan!"
"My point exactly!" I sighed and chalked it up as 'Typical Sebastian,' entering a movie car at highway speeds and acting as if he did it everyday. Hell, as far as I know, he does. "Whatever, what do you want?"
Sebastian made a pouty face that did not fit on his grizzled, scarred features. "Oh, Michael, you cruel boy! Is that any way to treat your old friend? Het brutaliteit!"
"You jumped into a moving car for a friendly chat?"
"Damn you and your logic." His face became serious. "As you know, Johnathan has gone missing. Do you know his whereabouts?"
"What makes you think I'd know? I've been looking for him all day so far!" I sighed.
Sebastian looked out the window, frowning. "Then the situation is worse than I thought."
He was silent for a few seconds. Then he turned to me again.
"Michael, I promised your brother I wouldn't get you involved, but this is very important; Johnathan is strong, intelligent, and well-trained, he could survive any situation thrown at him, especially if he had incentive. And I can assure you, he is alive. If he was dead, we could find him, but his tracker will not respond, and he does not answer phone calls. It is as if he dropped off the Earth entirely. Which means there are only a few places he could have gone."
"Wouldn't 'dropped off the Earth' imply he disappeared?"
"People don't just 'disappear,' Michael. Not to me. If you do not know where John is, then I have a very busy night ahead of me. I will find your brother, Michael, I promise." He gave me a pat on the shoulder and changed the subject. "So, how are you and Ariel going? Goed?"
"Yeah, pretty good, We've been thinking of getting a pet."
"Ooh, a pet? I'd recommend a pig!"
"A pig?"
"Yes, of course! Very popular back in Europa. Intelligent, easy to train, no shedding, no leg-humping. But on the subject of humping, how is de seks?"
My face turned red. "What? The what?"
"The sex, Michael, how is it? Did it change now that you're married? Is it better? Worse? Does she let you go to new places? Hijg! Don't tell me you haven't yet?"
"Of course we have, Seb! Before we got married, even. She's very good in bed! Now that we tied the knot, well, I guess it happens a lot more frequently, pretty much every night."
"Anything interesting?"
"Pretty vanilla, I suppose. There's also... oral, sometimes. Mostly on my end." My cheeks got red again. My three C's: cooking, cleaning, and cunnilingus. Not that I mind.
"Ah, a gentleman! Goed, zeer goed. Have you considered my offer for the spel met drieën?"
"I dunno, Seb. I mean, I just got her to myself, you know, I'm not sure I'm willing to share her just yet."
"Aww, je bent niet leuk. I could make you both feel heel goed."
"I appreciate the offer, though. Maybe another time?"
"Bedankt, vriendin. To be honest, I've been thinking of settling down myself. John convincing me to retire was probably the best and nicest thing he could have done for me, if only I could find a fijn stuk van aars like your Ariel. Something to come back to, ja?" He elbowed me in the shoulder. I smiled and nodded.
"I'm sure you'll find her, Seb. With your charm and... good looks... I'm sure you're probably rolling in honeys!"
He took the jibe as a serious compliment. "Hm. Sometimes, that is the problem. Niettemin, until then, I shall continue my life of lechery!" He opened the door, letting in the wind of the car's speed.
"And speaking of lechery, give this to your wife!" He grabbed my shirt and pulled me in for a passionate kiss.
When he was done, I wiped my mouth. "Sebastian, what did I tell you about sticking your tongue down my throat?"
He leaned out of the car and called over the wind, "You should have learned by now, Michael: I never fucking listen!" And with that, he laughed and launched himself out of the moving vehicle, shutting the door behind him.
I couldn't help but laugh, too, despite the situation. Sebastian is like that.
. . .
Sebastian rolled to his feet, then watched as his best friend's brother faded into the distance. Despite his light conversation with Michael, he was not happy. Quite the opposite, he was very upset.
He pulled out his phone and called Èbene. "Michael was a no-go."
"Damn! He would not lie to you?"
"Never. Give Donovan a call, and Echo, if you can get a hold of him."
"I'll see what I can do. We're going to need everyone?"
"Not everyone, my dear, just the ones who care. We can't risk word of us getting back together reaching the Big Man. He would do his best to thwart us, and you've seen his best."
"I've always wondered, why does the Big Man hate John so much? It can't just be just some sort of alpha-male rivalry..."
"Big Man fears what he cannot control, and he hates being afraid. It is why he always hated me."
. . .
"Honey, I'm home!"
"Dinner's on the table!"
"Ooh, my favorite! Are you going to join me?"
"Of course, just lemme finish up this part... Done." I took off my glasses and wiped my face. Ariel entered the room, and wrapped her arms around me, pressing her breasts on my neck from behind my desk chair.
"The Final Stand? You only do this one when you're sad..." The Final Stand was a video game I was working on where the main character has to survive the alien apocalypse and is forced to watch his friends be killed off one by one.. And she was right, I could only get the dreary feeling of the game right when I was upset about something.
"You couldn't find him, could you?" I nodded. "Oh, baby..."
"Sebastian promised that he'd find him, and you know how Sebastian is. Speaking of which, he wanted me to give you this," I leaned up and gave her a long kiss, not unlike the one Seb gave me.
When we finished, she minimized The Final Stand and beckoned me with a finger. "Come downstairs, I have a surprise for you."
I went down the stairs into the living room. There was a teenage girl waiting for me, with small duffel bag at her feet. She was Japanese, probably about sixteen, wearing bright colored clothing, and totally kawaii. She didn't notice me, due to her eyes being closed and her head being wrapped in massive headphones. "Um, Honey? Who's this?"
Ariel came in from the kitchen. "This is Nakami Oroshi, from my math class. She's going to be staying with us for a while."
"Not that I mind, but why?"
"She's having trouble at home, and she doesn't have anywhere else to go." Ariel gently nudged the girl to get her attention. She opened her eyes and took off her headphones. "Nakami, I'd like you to meet my husband, Michael."
Nakami stood and turned to look at me. Then she squealed and hid behind my wife. "That's Michael Salem!"
"Um, yeah. That's me."
Nakami glared at Ariel. "Mrs. Salem, how come you never told me you were married to THE Michael Salem, the CEO and president of CountUp Studios?"
CountUp Studios was an online company I started by borrowing money from John, and is now the largest completely internet-based entertainment organisation in North America, and possibly the world.
I didn't plan on getting famous with it, I just realized that there was so much good, creative stuff in the online community that wasn't being represented, so basically, I hired a bunch of prospective artists from various fields, threw them in a pile, and said 'go'. The whole thing pretty much snowballed from there, as we needed to hire more and more people to keep up with demand. We did video games, movies, music, novels, and even live showings. While much of our content was not mine, and thanks to my contributors, the company pretty much ran itself, every once in a while I'd lead a project and it would immediately shoot to the top of the traffic list.
"Well, you know our last name, but other than that, you never asked!"
Disregarding this, Nakami ran to me and held out her hand. "Mr. Salem, my name is Nakami, and I'd gladly have your babies!" She blushed red and began stammering. I smiled.
"That's nice, but I already have someone for that."
"Wait, NO! What I meant to say was, I'm your biggest fan! I have all your games and stories! I'm subscribed to your Vlog and I'm following you on Twitter!"
"Well, it's great to meet you, Nakami. From what I hear, you'll be staying for a while?"
"Um, yeah, my mom found out my dad's been... running around, and, well, she kicked him out, but now, all she does is cry all the time. And it's not like she's been the most faithful either."
"I take it you don't want to take sides?"
"Yeah."
"Well, if you're gonna be staying here, we're gonna have to get you used to my cooking!" I gestured to the kitchen.
"Wow, you're just as nice as you are on the Internet!" She observed as I set her a place.
"I try." I winked at her, getting a bright red blush for my efforts
Dinner was far from quiet, Nakami barely gave my any time to my food, what with her interest in my company and my in general. Then, after dinner, she convinced me to tuck her in and give her a good night kiss. I even read her a short excerpt from Butterfly Kisses by Michael Salem, (my only romance novel so far) for good measure.
"Yoi yoru, Nakami.'
She giggled at my Japanese, and that was that.
I went to my bedroom and peeled off my clothes. Ariel was still in the bathroom.
"Yeah, Nakami's a bit of a handful, huh?"
"Tell me about it, babe. Thought the kid would never get to sleep."
"I think she likes you."
"Now, what makes you think something silly like that?"
Ariel, exited the bathroom, completely nude and bouncing. No matter how many times I see her naked, it still takes my breath away, and probably will until the day I die.
"Well, let's see, just off the top of my head; You're nice, you're handsome, and a true gentleman." She backed me onto the bed like a prowling tiger. "You're funny, your glasses are cute, you have nice teeth, a soft voice, and gentle hands."
"Your abs are yummy, you have a nice butt, and pretty eyes." She laid a quick peppering of kisses up my neck. "You have sensitive nipples, you know how to treat a lady, and you have a great... big..."
"Heart?" I supplied with a grin. Ariel giggled. Nailed it.
"No, silly. I was going to say, you have a great, big, throbbing cock, and I want it inside me, right now."
I reached for the condoms on the bedside table. "Your wish is my command, your highness."
She grabbed my reaching hand and guided it away from the condoms, and instead, to her breast.
"Not tonight. It's going to be special from now on."
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life." |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And It's WAY Too Early For This Shit | Dawn of the second day. Who the hell knows how many hours remain.
Well, actually a little past dawn. More like eleven-thirty. I pulled my shirt on and borrowed Twilight's hairbrush to get my hair straight. I pulled on my socks and shoes, too. Even though I was safe at Twilight's, I felt antsy leaving any of my stuff just lying around. So, I went downstairs to fetch my coat.
Spike and Twilight weren't in their beds, so I had to assume they were the 'early riser' types. I scooped up my coat from the living room and strolled into the kitchen, where Spike was cooking lunch. Twilight sat with a mugful of coffee.
I pulled up a chair and sat down.
Looooooooong. Aaaawwwwkwwaaaard. Siiiiiiiiiileeeeence.
Spike placed a stack of sandwiches in the center of the table. Twilight broke the silence. "Oh, shoot, Spike! I just remembered that we're out of jam! Could you get some from the cellar, please?"
"Yeah, sure, Twilight." The dragon left, leaving me alone. With her.
Twilight levitated a jar of jam out from under the table. "Listen, John, about last night..."
"I really don't wanna talk about it."
"I just wanted to ask if this will affect our friendship."
"It won't if you let me forget about it already!" I rubbed my temples. "Look, if it means that much to you, it's not the first time that I've seen someone in a private moment like that, and it's not a big deal. Even I have needs, but honestly, up until this point, I didn't think that you people were capable of that sort of thing, what with the hooves and all!"
"John, when you say it like that, you sound kind of racist."
I shot out of my chair and grabbed her by the withers, shaking her. "Don't you understand, Twilight? YOU! ARE! A! HOOOOOORSE!"
I set her down and ran out of the kitchen.
. . .
Spike came back with a jar of jam. "Oh, hey. You found the jam. I guess we didn't need a new jar after all! Where was John going in such a hurry?"
Twilight had her head in her hooves. "I think I broke him."
. . .
They finally broke me.
I can't take it anymore.
I need to get out of here.
I flung open the door, only to see a pair of stallions clad in gold armor about to knock. While they had an authoritative feel about them, they seemed surprised at my sudden appearance.
"Are you John the Human?" one of them asked.
. . .
"Highness, the ballistae are set up and the guard have surrounded the library and cleared the streets. However, the extraction team has yet to report the safety of Miss Sparkle." Peppermint checked his pocket-watch impatiently.
"We won't move until Twilight and Spike are safe, understood?" Celestia was fully clad in armor and had a beautiful, determined look in her eyes.
"Of course, Highness. Their well-being, and that of the townsfolk is of the utmost concern. On a similar note, is collateral damage to be avoided as well?"
"As much as possible, but it is not priority."
"Excellent. What is our plan of attack?"
"The Guard are mainly to control the townsfolk, and to clean up our mess. We will use the ballistae to keep him pinned, then you will move for the kill. If all else fails, I will subdue him myself."
"Good. Simple, overwhelming force. It is very fitting, don't you think, Highness?"
"Agreed, Peppermint."
. . .
"Are you John the Human?" one of them asked.
"Um... No?"
He pulled out a piece of paper and checked it. "You match his description rather accurately."
"Gimme that." I snatched the paper away from him. On it was a very detailed sketch of yours truly. I stuffed it in my mouth and slammed the door. "Mo pholiphitors!"
I swallowed and ran back into the kitchen. "Twilight, they found me!"
Twilight and Spike were both pinned down by gold-clad stallions. I snarled. "GITCHER FUCKIN' PAWS OFF THEM!"
Twilight bit one of the stallions on the hoof. "John, RUN! They're going to-"
The armored pony wrapped her face with his hoof again and dragged her out the window. They won't hurt her. Run, my instincts told me. So, I about-faced and ran up the stairs. My UNJO training had memorized the layout of the house, and there was no back door. I'd need a window. Bedroom.
I vaulted Twilight's bed, then dived out the window without breaking stride.
"America!"
I rolled to absorb the shock, then continued running. I cleared the street in less than a second.
"There it is! Out the back window!"
I used my momentum to run up a wall and grab a gutter, then I pulled myself up onto one of the roofs.
"Now it's up on the roof!"
"He's fast!"
Ever played Assassin's Creed? The shingles clicked beneath my feet as I leapt from roof to roof. Several pegasi in gold armor caught up with me and started hounding me, trying to knock me off. If only I had my gun...
I could at least scare them by firing a warning shot. I reached a rather flat house to defend myself on. A pegasus dive-bombed me.
I caught him by the throat and snarled. "Fuck. Off."
He stared back, paralyzed with fear, not even bothering to understand the words. I tossed him away, and continued running. The pegasi gave me space after that. Then I noticed the airships.
Four of them, like crosses between blimps and whales, and each carried a giant, loaded crossbow underneath.
I heard a yell, too distant to make out, the a loud Kuh-chung! as one of the crossbows fired.
I used it's whistling to judge its distance and dodged at the last moment. The javelin tore through the roofing beneath my feet. Unfortunately, the impact loosened the shingles, and I stumbled. Just enough to completely lose my footing. I tumbled from the rooftop and into the alleyway below, landing hard on my back.
"Oof!" I stood and tried to catch my breath.
I looked up and out of the alleyway into the marketplace, empty due to all the commotion. If I went there, there would be greater visibility and more room to fight, but I'd be wide open to the crossbows, whereas if I stayed between the buildings, I'd have cover from the crossbows, but it'd be cramped, and I might get cornered or lost.
I decided to risk the javelins. I paused for another moment until the pain in my spine subsided, then dashed into the clearing that was the Ponyville Marketplace. The whale-blimps turned slowly to face me. I noticed that the one that fired on me wasn't reloaded yet. It must take a while to reload a giant crossbow. That gave me an idea.
[Feel free to begin playing the epic music of your choice at this point.]
"C'MON, YOU FOUR-LEGGED FUCKS! GIMME YOUR BEST DAMN SHOT!" I bellowed at them, making sure they heard. I ran to the middle of the marketplace and waved my arms. They seemed to take a hint.
Kuh-chung!
Kuh-chung!
Kuh-chung!
The blimps were at enough of a distance that, even though they fired almost simultaneously, the javelins would reach me at different times. I breathed in deeply and concentrated.
sssssssssssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
The whistle preceding my impending impalement was it's own downfall. Jump up, stiff palms down, arc spine upward. Push.
I pushed down on the javelin, driving it into the ground between my legs, rather than into my stomach. I vaulted backwards off of it, using it's momentum to flip me out of the way. No time to celebrate, though.
sssssssssssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Number Two was on its way. Wait until it's close, squat down, left palm to ground for stability, right fist up. Concentrate.
The two-inch thick dowel of hardwood that was the body of the bolt shattered like particle board above my head, the two pieces spinning away to the cobblestones behind me. I stood and dusted myself off.
sssssssssssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Final shot. No more fucking around. Shift footing outward for greater stability, right arm backward, left hand forward.
The iron tip of the enormous arrow pierced the skin of my palm.
And then it stopped. A lightning bolt of pain rocked up my arm all the way into my chest, before dissipating in my ribcage. The javelin clattered to the ground. I checked my hand. There was a small cut, about an inch long and bleeding slightly. I shook it to relieve any lingering pain.
. . .
"That's... impossible..." Celestia's gaped at the sight before her. The Human. Alive.
"Highness?" Peppermint hadn't seen the Princess look so surprised in several centuries.
"He just stopped three fully-drawn ballista bolts with his bare hands. No normal Human could do that."
"Perhaps he is not a normal Human? Their magic is very powerful." Peppermint gestured to himself.
"You mean, he is some sort of super-soldier? The vanguard of their invasion?" Her brow furrowed.
"That does seem like something they would do. Send a single, unstoppable soldier to make demands before the main force arrives." Peppermint gazed back at the human from their vantage point on the rooftop, out of sight, but ready to intervene at a moment's notice. But why would he run? he thought to himself.
"Then it is good I have you here. The ballistae, apparently, are no longer effective. You know what to do."
Peppermint cracked his neck. "With pleasure, your Highness."
. . .
The blimps turned back and flew off. Little bitches.
I was about to walk away when golden-armored soldiers started pouring out of the alleyway on either side of me. These ones appeared to be the no-wings no-horn kind of pony. Normal ponies.
They had spears on some sort of rotating apparatus on their sides. Within seconds, I was surrounded by an impenetrable wall of faceless, silent mooks bristling with pointy objects. I was about to pick a random direction to become my door when I heard a voice.
"I did not think the human race to be so arrogant as to send a single man against all of Equestria and expect to succeed." A white pony in a fancy jacket leapt over the spear-studded wall of stallions. He smirked at me. "But, then again, I've overestimated your kind before."
"You know about humans?" My stance relaxed a little.
"Of course. I've fought them." He circled me, slowly and calmly.
"Are you sure we're talking about the same humans? Because I definitely didn't know anything about you guys until I got here." Something about this guy had me on edge. I couldn't put my finger on it.
"Oh, I'm absolutely certain. How could one forget that smell, like the dried flesh of loved ones, and the chemical stink of your disgusting, unnatural magic? It pulses from you like blood from an artery."
"Alright, I get it, you're a monologuer. Can we save this for another time? I'm about to become a living pincushion, and I need to get the hell out of Dodge."
"Oh, no, these fine young stallions won't kill you. They're just keeping you from escaping."
"Well, they're not doing a good job, considering I could probably do exactly that by picking a direction and walking."
"Your arrogance is misplaced, Human."
"On the contrary, pony, considering you brought this many guys to take me out, I must be a pretty big deal. I think that your arrogance is misplaced. Big, bad human, and they send one guy to take me on?"
"No, Human, they sent me!" He shifted his footing to a predator's stance and opened his mouth, revealing a large set of sharp fangs.
"Well, that's definitely new."
He leapt at me with the ferocity of a jungle cat, and I threw out my arm to protect myself. He clamped onto it. The teeth failed to penetrate through my coat, but he had a powerful bite. I grabbed him by the throat and tried to pry him off.
"Hey! Looking's free, but touching's gonna cost you!"
He let go and wriggled free of my grip. "What kind of clothing is that? Obviously not normal skin... perhaps some sort of enchanted material..."
I rubbed the worn surface of my coat. "Oh, you like? One-hundred-percent leather, with a little bit of nanocarbon for strength. Souvenir from my UNJO days, they're real cool about the 'casual workplace attire' thing."
"Hmm. Interesting." He stooped his neck and bit my leg.
"Okay, I really didn't want to hurt you, but you're starting to piss me off. I don't even wanna fucking be here."
I shook him off and lifted him up by the mane. I punched him in the gut and gave him a knee to the solar plexus. I let him fall to the ground, then scooped him up with my foot, launching him into the air. I then caught him mid-flight with a spinning roundhouse kick, sending him flying head-first into the nearest house.
Surprisingly, rather than making a bloody splat, he put a large hole in the wall.
. . .
"Princess! What's going on? Why are the guards attacking John?" The pegasus troopers had successfully extracted Twilight and her young dragon assistant, and deposited her safely on the rooftop, away from the fighting.
Celestia stared straight ahead as she stated matter-of-factly."The guards have been specifically ordered not to attack the Human. Without the proper equipment or training, they would just get themselves killed."
"K-killed?" Twilight's voice broke as she looked back toward the marketplace. She gasped as she watched John launch the well-dressed pony through the Quill and Sofa store. Then, she watched the pony pull himself from the rubble and launch himself at the Human again, clamping onto John's neck with his mouth, like some sort of predatory animal.
"Yes, killed, Twilight. There are not many ponies in my service who could take on a human, and even fewer that I could trust to do the job. Unfortunately, Peppermint seems to be having difficulties, I may be forced to intervene." John held Peppermint by the neck and was beating him savagely across the face. "I must go assist my butler. I promise that I will do my best not to kill your new friend."
"Why would you kill him? He's just defending himself!"
"You will understand soon, Twilight, but I do not have time to explain. Besides, he still needs to tell me where the others are."
The Princess of the Sun took flight, and headed straight for her oldest enemy, and her greatest fear.
. . .
"YOU." Smack.
"WILL." Smack.
"NEVER." Smack.
"SPEAK." Smack.
"OF." Smack.
"MY." Smack.
"MOTHER." Smack.
"AGAIN." Smack.
"Look me in the eyes, you little shit, that's right. Now, say you're sorry before I get really mad." The little pig-fucker spat out a tooth and swallowed a mouthful of blood, eyes full of contempt. Unlike most ponies, whose blood was sort of off-white shot-through with rainbow, this guy's blood was straight black. That, plus his sharpened teeth had me convinced he wasn't normal.
"I apologize for insulting your mother." He was oddly composed for a guy who just got his ass handed to him.
"I'm not sure why you're telling me that. Tell my mom, she's the one you called a 'bipedal spawner of monsters'."
"I, Peppermint the Butler, do humbly apologize to the Human's mother for my hurtful statements previously." I wrapped my free hand around one of his hind legs and twisted. He screamed as the bones popped and the limb bent backwards.
"Count yourself lucky that I'm trying to make a good impression, otherwise I'd have done more than break your leg." I dropped him to the ground just as another pony arrived.
This one was much taller, almost tall enough to look me in the eyes. She was pure white and was wearing golden armor like the guards. Oddly, she had wings and a horn, something I hadn't seen before, usually it was either or none.
I greeted her casually. "Hey, what's goin' on?"
This seemed to throw her off. "Hello..."
"You with these assholes, sugar?" I jerked my head toward the guards that surrounded us. They'd been still as statues since they showed up.
"Ah, yes, they're my Solar Guard. I sent them here to keep you from escaping while Peppermint... Peppermint!"
Her eyes suddenly jumped to the pompous douche-pony whose clock I just thoroughly cleaned. He became sheathed in a yellow glow as she levitated him nearer to her. He cringed at the sudden movement.
I decided to let them have their moment.
"High...ness..." He reached up with a hoof and stroked her muzzle.
"Save your energy, Peppermint. It's going to be alright." The yellow glow intensified.
"No... Highness... You will need... all of your strength... to fight him. He's like... Nothing I've ever seen." His eyes closed and he went limp. Drama queen.
The tall one set him down gently and turned to me. "You will pay for what you have done, Human."
"Oh, calm down, I just broke his leg. Nobody ever died from a broken leg."
"Nonetheless, you've hurt my friend, and that cannot go unpunished. Prepare for battle."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." I rolled my neck and bounced on my toes. She pawed the ground like a bull before charging me, horn-first. Bad idea.
I sidestepped and wrapped one arm around her long neck, and the other around her middle. I shifted my foot back, redirecting her forward momentum into upward momentum. Still holding her, I turned her in mid-air and brought her down on my knee, hard. The impact sent a shock through my leg, but a loud clang told me that I'd put a literal dent in the armor.
But I didn't stop there, not while she was stunned. I grabbed the collar and the hem of her armor and stood up, lifting her fully. She was lighter than she looked, even though she was covered head-to-toe in metal. Digging in my heels, I began spinning her, SM64-style. Once I'd built enough momentum, I released her, sending her crashing through the phalanx of guards. They scattered like bowling pins.
She rolled to her feet and turned to face me. She looked pissed.
"Drop your weapons and get to a safe distance," She ordered her soldiers. The cleared out as quickly as they appeared, leaving their spears behind. Within seconds, every one of the dozens of said spears was being levitated in a yellow glow.
And aimed directly at me.
I sighed.
. . .
Twilight couldn't stand her two friends fighting. She needed to do something. She turned to the nearest guard, hoping for a response.
"You! Fly me down there!" she barked. The guard didn't respond. "Fine! I'll go myself!"
However, just as she was bout to leap off the building, the guard wrapped his hooves around her. "I'm sorry, Miss, I've been ordered not to let you leave."
"Let go of me! My brother's the Captain of the Guard!"
"Well, then, you can take it up with him when this is over, but for now, orders are orders."
"I'm really, really sorry!"
The guard what about to ask what she meant, when Twilight bucked him in the face and then blasted him off the roof. Spike took this as a cue to turn his guard into a living, green blowtorch. He jumped away from the flaming stallion and onto Twilight's back. "We are gonna get in sooooooo much trouble."
"That's not important right now! We need to get them to stop before they kill each other!" She cast a 'Light as a Feather' spell and jumped from the roof, hitting the ground running. She sprinted to the marketplace as fast as she could.
John held a cart above his head to protect himself from the projectiles that were being hurled at him. When the barrage ended, he tossed it aside and scooped one of the spears up, hefting it. He took aim and hurled it at the Princess. She tried to dodge, but somehow, his normal throw was faster and more accurate than her magic-assisted ones. It caught her directly in the wing with a gut-wrenching thunk.
Celestia cried out and fell to the ground, however, she quickly recovered her feet and yanked the spear out with her magic.
"Aww, did the poor widdle pony lose her air superiority? That's just too bad."
She tossed the spear aside, her wound already beginning to heal. Twilight had never seen the Princess bleed before. Her immortal ichor was silver, like melted metal. "Not for long, Human. Besides, I don't need to fly to defeat you."
"Big talk from someone who's been doing it the whole time. Can you back that little statement up, sunshine?"
Celestia snorted and charged him again. John met her halfway, this time catching her by the horn, then spinning and wrapping his tree-like arm around her neck. Unlike with Twilight, it wasn't an accident. He twisted Celestia's giant horn to the side. Twilight could barely hear the bone cracking over her Princess's scream of agony.
"Stop it! Stop fighting!" She cried, but they couldn't hear her.
Celestia kicked backwards, directly into John's genitals, causing him to let out a huff of air followed by a small squeak. He doubled over at the waist, wheezing. Celestia kicked again, knocking him onto his back.
"Stop it!" Twilight screamed. Again, they couldn't hear her.
Celestia pounced on the human, pinning his arms. However, as she failed to pin his legs, his foot kicked up and buried itself in the Princess's vagina. Using this as a distraction, he worked his hand free and punched her in the face with enough force to knock her off.
"STOP!" This time, Twilight's voice echoed so loudly that Spike nearly went deaf. Up until that moment, he'd only had eyes for the epic battle in front of him, but as he wrenched himself away, he noticed that Twilight's eyes glowed white with pure power, and her face was a blank mask.
This had only happened twice before in Twilight's life. She was but a vessel, as the power of gods was forced through her pitiful mortal form. The power was so immense, that if Twilight had been capable of fear at that point, she would have feared it would tear her apart.
Twilight Sparkle held eternity in her hooves. The sky darkened as Rainclouds formed above the unicorns head. The Princess and the Human watched Spike jump clear just as she began to hover above the ground. John and Celestia both ran to her, their battle forgotten.
"Twilight!" They cried simultaneously.
John reached out to touch her, but stopped himself at the last moment."The fuck is wrong with her!?"
There was a glint of genuine fear in Celestia's eyes.
"It seems our fighting has upset her to the point that her emotions have taken control of her powers. If Twilight were a normal Unicorn, we would take cover and let her have her tantrum, but I fear with the amount of magic that Twilight commands, such an event could destroy all of Ponyville, you, me, and Twilight included." She looked sideways at the Human. "Well, maybe not you."
"Hmm. You got a point, sugar." He grinned. "If that's the case, then I'm about to do something either really stupid or really smart."
John leaped up and pulled Twilight back to the ground. He wrapped his body around hers in a tight hug. She was so small for something so powerful. John could actually feel the energy emanating from her.
Why does he care? thought Celestia. The torrent of magical force caused by Twilight's meltdown would have been ample time for him to escape, and he wouldn't be affected by the destruction in the slightest. The explosion would erase his trail, and anyone stupid enough to try to follow him, so why did he bother?
His null-magic field slowly began to leech the destructive force away, just as he'd hoped. The white light seeped from her eyes as they drifted shut, and the dark clouds in the sky disappeared.
The little Unicorn slumped in John's arms, a dead weight. She whimpered. "Please... just... stop fighting."
"It's okay, Sparky, if you don't want us to fight, we'll stop." He stroked her mane soothingly. She opened her eyes, and stared into his deep blue ones, deep like the ocean. He was so handsome.
"John... I..." She couldn't bring herself to finish.
John set her down and laughed his deep, crackly laugh. "Holy shit, that was fuckin' intense!"
He turned to Celestia and grinned. The Princess flinched as he thrust his hands toward her.
"Well, sugar, you heard the lady! Cuff me!" |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And Important Things Happened | "Y'know, I can break these cuffs."
"You can't break those cuffs."
Snap.
"You broke the cuffs..."
. . .
I walked out of the shower, reveling in the steam and humming to myself.
Me and Ariel had our early morning quickie and then she left for school. It was an inservice day, so the teachers had to show up, but not the students. She always found them annoying, apparently they never got anything done anyway. When she gets done, I'll have some of those brownies she likes waiting for her.
Until then, I figured I'd hang out with Nakami for a little while. Being with me seemed to take her mind off the situation with her parents, and she was a rather interesting little girl.
"You don't shave down there?" Speak of the devil.
"Nakami! Friggin' knock!" I yanked a towel off the rack and wrapped it around me before she could see any more.
"Sorry. But I thought you were supposed to shave down there?"
"What? No! Only porn stars do that. Wait, why am I even discussing this with you?"
Suddenly, Window Sebastian. "Actually, the shaving of the pubic hair is more a matter of personal choice. For example, I've met porno sterren who do not shave, and normal people who do. I, personally, find shaving to be uncomfortable."
"Dammit, Sebastian, I have a door!" He was crouched in my windowsill, calmly conversing with me on the second floor of my house. "I'd appreciate if you would use it!"
"Aww, but if I used the door, I would not get to see you naked!" He stepped down from the sill and turned to Nakami. "Who is your friend?"
I pinched the bridge of my nose. Knowing Sebastian, he's not going to leave until he does whatever he came to do. Best to satisfy him so he can get around to that. Don't get me wrong, Sebastian is a very good friend of mine and I'd go to hell and back for him, but hanging around with him hurts my brain.
"Sebastian, this is Nakami Oroshi. She's been staying with me and Ariel."
"And you let her see you naked? Naughty, naughty! What if Ariel catches you?"
"Hey, it wasn't my idea." I adjusted my towel, frowning. "Now, if you could both please get out, this bathroom is two-hundred percent over-capacity."
"Oh, calm yourself, Michael, this will only take a moment. All of the preparations are in place to find your brother, the team is being gathered as we speak, and we've marked various locations to-"
"Are you sure we should be discussing this in front of..." I motioned to Nakami, who looked really confused.
"Ach, let her listen. I'm done keeping UNJO's secrets." His face darkened. "There has been a change in the Organization since I left. My retirement has prompted many Operatives to leave as well. The Big Man is getting desperate, holding tight to what he has. Gathering my team will take time, and up until that point, we will be vulnerable. We must tread carefully."
"What does this have to do with John? Or me?"
"Everything, Michael. It has everything to do with you and John. Telling you what I know would put you in danger and make you a target, but you and your brother are very important. As in, 'Fate of the World' important, so take care of yourself. In the meantime, I'll have my little girl keep an eye on you."
He took a bow and backed out the window nonchalantly. Nakami ran to the sill and checked outside. "He's gone!"
"Of course he is, he's Sebastian. Now, please get out, so I can get dressed."
. . .
Sebastian pulled out his phone as he sped down the highway. He switched to Italian. "Ragno, are you in position?"
"Of course, sir. My crew and I have a plain view of the house and the surrounding area." Ragno Tessitore hung upside down from a tree outside the Salem household. She and a half-dozen other former Operatives were scattered about the property, keeping surveillance on the whole area. She herself had a pair of binoculars trained on Michael himself, who was very hot, and currently very naked.
"Did you receive the list of Operatives loyal to the Big Man?" Sebastian turned off on the next exit, heading toward Green Bay.
"Yeah. You sure this is all legit, sir?" Ragno unzipped her pants and began to play with herself, because perche diavolo non?
"Of course, approved by Èbene herself, you know how good she is with people." A car attempted to pass Sebastian and he allowed it. He was in a hurry, but he was also a gentleman.
"With all due respect, sir, that's just your nice way of saying she's a huge slut." Si, flex those arms, you delicious hunk of man-meat, naturalmente nessuno sta guardando!
"Easy, girl. Now, if any of the people on that list even show up in the same zip code as Michael, I don't even want to be able to find a body, am I clear?" Sebastian checked his watch.
"I'll try, sir, but you're awful hard to outsmart." Michael wiped off his glasses and put them on, more fetish fuel. Oh, yes, Ragno would have a hard time getting this one out of her head.
"I have faith in you, Ragno. Also, I want you to take especially good care around Michael. He won't like that I'm assigning guards to him without his knowlege, especially if they're endangering themselves at his expense, so keep your presence to a minimum."
"What of the girl? And his wife?" Ragno had a team of two each following the Mrs. and the young Asian girl.
"They are to receive the same treatment, of course. They are all very important to me." Sebastian pulled into the airport and grabbed his bag. He'd already purchased his ticket.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Quasi non ci...
"Ragno, for the last time, I'm not your superior officer, and I never was. You're lucky I put up with all of your 'sir' bullshit."
"Sorry, sir, I just... I'm behind you no matter what, but are you sure you know what you're doing? All of this sneaking around, reinforcing potential targets, allocating our resources, gathering people... the Big Man's going to think you're preparing for war."
"Oh, my dear, sweet Ragno, what if I am?" She could hear the grin in his voice just before he hung up.
Ragno shuddered once from the thought, then again from her orgasm. Without taking her eyes off Michael, she pulled out her gun and pointed it at the teenager who had been staring at her.
"If you value your eyeballs, or any of your other balls, you will keep walking and forget what you just saw." The young man adjusted his backpack and kept moving, a red blush on his face. Ragno hoisted herself higher in the tree, so as to be better hidden.
Sebastian sighed with relief as he sat down on the bench and waited for his plane. Things had been moving so quickly the past few days, he'd barely had a moment's rest. Why did John have to pick now, of all times, to disappear off the face of the earth? It would mean days of delay, dozens of fires to put out, and a hundred more headaches for Sebastian.
Sebastian heard a little girl crying near him. He'd always considered himself a very paternal man, and he hated crying. He stood and attempted to find the source.
A small girl, about eight or nine, and a man who who was too young to be her father, but obviously related. The man knelt in front of her and was trying to calm her down. Sebastian cleared his throat to get their attention.
"Hello, my name is Sebastian, and I'd like to show you both something."
He reached up and pulled his left eye out of it's socket and turned it so it was looking directly at the little girl. He donned a silly voice and thickened his accent. "Oh, hello! I didn't see you there!"
The child stopped crying and began to giggle. "Eww, gross!"
He wiped the eye off on his shirt "It is glass, here, you can hold it if you want."
She took the eye gladly and began to roll it around in her hands. Her guardian turned to him. "Um, Sebastian, was it? Hey, um, thanks for calming my sister down. We're heading out to visit our parents and she was scared of going on a plane."
"It is alright, my friend, I consider it my duty to help damsels in distress. What flight are you on?"
"119 to Japan."
"Ah, what a coincidence! That is the same flight I am on!"
"Well, we are at the same gate. If you don't mind me asking, why are you going to Japan?"
"Well, you could say that I'm visiting an old friend." The Dutchman's eyes became distant and he smiled.
"May I have my eye back now, sweetie?" Sebastian knelt down in front of the little girl and held out his hand. She gave it back to him. "Thank you very much. And do not worry, no matter what happens on that plane, if the pilot falls asleep, or if one of the engines blow out, or if we get attacked by flying tentacle monsters, I will make sure everyone is safe. Do you believe that?"
It wasn't childhood naivete that made her nod her head.
. . .
Honestly, I was a little insulted. I just took on four battle-airships, some sort of predator pony, and their fucking queen, and they act surprised when I snap their flimsy cuffs like a toy. I mean, really.
Oh yeah, did I mention the tall pony I fought was this 'Princess Celestia' character everyone's been talking about?
So I broke the cuffs, and the pones were trying to find a way to 'detain' me. Until then, no one was allowed within a few feet of me. So I found a nice piece of rubble to lay down on and maybe take a little nap.
Now that I was apparently no longer a threat, the gold-covered guards were a bustle of activity. Some were enraptured in the conundrum of my containment, whereas others were gathering the townspeople for some reason. Maybe they're having a party in celebration of the capture of the horrible beast.
Pony parties probably suck, with no booze and no drugs. The only fun part would have to be the sex, and I won't be partaking in any of that, no sir.
Twilight was as near to me as was allowed, but she didn't speak, at least at first. After a few minutes she initiated conversation. "Why did you do it?"
I opened my eyes and leaned up from my prone position. "Hmm?"
"Why did you save me? Save the town? The Princess told me what happened."
"Whatever." I laid back down. "Look, I saved you and the town, and reasons are unimportant. Just be happy about it, okay?"
"No, I can't just be happy about it, John!" She jumped up on my rubble and stood over me. "This morning, you could barely look at me, and so far, you haven't given me any reason to think you give a flying feather about me, or Ponyville, or anything at all! Argh, you're just so frustrating!"
I shot up and snapped at her. "I don't know, okay!? I don't know why I saved you! I don't know anything anymore!" I sat back down and reached for my cigarettes. I pulled out the box, only to find it empty.
"Well, that's just fucking great." I tossed the empty box aside.
Suddenly, Celestia. "Twilight, I suggest you step away from the human."
"Well, if it isn't Her Royal Highness. Come to gloat, have you?" Twilight hopped off my rubble and put some good distance between us.
"Actually, no. I think we both know that the victory does not go to me. In fact, I wanted to discuss the terms of your surrender." She looked curiously for my reaction.
"No terms. I don't have any demands, and I refuse any of yours. I just kind've figured there was no point in fighting when neither of us know what we're fighting about, am I right?"
"Yes, I will admit, I was a bit hasty in my attack, but you must understand: The only humans I've ever known were evil, greedy creatures. This is the first time I've ever actually been able to hold a civil conversation with one."
"I dunno, sister, it just seems like there's a whole lot of misanthropy going around on this planet. I'm not sure I like it." I closed my eyes and laid back again.
We were interrupted by one of the Goldiers. "Princess, the Elements and all of the witnesses have been gathered. We are prepared for the purge."
"Good. Twilight, when I say to look at my horn, do not." And with that, Celestia moved to the center of the marketplace and clopped her hooves to get everyone's attention.
"Ponies, of Ponyville, if you would, please direct your attention to my horn." They all did as they were told. I guess the Princess trained them well. Celestia's horn began to glow blue for a few seconds before flashing once, brightly.
I rubbed my eyes to clear away the blindness, and when I opened them, I noticed that the gathered ponies had gone all dead-eyed.
Celestia spoke loudly and clearly, making sure they all heard.
"The Human surrendered itself peacefully without any fighting. No guards and no battle airships were involved. The damage to your homes and businesses was part of a Human farewell tradition and will be repaired by the royal contractors within the week. You all had a good day today."
The light came back to the citizens eyes and they started to disband. Many of them were in a better mood than before. Celestia walked back toward me and Twi. I spoke before she did.
"Did you just deneuralize the whole town, Men-in-Black-style?"
"I erased their recent memories. I would erase you completely if I could, but unfortunately, the spell has a twelve-hour maximum. Luckily for you, I left their feelings toward you neutral. You will have to earn their trust, just as you will have to earn mine." She noticed the guards bringing out a large, heavy-looking pillory, obviously with me in mind.
"You can start by answering this question honestly: Will it be necessary to restrain you while we travel to Canterlot?"
"That depends, sister: Am I a guest, or a prisoner?"
"I recognize that your aggression was an act of self-defense, but your species has done terrible, terrible things to mine. I will explain further when we arrive at the castle, but until then, I will be wary of you. If you do anything to lose the tenuous trust you created when you gave yourself up, I will react accordingly. Do you understand, Human?"
I turned around and looked behind me. Then I looked back at her, frowning. "I'm sorry, are you talking to me? Because I don't know any guys named 'Human'."
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "Do you understand, John?"
"That's better." I grinned. "Yeah, I'll be good, but first, I just remembered that I have a promise to keep."
. . .
I fetched my basilisk skin bag from the tree it was hidden in.
"John, what are you doing?" The Princess was a little ticked about the delay. "Is that a basilisk?"
"Basilisk skin. A little souvenir from helping a friend of mine. Speaking of which..." I cupped my hands to my mouth.
"FLUFFY! DADDY'S HOME!"
As expected, the Persian monster charged out of the forest like a bat outta hell. He tackled me to the ground and started licking me furiously. I started to wrestle with him playfully. I always kinda wished I could have a lion or a tiger as a pet when I was a kid. I suppose this is close enough.
Fluffy jumped off me and wagged his giant scorpion tail, grinning like a moron.
"What? Whazzat? Fluffy wants a treat?"
He roared and clamped onto my leg. I laughed. I love this guy already.
"I'll take that as a 'yes!'" I reached into my bag and pulled out some of the pre-cooked basilisk meat. "Can you catch for me, buddy? Go get it!"
I tossed the chunk into the air and Fluffy leaped twenty feet in the air to catch it. He fluttered back to the ground and nuzzled me, having eaten the entire chunk in a single bite. I scratched him behind the ears.
"Daddy's gonna have to go away for a while, okay, buddy?" He half-whimpered, half-growled, and glared at Celestia and her guards. "Easy, boy. I just gotta have a nice, friendly chat with the nice Princess. Can you be a good boy until I get back?"
He licked me from my neck to the top of my head, then ran back into the forest, which I took as a yes. I turned back to Celly. "Well, that's my last loose end. So, where're we going?"
"How in the sun's name did you manage to tame a Manticore?!" For the first time, Celestia seemed genuinely surprised for the first time I'd seen her. "To tame a True Monster like that... you'd have to be..."
"It was kind of easy, actually. I just pulled his ass outta the fire yesterday, and now the little guy can't get enough of me." I tied the basilisk skin shut and wrapped it around me. It was actually kind of cool, the material was really strong, and really convenient; I just stuffed what I needed to carry in the bottom and then tied the rest around me like a sash.
Celestia shook her head. "Moving on, we will be going to Canterlot. We have many things that I would prefer to discuss in private. Also, I have a task for you. We will discuss it further when we arrive at the castle."
. . .
"Well, girls, I guess I've gotta be going. Fluttershy, make sure Fluffy doesn't eat anybody important. Spike, RD, AJ, I'm counting on you guys to take care of my girls until I get back, got it?" It had become obvious to me that these guys and gals were a group. They seemed to be together whenever something important was happening.
I did plan on coming back. Fluffy was here, and Ponyville had some significance as the place I'd arrived in Equestria. With luck, whoever sent me here would be back to receive their beating.
I waved goodbye to the guys and gals who'd become my good acquaintances, and realized that Red wasn't among them. I felt a little twinge for some reason.
I stepped on the train and it lurched sideways on it's track. Even on Earth I weighed a lot for my size, plus my null-magic field cause many things to stop functioning, which was why I couldn't use a pegasus carriage or a blimp.
So train it was. The car was empty, so I picked a random seat and reclined in it. I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
. . .
"That will be 1200 yen, sir."
Sebastian paid for his meal and checked his watch. The prison transports ran like clockwork, his window would be very small. The Operative left the noodle shop, then swung around the corner. Jumping up to catch hold of a sign, he kicked his legs and vaulted up to a fire escape. He then climbed to the roof of the building, and waited.
In exactly ten seconds, a large, reinforced van would turn and drive down the street. It would move quickly but still manage to follow the law to the letter. A full second after that, the driver of said van would hear a soft, almost imperceptible thump, as if a cat had jumped onto the roof. Too many late nights at the bar, he would guess.
The van pulled into the Nigeba Nai prison's hangar. In less than five seconds, two men would enter to inspect the van for stowaways, and in at least thirty seconds, one of the guards would check his pocket, only to find his key card no longer there. However, by that time, Sebastian would be long gone.
Halfway across the prison, actually. He would incapacitate all three of the guards in his way, then use a SkeletonKey to get through the door to the cell control bay. He would open Cell 0124, then make his way there.
Soon after he did all these things, Sebastian opened the door to 0124. The room appeared to be empty.
"Stop playing games, Echo, I'm here to retrieve you."
A voice came from the corner. "If you're here on Big Man's agenda, I think I'll stay where I am, thank you very much. These bars aren't just to keep me in."
"I retired, Echo. This is purely personal."
"Personal..."
"Of course. Johnathan has disappeared, and I need all of the help I can get."
"I want a good meal and a proper bed."
"Deal. I know just the place."
. . .
Spike and the girls watched the train pull away with the human on board. Rainbow Dash turned to Applejack and asked the question that had been bugging her since she'd met the strange creature.
"Does he think that we're colts?" |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And It's Just My Luck | There are people all around. Shadows without faces. I'm adrift in a sea of the unknown.
Except for one. A woman. Her hair and eyes were a pale green, and she was naked. She didn't seem... solid. I felt as if I tried to touch her, my hand would pass right through her. Despite this, her presence was powerful and significant.
She frowned and beckoned, as if she didn't have all day. I followed her.
She led me to a clearing in the shadows. A little girl slept there, no older than four or five. She looked so small and helpless. I knelt beside her and shook her awake.
The little girl sat up and rubbed her eyes. Her hair was long, almost to her knees, and was reddish-black, like blood under a full moon. Her skin was pale, almost pure white, and when she opened her little eyes, they were a bright, bloody crimson. All of this would have been unsettling, if she hadn't been the most adorable little girl I had ever seen.
Her face remained placid as she stood and wrapped her tiny arms around me, and pressed her soft little lips to mine, slipped that tiny tongue in between them.
I hugged her close. She was even more alone than I was.
I held the little girl in my arms and turned to the woman with the green hair. She brought her hand to my cheek tenderly, although her face was still a frown.
Come. Find us.
"I will."
"I'm sorry, sir, you will what?" My eyes shot open. The ticket guy stood before me, looking a little scared.
"Oh, sorry, I guess I was talking in my sleep. Thanks for waking me up."
. . .
"Twilight, You wrote in your letter that you were planning to research this Human. May I see what you've unearthed so far?"
Twilight was taken aback, she'd expected the princess to leave immediately after John. "Oh! Of course, Princess."
They retreated to the library, where Twilight began digging through the organized chaos to find everything she had on the Human. She brought out the notebook, which Celestia began to absently flip through, stopping on certain pages to raise her eyebrow.
When Twilight brought out the jar of mysterious black liquid, however, she glanced at it for but a moment before shouting, "Twilight, get away from that!"
Twilight quickly did exactly that. "What's wrong?"
"Liquid Shadow. Darkness Incarnate. Mendaciis et non inferamus crimen ánimam meam." Celestia had backed as far away from the jarred substance as physically possible without actually leaving the room. "Where did you get this terrible thing, Twilight?"
"From John, he, um... spit it up."
Celestia pondered this a moment. "My student, by associating yourself with this Human, you have taken a massive risk. His kind have a tendency to cause great change, and often not for the better. Because of my history with them, I cannot trust my own judgement. I must rely on you to keep me in check, can you do this?"
"But, Princess, there's so much I don't understand-"
"Then perhaps, it would be best If I explained from the beginning. Sit down, my student, for it is a very long story."
. . .
Èbene Ivoire growled and adjusted her big hat. Brazil's sun was doing murder on her pale skin, and when the modified seductress said she liked it hot, she definitely didn't mean this hot.
The sooner she found Vex and brought him back, the better. Speak of the devil...
The Scotsman's bright red hair stood out among the natives. Èbene cut around the beach and hid in the crowd. Vex had surrounded himself with civilians, though likely not on purpose.
She would wait until he was alone, then she would strike. Although waiting would require her watching him make out with his Brazilian boyfriend even longer.
The Siren found it hopelessly ironic that the one man she wanted, was the one man she could not have.
It was not even that he was gay, she's seduced gay men before, and straight women. Something about Donovan made him invulnerable to her natural, or perhaps artificial, charms.
She sang softly under her breath as she stalked her prey. Handsome, tender, soft, why do you look right through me, thinking... No, I can't deny my feelings, growing strong, I try to keep believing, dreaming on.
And every time I see you, I cry, 'More!' I wanna pull you closer, closer, closer, but you leave me feeling frozen.
She tracked them back to their condo.
"I had a lot of fun today, Donovan." Romero, Vex's new boyfriend, was young and naive. Just the way they both liked them.
"Me too. In fact, I was kind of hoping we could... have a little more fun. If you're interested." Donovan raised an eyebrow.
Romero tore his gaze away from the beautiful view out the windows, and turned to the beautiful man in front of him. "I thought you'd never ask."
They met in a passionate kiss that would have made any straight couple jealous. Donovan slipped his hands into Romero's swim trunks and grabbed hold of the treasure within. The Brazilian gasped at his touch.
"You're already hard. Do I turn you on that much?"
Romero swallowed. "More than you know."
Donovan gently led him by his penis through the doors to the bedroom.
They both slipped out of their swimwear. Romero resisted the urge to cover himself; it was his first time naked in front of a lover.
"Relax, Romero, I'll be gentle. Would I ever hurt you?" Donovan knelt in front of him and looked up at him, those bizarre yellow eyes full of... so many emotions.
"I'm sorry, I... Ah!" The young man gasped as he felt himself enveloped in something hot and wet. A muscular tongue moved up and down and around and...
He didn't last very long. He was a virgin, after all.
Donovan swallowed and licked his lips. He smiled up at Romero and opened his mouth to speak.
"As much as I'd like to see more, I'm afraid zat I must borrow Mr. Vex for ze moment."
Both men turned to the gorgeous woman who had just entered. Even though he just came, and was thoroughly homosexual, Romero's dick was instantly hard again. Like, literally instantly. If you were seeing this rather than reading it and picturing it in your mind, the action would have been so sudden it would have been accompanied by a comical sound effect, such as the clatter of a diving board, or a sword unsheathing.
Èbene, being a lady, ignored this. "Donovan. Sebastian sent me to retrieve you."
Donovan stood up. "Èbene, I left that life behind. I've moved on, as you can see. Not even Sebastian can pull me away from it." He gazed at Romero. "Away from him."
"Sebastian suspected you would say zat. He also told me to say, 'Lead us not into temptation.'"
Donovan's eyes widened at this. Then he frowned and recited the final line. "But deliver us from evil."
"Gimme a moment to pack my stuff." Donovan picked up his trunks from the floor and began to grumble to himself. "Why did it have to happen now, of all the times..."
"Donovan?"
Donovan stopped packing for a moment and embraced his lover. "Oh, Romero... I'm so sorry."
"What are you sorry for? What's going on?"
"Something very important. Something that could decide the fate of the world as we know it."
Romero's fear quickly became anger. "I'm not a child, Donovan, you can tell me what's happening!"
"No, I can't, Romero. Ever since Lucy..." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I promised myself that I wouldn't put anyone I love in danger ever again because of what I do. What I did."
Romero thought about what to say next. "I love you, too." was all he could come up with.
It seemed to be enough, as Donovan wrapped him in a tight hug and kissed him, long and hard. He then slipped on a T-shirt and scooped up his backpack before breezing out the door.
"Come on, Èbene." He looked back only once. "Before I change my mind."
. . .
I stretched widely, my back cracking and my arms tensing. I'd woken up rather early this morning.
Well, at least for me.
My stomach gurgled, but I ignored it for now. There were more pressing matters. I stepped off the train, and a contingent of guards immediately surrounded me. I smiled benignly and put my hands on my hips.
"Aww, did you guys miss me?"
A guy with blue hair approached. "I've been ordered to detain you until the Princess can speak with you."
"Celestia? I already talked to her."
The Unicorn smiled and shook his head. "No, the other Princess."
"What other-"
"WHERE IS HE!? WE SHALL TEAR HIM APART!"
"Aw, fuck."
. . .
The Human would die. The Human would taste bitter death as surely as the moon would rise tonight.
It was all he, nay, all any of his kind deserved.
He had obviously worked some sort of magic to convince her sister to allow him to travel alone and unguarded, and now the monster stood alone in her courtyard, waiting to be slain.
The monster that killed her parents.
. . .
"I'm going to hide in the train now." I said matter-of-factly, before doing exactly that.
About two seconds after closing the door, I needed to grab on to something, as the train picked that moment to learn the art of interpretative dance.
After a full ten seconds of extremely loud noise and the birth of several dozen bruises, the several-ton train rolled to a stop. Then the wall of wood and metal froze into solid ice before cracking and shattering, revealing what I assumed to be the other princess. A cold gust of wind blew into the cabin, causing me to shiver.
She had a horn and wings, like Celestia. Unlike Celestia, she was a deep blue in color, and seemed to be smaller, and also unlike Celestia, she didn't seem to be aware I was a friend.
And she didn't look afraid, either.
"Hey, uh-"
"Clausæ usque in irrumabo. There will be no talking, no spells from you, Human. You will die."
I only hesitated to roll my eyes before spinning and planting my foot onto the other side of the cabin. I laid my back on the floor and kicked hard, sending me quickly sliding across it and closing the distance between us. I swung my legs up and grabbed her by the head, flipping over her and using my superior weight to drag her with me. Arcing upward, I wrapped an arm around all four of her legs and placed my knee under her chin.
Four hundred pounds of pure man drove the princess's horn into the ground like a roofing nail.
"I kicked your sister's ass less than an hour ago. What's stopping me from kicking yours?" I growled at her. She growled back at me. The ground began to softly rumble. I pondered this.
"Aw, fuck."
The dirt underneath my feet exploded, sending me soaring twenty feet in the air and sending the princess flying away from me. I smashed into a statue, knocking the wind out of me, before falling into the pond below it.
I resurfaced and calmly shucked off my jacket. It was soaked, and therefore heavy. "Is it okay if I call a time-out?"
I was forced to duck as a spell blew up the statue over my head. "I guess not."
I leapt over the wall of the pond and picked up the still-intact head of the statue. Spinning to build momentum, I hurled it at her. She knocked the several-hundred-pound chunk of marble aside as if she were swatting a fly.
"I'd make the obligatory joke about giving you head, but you probably wouldn't get it."
"Consumat tua priapo, te monstrum deformis!"
"Case in point."
A snake of water leaped out of the pond and became a undulating ball over my head. I plucked at my soaking T-shirt and deadpanned. "Oh, no, God forbid you get me wet. That crap only works on witches, honey."
The ball fell on my head and stayed there, suspended in her magic. She used her magic to freeze it nearly solid, except for a few inches around my head where my null-magic kept it liquid. I wedged my fingers under where it met my neck and tore it apart.
"I'd make the obligatory 'brain freeze' joke, but that'd be a little childish."
"True humor can only be found in irony." She picked up another glob of water and it shaped itself into a sword before freezing solid. "A Human weapon to kill the last Human."
She hurled it at me, impaling just below my shoulder. She gave a cry of exultation as I spun in the air from the force of the blow.
I stood up and yanked the sword out and began stalking toward her. I'd let her hit me. "Yah, real clever, sweetie. Do you even realize how much ass I've had to kick to survive a day and a half here? How much ass I kicked even before I got here? I single-handedly took down a thousands-strong cult of murderous zealots. I've been shot, stabbed, scarred, burned, and beaten. All I ever asked for in life was to be loved, WAS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?"
. . .
Luna couldn't believe her ears. The Human had just used the Royal Canterlot Voice. Only those with Royal blood can command the pure authority of the Royal Canterlot Voice.
A sparkle on the Human's face drew the Princess's attention to his eyes. He was crying, and the cold blue fury that burned behind his irises only meant one thing: This man did not fear her.
This man feared nothing
Instead, Luna felt a spark of fear ignite in her own chest.
. . .
It felt good to let myself go. Ever since I got here, I'd been holding in my emotions, keeping myself in check.
This Princess had made a big mistake by pissing me off.
. . .
Luna conjured the Bloodforged Hammer from her personal armory. "Stop!"
"AAAAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHH!" The world shuddered when it heard the Human's pained war cry. He raised the Icicle Blade above his head as he charged his immortal foe. He knocked the ancient hammer from her magical grip with a single blow, then booted her in the face, flinging her backward.
She sprawled to the ground. She felt the Human's foot plant itself on her neck, his hot breath in her nose. She didn't dare open her eyes as he whispered, "You think that killing me will make all the pain go away? Well it didn't for me, and it won't for you. Vengeance isn't a cure for grief."
She waited for the killing blow that never came. Instead, he stabbed the frozen sword into the dirt beside her head, scooped up his jacket, and walked away.
The princess of the night curled into a pathetic ball and began to sob.
There she lay, for many long minutes, until Celestia and Peppermint arrived.
"Sister! What happened!?"
"Your Highness! Are you all right?"
Celestia had finally arrived. Her story had taken longer to tell than she'd expected. She'd seen the carnage, and assumed the worst. They'd found Luna curled into a ball and sobbing.
"Peppermint! Tend to her!" She ordered. But he was already there. His leg had healed minutes after it was broken, though his pride had not.
Luna waved him off. "I'm fine, Peppermint. I'm just..."
"Shaken." The butler supplied. He'd been teaching her to talk like a modern pony. He sometimes had trouble, himself. "What happened?"
"I... I tried to kill him, but... he was too strong."
"I understand. He fights like a demon, and feels no pain." Peppermint wrapped her in a soft hug. Ever since her real brothers died, he'd been a poor substitute, but he did his best to support her.
"Why did you try to kill John, Sister? Did you not receive my letter?"
"I thought he'd brainwashed you, or forged the letter. I simply couldn't imagine you, of all ponies, making peace with a Human. I thought it would be better to kill the Human and end this mess before it started." She shook her head.
"Oh, Luna, how can you both underestimate and overestimate him at the same time? He does not have the ability to brainwash a pony, and even if he did, and did it to me, how could you stand a chance? No offense meant, of course."
"I know, and when you say it out loud like that... it does sound a little silly." She sat back on her haunches and sniffled a little. "How have you fought them, Sister? Peppermint? They are so powerful, to kill even one would be nigh-impossible."
"You were very young when they arrived, Luna, too young to fight them. You don't know what they were like. I can tell you this much: John is far from an ordinary Human. All Humans were strong, but he did things that should have been impossible, and I did things to him that would have killed the Humans of old."
Luna's eyes shot open as she remembered something. "He used the Voice."
Celestia and Peppermint looked at each other, horror painted on their faces. "Peppermint! Find him and bring him here, I don't care what you have to do or say!" she ordered.
"Yes, Highness!" Peppermint barely stopped to bow before galloping away at speeds too great for a normal pony.
"Luna, if what you say is true... if John is a Royal..." The tired, immortal ruler shook her head low. "Gods help us all."
"Perhaps we have nothing to fear, Sister? If what you said is true and his intents are pure, perhaps he can be convinced to fight with us, rather than against?"
Celestia gasped as it clicked, it was all coming true! She whispered Twilight's poem to herself;
"Flesh of the King still remains, blood of the King runs in his veins,
Once an evil thought destroyed, soon becomes an evil employed."
John Salem was not their enemy. But if he was not, who was?
. . .
Humans had killed someone dear to Celestia and her sister. I had no doubt about that. Suppressing the history of mankind in Equestria, deneuralyzing of their subjects, all of it was an attempt to suppress their own memories.
I looked into Celestia's eyes and I saw what I am now, a creature who soaked itself in the blood of it's enemies, only to realize it did nothing to ease the pain of loss. I'd looked into that Luna's eyes and saw what I used to be, an animal, consumed by a need for its own idea of justice.
I need to be alone. I need to think. But most of all, I need a drink.
Hey, that rhymed! Ugh...
I was in a bit of a daze, to be honest, barely paying attention to what I was doing. I stole a cup of what appeared to be some sort of soft drink from somewhere, and searched for somewhere to consume it in peace.
I found myself on a tall rooftop. I let the wind blow through my hair and felt the sun on my face. It felt the same, but it was not. This was Celestia's sun, Celestia's wind.
I can't ignore it anymore, I can't keep pushing it away. I walked to the edge of the rooftop and looked down, down on all those people and I felt jealous of them. No matter their petty troubles, their silly mundane worries, at least they knew where they were going, what they were doing. At least they belong here.
I need help.
"Dad?" I shook my head. I can't believe I'm doing this. "I hate to bother you, you deserve your rest, but... I'm lost, Dad. If you can hear me all the way out here... I could really use a hand."
The wind swept through my hair. The sun warmed my now-stubbled cheeks.
I could really use a hand.
I looked at my hands. My left palm was bare, pristine, perfect. But my right was stained by a yellow birthmark in the center. The lines were so clearly defined that it almost looked like a tattoo, but I'd had it since I was a baby, and you can't tattoo your palms. It was a golden, five-pronged crown.
Daddy?
Yeah, Junior?
Your hand is like mine.
Oh... Here, sit down, little buddy. You know those hero stories you like to read?
Yes, Daddy.
Well, this mark means that we're like the heroes in those stories. We're special. We have a destiny.
Daddy, what's a destiny?
It means that there's something very important we have to do.
Daddy, what's my destiny?
Well, that's the thing about destiny, son: You don't know what it is until it's already happened.
"Is that it, Dad? Am I supposed to be here to be here?" I bit back tears and clenched my fist over that mark, that damn mark that always marked me as different. What did it mean? Am I less human because of it? How could Dad know so much, but yet so little? So much fear and pain over that little bit of pigment in my palm.
Except it was so much more than that.
I picked up a chunk of stone from the roofing beside me. I clenched my fist again.
The stone became gravel. I clenched a third time. The gravel became sand.
What am I, Daddy? Why am I like this? Why do bullets not shatter my bones, blades not pierce my skin? Why do have the strength of ten people my size? Why was I born a monster shaped like a man?
Why?
Why?
Why?
These emotions opened a little door in my soul, a little door that shouldn't have existed, and something got out.
Something beautiful.
"There once was a man who was taken away,
By a woman of mystery too sure he would lay.
He awoke to the sounds of a young woman's cries,
Until he rolled over and saw a pair of blue eyes.
The Human was dumbstruck and so he did flee,
By doorway and staricase, 'twas not meant to be.
Enter, Nurse of Redheart!
Enter, Light of Twi!
Enter, John the Human, trying not to die!
At the Nurse's romances, the Human did frown,
She cried her damn eyes out when he turned her down.
He melted his sadness with song and with dance,
If only these mares would get out of his pants!
All girls have urges to be grabbed and touched,
To have some nice sleep is asking too much.
Enter, Mint of Pepper!
Enter, Queen of Pones!
Enter, John the Human, please don't break his bones!
This world was too dainty, too soft and too nice,
If it kept him here, it would soon pay the price.
Only fools would keep John in a cage,
Only fools would not fear his rage.
As surely and certain as night took the day,
He'll find those bastards and he'll make them pay!
Enter, John the Killer!
Enter, John the Cad!
Enter, John the Human, just don't make him mad!
The Human reflects on his thoughts and his fears,
The lives that he's taken throughout all his years.
He thinks of his father, his mother, his brother,
Reasons he breathes, he can think of no other.
John may be clueless and answers he lacks,
But he swore to his brother he'd always come back."
I slapped a hand to my mouth. Was I just singing? What was that song? I'd never heard it before, but it came as easily to me as if it had been my favorite childhood tune.
"How interesting. I've never seen a Human do that." I started and turned toward the sound of a voice. None other than Peppermint the Butler stood on the roof near me. He didn't approach me, though. I guess he learned his lesson. "I'd have thought it impossible, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. You truly are an interesting specimen."
"I wasn't singing. I mean, I didn't mean to do that." I sat back down.
"Precisely, however, we won't dwell on it. Your spontaneous burst into song is none of my business."
"Fine. Why are you here, then? You gonna try to kill me again?" I swilled the drink in my bottle before taking a swig.
"Not at the moment, no. I'm simply here to talk." With just a hint of distaste, he sat down beside me. I raised an eyebrow.
"And what could you and me possibly talk about?"
"I understand the emotions you're going through. I've gone through them myself."
"You don't know me." I turned away from him. What was he talking about?
"I know you're not a normal Human. And I'm not a normal pony. That's something we have in common." I looked back at him. He smiled, showing gleaming, white, and extremely sharp teeth. He blinked with a transparent eyelid that slid sideways across his suddenly slit-pupiled eyes.
"I was created to be the perfect pony killer. I can look like them, I can talk like them, I can walk like them, right up until the moment I needed to strike. But, with a little convincing, I decided to rebel against my masters, to fight for Harmony instead of Chaos. I refused to let what I was define me, and I learned that even a monster can have the heart of a stallion, or a man, as it were. And now, I couldn't be happier."
"Cool story, bro. What does it have to do with me?"
"My point being, John, no matter how helpless you feel you are, there is always a choice." I nodded thoughtfully before offering him my soda as a peace offering. He slammed the last of it down, then bit the bottle in half.
"The silica is good for my hooves," He explained. "Now come. I'm sure the Princesses are growing impatient."
"What makes you think I'll come along?"
"Where else would you go?"
I shrugged. He had a point. |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And You Can't Handle The Truth | Dirty Mike, (not Mike Salem, two different people) as he preferred to call himself, pulled the final stool off the bar and sighed happily. He'd made a killing last night. And the night before that. And the night before that, too. It seems that as the world fell apart, a man had only one true friend: Alcohol.
Which Dirty Mike was happy to provide.
Don't get the wrong idea, the bartender was not a sadistic man, or even a greedy one. Quite the opposite, in these trying times, his honesty, generosity, and wisdom marked him as an upstanding member of the community. He was always one to call a taxi for someone too drunk to drive, or dish out a little friendly advice to someone who needed it.
He was just sitting down to have a cigarette when there was a knock on the front door. He chuckled at his own expense. "Figures, just as I'm opening up."
He heaved himself up tiredly and answered the door. Now, Mike was a worldly man, he'd been to six countries, and every state but Texas, but none of that could have prepared him for what was behind that door.
She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. He had to resist the urge to fall to his knees before her.
He regained his composure when a redheaded man stepped in front of her. He spoke with a soft Scottish accent. "Easy, Èbene, don't give him a heart attack."
The most noticeable feature about this man was his strange yellow eyes. He stepped in between Dirty Mike and the beautiful woman. "Sorry about Èbene, matey, she has that effect on people. We were expected, yeah?"
"Um, not exactly, no." Mike shook his head. "I don't know who either of you are."
"We're friends of Sebastian's and John's. You could say that we're a 'group'. If Sebastian isn't already here, he'll be soon." Mike decided to roll with that and let them pass.
"Well, then, can I get either of you a drink?"
"Ooh, do you have any wine?"
A few minutes later, there was another knock on the door. When Mike opened it, he was greeted by a floating Subway sandwich.
Like, literally, it was a goddamn sandwich, and it was fucking floating.
"Anata no ki o, watashi ni demashou! Watashi wa koko ni watashi no natto o ofu ni tōketsu shite imasu!" The sandwich swore at him before brushing past into the room.
Sebastian followed soon after, scolding it. "Ekō! Watashi wa watashi ga saisho ni iku yō ni anata ni itta! Anata wa, Maikeru no shinzō hossa o ataeru!"
He stopped and patted Mike on the shoulder. "It is good to see you, Michael. You will have to forgive my friend, he isn't good with people."
"The sandwich?"
"No, the guy holding it. His presence in a room tends to go unnoticed."
"You mean there's an invisible guy holding the sandwich?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying."
"I need a drink."
"Good idea."
Several drinks later, Mike had settled down enough to talk. "Now, can someone please tell me what in God's name is going on?"
"In good time, Michael, but first things are first. You were the last person to see John before he disappeared, ja?"
"Um, yeah...? Where are you going with this, Seb?"
"Don't worry, Michael, I'm not accusing you, I'm just trying to figure out where he went."
Mike rubbed his chubby, stubbled cheeks. "Listen, man, all I remember is that he went into the back room with some chick and never came out. Me and Mike went in there earlier today, and all we could find a bunch of burn marks and a pair of torched underpants."
"Hmm, intriguing. Do you mind if we see?" Sebastian rubbed his chin before heading to the back room without waiting for permission. He opened the door to the back room and turned to his comrades.
"What happened?" He asked them simply.
Èbene stepped forward. She sniffed the air daintily. "He was drunk... and aroused. The woman he was with did not feel the same. She smells disgusted. Her pheromones smell... wrong. Old and fake. She definitely wasn't human, but she was trying to be."
Sebastian turned to his former lover. "How about you, Donovan?"
The Sixth closed his eyes and concentrated. "John was spiteful. He's been hurt too many times. He was not driven by passion or love. The woman's mind was ancient and... very cruel. She needed John to carry out some sort of plan, but she didn't like it."
He walked to the bed. "There is residue of Meridian travel here. She brought him somewhere very far away, too far away for me to see. She left his underwear as a link. I need them."
Donovan held out his hand for the charred clothing. Mike went to get them from where he'd left them earlier today. He handed them to the Scot. He scrunched them in a fist. "I can see him... far away... a... a place... "
Donovan's eyes shot open and he fell backward. Sebastian caught him as he continued to speak. "Rex nostra semitam pavimentabit. Sinito omnes homines gaudeant."
His eyes closed and he went limp. Sebastian laid him down and translated. "The King will pave our way. Let all mankind rejoice. But who claimed him, the Serpent or the Dove?"
Mike felt the cigarette being plucked from his mouth. It floated across the room and stubbed itself against the wall above the cot, igniting hidden fuel. The dark room brightened as an image of a draconequus burned itself across the plaster.
"Hebi." Echo said.
Mike snapped out of it, yelped, and fetched a fire extinguisher. After that, he needed another drink. Sebastian didn't even let bother himself by asking this time.
"Michael, there are things in this world you do not understand, would not understand, even if I explained them to you in great detail. All I ask is that you trust me, as a friend, and as a fellow human being when I say: John is alive and well, and you will see him again. Can you do that for me?"
"Seb, I trust you to hell and back, you know that." The bartender sighed deeply. "If there's such a thing as a honorable man on God's green earth, you're him, and if there's anything I can do to help you out, all you have to do is ask."
"Dank u, Michael. It is a shame that sort of trust is so hard to find these days." Sebastian took a long drag of his pipe, before pulling a stack of pamphlets from beneath his coat. "As a matter of fact, there is something you could do for me. Would you pass these out to your patrons, please?"
Mike flipped through one of them and raised an eyebrow. "Are you starting a cult?"
. . .
"Alright, so the white one is Celestia, she's older and controls the sun, and the blue one is Luna, she controls the moon."
"Yes, it isn't that difficult."
"Easy for you to say, especially since they both tried to kill me before saying a single word to me. It's all starting to blur together into a mindless mash of violence." I absentmindedly reached for my cigarettes before remembering I ran out. Yet another great addition to what was turning out to be one of the worst days of my life.
"Then you should feel right at home."
"Excuse me?"
"I can see it in your eyes, and in the way you fight. Conflict has stained you in ways that will never wash out. Which makes you perfect for what the princesses have in mind."
"And what, pray tell, is that?"
"Why don't you ask them yourself?"
Pep-the-But and I rounded the bend into the train station where I'd arrived in the city I now knew as (shudder) Canterlot. The princesses seemed to be cleaning up the mess that Luna and I had made. And what a mess it was.
The train car had been returned to the track, but that couldn't disguise the giant, ice-encrusted hole in its side. There were massive gouges in the earth almost a quarter mile to the side of the track where Luna had thrown the car with me inside, as well as a twenty-foot crater where she'd violently detonated me off of her. The fountain was obliterated and many of the surrounding buildings had scorch marks.
"Well, Luna, you sure know how to show a guy a good time. We'll have to do this again." I grinned as both alicorns started and whipped around. Nice to know that they could be snuck up on.
Luna gained an expression of deep suspicion, while Celestia wore one of more subdued curiosity. Luna didn't seem ready to speak yet, so Celestia was the one who greeted him. "Hello, John. We were just talking about you."
"Good things, I hope."
She gave her sister a look I couldn't read, then Luna answered, "The best. Would you walk with us?"
I nodded and followed as they turned away, the cleanup job apparently left to less important ponies. We walked for quite a while without saying anything, the princesses in front of me, Peppermint behind. I took this as an opportunity to admire the city of (shudder) Canterlot. Freaking renaissance architecture. It appeared to be a lot more regal and castle-y than Ponyville. The palace or whatever appeared to be in the center of the city which was... hanging off a mountain.
"Uh, Princess?" I was having trouble thinking of a degrading nickname for her, so for now, I'll just use that. "My null-magic field isn't going to like, shut down the magic holding the city up or anything, will it?"
Luna snorted condescendingly. "Ridiculous."
"Wasn't talking to you, Moon Pie."
"Luna, be nice." Celestia turned her neck to face me, still walking. "Exactly how much knowledge of the interactions between our kind do you have, John?"
"Only what I could glean from a Saturday morning children's cartoon."
"..."
"Which is to say, if you'd asked me two days ago, I would reply, 'Magic ponies don't exist.'"
"Ah." She said simply. "To answer your question, no, the platform the city rests on, and the city itself to some extent, was constructed without the use of magic. Even if it wasn't, I doubt a single human has enough null-magic to topple it."
"Hmm. I hope I'll get the whole story of that sometime."
"You will, John. You have a right to know. I don't know why you were not taught of our history, but I do know that I do not teach it to my subjects for a very good reason. And you should be glad I do not, or they would react to you with overwhelming hostility rather than measured curiosity."
We entered the palace without fanfare, and the blue-maned pony who'd greeted me when I'd stepped off the train bowed to the princesses and glared at me. "I take it we won't be needing the dungeons?"
Celestia shook her head. "Not at the moment, no."
Luna frowned. "But it's always good to be prepared."
I held out my hand to shake. "I don't think we've been introduced, I'm John, and contrary to popular belief, I haven't tried to kill anyone since I got here."
The pony grunted and shook it. "Shining Armor, Captain of the Guard. I believe you put one of my best pegasi in the psych ward."
"Did I really scare him that bad?" I briefly recalled grabbing a pegasus by the throat and telling him to fuck off. I could have done worse, given the circumstances. "Well, I can't be punished for the fallacies of pussies."
Shining Armor grunted again, still glaring at me. Peppermint nudged him with a hoof and jerked his head toward a door. When he didn't take the hint, he cleared his throat. "Captain, I'm sure that the Princesses and John have much to talk about. Shall we find other business to attend to?"
The Captain nodded wordlessly and followed the butler through one of the big doors, leaving me alone with the princesses.
I grinned. "I don't think he likes me very much."
Luna snorted again, not very princesslike, this one. "He's not the only one."
"Luna. Be. Nice." Celestia got right to business. "John, in order to understand what I'm about to tell you, you must forget whatever you've been told about where Humans come from."
"Cel, unlike most people who try to preach that they know all that human origin bullshit, I get the weird feeling that you were there. Just tell me what I need to know."
She motioned for us to begin walking again. "Roughly fifteen thousand years ago, a massive meteorite struck Eden near the place you now call Ponyville. At the time, very large amounts of this area were untamed wilderness. It took nearly fifteen years for your kind and mine to finally make contact, and by that time, the Humans had built a small, feudal community, and the vegetation they'd brought with them had grown out of control. This vegetation would eventually become the Everfree forest, and their buildings would become the ruins within."
"My mother, Univera, was the one who made first contact. We embraced your kind with open hooves, and the races of Eden rejoiced to welcome a new culture to our planet. You were a powerful and honorable race, and your ruler, King Paterex, was a good man. I remember when I first met him, he smiled and said I was cute. I was a child, then, and Luna hadn't been born.
"Paterex had a wife named Feragina, and four children. The eldest son, Fraterlex, the elder sister, Sororeverax, the younger son, Fratermutis, and the younger daughter, Sororivita. They simply called themselves Royals, and they were to the Human race what Alicorns are to Ponykind; Leaders, guardians, and teachers.
"Under their leadership, Humans expanded quickly and soon outgrew the Everfree, so the Crystal Guardians of the the north used their magic to create a new continent in the Eastern Sea. They named it New Huma, after their home planet. They spent millenia there in peace, perfecting their own magics, maturing their culture, and expanding their friendships.
"Then, one day, trade between our nations stopped. A military blockade shut down all communication from New Huma to the outside world. Soon after, Human troops invaded the Crystal Empire. The Guardians fought bravely and to the last one standing, but the humans were too strong, and in too great of numbers. Their advanced technology more than made up for what few weaknesses they had.
"And so began the longest and bloodiest war that Eden has ever seen. We didn't know what prompted the attack at the time, but Eden was in a golden age, and none of us were ready for it. With the Crystal Guardians decimated, our strongest military defense was gone. After that, the Humans marched upon the Sussian Expanse, driving the Boarock into hiding. When they reached the Cervian Forest, they found it empty, the Wisp Deer seemingly disappeared into thin air.
"After months of destruction, the extinction of dozens of cultures and species, all that was left was Equestria. It was then that the reason behind the attacks was finally brought to light: Queen Feragina had been murdered, and her children seemed to think that it was the fault of the non-human species, that they had been responsible for their mothers death. The King, in his grief, had locked himself away in his castle, allowing his children to rage across the landscape of Eden, unopposed."
We stopped walking. Celestia hung her head, and I could feel the weight of her grief like a chill in the air. "One by one, they killed them all. My father, my brothers, my older sister, and finally my mother, who sacrificed herself hiding Luna and I from the Human's wrath. "
I noticed where we had walked clear through the castle and into a garden of some sort. I sat down on a bench near yet another fountain. Its bubbling filled the air for nearly half a minute as neither I nor the princesses said anything. For once, I didn't know what to say. She cleared her throat and continued.
"I was not in a good position. Human forces now occupied Canterlot, my people were being systematically slaughtered by the thousands, and I had an infant sister to take care of. But now, I wielded the same weapon that my enemy did: Anger that burned with the fire of the sun, fueled by a grief deeper than the ocean. I rallied the last of Equestria's military, and with the help of a double agent, I attacked strategic Human settlements and checkpoints, whittling them down, year by year, little by little, until finally, the Solar Guard stormed Canterlot, allowing me to finally destroy the monsters who killed my family.
"When Paterex received the news of his children's deaths, he contacted me and begged me to kill him as well. I refused. I believed there to be no more fitting punishment for his neglect than to feel the same pain I did, living forever burdened by the pain of losing his family in his heart. I told him to gather his people and leave Eden forever. He did as I asked. He built a portal and left, taking his beaten and broken people with him. He did not say goodbye, or where he was going, or even apologize. He just left."
She looked at me, her face unreadable, gauging my reaction.
I stood and approached her.
I looked her in the eye.
I wrapped my arms around her,
and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry." |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And I'm Beside Myself | "I'm sorry. I know what it's like to lose the people that you love like that. What it's like to be a child, and then suddenly have to grow up. I know what it's like, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."
"Thank you, John." Celestia said, wrapping a hoof around him. "If you'd asked me a few millennia ago if I would willingly embrace a Human, I'd have thrown you in the dungeon."
"...Can we stop, now?"
"Yes, please."
John broke the hug and cleared his throat loudly. "So, now what?"
"I've been alluding to this task all day, and the time has come to finally reveal it to you." She cleared her throat as well, before entering the hedge maze, motioning for John and her sister to follow. "When the Humans occupied my country, they built large, underground bunkers to fall back into in the event of an insurrection. These bunkers were protected by stange fields that caused great pain to any magical being that tried to enter, as well as internal defenses should the fields fail. Over time, these bunkers fell into disrepair, and their defenses did exactly that, allowing us to salvage the technology within. Upon further investigation, many of the bunkers revealed various machines and apparatuses that would allow the humans to live within them for a very long time, even if they were cut off from all outside resources, including oxygen. I suspect that this is how the original colonists survived when their home planet was... compromised."
We were deep in the maze, now. It hit me that if Celestia and Luna flew away, I might not be able to find my way out. "You may not realize, but you stand upon an ancient battlefield, the last battlefield of the Human War. The blood, Human and Pony alike, is too thick here for even time to wash away. So, I cultivated this maze, and now, I use it to hide my kingdom's greatest secrets. Among these secrets, I hid the remains of the Human race." They came to a wall of leaves. The princess tapped her hoof, and it parted before her.
It opened into a peaceful clearing. It was circular, and at the center was a statue bearing four statues. Celestia gestured widely. "It was in this clearing that I vanquished your kinds last protectors. Their immortal weapons still lie here, waiting to be claimed."
John had stopped listening. He moved to the base of the statues. His eyes seemed to be drawn to Fraterlex in particular.
Noticing this, Luna spoke up. "What is it, John?"
John studied Fraterlex's face for another moment before speaking. "He looks like me."
The princesses paused for a moment, studying the statue as well. They gasped in unison when they realized that John and the firstborn prince were mirror images of each other. Disregarding the fuller beard, longer hair, and different clothes, the lines in their face and the broadness of their shoulders were exactly the same.
John reached into his jacket for something, only to find it not there. "Fuck. So, what does this mean? I mean, these statues are accurate, right? Because the other dude looks like Mike, and the chick with the axe looks like Ari. The chick with the shovel..."
His eyes squinted before he frowned. "The girl from the dream."
The princesses looked at each other. Celestia turned and headed in the other direction. "Follow me. You may explain as we walk."
John nodded his head, his brow furrowing as he loped after her. "Well, Mike is my little brother, he's four years younger than me, and Ari is his wife. They got married... six months ago, now? As for the other girl... I've never seen her before in my life, but I dreamed about her last night. Was that shit prophetic? A glimpse into the future or whatever?"
Luna spoke up. "There is power in dreams, John, but the dreams of man are not my domain. You will have to interpret it for yourself."
"In other words, 'Fuck if I know'." John pondered this for a moment. "So what do you think me being the reincarnation of Conan the Barbarian over here means?"
Celestia pondered that for a moment. "I believe it means exactly that, you are the reincarnation of, if perhaps not Fraterlex then one of the other Royals. The only way to confirm it is if you were to attempt to wield one of the Orbis Vulgate, the World Tools. Which one you wield, would depend on you."
"Well, then, let's not keep ourselves in suspense." He made a shooing motion with his hands. "Follow the pretty pony."
Brushing off the compliment, Celestia led him to a separate clearing. She started as she remembered something, and turned to the Human following her. "I must warn you, John, you will not like what you see here. When the Royal children died... it did not make for an attractive scene, and for reasons you will see, their corpses could not be disposed of properly. You must understand that..."
She trailed off as John brushed past her into the clearing.
. . .
Celly talks a lot. I brushed past her into the clearing. There were a few different coloured... orbs, or spheres, scattered about. Four of them, about thirty feet in diameter. I wasn't close enough to get a very good look at any of them.
Celly piped up. "The way I understood it, Humans have been around for a very long time, hundreds of thousands of years. Their civilization has risen and crumbled more times than they could count, their has history been erased and rewritten dozens of times over. During the time of peace before the Human Wars, I was told that the Vulgate were ancient tools of unimaginable power, crafted by a Human civilization even older and more advanced than the one that appeared on Eden. I don't know exactly how many there were, but I do know that the most powerful of them all were wielded by the Royals."
We approached the closest sphere. It was transparent, so I could see inside. When I did, my heart skipped a beat and I couldn't breathe. Then I was hyperventilating, and my pulse was too loud in my ears.
Frozen inside the sphere, eyes open in surprise, both arms torn off and a gaping hole in his chest, was my little brother.
Except it wasn't. My brother is very distinctive. Some found his silver hair and flat black eyes repelling, others found them appealing, but the corpse in front of me had neither. His hair was a mossy greenish-grey, and his eyes were a bright purple. In addition, he sported a short, triangular beard at the tip of his chin, whereas Mike kept himself clean-shaven.
"I assure you, this is the worst of it, John. The other three are not nearly as recognizable."
I caught my breath, in too much emotional shock even to speak. Finally, I swallowed. "Who was he?"
Celestia moved next to me, her presence comforting, despite the fact that I knew she was the one who'd killed this man. She described him with a slight reverence, the way a warrior speaks of a respected adversary. "Before you lie the remains of Fratermutis, the avatar of death and change. He wielded Temparic, the Warpscythe, said to have been forged from a shred of the very fabric of the universe. Temparic imbued its master with power over space and time. When I killed him, the scythe projected some sort of time-freezing spell. Only the one worthy of wielding the Warpscythe can break it."
I took the hint. There was a visible barrier between the frozen time and the moving time outside. I reached out to touch it. It was solid.
"That only makes sense." I muttered to myself. The matter in the sphere was frozen in time, as at rest as physically possible. And objects at rest, stay that way. I wasn't getting at that scythe without breaking the force field first, and that wasn't happening. I spoke a little louder. "Well, girls, I don't think that's me. I never liked scythes as weapons, anyway. Too long and artsy."
"The vulgate weren't intended to be weapons, John. They are tools, how they are used depends on who's using them."
I pondered this as I tried to break through the impenetrable wall of foliage protecting Sororivita and her Lifecleaver, AKA Vitaxe. Every time I tried to break through the thick sphere of plants, it would grow back thicker. After a minute or two, I gave up. I'm just glad I didn't have to see the body. I love my sister-in-law as much as I love my brother. Seeing two dead relatives in one day? No fun.
I plucked a few thorns from my hands. "I guess that one isn't mine, either."
"No offense meant, John, but you don't seem like an avatar of birth and growth."
We came to the wall of white fire that protected Sororeverax and her Trutrum, Candorax. I stuck my hand through the field without a problem, but when I pulled it out, it was burnt red and the skin was peeling. "Alright, well, I'm not going in there."
That only left Gravic, the Fallhammer. Celestia seemed to have thrown Fraterlex into a cliff face, collapsing it on top of him. I clambered over a large chunk of rock. In the center of the collapse, there was...
There was a...
That is a black hole.
That is a goddamn black hole.
The orb was almost twice the size of the other ones, and near it, many of the rocks from the cliff face floated endlessly, seemingly unaffected by gravity. The largest chunk, the size of a small building, was suspended directly above the sphere.
Inside the sphere looked like a rip in space. A black vortex swirled within, streams of light flowing into it's core. By far the most dramatic of the security systems. I grinned. "Ooh, shiny. I pick this one."
Celestia, always ready with some exposition, followed me over the rock. "Proceed with extreme caution, John. Wielding the vulgate is not something you choose. It is something you are chosen for."
I vaulted over the rock and approached the sphere. I gave Celestia one last look. "What happens if it doesn't choose me?"
"I'm sorry to say that I don't know, John. You're the first human on Eden in thousands of years. That alone makes me believe you were put here for a reason. But if I'm wrong..." The immortal princess turned to her sister, unable to finish.
Luna did it for her. "There is a good chance that you will be killed."
John took a moment to absorb this. Then he shrugged. "Well, I got kicked out of the Marines for having suicidal tendencies. That's gotta count for something."
He spread his arms wide, closed his eyes, and fell backward into the void.
. . .
After watching John disappear, Gravic's security field swallowing him like a great, hungry beast, the princesses sat, staring at the place where the Human had stood for what seemed like quite a while.
Luna, being more impatient, broke the silence first. "What shall we do hence?"
Celestia checked the position of the sun, which was quickly going down. "We will give him... an hour. Then I will lower the sun and you will raise the moon, and he will be on his own."
. . .
Deep beneath the Earth, in a dark, metallic bunker where few human beings have tread, an ancient, primordial creature stirred.
The black lenses of its mask flashed as a tall, thin, dark man appeared before it in a burst of purple light and a puff of air. The creatures thick bodyguard, Thor, tensed momentarily before realizing that it was only Hermes, appearing out of thin air as he always did.
Thor and Hermes exchanged a nod, but neither dared speak before the Big Man did. They were both very powerful, but not nearly as powerful as their employer.
The Big Man stood, the servos in its armor whirring, breath hissing from its mask like air from a newly opened crypt. It was not a large creature, but it moved slowly, deliberately, as if every twitch of its body carried massive weight, or perhaps great pain. When it spoke, its mask altered its voice so it could not be traced or recorded, making it deep and removing any lilt or accent.
"Report, Hermes. You would not be here if there was not news."
"As you instructed, I've been tailing Operative Rivieren, your former second-in-command. There has been a new development." The Operative pressed a few buttons on his gauntlet, and a recording of Sebastian played, echoing in the underground chamber.
"Are you sure we should be discussing this in front of..."
"Ach, let her listen. I'm done keeping UNJO's secrets. There has been a change in the Organization since I left. My retirement-" Hermes cut the recording off nervously. Sebastian's retirement was still an upsetting subject to the Big Man.
"Operative Rivieren has already not only compromised top secret information protected by our Organization, but the existence of the organization itself." If Hermes dared show emotion in front of the Big Man, he would have cringed: He hated being the bearer of bad news. Surprisingly, the Big Man remained placid. It simply nodded.
"Ah, of course, I expected no less of him. He was always an independant spirit. A less sentimental fellow might have installed an obedience chip in him, like I did with Thor here." The Big Man gestured to the bigger man, who chuckled outwardly, while internally, he screamed. "But, unfortunately, because I did not, the second most dangerous man on earth is at large, and apparently, actively opposing me. The only logical course of action would be to simply kill anyone whom he has given information, both to keep them silent, and as a warning."
That was the only logical course of action, so of course, Sebastian had countered it. "Unfortunately, Operative Rivieren has only bestowed classified information on individuals whom he has assigned guards to, reside in his personal sanctuary zones, or are otherwise protected. None of the operatives loyal to us are skilled enough to do the job."
The Big Man was silent for a moment, tapping its thin fingers on the granite desktop as it thought. Finally, it spoke: "What about the ones who are not loyal?"
Hermes, who didn't really understand what his boss was getting at, remained silent.
The Big Man nodded, as if Hermes had agreed with it. It tapped on a keyboard hidden in its desk, and Hermes' gauntlet chirped in response. "I've sent you the dossiers of several neutral parties that the Organization has been monitoring. They are all deadly, they are all unstable, and they all have nothing to lose. Do with them as you will, but take care; they are all useful assets to me."
Hermes, requiring nothing more formal than a nod, disappeared in a puff of fuschia to carry out his orders.
"Thor. Leave me."
Thor nodded and left up the elevator, as it was the only way out of the office. The Big Man waited for the airlock to stop humming, for the room to become silent again. Then it took out the crinkled, ancient photo. The noise that struggled through the filter of the Big Man's mask could have been a sigh, or a sob.
. . .
Holy shit.
What the hell. I'm back at Mike's?
I'm... home? Was it all just a terrible, terrible dream?
I ran to the window, but it was so dark out, I couldn't really see past the sidewalk. I tried the front door, but it wouldn't open. Mike must have locked up.
Something is wrong.
Mike has an apartment above the place, and he's a light sleeper. He would have heard me banging around. I can't imagine anywhere else he could be, he rarely leaves the bar.
I checked the window again. Wait, where are all the streetlamps? And why are the lights on inside? Mike always made me turn them off when I locked up...
So, I guess I'm still working.
I went behind the bar and made myself a rum and coke. For a few minutes I waited and listened to the radio.
The bigger they are,
The harder they fall,
How can I know what is real,
If I can't feel at all?
I heard the toilet in the men's room flush and the faucet run for a short while. Two men came out of the bathroom, a thick trucker guy in jeans and a flannel, and a thinner guy wearing a suit. Flannel had a thick, brown, braided beard, and Suit had a big, waxy black barber mustache. They sat down next to each other and looked at me. After a moment, Flannel pointed at my rum and coke and said, "Two of those, please."
His accent was difficult for me to place until I realized that he hadn't spoken English at all. It was a strange feeling, understanding a language that I've never heard before, but not the strangest, so there you go. I made the guy his fucking drinks.
So tell me the truth,
Have I gone too far,
When my eyes burn like torches,
And my heart's black as tar?
They both took a swig of their drinks as I apologised for the shitty ambience. "Sorry about the song, guys. I lost the remote for the stereo."
Flannel raised an eyebrow. "Do you not like it?"
"It's really weepy, isn't it? Like angsty-teen-cry-your-eyes-out-and-write-depressing-poetry kinda weepy." I shrugged. Suit grimaced, and Flannel looked hurt.
"I wrote this for my wife the night before we both died."
I frowned as I thought about this, the frown slowly deepening into a scowl as the song continued to play.
Don't tell me I'm wrong,
I'm singing this song
I'm lost in my heart,
So tear me apart,
Reach into my soul,
The darkest of holes,
Burn out the part of me,
That makes it so hard to see.
I grabbed Flannel by the collar of his namesake with my left hand and slammed his head against the bar. Then, in one swift motion, my left hand clutched the rum and smashed it over Suit's cranium, jerked Flannel back up and pressed the jagged end of the bottle against his thick neck, drawing several small dots of blood.
"I assure you I'll have no more of this tomfuckery. You're going to tell me the meaning behind this cocksuck jamboree, or you're gonna need a bib the next time your boyfriend cums down your throat."
You say that you care,
So don't tell me lies,
You say that its hopeless,
So I'll lay down and cry.
His face stretched into a grin.
A grin that looks just like mine.
His face melts like candle wax, his shirt and the bottle become sand, slipping through my fingers, slipping, the bar disappears, whipped from reality by the wind, the floor rots away and becomes hands that are dragging me down, down, and all I hear is my own voice echoing in my ears:
You'll do. |
Anthrexia: A New Element | ...And I Close My Eyes And The Flashback Starts | You'll do.
Fuck you, you prick! Let me out of here! What the fuck is happening?
Shut up and listen. I have much to tell you, and nothing you can tell me will matter. Powers beyond your understanding have dipped their fingers into our existence, and humanity has once again been brought to the forefront of their minds. The path we take next will depend on a handful of people, one of which is you, and all of which are close to you.
The blackness that had swallowed me retreated, and I wasn't at Mike's anymore. I was in some sort of castle tower, a single room with a single door and a single window looking out into blue sky. The cotton was pulled from my ears and I heard the clang of metal and screams of effort and pain. A battle.
My instincts kicked in and I dashed to the window, my boots clicking excitedly on the stone.
Peering out over the railing, I saw the streets of Canterlot that I walked down not a few hours ago, war-torn and destroyed. The building I'd drank my soda on wasn't there, replaced by a taller, rounder building. Or, it would have been taller, had it not been sheared off and toppled over onto some sort of crawling war machine, crushing it like a giant metal spider. The surviving members of its apparently human crew were fighting off a smaller force of ponies and unicorns. Despite the humans having better weaponry and numbers on their side, the ponies seemed to be winning through sheer tenacity. A human with purple hair fired energy blasts from a cannon he had slung over his shoulder, but the ponies nimbly dodged out of the way, sometimes being missed by mere inches, until finally a pegasus penetrated his guard and savaged his throat with a pair of talon-like claws. The dog-like humanoids under his command were quickly overwhelmed after the loss of their leader.
Similar scenes unfolded all across the landscape stretched before me as hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned groups of ponies, unicorns and pegasi, all wearing armor painted to match the colors of the buildings around them cut down the human troops. Along with the pegasi wielding their metal bird-of-prey talons, the magical horses were armed with other weapons I'd never seen before, ponies shod with thick, wrought-iron war hooves, unicorns wielding razor-sharp scissorblades with a deadly accuracy that could only be achieved by magic. The equines were obviously extremely well-trained, darting through the rubble of their former city like deer through a forest, their human enemies seemed surprised by the ponies ferocity. Despite this, some seemed to be putting up a good fight with a wide variety of weapondry; I saw a woman wearing thick armor wielding something that vaguely resembled an assault rife, fire green crystalline projectiles into the chest of a pony who had been advancing upon a man in a robe carrying a staff. The man nodded thanks to her, then turned and conjured fire from his hands to ward off a flock of pegasi who were harrowing a group of dog-men armed with swords and small one-handed weapons that resembled pistols.
I heard a shout behind the door at my back. I whipped around just in time to see myself, wearing an unrecognizable style of golden armor draped with furs, burst through the door, cursing in that wierd-ass language that I can't recall ever hearing or learning, but could understand nonetheless.
"Fucking taurshit! That's what this is! A clusterfuck from the beginning to the end!" Fraterlex walked right through me like a ghost and planted both hands on the railing behind me, as if he was about to hop over it, land a hundred feet below, and join the losing human forces.
I realized this was like that scene from Harry Potter; I was looking into someones memory of the final battle of the Human Wars.A surprisingly unfamiliar sensation, but UNJOs memory-sharing technology was far less vivid, tending to leave a user with vague impressions rather than actual experiences.
Fratermutis, wearing the same black cloak reinforced with chain mail and bits of silver plate metal and looking a lot more alive than when I last saw him, followed after his brother, a little more stoic, but obviously just as angry. "Treacherous, primitive, four-legged, handless animals. Just like them to wait till the moment before the planet was ours to pull another thrice-damned Alicorn out of their collective asses."
The sisters entered the room together, Sororeverax in front, Sororivita bringing up the rear. Like their statues, they resembled the girl from the dream and Ari, respectively, but with different hair color and styles. Sororeverax, with her gray hair tied in a bun and wearing a simple white dress, looked elegant and polished, but seemed to seethe with a cold, lethal rage. Sororivita seemed to be the only one who was not furious, quite the contrary, she blindly followed her sister, watering her dress made from living plants with her tears.
Fraterlex's fingers dug into the stone railing so hard that it began to crack. Sororeverax went to his side and placed a delicate hand over his. "Lex."
His eyes softened and he gazed into hers a little bit longer than I thought was appropriate, then turned to his brother. "We must do something. Our troops are being slaughtered by the hundreds, we cannot win a war and kill this alicorn. We must find a way to contain her while our civilians get to the bunkers."
"She is of another kind. Not all can resist magic the way Royals do, and the amount of ambient energy she's throwing off rivals a star in its power." The anger in his face became despair as this sunk in. "A solar flare knocking on our doorstep, overloading the auras of innocent civilians whilst we are forced to watch."
"If that is true, we must keep her as far from the children as possible." Lex turned to his oldest sister. "Vera, they are safe?"
Vera glanced at her sister, who sniffed and attempted to regain her composure. Looking back, she nodded. "They are with Father. He knows."
"You told him?"
"They are his grandchildren. He will take good care of them, no matter what."
Closing his eyes, Lex leaned back over the railing and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Huma help us all if we get out of this."
"We may need His help sooner than that." Sororivita spoke for the first time, her voice shockingly soft amid the sounds of battle. She pointed at the horizon, where a thin contrail could be seen tracing across the sky, quickly approaching. "She comes."
Lex leaned back from the railing and slipped Gravic into his hand, giving me my first good look at the thing. Defying physics, the head seemed to grow larger and heavier when it was held, going from the size of a doorstop to the size of a cinder block. The head itself seemed to reflect no light whatsoever, making it look like a boxy black hole with an ornate handle. The gilded chain attached to the end of the grip writhed like a living creature, unwinding itself around Fraterlex's waist and coiling tightly around his forearm. "Steel yourself, Vita. This is a fight that can only end in death."
The contrail continued to come closer as the other Royals readied their vulgate. They stayed like this in silent preparation, waiting for their enemy to reach them. Imagine their surprise as it began to pass right over them.
Vita's eyes widened. She cried out two words before dashing out the door at a speed far too fast for a normal human; "THE CHILDREN!"
"Vita, wait for me!" Without hesitating, Fratermutis followed his sister. Vera was about to leave as well when Fraterlex caught her arm.
"Lex, we do not have time to-" She stopped short when she saw the look on her older brother's face.
His voice was soft, and his eyes tender, a sharp contrast to the Fraterlex of a few minutes ago. "I wouldn't take any of it back."
Vera took his hands in hers and gave him a sad smile. "Neither would I."
The siblings met with a passionate, sexual kiss that dropped my jaw, bugged my eyes, and stimulated my gag reflex. I knew there was something fucked-ass-backwards about these kids.
. . .
I followed them because I felt like I should, and I had nothing other than that to go on. Stone hallways whipped past the Royals and I in a blur, and we exited the castle into the cityscape to the north. The advancing army to the south was only tangible here as the muffled sounds of battle that managed to mount the peaks of Canterlot Castle. Vehicles and people crowded the streets, but it was eerily quiet, the only sounds were the screams of death over the rooftops, and the orders called out by the human and semihuman guards, politely directing the refugees to their designated shelters. Oddly, I noticed that those taking shelter were all pure, none of them bearing any features more inhuman than oddly coloured hair or eyes. Hmm.
The buildings gave way to the upward sloping hill that became the base of the cliff face I'd approached with the royal sisters. The Royals and I sped past a stream of people, thousands strong, who were flooding into a cave in the cliffside across the field. We arrived at the floodgate into the mountain and veered away from the refugees to a meeting place where various leaders of the human forces were holding some sort of counsel.
The assembled council appeared to have no human members. Many of them were badly injured. A man with a dog head and tail was missing both eyes and the tip of his ear, but these looked long-healed. A recent injury had split his jowl down the side, making his lower lip hang down and exposing several sharp teeth. He also bore several cuts and a the hair on his neck was singed, exposing soft pink flesh underneath.
Next to him was a creature that stood on two legs with a posture akin to a persons, but a long neck and a draconic head poked out from what I thought was a cloak made from dragon skin, but actually turned out to be a pair of scaly wings, folded about himself, covering his person. Dripping red blood from beneath this scaly curtain told me that the dragon-man, too, was wounded, though I barely needed the hint, what with the shrapnel still sticking out of half his face.
After him was a creature that seemed to be designed along the same lines, built on the frame of a human, but seemingly mixed with another animal as well, in this case a bird. What bird exactly, an eagle, or maybe an owl? Unlike the dragon-man, the bird-man's face was disturbingly human, rendered even more so by the fact that his entire beak seemed have been recently ripped off, leaving him with a pair of red, fleshy, toothless lips. A pair of tawny wings jutted from his shoulders, the feathers scorched in some places.
Following him in the semicircle, were a few more recognizable, if less fantastic creatures; a tall, regal woman with pointed ears, a stunted man with a thick beard, a nine-foot-tall Minotaur missing one of his horns, a female Centaur wearing a quiver strapped between her bare breasts, and, to my surprise, a small, grey donkey, with pair of wings sprouting from his shoulders, and a stubby horn poking out of his head.
Entering the circle, Lex gently grabbed the dog-man by the chin and inspected his wound. After a moment, he released him, satisfied. "Romulus, we don't have any time for pleasantries. How many can we save?"
When he spoke, his voice rumbled deep in his chest, and his speech was slurred; he would periodically pause to slurp up a mix of blood and drool. "The council has convened. It was a clean, surgical attack. They snuck in through one of the outer entrances of the Warren, and entered when the sun was high; many of us were above-ground. From the tunnels, they were able to slip right through the outer defenses." His ears laid back and he hung his head. "My mate and pups are dead, along with countless others. The Aviary is lost. The Anubi shall fade into the void. We have failed you, and paid the price."
Lex turned to the bird- and dragon-men, a look of disbelief on his face. "Is this true?"
The dragons deep, chocolaty voice answered. "The Aviary is in possession of the enemy, and Niner died protecting the eggs. Farvran and I only escaped because Roland sacrificed his life to save us. He wished to join his bond-mate, and I do not blame him; I dearly wish to join mine as well."
The Avan looked at the dragon, and together they sighed. The bird-mans beak-less lips parted, and in his high, crackly voice said, "Too many eggs smashed, too many females slain. The Wyvern may survive, but the Avan are lost. There is nothing that can be done, now."
Lex turned to the line of refugees, which was quickly disappearing deep into the ground. "I'm afraid to ask, but were we all hit so hard?"
The woman with the pointed ears shook her head, drops of multicolored blood winging off the tips of her hair. "They knew they would not survive a trek through the elves forest, and our elders stand by their consul; moving the last of our continental forces to Canterlot was a good decision, but we did not expect the handiwork of a double-agent. They could not have entered the Warrens any other way. It is the only explanation for this tragedy."
The short man piped up, scratching idly at the half-dozen arrows embedded in his shoulder. "Of course not, you know full well I didn't connect the mines to those damned caverns in the first place, for that exact reason! How my grandfathers would roll in their graves, if I let any of your kind in my charge come to harm, and the dwarves eradicated by a bunch of handless heathens; No, we have stuffed as many Pures into the mines as we could, far away from those cursed stones."
The minotaur's report followed. The herds and farms were untouched, as they contained no pure humans, but the prisons deep in the mountains, like the Aviary, had been connected to the Warrens. As such, they were now overrun with guerrilla pony warriors, who had immediately begun to free the POWs, human criminals, and dangerous animals within, many of which immediately turned on their captors with gusto, creating even more chaos on the battlefield.
The centaur detailed that most of her kind were ferrying civilians out of the combat zones, and providing support for the other races, but they were no warriors; it seemed that with the loss of the Anubi and the Avan, the brunt of the human military force, there was little that the other races could do but get as many humans as they could into the bunkers and wait for the ponies to starve or leave, an unlikely prospect if they took the farms as easily as the rest of the city, and it seemed their attack would not end until either every pony or every human was dead.
Lex listened to all this, and his frown deepened with every word. Finally, he turned to the donkey, and it spoke. "When two blazing infernos collide, they burn each other out, but after destruction comes rebirth, and without an end there is no beginning. It may take a long time, and you may lose hope, but always a forest springs up, full of life, and from the remains of chaos, harmony may begin to take root."
The Royal nodded at this cryptic advice, then looked to the refugees, the flood thinning to a trickle as the humans were herded into the bunker, until all that was left was an old man and two kids. The old man was wearing a dark robe and his salt-and-pepper hair and beard looked like they hadn't been trimmed in a decade. His face was wrinkled with laugh lines and pocked with scars. For a moment, the man seemed familiar to me, but that was impossible.
He stopped walking and turned to look at the assembled council, peering at each of them in turn, his eyes lingering on the Royals. As his gaze passed over my incorporeal form, I looked into his eyes, and I perceived a sadness that seemed almost inhuman in its depth.
After a moment, he approached, slowly, as if each step pained him, until he was close enough that I could hear his labored breathing. In both hands he held that of a child, a boy in his right, a girl in his left. They both looked about five years old, old enough to understand that their world was falling apart. At first, I wondered who they were, but then I looked closer. The boy had grey hair like his mother, but his eyes were a deep blue like his fathers. His cousin had red hair like her mother, but hazel eyes like her father. Both of them looking cute as a button. Both of them the product of a brother and sister fucking.
The old man looked at the Royals.
The Royals looked back.
The old man sighed. "When your mother passed from this world, it lost its meaning to me. I was foolish to think your lives had stopped as completely as mine had. It was foolish of me to leave you alone, with no guidance. Take your children, hide in the bunker and let me fight her. I will reap what I have sown."
Fraterlex shook his head. "No, Father, you will only get yourself killed. Only the four of us fighting together stand a chance. Take the children, hide them and hide yourself. You are the only one I trust to take care of them."
"You are cruel to me, my son. You ask me to cower and hide, to continue living in a world without my beloved, to watch as my children are killed?"
"I would only ask it of you, because how could you not?"
"Fitting how my sentence was given by the Avatar of Justice and Penance, my oldest son. I will care for these children, better than I did my own."
"Thank you, Father. Whatever happens, I will be content knowing that my son and niece are safe with you."
The words could barely leave their lips, heavy as they were with things unsaid. A distant father and his neglected children, struggling to say goodbye. Which is why I was surprised to see the four Royals moved as one to embrace their father and children. They sat silently for a few moments, enjoying each others presence one last time, for the first time as a family.
Paterex broke the hug and took the children's hands once again. "Time is short. Adam, Eve, say goodbye, and then you must come with me."
The children, apparently too terrified to speak, waved their final goodbye to their parents, who all returned the farewell with sad smiles. With that, the King turned and headed for the bunker. He stopped only once. Looking back, he asked, "Why did you name them after my parents? I cannot imagine you having much respect for those names after the stories I told."
The Royals looked at each other for a few seconds before Vita spoke up. "Because we knew that no matter how much pain they caused you, you would still love them. Not because you have to, but because that is who you are."
The King seemed taken aback by his youngest daughters answer. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it and walked away, disappearing into the mountainside. The door banged shut with an echoing clang, and the air was briefly permeated with the grating noises of the locks sunk deep into the mountain sliding into place. Just from the scale of the door, and the sound of the mechanisms, I guessed the bunker was so littered with redundancy, no matter how you tried to get in, it would be difficult.
The noise of the battle in the city had died down, and the muffled noise of other bunkers closing rolled over the hills, like some kind of spastic drum player. A centaur sped away from the city toward the council and the Royals, bearing news: Any humans left alive were safe in the bunkers, and the Equestrian forces were being held back at their gates. With no humans left to kill, the ponies were losing their initial ferocity, and with no humans left to defend, what was left of the Human forces were making a comeback. The tide of the battle could easily turn in either direction, but the threat of the Alicorn that I knew was Celestia still loomed overhead, like the angry eye of Sauron.
A few tense minutes passed, none of the assembled party willing to put down their weapons, nothing to do but wait for this Alicorn who seemed blessed with a power beyond what her species possessed.
A cloaked figure, obviously a pony, emerged from the city, accompanied by soldiers of the same race. They marched across the field, and came to a rest far enough away to anticipate attack, but not prevent communication. The human council looked confusedly at Celestia above. The cloaked pony came forward and addressed the Royals in a familiar voice, speaking English. "I have come to negotiate your surrender."
Farvran's eyes narrowed, and the Avan hissed, spraying blood from his savaged face. "Candy Striper!"
The pony laughed and threw back his hood. His pale fur and red stripes marked him as none other than Peppermint, the princess' butler. Now it was my turn to look confused. "Are you surprised?"
The assembled lieutenants all voiced exclamations of anger; Romulus and Farvran looked ready to attack him. In contrast, the Royals regarded him coolly, and Lex replied, "Not that there was a traitor in our midst. Nor, even particularly, that it was you. You are a Monster, after all, a servant of chaos."
"Chaos is a gentler master than your kind. Not that I would know, I serve Celestia, the most powerful of the remaining alicorns. You may hide in your holes as long as you like, but you've made yourself the enemy of an immortal. She will wait as long as she needs to."
Lex scoffed, the concerned father was gone, in his place, a confident warrior. "We are not defeated yet. The real battle hasn't even begun."
"Indeed it hasn't, but if you will not surrender, there is no need for my princess to soil her hooves with this filth you've hurled her way."
The elf-lady spoke quietly. "So you are a hypocrite as well as a traitor. You are the work of human hands just as we are, but like a spoiled child you have rebelled against your creators, in the hopes you can improve your position at the loss of theirs."
Peppermint shook his head, smiling his carnivorous teeth. "Humanity has tampered with the workings of Tartarus, and doing so have orchestrated their own demise. I am an example of the hideous power that lies beyond the black gates, and the terrible fate that awaits those who seek to use it for their own gain."
With this, he threw himself down on the ground, his front hooves spreading as the horrible, gut-wrenching squelch of bone sliding over bone permeated the post-battle silence. The pony's interlocking teeth grated against each other as he grimaced, obviously in great pain. Underneath his cloak, his body rippled unreally, rear legs lengthening, spine extending, and the cloak began to split , exposing angry red flesh dusted with pale white, downy hair. The transformation traveled up his body into his back, his forelegs pawed the ground, and his voice distorted queerly as his throat and chest rearranged themselves. I recoiled as his hooves peeled back to expose four long, thin, lobster-red fingers. He straightened, standing upright on two legs. The hood of the cloak fell back, revealing an ugly, squashed horse face frilled by a pair of curling horns. The muscles responsible for his transformation still pulsing along his body, his newly-formed shoulders rippled and the cloak exploded. A pair of fan-shaped wings unfolded themselves, and a gout of fire erupted from his mouth as Peppermint roared his frustration to the world.
There Peppermint stood, in all his putrid glory, a real-life demon from Hell, smoke pouring from his maw. His back hooves remained, quivering behind the shreds of cloak that still hung from his new waist. His muzzle, too, remained, oddly stretched, but still there, and his face was now framed by a pair of goat-like horns, and a short, whispy white beard had grown under his chin. His upper body was that of a man's, misshapen but muscular. His forelimbs now ended with clawed hands, one of them pointing a finger accusingly at the human leaders. His voice rippled through the air like a miasma, deep and echoing.
"Gaze upon me and despair, for I am an evil monster, brought into the world for no purpose but to destroy what is just and good!" He roared again, then visibly calmed himself, and when he spoke again, the dark voice was tinged with condescending sarcasm. "Do me one last favor, my most merciful masters; If you truly cannot bear to part with your lives, would you do me the justice of taking mine?"
He moved with the same impossible quickness I'd seen before, too fast for a normal human to see or even react. The human lieutenants jumped to a similar action, drawing weapons and bearing arms. The elven woman literally teleported behind him and ran him through with a bright green blade. He reached over his shoulder and grabbed her by the head, and flung her bodily into the dwarf man, who was bowled off his feet. The dwarf seemed to have the worse time of it; when he had his wind back, he could be heard berating her, "Oh, bloody hell, Nirine, you never hear of dwarves getting tossed about like that!"
The Avan and the wyvern arced to either side of the abomination, as if they were going to pincer him, but at the last moment, Farvran leapt up, and the dragon opened his mouth. From it, a torrent of blue fire I could only compare to military-grade incendiary bombing burst forth. Jerking his head to the side, Peppermint spat a red fireball that was dwarfed by the dragon's. It resisted the flood for only a second, but was overwhelmed quickly, and I thought it was the end of it.
The wyvern hovered in the air for a moment, an impossible amount of flame still pouring from him. When it ended, he tucked his wings and landed gently on the ground, his unhinged jawbones rolling back into place. Before him, the soft grass of the hill was a dying inferno. Where Peppermint had stood, the very dirt had melted into a solid, puckered sheet of black glass. A curled, glowing figure shifted visibly underneath, dying.
Or, so I thought. The light beneath the solidified soil intensified, and the entire lump began to rise out of the ground. A loud roar of effort boiled out, as well as fire. With a ear-shattering crack, the chunk shattered in two, the pieces flung outward. Peppermint, who was soot-blackened and dirty, but apparently unharmed, sank his claws into one and threw it at the wyvern. The dragon-creature stalled in midair to avoid it, squalling.
Peppermint tore the elf-woman's green blade from where it had stuck in his chest, then took to the air. His fan-like wings beat so fast they blurred, chopping up wind like helicopter blades. He darted right for the Avan, who had pulled up from the pincer attack to avoid the surprise inferno, and the bird-man whipped a bronze blade from it's scabbard to cross swords with the demon. After they traded several blows, it became clear that Farvran was the better swordsman, but then Peppermint spat a black liquid that could have been either poison or acid into his eyes, grabbed him around the neck with his two barbed, prehensile tongues, and bit his head off.
Farvran's headless body thumped to the ground, and Peppermint swallowed, a gigantic lump slipping slowly down his long neck. Then the elf was behind him again, though this time she had what looked like a bundle of steel cables in her hand. Before he could spin to meet her, she'd shoved the bundle into his wings. They caught and ground to a painful halt, the fragile bones snapping apart spectacularly. The devil fell to the ground painfully.
A long, green spear materialized in the she-elf's hands, and she drove it through through the raw wound her sword had made. Peppermint let out a pained screech, which was cut off short when the head of the spear exploded. The iron-hard flesh of the creatures abdomen rippled with the force, and the elf was spattered with a fountain of black gore, but Peppermint only seemed stunned.
The dwarf-man charged in then, swinging what appeared to be a war-hammer made from an anvil in a high arc over his head. Despite the exploding spear in his chest cavity, Peppermint caught the blow deftly on his horns, deflecting it to the side. With a sweep of his paw, Peppermint clipped the dwarf beneath the legs and launched him over his shoulders, directly into the elf. They collided, and the demon was free once more.
Peppermint spun and vomited a plume of fire over the pair, and the elf teleported away. The dwarf was not so lucky.
"SODOR!"
"NIRINE!
"BYTHEGODSPUTITOUT!" The fireball that the dwarf had become charged off, before tripping and rolling on the ground. The elf-woman teleported to the dwarf's side, conjuring mists of water from her hands to douse him.
I seemed to be the only one who noticed Peppermint slip an odd, pistol-like weapon from the shreds of his ruined cloak and aim it at the elf. There was a soft piff and the weapon discharged a tiny, glass dart, which embedded itself in her flesh. She did not seem to notice, and Peppermint was soon once again occupied, as he was charged by the drake, the centaur and the minotaur all at once.
The glass dart shattered, and I saw a tiny, green crystal glinting at me from the wound. The dwarf seemed alright, but now, the elf reached back and felt the tip of the crystal, her eyes snapping open in shock. She whipped around with a furious look on her face, which became an expression of agony as the crystal began to spread over her body. "No!"
The dragon and the minotaur were holding Peppermint by the arms while the centaur slashed him with a sword. He spat poison in her eyes and elbowed the drake in the shrapnel wound on his face. The minotaur struggled to restrain him, but he was laughing.
"You think your humans are so pure? Look at me! Look at this!" Peppermint pointed at the elf with his free arm. She had fallen to the ground, writhing as the crystal continued to spread. "You think them awful, terrible things, but they all were created by human hands. Humans only use their knowledge to control, and that which they cannot control, they destroy! Open your eyes!"
The little grey donkey, who'd been avoiding the fighting and staying out of sight, leapt into the fray. He bellowed two words in the loudest, most resonating voice I'd ever heard. "HOLD HIM."
The little donkey's horn began to glow with an otherworldly red light as he approached Peppermint, who for the first time began to show a shred of fear as the drake and the centaur moved to help restrain him. "CANDY STRIPER, WHO HAS TAKEN THE NAME PEPPERMINT, YOU HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES AGAINST YOUR CREATORS AND FELLOW CREATIONS. YOU HAVE BETRAYED YOUR PURPOSE AND THE TRUST OF YOUR FELLOWS. AS RECOMPENSE FOR YOUR ACTIONS, I, PEDRONUS THE SHREWD, SENTENCE YOUR SOUL TO BE CONSUMED BY THE DEMON-OF-THE-PIT AZERAK THE UNQUENCHABLE, AND YOUR BODY TO WANDER, LIFELESS FOR ALL ETERNITY."
Pedronus began to chant in a guttural tongue , and the red light flowed from his horn, forming a portal in front of Peppermint, who continued to struggle. A massive creature with the head of a squid and the body of a snake flopped partway out of the portal, but in a deep, primal part of me, I knew this was just a tiny portion of the real thing. I couldn't tell what color it was, and it emitted a sound I coudn't quite grasp, but I knew it was laughing. It was happy, and for no good reason.
The squid-snake snapped taut, launching itself at Peppermint and wrapping its tentacles over his mouth and nose. Pulses of light began to run the length of the demon as it sucked out Peppermint's soul. He reacted the way you would expect, screaming and writhing, the former still audible despite the inter-dimensional abomination covering his mouth.
Meanwhile, Sodor was tending to Nirine, their roles reversed. Her body was mostly encased in the green crystal, only her face, contorted with pain, and her right arm was free still. Sodor babbled nearly incoherently as he ran his hands over her, desperately searching for a way to help. "Now you just hold on, Nirine, Pedronus is going to sort the devil out, just hold on, we'll get you fixed up after the battle, don't look at me like that, you're going to be fine..."
Nirine placed her free hand on the dwarf's cheek, and it began to harden there. "Sodor... Remember to water my plants."
Nirine closed her eyes and the green engulfed them. The crystal began to fade to white and crumble to dust.
Shaking, the dwarf stood. "Fuck." He turned to the devil, whose soul was still being sucked.
An otherworldy rumble shuddered from the portal. Peppermint's fighting was becoming weak.
Everyone was watching the portal, but I looked up.
Celestia was coming.
The fury of the sun slashed down like lightning, severing Azerak's soul-sucker. The demon-of-the-pit did not scream, instead, there was a sort of anti-noise as the otherworldy limb fell to the ground and rotted to mush in seconds.
The anti-noise became an anti-voice, a quiet scratching in the deepest part of my ear. To swallow the sun would only give me a burnt tongue; I'll not fight this one, Pedronus. Release me.
Pedronus sighed, and the portal closed.
In the center of the clearing, a star blazed. Celestia was silent, in the same armor she'd fought me in, though now she was armed.
The armor had more pieces to it, a helm in the shape of a bird's head, and a pair of sheathes on either side. Her front hooves had a pair of the pegasi war-talons and the back were weighted with heavy, spiked battle-hooves. Aside from the fact that she seemed to literally glow with power, her normally rainbow-ripple mane had become a crown of blazing fire, and dirt was starting to melt into glass under her hooves. She looked dangerous.
"Peppermint, are you well?" Celestia's voice shook with concern. She'd been worried about the damn thing.
"No, but I am alive... on the outside." The creature replied hoarsely from where he'd fallen to the ground. His angry red skin had paled to a soft pink, and he was visibly shuddering. He didn't look like he was getting back up.
"Close enough."
The helm swiveled on her long neck, and there was another pause as the expressionless slit stared at the royals.
Fratermutis broke the silence. He allowed a grim smile. "Have you come to kill us all, Little Star?"
She snorted softly, like a laugh that didn't quite make it.
"No, I've come to make you all beg for death. We'll see how I feel after that." |
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