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Innocent | Act III: Chapter Twenty-Six: If There Be Any Glory In War | Cor woke to a camp marginally more positive than yesterday. Most ponies were well rested now, though several were still recovering from their injuries. First Squad was down by almost half its number while Second Squad was untouched. Rainbow's Squadron was similarly fit to fight, with only one minor injury suffered by Star Hunter that still left him in fighting condition. After Jason had reported back on the intercepted Trolls to the north, additional scouts had been dispatched to keep a closer eye on the Trolls. There hadn't been any activity yet.
Cor was feeling better himself, having now rested for two full nights. He knew he still didn't have the mana to do anything spectacular, but he was no longer physically weak from its use. He rounded up the ponies of Second Squad that had been assigned as archers and began drilling them on targets again. Once they were settled into a rotation, he set to work crafting more arrows. Some of those used during the fighting in the woods had been recovered, but many were still lost or broken. His reserves had dwindled to less than a hundred and he was not comfortable with that number.
While he worked, he looked out over the camp. Since they'd occupied the Trolls' old camp, much of what he saw was the remains left behind by the Trolls' hasty flight. Bedrolls of fur were the norm throughout. Tents of patchwork hides were almost as common, many of which remained knocked over from the retreat. Weapons were stored on racks sporadically, though most of the weapons had been taken by their owners during the fight. Wide fire pits dotted the space between the tents and a few had small stacks of wood beside them, ready to burn. The area in the middle of the Trolls' camp had been cleared to make room for the ponies' own tents and wagons.
Some ponies spent their time in between sentry shifts poking through the Trolls' belongings idly. Some parts of the camp were still unexplored given that there was little leisure time to be had. Cor wondered himself what he might find if he took the time to look. But he knew that his curiosity would go unsatisfied. He had work to do. He diligently assembled more arrows, smiling grimly because he knew he wasn't the only one who would have need of them soon. A commotion at the edge of camp drew his attention. Setting the arrows aside, he investigated. He found Corporal Black Feather of Fourth Flight talking to Lieutenant Long Watch in a hurried voice.
"Yes sir, all at once! They weren't doing anything all morning and then, just like that, they picked up and ran!"
"Which way?" Long Watch asked.
"Directly west sir."
Long Watch considered what he'd heard, rubbing his chin with a hoof. He glanced in Cor's direction once before he spoke again.
"Good work, Corporal. Tell the rest of your squadron that we're forming up and moving out."
Black Feather saluted and took off.
"Alright, listen up!" Long Watch said, raising his voice so that the whole camp could hear him. "The enemy's on the move. They've packed up and are headed west. Fast. We need to keep with them and see if we can find a way to exploit their haste."
He glanced at Cor again as if seeking approval but didn't wait for it. Cor nodded anyway and quickly gathered up his equipment. The rest of the camp mobilized as well. Weapons and armor were snatched up and the squads came together. The wounded were left in the care of Big Mac and Caramel, the latter claiming to be fit for battle but the former insisting he rest. Black Feather returned with the rest of the Pegasi after a minute. Once they were all assembled, they left in pursuit of the Trolls.
They arrived at the Trolls' old position an hour after it had been vacated and pressed on. Another hour passed as they closed the space between them, now only twenty minutes behind, according to Cor's reading of the tracks. Rainbow took a quick look above the canopy and reported that they were about that far from the forest's edge. The ponies pressed on and arrived at the edge of the trees to find several hundred Trolls milling about uneasily in the space beyond the forest's border. The source of their confusion and hesitation was arrayed at the foot of the western hills the Trolls had been headed toward.
In straight, gleaming rows, their pennants and lances held high like the masts of a great fleet over a sea of steel plates, the ranks of the Equestrian Army blocked the way. Each company in the front ranks of the Army was formed up in wide rectangular formations, four rows of huge pikes leading the lines and backed by a reserve of swords and shorter spears. The flanking companies were made up of swordsponies and lancers while the middle of the Army's mass was occupied by the Air Corps. Near the rear was a line of support staff that was busy preparing additional satchels of javelins for the Pegasi and laying out racks of spears and lances in case replacements were needed. Runners dashed between commands, relaying messages as each formation shifted smoothly into place.
Though separated by almost a mile over the heads of the Trolls, the ponies in the cover of the trees could still make out Princess Luna clearly. Her dark majesty dominated the center of the shining ranks around her, flanked by her Night Guard in an island of blue and black amidst the silver and white. Her armor shimmered as fluidly as her mane, making her appear ethereal. Her voice, however, held a deep resonance that the listeners could feel in their core as it rolled across the field, and was anything but insubstantial.
"You enemies of Equestria, having failed to heed the call for peace and visited destruction on this land and its citizens, will now feel the weight of justice fall upon you."
She voiced the declaration with a tone of wrath, but it couldn't completely mask the eagerness that lay beneath. The Trolls continued to shift and turn about uncertainly, those closest to the Alicorn making every effort to place themselves toward the far side of their ranks, but shying away from the trees with equal apprehension. When no response was put forward, Luna silently signaled for her troops to advance. The entire Army started forward at a walk, lockstep and steady.
Few Trolls looked prepared to fight, instead casting about for an escape route. Some took stances at the front, their spears held before them in tight grips that betrayed the fear their stoic faces hid. Others shifted their axes in their clawed hands, still not certain of their choice to stand against such overwhelming numbers. The rest withdrew in a reluctant shuffle toward the tree line. But they refused to come under the shadows of the trees, unwilling to spend another moment in that forest. Cor ordered the ponies with him to stay back, making sure they didn't reveal their presence. He and Jason began spacing them out in small groups, spreading the archers evenly between them.
As he took his own position, Cor heard Long Watch giving out additional orders to the ponies around the archers. He was assigning teams to either run about at random on the edge of visual range of the Trolls or to call out and stomp and make whatever noise they could just out of sight. Cor realized the intent was to simulate the movement of a much larger force and convince the Trolls that a large number of troops were blocking their way, instead of only a few squads. Cor was impressed by the foresight of the other Lieutenant. The Trolls would need to be given a reason beyond light arrow fire not to return to the cover of the trees in the face of the Army. Cor was almost equally impressed with Long Watch's initiative in issuing the orders on his own.
As the ponies fell into positions, waiting on the signal, Cor noticed Jason and Twilight discussing something in low tones. Twilight looked as if she intended to fight, fixing the Trolls with a hard glare. Jason stood beside her, whispering occasionally while she took calming breaths. He would gesture out into the space that separated them from their enemy while Twilight would nod in acknowledgement. Cor nocked an arrow and took a deep, steadying breath while he waited.
When the Army was mere yards from the first of the Trolls, the Air Corps took off and broke into two groups, concentrating their javelins on the flanks of the Troll troops in an attempt to force the fringe to pull back into the center and stay in the path of the pike formations. The Trolls hurled spears and axes into the phalanx with minimal effect. The columns marched on and made short work of the Trolls that did not give way before them. The pikes thrust forward as they came within reach of the Trolls, longer than the Trolls' spears and able to pierce the thick hides with ease. Many Trolls pushed back defiantly, but those who forced their way past the first row of pikes found another waiting and fell under the thrusts quickly, without ever having gotten close to the ponies who wielded them.
At the center of the pony line stood Princess Luna, advancing undaunted. Any Troll that even attempted to approach her was blasted by a beam from her horn. The pikes all along the rest of the line were slicked with blood, but the pikes in front of her remained clean and bright under the protection of her magical attacks. The remaining Trolls gave ground more quickly, with some breaking off of the main group in ones and twos and making for the cover of the trees. As the space continued to shrink between the deadly pike formations and the forest edge, Trolls overcame their reservations and took to the trees in increasing numbers. That was when Cor decided to give the signal.
He wrapped the head of his arrow in mana and charged it with clinging energy. When the spell was fully formed, he took aim at the nearest cluster of Trolls and loosed it. The arrowhead flared to life in a bright arc that burst into flames when it reached the Trolls. The fire engulfed the Trolls and sent them screaming back the way they'd come, futilely attempting to escape. Five more arrows leapt out of the concealing darkness, seeking those Trolls who had made it farthest into the trees. All at once, the forest erupted into noise and movement. The ponies shouted and ran in a great commotion that brought the Trolls to a halt instantly. Out of the corner of his eye, Cor saw Twilight's spell take shape. Foot-long shards of ice coalesced around her. She let loose the razor-like bolts in a flurry that tore into the Trolls before her. Any Troll that had not already fled turned to run under the barrage.
The sudden appearance of the force that had inflicted such damage on them already broke what little remained of the Trolls' morale in the face of this new army. Some Trolls panicked and ran, either into the trees and the stinging arrows, or out onto the flanks in an attempt to gain the hills. But the Air Corps made quick work of those desperate attempts while the lancers swept up any Trolls who turned back on the flanks of the pikes. The rest made a grim last stand, holding their ground with a resignation that left no hope of victory. The pikes moved forward inexorably, chewing up all resistance and leaving bloody bodies in their wake.
Luna advanced to the front of the lines ahead of the pikes and engaged in melee. Forgoing spells, she struck out with her hooves and horn, cutting down Trolls who rushed to face her. Her Night Guard held back to make sure that any Troll that managed to slip by her didn't make their way into the gap in the phalanx. Cor watched her fight while he took sparing shots at the few Trolls that still lingered at the tree line. She turned and lunged and twisted about to face the crowd that was beginning to press in on her. He saw that she was not going to be able to keep them all back and took aim to thin the numbers. But as he fired the first shot and was nocking the second, she was struck on the withers near her wing by an axe.
The armor did nothing to stop the blade. In fact, it was not even slowed as it passed cleanly through her body. It also did not seem to have any effect on her. Luna clove the offending Troll in two with a slash of her horn and fought on. There was no blood, no wound at all on the Princess. There was no sign of an injury of any kind. Cor watched her for another moment before deciding after the battle was a better time to ponder this mystery. He spent the last of his arrows thinning out the pockets of resistance that seemed to pose the greatest risk to the Army's advance and let the rest play out. The other archers ran out of arrows as well and fell silent, though Twilight didn't stop casting deadly ice bolts into the Trolls that even looked in the direction of the trees. Jason still stood beside her, but he was silently observing her now.
The battle had lasted many minutes, but when it ended, those minutes seemed to have been the blink of an eye. A sudden silence descended on the field. Ponies cast about for another foe, but found only allies looking back from all sides. Slowly, a cheer went up, echoed by the troops in the trees. The two forces came together, greeting and cheering for each other, and offering congratulations. Rising into the air above the battlefield, Luna cast her voice over the assembled ponies.
"We have won a great victory here today." Her gaze swept across them all, seeing them looking back at her attentively. She couldn't keep a hint of a smile off her face or out of her voice as she went on. "This enemy is no more and we are this much closer to restoring peace to our lands. We will rest here and prepare for the next stage of that task. We march at dawn again tomorrow."
The ponies of the Army dispersed, tending to the wounded, setting camp and gathering the equipment left in the battle's wake. The ponies that had emerged from the forest were slower to move along. Many waited for their officers to issue orders which were not forthcoming. Others stared out at the killing field, trying to take it in. Luna stood expectantly, facing the forest. Cor and most of the other officers made their way over to her.
"Thank you for your assistance in corralling our enemy," Luna said when they were close enough to speak. "Your report was most helpful in preparing to meet their flight."
"I'd hoped it would, your Highness," Cor replied with a slight bow.
"And I expect your detachment will prove to be similarly valuable in your future scouting missions as well."
"I think we'll be doing more than serving as scouts," Jason interjected. "Advanced recon might have been part of our mission, but it certainly wasn't our only objective."
Luna regarded him coolly. "What else did you accomplish?"
Jason blinked. "What? I'm not sure I heard you correctly."
"What else did you accomplish?" she repeated. "You said conducting reconnaissance was not your only objective, but I fail to see what else you managed to do here."
Jason balked at her. "Excuse me?! We've been engaging the enemy for the last four days! We've accounted for huge numbers of them and paid for it in blood! You'll not disregard..."
"Don't lecture me, foreigner!" Luna's voice turned ice cold. "Blood has been paid by our ponies, for days even before you were involved. Your little jaunt through the woods was useful, but very minor in the long run. You could do little more than hold these brutes off until our Army arrived to finish your job. I expected as much, but you've proven apt at gathering useful and reliable information. I expect you to continue to do so. Dismissed."
Jason opened his mouth to object, but Luna didn't give him the chance.
"I said dismissed, Lieutenant!"
Her voice resonated across the field, drawing curious looks from the surrounding ponies. Jason had to brace himself to not be moved by the forceful wave that passed over him. He gritted his teeth and left, casting dark glances back at the Princess. Luna was ignoring him pointedly, instead turning to scan the field as if searching for someone. The other officers nearby stood in silence, apprehensively waiting for somepony else to speak next. Cor wanted nothing to do with that exchange, but he had questions of his own to ask. He opened his mouth and then shut it again. He was about to decide against saying anything anyway when Luna chose for him.
"You have something to say, Lieutenant Hightalon?"
Her tone gave him pause but he moved past it.
"I only wanted to comment on what I saw in the battle, specifically something I saw of you."
Luna raised an eyebrow and Cor went on hastily.
"I noticed that one of the Trolls seemed to land a blow on you, but it had no effect. It was an intriguing phenomenon."
"Yes," she acknowledged, the hard edge fading from her voice. "One of my finest enchantments. This armor allows me to become incorporeal several times between moonrises. I seldom need the extra protection, but in the rare event that my enemies can keep up with me, I remain beyond their power."
"Impressive," Cor said with a nod of approval.
"I'm glad you think so." Luna looked around curiously. "Now I must ask, where is Lieutenant Crimsontide?"
"He's back at our camp, with the rest of the wounded," Cor replied.
"Wounded?" she repeated skeptically. "I was hoping he would be here to witness..." She shook her head. "No matter. We have other work to do."
She called some of her officers over and the two groups exchanged reports. When they parted to tend to their troops, Twilight edged up beside Cor. She didn't say anything right away, but Cor could tell she wanted to. She kept looking at the parchment Cor was holding. The parchment was a preliminary casualty report and Cor suspected Twilight was hesitant about learning its contents. When she still did nothing more than throw glances at him and the page, he turned to her fully.
"Ask," he said bluntly.
Twilight bit her lip and refused to meet his gaze. "How many?"
"Twenty seven."
Twilight squeezed her eyes shut against the thought.
"It's a good number, all things considered," Cor said, attempting to console her.
"Good?!" she choked. "How can any death be good? Did you consider those ponies' ambitions in life that will never be fulfilled now, or their loved ones who are still waiting at home to hear if they're going to come back? Is it a good number when you consider that?!"
While Twilight spoke, Cor's expression turned from sympathetic to exasperated and then to impassive, making a visibly difficult effort not to allow himself to lash out. With a deep breath, he looked her in the eye and spoke in a dry, tired tone.
"I hate to admit it, but Zacon is right about you. You're not ready for war. Physically, yes. But not mentally." He sighed and sat down, rubbing his forehead with a hoof. "I've been through so many wars, I've forgotten what it's like to not be a soldier. You're thinking about individual lives, friends and social costs of the death in war. I'm not. I'm weighing advantages and tactical gains. A life lost to win a battle is a good death in that regard, and we lost relatively few this time."
He got up and looked out at the killing grounds, glancing back at Twilight forlornly.
"I'm sorry it sounds like I don't care. I'm not saying death is good. I'm saying it's inevitable in war. When I see a number as low as this, I'm glad, because it means we didn't lose as many as we could have."
Twilight opened her mouth to retort but looked away, her ears dropping back.
"I suppose it could have been more, couldn't it?" She fought back a sniffle. "It's just so hard to see past the pain. I don't know if I'll ever be able to see it like you do."
"Maybe that's a good thing," Cor said softly. "Someone needs to see it from your perspective, to remember that each life lost is a real life and not just a number. Maybe the pain reminds you that life is precious enough to feel sorrow for."
Twilight tried to smile but couldn't manage it. She excused herself, wanting to be alone for a while. Cor let her go, watching somberly as she disappeared into the trees. When she was gone, Cor looked out at the field again. The Army was quickly setting up camp on the north side and organizing with an efficiency he had to admit was impressive. His detachment's troops had disappeared back into the trees, under instructions from Long Watch to move their camp adjacent to the Army's. Cor thought back to something Jason had mentioned a day ago, and scanned the bodies around him more closely. After failing to find what he sought right away, his eyes narrowed keenly and he began to slowly comb through the dead.
~*~*~
Captain Gallant Lance stood with Lieutenant Long Watch at the forest's edge later that day, looking out into the camp. The lines of crisp, white tents stretched for hundreds of yards in front of them, with ponies bustling to and fro on their way from task to task. The mess tent was the most active, serving the evening's soup in tin bowls to the thousands of troops. Others passed through the blacksmith, set up around a furnace mounted on the back of a cart, to have their weapons repaired from the battle's wear. The medical tent was also busy, with medical ponies tending to the several ponies wounded in the fighting and comrades dropping by to offer encouragements or check on the conditions of their friends.
The two officers had mutually migrated to this spot unconsciously, having served in the Royal Guard together for years. Neither had said anything for many minutes when Gallant Lance looked over at Long Watch curiously.
"Something's eating at you. You're never this quiet unless you're losing sleep over something."
Long Watch nodded. "My nephew, Night Watch, was injured a few nights back. He'll be fine, but two others didn't make it. It really drove it home for me that he and I are just as mortal as those who've already died. Just as easy to lose."
Gallant Lance nodded. "We're all worried about our loved ones, but it's harder when we know they're on the same battlefield as us."
Long Watch bowed his head. "It's not just the worrying that's getting to me. I'm so conflicted. I keep thinking, if one of us is going to die out here, I hope it's not him. But then I think about how much losing him would hurt me and I realize it would hurt him just as much if I died. So I wonder if it's better to hope he doesn't suffer if he dies. But then I can't stand to think about him dying at all and I just end up churning all of this around in my head until I feel sick."
Gallant Lance patted him on the shoulder comfortingly. "You worry as much as any officer does for his troops and then some. That's not a bad thing, but you need to keep it in check. A healthy dose of worry is necessary when preparing for the worst, but it won't help any if you let it become the only thought on your mind. You have to let yourself cut some of that stress loose and replace it with a level head. Then make a plan that keeps your worries from coming true."
"But how can I just not stress out about my own nephew? How can I keep a level head and make plans when I'm always afraid the next pony to die will be me or him?!"
Gallant Lance laughed; a deep and hearty chuckle that left Long Watch nonplussed.
"Watch, if it were easy, nopony would ever have this problem. Did you think me saying those words to you would change how hard this is? No!" He shook his head, laughing some more. "Look, all of that officer's mumbo-jumbo I just spouted about keeping yourself together is just that: Words. They're what you're supposed to do. It's never that simple. Not for any of us."
He stopped laughing and went on more seriously. "How do you think I feel every time we send anypony out on a dangerous mission? You're all as important to me as if you were my own brothers. And when one of the Guard is hurt in the line of duty, it hurts me too. But we can't stop doing our jobs. So remember, we're all in this together. We'll look out for each other, just like we always have."
"I needed that. Thank you, sir," Watch said, nodding solemnly.
"Oh, don't act so serious," Gallant Lance laughed again and gave the other a companionable shove. "If anything, that's just adding to the stress. Take a day off while you have the chance."
Watch smiled wanly. "As if that chance is now?"
"It's as close to a day off as any of us are likely to get."
Lance clapped him on the shoulder and gestured for him to follow.
"Best way to deal with this is to not dwell on it," Lance said as they started off around the edge of camp. "Sort through it when you need to, sure. But don't beat yourself to death with it. Come on, let's talk about something else."
Watch glanced about briefly. "How about your troops?"
"Really?" Lance asked with a playful smirk. "Don't talk about the troops by talking about the troops?"
Watch's ears sprang up. "Yeah. I just realized, I don't even know where they came from. This is easily three times what our standing forces were when we left. Did Canterlot's citizens really step up that much?"
"What, Canterlot? Haha! No, I can't say that's the case. They make up a couple hundred of these, but not nearly the majority. Most of these troops came out of the eastern recruitment camps. They showed up only shortly after your detachment was out of sight." Lance paused to smile at the thought. "They did it in grand style too. The whole lot of them marching in their straight columns, pennants waving; it was a sight to see."
They stopped walking and observed the activity in camp from the top of one of the low hills on the north side. Evening was turning to night and the dull sunlight below the hazy skies was dimming further to a pale grey. The camp was quieting down as more and more ponies crawled into their tents and bedrolls.
"And they weren't all show either," Lance said. "They were holed up in their training camps for fully twice the time your units were given. And Captain Flash Point drilled them hard on pike lines. He's one of the best lancers in the Guard, if I do say so myself. He did a fine job of getting these ponies ready to work as a formation instead of individual fighters. That, I think, was the key difference between this battle and the river: Cohesive lines."
Watch nodded in agreement. "We could have done much better with more time to prepare. But that's the nature of it, isn't it?"
Lance acknowledged him with an amused huff. "Good thing we were here this time though. Your little group against that many? How did you manage to stay in one piece out here so long?"
"We did alright. We just needed to keep ourselves from being caught in the open. As long as we chose the terms of the engagement, we had the advantage."
"Just that platoon of yours?" Lance asked in amazement. "They weren't keeping you on the ropes? That's incredible."
"It's true. In fact, they were running from us most of the time."
"Now you're pulling my leg," Lance said with a slight frown. "There's no way that just one platoon was keeping hundreds of these things on the run."
"Sure there is," Watch retorted. "We pulled it off with a combination of proper planning and luck. I mean, our first attack sent them all running because they thought there were a lot more of us than there were. Likely, they figured it was the Army showing up. We just never let them find out it wasn't and they never stopped trying to escape."
"Hmm," Lance grumbled. "I guess so. But that kind of luck isn't going to hold forever. Best to play it a bit safer now, don't you think?"
"You'd think so, but I can't help but wonder if this is what we need to do to win. That's part of why it's stressing me out so much. It seems like we can't stop taking risks even if we want to."
"Aaaand we're right back to talking about stress," Lance said, rolling his eyes. "Listen, turn in early tonight, spend some time talking to your nephew and try not to make any decisions for a day. Alright?"
Watch sighed and nodded. They parted and each returned to their tent. The camp continued to quiet down as night fell. The glow on the horizon faded from purple to black and the light of fires sprang up to chase away the night's cold shadows. In one part of the camp, the darkness remained warm and inviting. Spitfire was leaving the Princess' tent and heading back to the Air Corps section of the camp. The meeting with the senior officers had taken only a few hours but Luna had wanted to speak with a select few afterwards and Spitfire was the last to be dismissed.
The Pegasus walked unhurriedly, making rounds through each squadron and briefly conversing with the members who were still awake. They were in fair spirits, mostly because no Pegasi were injured in the battle. Her Wonderbolt officers were stoic, their banter from before the war all but gone. The veteran recruits were subdued but confident while the newer recruits felt positive about the day's events while remaining apprehensive. Spitfire moved on quickly, passing out of the Air Corps camp and heading toward the vanguard's camp and Rainbow's squadron.
One of the fliers, whom she recognized as Star Hunter, spotted the Captain coming and winged up to a small cloud above the tents. After some urgent whispering, Rainbow emerged, rubbing her eyes and stretching. Spitfire waited below until the Sergeant dropped down to her.
"You needed something ma'am?" Rainbow asked as she saluted.
"Just checking in on your squadron," Spitfire said casually, glancing around.
Star Hunter was settling back down by the fire next to Thunderlane. They were the only two besides Rainbow who were still awake. The others were in their tents that circled around the fire. Spitfire motioned for Rainbow to step away with her so they didn't disturb them.
"I've heard the brief on your unit over the past few days," Spitfire said when they were out of earshot. "But I want to hear it from you. How well did it go out there?"
"We did alright," Rainbow said evasively. "I think we got lucky a lot. And we worked well together. Killed lots of Trolls, didn't lose a lot of ponies, that sort of thing."
Spitfire waited a moment for her to elaborate but moved on when she didn't.
"And what's your take on the Lieutenants? The foreign ones specifically."
"They're...," she hesitated and glanced away as she sought the right words. "Well, they're good at fighting and planning. I'm not sure what else there is to say."
"What about their temperament? Their motives? Their stability?"
"I don't really pay attention to that," Rainbow admitted. "I mean, other than Zacon, they're nice enough. Why?"
"Just wanted to get a better idea of who they are," Spitfire said with a dismissive wave. "Do you know where they are right now? I might want to talk to them next."
"Zacon is over there, recovering," Rainbow said, pointing off into another part of their camp. "He's not in a very good mood, if he even has a good mood to be in. Jason is around somewhere. Though, last time I saw him, he said he didn't want to talk to anyone right now. And Cor is still out there picking through bodies," Rainbow concluded with a shudder as she glanced toward the battlefield.
Spitfire glanced out at the battlefield but couldn't see the archer. The campfires created islands of light that fought off the oppressive darkness that surrounded the tents but could do little to pierce farther into the night. She shrugged.
"And how are you doing, Sergeant?"
"Me? I'm...fine." Rainbow couldn't look her in the eye as she spoke.
Spitfire sighed and looked around to make sure nopony was nearby. Then she slipped off her Captain's badge and tucked it into her uniform.
"Dash, talk to me," Spitfire said, her voice turning gentle. "How are you really doing?"
Rainbow hesitated, looking as if she was on the verge of tears as she struggled to reply. But she managed to keep them back and sat down.
"This is so messed up," she said, addressing the ground.
"I know," Spitfire agreed.
"I mean, what are we even doing? We're out here, killing Troll! Why?! We didn't do anything to them. We didn't even know about them until a few weeks ago. And they just come out of nowhere and now we're all fighting each other! There's no reason for it!"
"There isn't," Spitfire said, nodding.
Rainbow raked her hooves over her face in aggravation.
"They were running. I can't get it out of my head. The fear I saw in that Troll's eyes when I killed him back at Canterlot; he was so afraid of me. And these Trolls were just as scared. That's why they were running out of the forest. I don't think they wanted to fight anymore."
Rainbow looked up at Spitfire, searching for something in the other's face that would comfort her against this revelation. Spitfire looked back sadly, inclining her head in sympathy but saying nothing.
"I just need to know I'm not doing the wrong thing," Rainbow said miserably, letting her chin fall to her chest.
"That's the same thing I've been struggling with from the beginning." Spitfire sat down beside her and stared off into the night. "I can't help but feel that we're being asked to choose the lesser of two great evils. Either we let the Trolls have their way with us, or we have it out until only one of us is left. Or neither of us, if it comes down to that."
She blinked a few times to clear her suddenly blurred vision.
"I'm an aerial acrobat, for Equestria's sake! The Wonderbolts have been ceremonially part of the military for generations. We make public appearances and put on shows! We train hard, but not for this! I love to fly more than anything else. But now, when I think about flying, all I can see is blood and death. I see the faces of those I've lost in the air. I see the Trolls I've killed. I don't know if I can ever think about flying the same way again after using it to do such horrifying things."
Spitfire lay down and covered her face with her hooves in an attempt to muffle the sobs she was failing to hold back. She growled at herself, trying to will the tears to stop, to shame herself into regaining control, but it only brought up another wave. Her wings curled in around her body, hugging herself with all her might and trying to push her muzzle into the dirt to silence the indecent sound of her anguish. She visibly flinched when she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She uncovered her eyes and looked up.
Rainbow waited expectantly, her hoof still outstretched. Spitfire hesitated long enough to blink before accepting the hug wholeheartedly. The two Pegasi held each other for a full minute. Spitfire hadn't intended to let it last that long but the longer she stayed in the other's embrace, the less uncomfortable the feeling of vulnerability became. It was a warm hug, mutually comforting and as close as family. Rainbow's firm grip was a layer of security and stability that she hadn't felt for many days. The muscles in Rainbow's body were taut under her hooves, but Spitfire felt the Sergeant relaxing steadily. When she felt she'd regained some measure of control, Spitfire let go and pulled back. Rainbow looked away in embarrassment.
"Thanks," Spitfire managed.
"You looked like you needed it as much as I did," Rainbow muttered.
"I guess it doesn't hurt to get these things out of our system from time to time." Spitfire wiped the last of the tears from her face. "I'm glad I came to talk with you."
"These talks might be the only reason I'm still able to keep going," Rainbow said, her voice hardly audible.
"I can't see why that is," Spitfire said. "I know I've got an image to maintain in front of the whole Air Corps, but you haven't got any constraints like that on you. So what's stopping you?"
"I don't exactly have anyone here who I can talk to."
"But you can talk to me?" Spitfire raised an eyebrow.
"You're different," Rainbow said evasively.
"Different how?" Spitfire pressed.
"You're...maybe...just a little bit...the one pony in all of Equestria I've idolized more than anypony?" Rainbow's words poured out in a rapid stream that left her grimacing at her admission.
"Well," Spitfire smiled at her embarrassment. "If that's all. But I'd have thought it would be easier to share this with your friend."
"Twilight? I don't think she'd understand."
"You won't know until you give her the chance to try. That's what friends are for, Rainbow." Spitfire started walking away, but pausing to give her a wink. "To listen when you need them."
With that, she departed back to the Air Corps section of the camp, to her own tent, and hopefully a restful night. |
Innocent | Interlude Part 1: Displaced and Disquieted | The day after the second group of volunteers and the three foreigners had left Ponyville for the training camps, the first of the refugees arrived. They came in small groups, several families trudging along, dirty and tired. Despite being surrounded by fellow refugees, they looked lost and alone. Walking into town on the western road, they gazed all around at this part of the country they'd never seen and the town they'd never visited. Some wore the remains of finer clothing, torn by their flight and muddied by the road. The fillies and colts that trotted behind their parents didn't dare stray from the shadows of their family. Most carried a bundle or two containing meager possessions. Some carried nothing. When it was only small groups, nopony spared more than a passing glance. But when they didn't stop arriving, ponies stopped in the streets to watch the procession. Every few minutes another group would crest the hill to the west and make their way into town.
Spike and Rarity stood in the doorway of the library, transfixed. Rarity had been taking care of it in Twilight's absence and today she'd been tidying up the upper floors when Spike had seen the stream of ponies entering town.
"Where are they all coming from?" Spike asked in a hushed voice.
Rarity didn't get a chance to respond because, except for the sound of hooves on the roads, the streets were silent and the young dragon's words had carried to the ears of the passing ponies. One mare turned and approached them.
"Haven't you heard? You can't not know what's happening, can you?"
"We certainly know about the war," Rarity replied cautiously. "And that the Trolls have been attacking from the northern mountains. Is there something more that hasn't reached us?"
"The Trolls haven't just been attacking from the northern mountains," the mare said, looking back the way she'd come apprehensively. "They've been sacking towns across all of western Equestria. Princess Celestia ordered the whole region to be evacuated, but she also said the Army would be there to protect us. We haven't seen hoof nor mane of it yet."
"The Army is still recruiting and training ponies," Spike spoke up. "A bunch more left from here yesterday and headed off to the north to a training camp."
"You mean the Army isn't ready to fight?" the mare asked in alarm. "The messengers that warned us to leave arrived the same day the Trolls did. We'd barely begun to evacuate when they started to tear through our streets. Worse yet, they didn't stop with one town, or even the whole border. They kept after us all the way to the Smokey Mountains. When we turned east past White Tail Woods, they kept going south toward Los Pegasus."
Spike and Rarity exchanged a worried glance.
"I hadn't heard any of that," Rarity admitted. "But rest assured, the Army will not stand idle. I know a brave stallion or two myself who've gone out to fight."
"Not in time for our homes, or the homes of most ponies west of here," the mare replied darkly.
Rarity looked out at the other ponies making their way through town, at their downcast expressions and the general gloom. They'd brought very little with them. Indeed, they hadn't had the chance. Now they were traveling even farther from homes that might not be standing anymore. She frowned at it all, her muzzle scrunched up in thought.
"That simply won't do," she muttered.
"What won't do?" Spike asked.
But Rarity wasn't listening. She was already walking toward town hall resolutely.
"Wait up!" Spike called, hurrying after her.
"Spike, I need a favor from you," Rarity said as he reached her.
"Anything," he replied instantly.
"I need you to go to Sugercube Corner and tell Pinkie Pie to meet me at town hall. Then Fluttershy and Applejack. Can you do that for me?"
"Sure thing, Rarity! Spike is on the job." He saluted and scampered off.
Rarity continued on to the town hall, where most of the refugees had begun to gather. A buzz of chatter was rising and at the center of it was a questioning tone, sprinkled with indignation and worry. Mayor Mare was talking to the ponies in the front, but was visibly swamped by the questions being directed at her rapidly. Rarity eased through the crowd until she could stand just to the side of the conversation and listen to what was being said.
"We've come all this way because the Princess told us it would be safe here," one stallion declared. "We assumed that would mean we would find some sort of accommodations."
"I'm sorry," the Mayor said. "But we weren't informed that we needed to have housing or provisions for large groups of ponies. We've been concentrating on producing supplies for the soldiers who..."
"We can't just sleep in the streets!" a mare interrupted. She pulled her two colts close to her legs. "We've already been traveling rough terrain for days."
"I understand that you've made a difficult journey," the Mayor said, making a placating gesture. "And I will do everything I can to..."
"You say you've been outfitting soldiers?" a stallion shouted from the back. "What soldiers?! We haven't seen more than a few messenger Pegasi since we were told of the danger!"
Several ponies shouted out similar concerns as well, noting that they were told they would be protected but that they'd been hounded the entire way there. Some accused the Mayor of withholding what she knew she could give or of incompetence if she could not provide for ponies in need.
"Please, everypony!" Mayor Mare said, raising her voice to be heard over them. "You will not be ignored or neglected. We have not had time to prepare for your arrival, but we will do what must be done now that you are here."
"And what are we going to eat while we wait for you to prepare for us?" the mother of two asked. "Where will we sleep?"
"In the homes of those who can afford to accommodate you," Rarity spoke up.
All eyes turned to her, including the Mayor's, who seemed particularly thankful she'd said something. They waited for her to go on, all wondering what it was she would offer.
"It won't be luxurious, or even entirely comfortable, but I have some space that I can make available to some of you for as long as you need it. Better to have a roof over your head than the cold streets alone."
Pinkie appeared at Rarity's side without warning.
"I can help find other ponies who could offer space," she chimed in. "I know every pony in town. I'm sure I can find somepony willing to invite some guests to stay a while."
"Yes," Mayor Mare said enthusiastically, regaining the crowd's attention. "Ponies who would agree to share their homes for the time being will be asked to do so. We have several public buildings that can be converted into temporary shelters as well."
The Mayor turned to one of her aides and consulted a scroll the other had brought out.
"And we should be able to provide food if we implement the rationing plan we've been looking at," she continued. "We'll see to it excesses are put toward keeping you all fed as well."
Most of the refugees calmed down then. Mayor Mare took a few aside to discuss the construction of the temporary camp and to decide who would be staying there while Pinkie Pie took off door to door to ask for volunteers to open their homes to needy ponies. A few families approached Rarity, asking about her offer. She cheerfully led them to her boutique and helped them to settle in. She gave space for three families on the main floor and gave over her own bedroom to another while moving some of her things to her design room, where she would stay. She set a few quick guidelines for staying in her shop and then brought four more families to the library. She had them unpack in the two main floor rooms. She informed them that the upper floors were off limits and that the building was under the care of herself and the owner's dragon assistant.
Once she'd answered all questions, she made her way back to town hall. Spike was waiting for her, Applejack and Fluttershy at his side. Fluttershy was shifting her weight from hoof to hoof anxiously and biting her lip. Applejack's expression, by contrast, was a weary detachment as she glanced about curiously at the commotion while managing to keep up a satisfied smile. Spike waited at attention for Rarity to arrive, his eyes following her eagerly.
"Thank you Spike," she said, ruffling his spines affectionately. "Now, you two have probably noticed there's a bit of a situation here."
"Say no more, Rarity," Applejack interrupted. "Just tell us what needs doin'."
They headed over to where Mayor Mare was consulting with her aide about what supplies would be needed for the construction of the camp. When she noticed the four of them approaching, she turned to them with relief.
"Thank you for your timely offer, Rarity. I hope you've come back to help out further, because we sorely need it."
Rarity beamed encouragingly. "In fact we have, Mayor. What can we do to assist?"
The Mayor referred to the scroll her aide was holding out for her and frowned.
"We'll be able to hold out for a while on the rationing schedule, but food is going to be running short soon with so many ponies to feed."
"Our southern orchard will be ready for harvest in a week's time," Applejack suggested. "Can we make it until then?"
"I think we can. Thank you." The Mayor consulted the scroll again. "But ponies will need to have a place to stay as well. It's not reasonable to have so many moving into our families' homes on such short notice, so we are discussing the construction of a temporary camp. The problem is that we don't have many places available to set up in."
"I think I know of a place," Fluttershy spoke up. "There's a nice open field perfect for a large camp on the south side of the river. It's not far from my cottage."
Mayor Mare looked in the indicated direction and thought hard.
"I suppose it would work. And it would be farther out of the way than anywhere else but still close enough to the town...Yes. I believe that will do nicely." The Mayor smiled appreciatively at the Pegasus but noticed for the first time how anxious she was. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I just need to get back to my cottage as soon as possible," Fluttershy said with a wan smile. "A lot of ponies have been displaced by the war, but so have a lot of animals. They need my help. They're so frightened and worried."
"We wouldn't want to keep you from such an important task," Mayor Mare said gently. "Go ahead and tend to them. We'll work things out here."
Fluttershy gave a parting smile and left quickly.
"So," the Mayor said briskly. "We've solved the issue of the camp's location, I've already seen to it that materials are brought together for the actual construction, and our food problem should be resolved in a week. I suppose our next task is to move as many of these ponies in with families willing to take them."
"If you need rooms with a bed, there are always spares at the farm. I'll see to it they're made up nice. We can accommodate three families comfortably."
"What about uncomfortably?" Mayor Mare asked hesitantly.
Applejack thought for a moment before answering. "I'd say five or six. But it would be tight."
"If you could, it would be greatly appreciated," the Mayor pressed.
"I'll do what I can," Applejack promised.
They walked over to where one group of refugees had gathered.
"We have found space for about six families at a farm on the south side of town," the Mayor announced. "Follow Applejack here and she'll help you get settled in."
A few ponies stepped forward but most stayed where they were.
"Is something wrong?" the Mayor asked.
"Yeah," one stallion replied. "I didn't think we'd be stopping here at all, let alone settling in."
"We can't stop now," a mare spoke up. "We're not safe here. Our best option is to keep moving."
"Ponyville is as safe as anywhere else in Equestria," Applejack frowned.
"More so, I'd say," Rarity added.
Most of the refugees regarded them with skepticism, some with outright disdain.
"You think your town is safe?" one of them asked. "Don't you realize we thought the same thing about ours?"
"The Army is forming up as we speak," the Mayor reminded them. "Our own citizens have joined their ranks and are training to face this threat. I have every confidence in..."
"Forget the Army!" one stallion shouted. "They weren't there for us when we needed them. I'm not going to wait here for them."
"I'm not sticking around here at all," another stallion insisted. "You'd be wise to leave while you can. It's only a matter of time before the Trolls turn up here too."
With that, many of the refugees began gathering up their meager belongings and marching off. As if they'd been waiting for a cue, other groups packed up and followed. Almost half of the ponies who had arrived from the west filed out of town, as slow and silent as they'd come. Of those who stayed, not a single one looked confident in their decision to remain. Applejack scrunched up her muzzle in a sour expression.
"Anypony who wants a place to stay, even just for tonight, come with me," she said loudly, turning away and heading back to the farm.
With uncertain glances in the direction of those who had chosen to leave, several families followed her. Other ponies were met by residents who offered to house them and, one family at a time, they began to clear off the streets. After a long silence, Mayor Mare cleared her throat.
"I'd best go and coordinate the efforts to set up the camp."
Rarity acknowledged her silently as the Mayor left. She remained where she was, lost in thought. Those ponies had been fleeing from danger they'd seen with their own eyes and they believed it was great enough that they were not safe even here. She shuddered to think what could drive them so intensely. |
Innocent | Interlude Part 2: Hostility at Home | The group of refugees that arrived the day after the volunteers left for war was only the first. The next morning another hundred ponies arrived. And although some of them chose to seek safety farther east, the number staying in Ponyville was doubled. By that evening, two more groups had arrived, smaller this time, but most were willing to stop for at least one night's rest. The camp on the south side of town was finished by then and efforts were being made to expand it in anticipation of further arrivals. As dawn broke the following morning, the town became a bustling hub of voices and movement.
The residents who were hosting another family ate breakfast with their guests and went about their work as usual. The foals played together in small groups, kicking a ball or just chasing each other through the streets with laughter that defied the reason for their situation. Meals were sufficient, kept lean by the new rationing guidelines. With so many ponies to feed, the tension was kept in check by an understanding that they were all working together. But as Bon Bon watched them pass by, she could see that the tension was still there. The laughter of the adults was too forced, the greetings too mechanical and the smiles faded much too quickly.
Bon Bon knew they were all worried and that they were doing their best to hide it, for their own sakes as well as the foals. But she also knew they wouldn't be able to pretend much longer. Somepony was bound to snap. Still, she was doing her part to hold off that inevitable moment. She finished hitching up the cart she would take down to the camp. It was laden with toys donated by fillies and colts from across Ponyville to help the refugees cope with the loss of nearly everything they owned. Having a toy to play with would keep the young ones placated, which in turn would relieve some of the stress on their parents.
Bon Bon made her way down the street, her hoofsteps and the trundling of the cart was lost in the commotion around her. She liked it that way, blending into crowds and slipping unnoticed. It was second nature for her. But ever since she and Lyra had moved in together and their relationship had become public, she'd had disapproving eyes following her everywhere she went. All of her skills in the art of subtlety couldn't hide such a glaring detail from every neighbor in town. Now though, her love life wasn't the most engaging subject on everypony's minds and she used that fact as a social smokescreen to make her way unopposed.
Reaching the edge of the camp, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Foals still raced between the neat rows of tents, laughing and playing. None of them seemed to be the least bit perturbed by their situation. But the adults were much more subdued, hushed conversations between mares cut short when younger ears were nearby and worried glances to the west from stallions as they helped each other keep the camp. Bon Bon could see the fear glistening behind their eyes. They'd never before imagined their lives could be intruded on by such violence and danger. She shook her head. She didn't want to believe it could do the same to her, though she knew better than most ponies that it likely would.
Other ponies began to take notice of her and her cart as she made her way toward the administrative tent set up at the camp's center. Mayor Mare had assigned a few of her staff to be present and able to address the concerns of the refugees. They kept a head count, coordinated the delivery of all the supplies sent to the camp and made sure that every need was met as quickly as possible. Bon Bon pulled the cart up alongside the tent and unhitched herself. Already a small crowd of foals had gathered, anticipating what she might do with so many toys.
She checked in with the pony minding the administrative tent and started unpacking the cart. She smiled invitingly at the foals and held out the first toy to the closest. The filly took it, said a quick thank you, and ran off gleefully to her waiting parents. The others edged closer and Bon Bon gave each of them one toy from the cart. Their faces lit up when the toy became theirs. Bon Bon loved to see such simple joy. Most of the toys she'd brought were being carried off by their new owners by the time the line of foals was dispersed. She unloaded the rest into a box by the tent that had been set up for them and started to hitch up her cart.
That was when she saw Ditzy. The delivery mare was in the administrative tent but she was looking around at the foals that were playing with the new toys nearby. She giggled at a pair of foals as they raced by with pinwheels. The administrative pony passed Ditzy a stack of papers for her to deliver. Ditzy tucked the papers into her bag and turned to leave. She fell into step with Bon Bon as they both headed back toward town.
"That was a thoughtful thing to do," Ditzy commented.
"Me? All I did was haul the cart out here."
"And give out the toys by hoof," Ditzy added. "You looked those foals in the eye and smiled with them as you gave them a reason to smile. Other ponies would have left the cart there for somepony else to sort out."
"You're acting like I just solved all of their problems," Bon Bon objected. "A few smiles aren't going to fix the trouble they're in."
Ditzy stopped and put a hoof on Bon Bon's shoulder, bringing the other to a halt as well. She fixed Bon Bon with a serious gaze, both of her eyes nearly lining up from the intensity of her concentration.
"You have no idea how much good it does for a parent to see her daughter smiling in hard times."
They were both silent as Bon Bon thought it through.
"So it helped," Bon Bon said at last. "Maybe even a lot. But doing a good thing doesn't mean I deserve a medal for it. I'm just doing what's right."
"You are. And I wish more ponies would." Ditzy looked away sadly.
"I know what you mean," Bon Bon said solemnly.
They walked a ways wordlessly. Bon Bon wondered how many small acts of kindness it might take to make up for the hardships these families had faced. When they were nearing town hall, Ditzy broke their silence.
"I've got to get these papers to the Mayor for signing," she said, turning to leave.
Bon Bon nodded absently, still lost in thought. Ditzy's attention was on Bon Bon's forlorn expression when she left the other's side, so neither of them saw the others until it was too late. Ditzy stepped directly in front of a pair of Unicorn mares and they collided. Ditzy was knocked to the ground, dropping her satchel and spilling its contents into the street. One of the other mares tripped over her and went down with a grunt. The second mare started with a yelp and dropped the box she was carrying with telekinesis.
"Are you alright?" Bon Bon asked, helping the first mare up.
"I'm not hurt," she grumbled.
Ditzy scrambled to pick up the scattered papers before the wind took them. The second mare picked up the box she'd dropped and inspected it for damage. Finding none, she brushed off a bit of dirt and rounded on Ditzy.
"What in Tartarus, Derpy!? Can't you keep yourself from being a menace for just one day!?" She stamped a hoof indignantly. "We've got enough trouble now without you making more."
"I'm sorry," Ditzy mumbled, stuffing the last of the papers back into her satchel.
"You'd better be a lot more than sorry," the mare huffed. "Your mistakes could cost us precious time and resources that would have helped with the war. It might even get somepony killed."
"I really am sorry," Ditzy said, avoiding eye contact.
"Why are you even here, anyway?" the second mare asked, her tone laced with scorn. "You should have been the one to go off and die instead of the Doctor. He'd at least be useful here."
Ditzy clamped her mouth shut so hard Bon Bon could hear her teeth snap together. Her face tightened up as she tried hard not to cry. Smirks lurked beneath the cruel scowls that the two Unicorns cast down on her.
"What's the matter with you!?" Bon Bon snapped. "Nopony should tell anypony they'd be better off getting themselves killed."
The two Unicorns exchanged a quick glance. One of them smiled wickedly.
"Charging in to defend your new marefriend?" she asked.
Ditzy looked up at the Unicorn in confusion and then questioningly at Bon Bon. Bon Bon frowned.
"She's not my marefriend, and she doesn't need to be for me to want to help her."
"You're right. She wouldn't be your marefriend," one of the Unicorns said with a fake sigh. "Not even Derpy is messed up enough in the head to want you."
Bon Bon gritted her teeth. But before she could retort, the mares turned to each other, whispering loud enough that they were sure Bon Bon could hear.
"It hasn't even been three full days and she's already chasing a different mare."
"I know. No wonder Lyra ran off to get herself killed. I wouldn't be able to stand the thought of being with her any longer either."
They both laughed, casting spiteful glances at Bon Bon.
"If somepony you loved were out there, risking their lives, you wouldn't be joking about it," Bon Bon snarled. Then a malevolent sneer appeared on her own muzzle. "Oh, wait. That's right. No pony you love has the salt to do something that courageous."
Both mares looked stung, even more deeply than Bon Bon had intended, but they recovered quickly.
"Call it courageous if you want," one of the Unicorns laughed. "It just shows that your sick relationship wasn't meant to last."
"Go take your overinflated sense of self-importance and shove it in a dark hole," Bon Bon said, flipping a hoof at the two.
Then she felt a hoof on her shoulder that turned her forcefully around.
"If your tasks are so important," Ditzy said to the Unicorns as she marched off, steering Bon Bon with her. "Then get back to them instead of spending your time bothering us."
The two Unicorns laughed and called after them before turning away.
"Sure! We'll leave the two of you alone. Just hope Lyra and the Doctor don't find out!"
Ditzy led Bon Bon very roughly for almost a block before looking behind her and relaxing when she saw nopony following them. Then she sat down against the side of a building and smacked her hooves against her head.
"Stupid. Stupid! STUPID! Why can't I stop messing up?" she cried.
Bon Bon slipped free of her harness and held Ditzy's hooves in her own so she couldn't hit herself anymore.
"Stop that," she said gently but firmly. "It happened, and all of the self-doubt in the world isn't going to change that. A hundred things caused what happened and not but a few of them had anything to do with you. You might blame yourself for it, but you can't beat yourself up over it."
Ditzy sniffed as she tried to pull herself together but she didn't respond. Instead, she got up and straightened her satchel. When she started walking away, Bon Bon stopped her.
"Ditzy? Are...are you actually okay?"
"No, but I'm no worse than I ever am," she replied neutrally. "I wish I hadn't caused that incident. And don't tell me I didn't, because it wouldn't have happened if I'd been paying attention. But it happened."
She sighed and stared down the road. The distance in her eyes told Bon Bon she was seeing something much farther away than the hills.
"We're all feeling pressure from this situation," Ditzy went on. "They're snapping at us because it's easier to vent some frustration at us than to face their real troubles. I won't let it get to me."
She trailed off, repeating those last words under her breath like a chant to ward off darker thoughts. Bon Bon watched her as she trotted off toward town hall, unsure if she should do something more. Ditzy was certainly under the same pressure she'd spoken of. Time Turner's absence might be taking its toll on her in more ways than worrying for his safety. He was a pillar of stability in her life and a source of support when things were tough. Bon Bon knew exactly how much Ditzy was hurting, because Bon Bon could feel the ache of missing Lyra in the bottom of her heart as well. |
Innocent | Interlude Part 3: Rivers Run Red | Three days had passed since the refugees had begun to arrive in Ponyville and four since anypony had heard from any part of the war effort beyond the town. Armor had been forged and weapons hung on racks and piled in carts, ready to be taken to the camps to train and equip soldiers. Several more ponies in town had agreed they would sign up when the next call came for recruits, including some of the refugees now in residence. But nopony had arrived to collect the equipment or sign on any new recruits. Nopony discussed it, but the worry it caused could be felt in quiet moments when other topics of conversation ran out and nopony could think of anything else to stave off the looming question. So silence reigned more often than ever before in Ponyville's memory.
As noon approached, that silence was broken by a scream from the river. A group of foals raced away from the banks in a panic. Ponies ventured out to see what the source of their fright was and found themselves transfixed by the sight that awaited them. Most ponies assumed what they were seeing were Trolls, since none of them had seen a Troll before. It began with a dozen forms floating in the water, drifting languidly in the slow current. The limp and waterlogged bodies were torn by blade and pierced by spear. A few had no visible wounds and presumably drowned. But as minutes dragged by they didn't stop, turning the water an ugly color as blood diluted it. A hundred bodies had been carried through town before the first pony was seen among the sodden carnage. The remains of Army plates still hung from the half-submerged corpse. The pony was dwarfed by the bulkier Trolls that surrounded it.
The blood-tinted water yielded another pony less than a minute later. Still more followed, until about one in five bodies belonged to fallen ponies when an hour had passed. Nopony said a word, though nearly everypony in town had gathered to stare into the waters in horror. They found themselves seeking friends or relatives among the faces that passed by but none had the stomach to attempt to recover the bodies. Nopony wanted to get any nearer to the water's edge, but they found themselves unable to turn from the sight or even back away. The spectacle held them spellbound, halfway between fleeing and inching closer to be sure what they were seeing was real.
Then the numbers tapered off. Three hours after it had begun, the last body was carried out of town though the waters remained stained much longer. Many ponies remained where they were on the shores, staring after the bodies long after they were gone. Others turned away in silence, returning to their tasks, both for the war effort and their daily lives. Some congregated to whisper darkly. A number of refugees that had come to witness the incident returned promptly to their tents to collect their possessions and family before marching east. The Mayor called a town meeting as the sun slipped toward the horizon. Most of Ponyville was in attendance, as were a large number of representatives of the refugees. The meeting stretched long into the night. When it adjourned, several decisions had been made.
First, it was suggested that they send somepony to investigate what had occurred farther upriver, but nopony was willing to go. So instead, it was decided they would wait for word to be sent to them. But to address concerns about danger coming from the north, volunteers from the remaining Pegasi in the weather team would keep watch to warn of anything approaching. Next, ponies who had voiced their intent to join the Army were given permission to train in town, though it was admitted there was nopony available to drill them.
As the evening deepened and ponies began leaving, either to fix evening meals with their families or to prepare for their assigned tasks, the topic of the meeting turned to emergency procedures. These discussions were harder, since the prospects of dealing with an attack on the town were grim no matter how they might plan. In the end, an evacuation route was agreed on as well as a plan for rapidly mobilizing the town's resources should they be called on to assist the Army. But any discussion of the defense of the town itself lagged, since nopony was particularly knowledgeable on the subject of tactics. Midnight marked the end of the meeting and everypony retired for the remainder of the night.
The next dawn found the town quieter than ever. Foals no longer ran through the streets. Their parents kept them close and shushed them when they became too noisy. The blacksmith began working overtime again. The sound of metal being shaped was heard throughout the streets and was the only sound that wasn't muted and cautious. Hardly anypony lingered on the streets longer than necessary, delivering carts of supplies and running messages to and from the refugee camp only when they had to. Many found themselves staring off to either the north or the west worriedly and more than a few had to shake themselves back to the present when they realized they'd been standing idle for too long.
As noon came and went, a congregation of ponies had come together near the blacksmith to form up a training group, even if nopony quite knew what they were doing. Since there was nopony to direct them, the twenty stallions and two mares set about becoming familiar with the swords and spears and getting a feeling for the weight of their armor as they moved about. A few sparred with wooden swords and a few practiced thrusting and charging with their spears, but the rest were mostly listless, concentrating more on becoming accustomed to the armor and weapons themselves, having never worn such things before. This went on for an hour before a Pegasus by the name of Open Skies from the weather team dropped in.
He instructed them on formations and said that learning how to move together was an important part of a unit's effectiveness. From then on, they practiced marching with coordination and forming lines under the supervision of Open Skies. The evening crept in and the volunteers grew tired of working in the heavy armor, so they returned their equipment to the blacksmith and went home. Though they'd shown very little improvement in the way they handled their weapons, they nevertheless left in high spirits, believing their time spent training had been worth it.
The Pegasi sent to watch the north reported back at sundown, saying nothing moved within sight of town. A second group was sent out to keep watch during the night. Many ponies had difficulty sleeping that night, but one by one they drifted off, dreaming of hopeful tomorrows, interrupted by nightmares of yesterday. |
Innocent | Interlude Part 4: Considerations in Cowardice | Pinkie woke suddenly. By her estimate, it was either midnight, or very shortly after. Having gotten home late in the evening, she'd been supremely tired from all of the merrymaking she'd shared with the ponies visiting Ponyville. They were a hard lot to cheer up, but her efforts had made some headway by sundown. She'd fixed a tiny dinner and flopped into bed. Until a moment ago, she thought that was where she'd stay until morning. She was normally a sound sleeper, but something had tingled and it had shocked her awake. She lay where she was, waiting for the sensation to repeat itself. When it did, she simultaneously heard hooves downstairs. Her teeth chattered in response to each rapid shuffle from the floor below. Pinkie had never dealt with this particular Pinkie Sense. She quietly crept toward the stairs to investigate. She stopped when she was nearing the bottom, and listened as hushed voices that rose and fell between the hoofsteps reached her ears.
"Oh, should we take a few sets of dishes?"
Mrs. Cake's voice was strained and worried.
"There's no time for that. We'll have to haul it the whole way."
Mr. Cake's voice was even more so, impatient and jittery. Something about hearing his voice was bothering Pinkie, but the reason escaped her. The voices were coming from the kitchen. The Cakes were out of sight for now, but their silhouettes were occasionally cast onto the floor where soft candle light spilled through the open door.
"We need to be as far away as possible before they get here," Mr. Cake went on, the sound of his hooves tramping over to a different side of the kitchen.
There was a short silence before Mrs. Cake replied.
"They were my grandmother's dishes."
More silence followed the forlorn statement.
Pinkie felt her tail twitch and bolted down the stairs and into the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Cake yelped in surprise, causing Mrs. Cake to drop the stack of plates and bowls she had balanced on her back. Pinkie slid beneath them and deftly caught all of the falling dishes in one lightning quick and fluid motion. She carefully set them down on the counter again and turned to face the startled Cakes again.
"Pinkie! What did you--how are you--what?" Mr. Cake sputtered, looking from the door of the kitchen to the dishes to Pinkie.
"My Pinkie Sense told me something was about to fall, so I caught it," she replied casually, gesturing at the dishes. She took a second to contemplate the event and Mrs. Cake's startled expression before going on. "Although, it may be that I caused it by coming in here unexpectedly like that, huh?"
She smiled benignly.
"Well, thank you anyway," Mrs. Cake smiled back. "But we can handle this from here. Please, go back to bed dear."
"What is it that you need to handle so late at night," Pinkie asked. She glanced out the window. "Or early in the morning, depending on how you decide to look at it."
"I-it's nothing!" Mr. Cake said, too loudly and too quickly to be true.
Pinkie took a long look around the room, noticing for the first time that several bags of luggage had been stacked by the back door. The cupboards were all opened haphazardly and their contents rummaged through.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Please, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake pleaded. "We don't want this to be any harder than it already is. Just go back upstairs."
"But what do you need to pack all these things up for? Are you going on a trip?"
"Pinkie..." Mr. Cake tried to interrupt, but she kept talking.
"Why would you need to take dishes with you? Are you going to be somewhere they don't have them, like on a camping trip? Or at a bit-pinching hotel that makes you bring your own?"
Both of the Cakes continued to try to interrupt her, but her questions came on, heedless.
"I don't understand why you'd be doing your packing at night. I'd rather do my packing in the morning. I'd help you now since I'm up, but it would make more sense to wait until the sun is up too. But you sound like you can't wait. Is something happening somewhere that you can't wait even until morning?"
The Cakes fell silent, unwilling to answer her with more than pained looks. Pinkie looked around again, still searching for an explanation. That's when she realized why it was odd that Mr. Cake was there at all.
"Um, Mr. Cake?" she asked hesitantly. "Didn't you leave to join the Army a week ago?"
"I did," he answered woodenly.
"Shouldn't you still be...?" Pinkie began.
"No!" he cut her off. "I shouldn't still be with the Army. I shouldn't have been with it to begin with! There isn't even an Army to go back to now. It was the worst idea ever, to stand our ground and fight. We should have been running. And that's what I'm doing now. I'm taking my family and running. And I'll run as far as I can, for as long as I have to, to make sure they're safe from what's out there!"
Pinkie was stunned by the outburst and she recoiled from the anger in his voice. He didn't blink, keeping her fixed in an iron-hard glare for nearly a minute.
"Get the foals," he said to his wife without looking away from Pinkie. "We're leaving."
"What about..." Mrs. Cake tried to ask.
"We'll make do," he said without waiting for her to finish. "We're leaving now."
Mrs. Cake hurried upstairs. They could hear her hoofsteps as she moved around. When she came back down, she had Pumpkin and Pound Cake in a carrying basket. They were awake enough to stir after being jostled, but too drowsy to do more than blink up at them. As Mrs. Cake took them outside to where a cart waited, Pinkie found her voice again.
"But, when will you be back?"
"After these Trolls are gone," Mr. Cake replied bluntly. "And they might never leave."
"Never is a long time to be gone from your home," she lamented. As he walked past her toward the door with the last of the luggage, she offered him her best pleading face. "Your friends here in Ponyville will miss you."
Mr. Cake stopped in the doorway. "I know. But we don't have any choice. You should be running too. All of you."
With that, he walked out. He hitched himself up to the cart as his wife settled the foals into place. Pinkie stepped outside to watch them go. Mr. Cake turned the cart to the south and started walking, not looking back once. Mrs. Cake looked back at Pinkie with enough sorrow on her face to bring a tear to Pinkie's eyes. They waved to each other and then the Cakes disappeared into the waning night and were gone.
Pinkie stood at the back door for a long time, trying to process what had happened, but she gave it up. As she turned back toward her bed, plodding through the kitchen and up the stairs, she couldn't help but feel the darkness and emptiness of the shop closing in around her, threatening to swallow her just as the hole in her heart was draining her cheer away. She went back to bed, hoping she would wake up in the morning to find it had just been a bad dream. |
Innocent | Interlude Part 5: Passion in Purpose | It had been two days since the incident at the river. Ponyville remained subdued, but the residents were beginning to return to the streets regularly. Foals were allowed outside, though they were still strictly watched and never allowed to stray far from their homes. The ponies who'd been training themselves had come out early in the morning to begin their exercises and were still practicing as midday approached. Fluttershy rested on a bench in the park, watching them idly. She was exhausted from all of the work she'd been doing for the animals passing through as they fled the fighting to the west. Though fewer had been arriving recently, she still had her hooves full with the ones already in her care. Now she was taking a much needed break.
The tension in town was starting to twist itself into her subconscious. Like persistent vines in between stones, she could feel it push and pull at her until she must finally fall apart all together. She found watching the volunteers train to be soothing. It offered a reassurance that ponies hadn't given up on themselves or each other, as some of the talk amongst the refugees was beginning to indicate. These twenty three ponies were preparing to do what was necessary to protect the rest of them. Fluttershy's heart ached with pride and appreciation for them. She knew she couldn't even consider doing what they were doing. She also knew that they were doing it for precisely that reason. It only made the ache more potent, thinking how much she owed to them for being willing to face the danger.
Other than the emotionally uplifting effect of seeing them train, she enjoyed watching their rhythmic motion, marching first to one end of the park and then back again. They had been getting better at staying in formation under Open Skies' instructions and were beginning to work on keeping their weapons pointed outward and ready while they moved. Fluttershy thought they looked nearly as professional as the Royal Guard now, their armor clanking as they moved and their weapons catching the sun with brilliant flashes. Their voices rose and fell as they called out to each other in coordinated signals. She was lulled into a calm by it and her worries fell away until she only saw movements in front of her, all of it losing meaning in the rhythm, like waves on a shore.
So when shouts interrupted the orderly pattern, she was jarred back to reality with a gasp. The volunteers had stopped and were looking north, pointing and whispering to each other in hushed, worried tones. When Fluttershy saw what they were looking at, she had to suppress a shrill yelp of fear. Smoke rose from the spires of distant Canterlot, the black clouds filling the sky above the mountainside city. There were specks of movement and tiny flashes of what might have been fire or magic. Everypony knew what was happening: Canterlot was under attack. Ponies congregated in the streets as word spread. Once again, as at the river, the whole town stood in silent witness.
Fluttershy couldn't make out what was happening with the battle taking place so far away. The faint signs of movement were inaudible, playing out beyond the ability of anypony to discern in any detail. They couldn't know what was happening, and couldn't do anything to affect it even if they did. It was a dreadful feeling, to be so helpless. She watched until she couldn't stand it any longer. So she took off to the southwest, to do the only thing she could think of: find a friend.
~*~*~
Along the southern edge of Whitetail Wood, the symphony of wind and birdsong was occasionally punctuated by the dull echo of metal on wood and a pony's determined grunts of effort. Applejack paused to catch her breath as she completed another bout of rigorous exercises with her sword. The sweat from her intense workout made her coat glisten and her mane cling to her back and neck while each breath was loud and labored. She'd been out since dawn and she didn't intend to stop until she could hardly stay standing. As it was, she just needed a breather before she began again, despite the trembling in her legs.
She wasn't put off by her discomfort too much. She'd seen hard days of work before. Even more, she was glad for the physical signs of her efforts. Zacon had told her that she only needed to be set on the right path for her to push her own improvement, and so far, he'd been right. She could feel the strength in her muscles building with each passing day that she trained. She reveled in the knowledge that she was growing faster and more skilled. Each drop of sweat felt well earned.
As her breathing returned to normal, she picked up her sword again and advanced on the next set of trees. Behind her, five had been cut through and lay abandoned on the forest floor. Others were disfigured around their whole trunks and cut with gashes so deep that the inner most rings were exposed. Her more recent work had left the bark at least half way around untouched to spare the tree and give it a chance to survive.
Applejack lowered her head as she prepared to attack. She glared outward from under her mane, and tightened her grip on the hilt. With a huff, she charged. She came alongside the first tree and swung with a downward stroke. The blade bit into bark, causing chunks to fly away. Applejack twisted her head as she followed through so that the blade wasn't stopped by the hard wood beneath, instead stripping the bark off completely and leaving a wide gash. Without breaking stride, Applejack kept going, headed for the next tree in line. She ducked a low hanging branch and leapt over the bush that rested at the roots. With her rising action, she raked her sword along the tree, using a twist of her head to strike hard enough to penetrate the bark but letting it glide along as she passed by so that the blade sliced a long, clean ribbon through the bark from one side to the other.
She landed and somersaulted. When she regained her hooves, she twisted her entire body to strike out at the tree in front of her. She put her whole weight into the strike and the sword sank through the bark and cut deeply into the wood. Satisfied with her improvement, she tugged at the hilt. It wouldn't budge. The sword had been buried as deep as the width of the blade and then some. She frowned at the hilt, examining it from other angles to find a way to dislodge it. She knew she'd need to get it out eventually, since it was one of the only two she had to work with. She also knew in the back of her mind that losing her sword like this in a battle would be deadly.
That thought jumped to the front of her mind when she heard something rapidly approaching. She gripped the hilt in her mouth and yanked on it desperately but to no avail. The sound of running was getting closer. Panic gripped Applejack and she looked around for her other sword. It lay a fair distance away and in the direction of whatever was approaching and she could already spy movement. She was far from town and all alone. She looked from the approaching sounds, to her spare sword, to the one in the tree. She turned away, reared up and kicked the stubborn sword with both hooves. It popped out of the wood with a sharp crack that sent splinters flying. She scooped it up in her mouth and turned to face her assailant.
Fluttershy burst through the screen of trees and stopped short with a scream at the sight of Applejacks murderous glare. The glint of Applejack's blade and aggressive stance were enough to leave the poor Pegasus in a trembling heap, a soft whimper escaping the hooves she was using to cover her face. It took Applejack a second to realize that only Fluttershy was coming and that nothing actually threatened. She spat out the sword and moved to comfort her friend.
"Sorry there Fluttershy. But you kinda startled me too." Applejack chuckled as she helped Fluttershy back to her hooves. "What are you doin' out here?"
"I came looking for you," she squeaked.
"Is somethin' the matter?"
Too shaken to answer with words, Fluttershy pointed north. Applejack peered up through the leaves and branches that blocked her view until she caught sight of the column of smoke that was rising ever higher above Canterlot.
"Sweet Celestia," she breathed in awe. "Is the city really burnin'?"
"I noticed the smoke and came to find you right away," Fluttershy said.
Applejack retrieved her hat, which she'd put to the side while she'd been training.
"We've got to get back to town, quick. Somethin' needs to be done. Come on!"
The two of them raced back into town together, headed for town hall. When they got there, they found an emergency meeting was already concluding. Applejack stopped the first pony she reached, whom she recognized as Bon Bon.
"What happened?" Applejack asked breathlessly. "What did ya'll decide in there?"
"We decided we couldn't do much except to keep to our tasks and be watchful," she replied in a monotone.
"So Canterlot's bein' attacked and we're just gonna sit here and watch?!" Applejack balked.
"What are we supposed to do from here that the Army and the Princesses couldn't do for themselves?" Bon Bon countered crossly. Before Applejack could retort, she went on in a more even tone. "Look, we just got done discussing these options. Somewhere around sixty ponies from Ponyville have gone north with the Army, so they're already out there doing what they can. We have twenty more in town who've said they're willing to take some sort of action, but they're basically untrained, plus we've got nopony to lead them. So until we see or hear something that changes the situation, we've decided our best bet is to sit tight." She gave a frustrated huff. "No matter how much I might feel we should do more."
"Sorry for snappin' at you," Applejack apologized, realizing the other mare was feeling more or less the same frustration she did. "I'm so worried about my brother out there I forget other ponies might be goin' through the same things."
"It's fine," Bon Bon said with a dismissive gesture. "I'm a bit on edge myself. My marefriend joined up too. Knowing that she's risking herself for me while I'm here doing next to nothing is the most aggravating feeling ever."
"I know that feelin'," Applejack nodded. "But I suppose we don't have a whole lot of choices in the matter. Like my brother told me, we've got to make sure the town's still functioning when they get back."
"Or...," Bon Bon said slowly, looking after a particular group of stallions who were headed toward the park. "Or we can prepare to defend it while they're away."
Applejack followed her gaze curiously. When she saw that some of the stallions were wearing armor, her eyebrows shot up.
"I admit I haven't been paying close attention, but how long have ponies been training in town?"
"Just since yesterday afternoon," Flutteshy spoke up, hovering at the edge of the conversation until now.
"Are they fixin' to join the Army then?"
"They would," Bon Bon replied. "If the Army would send somepony out here to sign them up." Bon Bon took a deep breath and looked Applejack dead in the eye. "I didn't even want to think of the possibility, but with what we saw in the river and now the attack on Canterlot, it can't be denied any longer. The Army is either too busy or too dead to send anypony."
"They ain't dead," Applejack replied fiercely.
"I want to believe that, I really do!" Bon Bon said, putting an earnest hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "But that doesn't change the fact that our best option is to be ready for an attack to find us here before we hear from them."
Applejack frowned in grudging acceptance. "I'll be ready, make no mistake."
"You will?" both Fluttershy and Bon Bon asked simultaneously, though the latter was more skeptical than shocked.
"Absolutely," Applejack replied without hesitation. "I've been trainin' myself for seven days now."
Bon Bon glanced at the armored stallions and gestured for Applejack to follow. Fluttershy tagged along. Bon Bon lowered her voice conspiratorially.
"If you've had any kind of serious training, maybe you could give them some pointers. They haven't got more than two clues what they're doing between the lot of them."
Applejack thought it over critically. She knew Zacon's training had been enough for her to start down the path of the soldier, but she didn't know if she was in any position to teach anypony else. She recalled Zacon's words when he'd agreed to train her. He'd made it clear that he knew she wouldn't be truly ready, but he also accepted the fact that his help would mitigate her disadvantages. She figured whatever assistance she could give was better than nothing.
"They've made the choice to defend their homes," she said, paraphrasing the warrior's words. "I can't see a reason that they shouldn't get the best chance to survive that I can provide."
Bon Bon regarded her choice of words quizzically but let it pass.
"Good. We should get them started immediately."
"We?" Applejack asked.
"Sure," Bon Bon said casually. "I'm not going to sit on the sidelines through all of this. If anything, I want some training myself. It's been a while since I've had to handle anything more than a few angry neighbors."
"You've got to know fightin' ain't gonna be easy. The stallion who trained me made sure I was clear on that."
"Don't you worry about my expectations, Applejack," she replied with a sharp glance and a frown. "I might have a more realistic grasp of what a battle is like than you do."
Applejack would have pursued the subject, but something in the way Bon Bon's eyes had hardened told her it would be a bad idea. They caught up with the volunteers as they were gathering in the park again. None of them looked the least bit enthusiastic though, hardly making an effort to collect their equipment to begin practicing again. Clearly, the attack on Canterlot had dampened their confidence. Applejack could tell this would be a testing point for those who were truly committed to becoming soldiers. She cleared her throat loudly when she was close enough to speak.
"I heard you were trainin' yourselves up to join the Army," she said casually. "No better time than now to get ready."
A few exchanged uneasy glances.
"We might have been at first, but now...?" one pony said, trailing off.
"But now, we've got some urgency to it," Applejack finished.
The volunteers regarded her skeptically.
"Look ya'll, let's get a show of hooves. How many of you know somepony who went off to fight?"
Every one of them raised a hoof slowly, some being mildly surprised when they saw that all of them had.
"And how many know more than one somepony?" Applejack went on.
Only two hooves went down.
"Family?" she pressed.
One hoof came back up while five others went down.
"See, we've all got somepony we care about out there right this minute," Applejack said, gesturing for them to put their hooves down. "This ain't a question of if we want to or not. It's a matter of if we've got the grit to do what's necessary. We're not ready now and we can never be completely ready. But darn it all to Tartarus if we ain't gonna try!"
The volunteers seemed somewhat heartened by these words and they stood a little straighter as they waited for her to go on.
"Before he left to fight, a warrior gave me some training," Applejack said. "I'd like to share what I learned from him with ya'll. We'll be needin' some space for us to work and see where we're all at as far as everypony's skills. Follow me and we'll get set up."
They headed north to where Applejack had been training herself. Fluttershy excused herself to return to her cottage and the animals, but Bon Bon stayed with the volunteers. When they arrived, Applejack had them gather around one of the trees that was yet untouched. She took a sword and buried it in the wood with a solid chop. The blade barely protruded from the gash in the bark. The other ponies regarded the depth with mild surprise that turned to uncertainty when they realized the implications of the demonstration.
"I'm not gonna sugarcoat this," Applejack began. "Ya'll need to be able to strike with the power to kill if you mean to win a fight against something that means to kill you. We'll be working on raw strength throughout the training, but you need to keep this in mind in everything we do here: going through the motions isn't enough. You need to intend to kill the enemy when you strike them."
Apprehensive silence greeted her until Bon Bon stepped forward.
"May I try?"
Applejack passed a sword to her and stepped back. Bon Bon sized up the tree, picked a spot and swung with all her might. The sword cut through the bark and stopped dead when it reached the inner wood. Bon Bon backed away, scowling at it.
"Why don't everypony have a go at it?" Applejack said. "It'll give us a starting point and let us know how much we need to improve."
One by one they all took their turns swinging at the tree, with varying degrees of success. As soon as they'd all had their chance to test their current ability, Applejack launched them into an intensive exercise, having them run courses through the trees, both sprints and relays. They drilled hard for half an hour before she let them rest. She filled the down time with tips and pointers about armor and weapons, where the weak points were and where the plates and blades were most effective. Most of her knowledge had come from Zacon's instruction, but some she'd discovered herself while she'd practiced. When they'd caught their breath, she had them practicing striking, using the trees to build strength and sparing with wooden swords to practice form and footing.
After they'd all settled into a rhythm, she stepped back to observe them at work. Open Skies continued to oversee practice with forming lines and moving as a cohesive unit, though he'd broken them down into smaller groups of five ponies each. With the new instruction in the use of their weapons, they were beginning to look like an actual fighting force. Of all of them, Bon Bon was pushing herself the hardest, picking up the lessons quicker and showing the most improvement even in this short amount of time. They were all driven by the will to protect their homes and inspired by the bravery of those who had left before them. Applejack smiled to herself. Jason's parting words played back in her mind.
I'm fighting for you: You, and your friends, and every pony in Equestria. I fight because you are special to me; because you are worth any amount of danger.
She felt his kiss on her forehead and her cheeks burned pleasantly at the memory. She was following his example, standing ready to risk herself for those she cared about. Seeing these ponies doing the same filled her with a tingling of pride and gratitude toward them. She looked north to where the smoke still rose from Canterlot. She wondered if Jason was well, if he was fighting right now to protect the mountain city. She felt in her heart that he was and that he would come back one day. Until then, she knew she would have to be strong, and be ready to do what was necessary to keep her home safe.
She took a deep breath and stepped back amongst the volunteers, calling them together to discuss their next lessons. She led them in their training until dark, when they returned to town, deposited their equipment at the blacksmith and went home. In the morning, they came together at the forest's edge again, but more ponies came than before. Some in the refugee camp had heard of the mare training troops to defend their town and had decided to join them. As days passed, their numbers swelled until one hundred fifty ponies had volunteered and taken up training under Applejack. She led them as best she could, even beginning to organize them into squads.
All the while, she kept her reasons for committing to this task firmly in mind. Whenever she had a spare moment, her thoughts were centered on those major influences in her decision to throw so much effort into this. Jason's dedication to defending others; her own determination to live up to Zacon's expectations for her; a sense of obligation to repay the foreigners for readily going to the defense of a land that was not their own; Jason's way of thanking her for everything she did; the renewed sense of duty to contribute in a meaningful way to the war effort, just as her friends and brother were doing; the memory of Jason's kiss has he departed; the understanding in his eyes when she'd spoken of her parents; the sense of peace she'd felt as he lay beside her on the porch and watched the rain; the cute way his mane had fluffed up as it dried... |
Innocent | Interlude Part 6: Requiem and Respect | While the vanguard was relocating their camp, Private Caramel came across a stash of berries tucked away in one of the abandoned Troll tents. After an inspection by Twilight to be sure they weren't toxic, they were passed out with the evening's meal. The one inch diameter berries looked shriveled, their pale purple bodies curled in on themselves like a crescent moon. But they were surprisingly filling for their size and extremely sweet. They made for a welcome addition to their remaining rations of granola and water.
The bodies of Quick Fix and Posthaste had also been moved out to the edge of the forest, where they were buried. Rough stone markers were left atop the freshly turned earth with their names etched in the stone by Jason's blade. Nopony lingered. They pitched their tents, lit their fires and retired. As darkness crept in, only a few ponies were still awake besides the watch. The sentries stood outside the firelight, nothing more than dark wraiths against the surrounding blackness. The only sound that Lyra heard as she lay in her tent was the crackling of the fire pit across from her.
After resting for a full day, she was beginning to feel whole again. At least physically. She could still feel the weight of Quick Fix draped across her back as she carried the dying Unicorn away from the fighting. She knew she shouldn't blame herself for his death. In fact, she was grateful to him, recognizing that his tenacity and courage were the reason she had survived. But still the memory haunted her, knowing how it ended. His presence, so close to her at the end, would not let her go. Finally, accepting she wouldn't sleep any time soon, she rose from her bedroll, taking the satchel that contained a select few personal items with her. She walked back to the forest's edge to where the graves lay and contemplated them silently, hoping she could find some way to shake off the ghosts they conjured.
She set her satchel down and drew forth a small, golden lyre. She sat down and held it in her hooves for a time. It identically matched her Cutie Mark in every way but one. A pair of tiny ribbons was tied to one end; one navy blue and the other pink. A tear threatened as she looked at those ribbons. She brushed it away with a frown of annoyance. She was tired of feeling sorry for herself and the way things were. She was sick of being unhappy and uncomfortable. She wanted to feel something else, anything else but the crushing hopelessness and abject helplessness that pervaded the entire war. She wanted to be glad for what could still be, no matter how brief the feeling was or how far those dreams were from reality.
She stroked the ribbons with a hoof and smiled. All of the terrible things she'd felt and seen and done these past weeks; they were worth it if she could prevent even more terrible things from tearing all that she held dear in her life away from her.
Bon Bon.
Lyra closed her eyes and kissed the ribbons, imagining they were the soft, curly mane that they mimicked, instead of silken lace.
I'll come back to you.
She held that feeling firmly in her mind as she began to play, her eyes still closed and her head bobbing in time. At first it was only three notes; low, high, low again, repeating continually. The sound was hollow at first as the hesitant plucking pierced the silence. But as Lyra put a touch of conviction into her strokes, the air resonated with the delicate, yet fervent, energy. She carried those three notes for several bars before a sprinkling of higher notes found their way in amongst the steady tune. But each time they punctuated the relative stillness, they faded again as quickly as they had come, as if they might never have been, only the three repeated notes remaining.
Quite suddenly, the even tempo vanished in a flurry of rising notes that spiraled away into the night. Lyra's muzzle scrunched up and her head bowed lower with the passion she was pouring into the music. Her horn lit up more brightly with the telekinetic effort to strike each note in such a rapid succession. Each note came and went in a blur of sound, building on each other, higher and faster. With a flourishing stroke, Lyra struck a note above all that had come before it and let it ring alone, hanging in the air, pure and clean.
Then there was silence; sudden and complete. Lyra stopped moving all together, sitting rigid with her eyes clenched tightly shut. As seconds slipped away, she visibly relaxed and the three notes from the beginning of her song returned. But after a few bars, they slowed down, spaced out by twice as many rests as before. Then, on the high note, she simply stopped playing, leaving the tune to fade away, unanswered and incomplete.
"You certainly are a dedicated musician," a bass voice rumbled.
Lyra started in surprise, not realizing she had an audience.
"Why do you say that," she asked as she spotted Zacon's bulky figure standing leisurely to one side.
He stepped closer to contemplate the graves before speaking again.
"You must be dedicated to your craft to bring your instrument with you to war," he said. "Either that, or you are infinitely more foolishly optimistic than I'd thought. Whatever the case, you are exceptionally skilled."
"Oh," she said simply, her retort cut off by the unexpected praise.
"What composition was that?" Zacon asked, sounding genuinely curious.
"It's one of my own," Lyra said with a hint of embarrassment. "It's titled Dreams of Flying. I intended it to represent the things we're hoping for, the ones that seem out of reach. These days, those things are even farther away than they used to be. I guess it felt right to play it now since music can help us come to terms with what we're feeling."
"Yes," Zacon said, half to himself. "Music can stir our emotions in many unique ways."
He went back to staring at the graves. He closed his eyes and bowed his head contemplatively. As Lyra watched, his scowl turned from his usual disdain to outright agony. He trembled slightly as he hunched his shoulders against whatever he was thinking. Lyra couldn't imagine what could be affecting him like this. The graves of two ponies seemed too insignificant to chip the stony exterior of a warrior who had laughed and taunted his enemies as ponies fought and died around him at the river. Unless something had changed him, which she doubted, he shouldn't even care.
Lyra was surprised, then, when she heard him begin to hum. It was a simple tune, starting low and rising for a time before falling back again. He hummed the tune twice through before he opened his eyes and sang. Lyra couldn't understand the words, though she recognized the guttural enunciations from the fragments of his language he'd spoken in her presence. Her trained ear picked out the pattern of a chorus being repeated, distinct from the rest as Zacon emphasized certain words. His bass voice rolled through the verses in a solemn march, instilling in Lyra a desire to march along with it. But she sat still, absorbing the song instead. She could feel the restrained energy in the big warrior and she didn't want to interrupt what might be the only instance of its release. The huskiness of emotion cut into his voice as he raised his head high and nearly shouted the last few words.
As the song died away into silence, Lyra could have sworn she heard a thick swallow from Zacon as he managed to put his stone mask back in place and resume looking simultaneously disinterested and angry at the world. No tears had fallen, but Lyra had witnessed enough emotional performances to read the signs. This warrior had been fighting to keep them back. Still, she remained dumbfounded as to what had brought him to this drastic change in disposition. As moments passed, he glanced over at her, almost self-consciously.
"That was..." she struggled to find the right words.
"A song of my people," Zacon answered. "You weren't meant to understand the language."
"I was going to say it was interesting," she replied slyly. "I've never seen you that expressive."
Zacon went rigid. "The song is meant to mourn the loss of a friend in battle."
"These two?" Lyra asked, gesturing at the graves. "You're mourning them as friends?"
"I was the officer they entrusted their lives to," he rumbled as he relaxed his stance defeatedly. "They fought with courage and devotion to both their orders and their allies. They gave their lives with honor. But it was my faults and failures that led to their deaths. I failed them as a leader when I put them in the path of overwhelming odds. I failed them as a warrior by letting pride in my own strength blind me to their danger."
He took a deep breath and turned to face her directly.
"And yes, I failed them as a friend also, because those who stand at my side in battle are more than mere soldiers under the same banner. They are my brothers and sisters, bonded by blood and oath."
He turned to the graves once more.
"It was a beautiful song," Lyra said when the silence between them became uncomfortable.
Zacon glanced at her inquisitively.
"I couldn't understand a single word," she went on with a smirk. "But music isn't just about words. It's a feeling that we're trying to express, but our five senses never seem to be enough to fully convey it. Sometimes music is as close as we can get to helping others know what we mean. And for this, I don't think I need to recognize the words to know what they meant."
"Would you like to understand the words anyway?" Zacon asked.
"You mean, like a translation?"
"I felt that it needed to be sung in its original tongue first, but I don't see why I can't give honor to these soldiers in yours as well. Besides, what's the point of knowing a song if one never shares it?"
"In that case," Lyra said, readying her instrument. "Mind if I accompany you?"
He made a tiny bow of acceptance. He began with the humming again, allowing Lyra ease into it with a soft and low strumming. When they were both steadily in time with each other, Zacon took a deep breath and began.
"Before songs tell of glories won
Or heralds call our victory.
I walk the fields in evening sun
To find a friend who served with me.
The multitudes of foes we faced,
Now fallen here around our feet.
In battle, through their ranks we raced.
Our fighting hearts, a steady beat."
Lyra kept up with him, hearing the passion in his voice now with the full meaning of each word. She couldn't help but relate her own feelings to these words, reflecting on Quick Fix's final moments fighting at her side. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her notes as Zacon began the chorus, his voice rising to lift the words even as he strung each of them out slowly and purposefully.
"In honor stand
and glory rest!
I walked with you
through fire's test.
Our company
finds journey's end.
My brother true!
My fallen friend!"
Lyra opened her eyes in time to see Zacon's muzzle tighten in pain before he began the next verse. Obviously, once through the song in his language hadn't been enough to fully release his grief. She knew hers would be long in fading as well.
But now I see this face alone
Lying here amongst the dead.
It's one that I have always known
And one for whom my blood's been shed.
For he and I did share one path
And never dream that we would part.
But hence from this field's aftermath
He'll be with me just in my heart!
He held these notes longer than the first verse, especially toward the end, and Lyra did her best to keep in time with him. If he thought she was making mistakes, he didn't let it show. When he began the chorus again, there was new power in his voice. Gone was the pain and regret from the previous verses, replaced with pride and vigor.
"In honor stand
and glory rest!
I walked with you
through fire's test.
Our company
finds journey's end.
My brother true!
My fallen friend!"
The trees echoed briefly with the last line before the world faded back to the silence of the night. Zacon looked up toward the sky, though it was too shrouded by the haze to see. Lyra watched him for a time, fidgeting with the ribbons on her instrument.
"Does this mean we're not 'pathetic creatures' anymore?" Lyra asked, hesitantly breaking the silence.
Zacon looked startled by the question and he considered it guiltily before replying.
"I did say that about your people, didn't I? When you hadn't been given enough of a chance to prove the contrary, that is what I believed you were. I'd seen your civilian culture and little else. Perhaps I put too much stock in battle-hardness when I judge cultures other than my own."
He considered the question again, longer this time. Lyra didn't press him, but waited patiently.
"No," Zacon said at last. "You are not, and never really were, pathetic creatures. It was I who was in error in judging you that way. You place value on different traits and skills than my people. I apologize for my hasty and offensive words. Less important is your physical strength and more important is the strength of your commitment to each other and your land. The sacrifices you are willing to make prove that you fight Es Ja-Seph Tek Kundriga."
He spoke the foreign words solemnly and looked her in the eye while doing so. After she stared back at him blankly for a moment, he cleared his throat.
"That phrase means 'with the heart and soul of strength', though the translation is a bit rough."
She smiled at him once she understood what he meant. "So, we're strong enough to be warriors. That means a lot coming from you. Though I'm not so sure we really are all that strong."
"Strength is not found in physical stamina or brute power alone," he said with a wave of his hoof. "Strength of spirit is what you have. Even if you do not compare in raw strength to that of, say, a dragon, you have the most important form of strength; the will to face the challenge."
"When we have something worth fighting for," she amended, touching the ribbons again.
His gaze shifted to the instrument and its adornments.
"I also said before that any creature can fight for its own survival, from the meekest to the greatest. To fight for something greater than one's self is the sign of a true warrior. Not all of your people show the same courage as you and our companions here. So for now, you and those beside us in battle are the ones I will respect. The rest will have to earn that respect."
He got up to leave, fading back into the gloom of the night as silently as he'd come. Lyra stayed at the graves for a long time, but when she finally returned to her tent, she felt she might have begun to heal. |
Innocent | Act III: Chapter Twenty-Seven: Farther Afield | Dawn was grey and still, with a light mist creeping out of the forest to wrap around the hooves of the Army as they broke camp. Princess Luna presided over a short ceremony to bury the fallen from the previous day. The twenty seven headstones were arranged in three neat rows of nine, marked with only the name of the pony. A few soldiers lingered briefly to say their own personal farewells, but Luna quickly gathered the Army to march. She was impatient to begin the trek to the Crystal Empire and aid Shining Armor in repelling the Trolls in that region. No news had been heard from the north since the Prince had left to lead the Empire thirteen days ago.
The Vanguard broke camp less swiftly, having been informed by Lieutenant Long Watch that they would not be taking the same route as the Army and thus didn't need to rush themselves to leave at the same time. Jason welcomed the news, since it would mean more time to cool off before he was forced to deal with the Princess again. It wouldn't do any of them any good to let her words offend him. The potential good he could do leading the Vanguard wouldn't change because of the way Luna referred to his position. So he spent the morning walking through the trees, trying to shrug the matter off. He wasn't very successful.
As he returned to camp, he spotted a patch of scorched grasses, almost perfectly circular. A short ways away, another similar ring of blackened undergrowth could be seen. He investigated and came upon Twilight Sparkle. She was concentrating so intently on the ground in front of her that she didn't notice Jason's presence. He could sense that she was using her mana, so he waited to see what she was attempting. After a moment, the air above the grass shimmered and the grass itself began to curl as if it were being baked by an extreme heat. Twilight closed her eyes and gritted her teeth in effort. Some of the stalks actually glowed with tiny embers before she let out her breath in a great huff and she dropped her concentration. The circle of charred ground looked almost identical to the ones that had led Jason here.
"Twilight?" Jason said softly to announce himself.
Despite his delicacy, Twilight jumped in surprise.
"Jason! I, uh, what are you doing out here?" she asked.
"Trying to put my head on straight after yesterday," he replied. "What was that you were casting?"
"I've been trying to use my mana to make fire by reverse engineering the methods I use for frost. I tried to put heat into the target instead of taking it away." Her ears dropped in disappointment. "It's not working very well."
"You're trying to make the target combust by bombarding it with heat?" he asked in clarification.
"Yes. Is that wrong?"
"Not wrong," he replied. "But highly inefficient. You see, this grass is a living plant, full of water and other tissues that don't make for very good fuel. You wouldn't burn green wood in a campfire for the same reason that using mana to heat something up until it burns is going to be more difficult than the alternative."
"What alternative would that be?" Twilight asked.
"Using the mana itself as the fuel." Jason sat down and indicated that she do the same. "Our mana offers two methods of bringing a desired effect into reality: The use of Nature magic, as I've been teaching you; and that of Arcane. They are two variants of the same discipline of magic, but they are classified separately because of the process they use to reach the result. Where Nature magic manipulates the world around us to make what we desire, Arcane magic simply calls it into existence by pure mana energy alone."
He held up a hoof and a small flame appeared.
"As you can see, I am not burning a physical fuel. Only mana is keeping this flame going."
He let the flame go out and gestured to his side. Trailers of mist rose at his command and condensed to form a wicked-looking icicle.
"You had been using the water in the air yesterday. But you could also use mana to form a shard of ice when the necessary resources aren't available."
A second icicle appeared beside the first, but instead of coalescing from the air around them over the course of a few seconds, this one took shape instantaneously without any visible cause. Twilight eyed the icicle suspiciously.
"You're teleported the ice from elsewhere?" she asked.
"No," Jason replied.
"Transfiguring the air into ice?"
"Nope."
"A construct then, formed out of energy to resemble ice?"
"Almost," Jason said with a smile. "This is, in every way that matters, a genuine shard of water, frozen and sharp. At least until I stop concentrating on that form. But it's much more than an imitation or illusion. All that separates the mana shard from the natural shard is what happens when I stop manipulating them with mana."
He directed both bolts of ice into the ground a short ways away. The first stuck into the ground and, after a few seconds, began dripping slightly as the warmer air took hold. When the second bolt hit, however, it simply evaporated, leaving a faint layer of frost around its impact point before all traces of it vanished.
"There are a multitude of reasons a mage might choose to use one technique over the other," Jason said. "But we'll concentrate on mana cost and casting time, since they're most applicable to our purposes."
Twilight waited for him to go on, the gears in her mind visibly working on how she might use this new skill.
"Obviously, there is less cost in physical resources and time when you only need to call forth your own mana into a particular form. But it does require greater expenditures of mana. You see, mana is 'burned' when it is used, like calories in the body. Nature magic uses mana when you manipulate the elements around you and create forces. The act of controlling tendrils of your mana to do this takes energy to direct, but the tendrils can be pulled back and retained after you've used them. Arcane magic constructs the desired effect or object out of mana itself. That mana is used and gone once the spell is let loose. You cannot retrieve it."
"Not 'gone' gone, right?" Twilight asked. "I mean, energy isn't created or destroyed, just changed in form. Or is mana different?"
"No, you're right," Jason acknowledged. "It's still out there in the world somewhere. Just not anyplace we can get to it. Not until the mana within us regenerates on its own. I suspect the two are related, but I haven't studied enough of magical theory to tell you exactly how that works."
Her eyes went wide. "What I'd give to see that library..."
"And what I'd give to see your reaction to it," Jason countered with a laugh.
Twilight grinned sheepishly.
"But that's a subject for another time," Jason said, clearing his throat. "You wanted to use fire magic, but need a more efficient method."
"Actually, I've been thinking fire isn't what I want to learn," Twilight said quickly. She gestured to the scorched grasses. "I'm not sure I could handle watching something burn to death and know that I was causing it, not even a Troll."
Jason considered her solemnly. "That's not a bad thing, you know. It certainly isn't a sentiment that's going to win this war, but that hesitance is a restraint that separates the protector from the butcher."
Twilight couldn't look at him as he spoke.
"I'll tell you what," he went on, stepping close to her and putting a hoof on her shoulder reassuringly. "Normally, fire techniques are learned first, since it is the most basic form of its element. But we'll just skip over it and head right for the next stage."
He waited for her to nod before stepping back again.
"I'll be using a sound dampening spell that I learned from one of your books back in Ponyville. Lightning is a loud element to summon after all," he said with a wink.
Dawning comprehension lit up her features and she stepped back in anticipation. But Jason gestured for her to stand close to him instead. Jason's horn lit up, signaling the use of Unicorn magic and not that of mana. A tan bubble expanded out from him until it had enveloped everything within twenty meters of them. All sound from the outside was cut off instantly, while the sound inside the bubble was deadened as if everything had been wrapped in wool. Jason held the spell in place as he prepared his mana to call down a lightning bolt.
He pointed a hoof toward the sky and reached out with his mana through the haze above them. As he did so, he felt Twilight reaching out with her own mana experimentally, probing at what he was doing. Jason then sent a second wave of mana into the ground in front of them. In the sky, he began shifting the air to create a negative charge. In the ground, he created a positive field. Within the pockets of mana he manipulated, the two charges sought to reach each other, but his control kept them apart. As each charge gathered in strength, he felt his ability to keep them separate slipping away. When he finally released them, he redirected his mana to create a pathway for the charges to follow.
Instead of guiding the two forces together in a straight line, Jason wrapped the entire zone of silence in tendrils of mana that snaked between the tree trucks and looped over their heads. At the same time, he pushed his Time Warping ability to its most potent level and extended it to Twilight as well. As the single second of release stretched out into what might have been minutes, he could see Twilight's eyes following the strangely dull arc of energy as it coalesced out of the haze above them and descended. Like a hummingbird, the leading edge of the bolt darted along the mana pathway, leaving a faint trail in its wake. Soon, a long glowing cord of blue-white energy was hanging nearly motionless in the air around them. When it drew near the end of its path, a second strand of energy shot up from the positive charge in the ground.
When the two met, the entire cord lit up in a briefly blinding flash that left both ponies blinking. When they could see again, the cord was thick and pulsed with the energy flowing through it. Even though they were several feet away from the nearest band of lightning, they could feel the intense heat emanating off of it. No sooner had they felt that than a crack of thunder hit them. Due to the sound dampening spell, it sounded as if it was coming from behind a thick wall and so wasn't overwhelming to their ears. But the waves of force that surged in from all sides were undiluted and still powerful enough to buffet them.
The pulses ended and the bright band began to fade away, slowly at first but more rapidly now that the energy had passed completely through and the heated air was dispersing. At the point on the ground where the bolt had struck, a small grass fire burned for a few seconds before fizzling out in the dampness. Jason let up on his Time Warp and dropped his concentration on both the mana path and the sound dampening spell. With a gasp of release, he dropped to his knees and very nearly blacked out. Twilight was caught up in the wonder of what she'd witnessed and had to glance over at him to notice he'd gone down.
"Are you alright," she asked as she helped him stay steady.
He nodded, not ready to speak yet. He held up a hoof for patience. She gave him about a minute to stop his head from spinning before she couldn't contain herself.
"That was incredible!" she exclaimed, gesturing at the air around them, though nothing of the display remained. "Was that your Time Warping as well? Is that what it's like to see time in slow motion?"
Jason nodded as he struggled to regain his feet. He settled for sitting back on his hunches with a weary slump.
"I pulled out...all the stops." He paused to close his eyes against the urge to collapse. "It's been a long time since I've extended that effect to someone else. Natural as the ability is for me, it's strenuous to push it that far." He stopped to keep himself upright again. "But I think seeing the lightning's path so clearly is essential to learning to recreate it."
"All of that twisting and turning didn't look natural," Twilight observed.
"Lightning's path through the air is rarely a straight line. But you're right. It wasn't a natural path. I wanted to illustrate possibilities." Jason took a deep breath before going on. "Lightning comes with its own set of rules that separates it from other elements. As I said, a caster can create an effect with mana alone or they can manipulate the world to bring it into being. Lightning reacts differently than most other elements in that when it fights the caster for control, it changes at incredible speed. It will break out of your control without warning and at the first chance you give it. Generating lightning with mana will allow for complete control, but require much more effort to produce the same amount of energy and thus equivalent damage to a target. But raw natural lightning is unguided and can be as dangerous to allies as to an enemy. Thus, the form I demonstrated was an intermediate of natural lightning, carefully guided by a mana pathway."
Twilight nodded as she considered his explanation.
"Lightning in its natural state takes the path of least resistance to reunite the opposite charges produced by friction in a storm cloud," she said. "So, metals like that of armor on a battlefield would attract a bolt of lightning as conductors, which would redirect the spell away from the intended target. That's the danger you're referring to, right?" She looked to him for confirmation.
"It is," he replied. "But it goes further than that. When you strike out across a battlefield, you need to consider which form fits the situation. Natural lightning, unguided, will strike toward the ground and generally takes an open space above the target to form. But that's difficult to use indoors or in other confined areas. Mana lightning can be directed however you please, but is limited in striking power. Using mana to guide natural lightning compensates for both weaknesses, but takes more time and control. It is better to rely on other elements in uncertain situations and reserve lightning for moments when you can be certain of your surroundings."
Twilight nodded in understanding. "Where do I begin?"
"Let's start with only mana, since it will give you the greatest control. First, create a pathway and direct the flow of your mana through it. Imagine a river that flows in a circle, feeding itself. It is nothing more than a closed circuit of cycling energy."
Twilight closed her eyes as she sent a band of mana flowing out into the space in front of her and then looped it back on itself. She spun it briefly before she managed to make the energy flow while keeping the band fixed in place.
"Good," Jason said, probing her work. "Now, understand that electricity and mana are both energy in separate forms. Let the mana in the band take a new form and flow along the circuit. Keep it contained. But even as it fights to break free, remember that it is your mana; your energy. It obeys you."
Twilight visibly struggled at first, but with a burst of crackling light, the band of mana became a thin ring of sparks, arcing and flashing within the space of her control. She managed to glance at him enthusiastically, but couldn't speak as she concentrated on holding the volatile energy in its form.
"Now comes the tricky part," Jason smiled. "When you use this as an attack, you'll want to conjure this energy rapidly, so practicing to form the electrical energy and containing it in one action should be a priority. But you'll still need to actually use it. That means giving it controlled release."
He pointed out a tree several meters away.
"Just as you're using your mana to keep this energy contained in a looped path, you can create a path that leads to your target. It only takes a touch, like a live wire."
Twilight eased a tendril of mana out to the tree and let the contained lightning flow down the new path. All at once, the ring of energy vanished and a chunk of the tree exploded away in a shower of bark, leaving a ragged gash that stretched all the way from the point of contact to the roots. The flash and crack of thunder that accompanied it caused Twilight to jump before it echoed off into the distance. A small fire burned near the roots where the bolt had scorched its way to the earth, but it died out as quickly as before.
"I...I did it!" she exclaimed breathlessly.
"Excellent. That was flawless for a first time," Jason said. "For practical purposes, you'll need to be able to do it much faster. Some mages conjure multiple charges of lightning at a time while others work on rapidly preparing each bolt. Some even skip the external transition and convert the mana to lightning as it travels to the target, providing for the fastest casting time and the least warning to the target. But that was lightning from mana only. Are you ready to learn natural lightning?"
Twilight nodded eagerly.
"Alright. Have you ever gotten a shock from touching metal after rubbing against a rug or blanket?"
Twilight thought for a moment before nodding curiously.
"Then congratulations!" Jason exclaimed. "You've produced natural lightning already."
He laughed at the questioning look she gave him and went on more seriously.
"A static shock is exactly the same as a bolt of lightning, only on a smaller scale. When using your mana to gather a charge, you're producing the same effect as friction in the atmosphere. But notice that such a small amount of energy can jump back together with the slightest touch. So too will a full charge created by mana. If you do not keep them carefully separate, the forces of nature take over and you will lose control, potentially endangering your friends and allies."
"So, use the same method of containment as a purely mana bolt, but over the entire area you are trying to charge. Then, much the same as you did with heat, shift the energy in that area so that it becomes polarized." Jason watched as Twilight put out a field of mana and began to manipulate the air. "You'll also need to create a positive charge on the ground at your target in order to direct the bolt. Otherwise, a positive charge will develop naturally and the bolt could end up anywhere."
Twilight screwed up her face as she shifted her concentration. Almost at once, a crackle of static arced overhead and a forked bolt of lightning tore into the ground and a nearby tree. Twilight yelped at her loss of control and reflexively put up a purple shield around them both. The tree's upper branches were stripped off as the bolt shattered the top of the trunk while the lower half was split cleanly in two. The second half of the bolt was smaller and left little more than burned grass where it hit. Twilight stared at the tree, watching the embers die in the scattered fragments.
"Yes, well," Jason cleared his throat. "That's clearly what I meant about nature asserting its will over yours. The tree contained enough of a positive charge to redirect much of your negative charge. Containing those charges from start to finish is the primary challenge of lightning and what makes it one of the highest tier elements."
She nodded absently. Despite her mistake, Twilight didn't look troubled. In fact, she was considering the tree thoughtfully now. Jason let her work through whatever it was patiently.
"I'll take your advice," she said at last. "I think it is best only to use lightning under ideal circumstances. I'll keep practicing, but with that muffling spell active from now on."
"That's probably a good idea," Jason agreed with a smile.
Racing hooves interrupted them and a pair of ponies emerged from the screen of trees. Privates Baritone and Felix trotted to a stop and looked around, their weapons held ready.
"What was all of that?" Felix asked cautiously.
"Just us, working on some spells," Jason said. "Let the others know it's nothing to worry about."
The two let themselves relax marginally, but Felix shook his head.
"Actually, we were on our way out here to tell you you're needed back in camp. Lieutenant Hightalon found something."
They all galloped back to find the whole Vanguard had gathered at the edge of the killing field. Cor was holding a satchel and his face was a grim mask. As soon as they were close enough to hear him, he spoke to the whole group.
"I spent last night searching through the field for the messenger that slipped through from the north a few days back. We didn't know for sure he was a messenger at the time, but we do now." He took a roll of parchment from inside the satchel and held it up. "This contains orders that give these Trolls permission to withdraw to the west, which is why they turned and ran so suddenly. But it also notes that they are being replaced with another force; a force that is being sent to attack a town south of our current position. That town is Ponyville."
A ripple passed through the gathered ponies, a wave of uneasy murmurs and gasps of fear. A good deal of them were residents of Ponyville and some of the rest had family there.
"What are we waiting for?" Rainbow cried. "We've got to stop them!"
"All on our own?" Lieutenant Long Watch asked dubiously. "If this group here was being replaced, they'll be more than we can handle. Does the scroll specify a number?" he asked, turning back to Cor.
"It doesn't give one, no," Cor replied. "But it's a safe bet there's too many for us to stop head-on."
"When does it say they'll reach Ponyville?" Jason asked urgently.
Cor looked over the parchment critically. "It doesn't, but it implies that the reinforcements were only a day or two behind this scroll. And we've had a full day and night since it arrived here."
"Ponyville is only two days southeast of us!" Lyra exclaimed. "They could be right on the doorstep!"
"We can't know for sure," Cor pointed out. "But yes, they could be."
"Then we should get moving so they don't get ahead of us," Star Hunter suggested. "Ponyville is only a day away for a Pegasus. We could send a warning, in case we can't stop the Trolls."
"Stop them?" Sergeant Blitz snorted. "We'd be lucky to delay them an hour. There are only fifty eight of us."
"Fifty nine," a voice corrected him. All eyes turned to the speaker and Private Trottow stood up a little straighter under the scrutiny. "I was ordered to remain with your detachment in case you had a report for the main body of the Army. But I can fight as well, if you need me."
"The Army! That's it!" Lyra said. "They only left this morning. We can have them turn south instead and cut these Trolls off with some real numbers."
"And leave the Crystal Empire to fend for itself for who knows how much longer," Long Watch countered. "We can't have the whole Army abandon their mission in the north for one town in the opposite direction. Besides, they're not going to be able to get to Ponyville for three days, now that they've put that much more distance behind them."
"We can at least ask them to send a company back so we have help," Turner pleaded. "We can't abandon the town for lost either. It's home for a lot of us!"
"We can ask," Cor said, glancing at Jason doubtfully. "But in the meantime, we need to be ready to face this on our own. That town doesn't know what's coming, so warning them should be the first priority. They might still have time to evacuate. Requesting reinforcements from the Army is a long shot, but we'll try that as well. But while messages are being sent, there are still Trolls out there, and only one way to deal with them. Let's move to intercept them and buy whatever time we can for Ponyville!"
Leaving the coordination to the other officers, Cor scratched out a pair of messages, one for Private Trottow to deliver to the Army and one for Private Felicitous of Second Flight to take to Ponyville. Everypony else scattered to finish breaking camp as quickly as they could, driven by the fact that they couldn't know how far off the Troll force was and by the hope that they weren't already too late.
~*~*~
When the gathered ponies stirred into action, a lone figure slipped away into the hills to the south, having seen all he needed to. Ragnalau had been investigating the missing troops from the Jungar and Nadrud Tribes when he'd been drawn to this spot by an odd pattern of lightning. It seemed this group had pursued them to an unfortunate end. Ragnalau's lips curled into a sinister sneer. Perhaps these ponies were more ruthless than he'd given them credit for. He tucked that thought away for another time and hurried to return to the Tantar Tribe's troops that he was leading.
And leading he was, though one would never know it from the sight. He was never seen issuing orders or marching with the rest. In fact, he took great pains to be as far removed from them as he could. His rank, as given to him by the Chief, meant he could direct them wherever he pleased. His own reputation let him do so with hardly a word and remain unquestioned. This time, however, he would have very specific instructions for his warriors. There were games he wished to play and snares he intended to set. If these ponies were planning on intercepting his attack on the town of Ponyville, he would enjoy watching them struggle for it.
As he padded through the tall grasses that carpeted the rolling hills and irregular stands of trees on his way, he felt a thrill of anticipation at the idea. Slaughtering hapless ponies would be twice as fun when he knew there was somepony desperately hoping to stop him. |
Innocent | Act III: Chapter Twenty-Eight: When Predators Play | After a frenzy of activity, the Vanguard set out for Ponyville. The wagons had been left behind since they would only serve to slow them down in the hilly country. Instead, everypony carried their own equipment, including weapons, armor and rations. Several ponies were assigned extra packs containing medical supplies, camping gear and the like. Both Jason and Zacon agreed to carry additional materials for making Cor's arrows, since he hadn't had a chance yet to replace those that had been lost, though even those materials were running short. The pace started out fast, spurred by urgency. But as noon approached, the officers held them up, insisting they needed to maintain a more reserved pace so that they wouldn't be spent when they actually arrived.
Cor assembled arrows as he walked, counting and recounting them anxiously. Eighty arrows; only eighty arrows split between five archers. That wouldn't be much use if they were marching to face a number comparable to their previous encounters. Two empty quivers bounced against his flank as he walked, a constant reminder of how many he wished he had. When noon arrived, a flight of Pegasi lifted away on Long Watch's orders, heading west and south to scout out the enemy. Three miles farther south, they returned to report nothing moving. A five minute breather was taken and they took a bite to eat before getting underway again.
Even though the enemy was nowhere to be seen, they kept to the lowlands between the hills to avoid detection. Cor heard hushed snippets of conversation around him as worried friends speculated on what they would find and what they could do about it. He noticed Twilight practicing with mana on a leaf and she saw him looking. He nodded grimly and looked away, hoping she was making progress. He tuned out everything else then, concentrating on his own work. He managed to top off one quiver and, after a little extra effort, he had ten more arrows in the second.
He glanced up from his work occasionally to keep his bearings. The ponies were winding their way between two steeply sloped hills, accompanied by no other sound but the rustle of grasses under their hooves and absolute silence from the lands about. The tall grasses that grew here reached up to brush against his barrel where they weren't tramped down by the ponies in front of him. If he had been paying more attention to the trampled grasses outside of their marching order, he might have sensed the ambush in time. All at once, twenty Trolls burst from their cover on either side, falling on the nearest ponies with their axes. In the second that it took for Cor to realize what was happening, all hell broke loose.
Private Slipper went down almost instantly, drawing a cry of alarm and rage from Private Norse as he drew his bow and fired on the Troll that loomed over the stricken pony. Privates Coco Crusoe and Baritone disappeared beneath a cluster of attackers on the opposite side of the column. Private Bulk Biceps launched himself into that melee with a thunderous bellow and the entire knot of combatants went down in a tangle of limbs. Jason and Zacon wheeled to face the nearest Trolls, but Zacon's movements were stiff as he struggled with the aftereffects of his injuries. Jason didn't look much better off, clearly drained and unable to utilize every opening. The Pegasi took to the air and dove again to engage Trolls in pairs. Private Heartstrings bounded into the fray with a shout of defiance and a flurry of stinging daggers. Twilight became an island of invulnerability as a purple shield formed around her that several Trolls attempted to breach in vain. Most of the others reeled away from the front and formed small pockets of resistance against the sudden surge of Trolls.
All of this was witnessed and processed by Cor as his bow lifted from its sling and a cluster of arrows drew from a quiver. When the first shaft flew, he was issuing orders.
"Second Squad, take the west hill!" he shouted above the clamor. His arrows sought out a pair of Trolls that blocked the path. "Rainbow Squadron, cover them from the top!"
The Pegasi disengaged from their targets and rose above the battle to hover near the hill's crest. From there, they hurled javelins at the Trolls that pursued the ponies up the steep slope. Though it was a sharp climb, the hill was stable enough that the footing was firm. With gritted teeth and some scrabbling, Sergeant Clear Waters led Second Squad to the top. Once they had reached their destination, the archers in their ranks began firing down on the Trolls from the heights.
"First Squad, disengage and rally on me!" Cor took shots at the Trolls that were keeping them from escaping, some arrows hissing past the ears and under the muzzles of startled ponies. "Form up here!"
The remaining ponies in the gully pulled back until they formed a half circle to ward off the encroaching Trolls. Bulk Biceps emerged from the pile of bodies and weapons with a pony under each foreleg and carried them on struggling wings to rejoin the others. Lyra reappeared, weaving between combatants and shanking any Troll she passed. She skidded to a halt, breathless, beside Cor. Jason and Zacon were now alone, fighting back to back amid the remaining Trolls. They would have been in trouble if it hadn't been for the four-way crossfire that rained down from the Pegasi above, the archers on the west hill, Cor's bow from the north and out of Twilight's protective bubble. In short order, all of the Trolls lay dead.
With them, Private Slipper did not rise. Norse slid back down the hill and threw himself at the other, lifting him and cradling him in his hooves.
"My brother," he wailed. "Please, no!"
Baritone hissed and writhed as bandages were wrapped around several deep lacerations from the axes and claws of the Trolls that had pulled him down. Coco Crusoe lay unconscious from a blow that had left a large dent in his helmet. Corporal Prism Glider landed at the top of the hill and let the other members of Third Flight tend to a gash on his foreleg from a thrown axe. Bulk winced as Twilight tended to the array of cuts that had found their way past his armor and left shallow crosshatching across the plates. Other ponies that had been wounded broke out bandages from their packs, while the rest slumped where they stood to catch their breath and recovered from the shock of the ambush.
Cor's brow furrowed as he surveyed the aftermath. The Trolls had gotten the drop on them in textbook fashion. He saw the shallow dugouts where they'd hidden and the mats of grass that had covered them. The woven camouflage even had protruding stalks to mimic undisturbed grasses. Forty Trolls had expertly waited for them here and sprung a trap that might have cost them much more if they hadn't been able to organize so quickly to meet it. A chill ran up Cor's spine. There was no reason for them to set this ambush unless they knew Equestrian troops would be coming this way. And if they knew about the Vanguard's destination, far enough ahead of time to set this trap...
Cor spun about, scanning the crests and vales of the hills around them frantically.
We could have come by any path. How did we wander into the specific gully they were hiding in? His eyes continued to widen as the realization set in. They weren't alone. This isn't over.
He was about to call out in warning when somepony else beat him to it.
"Trolls!" Star Hunter shouted from the top of the hill.
The Trolls reacted instantly to being spotted. A flurry of spears and axes fell amongst the ponies on the hill and Private Far Horizons of First Flight was knocked to the ground. As Private Blue Moon aimed his bow to retaliate, he was struck as well. Both ponies were grabbed by their comrades and pulled away. As many as fifty Trolls surged to the top of the hill behind Second Squad, having crept up toward them stealthily until they were nearly on top of them.
"Make for that stand of trees," Jason shouted, pointing to the south. "Take cover there!"
As everypony bolted, Norse began to fall behind. Cor held back for him and saw that he was being slowed down by his brother's body.
"Leave him, Private. Get yourself out!"
Norse gritted his teeth and said nothing as he ran, still struggling with the extra weight.
"I need every bow I've got!" Cor growled, lifting the body off of the other soldier with telekinesis and dropping him. "Move your flank, Private!"
Cor sent a few arrows back at the Trolls that were thundering down the hill at them and gave Norse a slap above the stifle that spurred him ahead even as tears fell behind him. Cor fired one last shot before putting all his effort into catching up with the others. The stand of grizzled oaks spread out in a relatively flat lowland between the surrounding hills. Their thick canopy and low hanging branches created a dark interior into which the ponies raced. The grasses were shorter and patchy in the shade and the ground was soft. The heat of the afternoon sun did not reach them as they panted for breath and the cooler air left a chill on their sweaty coats.
The pursuing Trolls gathered at the edge of the trees and peered in after them but did not attempt to enter. Cor shot one of them that inched closer and the Troll toppled over backwards with a shaft protruding from its eye. The remaining Trolls retreated a few hundred meters to the top of one hill and continued to wait. As the ponies watched, another group of Trolls shuffled into view and, after a short exchange with the first group, took up positions on an adjacent hill. In all, more than a hundred Trolls watched their place of concealment.
"We've got to get out of here," one pony commented softly, giving voice to what they were all thinking.
"Easier said than done," Jason muttered, contemplating the Trolls' position with concern.
"Seems easy enough to me," Sergeant Blitz said. "We just head out the back way while they're all out there on the front side."
Cor glanced behind him to measure the possibility. The trees extended back for more than a hundred meters before thinning out again. The hills in that direction were lower and broader than those they had been traversing, but that only meant they'd have less cover and fewer chances to use high ground against their opponents. More immediately, a tall screen of cattails blocked the way, alluding to a pond just out of sight. The hills that rose to either side made the tree cover dangerously thin if they wanted to escape unseen.
"No good," he reported. "We'd either make too much noise in that pond back there or be spotted moving around the edge. We'll need to deal with these Trolls here or we'll just be giving them the opportunity to cause us grief later on."
"I'd take a chance they don't, over facing them down like this," Blitz snorted. "At least if they do try to stop us, we'll have a head start."
Cor shuffled his arrows, berating himself for not picking up the ones he'd fired back at the gully as soon as the fighting stopped. He'd already spent every arrow he'd made that day. He glanced at Jason while recalculating. Jason wasn't looking at him. Instead, he was looking back at the cattails, his ears perked and twitching.
"If we don't find a way to even these odds, retreat might be our only option," Lieutenant Long Watch muttered as another group of Trolls arrived and spread out between the occupied hills.
Cor sighed, knowing they were right. "Alright, get the wounded moving first. Those of us in front will stay here to disguise our movement. As soon as they're past the pond, we'll pull back as well."
As the ponies began to draw back from the watching Trolls, Jason started in alarm. Cor heard it too; a slosh of water in the concealed pond, though nopony had stepped into it yet.
"Get back!" Jason shouted, dashing through the other ponies to reach the cattails, his blade arcing ahead of him.
Private Felix jumped back as a Troll reached out of its cover and took a swipe that passed just under his nose. Jason's sword flashed into the reeds and the Troll went down with a splash. Cor went pale as the entire pond erupted in a surge of disturbed water and shouting voices. Trolls barreled out of the cattails, swinging wildly as they rushed into the ponies.
"Stick to the right and run!" Jason shouted, holding his ground and battling Trolls on all sides.
The ponies swung and parried as they ran past the charging Trolls, ducking and weaving to avoid the less nimble enemies. As Cor fired from his rapidly thinning supply of arrows, he heard the Trolls behind them take up the call and rush down to join the fight. Cor attempted to pick off Trolls that were still blocking the way, but he could only do so much as he too attempted to flee. Private Crinkle was tripped by an axe that nearly took his foreleg off and he went down in a heap. Before anypony could react, the Troll finished him off with a downward stroke to his neck. Private Bounds' shoulder was pierced by a spear that managed to find the gap in his armor's plates, but he stayed upright and kept running.
Private Vector was hacked out of the air as he swooped in to strike a Troll and he rolled to a stop, one wing hanging limp. Big Mac scooped him up as he ran past, not even slowing down as another axe glanced off his plated flank. As the last ponies burst from the trees and took to the hills again, Cor turned back to see two hundred Trolls streaming toward him through the shadowy grove. He had five arrows left. With a contemptuous huff, he drew one of them and began weaving a powerful spell. He bowed his head in concentration and whispered to the trees, connecting himself to their essence. He called out to them with the power of his birthright, the command of Nature that his Elven blood granted him, and the mighty oaks answered.
Their roots rose up and their branches twisted down so that a barrier was erected to stop the Trolls' advance. Cor then lit up the tip of his arrow and cast a web of mana over the knotted obstruction. With a resonant twang, he sent the arrow into the web and ignited an inferno that spread around the whole stand of oak trees, trapping the Trolls inside. Cor felt his legs buckling from the strain of such massive mana expenditure. With a stagger, he attempted to catch up with the others, only to find Jason at his side.
"Your turn to carry me out of one of these messes," Cor muttered, his sour tone failing to carry any of the intended humor.
Jason hoisted the exhausted archer onto his back and took off to rejoin the rest of the Vanguard as they disappeared into the hills beyond.
~*~*~
Hours later, in the shadow of a towering stone outcropping that jutted from the earth to twice the height of the nearby hills, the Vanguard took shelter from their pursuers. Night was beginning to fall and they'd managed to lose the Trolls for the time being. A watch was set, though no fires were lit, since patrols of Troll troops could still be seen all around them, combing through the hills in search of their quarry. Meanwhile, the wounded were given more thorough care. In total, eight ponies had been seriously injured, though hardly any had escaped untouched. The two fatalities weighed heavily on everypony's minds, especially since their bodies had been left behind. Private Norse was inconsolable and he wept quietly in the back of the camp.
Long Watch and Jason sat in the shadow of their monolithic shelter, low on the slope of the nearest rise. Cor had not yet regained consciousness, so Jason busied himself making arrows. Without the archer to replenish their dangerously low stocks of ammunition, he figured a few done by him would be better than none at all. The other Lieutenant stared off to the southwest, glaring at the red-tinted hills in the fading light. Since they'd come farther south, the haze that had hung over them had dissipated somewhat. Farther south, they could see stars; the first they'd seen since leaving Canterlot.
"We're better than this!" Long Watch said suddenly.
"Are we?" Jason replied, not bothering to ask what the other meant.
"They shouldn't have been able to hound us like they did. They were waiting for us, at every turn. You saw how they came from every direction once we'd been engaged. They were ready for us!"
"They were," Jason conceded.
"And we've handled worse odds! We held our own before. What went so wrong this time?"
Jason paused in his crafting to look more carefully at Long Watch. The other Lieutenant was gritting his teeth in frustration, though the seething anger quickly bled away until he only looked defeated. Jason finished the arrow he was working on before he replied.
"We encountered a new challenge. We knew how to handle what we'd faced before, but this isn't the same. We'll have to figure this one out before we can beat it."
"And how many more lives will that cost us?" Long Watch asked with a snap.
"More than zero," Jason replied bluntly. He turned to Long Watch, a bit of impatience creeping into his voice. "We can't know for sure, but I'll be damned if I let thoughts like that stop me from getting as close to zero as possible. So don't talk like that, got it?"
Long Watch was taken aback for a second and looked away ashamedly.
"I'm sorry," he said sullenly. "Shouldn't be taking it out on you, or anyone else for that matter. I'm not holding myself together very well."
"As long as you remember that we're all on the same side, you deal with it however you have to," Jason said, more gently this time. "But this situation still demands a plan."
"To hunt these monsters down and bury them in the holes they've dug for themselves?" Long Watch asked with a faint growl. "I wouldn't mind taking on these smaller groups as long as it's on our terms. After all, they've gone and split themselves up for us nicely."
"That's one way to put it. It's true they'll be easier to defeat if we can keep it to a single group at a time. But it'll take some finesse to keep out of a bigger fight when they seem so well...organized..."
Jason stopped talking as he came to a startling realization. He looked out at the Trolls that were marching over a distant hill crest to the west and then to another in the east. He waited for a moment and another group appeared to the southwest, going in the opposite direction. They looked like they were just as far away as they'd been when the ponies had taken cover here. In fact, they seemed to be following the same routes, all around them.
"They're circling us," he breathed.
"What's that?" Long Watch asked, following Jason's gaze but not seeing the same warning signs.
"They're not searching for us," he said urgently. He scooped up the arrows he'd made and started down into the camp. "They're waiting us out. We're right in the middle of them. And that's right where they want to keep us."
Long Watch cast one last glance at the surrounding hills before following.
"Listen up," Jason said, drawing all eyes. "We're in a bad position and I don't see a pleasant way out of it. I suspect the enemy knows where we are and could attack at any moment. I also suspect they are choosing not to attack because their goal is specifically to stop us from reaching Ponyville instead of simply wiping us out. So here's what we're going to do..."
~*~*~
Ragnalau peered northward through a screen of grasses at the ponies' hiding place. Shadows fell over the land as the sun disappeared behind the hills. Shadows fell even more thickly beneath the imposing stone pillar. His quarry had taken less than two hours of rest when he saw the first signs of activity. Within a minute, the Pegasi lifted away and turned north at high speeds. He could see his troops turning to pursue them as they passed overhead. Another few minutes crept by and a group of ponies on hoof detached themselves from their shadowy cover and headed west. Ragnalau held out an arm to prevent the Trolls behind him from moving to intercept, though he knew that positions farther from him would be quick to engage.
"Don't be so hasty," he admonished as the others settled back again. "We'll see what the whole play is before we join in."
The sounds of fighting reached them from the west, where the second group had obviously encountered resistance. Ragnalau smiled as he imagined the struggle. His smile widened as it moved farther away, implying the ponies were making progress. It amused him when the other clans bathed in their own blood. For all their pride, they were dumb enough to march willingly to certain death.
Almost twenty minutes passed and the other Trolls began to shift restlessly, but Ragnalau remained motionless. His patience paid off when another group of ponies broke cover and ran to the southeast. Few of the patrols remained in that direction and they made their way unobstructed.
"Looks like we've got them all to ourselves," he said, signaling his group to move out.
~*~*~
Jason and Long Watch ran hard, hoping to put as much distance as they could between them and the ring of Trolls that had surrounded them. First Squad ran dutifully behind them, though Baritone and Coco Crusoe had to be carried by Bulk and Big Mac respectively. Second Squad had gone west with Cor and Zacon, the former having been roused in time to move under his own power, even if he could not fight. Rainbow Dash was leading her squadron on a long northern loop that would hopefully draw a sizable portion of the Trolls out of range before turning south again to meet them at Ponyville. Jason knew that splitting up their unit would be risky, but he also knew that it was their best bet of getting some of them to Ponyville in time to make a difference.
What difference they would be able to make was not a question he concerned himself with just yet. Neither had Twilight allowed herself to focus on that detail, insisting she would rather be there for her home and her friends in any way she could. Twilight was only a few steps behind him, laboring hard to keep up the pace. They were all still tired and the night was only beginning. The morning promised only a looming battle with uncertain odds. They would have to conserve their strength now or risk facing the enemy exhausted. Once they could no longer see the towering stone that had been their place of refuge, Jason called for a breather.
The sounds of battle to the west had long since faded away, whether to distance or some conclusion, it was impossible to tell. In the wake of the hectic day, the silence was oppressive. Every jingle of shifting armor and each ragged breath made ears twitch and heads turn. They were on edge and rightfully so, but as seconds ticked by, nothing disturbed the night. As the last blush of the sunset faded from the west horizon, the squad got moving again. The pace was easier this time and they attempted to make their way with a greater level of stealth.
They wound their way between the hills for an hour, finding broader hills and wider stands of trees as they went. They were drawing close to the northern edge of Whitetail Wood, which meant they were now within several hours of Ponyville. None of them dared to voice their hopes that they had arrived ahead of the Trolls, both for fear of being heard and of having that hope dashed. As they marched on, the hills and isolated stands of oak and sycamore gave way to uninterrupted stretches of elms and maples. The night was clear, though the canopy overhead cast deep shadows between pools of moonlight. They pushed on, determined to make the far side of the Woods by dawn.
In a patch of woods, seemingly no different than the rest they'd already passed through that night, their enemy found them again. One moment the undergrowth was still and benign, and in the next, dark shapes were rising out of bushes and from behind trees and rocks all around them. Weapons were raised and the ponies drew closer together defensively while the Trolls made cautious advances, savoring the advantage of having them completely encircled. Jason saw movement farther out, recognizing the shapes of additional Trolls moving to form a second parameter to contain any attempt at escape. Something about the situation set off a burning in his blood, a fierce anger at these circumstances in general. When he glanced to his left and saw Twilight advancing with a scowl toward the nearest Trolls. He guessed a similar reaction was occurring in her.
The bolt of lightning was so sudden in its appearance that all of them were caught off guard. The Trolls who became its victims were caught in mid-stride and sent reeling backward into twitching heaps in the dirt. The Trolls who witnessed the demonstration of power recoiled in fear. Most of the others took steps back guardedly, clearly unsure of how to approach that sort of opponent. The ponies, meanwhile, were totally unprepared for the burst of light and sound that arced over their heads. Many of them had been tense already and a few on the verge of panic. With this last straw, they were pushed over the edge and most of the squad bolted in random directions.
The Trolls failed to give chase right away and Jason took full advantage of that, darting forward and cutting down several that were blocking their best chance of avoiding the encirclement of the second group of Trolls. The fighting spilled outward into the surrounding trees, with crashing brush and snapping branches mixing with the grunts and clashes of metal. Jason made headway, intercepting any Trolls that tried to close off the gap in their lines, but when he turned to look for those who had followed him, he saw he was alone.
Twilight stood where she'd been, a halo of electricity spiraling above her. Fingers of light lanced out at Trolls foolish enough to charge toward her. She spun about, her gaze sweeping through the dim light beyond her aura of scorching magic to seek out her next target. Everypony else had already disappeared into the night and Jason was torn between searching for them and staying to assist Twilight. Though, as he watched, it quickly became apparent that she needed no help. As Troll after Troll succumbed to her retribution, they lost interest in remaining here any longer. The Trolls turned away and either fled from the pony mage or else attempted to pursue the others. The fire faded from Twilight's eyes when the last of them disappeared, replaced with a hard set frown and furiously knitting brows. Jason made a small noise to get her attention and she trotted over to him. They ran after their companions in silence, though Jason knew her thoughts were anything but quiet.
~*~*~
Lyra Heartstrings ran. She never intended to leave the fighting. In fact, she wasn't even conscious of her decision to run. Instead, she was gripped by a primal urge to flee from the lightning that had so violently torn open the air in front of her. The sharp crack of thunder that had exploded in her ears and the split second of blindness from the disorienting flash had been enough to release the coiled energy building in her since they'd started running that night. Now, she was racing through the underbrush without a direction in mind and no idea what had become of the others.
It took a supreme effort, and many minutes, but she managed to rein herself back in and stop her reckless flight. She crouched behind a bush, trying to get her panting breath to settle. But what she heard next stole her breath away completely.
"What luck!" the rough voice said with an audible sneer. "A new plaything has found herself lost in my woods."
The faint blue glow of the Troll's fur played tricks on her eyes as he slid smoothly between the curtains of moonlight and shadow. He was looking directly at her, his wickedly curved spear held loosely in one clawed hand.
"All alone, little pony?" he taunted, his sinister smile widening to reveal the rest of his teeth. Then his eyes widened with cruel mirth. "Oh, I remember you! You and I have unfinished business, don't we?"
He dropped into a more cautious stance and continued to advance on her. Lyra drew her knives and raised her shield, but the confidence had gone out of her. She knew this Troll and what he was capable of. She remembered his agile strikes and the way he'd been almost dismissive in deflecting her attacks back in Canterlot. Goldengrape's final moments flashed before her and she gulped in undisguised fear.
She began to back away, but her movement triggered an instant reaction from her opponent. He sprang forward, vaulted over a rock on her right and landed behind her. She spun around with a panicked yelp and held her shield up to block him, but no blow fell. Instead, he shook his finger at her in reprimand.
"Now, now. No leaving before we've finished." He leaned in closer, his grin nearly glowing out of the dark at her.
She lashed out at him with two of her blades and he jumped back, swatting them away with the shaft of his spear. She aimed for his feet next, but he moved at the last moment and the blade buried itself in the ground. He stamped his foot on it, embedding it deeper and preventing her from retrieving it. Lyra drew another dagger nervously, seeing his eyes trace over her array of weapons appraisingly. She gave ground again, but circled to one side defensively at the same time. The Troll matched her steps patiently.
She took deep breaths to calm herself, thinking that she might be able to win this fight if she could keep her head clear and focused. She glanced about for something she could use to her advantage and found an idea in the way the Troll had gotten past her. She picked up her pace, circling faster and drawing an intrigued tilt of the head from the Troll, whose stride quickened to follow. With a flick of her horn, one of her daggers was sent off into the darkness to the right. The Troll glanced after it in genuine confusion and decided to attack before she could set up whatever trick she planned any further.
His spear swept down at her as he leapt forward and she dodged to the side. He rolled in the opposite direction and lashed out with a sweeping blow that she was forced to block. The shield rang with the impact and Lyra quickly moved to distance herself from the Troll again. She wove between two trees and doubled back again. The Troll had given chase to stop her escape, but was caught off guard when he found her racing past him again. She slid under his spear as he sought to catch her with his long reach and stabbed at his exposed arm. He recoiled from the stinging blades but managed to keep hold of his weapon.
While he recovered himself and turned to pursue her again, she sent another of her blades into the dark, this time to hide at the base of a large rock. She galloped toward that rock, knowing that the Troll would be close behind her. To her dismay, he was faster than she expected. He grabbed hold of her tail and hauled her backward. He tossed her on her back and brought his spear down hard. Only by twisting where she was did Lyra avoid being skewered. Instead, the spear cut along her side, sending searing pain through her as she felt the blade scrape against her ribs. She cried out as she swung one of her daggers and the fine point traced a bleeding gash across the Troll's cheek and caused him to rear back with a howl. No longer pinned beneath him and gritting her teeth against the pain, she scrambled up and made for the rock again.
The Troll was after her instantly, but as he reached her again, she jumped, planted her hooves against the rock and launched herself to the side. As the Troll twisted to face her, the dagger that had been hiding at the rock's base sprang up at her command and buried itself in the Troll's thigh. At the same time, the first dagger she'd hidden flashed out of the darkness and found its mark in his back. But Lyra's plan to catch him off balance with attacks from all sides didn't completely work. As she turned to attack with her remaining blades, she found her opponent bearing down on her with single-minded determination, despite his injuries. Gone were the taunting sneer and the gleeful glint in his eye, replaced with a burning anger stretching his features into a hideous mask of hate.
With only a second to react, Lyra used her shield to deflect the spear as it attempted to find her heart and intercepted his claw as it swept in at her face by stabbing it with two daggers at once. But she couldn't stop him from throwing his weight into her and knocking her to the ground with a hip check that sent her head over hooves. Bleeding from multiple daggers that remained embedded in him, the Troll was visibly fighting the effects of his injuries, but his rage prevented him from being slowed. He leapt at her again, his spear thrusting to finish her. Before the blow could connect, a hammer the size of the Troll's own head sailed out of the night and slammed into him.
With a grunt, the Troll went down and rolled back to his feet again, his gaze sweeping the shadows for his assailant. His eyes were still pinpricks of fury, but pain was beginning to show through, along with what might have been fear. Big Mac and Bulk Biceps stalked into the light, both wielding swords. Behind them, Baritone and Coco Crusoe waited with spears. The Troll saw these new opponents and turned to flee in the same breath. A barking shout of anger was his parting word as he disappeared. Big Mac rushed to Lyra's side.
"You alright?"
She nodded as she attempted to stand. But as she put weight on her forelegs again, they shook under her. Big Mac held her up, his eyes lingering on the bloody gash at her ribs. Bulk was lifting Baritone onto his back once more, since his show of standing ready had been a façade to hide the severity of his injuries. Coco Crusoe didn't look to be in much better shape, but he was managing to stay on his hooves unassisted. When Big Mac asked, Crusoe insisted that Lyra needed the assistance more, so Big Mac carried her. Lyra protested weakly before surrendering. They started moving again, pushing the pace as fast as Crusoe could keep up with. They remained alert, but the Trolls had vanished and all sounds of fighting had faded away. They continued on to the east, hoping they would find the others waiting for them.
~*~*~
Time Turner didn't know who he was following until Caramel called out from behind him.
"Slow down Night Watch. We're not all as fast as you!"
The Corporal glanced back and slowed up his pace, allowing Time Turner, Caramel and Jack Hammer to catch up. Trees blurred past as they ran and the howls of pursuing Trolls echoed from what seemed like every direction.
"Are we even going the right way?" Jack Hammer asked as he panted from the back of the group.
Night Watch didn't answer, but looked up to find the angle of the moon and changed course accordingly. Their hooves pounded against the forest's grassy floor for another few minutes when a sheer rock wall stopped them in their tracks. Night Watch looked left and then led them right. Before they had gone more than a dozen paces, a cluster of Trolls stumbled into their path and turned to attack. Night Watch, not breaking stride, leveled his lance at the leader and drove it through his chest. The next Troll grabbed hold of the Corporal before he could dislodge the weapon. He lifted the hapless pony off his hooves, snapping the lance in two. He turned with a grunt and hurled him into the rock face, where Night Watch crumpled to the ground and lay still.
Jack Hammer plowed into the nearest Troll with a scream of rage and the two went toppling into the bushes. Caramel jumped on the back of the Troll that had thrown Night Watch and began hacking at him from behind with his sword. Turner ran toward that same Troll's legs and threw his weight into them, preventing the Troll from reaching up to defend himself as they all went down in a heap. More bodies came tearing out of the darkness and joined the fray, though Turner couldn't identify them from where he lay pinned by the Troll he'd tripped. The Troll went limp and he managed to wriggle to freedom, grabbing his sword and looking for a foe. He found three more ponies than before helping to subdue the last of the Trolls.
Private Cobalt was helping Caramel drag Jack Hammer out of the bushes, careful to support his obviously broken leg. Private Karat gave Turner a quick look to make sure he was unhurt and Turner nodded his appreciation. Lieutenant Long Watch pulled his sword from the body of his opponent and moved quickly to Night Watch's side. Caramel suddenly fell over with a hiss of pain and Karat rushed to him.
"You're hurt," he said, as the other tried to get up again.
"I'll be alright," Caramel insisted with a grimace. "Just a scratch."
Karat held him still and checked the wound, which turned out to be a gash that ran along the underside of his breastplate where two plates overlapped. The Troll's claw had slipped in during the scuffle and left a bleeding trail in its wake. Karat pulled a wad of cloth from his pack and stuffed it into the gap in the plates and pressed it in hard.
"We don't have time to do more than that," Karat said with a frown. "We've got to keep moving."
"He's right. Let's move." Long Watch said as he hoisted the unconscious Night Watch onto his back.
"But Jack Hammer is in no shape to be moved either," Turner pointed out.
"There's no helping it," Long Watch said with a shake of his head. "Cobalt will carry Private Hammer. Karat will assist Caramel. You take point, Doctor."
Turner hesitated only a fraction of a second at the nickname and then took the lead, steering them in as eastward a direction as he could determine. Their pace was considerably slower now that three of them were carrying wounded ponies.
"Where'd you hear my other name from?" he asked, keeping his voice as low as he could.
Long Watch didn't look at him, but grunted neutrally. "Night Watch is my nephew. He mentioned you a few times."
"Mentioned me?" Turner pressed.
Long Watch gave him a sidelong glance at his persistence.
"He worked in Ponyville as a security guard for the hospital. I'm told the nurses there had nice things to say about you and what you do for that mare of yours."
"Ditsy isn't my...I mean, we're not...not yet." He trailed off sheepishly.
"I'm not prying," Long Watch said. "But they think highly of you, whatever your situation is."
They went on in silence for some time, Turner lost in thought and the others concentrating on putting one hoof in front of the other. When the howls of Trolls began to close in on them again, they picked up the pace as much as they could. But the sounds of pursuit crept closer with each passing minute. It was when they could hear the snapping of branches as the Troll pushed through the undergrowth to reach them that Long Watch got Turner's attention.
"Take the Corporal," he said, heaving the unconscious pony onto Turner's back. "Get everyone out of here. I'm leaving you in charge of these ponies until you can meet up with the others again."
"Wait, what?!" Turner said with a start. "What about you?"
"I'm going to buy you the time you need to make it out of here. They're going to catch us all otherwise."
"But Lieutenant, we can't leave you behind," Karat protested. "You're an officer."
"And it's my responsibility to make sure you're all taken care of," Long Watch shot back impatiently. "Besides, I can't order one of you to stay behind. I've got to be willing to do that myself."
The others retreated uncertainly, still not convinced they were doing the right thing, but Turner hadn't moved. Before he could argue, Long Watch put a hoof on his shoulder.
"I understand, but we don't have time. Just get my nephew out of here."
Turner shook his head. "Not without his uncle."
"I'm a soldier, Doc. This is what I have to do." The sounds of Trolls were closing in and they could see figures moving in the deep shadows. Long Watch glanced at them and then fixed Turner with such a stern gaze that it sent a chill down his spine. "What you need to do is get home in one piece and make that mare your wife. Now get out of here!"
Long Watch gave Turner a shove to get him moving and spun around as the first Trolls broke through and spotted them. His sword hissed out of its sheath and he dug in to face them down. Turner ran hard, not looking back, but unable to outrun the sounds of fighting or the knowledge that he'd seen far too many Trolls to hope the Lieutenant could escape. The weight of the pony on his back was only marginally heavier than the weight of the guilt in his heart.
Is my life worth more than his? Turner asked himself. Should I have stayed behind?
A shiver ran through him at the thought.
He couldn't order one of us to stay, but I could have volunteered. When Night Watch wakes up, how will I tell him I allowed his uncle to die?
He pushed those thoughts away roughly, angry with himself for living and angry for being angry at himself. He would deal with it later, he told himself. He had other obligations here and now. For starters, he needed to catch up with the others and make it to Ponyville.
Ditzy and little Dinky.
Their names flashed through his mind and their faces rose before him again. His resolve hardened as he reminded himself that he had at least two reasons to keep moving and he wouldn't let anything hold him back from them. His hooves pounded the dirt relentlessly until he saw the others. They fell in behind him and matched his speed. In minutes, they encountered more of their comrades. Jason and Twilight appeared to their right and they found Big Mac and some of the others farther along. Four more ponies remained missing. Those who had made it through the Troll lines fled through the night, half of them injured and the other half determined to make up for it. |
Innocent | Act III: Chapter Twenty-Nine: On the Home Front, Part 1 | Applejack dosed standing up. She'd been awake now for almost thirty hours straight. Since the news of the imminent Troll army had arrived late yesterday, she hadn't given herself the time to feel tired. Now that there was the slightest pause, she couldn't help but close her eyes for a moment. The ponies with her were in worse shape, passed out in their armor where they waited at the edge of town. It had been a difficult night.
When news of the coming attack had first reached Ponyville, there had been a moment of panic. Despite the plans they'd made for evacuation, the townsponies were unprepared for the moment to actually arrive to carry them out. At first there was confusion. Some ponies were in denial, convinced it was just a rumor being spread as a prank with poor tastes. Others disregarded the procedures that had been agreed upon and fled the town on their own. For the first hour, the only cohesive response was to be found in the ranks of the volunteers, who came running from their houses and the tents of the refugee camp to arm themselves. As the Mayor tried to regain control of the distressed populace, the troops marched in relative calm and assembled at the west edge of town.
As soon as the news spread through the refugee camp, there had been a surge of activity. They already knew what it was to be driven by the enemy and now they had less to leave behind. Half the camp was on the road by the time the troops had finished gathering, while the rest of town was only beginning to remember their plans. Some of the troops were held up by tearful family, wishing them luck or begging them not to go into battle. But their commitment to their fellow volunteers won out and close to two hundred ponies, armor clad and armed, met on the west side of town. They were all visibly afraid and made equally visible efforts to hide it. More than a few had looked to Applejack as she took her place in their formation, seeking a measure of reassurance. It had been hard for her to think that they were relying on training she'd provided to face this danger and it made her reconsider how ready she felt to be marching into battle. But she hadn't allowed herself to dwell on it long. She'd had an army to lead and a town to defend and it demanded her full attention.
She led them out to their first line of defense, which had been the first few miles at the edge of Whitetail Woods. Those tree-lined paths were familiar to most of the ponies of Ponyville, and the volunteers from among the refugees had gotten accustomed to them during training. In small groups, they found cover where they could ambush the Trolls as they passed by. They were split up in small groups of five and spread out through the trees. There they had waited for the Trolls. When night had fully fallen, the enemy appeared. It was chaos from the very start. Their surprise attack caught the Trolls off guard for a moment, but the battle-hardened Trolls quickly organized to counterattack.
Many ponies fled back to town, unprepared for the ferocity of battle and overcome by their fear. Those who stayed put the second phase of their plan into action. Instead of standing their ground, they took off deeper into the trees, keeping just ahead of the Trolls to draw them away from town. Applejack had warned them that they would be unlikely to win if they allowed themselves to be engaged on the enemy's terms. So they changed the terms to buy time for their families to seek safety to the east. After three hours of weaving through the trees and dodging Trolls on all sides, Applejack led her team back toward Ponyville. They were all struggling against their fatigue, but the night was far from over. The other teams pulled out as well over the next two hours, each measuring their own limits. Some of the ponies who had fled at the start regrouped with them then.
When the Trolls realized their quarry had slipped away, they reformed their lines and advanced out of the trees. At that signal, the Pegasus members of the defenders took to the air, slipping on silent wings through the black sky. When the javelins started to fall, the Trolls were held up by their surprise, seeking out the new attackers. With no way to strike back against them, they pushed forward doggedly. The ponies charged out to meet them. But just before their lines met, the ponies turned to either side and went around them, back into the trees. The Trolls, enraged by the lack of direct engagement, gave chase with thrown weapons and shouts. Then the whole process began again, with the Trolls hunting through the trees for elusive prey that stayed one step ahead of them.
As dawn began to touch the eastern horizon, the Trolls withdrew deeper into the Woods and gave chase no more. The ponies, on the verge of collapse, welcomed the respite and returned to town. Now they had kept watch, anticipating the Trolls' return. For the entire morning, they hadn't relaxed their vigil. Applejack knew they wouldn't be able to rest properly until the Trolls had been dealt with or they were able to escape themselves. She was vaguely aware of a conversation taking place behind her, but she didn't break out of her doze until she heard her name.
"Our evacuations would have been completed by now, if not for stubborn ponies that are refusing to leave," one voice was saying.
"Why could they possibly choose to stay?" another responded.
"They either have family in the fighting that they don't want to leave behind, or they refuse to be driven from their homes," the first voice reported with a sigh.
"Unbelievable," the second voice muttered.
"Where are the Trolls?" the first asked. "What are they doing now?"
"Applejack might know more than I do," the other replied. "I've been busy managing our own situation."
Applejack shook herself and looked around to orient herself in reality again. "What's that? What's the question?"
Bon Bon and Mayor Mare were standing a few paces back, out of the way of the rest of the ponies who were waiting for the Trolls' inevitable return. Bon Bon wore a steel breastplate and armored shoes, her weapons and helmet resting on the ground beside her. She'd been at the front of the fighting and had surprised Applejack with just how well she'd handled herself. Where most ponies had experienced a shock when they first encountered the enemy, Bon Bon hadn't had any such hesitation. By the end of the night, she'd emerged as a leader that everypony looked to for guidance.
Mayor Mare also wore a breastplate, though it was obvious she had neither participated in the battle nor intended to join the next. A sword hung from her side, but at an angle that suggested she didn't know how it should be worn. Still, she had insisted she equip herself for the symbolic effect of seeing the town's leader armed. Both mares turned to Applejack now that she'd joined the conversation.
"I was wondering what the Trolls are doing now," the Mayor asked.
"Gettin' ready for their next attack, most likely," she shrugged, suppressing a yawn. "Or sleepin', same as I'd like to be doin'."
"Well, we can't take our rest just yet," Bon Bon said gruffly. "They've had plenty of time to regroup. I suspect they'll be back soon. We'll have to be ready when they are."
"Are we ready?" Mayor Mare asked apprehensively.
Bon Bon flipped through the papers on a clipboard she was carrying. "Not by my estimations. We're missing about fifty ponies. Most are probably dead somewhere in the Woods, but at least some ran and never came back. That leaves us with about one hundred fifty, if that."
"...Did we really lose that many?" Applejack asked, her weariness forgotten beneath a wave of anxiety.
"I'm afraid so," Bon Bon nodded. "And I hate to be such a pessimist, but I don't think we'll be able to keep them at bay with the same strategy as last night. We need a new plan."
The Mayor and Bon Bon both looked to Applejack expectantly.
"What?! You think I've got a plan?" she asked. "I only had a bit of trainin' with swords. I don't know about any tactical whatnot!"
Bon Bon looked at the ground with a serious frown while the Mayor cast an apprehensive glance around.
"That makes you the most knowledgeable one here," the Mayor said, lowering her voice so the nearby troops didn't overhear. "I've run this town for a long time, but giving speeches and signing papers isn't the same as leading an army. If any of us can come up with something, it's you."
"Maybe not," Bon Bon said softly.
The other two looked at her in surprise.
"I swore I'd never tell anyone this, and I expect the two of you to keep tight lips about it." She took a deep breath before going on. "I was part of a secret agency, working directly under Celestia to contain monster threats across Equestria. We were shut down a few years ago, but while we were in operation, I wasn't exactly stuck with a desk job. I helped to capture some of the toughest monsters our agency tackled. I have a few tricks that might buy us some time."
She looked at Applejack, concern showing through her hard stare.
"Time is all it will buy us. We still need some way to turn the tables on them. How long until we get those reinforcements?"
"I'll check," Applejack said, looking up at a lone Pegasus who had perched himself on the top of a nearby building. "In the meantime, get yourselves set up any way you have to."
Bon Bon and the Mayor left to reposition the troops and Applejack trotted over to the Pegasus.
"Private Felicitous!" she called up to him. He dropped down in front of her nimbly and waited for her to go on. "When did you say the rest of the Army was going to get here?"
"The Army?" he asked, perplexed. Then he shook his head. "No, I said the Vanguard was on its way. We don't know if the Army will be able to get here, though we sent a message for them to send anyone they could spare."
"The Vanguard?" Applejack repeated. "Who are they?"
"A team of ponies operating ahead of the Army, to disrupt enemy movement and strike their weak points so the Army can finish them off when the time comes," he announced with a slight swell of pride. "We'd just completed our operation against the remnants of the force that attacked Canterlot when we heard about the attack on Ponyville. They estimated they would be here a day behind me. They could arrive any time now."
He scanned the trees and the hilly country to the north expectantly.
"They might have been delayed, or even cut off by the Trolls out there," Applejack mused.
"Or they already engaged the enemy, and that's why the Trolls haven't returned yet," he countered brightly. "We don't have huge numbers like the Army does, but we've got a fire-spitting team, sure as rain."
"I sure hope so," she muttered, but she couldn't shake her doubts.
She excused herself and caught up with Bon Bon, who had already established a new line of defense and was coordinating the construction of traps in the streets. Little flags were planted to indicate safe paths; red for danger, blue for clear. While the code was spread to the defenders, and the traps were being put into place, a meeting was called to make plans for the defense of the town, street by street. Applejack listened to Bon Bon as she gave detailed instructions to each team of ponies and precise expectations for their movement and timing. The gathered ponies absorbed as much of the information as they could, though more than a few looked overwhelmed by her thoroughness.
Applejack committed her part to memory quickly. It was easy enough when she knew every street in Ponyville. It was a simple matter of association. Each street corner had a different plan or maneuver attached to it, laid out in a sequence that followed a route she'd walked a hundred times. Now, instead of going from a bakery to a general store, she was going from a tripwire trap to a three-way ambush. Ponies walked the routes to familiarize themselves with the plan and the last of the traps were being set when a cry rose up from the west. The scouts had spotted the Trolls again. Everypony rushed to their positions, weapons held ready.
Applejack peered around the side of the building she was using as cover to see small clusters of Trolls emerge from the trees and move cautiously toward the town, their eyes scanning the sky and their shuffling steps hesitating to be the leading group. Other ponies near her took steadying breaths as the gap closed, steeling themselves for the fight. During the flight through the woods, they had hardly attempted to face the enemy. Indeed, most of the Trolls they'd managed to kill lay in the open space between the tree line and the edge of town, fallen under the javelins of the Pegasi. This meager killing field was likely contributing to the reluctance of the Trolls to advance. When they had made it halfway, the Pegasi took to the air again and began lobbing javelins, prompting the Trolls to make a break for the cover of the buildings.
Though most of them made it to the first of the cottages at the edge of Ponyville, very few made it any farther. From behind every corner, ponies sprang up to attack. The Trolls were ready to fight, and some ponies were struck down, but they were overwhelmed all the same. The defenders had little time to enjoy their minor victory however, because Trolls instantly poured out of the Woods, having sufficiently probed the ponies' defenses. The wave swept across the field, almost ignoring the desperately tossed javelins from above. Applejack gave the signal to withdraw, a signal that was echoed up and down the lines, and then led her team back through the streets to seek the first of their traps.
The Trolls that gave chase howled in fury. Applejack spotted the red flag and veered down the blue path. At the same time, a group of ponies revealed themselves on the far side of the red path, taunting and calling to the Trolls. The Trolls let Applejack's group escape, concentrating on the ponies that weren't running from the fight. Too late, they realized that the ground had been carpeted in tacks and caltrops. The Trolls struggled to cross over the obstacle only to be met on the other side by spears and swords that cut down the off balance attackers. The advantage was fleeting though, and the trap lost potency as more Trolls became aware of its presence.
Still running, Applejack could see other positions falling back as the traps ran their course and lost effect. The second line of traps waited ahead and she called her team onward. A signal from the Pegasi hiding on a nearby rooftop told her it was time to turn and face the enemy. She and her team wheeled about and held their ground, standing defiantly in the path of the Trolls that rushed up the street toward them. Applejack hoped her fear didn't show on her face, but when she saw similar fear on those who stood with her, she realized there wasn't a logical reason to hide it. She was afraid and so were they. Zacon's words came back to her then.
No soldier honest with themselves is completely unafraid.
It wasn't a lack of fear that allowed a soldier to fight. It was the will to fight regardless of that fear. Now was her time to prove she had that will. With a steadying breath, she acknowledged her fear and then put it aside. There was no way to avoid what came next, no way to run from it now. She had to face it, and she wasn't going to let anything, much less fear, stop her. The revelation must have caused a visible change in her bearing because her team looked at her in surprise and closed ranks resolutely. The Trolls took notice of the tiny knot of ponies standing in their way and charged. Heedless of anything else, they howled up the street, their weapons held high. They were only a few strides from the ponies when the Pegasi on the roof released the ropes they'd been holding, and the heavy timbers perched precariously over the street came tumbling down on the heads of the bulk of the Trolls, cutting the front of their ranks off from reinforcements.
Those Trolls that made it through the trap were momentarily surprised to find themselves virtually alone and the ponies took full advantage. Applejack sank her sword into the first Troll she could reach. The blade bit into the muscular chest with a crunch of bone and a gush of blood. The first time she'd killed a Troll, the shock of having its blood splash onto her face had almost caused her to drop her weapon. This time, she did not hesitate and spun her whole body around to create the momentum needed to rip the blade loose again. The Troll toppled over backwards and curled up on the ground to bleed its life out.
She leapt to her next opponent and finished it off with similar efficiency. Suddenly, a javelin hissed by her face, mere inches away, and landed in the dirt. She looked around to find one of the Pegasi on the roof recoiling from the realization that he'd almost hit her as he tried to help with the remaining Trolls.
"Save your javelins and get to the next position," she shouted at him. "We'll manage."
The last Troll fell under her blade and her team turned to retreat to the next line of defense. As she galloped away, she glanced at the javelin. She couldn't help but shudder at the thought of being killed on accident by another pony. Not only the loss of another fighter to defend her home, but also the guilt that pony would have felt.
Friendly or not, that was too close.
She shook herself and ran on.
~*~*~
Pinkie Pie watched from the main floor window of Sugarcube Corner as ponies ran by. Most ponies had already left town but she had stayed to make sure the bakery was looked after while the Cakes were away. After all, she couldn't just leave the shop completely unattended. Still, she wondered if she might need to leave for a teeny tiny bit. There sure had been a lot of commotion today and everypony had been acting worried, like something bad was about to happen. But that was silly, because how could something bad happen when so many of their friends had gone to join the Army? They'd promised to keep bad things away from town, and she knew they wouldn't break their promise.
When the first of the Trolls came into view, she couldn't help but giggle. She'd never seen one before and there was something comical about their shuffling gait. As ponies rushed past the shop, she saw something that made the laughter catch in her throat. A veil fell across her eyes as her mind refused to make the connection between the fear in everypony's eyes and the Trolls that chased behind them.
What were those red patches on their coats?
Her mind wouldn't give her a clear answer.
Were they playing tag out there? she thought as a pony fell under a Troll's axe. And why doesn't that pony get up?
The obvious truth danced just out of reach as a fog clouded her thoughts. Somehow, what she was seeing was wrong and she just knew it was a mistake. The light must have been playing tricks on her. Or she was suffering from low blood-sugar levels. Or even that this was some sort of prank that she hadn't heard of before. It would all make sense as soon as everypony got back up and yelled "Fooled you!" Then they'd all laugh and it would be okay.
Her ears flopped suddenly, followed by a flutter of her eyes and a twitch of her knees. She jumped backward as her Pinkie Sense went off. The door to the shop was kicked in a second later. Pinkie's ears flattened back instinctively, though she wasn't sure why. Her knee got pinchy, though she couldn't figure out what was scary about this situation. The pair of Trolls that were shouldering their way inside could have been more polite by knocking first, but they were probably just tired from whatever game they were playing outside and wanted some sweets for a snack. Pinkie leapt behind the counter and produced a platter of toffees and jelly candies.
"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!" she announced, holding the platter out for them to see. "I've got everything you need right here. Take your pick of these samples and we'll get you paired up with the perfect treats in no ti-"
One of the Trolls swatted the platter away, scattering its contents across the room. Pinkie backed up as they marched around the counter and closed in on her.
"Want something more substantial?" she asked nervously, wondering why they were being so rude, even as her mind would not accept the answer. "Try these muffins, or a fruit pie, or some cupcakes. In fact, have them, have all of them!"
She tossed the items up, hoping the Trolls would leave her alone and go for the food, but neither of them even glanced at the confections. The Troll in front of her flicked a cupcake off his shoulder and grabbed her by the foreleg, lifting her up to his eye level. There was an axe held tightly in its other clawed hand and its beady eyes had no warmth in them.
So she laughed. There was nothing else to do. She was scared, but she didn't have to be. She'd laugh these scary things away and everything would be alright again. In fact, if the Trolls actually thought about how ridiculous they were, she was sure they'd laugh themselves right out of existence too. Scary things couldn't hurt her if she just laughed them away. They'd be gone any second now. As the axe was raised up, she wondered how many seconds were in an "any second" anyway.
The Troll stopped before he could swing and looked down at his leg. Gummy the Alligator had latched onto the Troll's ankle. The Troll tried to shake him off, but the toothless gator held fast. The Troll dropped Pinkie in his attempt to dislodge the stubborn reptile. With a grunt of annoyance, the Troll kicked out violently and Gummy went sailing into the wall behind Pinkie. He hit the wall and slumped to the ground. She waited for him to bounce back to his feet but he didn't. He just lay there.
Pinkie blinked at him in a daze. Her mind had reached the end of its ability to reasonably dismiss reality. It hung on the precipice of two equally bleak voids; either to admit to the horror of her surroundings, or to turn away from them to such a degree as to come back full circle, but leaving herself behind. The choice never made it all the way to her consciousness, which had long since lost control of itself. Instead, she had already decided which course to take and her laughter changed pitch accordingly. Gone were the nervous giggles, and the gentle trills of yesterday did not replace them. Now, her laughter was sharp and irregular, coming in short bursts as if she were forcing it out between anxious breaths.
"Oh, is that the kind of game you want to play? I'm good at that game!" she said as she turned slowly back to face the Trolls. An unnaturally wide smile was growing on her face as her unfailingly fluffy mane deflated. "And it looks like it's my turn!"
~*~*~
Scootaloo had made a mistake. Since they'd seen other ponies choosing to stay, she and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders had slipped away in the confusion of the evacuation. It had felt like an opportunity for adventure, to see the troops in action, or maybe even to have a chance to help save the town. Somehow, she never imagined how wrong she could be. None of the monsters that had ventured into Ponyville before had ever acted like this. While some, such as Cerberus or the Ursa Minor, had found their way here either by accident or by being disturbed, these Trolls didn't seem to have any purpose but to kill everypony. Racing through the streets, a pack of Trolls giving persistent pursuit, Scootaloo fled toward town hall. It was the last place she'd seen the others as they prepared to leave town and she hoped it was where she could find somepony to help her.
The other two CMCs were not by her side now either. They'd stumbled upon a small battle between a cluster of Trolls struggling through a tripwire trap and the line of ponies trying to hold them back. One moment, the ponies seemed to be evenly matched with the brutish attackers. The next, several ponies the three fillies had known most of their lives were dragged down and tossed aside. When the Trolls turned their hateful gazes on them, Apple Bloom had bolted. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo took off as well, but the other filly was too far ahead and they lost sight of her. A few blocks later, Sweetie Belle turned down a different street than Scootaloo, and now she ran alone.
Just as she thought she'd gotten away, a knot of Trolls shuffled around the next corner ahead and spotted her. She saw an open door to a house on her left and veered toward it. Taking the stairs inside to the second floor, she glanced about hastily. Picking a room, she kicked the door closed behind her and sought a place to hide. It was a well furnished bedroom. She looked at the underside of the bed but decided against such an obvious place. A dresser in the corner provided just enough room for her to squeeze between it and the wall so she wiggled into place and waited.
The sounds from the street were muffled through the walls and Scootaloo couldn't hear any sounds of her pursuers' approach. The sudden creek of the stairs under their weight caused a shiver to pass up her spine. Their footsteps stopped in the hall for the space of a heartbeat. Then the hinges of the door shuddered under a heavy blow. She resisted the urge to peek at the door. It burst open a second later and three Trolls shouldered their way inside. She tried to quiet her breathing but it sounded like a gusting wind in the relative silence. She could hear the Trolls begin upending furniture in search of their prey. A bedside table became matchsticks as it was acquainted with an impatient axe. Scootaloo had to make an effort not to gasp or scream as bits of furniture landed in front of her. When the bed was smashed in half and tossed against the wall like a toy, Scootaloo could take it no more and bolted from her concealment.
She made for the only window in the room because the door meant passing two of the Trolls on the way. Luckily, the third was facing the wrong way to see her make her move. She heaved the window up and shoved the shutters open, leaping out onto the flowerbox. With another small jump, she made it to the thatched roof where its slope came down next to the window. A Troll's claw closed down where her hooves had been a fraction of a second ago. As she scampered toward the roof's peak, she could hear grunting and scrapping that told her they were attempting to follow.
When she reached the top, she realized that she had nowhere else to run. With panic rising up again, she turned to see two Trolls carefully climbing out the window after her. Their size made walking on the thatching hazardous and progress was slow, but they were determined to reach her. Scootaloo looked left and right, and finally, down. There was only one way to escape. Taking a few steps back so she had room for a running start, and trying to ignore the fact that she was three-and-a-half stories up, she spread her wings.
She hesitated for the span of a breath. Just as the first Troll lifted his clawed hand to grip the top of the roof, she charged wildly and flung herself out into space. Her eyes clamped themselves closed when her hooves left solid ground, refusing to see the emptiness that she knew lay below her. Her wings beat furiously and she stretched her hooves out before her. As the rush of wind in her ears told her she was falling, she instinctively angled her wings. At once, she felt herself change direction. She opened her eyes in shock. She was dropping rapidly still, but now she was on course for the next rooftop and had leveled out so that she might even make it. She shifted again and aimed for the lower part of the roof. She hit at an angle, bounced once, and scrambled madly to stop herself from tumbling over the other side. She watched as bits of straw that had been kicked loose fell away into the street below.
She blinked once. With a burst of elation, she realized that she hadn't just made the jump, but had actually managed to control her descent. It was the closest she'd ever been to actually flying on her own in her whole life. She turned about, full to bursting with the need to celebrate this wonderful moment with a smiling face and ended up staring back at the Trolls she had only barely managed to evade. They growled and brandished their weapons at her but could not follow.
The sounds of battle and screams of ponies rising up around her returned in a rush and she recoiled. The rooftop gave a clear view of the fighting up and down the street. Bodies of Trolls were left abandoned like spilled grain sacks where the defenders had faced them down. But the bodies of ponies lay beside many of them. Every so often, another group of combatants passed by, leaving more bodies behind.
The last of her ecstasy drained away and she lay down in a quivering and disconsolate mass, folding her legs and wings tight against her body. She tried to shut it all out, hoping for it to end and leave her behind. So complete was her denial that she didn't even move when a crunching sound behind her announced the presence of someone else on the roof with her. She did finally look when a hoof touched her shoulder.
"Don't give up kiddo," the newcomer said. "We're not finished just yet."
Of all the faces Scootaloo was wishing to see right now, no other could have brought her a bigger smile. Rainbow Dash stood tall and proud in her Air Corps uniform, framed by a sunburst that peered through the clouds behind her. She scanned the street grimly for threats. Scootaloo flung her hooves around her idol's neck with a cry of relief.
"Did you...? You didn't happen to see me when I...?" She couldn't help trying to ask, despite their current situation.
"Yeah, squirt, I saw. And it was pretty awesome." She smiled briefly and ruffled the filly's mane. When she turned her gaze back to the fighting, however, her eyes hardened against what they saw. "Listen, I'll fly you somewhere safe and you stay there, alright? I'm needed out here."
"Okay." Scootaloo said, letting herself be hoisted onto Dash's back.
Rainbow coiled up and jumped into the air. She circled once and flew southeast. Town hall passed beneath them, where the remains of the defenders had gathered to make a last stand. As more and more Trolls found their way to the spacious plaza from the surrounding streets, the battle intensified. The stragglers of the evacuation, as well as stubborn ponies who were now being driven from their homes forcefully, still lingered on the south side of the river and were making slow progress to the east. The defenders concentrated their efforts on keeping the Trolls away from the bridge that was the easiest river crossing. To the west, smoke rose from many rooftops, where Trolls had begun to burn the cottages. Rainbow descended toward a familiar white Unicorn and landed hard in her urgency.
"Rainbow!?" Rarity gasped in surprise. "You're here?"
Before Rainbow could do more than nod grimly, Sweetie Belle bounded out from behind Rarity and dragged Scootaloo off of the other Pegasus and into a crushing hug.
"Oh, thank goodness you're alright. I was so worried when we got separated."
"So was I," Scootaloo said, easing the trembling filly off of her. "But what about Apple Bloom? Did she make it here?"
Sweetie Belle's eyes glistened with tears as she shook her head. "We haven't seen her."
"I'll keep an eye out for her," Rainbow said, spreading her wings. "But I need to get back to my squadron. Get yourselves out of here and take care of each other."
Rarity looked like she wanted to say something, but she could see there wasn't time and gave an encouraging nod instead. Rainbow shot back up into the sky and winged north to regroup with her squadron as it strafed a street full of Trolls with javelins. The other Pegasi defending the town quickly rallied at the sight of the Air Corps squadron and soon a full fifty Pegasi were raining projectiles onto the enemy. The Trolls were having trouble bringing their numbers to bear in the confining streets and, with no maneuvering room or cover, entire groups of Trolls were wiped out by the Pegasi. Meanwhile, the fighting in the plaza surged and ebbed, but each time the Trolls were driven back, there were fewer ponies to hold the line.
~*~*~
Applejack and the remaining defenders held their ground stubbornly. But when she glanced across the river to the remaining ponies who had yet to flee the burning town, she despaired. They were too slow and the Trolls were too numerous. Even if they could hold on until the last of them had escaped, it would be too late for any of her troops. Tears welled in her eyes as her hope faded. Another wave of Trolls had made it through the Pegasi and was bearing down on her, but her heart was no longer in the fight. The plaza before her was littered with fallen ponies; names and faces that swam before her. The Trolls trampled over the dead heedlessly and came on.
They were about to reach the ponies when a blast of force erupted between them, sending them all sprawling. None of them had time to determine its source because bolts of lightning and shards of ice ripped through the air and turned the battlefield into a cloud of steam and strobing light. The thunder was nearly continuous as it rolled over the ponies, who quivered where they lay. The ice seemed to concentrate on the Trolls closest to them while the lightning fell against more distance foes. The terrifying display of power was enough that many Trolls refused to advance on the plaza, instead withdrawing to the western side of town. Those who remained were cut down by the magical maelstrom.
As the haze cleared and the echoes faded, the ponies got back to their hooves, looking about shakily, equally amazed and frightened. Then they saw her. The radiant battlemage that had saved them stood with a wide, defiant stance. Her silver armor gleamed over the navy blue uniform and energy still crackled around her menacingly from the barrage she had unleashed. Applejack had to blink a few times before she recognized the mage for who they really were, so different was she from the scholarly pony she'd known. More than the unusual attire, her entire demeanor was changed. The fierce gaze, the gritted teeth, the raw power that seemed to bend the air around her; none of it looked like the obsessively studious mare from Canterlot that Applejack called her friend.
Twilight was breathing heavily from the effort, but with just one steadying breath, she appeared calm and collected once more. A few ponies cheered as they rushed to greet her. Applejack made her way over woodenly, still processing the day's events and the turbulent emotions that were coursing through her. Earlier, she remembered seeing Rainbow amongst the Pegasi, leading them over the streets. The recognition had been there and gone again in the heat of battle, but as a relative stillness settled over the town, she was beginning to catch up. She was supremely tired, grief-stricken and afraid, but now so filled with relief that she could cry. Her friends had come home and there wasn't anything she wanted more than to hold them near again.
Just when she thought she'd had her fill of familiar faces, she spotted Jason and her joy bubbled over in a choked laugh as she ran forward. |
Innocent | Act III: Chapter Thirty: On the Home Front, Part 2 | As ponies gathered to greet Twilight and thank her for her timely arrival, a mare who Twilight wasn't completely familiar with pushed through to speak. Tufts of her navy blue and pink mane stuck out from under her helmet.
"Calm it down! We're not even half done here!" the mare barked gruffly, clearly conducting herself as an officer as she eyed the mage's insignia on Twilight's armor. "Report soldier. Where's the rest of your unit?"
"Right behind me," she said, indicating ten ponies headed toward them from one of the north streets.
"Is this the Vanguard we've been holding out for? Just them?!"
"Sorry to disappoint, but there wasn't time," Jason said, as he and the others trotted into speaking distance. "We were forced to engage in multiple locations in order to break through and reach the town. The others will be pushing to meet us independently. For now, we just needed some of us to be here at all."
He stopped beside Twilight and scanned the crowd of ponies. He found who he was looking for at the same moment she reached him. Applejack threw herself into him and cut off his greeting with her lips. The kiss was hard and unabashed, even in front of so many watching ponies. After a few breathless seconds, she broke away with a soft smile. Jason stared back, speechless and wide-eyed.
"Thank Celestia you're alright," she whispered. "Seein' Canterlot burnin', I was so worried."
Her eyes lingered on him even as she turned to greet Twilight. The two mares embraced, but Jason heard nothing of the words they exchanged. He was still far too distracted by Applejack's kiss. It had been more passionate than anything that should have passed between friends. Indeed, he didn't think there was any way to interpret its intentions as something other than romantic. It confused him that she should so suddenly show that kind of interest in him. He thought back through their interactions to find clues to her behavior and realized his error almost instantly. His familiarity with her would have passed as close friendship in Elven culture, but she had obviously seen it as more. He grimaced inwardly and hoped he would be able to explain the issue without upsetting her. However, now was not the time.
"Who's in command here?" Jason asked.
"I am, if anyone is. The name's Bon Bon."
"Lieutenant Faircastle," he said, indicating himself. "Now, are we retaking the town or evacuating?"
"Evacuating, sort of. But we've been too slow at it." Bon Bon glanced at the ponies across the river, still in sight as they made their way east. "We've been buying them time."
Jason followed her gaze and frowned critically. "Pull your troops back to the other side of the river and hold the far side of the bridge. We'll establish a forward perimeter and keep them off of you."
"Who do you think you're giving orders to?" Bon Bon huffed. "I said I'm in command here."
"What's your rank?" Jason retorted. When Bon Bon hesitated, he went on. "Even if you outranked me, the plan I'm offering still stands. Are you disagreeing with that plan or just resenting the fact that it was an order?"
"It's been a while since I took any kind of authority over me," she said crossly. "But I'll see to it your plan is carried out. Besides, we need the breather."
She trailed off ominously with a glance at the ragged and exhausted ponies behind her. Then she saluted and began directing the defenders to cross the bridge. Jason was about to start issuing orders to his team but stopped when he saw the reunion that was silently taking place. Big Mac and Applejack cried as they held each other. Twilight stood just to their side, wiping away tears of her own. The other ponies of the Vanguard looked on in hushed sympathy, though more than a few glanced out at the dead, searching, hopefully in vain, for their own loved ones. Unwilling to interrupt, Jason instead signaled Rainbow to bring her fliers down to meet them.
"What's it look like from up there?" he asked when they'd gathered on the ground.
"The Trolls aren't pushing anymore," she replied, looking back at the surrounding streets. "They're concentrating their forces to the west, like they're waiting for something. Some of them are still hanging around the north side of town though, mostly burning buildings."
"Numbers?"
"Lots," Rainbow said dryly. "More than a thousand and that's just the ones we could count. There's no telling how many more are lurking around."
"Then we're not going to be able to save the town itself," Jason said with a heavy sigh. "But buildings can be rebuilt if only the citizens survive to return. We'll hold here until we can be sure the Trolls can't catch them and then move out ourselves."
"What about ponies still in the town?" Rainbow asked apprehensively.
"What ponies?" Jason scanned the streets, but there was no movement. "They'll either have run or died by now, I think."
Rainbow didn't budge. "I think we should at least look."
"I'm not risking any more lives on a suspicion that somepony is hiding in a cupboard somewhere," Jason shot back.
"It's Apple Bloom," Rainbow said, casting a glance at Applejack. The other mare looked like she'd been struck a blow as she spun around, aghast. "She's not accounted for, and she'd been out there last they saw her."
She pointed back into town, where smoke rose from burning cottages and the shapes of Trolls could be seen moving several streets away. Jason was about to say that they couldn't begin a search in a place like that, but he could see Applejack out of the corner of his eye. Reluctantly, he changed his mind.
"Our first objective is to cover the evacuation," he said slowly. "But I'll see what I can do about finding Apple Bloom. Everyone is to hold this position until I get back."
"I'm going with you," Applejack said. Big Mac nodded as he stood by her side.
"No," Jason said firmly. "Stay back and keep the bridge locked down. That's an order."
Big Mac grunted in frustration and turned to join the rest of the Vanguard's formation, but Applejack held her ground.
"There ain't an order you can give that'll keep me from searchin' for my sister. And I reckon I'm not in the Army anyway, so there." She looked at him very pointedly.
Jason hesitated in responding as he tried to articulate his reservations, which gave Twilight enough time to chime in.
"I'll go with as well." She saw Jason rounding on her with an exasperated exclamation on his lips and cut him off before he could even begin. "Princess Celestia expressly forbade you from giving me orders. I will go where I decide."
Jason had to close his eyes tightly in order to contain his irritation. When he was able to speak, it was through clenched teeth. "Fine. But I resent this risk. I'd rather you stayed back here, where it's safer."
"I figure I'll be safer with you," Applejack said.
Her expression softened, allowing Jason to detect a reluctance to see him leave again. His anger melted away before the vulnerability he saw. He was no stranger to that look. He had never been very good at dealing with it and he wasn't faring well in this world either. He didn't trust himself to reply, so instead, he turned to address Rainbow.
"Sergeant, I trust you won't dispute my orders when I tell you and your fliers to round up all the ammo you can before the Trolls decide to press this position again?" Rainbow shook her head hastily and Jason went on. "Good. You'll need every javelin you can get in order to keep the pressure off our ground troops."
"Lieutenant?" she said as he started off. "I'd suggest starting on the north side. There aren't so many of them as to the west and something's keeping them busy. Might be ponies holding out."
Jason nodded and started northward. When Big Mac made to follow, Jason shook his head in resignation and motioned for him to keep up.
"Might as well let you come," he grumbled. "She's your sister too."
They made their way quickly, meeting no resistance as they pressed out of the town square and into the northern streets. The fires hadn't spread far in this part of town yet and the Trolls were concerned with other parts of the town at the moment. But the sounds of Trollish shouting reached them soon and they investigated. Twilight gasped when they found her library in the center of the commotion. Dozens of Trolls had surrounded it, brandishing weapons and occasionally throwing rocks at the windows. Some Trolls lay dead nearby, their fur burned away by tongues of green flame that still clung to the blackened forms. The ponies took cover around a corner.
"Spike," Twilight breathed as she looked at the scorched Trolls. Her eyes traveled to the windows, searching for any signs of movement and then swept across the Trolls laying siege to the tree dwelling. "I've got to help him."
She made to step out of concealment but Jason stopped her. She opened her mouth to tell him off but he made a placating gesture for her to listen.
"I know I can't give you orders, but let me make a suggestion. There's too many to take in a straight fight, but we might be able to drive them off with some trickery."
Twilight waited to see what Jason had in mind and started in shock when she saw it. Jason used telekinesis to lift one of the Troll bodies back to its feet and grip its weapon once more. Twilight followed suit with another body. Jason lifted a second one once he had the first properly balanced. Twilight raised two more in similar fashion. The five risen Trolls shambled clumsily toward their unsuspecting living counterparts, weapons raised to strike. The weapons came down, felling the first Troll before any of them knew what was happening. Unexpectedly, the Trolls struck back without more than a moment's hesitation. But the Trolls were equally surprised when the corpses didn't stop. Though large chunks were taken off, even a head in one case, the arms that held the weapons kept swinging.
There was a pause in which the Trolls backed away in uncertainty. When one of those brought down by the walking corpses began to rise as well, a few let out shrieks of undisguised fear and the entire group broke ranks, fleeing to the west. The ponies waited a few moments, and when the Trolls did not seem to be returning, they crossed the street to the library. Applejack stopped to look at the bodies where Jason and Twilight had let them fall back to the ground.
"That sure chased 'em off." She shivered and then added, "Spooked me a bit too."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "They might be our enemy, but the dead shouldn't be treated like that. It just doesn't feel right."
"A necessity of war," Jason said. He glanced uneasily at the bodies as well. "It wasn't true Necromancy though. Just a bit of gruesome puppetry."
"What difference is there?" Twilight asked.
"Very little," Jason said darkly.
They reached the door and paused to listen. No sounds came from within, nor could they detect any movement through the gaps in the splintered door.
"Spike?" Twilight called, barely raising her voice. "Spike, it's me. Are you in there?"
There was a tense pause and Twilight grew more anxious with each second of silence.
"Twilight?" the dragon's voice replied at last. "Is it really you?"
A reptilian face appeared in one of the windows and was gone again in the blink of an eye. There was scrapping and a few thuds as heavy objects were moved away from the door. The door opened and Spike ushered them inside. Twilight scooped him up and hugged him tight while Big Mac and Applejack closed the door and peered out the windows to keep tabs on the street. Jason looked around and saw two dead Trolls inside. Both were burned and then appeared to have been doused by buckets of water. The room was torn apart, evidently in the scuffle with the Trolls. Books were torn and scattered and the tables were propped on their sides near the stairs, forming a crude barricade. A face poked out from beneath a desk, but disappeared with a squeak of fear when they saw Jason looking.
"It's alright," Jason said softly as he approached. "We're here to help."
The face appeared once more and the tiny Unicorn gazed up at him uncertainly. Her faintly violet coat and golden-blond mane were vaguely familiar, and as he got close enough to see behind the tables, he realized why. A grey-coated Pegasus lay curled up at the base of the stairs, her face obscured by both her blonde mane and her hooves. Her shoulders shook weakly from tired sobbing and her wings lay limp at her sides.
"Ditzy?" he breathed.
His heart skipped a beat when her ears perked up to her name and she looked around to see him. The lopsided eyes struggled to focus on him, but after a moment, she gave up.
"It's not him," she muttered to herself.
The Unicorn Jason assumed to be Dinky looked up at him. "Are you here to save us?"
"Yes we are," he replied softly. "We're making sure nopony gets left behind and we need to hurry."
"Why didn't you come sooner?" she asked.
Jason was taken aback but he recovered quickly. "We were far away. But we came as quickly as we could."
"You shouldn't have been so far away," she said bluntly.
He considered her carefully. "We're here now."
She stared back at him and he got the impression she was weighing his words with a critical reasoning far more mature than her age suggested. Knowing the circumstances she and her mother faced, he could only guess what harsh truths she'd been exposed to that prepared her to confront this situation. Dinky slowly turned to look at her mother. Ditzy had not moved or made any sign she intended to. Dinky trotted over and nudged her.
"Mommy, we need to leave," she said, trying to push Ditzy to her feet, but hardly budging the mare.
Ditzy mumbled something but Jason didn't catch it. Dinky seemed to have understood and redoubled her efforts.
"We can't stay here. Mommy, please!" Her horn sputtered and some of the feathers of Ditzy's wing were ruffled by the attempted telekinesis.
"It doesn't matter," she said, getting up anyway. "He's gone."
"It does matter," Jason said sharply.
His tone cut through to Ditzy and she looked Jason in the eye for the first time. She started in surprise when she recognized him.
"Mr. Faircastle?!" Words hovered on her lips and she struggled to get them in order. "But if you're here..."
Her jaw went slack as a realization crashed over her. She walked up to him with a desperate plea in her eyes, but she couldn't bring herself to ask the question for fear of her newly rekindled hope being extinguished again. Jason had a hunch as to what it was, but he remained stone-faced.
"Let's get moving," he said, turning back to the door. "We're a long ways from the rest of our troops and the enemy won't hang back forever."
Ditzy lit up with another flare of hope at the mention of other troops and she followed eagerly, hardly daring to breathe. Twilight hesitated, looking around at her books and tables in the home she might never see again. But she managed to pull herself away and followed the others back out into the street. They hadn't gone more than a block when Trolls came howling toward them from the west side. Jason swore under his breath and drew his sword. Twilight, Spike, Applejack and Big Mac took up positions on either side of him while Ditzy and Dinky shrank away in fear. For a moment, it looked as if they would be buried by the sheer number of Trolls that were careening toward them. But something disrupted their charge from the rear and Jason heard a familiar voice shouting in a foreign tongue.
"Hest Tek Finan!" Zacon shouted, his Axe pointed at the enemy in challenge. "Hule Tek Gunarin!"
He and the rest of the ponies with him fell upon the rear of the Troll forces as they turned to face his voice. Jason sprang into action immediately, taking advantage of the distracted Trolls in front of him to carve deep into their formation, leaving his enemies to fall behind him from the keen bite of his arcing blade. Zacon's Axe clove through the Trolls as he passed them and the ponies pushed in behind him. Twilight lashed out with ice shards and bursts of Unicorn magic. Spike, with his flame breath, and Applejack and Big Mac, with their sword and hammer, supported her in pressuring the Trolls and kept them from getting around on the mage. The Trolls were now being boxed in as ponies attacked from both ends of the street while the magic blades of the foreign warriors cut them down from within.
Jason and Zacon reached each other and fought side by side, dividing the Trolls effectively into two outflanked groups that dwindled rapidly until they were wiped out entirely. So complete was the maneuver's success that none of the ponies fell in the battle. Zacon quickly directed his troops to follow after Jason as they all headed toward the river again.
"A timely arrival," Jason commented as they ran.
"The battle is still young and I intend to be a part of as much of it as possible," he replied with a grin of anticipation.
"Not so young as you might think," Jason returned. "The enemy is far too numerous for us to handle today. We're preparing to leave the town once the last of the civilians have been evacuated."
They arrived at the river and the two parts of the divided Vanguard greeted each other warmly. Zacon spat into the dirt and rounded on Jason.
"You're telling me we came all this way to help these ponies leave their homes behind?"
"We don't have much choice, now do we?" Jason pointed out.
"Turning tail and running is the worst choice there is!" he said, raising his voice. "J'ut! I'll be called a coward after I'm dead!"
"No one is going to call you a coward except yourself," Jason said with a bite of ire. "And that'll be your choice as well."
Zacon leaned in close to Jason so their eyes were inches apart.
"I didn't come here to watch this town become a bonfire," Zacon said, seething with barely contained fury. "I came here to win a war! Now let's take this fight to them!"
Before Jason could shout his answer back, Rainbow called out.
"Look! We've got reinforcements!"
She let out a whoop and pointed at the swarm of figures rapidly approaching from high above. Fourteen squadrons of Pegasi, the entire Air Corps, circled as they descended. One broke away and headed for the assembled ponies on the ground. Spitfire came to hover a short distance off the ground and returned Rainbow's salute.
"We got your message and came as quick as we could," she said, with a glance at the burning town. She gritted her teeth against what she saw. "What's the plan of attack?"
Startled, Jason made a rapid reassessment of the situation, looked at Zacon and gave a nod that dismissed their argument entirely. He stepped back and yielded the decision to the other Lieutenant. Zacon stepped forward to address the Captain.
~*~*~
Cor had been silent for the entire exchange, now watching with mild detachment as Zacon laid out his plan. It had been a long night, made especially difficult by the fact that he'd drained himself so completely the day before. His quiver held the remaining arrows for the entire Vanguard, twenty in all. The other archers had given the last of their own to him in favor of spears and swords, noting that he would make better use of them. Even so, he'd made use of his own sword more in that one night than he had in the rest of the conflict thus far. This chance to stand still was a welcome one, brief as he knew it was.
The Pegasus they'd just rescued was standing nearby, holding tightly to Private Turner. Her first reaction to seeing him had been to throw her hooves around his neck while tears and laughter mixed in his mane. Now, as he told her that he might have to go back to the fighting, she didn't look like she intended to let go. Applejack and Big Mac were exchanging a parting hug as the latter rejoined the troops forming up under Zacon's directions. She remained stoic as he left, but Cor could tell she was holding a lot back. Ditzy was doing her best to let Turner leave as well, but she wiped her eyes so often that she nearly lost her balance switching from hoof to hoof.
Spike joined Twilight as she and Jason waited for Zacon to give the order to move. Cor remained where he was, already having agreed to hold the bridge and rest himself. While none of them were doing well, despite Zacon's undaunted air, Cor was the least fit of them to return to battle. With the last of the plan agreed upon, Zacon directed the troops to action. The Air Corps merged with Rainbow's squadron and the remaining defenders to sweep the smoke from the skies over the burning town with their combined wing power. After clearing away their concealment, the Air Corps began a withering assault on the Trolls in the streets. Zacon led the Vanguard's ground forces in their wake, clearing out buildings and putting out fires as they passed.
The sounds of battle rose and fell, ultimately moving farther away as minutes passed. Cor sat down at the foot of the bridge, looking warily about for any attempt to cross the river. Applejack was directing Ditzy to the other side when she stopped beside Cor.
"You just gonna sit there then?" Applejack asked.
"I'm in no condition to be keeping up with the others and this bridge needs guarding," he replied. "It's not about to go anywhere, so neither am I."
"I meant, of all the things you could be doin', this is it?" she pressed.
"Look, I told you why I'm not dodging around out there with the others and why this spot is important. If I had some supplies on hoof, I'd be making arrows. Other than that, I don't see a whole lot else to do."
Applejack looked about conspiratorially. "My sister is still out there. We rescued Ditzy here while we were lookin' for her, but now Jason's busy again. I'm not done though. I won't stop lookin' 'til I find her." She looked at him imploringly. "I could use some help, if you're able."
Cor bit his lip as he looked over the defenders on the far side of the river. They still stood ready to fight, even as they took what rest they could in the calm. He scanned the streets for threats and saw none. The Vanguard and the Air Corps had pushed the enemy back into the west side of the town and seemed to be keeping them there. He found himself agreeing with Applejack that the bridge was a pretty useless post to be standing.
"I shouldn't. Jason would give me hell for walking away from this position when I need the rest," he said, but sighed as he went on. "But he'd probably give me hell for letting you go off on your own too, maybe even more. And I can't convince you not to, can I?"
Applejack frowned sternly in answer and Cor nodded.
"Very well. I'll go with you."
Applejack nodded solemnly and pointed to the southwest.
"On the way back here, Spike told me Apple Bloom ran toward the edge of town, that way." She shook her head sadly as she trotted off. "Makes sense she'd head for home when she's scared."
Ditzy, having listened to the entire conversation, guided her daughter across the bridge and left her in the custody of Bon Bon's defenders. Then she quickly returned to Cor and Applejack.
"I'll come with too," she said meekly. When they regarded her uncertainly, she went on. "You only saved me because you were looking for your sister. I owe you a bit for that." She looked back at Dinky tenderly. "Besides, I can't stand to think that a filly might be stuck out there, alone and afraid."
"We appreciate it," Cor said neutrally.
They skirted the edge of the river, staying out of the shadow of the buildings wherever possible. Cor held his bow ready on one side and his sword on the other, watching for Trolls at every corner. The road that turned south out of town was packed hard and impossible to read, but Cor noticed clues leading off the road and into the orchard. Scratches on the white paint of the fence and tufts of grass torn up by Trollish feet marked the pursuit of a single pony by at least four Trolls. He vaulted the fence and led the others into the trees, moving quicker with urgency, but his eyes never resting anywhere long as he sought out the danger that was surely ahead.
Applejack gripped her blade tightly, peering at every shadow with a mixture of hope that she might find her sister and fear as to what she might see. Ditzy trotted along behind them, staying on the ground. She kept looking behind them apprehensively, but nothing seemed to threaten from the way they'd come. The softer earth between the trees offered an easier trail than the road and Cor had no trouble finding the tracks of Apple Bloom and her assailants. The farther they went, the more rushed Applejack's steps became, driven by the need to reach the end of the trail, until Cor was actually hurrying to keep up with her.
He lagged, unable to push himself to run yet. The best he could manage was a canter while Applejack would have been galloping out of sight if she weren't stopping to look around every tree and bush she passed. Cor and Ditzy trekked along behind her, pushing deeper into the orchard. Applejack came to an abrupt stop and cast about frantically.
"Where'd they go?!" she asked, spinning around to face Cor. "Her hoofprints! They just stop here but the Troll prints keep on goin' down that way."
She pointed to the northwest and Cor examined the tracks in question. He saw the imprint of tiny hooves, nearly lost among the deeper markings of the Trolls. But when the Troll prints continued farther on, the filly's prints stopped suddenly. He scratched his chin in thought. Meanwhile, Applejack let out a wail of lament.
"My sister's gone! They caught her and carried her off, I just know it." She dropped to the ground and buried her face under her hooves.
Cor peered closely at Apple Bloom's final set of prints and shook his head. "Not likely."
Applejack looked up at him, a spark of hope rekindled. "What's that?"
"There's no sign of struggle here." He pointed at the Trolls' tracks where they passed by Apple Bloom's. "Even if they plucked her off the ground and carried her away, their tracks are uniform and so are hers. After coming so far, why would they have suddenly caught her here? And without breaking stride? As I said, not likely."
He continued to examine the tracks and then the area around them more thoroughly. Applejack watched him closely and bit at her lip in worry. At last, Cor slapped the ground with a hoof in triumph.
"Look here," he said, gesturing to the others. "See how these last tracks of hers are deeper than the others?" As they leaned in closer to see what he meant, he went on. "That's pressure from pushing off, such as for a jump. And see how they're deeper on one side? And the clods of dirt kicked up are to her left instead of behind? And if we follow the line of that jump..."
He directed their gaze to the bushes to the right and pointed out the broken twigs and leaves torn away by recent passage. A smile slowly spread across Applejack's face.
"She gave 'em the slip!" she exclaimed and pushed through the bushes, searching earnestly again.
They picked up the filly's trail immediately and when Applejack saw the direction they were headed, she raced off, certain of the destination now. By the time Cor and Ditzy caught up, Applejack had already reached the quaint tree house nestled deep in the orchard. Apple Bloom had emerged from her hiding place to embrace her sister.
"We're all safe now," Applejack said. She wiped a tear from Apple Bloom's cheek and gave her an encouraging smile as they set off again. "We'd best be gettin' back and rejoin the others."
Only a minute later, Cor detected trouble. His finely honed senses picked out the sounds of furtive footsteps approaching before the first Troll was in view.
"Thes," he said, the harsh hiss of a word grabbing everypony's attention instantly.
Ditzy gasped and all eyes turned to the Trolls that emerged from the screen of trees to the north and west. Cor turned to face the enemy and aimed an arrow at the nearest Troll. Applejack pushed her sister behind her and readied her sword. Ditzy took to the air and hovered above them fretfully. The Trolls charged when they saw weapons raised and Cor dropped the first two before they'd gone five steps. But as he pulled another arrow, he registered that this was a larger group of Trolls than just the few they had tracked out here.
"Run," he shouted, backing away. "Back to the road!"
The ponies took off through the trees, the Trolls close behind them. Cor was still suffering from fatigue, but he kept the Trolls at bay with his arrows. Even Applejack was beginning to have trouble keeping ahead of the Trolls' lumbering pursuit. Dozens of Trolls were matching their steps to either side, and closing in from behind. Cor could see that they wouldn't make the road before they were forced to fight.
"Ditzy," he shouted. The Pegasus flew in closer to hear him, swooping under branches as he ran. "I need you to warn the others. Bring help!"
Ditzy nodded frantically and flew off, climbing above the canopy and winging northeast. Cor's breath was turning ragged and he could hear equally labored breathing from Applejack, though she was doing a better job not showing it. He looked for a place they might be able to gain an advantage, but skidded to a halt when Apple Bloom cried out. She tumbled to the ground and was slow to rise. Cor fired a few more arrows to keep the Trolls from reaching her while Applejack scooped her up and carried the filly on her back.
"I'm alright," she said, clearly shaken. "Just tripped."
Cor could see the tremble in her shoulders as much as hear it in her voice. She was running on fear alone, having been pushed to exhaustion in the chase out here. Applejack was beginning to falter now, bearing the weight of her sister on top of the sleepless night of fighting she'd already endured. Cor knew they couldn't go much farther. He had ten arrows left and next to no mana. If a miracle didn't fall out of the sky, they might be finished. He glanced at the Trolls to the right and left and then at the fearful look in Apple Bloom's eyes. With a grunt, he decided to abandon conventional magical warfare and start abusing the full potential of Unicorn telekinesis.
"Stand your ground!" he shouted, skidding to a halt. He took a wide stance and focused every ounce of will on the enemies barreling toward him. "I'll set them up, you knock them down!"
Applejack stopped with him, looking uncertain but drawing her sword again regardless. Apple Bloom hopped off her back and took cover behind a tree. Cor's keen eyes darted about, picking out each and every detail of each and every movement, tracking them all and measuring the order of his attacks. He returned his bow and sword to their sling and sheath to free up all of his concentration. The green glow of his horn wrapped around the feet of many Trolls, tripping them or causing them to stumble. Others had their weapons pulled from their startled grasp. Rapid and precise, Cor's intrusive influence held up the attackers. As the first of them reached Applejack, who was coiled to strike, he snagged the weapons, wrists and ankles of the Trolls, delaying their actions and leaving them briefly vulnerable.
Applejack took full advantage, cutting down one Troll after another as they inexplicably found themselves fumbling at key moments. Even still, the two ponies had to give ground steadily as the Trolls' numbers seemed limitless. A hundred had already fallen when Cor began to feel the effects of such extensive use of his horn. No longer simply holding objects, he was affecting many targets significantly and with a sustained effort. His horn burned and sparked as residual magic lingered from continuous exertion.
He signaled Applejack to retreat and they ran a hundred yards before stopping to fight again. Cor's horn was marginally recovered but they were both at their physical limits. They could no longer run and a hundred more Trolls still closed in on them. Cor sent his sword out ahead of him and intercepted Trolls before they could reach them. Applejack seemed to be drawing on determination alone to keep fighting. She was beginning to stumble and falter even as she managed to parry and dodge and counterattack with enough power and speed to give the Trolls pause. Cor's horn was a searing pain and he took his sword in his mouth instead. They broke off yet again, falling back with the Trolls on their heels.
A Troll's axe lodged in the plating on Applejack's left flank, cutting one of the connecting straps. The loose plate tangled with her legs as she ran, causing her to stumble and go down. Cor drew his bow and fired five arrows in rapid succession, giving her time to recover. But the Trolls were on her again as soon as she could stand and she was forced to turn to face them. With a desperate surge of mana, Cor fired an arrow charged with the only spell he could manage. The arrow struck and exploded in a cloud of frigid air, sticking to the fur of the Trolls closest to them and freezing in a solid layer that trapped them in place. Cor was lightheaded but managed to stay upright. As Applejack turned to run, Cor caught sight of a blur of motion from farther back in the remaining Trolls.
A faint bluish hue was all he could make out before a spear flew with wicked purpose and struck Applejack under her right shoulder plate. Her leg buckled from the force of the blow and the pain that lanced through her and she cried out as she went down. Cor sent his sword into the Trolls that sought to reach the downed mare and fired the last of his arrows. He cried out in rage and pain as his horn flared from the burden of use. But for all his efforts, the Trolls pushed through. As Applejack stood again, one of them reached her. Even though Cor pulled the axe from its grip before it could swing, he couldn't prevent it from striking with its massive clawed hand.
The claws dug into her exposed left flank and the Troll followed through with a guttural roar. Applejack was lifted off the ground by the blow and deposited in a heap some several yards away. When she did not attempt to rise, the twenty or so Trolls that remained disregarded her, turning to the only combatant left standing. Cor backed away in disbelief, his ability to concentrate on his weapons fading. He had no arrows, no mana, no strength left to fight. He was alone, far from town and on the verge of collapsing.
All the wars I've seen, and this is how I go? he thought with a hint of morbid amusement.
He tripped on an exposed root, falling against the rough bark of the tree behind him. He stared back into the baleful eyes of the Trolls as they closed in on him. But they never reached him. A flash of black and tan swept into them and they fell, cut apart by the keen blade that whirled around the new arrival. With wide strokes, Jason forced his way into the middle of the Trolls and began separating limbs from their owners in earnest. With only a handful of troops left, the Trolls broke and ran. Jason let them go, assessing Cor's condition with a quick glance and then rushing to Applejack. Cor struggled back to his hooves and staggered over to her. Jason stared down at her with wide eyes, his jaw set hard. Ditzy returned, landing beside them and gasping at what she saw.
Applejack's left side had been torn open from hip to shoulder by the Troll's claw. She'd been raked deeply, her ribs visible through the three long gashes. Beneath the blood that welled up, they could see how each ragged breath moved inside her chest. The spearhead was still protruding from her right shoulder, though most of the shaft had been snapped off by her landing. Blood trickled from under the plates, but not nearly so much as from her flank. Cor eased his pack off and settled down beside her, but he knew it might already be too late to do anything for her.
~*~*~
Jason didn't even see Cor there until he'd put the first layer of bandages over the wound. Too much was flashing in front of his eyes. Possibilities; memories; regrets: He didn't even try to sort them out. Part of him was still trying to deny what he saw while another was searching for a way to undo it. He was frozen between them. As Cor applied another layer, Jason took notice of his lack of magic.
"You're out of mana," he said flatly.
Cor nodded, digging for the rest of the bandages. Jason knew his own mana reserves wouldn't be enough to heal her. Not without the risk of giving too much of himself. He watched as Applejack continued to bleed, her breathing weak and strained. The feeling of helplessness was strangling him and he wanted more than anything to act, but at the same time, the cost kept him from doing so. Cor looked up at him irritably.
"Could you stop hovering like that?" He gestured behind him. "Keep watch so they don't sneak up on us again."
Jason knew Cor was only short with him because of stress, and he dutifully stepped back, but he only managed to bite back a sharp response out of fear of interrupting the archer's ministrations. Both of them were caught off guard, however, when another voice spoke up.
"No, let him stay."
They had all thought Applejack was unconscious, but now she opened her eyes and looked between Cor and Jason pleadingly. Her gaze was barely focused and she couldn't manage to raise her head, but her ears perked toward them attentively. Still, her voice had been soft and labored, with each breath coming at an effort.
"I've got to..." She paused to swallow the dryness in her throat. "...to tell him somethin'."
Jason knelt down, getting in front of her so she could see him clearly.
"Jason." She paused as her lips trembled. "I'm sorry. Sorry for gettin' involved in the fightin', even when you told me not to."
Jason shook his head in protest, unwilling to put any blame on her for this, but she made a gesture to cut off any words.
"I wish we could've...had more time," she said, pausing occasionally for a breath. "Some things I wish I could've said."
Jason nodded dumbly. Applejack's eyes fluttered closed and there was a tense silence broken only by her labored breathing.
"Is my sister safe?" Though she didn't open her eyes, there was sudden strength in her voice.
Jason looked around and found Apple Bloom a short distance away, silent and wide-eyed.
"Yeah, she's...she's here."
Jason gestured for her to come closer and Apple Bloom walked over with halting steps. Applejack took a few short breaths before speaking again.
"Take care of her for me. Don't..." She gulped and tears leaked from her clenched eyes. "Don't lose her too." Then she opened her eyes and found Jason. Her tears fell into the grass under her cheek. "I don't want to die for nothin'. I'm scared that..."
She gulped and took a few breaths but couldn't seem to form the words. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and she looked between Jason and Apple Bloom with a frantic gleam in her eyes.
"I'm scared..." she breathed.
Then her eyes slowly closed and she went still. Cor stopped applying pressure to the bandages against her side, standing up and backing away with a shake of his head. Ditzy covered her mouth with her hooves and sat down to cry quietly. Apple Bloom still hadn't made a sound and was standing so still she might have been carved from stone. Jason mouthed words he would never get a chance to say, the realization eating away at his composure even as he recoiled into himself to hide from what he was feeling.
But the sight before his eyes wouldn't let him go. Rationally, he'd seen death many times before, even in this world. He'd known this pony for little more than three weeks. But seeing the life leave her, he was wounded deeper than he thought possible. She wasn't just another innocent casualty of a senseless war, nor even simply his friend. She'd been a bastion of selflessness and warmth that he never realized he needed.
Something blurred his vision and he realized he was trembling, but he couldn't make himself stop. Memories assaulted him and he was helpless before them. Her smile that had helped him hold on to hope when he'd first come to this world; the ways she'd been so accommodating and understanding; the evening on her porch, watching the rain; the joy in her eyes when she'd seen him returning to Ponyville; it had all happened so fast that it felt like a blow to the gut looking back.
He closed his eyes against the images and he felt tears running down his muzzle. She hadn't done anything to deserve this in her whole life. This war had robbed her of a good life and it was robbing countless other ponies of the same opportunities all across Equestria. And for what? The Trolls gave no reason, had no clear objective, nor even held much regard for their own lives. It was pointless, reckless violence: killing for the sake of killing. His people were born to face pure evil and defeat it, but Equestria was a land where conflict felt foreign. The injustice of seeing this land burn under the onslaught of such heedless malice tore something loose inside Jason and he felt a strange heat building in his chest.
When he opened his eyes, they were burning with rage. |
Innocent | Act IV: A Just Cause | Devastation has swept across Equestria and despite the efforts of Equestria's Army volunteers, the Trolls seem intent on continuing their assault. In Ponyville, a high price has been paid to meet the threat of the Troll forces. Even as the Trolls take staggering casualties, far eclipsing the ponies' losses in raw numbers, the Equestrians can hardly claim to be winning. And as much as they are determined to endure the war, one question gnaws at the edge of their thoughts: Why would the Trolls be so determined to make them suffer? |
Innocent | Act IV: Chapter Thirty-One: Broken | The Air Corps pushed forward relentlessly, driving the Trolls down street after street. With the air swarming with the newly arrived Pegasi and raining deadly javelins, the Trolls were sent into disarray. Their spears and axes couldn't reach the distant opponents, leaving them no choice but to retreat or huddle in the relative shelter of the buildings they had set aflame. The ground forces cleared those Trolls the Air Corps couldn't reach, building by building. As each street was cleared, the Pegasi from Ponyville's weather team put out the fires. Minutes passed and a brittle stillness gradually fell over the town.
But the fighting faded slowly, sharp cries echoing from the Trolls as they were brought to bay and faced down. Twilight ran beside Jason, lending aid when she could. She was beginning to feel the effects of extensive mana use now and, with the added strain of her frantic nighttime flight to reach Ponyville, it was all she could do to resist the urge to lie down and sleep the day away. The pounding of her heart would not have let her anyway, nor would the chill of dread that swept through her every time she saw the body of another pony in the street. So she ran on, struggling to keep moving but unable to stop.
The troops on the ground met with very little resistance as the Pegasi drove the bulk of the Trolls toward the west edge of town. While Twilight was helping to move a pile of timber that blocked a side street, Ditzy came swooping in and spoke hurriedly with Jason. Before the frantic Pegasus finished speaking, Jason was out of earshot, running southwest and leaving Ditzy to chase after. By the time Twilight realized he'd gone, there was no sign of them. She was momentarily confused by his disappearance but her attention was drawn back to the fighting when a door burst open behind her and a knot of Trolls came out, screaming in rage.
The other members of the Vanguard were busy farther up the street and hadn't noticed yet. She would have faced them alone if not for Spike. The Trolls were no match for the pair, only making it half the distance to them before Spike had sent three screaming away with his clinging flame breath and Twilight had killed the other two with a blast from her horn and cuts from their own axes. The last Troll she felled raised its claw weakly toward her, a faint growl dying on its lips, before settling into the dirt and moving no more. Twilight suppressed a shudder, just as she'd been doing for some time now. She wondered vaguely if her aversion to killing was fading or if she was just becoming used to the sensation of her skin crawling under her coat. She decided she didn't like the prospects of either possibility and pushed the matter from her mind.
Spike jumped onto her back again and they rejoined the other troops. As they caught up, a series of howls rose up from the south. Trolls poured up the street toward them, about two hundred in all. Much of the Air Corps had pushed farther to the west already and only two squadrons were able to provide supporting fire. Many Trolls made it through and Zacon pushed to the front of the group to meet them. The street was narrow enough that the Trolls couldn't bring their numbers to bear fully, but the battle was still fierce and the Vanguard gave ground steadily. Twilight fired scorching bolts from her horn, using only her Unicorn magic to conserve her remaining mana. The ponies used a staggered withdrawal, working in pairs to strike out and fall back successively. Zacon provided an anchor at the center of the formation to prevent the Trolls from pressing in too quickly for them to keep their lines intact. Meanwhile, the Pegasi rained javelins from above.
The Trolls committed themselves to the fight completely, none attempting to break away or take cover. Their determination won them some purchase on the left flank, where the weary ponies gave ground quicker than expected to the comparatively fresh Trolls. Zacon shifted his attention to that side to compensate and, almost immediately, the right flank collapsed. Twilight suddenly found herself at the front of the fighting as the ponies backpedaled hastily to avoid being overrun by the advancing Trolls. A pony went down beside her and she telekinetically lifted the offending Troll off its feet and hurled it backward into its fellows. While they were scrabbling back to their feet, she picked up the fallen pony and pulled him with her as she retreated.
As the Trolls surged forward again, another pony was struck and collapsed. Spike jumped down to let loose a torrent of flame to hold them at bay while Twilight reached out again with telekinesis to remove the injured pony from the front. No sooner had she managed it than another went down. She stopped her efforts to extract the downed ponies and unleashed a flurry of bolts from her horn. When that did little more than buy more time, she threw a wall of magic out in front of her, blocking the Trolls away and bringing the fight to an abrupt standstill. The Trolls bashed and hacked and clawed at the barrier, but it did not yield. The Air Corps squadrons overhead ran out of javelins and sped off to resupply while the ponies on the ground watched their opponents warily through the pulsing shield.
Still holding the shield against the Trolls' persistent efforts to breach it, Twilight turned to the first pony to have fallen. Private Sifter blinked up at her, dazed and reeling but looking to have avoided any critical injuries after a hammer had connected with his helmet. She could see Private Aspen pushing himself up again, bleeding, but not as much as Private Mortar. She sent Spike to tend to Aspen first. As Mortar stirred weakly, Twilight rushed to his side, her mana reaching out to probe at the gash on his chest where the steel plates had been knocked aside. What she found sent a chill through her.
A sliver of metal, broken off of the plates, had been driven between his ribs and punctured his heart. The internal bleeding wasn't critical yet, but every heartbeat threatened to shift the sliver and slice his heart open. Worse, when she removed it, his heart would begin bleeding freely and no bandage would save him. Her only hope was to heal him with her mana before he bled to death. Mortar looked up at her, a question in his eyes behind a veil of pain. She screwed up her face into what she hoped was a reassuring smile and knelt down.
Bracing herself mentally, Twilight took hold of the intrusive fragment and eased it out as quickly as she dared. She'd never used her telekinesis inside anypony before and she felt a bit queasy as the various tissues moved under her grasp. Mortar grunted and tried to squirm but Twilight held him fast. A wave of blood followed the fragment out and Twilight clamped down on the injury with telekinesis while she let her mana infuse the wound completely. With the leaves she'd practiced on, the breaks had been relatively clean and coaxing the cells to rejoin had been simple enough. The jagged cut of this wound was anything but simple and she started at the edges, trying to work her way in gradually.
But the rate was far too slow and the bleeding continued at dangerous rates. Her brow furrowed as she focused on accelerating the process even more, but cries of alarm broke through her concentration. As she put more effort into the wound, her shield had begun to waver. The Trolls were throwing their weight against it madly, encouraged by the cracks that had begun to appear. Zacon was reforming the lines in anticipation of their breakthrough and glanced at her with what might have been concern. The ponies around him looked to be on the verge of collapse from the strain of fighting through the night. The Trolls still outnumbered them three to one.
Twilight began to recast the shield, but as she did so, her mana faltered and the healing stopped. Her telekinetic hold on the wound loosened for an instant and a fresh wave of blood poured forth. Mortar's chest convulsed in pain and Twilight quickly renewed her grip to keep the bleeding in check. But her shield began to disintegrate and the ponies started backing away as the Trolls shouted threateningly. Twilight couldn't recast the shield without releasing her grip on Mortar's wound, but she couldn't let it fall or they would all be overrun. She took a deep breath as she stood and turned to cast the spell.
The barrier pulsed with a fresh wave of energy, the cracks vanished and the Trolls were repulsed by the surge. Keeping the shield carefully maintained, Twilight turned back to Mortar. She applied telekinetic pressure again, though Mortar was no longer responding other than to flinch with each new wave of pain. She attempted to restart the healing effect, but she was starting to have difficulty manipulating her mana on such a fine scale while holding the shield firmly in place. Each heartbeat she felt in his chest was weaker than the last and the blood that had pooled beneath him told her it was too late for her meager efforts.
So she gave it up. What else could she do but submit to the reality that she wouldn't be able to save him? It tore an emotional hole in her heart to mirror the wound she could not mend. She leaned close and put a hoof on Mortar's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Then she stood on unsteady hooves and devoted all of her concentration to the shield. Zacon regarded her solemnly, neither judgmental nor appearing sympathetic. A minute later, the Pegasi returned and continued to cut down the remaining Trolls. With their only hope of breaking through to the ponies dashed and their enemy striking from beyond their range, the Trolls finally broke and fled. Twilight dropped the shield and the others pursued the retreating Trolls toward the edge of town. Spike stood beside her, offering his presence as support but at a loss for what else he could do. Rainbow hung back, and when she saw that Twilight wasn't moving, she dropped down next to her. Twilight said nothing, instead contemplating Mortar's still form impassively, though she wasn't really looking at his body so much as her own failure.
"You okay, Twilight?" Rainbow asked.
Rainbow didn't get a response for a full minute.
"I'm...tired," Twilight said finally. "Tired of seeing ponies die and tired of the stress and the fear. I'm also just plain tired. But mostly, I'm tired of being so utterly helpless to change things. I want to make a difference. But time and again, I see that I'm only one pony, and sometimes that doesn't seem to be enough to save a life."
Rainbow looked between her and Mortar a few times before speaking.
"You...can't do it all. You can't...be there. Not for all of them."
Rainbow forced the words out haltingly as if it were an effort to say them aloud. Twilight looked over at her friend with concern. Rainbow wasn't looking at Twilight. In fact, she seemed to be avoiding eye contact.
"We'd best get moving," Rainbow said, spreading her wings. "The others are two streets ahead already."
Twilight opened her mouth to say something but Rainbow took off before Twilight could get the words out. She and Spike followed after as fast as they could, which was now only a quick trot. By the time they caught up, Zacon and the other Vanguard troops were returning. The Pegasi of the Air Corps were circling watchfully overhead and the last sounds of fighting had faded away. Rainbow sat in the middle of the street, staring at nothing. Zacon dismissed his troops to various duties and stayed where he was, contemplating Rainbow silently. Rainbow didn't seem to notice, nor did she react when Twilight stopped beside her. After a few seconds, Twilight realized where they were.
The front door of Sugarcube Corner was splintered and sagging from the frame. Debris littered the floor of the darkened interior and no movement was visible from where Twilight stood. After exchanging a worried glance with Spike, she turned back to Rainbow with a pleading question on her lips. She didn't have to give it voice for Rainbow to know what she would ask.
"I saw it from the air as I was coming in with my squadron," Rainbow intoned sullenly. "I couldn't do anything about it at the time. I kept telling myself I'd get there, that I'd go back. I never did. So much happened and there just wasn't time. I wasn't..."
She flinched as if in pain just trying to get the words out. Her whole frame seized up like a coiled spring ready to snap. Twilight could hear the self-reproach in Rainbow's voice as she forced herself to finish the sentence.
"I wasn't fast enough." She looked at Twilight then. "If Pinkie is...if she...I don't think I want to see what's in there."
"She might not be--," Twilight began.
"It was two hours ago, Twilight!" Rainbow cut her off with exasperation. She immediately deflated again. "It's too late."
Twilight recoiled from the outburst but recovered herself quickly. "I have to hope, Rainbow."
She marched toward the bakery resolutely with Spike on her heels. Rainbow hesitated for a few seconds more before getting up and following reluctantly. The contrast with the brightness outside forced them to stop in the doorway to let their eyes adjust to the dimness. The lamps had been knocked from the ceiling and the windows were shuttered, meaning the only light came from the door they were entering. As soon as they could clearly see what was waiting for them inside, they regretted it. The smell of blood in the enclosed space was nearly overpowering and the sight of the Troll bodies strewn around the bakery's main room was a horror unto itself. Pulverized bones beneath the fur of the muscular forms and more than a few crushed skulls marked most of the bodies. One looked like it was still on its feet, but on closer inspection they could see it had been beaten against the wall until it stuck there. Both Rainbow and Spike looked like they were going to be sick and Twilight felt the same.
But she stepped inside anyway, scanning the room for any sign of her friend while trying to hold her breath. Spike stayed close behind her, unwilling to be separated from her by more than a single pace. Rainbow hung back in the doorway. Twilight didn't see anything in the main room that might tell her where Pinkie Pie had ended up or how so many Trolls had died there. There were no ponies to be found, armed or otherwise. Then a slick thud sounded in the kitchen, making them all jump. The trill of giggles that followed couldn't have come from anypony but Pinkie, yet somehow that only increased Twilight's apprehension for what she would find.
She edged around the counter and peered into the kitchen cautiously. The kitchen was even worse than the main room, with blood covering nearly every surface, though there were fewer bodies. Those few bodies had been mashed and twisted beyond recognition. Pinkie sat in the middle of the carnage, poking idly at the gore around her. Twilight saw that the light fixtures remained intact here and flicked the light switch. As soon as the room was illuminated, Pinkie spun around with frightening speed and reached Twilight before she could gasp. She grabbed hold of Twilight's shoulders tightly and held her so that their eyes were an inch apart.
"Candy!" she blurted with a smile.
Twilight recoiled involuntarily from the other mare. Pinkie was coated in blood, some of which had dried to her coat and some still dripped slowly off of her when she moved. Her mane was plastered to her neck and there were only a few places where the pink of her coat showed through at all. Still she was smiling as if nothing were unusual. Twilight could feel the sliminess of the congealing blood soaking into her own coat where Pinkie held her. Only after a few seconds had passed did she actually process what Pinkie had said.
"Did you say candy?" Twilight asked, her voice an octave higher than normal.
"That's right!"
She bounded backwards cheerfully, splashing through a pool of blood as she went. Twilight watched her with growing concern.
"All sorts of candy colors! Cherry and peppermint!" she said, pointing at one wall where it looked as if she'd smeared one of the Trolls against it until its blood had painted the whole wall. "There's apple and strawberry over here."
Twilight looked at where she indicated and looked away quickly, having seen as much of a smashed Troll's head as she cared to.
"But my favorite one is right here," she went on, sitting back down in the middle of the bodies. "Raspberry!"
And then she blew a loud raspberry and continued pushing the gory mess around with her hoof. She laughed at herself and then looked back at Twilight. Twilight hadn't been able to move yet, still stunned by Pinkie's words and demeanor.
"Isn't it funny?" she asked with a giggle. "Zacon was right about this being a candy-colored world. I never noticed before, but I see it now!"
She was overcome with another fit of laughter and she fell over from the force of it. She held her hooves up and looked at them. Her laughter took on a hysterical pitch as she rolled over to look at Twilight again.
"Even I'm candy-colored, aren't I? Licorice red from tail to snout!"
She continued to laugh even as Twilight took a hesitant step toward her. Pinkie's eyes traveled from her friend's openly horrified expression to the gore that covered her and back several times. Each time, her laughter diminished slightly until Twilight realized, with a new level of sorrow, that Pinkie was now sobbing. When Twilight reached out to her, Pinkie threw herself into Twilight's embrace. Twilight cried with her as she held the stricken mare as tightly as she could. Pinkie curled up against her and clung to her like a lifeline, worming in as close as she could as if trying to disappear from the world. Looking on through the door, Rainbow and Spike were frozen with disbelief and horror. Zacon appeared behind them, having followed them in quietly.
"This is not what I meant," Zacon said in a hushed rumble. "I think I prefer the softer colors to...this. Something about seeing her this way is...unsettling. Unnatural even."
He looked away with a shake of his head that suggested he was warding off unpleasant thoughts and went back outside. Rainbow stayed where she was for a long time. Spike, torn between staying with Twilight and escaping the sights and smells around him, was spared the difficult choice when Twilight helped Pinkie to stand and started leading her toward the door. Rainbow and Spike followed after.
"I l-laughed," Pinkie managed to whisper between shaking breaths. "But they didn't disappear. Th-then Gummy...he tried to bite one. They kicked him and...and then...I don't even know what happened then. And now, I'm...I'm in the middle of..."
She looked at the gore around her and flinched away. She saw the blood on herself again and tried to shake it off, but it clung to her. She twisted free of her friend's grasp and shook herself more vigorously. The gore refused to be dislodged. Becoming desperate, she ran outside and threw herself at the ground, tearing at her coat with her hooves madly until Twilight grabbed hold of her again.
Zacon, standing nearby, was averting his gaze, apparently unable to watch any longer as Pinkie began hyperventilating in her panic. Twilight did what she could to calm her, whispering comforting words in her ear and helping to clean her coat. Pinkie eventually let Twilight tend to her, having finally exhausted herself. They made their way back to town hall once Pinkie was able to stand again. Rainbow said nothing the whole way, unable to decide if this result had been worse than what she'd expected.
~*~*~
The fading light of the late afternoon sun angled down through the trees to cast warming rays and cool shadows over the trail of death that snaked through the orchard. Birds called in the distance, undisturbed by the conflict that had engulfed the nearby town of Ponyville but close enough to lend their songs to the soft ambiance that lingered in the wake of the battle. The fragrance of the orchard hung in the pleasant breeze that stirred the branches above the survivors. In the distance, thick columns of smoke rose from the west side of town, but here in the orchard, the world conspired to mock the tragedy that had just occurred with its peaceful rhythm.
Cor stood apart from the others, eyes clenched shut in an effort to keep from breaking down completely. He cursed himself for wasting his mana on spells that were ultimately fruitless; for allowing himself to run out of arrows; for standing his ground at all; for agreeing to this venture in the first place. He cursed himself for a hundred reasons, even though he knew it was foolish to put the blame on himself. Still, that didn't stop him from doing so. To be there, at her side as Applejack took her last breath, and not be able to save her; it was too much for him to forgive himself for.
The air was suddenly split by a yell that threatened to tear apart the throat that produced it. Cor spun to find the cause and saw Jason charging off in the direction of the fleeing Trolls. Tan auras surrounded his blade and several weapons of the enemy as they flew after him. As he passed, more weapons lifted from the ground to follow until a swarm of axes and spears surrounded Jason like an invisible army. Cor looked at his bow and thought briefly of following, but he knew it was folly. Besides, he knew he was needed here.
Ditzy was facing away from him, crying softly. Apple Bloom still hadn't moved. She stared at her sister's body as if waiting for something. Cor stowed the bandages back into his pack and gestured for the others to follow him.
"We'll have to leave her here for now. I can't carry her," he said, trying and failing to keep his voice steady. "Come on. We've got to get back to town. There's still work to do before it's secure."
"What?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "That can't be it! This can't be how...she can't be..."
When Cor tried to reply, his voice caught and he had to swallow before he could speak again.
"The others need us back in town. We've done all we can here."
"It's not over! Do somethin', darn it!" she shouted. Then, in a more pleading tone, "You've got to!"
Seeing her desperation, he couldn't bring himself to speak a denial. He simply shook his head woodenly. She recoiled as if struck and a wave of tears surged to the surface. She turned to Applejack again.
"Wake up! Show them you're okay!" She shook Applejack's body, rocking her back and forth in an effort to rouse her. "Sis! Please wake up!"
Her plea became distorted by emotion and she stopped trying to form words. Cor didn't know what to say or do. He couldn't offer any kind of comfort and he couldn't bear to force her to leave either. That's when Ditzy surprised him. She knelt down next to the filly and stroked her mane, making shushing sounds. Apple Bloom latched onto her with all her might and muffled her sobs in the other's mane.
"I'll carry her back to town, dear," Ditzy said in the soft tones of a mother. "Don't you worry. We won't leave her behind."
Ditzy gently disengaged from Apple Bloom and bent down to pick up Applejack's body. When she had the mare steady on her back, she reached out and drew Apple Bloom close again and began walking back to town. Cor didn't move for a moment, reliving grief from his own past that had risen up in this world to haunt him further. He shook his head to clear away the ghosts and started toward Ponyville as well.
~*~*~
Jason left the orchard, heading north after the fleeing Trolls. The ground pounding under his hooves meant nothing to him. He saw none of the trees that he passed. He was hardly aware of anything at all. His training and his rage were in total control. As he ran, he was accompanied by dozens of Troll weapons. They were locked in his telekinetic grip and streamed through the air in his wake. The only conscious thought that lingered in his mind was the image of Applejack's still form, burned into his memory and igniting a vengeance he'd never felt before.
Branches lashed him as he tore through the underbrush of Whitetail Wood, but he didn't care. Several minutes and a few miles passed away behind him, but time and distance didn't register. What did register was a column of Trolls he nearly barreled into as he was cresting a small rise. They were marching west on a narrow road, shuffling along steadily. Jason hesitated for a second, confused because these were obviously not the same Trolls he'd been pursuing, though he didn't really care. The column stretched away for a hundred yards before rounding a bend that disappeared behind a rock formation. The sound of his approach drew the attention of some of the Trolls and they turned to peer up at him.
A wiry grin slowly spread across his muzzle, mad and wild. It didn't occur to him even as they turned to meet him that he was alone, facing an unknown number, or that he'd gone for a day and a half without any real rest. His weariness had been forgotten, buried by fury. The fact that there were so many Trolls before him only registered with a hint of satisfaction. And in his mind, he was more than just alone. To him, there was no one here at all. Only his grip on the weapons he controlled kept him from forgetting himself completely.
His rage exploded in a primal yell as he catapulted himself into their midst. A whirlwind of blades surrounded him, spears and axes diving like pistons and scythes to carve away at the Troll ranks. At the center of the chaos, his black blade arced in deadly paths all around him, flashing faster than the eye could follow. Bodies fell and the world ran red. At first, the Trolls rushed to face the lone pony, almost eager to reach such a foolish attacker. But as he pushed forward, that haste turned on its heels and became a mad scramble to escape.
Jason cut down any Troll he reached, severing limbs and leaving deep slashes with each wide, sweeping stroke. He didn't stop swinging until the body had fallen to the ground, even if there was no chance the Troll was still alive. Many times, he pushed forward so quickly that he was running through one dismembered victim to reach the next. The screams of the dying and the fleeing fought against the battle cries of those still seeking to reach their singular enemy. Cutting through them all was the piercing yell of rage that surged and ebbed as Jason bounded from kill to kill.
The narrow road was gripped by chaos as more Trolls attempted to join the battle, not realizing what was happening at the center of the line. The Trolls that tried to escape were impeded by their own brethren and trapped. The whole column was left in a great mass, struggling to find its way. As the battle wore on, the ring of death that surrounded Jason dwindled in size as spears snapped and axes shattered, but his black blade would not be stopped. The initial shock of his charge faded gradually and the rear lines of the Trolls began to organize. While the Trolls at the front were put to flight by the unexpected ferocity of his attack, the others had time to gather a cohesive response.
When Jason reached them, he was met with determined resistance. Even as he cut down several Trolls in front of him, others would push to his flanks and strike. As he warded them off, the center of the line would press in closer again. Jason would have given ground if he'd had a single rational thought in his head, but he was beyond considering tactics of any kind. He nimbly evaded many blows, dancing through the grisly melee. Pain reached him through the fog of his mind, but it couldn't gain a firm grip on his attention before it was lost in his fury again.
The Trolls were rapidly breaking under his reckless assault, either falling under his blade or else abandoning the fight and running from the slaughter. Fury clouded his vision in a red haze like bloody vapor. Screams and the sound of his blade passing through bone and flesh blended until it was only a rushing in his ears. He lashed out wherever he detected movement, hacking brutally at bodies that had already been rendered lifeless. An eternity later, he cast about for another enemy and found nothing. The road was still and silent except for himself, standing ankle-deep in blood.
He coughed; a painfully dry, hacking sound. His legs quivered as he stood gulping down ragged breaths, his throat raw and burning and his limbs leaden. His rage faded in waves, and without it, exhaustion took hold. There was a buzzing in the back of his head. He stared blankly ahead of him, unseeing. His sword dropped to the ground beside him. He didn't notice it, and a few seconds later, he followed it down.
~*~*~
As Lyra made her way back to Ponyville, she wondered what she would find. She and four other members of the Vanguard's First Squad had been left on the north side of town since they were too injured to fight. They'd seen the smoke rising above the hills that hid the town from view, but they could only guess how the battle was going while they waited. And they waited until well past noon, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon. When Private Felicitous had come to bring them up to the rest of their allies, Lyra had felt a rush of cold dread. Felicitous had said the battle had ended in a victory, but she was afraid to ask the cost. Lyra winced as she walked, the gash in her side throbbing from the movement. She refused to make a sound however, since her injuries were minor in comparison to those of her companions.
Jack Hammer was being carried in a stretcher by Caramel and Baritone on account of his broken leg. Both of the bearers were sporting various cuts of their own, but they could at least walk under their own power. Felicitous had stayed on the ground with them to help Night Watch walk. The Corporal wasn't recovered yet from the knockout blow the night before and had little spirit left in him after hearing of the loss of his uncle. Lyra braced herself for the losses the rest of them would face when they arrived.
Smoke rose from the west side of town, dark and thick. Though it appeared most of the fires were contained, one whole block was being rapidly engulfed in an inferno that nopony was fighting. Instead, the effort was concentrated on preventing it from spreading to any of the surrounding blocks. Some fires had already run their course, burning many cottages to blackened husks, especially those isolated dwellings at the edge of town. From what she could see, Lyra estimated half of Ponyville west of the city hall had been lost.
They didn't meet another living soul until they had come to the town square, but they passed the sites of multiple battles and hundreds of bodies. Though the number of slain ponies was far outweighed by fallen Trolls, they found no comfort at all. They walked on in silence. Every one of them lived here. This was their home and it was now a ruin and a killing field. As they neared the city hall, Lyra allowed herself to trail behind the others. With every step she took, her hope faded. How could she believe she could be so lucky as to escape grief when so many others hadn't even escaped with their lives?
When they reached the town square, Felicitous led them over to where several other ponies were being treated for various injuries. Sergeant Clear Waters met them there and spoke with Felicitous while the others settled in to be tended to. Lyra stood off to one side, already bandaged as well as she could be, and listened in idly as the other two talked. She realized this was the first time she'd paid any real attention to Clear Waters. Even though he'd been a Sergeant since she'd joined the platoon from Ponyville, he had never drawn her attention. Now that she was focusing on him, she figured out why. He was so soft-spoken that it almost seemed like the livelier Private was raising his voice with him. But it wasn't a shyness so much as a serenity that softened his voice, a calmness Lyra could hardly believe anypony still possessed after all they'd been through.
Their conversation turned to casualties and the solemn tone turned even more somber. Lieutenant Long Watch was still technically missing, but from what Turner had told her, Lyra knew he hadn't made it. In addition to the Lieutenant, four other ponies were still missing from First Squad. Clear Waters reported that nopony in Second Squad was missing, though Privates Bounds and Cabbie as well as Corporal Pristine had been killed attempting to reach Ponyville, and Private Mortar had died while clearing the streets. Lyra took the news with a wince, counting the number of ponies they had lost in just the last two days. So far, they were down by seven, plus the four who were still missing.
She looked around at the town mournfully and noticed the line of covered bodies on the far side of the town square for the first time. More than a hundred bodies of ponies killed in the attack had been recovered from the streets and brought here. As she thought of the friends and neighbors under those sheets, a wave of apprehension swept through her. She wondered if the confirmation of her worst fears might be lying under those covers right now. She was just about to take the first hesitant steps to finding the answer when a voice reached out to her and called her back to hope again.
"Lyra?! Sweet Celestia, is that really you?!"
Lyra looked up to see a group of ponies approaching from a street to the west. One mare in plate armor detached herself from the group and approached cautiously. Lyra stopped where she was, one hoof still raised in mid stride. Bon Bon took her helmet off and set it down as her gaze traveled to the thick bandages on her side.
"Are you alright? It's not too serious is it?" Bon Bon said as she fussed over Lyra.
"You're still here," Lyra said, stunned. She looked at Bon Bon's armor as if afraid it would bite her. "Why are you still here?"
"I was defending the town with the rest of the volunteers," Bon Bon said casually. She was about to brush past the question when she saw the tears in Lyra's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"You didn't run." Lyra said, barely keeping her voice steady. "You were supposed to run. I left to fight so you'd be safe. You should have run."
Bon Bon shifted her hooves guiltily. "Other ponies needed my help here. I couldn't leave them when I knew I could make a difference. Besides, it worked out in the end. We both made it."
She smiled wanly but it faded quickly as Lyra began to cry in earnest. Bon Bon leaned in close, brushing some of the tears away.
"Shush now," Bon Bon said gently. "It's alright."
Lyra sat down, disconsolate. When Bon Bon reached out to brush back a stray lock of the other's mane, Lyra grabbed her hoof and pressed herself against it, and then drew Bon Bon into a tight embrace, sobbing into her shoulder.
"I was supposed to keep them away and I couldn't." Lyra continued to cry while Bon Bon processed her words. "It was awful. I never imagined it could be so bad. I'm sorry."
"Sorry?!" Bon Bon repeated with surprise. "No no no! None of this is your fault. Nopony was ready for this."
"I s-said I'd p-protect you," Lyra protested, hardly able to get the words out. "I d-didn't protect you!"
"It's not your fault," Bon Bon said as she stroked Lyra's mane. "Hush now. Don't blame yourself."
She sat down with Lyra and rocked her gently as she held her, repeating the words into her ear softly. Lyra gradually became aware that all conversation had ceased nearby and she sobered up as she realized half of her squad was watching. With a few sniffles and many attempts to dry her eyes, Lyra stood up and disengaged from Bon Bon. Bon Bon didn't let her stray too far though, nuzzling up beside her tenderly. Lyra shifted with a hint of embarrassment, but the others were already turning back to their own business, so she didn't resist.
Big Mac gave a brief report to Clear Waters, confirming that the remaining Troll forces had retreated to the west and were still fleeing when the Air Corps scouts last reported. He also reported that the Trolls remained nearly two thousand strong. Clear Waters thanked him and directed his team to rest. While the others sought out some place to finally sleep, Big Mac sat himself down heavily near the city hall, scanning the streets expectantly. As Lyra watched him, his expression turned more and more troubled. She'd already waited around enough today and wanted something useful to do, so she walked over to him, Bon Bon tagging along silently.
"How are you holding up?" she asked, hoping her voice was steady enough to sound confident after her breakdown.
"Just wonderin' where all our Lieutenants got off to," he replied, his brow furrowing. "I ain't seen any of 'em for an hour now."
Lyra looked around but didn't see any of them. In fact, there were no officers around at all, save for Sergeant Clear Waters.
"I thought Zacon and Jason were with your unit," Bon Bon observed. "Didn't they lead the Vanguard to clear the streets?"
"They did, but they've gone and disappeared now that the fightin' is over," Big Mac said. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, I didn't see Jason much at all. But what about Cor? He was supposed to be hangin' around here, wasn't he?"
"Lieutenant Cor waltzed off to the south not long after you all headed through the west streets," Bon Bon said dryly. "He went with Applejack and a Pegasus whose name escapes me. He was supposed to be watching the bridge while my volunteers took a breather, but that didn't stop him much, did it?"
"Cor's been a reliable leader for us, Bon Bon," Lyra interjected. She made a placating gesture. "He wouldn't have left if it wasn't important. Right, Big Mac?"
"I'd be inclined to agree," he nodded slowly. "But those three all tend to come and go as they please, good reasons or not. This might be the first time they've all been away at the same time. It's got me worried."
Bon Bon shook her head in exasperation. "About what? They came rolling in here like they were going to take on the whole Troll army by themselves, and then did practically that!"
Big Mac harrumphed. "You ain't lookin' too closely if you think that's how smooth it went."
Bon Bon and Big Mac continued to exchange quips for a moment, but Lyra was distracted by something to the south. Three ponies plodded along the bank of the river toward the town square; a Unicorn, an Earth Pony filly and a Pegasus. Lyra immediately recognized Cor as he brought up the rear, eyes downcast and troubled. The filly was pressing close to the Pegasus as they walked and, at first, Lyra thought that was what caused the Pegasus to take such halting steps. But as they came closer, she saw that it was the pony she was carrying that made her struggle.
Bon Bon noticed Lyra's attention shifting and followed her gaze. When she saw them, she put a hoof over her mouth to suppress a gasp. Big Mac turned to look as well and his calm demeanor fell away into an expression of pure shock. Even before they were close enough to speak, they could see the blood that stained Applejack's body. Ditzy saw them staring and walked over, stopping in front of them wordlessly. Apple Bloom and Big Mac both tried to speak, but neither of them could get a word out. Big Mac turned to Cor as he arrived.
"How?" Big Mac asked simply, unable to form any other words.
Cor didn't look at him. Instead, he glared at the ground in front of him as he shook his head in frustration.
"I'm sorry," Cor muttered.
When he said no more, Big Mac's expression morphed slowly into disbelief and then into anger.
"That's it?!" Big Mac boomed. "You come to me with my sister's body and that's all you have to say?!"
He fumed for a moment, but Cor didn't respond beyond clenching his eyes shut. Then Big Mac lifted Applejack off of Ditzy's back and carried her over to the line of bodies that had been recovered, tears beginning to stream down his face. Apple Bloom followed forlornly, glancing back at Cor. The archer stayed where he'd been left, rooted to the spot by the weight of his failure and an internal struggle that showed plainly on his face. Nopony bothered him and it was almost an hour before he moved again. |
Innocent | Act IV: Chapter Thirty-Two: Under the Setting Sun | When Twilight led Pinkie away to tend to her, Zacon sought seclusion. He walked without any thought to where he was going, letting his hooves find their way one step at a time. But despite their separation, the pink pony would not leave his thoughts. He'd never encountered any creature as whimsical and naïve before. And so too, he had never witnessed anyone enduring such a trauma as Pinkie had when she realized what she had done. And, he was quite certain of it, she hadn't known what she was doing until Twilight had broken through her willful ignorance. She had lived in the same sheltered and peaceful world as the rest of these ponies, but she had internalized that purity to an infinitely greater degree. When she could no longer deny the reality of the violence around her, her mind had rationalized it in the only way it could to maintain the construct of her peaceful perception of her world. And thus her normally manic, yet playful, energy had translated to wanton butchery.
How did she see the world if she was so blind to it? he asked himself. What world is this that she could be so...so...
So innocent, the thought completed itself, sounding far too similar to Jason's voice for Zacon's liking. He shook himself as if to physically be rid of the discomfort. He recalled how harshly he'd treated the ponies he'd met around this town, especially her. Were they not simply enjoying an unprecedented peace? Had they not been raised in a world that could hardly be called mildly threatening in comparison to the dangers of his home? Until now, they had no experience with war and no reason to believe they would. Was it not the true goal of warriors such as himself to preserve a peace even half as pure as this world had known? Did he not want his people to one day live without the fear of war?
Zacon glanced around for the first time and realized he'd reached the library that Twilight called home. It was where he had hoped to return to his own world. It was now battered and empty. Zacon contemplated it with a deepening frown. They had failed to prepare for war, to defend their peace. Their homes burned because this war had caught them by surprise. And yet...
He turned around and walked toward the town square. It was exactly as he had said; that they would suffer for their complacency and lack of foresight. But something he had not predicted had also come to pass. They had risen against it, faced it with a courage he could not dismiss, and proven their strength far exceeded his first estimates. The closer he came to town square, the more evident it became. Ponies in battle-worn armor trotted about, attending to the task of reclaiming this town, eyes hard-set against the pain, weariness and grief. The line of bodies came into view and Zacon stopped where he was.
He stared at them for a minute, not quite sure of what he was looking at. One hundred ten he counted; a neat line of white cloths covering the dead. But he noticed armor plates poking out from under those nearest him and the more he looked, the more he became convinced they were all likewise equipped. Without looking away, he addressed a nearby sergeant.
"Who are these casualties? Civilians caught in the fighting?"
Sergeant Clear Waters shook his head slowly. "Not exactly sir. They're mostly self-trained militia volunteers from the town. I believe nearly all of the civilians escaped before the fighting."
"What do you mean by self-trained?" Zacon asked.
"It means one of our own taught us everything we know," said another voice.
One of the Ponyville volunteers had been standing nearby and overheard. The dull orange Earth Pony stallion sauntered over and introduced himself as Jim Beam.
"A farmer from south of here," Jim said, gesturing behind him. "She drilled and instructed us and tried to prepare us for..." He trailed off and looked around at the town. When he continued, it was in a much more subdued tone. "Well, for all of this."
"A farmer from the south you say?" Zacon nodded slowly, careful not to let his expression change. "How interesting."
"Yep," Jim said with a bit of his energy returning. "Our very own Applejack. Truth be told, some of us had been prepared to join the Army. But when we saw the smoke from Canterlot, we'd been on the verge of calling quits. That's when she came along and convinced us to keep at it; made it an order, just about."
With his suspicions confirmed, Zacon allowed himself a small smile of pride as he replied.
"You've made an adequate account for yourself, especially with your limited time to prepare. Be proud of your efforts here." He looked at the casualties again, his smile fading. "At a cost, you have proven you have the heart to defend your homes. I am honored to raise my blade with you."
Jim glanced at the bodies and looked away quickly. "Thanks. That means a lot."
They stood in silence for a few seconds before Jim excused himself to return to his tasks. Sergeant Clear Waters excused himself as well, leaving Zacon alone with his thoughts again. He knew now that he would have to reconsider his stance on Equestria altogether. They had suffered enough to pay for their foolishness and it was no longer amusing to see himself proven right. The time had come for him to devote himself to this fight for the sake of the lives at stake and not simply for the glory of battle or the few brave enough to stand with him. He took a deep breath as he let that decision sink in.
As he did, the line of the dead drew his eye differently. Applejack had trained them and led them in battle; his own student had inspired them to hold this town in the face of an overwhelming enemy. They had died believing in her word that they could succeed. In the end, they had succeeded. Applejack had made him proud, just as she'd said she would. In fact, he might have admitted it if he'd been asked. But as he turned farther down the line, he saw something that froze that pride in his chest.
~*~*~
Big Mac sat next to his sisters. One pressed up close to him and he wrapped his hoof around her shaking shoulders. But the other lay still and silent, the blood dried and browning where it stained her coat. Big Mac pushed a strand of blonde mane out of Applejack's face idly. He couldn't quite believe she was gone. It wasn't right. How could this have happened? He'd left to save his home and it had been attacked anyway. He'd been here, had held her only hours prior, and still she had died. All the fighting he'd been through; all the ponies that had died to keep the danger at bay; it hadn't been enough to save her. It just didn't make sense to him.
He looked up when he heard a pony approach. Zacon stopped behind him, jaw locked and eyes focused on Applejack's body.
"Lieutenant," Big Mac acknowledged, swallowing the lump in his throat.
Zacon might have nodded imperceptibly. He might have allowed his gaze to flicker away from Applejack briefly in recognition, but Big Mac wasn't sure. He didn't even seem to be blinking. Big Mac waited another moment before speaking again, unable to keep his doubts quiet any longer.
"How could this have happened, sir?"
Zacon finally turned to look at him, his expression as carefully neutral as ever, but he remained silent.
"Was it somethin' we missed? Or were we just too slow to make a difference?" Big Mac waited a moment for a response, but none seemed forthcoming. He looked down at Apple Bloom, who had hidden her face to conceal her tears, and sighed. "I guess knowin' what could have happened won't change anythin' now. But it's so unfair. We were winnin', weren't we? We had beaten them before. And now they've...she's..."
Big Mac stopped speaking to try to get himself under control. When he looked back to Zacon, he found the Lieutenant's expression had not changed. The apparent lack of empathy had always been plain, but now it cut with a cruel sting in the face of his grief. And with a second Lieutenant refusing to give him an answer, he'd had enough. Big Mac wiped the tears from his eyes, stood up and rounded on the Lieutenant angrily.
"You ain't gonna say nothin' either? I guess I should be thankful you ain't laughin' at me. The way you talk about battle, I might think you enjoy watchin' us fight and die around you. So go on! Say it! Tell me how I'm weak! How I'm not a proper soldier because I'm c-cryin' over my own s-sister's body."
Big Mac choked on his words and wiped his eyes. When he looked again, Zacon had stepped forward and knelt beside Applejack's body. He leaned close to her ear and whispered in his language.
"Luvim Vit Esun Ja-Ak-Natheeri, Holn Y'jeed."
Big Mac watched, perplexed, as Zacon finally let some emotion show on his face. The tightening of his jaw and the furrowing of his brow; such a subtle change, but it spoke volumes of what lay hidden beneath. When the Lieutenant stood again, he was stone-faced once more. He met Big Mac's gaze for a moment, glanced at Apple Bloom and walked away, having said nothing to the living the whole time.
~*~*~
It took Zacon several minutes to find Cor, but he eventually found him in a secluded corner of the town hall. The archer barely acknowledged the other's presence. Zacon stood beside him, letting the silence linger for a moment. When he broke it, however, Cor still flinched.
"Will you tell me what happened?"
The tone of the question left little room for refusal, and Cor nodded with a thick swallow. As he related the events leading up to Applejack's death, he had to stop occasionally. It was only with a great effort that he could describe his failed attempt to bind her wounds.
"So Jason went after the remaining Trolls and we took her body back," he concluded with a shaking breath.
"Corporal McIntosh is upset that you did not share this with him," Zacon rumbled.
"You know why this is hard for me to say!" Cor snapped.
"I know why," Zacon replied, unfazed. "But he does not. She was his sister. He deserves this much at least."
Cor looked at him in surprise but couldn't manage a reply. Instead, after thinking it over, he nodded, got up and walked back outside. As Zacon followed behind him, he noted that the group around Applejack's body had grown. Twilight and Rainbow Dash were holding each other, the latter weeping openly while the former looked as if she were holding back tears as hard as she was holding her friend. The three fillies that made up the Cutie Mark Crusaders were leaning on each other in a small huddle, silent. Rarity stood with Big Mac, who had seated himself forlornly once more. The two Lieutenants made their way over and Zacon could see Cor's expression sour further with each step. Obviously, he was not looking forward to having such an audience for this conversation. As they drew closer, they could hear the others talking in low tones.
"I don't like to think how Fluttershy will react when she finds out," Rarity said, turning to Twilight. When Twilight didn't reply she went on. "Or Pinkie Pie for that matter. Where is she by the way?"
"Don't tell her," Twilight said, looking up at last. "Not yet at least. She's...not ready to hear this."
"None of us were, darling," Rarity returned.
As she was turning away, she spotted Cor and Zacon. She struggled between a pleasant greeting and a solemn one before settling on a faint smile that faded again quickly. Cor announced himself with a similarly lackluster effort, his mumbled words unintelligible to anyone, including Zacon. Still, the others took notice and turned their attention to him. He glanced at them all ruefully and then addressed Big Mac, who had fixed him with an unreadable, unblinking stare.
"You asked me how this happened. If you still want to know, I-I'll..." He paused to gulp down the hitch in his voice. "I'll tell you."
There was no response for several seconds. Then, almost imperceptibly, Big Mac nodded. The rest were silent as Cor recounted the event. His tone was low and controlled, and his gaze was fixed forcefully on Big Mac, as if afraid that he might not be able to go on if he lost that focus for one moment. He described Applejack's insistence on going in search of Apple Bloom, with or without help. He mentioned Ditzy joining them as they began tracking Apple Bloom south. He told of finding her deep in the orchards and turning back toward town. His face tightened against the memory as he described the ambush and the desperate flight among the trees. Every detail, every turn and draw, shot and swing, he meticulously included. He was able to tell of Applejack's injury and Jason's arrival, but when it came to her final words, Cor could speak no more. Big Mac appeared unmoved, his glowering gaze still boring down on the archer as seconds passed.
The first to break the silence was Apple Bloom.
"They were only out there 'cause of me," she said in a tiny voice. "I was supposed to leave town with the others, only I didn't. It's my fault, really."
"No darling. It's not your fault," Rarity said, gently.
"It is so!" Apple Bloom replied, jumping up and shouting. "If I'd done as I was told, she wouldn't have had to come lookin' for me. She wouldn't have been out there! She would still be alive!"
"If the Trolls had never attacked, she'd be alive!" Rainbow interjected suddenly. She gave a growl of anger as she went on. "If anyone is to blame, it's not any of us. It's them!"
"Please, Rainbow!" Twilight broke in. "It's bad enough that we have to kill to defend ourselves. If we turn to anger and hatred, we'll be no better than the Trolls."
"Are you defending them?" Rainbow balked. "You're actually saying we shouldn't hate them? They're the enemy! You know, the ones killing us? Killing our friends!?"
Twilight shrank back from Rainbow's outburst.
"I'm not defending the Trolls," Twilight said quietly. "I'm trying to protect you."
"Me? From what?" Rainbow asked, taken aback.
"From blind violence," she said simply.
Rainbow had no response. She sat down, and stared at the ground, trying to work it all through in her head. The others glanced about awkwardly, hoping someone else would change the subject. In the end, it was Big Mac who did so, breaking his long silence.
"I suppose bein' cross with you ain't right," he said, indicating Cor. "Sounds like you did what you could. It's just hard to accept. I hope you can try to understand."
"I do understand," Cor said darkly. "I know the anger and the helplessness and the need to take it out on something. I know what it's like to lose my sister to..." He had to stop speaking as he bit back a word that was dripping with hatred. When he finished the sentence, it was through gritted teeth. "Enemies."
"Your sister was killed in a war?" Twilight asked, aghast.
"No," Cor said, scowling at the thought. "She was killed to start a war. And her killer did it right in front of me. He looked me in the eye and laughed. There wasn't anything I could do except kill the underlings he left in my way as he escaped. Not all the powers of my people could save her from the cursed wound he'd inflicted. My failure that day is a torment that won't fade, even all these years later. And I felt that same pain again when I lost Applejack." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Right in front of me. Because I was too weak, I let her slip away. I failed you."
Cor swallowed hard and wiped his eyes. Big Mac stepped forward and put his hoof on Cor's shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself. There ain't nothin' good to gain from that. We've got to..." He stopped, mustering the will to say the words. "To keep movin' forward. This ain't over and we need to see it through...For the ones that are left."
He stepped away, settling back down at Applejack's side. Apple Bloom joined him and they leaned against each other. Cor nodded, more to himself than anything else, and paced a short distance away. Zacon decided to leave him be for now. Through the whole exchange, he had allowed himself to be sidelined and was satisfied with the results. But Big Mac had been right; they would need to find a way to move forward. And that would take preparations, something all of this talking certainly wasn't accomplishing. The sun was sinking toward the horizon and there was much left to do before nightfall.
Zacon slipped away from the group of mourners and raised his voice to address the town square at large. "I need volunteers to stand watch tonight. The rest of you; be ready for tomorrow and whatever it might bring."
~*~*~
Lyra stirred awake from the half-doze she'd fallen into. It wasn't obvious at first what had disturbed her until she noticed the absence at her side. It was dark in the bedroom of the cottage on the north side of town. The sun had set long ago and the only light came through the west window from the remains of the block that had been left to burn. Even hours later, the glow illuminated the great plume of smoke that rose over the town, where a few buildings had not yet succumbed to the consuming inferno. In that amber glow, Lyra could see that Bon Bon was donning her armor again, being as quiet as she could. She noticed Lyra looking across the room at her and stopped. Lyra shifted in the bed so that she was upright when she spoke.
"Whereareyougoing?" she mumbled groggily.
"I've got to take my shift at watch," Bon Bon said as she stepped close, making a gentle shushing sound. "You stay and get some more sleep."
Lyra reached up to caress her check and Bon Bon leaned forward to give her one last kiss before she put her helmet on and was gone. Lyra laid back again, the softness of the bed a siren song that called to her still drowsy mind. She hadn't meant to fall asleep at all. But with Bon Bon lying beside her, feeling the warmth of her pressed close, she'd felt the tension of the last few weeks slip away and a tiredness she didn't know she'd suppressed take hold.
A few weeks. Had it really been so short a time?
She tried to count back the days and found she could not. It was a blur to her; days and nights of fighting without a clear distinction between them. The night was as much a battleground as any day had been and too little rest was found in either. Now that she was in the comfort of her own bed and with no immediate danger closing in around her, she was strangely restless, as if sleep was foreign to her. The lack of danger seemed wrong. She felt that if there was no sign of the enemy or a clear objective to pursue, she was somehow out of place. It made her skin crawl under her coat and compelled her to do something, anything to keep that feeling at bay. She squeezed her eyes shut against the sensation.
No, she said to herself. This is the time to relax. This is my home. It's safe here.
But the feeling only persisted, provoking a flash in her mind of fragmented images from the fighting in the woods. The streets as she'd returned to Ponyville had been the scene of devastation, just as Canterlot's had before them. With a chill of foreboding, she realized that the battle may have been over but the danger still lurked nearby. She would soon be leaving to fight again. Even now, Bon Bon was out there, standing watch in case of another attack. She imagined her near the edge of town, staring out into the woods to the west and the trampled fields where the Trolls had retreated. They could come again at any time and Bon Bon would be at the front of the fighting.
Then, as clearly as if she was still standing in those woods on that moonlit night, she could see the looming figure of that blue-tinted Troll. But it was not Lyra herself who faced him. Instead, it was Bon Bon that stood alone against him. He held his spear menacingly in one hand with an axe in the other. His eyes glinted with malice as he smiled down at her. Lyra was paralyzed with dread, unable to call out a warning to this vision that seemed too real to be imagined. She tried to will herself forward, to do anything to help, but the image changed before she could take a single step.
Bon Bon was running now. The night's shadows closed in on her and Trolls followed close behind. She called out to them, encouraging their pursuit to give the other ponies a chance to escape, but she was growing tired. At any moment she could falter and the Trolls would have her. But a new scene materialized and Bon Bon was at the front of the fighting at the river. Trolls surged out of the water only to be thrown back by the spears and swords of the defenders. But with each charge, there were more Trolls and fewer ponies until it seemed Bon Bon stood alone against a titanic wall of Trolls that towered over her, poised to fall and crush her beneath their sheer numbers.
Abruptly, Lyra found herself running through the streets of Canterlot. Somehow, none of the sudden changes in her surroundings seemed as important as the reason she ran now. The frantic urgency of it gripped her mind, though she couldn't seem to remember the specific destination. There wasn't a single pony in sight and there was no sound, not even from her own hooves on the cobblestones. An impossible number of streets came and went and still she ran. She despaired that she would ever reach the end but at last the buildings fell away and the fields opened up to her with the rows upon rows of orderly tents that made up the Army's camp.
Her goal became clear like a key clicking into place. She raced for the medical tents as fast as her hooves could carry her. She burst through the canvas flaps, her magic flaring for the fight. But it wasn't Goldengrape she found pinned under the bluish Troll; it was Bon Bon. Her eyes shone with the same rekindled hope, but just as Lyra feared it would, the Troll's spear plunged downward to extinguish it.
~*~*~
She woke with a gasp and sat bolt upright so fast that she almost blacked out from lightheadedness. She clenched her eyes tightly against both the dizziness and the sickening panic.
A dream, she told herself. Only a dream.
Fragmented memories of her previous perils, warped together with her new fear for Bon Bon's safety; they were so fresh in her mind that she couldn't shake them off, even with her waking mind fully aware that they had not happened this way. She had made it through so many battles, cheated death where others had not, and still she could not see the end of this war. But she didn't mind the imminent danger to herself so much as she was tormented by the thought of Bon Bon sharing it.
A glance out the window told her dawn was breaking over the town. She let out a sigh and got out of bed. She wasn't about to find any more rest now. As she slipped back into her armor, she felt a certain amount of comfort return with the familiar weight. She paused at her front door and breathed deeply of the morning air. A tang of smoke from the waning fires wafted subtly under the crisp coolness. Lyra trotted toward town hall, listening to the silence. It would have been a peaceful silence if she were not so acutely aware of the absence of the town's usual bustle, even this early. The emptiness echoed the feeling inside her when she thought of this whole war.
She shook herself, trying to throw off that melancholy. Instead, she focused on her memories of how her home used to feel. She smiled, though sadly, and focused her resolve on seeing it restored. The end of the war couldn't come soon enough but she was determined to see to it those memories weren't all that was left of this town. She hoped one of the officers was around. She was anxious to get back to work. When she arrived in the town square, she found only three ponies. At the long line of shrouded dead, Big Mac sat beside Applejack's body, unmoved and apparently dozing off on his vigil. Beside him, curled up under a blanket, Apple Bloom slept. Cor sat apart from them, making arrows from a box of materials. He kept watch over the other two with occasional glances, but otherwise did not break his intense concentration on his task. Lyra seated herself beside him cautiously.
"Lieutenant," she greeted.
He gave her a nod in response.
"What's happened since yesterday? Any news?" she asked.
"Not much," he said gruffly. "The Air Corps left to rejoin the main body of the Army in the north. They waited until after nightfall so the enemy wouldn't see them go and think we were vulnerable to a second attack. They took our liaison, Private Trottow, with them to handle the official report. Other than that, Zacon is out west with a few from Second Squad. They're...retrieving the ones we lost on the way here. They'll be back some time tomorrow. Everyone else is either still sorting through the mess here or taking a much needed rest."
Lyra nodded and watched Cor work for a moment. A thought occurred to her and she gestured at the materials he was using.
"I didn't know the blacksmith was back to work already. What did you bribe him to finish your order first," she teased.
"He isn't back," Cor replied dully. "These were prepared before the battle."
"Not even going to humor me for the sake of lightening the mood, huh?" she asked sullenly.
He gestured at the mourning siblings sitting across from them. "If I thought a few jokes might lighten this mood, I would. But it won't."
Her ears dropped and she heaved a sigh. "So, where's Lieutenant Faircastle?"
Cor shrugged. "He went after some of the Trolls. He'll be back when he decides he's done with them."
"He's out there by himself, and you're not worried?" she asked.
"No," Cor began, but stopped himself. "Not yet anyway. If anyone can take care of himself, it's Jason."
Despite his words, Cor looked troubled now and he stopped working on his arrows as he thought it over.
"Well, when he does get back, I want to be ready for whatever is next."
Cor didn't acknowledge her. She frowned at him and then at the Apples.
"And that means getting all of you ready," she said under her breath as she got up and approached Big Mac. "Starting with you."
Big Mac grunted as he shook himself awake at the sound of her approach. He glanced at her and looked away.
"Do you mind if I say goodbye?" she asked, her voice low but firm.
He seemed surprised at first, but nodded for her to go on. Lyra knelt down and put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. With a shaky breath, she began to whisper a few words. But something caught her eye and stopped her cold. Protruding from under her right shoulder was the broken haft of a Troll's spear. Every muscle in her body tensed up as her eyes traveled along the length.
"Big Mac?" she said in a voice stretched taut with alarm.
Her sudden change of tone brought both Big Mac and Cor to their hooves and to her side.
"What's the matter?" Big Mac asked, looking for the cause of her distress.
"This spear," she said, her voice quivering as she gingerly extracted it. "I know this spear."
Big Mac had to look away as a bit of congealed blood oozed out with the spearhead. He exchanged a glance with Cor.
"How can you be sure?" Cor asked.
"The curve of it, the serrated edge on the back of the head; I've seen it before."
"There are a lot of Troll spears out there," Big Mac rumbled cautiously.
"No!" Lyra said. "It's the same spear! I know it."
Before Big Mac could reply, Lyra rounded on Cor.
"You saw it all, didn't you? When she was killed? Who had this spear? What did the Troll look like?"
Cor shook his head. "I didn't see much. The spear was thrown by a Troll in the back of their group. Just a blur, really, with how fast it all happened."
"Nothing? His height, his build, the tint of his fur even?"
"No, just..." Cor stopped as something occurred to him. "Wait, the tint of his fur?"
"Was it blue?" Lyra pressed urgently.
"I-it was!" Cor said, surprised.
"Then it was the same Troll that killed Goldengrape in Canterlot," she said, gritting her teeth in anger. "The same Troll that tracked me down in the forest on our way to Ponyville. You remember that one, Big Mac?"
Big Mac nodded, dumbfounded.
Lyra looked down at the broken weapon grimly. "Then this is his spear. He killed Applejack too."
None of them said anything for a full minute, each pondering separate thoughts.
"But he's dead now, right?" Lyra asked, snapping the brittle silence. "You killed the Trolls that did this?"
Cor shook his head. "We killed a lot of them out there but I don't know if that blue one was among them. If any of us got him, it would have been Jason. He went chasing after the stragglers."
Lyra caught her breath. "Alone. He's going to face that Troll on his own!"
"We should go after him," Big Mac said, suddenly full of energy. He cast about for his weapon but Cor stopped them both from running off.
"There's no point rushing out there. He's hours ahead of us and we have no idea where he'll have gotten to by now. It would be better if we prepared and brought a full team along."
"He could need us right now!" she pleaded.
"We can't go chasing him to the ends of Equestria when there are so many ponies right here that need our help," Cor said, gesturing at the town around them. "Jason was on his own the moment he decided to run off. He'll have to manage until we're ready to follow him."
Lyra swallowed any further retort and nodded. She finished saying her goodbyes to Applejack and Big Mac said a few words as well before he finally looked ready to leave her side. He roused Apple Bloom and led her away to where she could lie down in a real bed. Cor lingered for a moment longer before he too trotted off to the day's tasks. The town came awake and work continued to clear the rubble and bodies from the streets while a careful watch was maintained. No threats presented themselves and a fragile calm returned. Around noon, something else returned to the town. In twos and threes, the refugees and townsponies that had fled the battle trickled back, at once in awe that the town still stood and appalled by the devastation. Some of the ponies that had graciously hosted refugees were in turn comforted by their guests when they learned that their homes had been consumed by the fires. Others looked through the dead, stopping at faces they recognized.
But all of them, the refugees in particular, had a new resolve about them. They had been put to flight and assumed they would never return, but now that this battle had been won, they could see hope that other towns could be reclaimed. As the sun dipped low in the sky, the smoky haze over the town was beginning to fade and the last of the dead had been moved out of the streets. Just over one hundred forty ponies had died in all, but the number of Trolls that had been slain reached well above two thousand. Those bodies were moved to the west side of town, to be laid in mass graves once the holes had been dug.
Evening was closing in when a great commotion drew the attention of the entire town. Upon a hundred golden chariots that glistened in the setting sun, a grand procession descended into the town square. Lieutenant Cor, the Sergeants of the Vanguard and the towns own officers gathered to meet the new arrivals. Each chariot was drawn by two Pegasi and laden with either crates or ponies that lacked flight. Princess Celestia looked down from the lead chariot at the assembled ponies in the square bowed low.
"Citizens of Ponyville," she said, her resonant voice holding a soothing softness even as it filled the whole square. "Know that you are not alone. We are here now to help repair the damage caused by this tragedy. I know that the loved ones you have lost cannot be returned to you, but we can carry on bravely in their memory. Because of their sacrifice, we are still here. This war will not be our end!"
As the ponies cheered, Celestia signaled for the supply crates to be offloaded. Food, blankets, medical supplies and construction materials were distributed by the ponies in the chariots. Their steel armor glistened, fresh and unmarked by battle. They stole glances at the surrounding town and the dead who still lay on the other side of the square, their apprehension plainly visible. Still they remained stoically silent as they went about their work. Princess Celestia oversaw them for a minute and then approached the town's leadership.
"We've had no news in Canterlot since my sister sent word that she was beginning the march north to reconnect with the Crystal Empire. What news can you share?" she asked, looking between them.
After glancing at the others and seeing they weren't jumping at the chance to speak, Mayor Mare decided she would start off.
"Ponies are fleeing devastation in the west, your Highness. And the refugees that have come through our town have expressed dismay at the state of our response. They had expected the Army to escort them to safety and to find ample accommodations waiting for them. I'm sorry to say we've been unable to provide enough of either."
Celestia nodded as the Mayor finished. "While it saddens me, I am not surprised. We were completely unprepared to handle this sudden attack." Her eyes flickered to Cor as if expecting some comment from him, but he said nothing. She went on hastily. "But we are making strides to turn the situation around. The farther from the front they move, the better we'll be able to satisfy their needs."
The Mayor nodded and glanced at Bon Bon. Bon Bon stepped forward and began with a steadying breath.
"The town is in shambles, as you've seen, but we're well on our way to rebuilding now. As for the townsponies, they're holding on. But they've got very little to hold on to. If they face another battle like this one, without an end in sight, it might just do in what resolve they have left."
Celestia frowned. "They intend to continue fighting?"
"Well, some of them. Many would be glad to never hold a weapon again." Bon Bon shifted her hooves anxiously. "But yes, a number of volunteers have expressed the intention to keep fighting, myself included."
"We'll see to it your recruitment is officially recorded," Celestia said.
Bon Bon bowed and stepped back. Cor took that as his cue and spoke up.
"The Vanguard moved to reinforce Ponyville separate from the Army after we intercepted an enemy message referring to the planned attack. The Army was able to send the Air Corps to us in time, but without any additional troops in the region for the foreseeable future, our operational potential is limited." He paused to clear his throat. "Especially with the casualties. Still, we intend to put an advanced watch in place to the west to get an idea of the enemy's next move."
"My volunteers can be put to the task of watching the surroundings for enemy activity," Celestia said, gesturing to the ponies unloading the chariots. "They aren't trained to fight, but they are active recruits of the Army. They are acting as an auxiliary logistics division, to provide transport for ponies and materials. If your troops can stand ready to meet any threats that come this way, I will ask for volunteers to take up the role of scouts to assist you in detecting them."
Cor let out a sigh of relief. "That would be most appreciated. Could you have those volunteers meet me at town hall tomorrow afternoon for a briefing on our plan?"
"I will do so," she nodded. "But what will the Vanguard do until then?"
"Lieutenant Zacon is leading a group to retrieve those who fell outside the town. The rest of us are picking up the pieces here. We'll do what we can before moving out."
Celestia's gaze traveled west, as if looking directly at the dead ponies that lay beyond the town. Her jaw tightened but she made no other reaction.
"Very good," she said. "We'll see to it they are properly buried when they return."
She looked around then, clearly not seeing somepony she was expecting. Cor saw the pony in question approaching anxiously the same moment Celestia picked her out of the crowd that milled about the square. Twilight looked like she was on the verge of tears and Celestia ran to her immediately. The two embraced, with Twilight falling weakly at the Princess's hooves. Celestia lay down beside her, wrapping a wing around her protectively. Twilight did not cry, but nuzzled close to her mentor, shutting out the rest of the world beyond the other's embrace.
Cor took that as a sign that the conversation was finished for now. He turned to the others and directed them to assist in distributing the new supplies. The sun dipped below the horizon and the blanket of night's shadows fell over the town but ponies remained active long into the night. |
Innocent | Act IV: Chapter Thirty-Three: With the Rising Moon | "What do you make of it, my Captains?" Luna asked, her gaze sweeping the plains leading into the Crystal Empire.
The Troll encampments lay before them, lit from within by fires to ward away the coming night and touched softly by the amethyst glow of the translucent dome that surrounded the Empire. The shield shimmered as the last of the light faded from the western horizon. The camps encircled the Empire's border and numbered twelve in all, separated by half a mile of open ground between each. The shield covered the city proper and most of the outlying buildings, but not all of them. The exposed buildings had been severely damaged, presumably by the war machines that lay discarded or destroyed at various points around the shield.
Luna nodded to herself. It is good we arrived when we did. The Empire is truly in dire need of us.
Their trek had been a four day hard march north from the battlegrounds at Darkshade Forest. Though Luna had been reluctant to let the Air Corps fly south to answer the Vanguard's call for reinforcements, Captain Spitfire and her fliers had managed to return in time to make the approach on the Empire's border with the rest of the Army. The march had been quiet. Much of the high spirits from their victory had dulled after a few miles and only continued to fade. The fresher troops from the eastern volunteers had begun to realize their first taste of battle had been an easy fight and that they were now marching toward what would undoubtedly be a much greater challenge. The more seasoned recruits that remained of Canterlot's defenders felt a similar sense of dread but an equal share of determination, knowing the Crystal Empire would be facing odds comparable to the assault on their own home, but had stood alone for far longer.
Luna's officers had reported these sentiments to her and she had told them in turn to see to it the troops knew they would be led to nothing short of total victory in the Frozen North. They would not let their fellow ponies down, who were counting on them to supply relief from the Troll attackers after two weeks of fending for themselves. As she gazed out at their destination, she did not have a single doubt in her mind that she had spoken true.
"It is a siege, your Highness," Captain Nocturne said as he too studied the enemy camps. "They've positioned themselves to cut off all approaches, both for attack and retreat."
The other Captains stood to either side, each taking in the situation on the frozen plains. They stayed back from the crest of the rise enough that a casual observer wouldn't notice them from the camps below. Even though the ground was permafrost, the warmth emanating from the Crystal Empire kept the air from plunging to dangerous temperatures. Light cloaks had been distributed to the troops to be worn over their armor while in the north.
"There's so many of them," Captain Comet Tail breathed. "There must be hundreds of Trolls in each camp."
"Thousands," Captain Gallant Lance observed grimly.
"They've really settled in for a long one," Captain Spectrum said, pointing to a permanent-looking, though hastily constructed building near the center of the camp closest to them.
"It's the only building though. It must be some sort of command building," Captain Caboose mused.
"If it was, it would have been better positioned on the top of the rise at the back of the camp," Captain Flash Point said. "Much easier to see the field or defend in an attack, I'd think."
"That's a lot of traffic for a command building," Spectrum said.
The others could see he was right. A steady stream of Trolls would emerge, briefly tend to some task and then withdraw into the building again. There was also an unusual amount of activity around the building for it being such a late hour.
"Maybe it's a mess hall then?" Comet Tail asked.
"Could be," Flash Point said. "But again, it should have been farther back in the camp, don't you think?"
"No one accused them of being brilliant strategists," Nocturne chuckled.
They continued to speculate idly and Luna let them. She peered out to the edge of the shield trying to discern the state of the defenses beyond. She spotted what looked like the remains of small battles. Bodies and broken siege engines, as well as the remains of a camp that was settled closer to the shield, were in evidence. She concluded that the defense had not been a passive one. The current Troll camps appeared to be fortified by bulwarks and warded by many sentries. Both sides had dug in and neither would be dislodged easily. She thought she saw movement at the edge of the shield, but one of the Captains suddenly exclaimed, bringing everypony's attention to him.
"Sappers!" Captain Black Stone blurted. He wasn't looking at the building that the others were discussing. Instead, he was looking to the other camps. "Those buildings aren't mess halls or quarters or the rest. They're sapper tunnels!"
"What makes you so sure?" Gallant Lance asked.
"That shallow hill behind the building," Black Stone went on, nearly stumbling over his words in his haste to get them out. "It's not natural. It's a mound of moved earth! They're taking it out of the tunnels and piling it at the back of the camp. It's the same in every camp. They're digging under the shield!"
In tense silence, they all looked again. This time the movement of the Trolls near the building appeared less random and out of place for the time of night. This time, they could clearly see it for what it was; an organized effort to move materials.
Nocturne grunted. "That's backbreaking work with the ground frozen as it is."
"But they've certainly made progress," Comet Tail said. "Those mounds are huge for being piles of excavated dirt."
"How close do you think they are to breaking through?" Spitfire asked.
"It's impossible to tell from here, and I don't fancy trying to get a closer look," Gallant Lance said. "We have to assume time is short."
"And so we will act now," Luna said, drawing everypony's attention. She turned and marched back toward the waiting troops.
"Begging your pardon, your Highness," Gallant Lance said, trotting to keep up with her. "But what exactly is our course of action to be? Any one of those camps promises to be a battle unto itself, to say nothing of what should come if the others become involved."
"We will not be attacking the camps at this time," Luna replied. "We make directly for the Empire itself."
"Will that not leave us in the same predicament as those already weathering this siege?" Nocturne asked as the other captains caught up.
"And without the element of surprise?" Flash Point put in.
"We came to relieve the Empire and break the siege. Once our two forces are combined, we will have more than sufficient strength to do so."
"But how will we reach them without becoming embattled by one or more of the camps?"
"For that, we must be swift," Luna said simply.
"A timely distraction could buy us the few seconds we need to slip through," Spitfire suggested.
Luna nodded. "Make it so."
~*~*~
Midnight approached and the Equestrian Army held their position, waiting for the signal to charge between the two Troll camps to the edge of the Empire's shield, a distance of just over a mile. Once they left their concealment in the low hills of the tundra, the open ground that led up to the Empire's border would offer no cover for their approach. The Trolls would only need to pinch them from either side and they would be caught in the field, outnumbered and surrounded. It would be a race to see which side could more quickly cross the five hundred crucial yards that separated freedom from entrapment. Unfortunately, the Trolls had only to close the gap with enough troops to slow down the head of the Equestrian column so other units could arrive and engage them. The Equestrians needed to get nearly three thousand troops clear of the Troll lines without being caught in a melee.
And to that effect, the Air Corps was to provide a distraction in an attempt to draw the Trolls away from the Army's route. The signal came as the Air Corps attacked with javelins at the far edges of the two camps they needed to pass between. In a matter of seconds, the night erupted into noise and motion. Both camps were mobilized almost before the Equestrians had begun to charge. The Trolls formed ranks at defensive positions on their perimeter, scanning the violet-tinged darkness for the attackers. It took them a moment to realize their enemy was above them. There was a brief milling about as they tried to simultaneously take cover and return fire at the Pegasi. But they swiftly organized and pulled heavy wooden canopies over top of their bulwarks to shield themselves from the rain of javelins.
As the ponies closed the gap, many Trolls took notice of them. But none ventured out of the camps' perimeter. They simply hunkered down to weather the attack, eyeing their enemy from behind their protective structures. The Air Corps shifted their attack to pick off any Trolls that remained exposed and harried them until they sought shelter. The Army made their way between the camps unchallenged. Reaching the shield, the Army slowed to a stop. Now that they were closer, they could see that beyond the shield lay additional fortifications. A ten foot deep trench had been dug and filled with jagged crystals that jutted up like spears. The space across the twenty foot span that separated them from the other side was occupied by a small squad of Crystal ponies who were busy maneuvering a portable bridge into position. As they secured it, the shield shimmered, signaling that it was now permeable.
The ponies wasted no time funneling through the shield and across the ramp to safety, but the gap was narrow and the thousands of ponies could only move so quickly. The Trolls of the camps suppressed by the Air Corps did nothing to stop them, but the other camps had now mobilized and waves of Trolls were pouring across the frozen field from both sides. Though their bulky frames couldn't match a pony's gallop, Luna could see that the Trolls were making good time in their lumbering charge. Even though they were a thousand yards off still, she knew the Army would not be able to pass over the meager bridge in time.
"Captain Gallant Lance!" she shouted, lifting off. "Take the Guard and ward our right flank. Nocturne, you and your fliers are with me."
She turned to lead the charge but stopped short when she saw that the Empire's defenders had already deployed a holding action to buy time for her troops to reach safety. Two more ramps had been put in place on either flank and Crystal ponies were rapidly forming lines outside the shield. In front of them, they set up stands that held slender crystal bows. They started firing immediately, resupplied with baskets of arrows by additional ponies running back and forth across the ramps with practiced efficiency. The arrows fell among the charging Trolls, piercing fur and biting into flesh. Where they struck, a layer of ice rapidly formed, impeding movement in joints that froze in place and under foot where arrows had struck the ground.
The Trolls seemed prepared for this and produced square wooden shields that they held in front of and above their leading line to catch the arrows before they could find their mark. This slowed their shuffling charge to a determined march. The archers slowed their volleys to conserve ammunition, keeping up just enough pressure that the Trolls couldn't break cover to pick up the pace. Luna watched from above, mesmerized by the fluidity of the counterstrike. Likewise, Captain Gallant Lance had held his troops back to allow the Crystal Ponies to engage. They both returned to the crowd passing through the shield and soon found themselves safely behind the barrier, looking out at the Trolls.
The Crystal Ponies withdrew with the same smooth movement, escaping before the Trolls could close the gap and deal any damage. Some spears were thrown in rage, falling short ineffectually. One Troll even approached the shield where the last pony had slipped through and slammed his fist against it. The Trolls then marched back toward their camps, collecting their dead along the way. The Pegasi of the Air Corps slipped through another gap high on the shield and the stillness returned to the frozen plains. Luna looked for the pony in charge of the defenders and saw Princess Cadence approaching. Luna assembled her officers and marched to meet her.
"Your troops are a welcome sight," Cadence said after they had exchanged formalities.
"As was the aid in reaching you provided by your own forces," Luna acknowledged.
"Not to mention the warmth," Spectrum muttered as he loosened his cloak.
"Tell me, what is the situation here in the Empire?" Luna asked briskly.
Cadence sighed heavily. "This stalemate has been a difficult one. We had hoped at first that we could wait them out behind the shield and let the harsh environment force them to leave. But they seem as well equipped as they are stubborn."
"And more devious as well," Luna replied. "Were you aware of their efforts to breach the shield?"
"They have tried numerous siege machines and even brute force of arms. None have succeeded. They seem content to keep us trapped."
"Not quite," Luna said gravely. "We observed what appeared to be sapper tunnels in the camps that surround you. They may be digging under the shield as we speak."
Cadence balked. "If that's true, we've no time to lose! We have to do something to stop them or they'll overrun us."
"Why not just extend the shield over the new opening after they break through?" Black Stone suggested.
"It's not as simple as extending the shield," Cadence said, shaking her head. "This shield is maintained by Prince Shining Armor. He's the only one powerful enough to do so. And while a dome is a relatively easy shape to maintain, trying to add small patches to cover new gaps across the city would be too much for any mage to handle alone."
"What of your own shield?" Gallant Lance asked. "I thought you had been the one to protect the Crystal Empire from King Sombra."
"I was," she said. "But I was holding back a spirit of fear and hate. My shield's power amplified hope and love within the Empire, which sadly isn't enough to ward us from the physical aggression of these Trolls."
"Not to mention that they would likely dig around that shield once one breakthrough is blocked off," Spitfire added. "They'll dig the whole world out from underneath us if we don't stop them."
"We could let them have those openings and simply meet them at the chokepoints." Flash Point said. "With the Army's help, your defenders could keep them from bringing their numerical advantages to bear. Plus, we'll have them surrounded for a change, just for the poetic turn of events."
"While that is an enticing strategy, I have to point out that there will be at least twelve breaches to cover," Gallant Lance replied. "That's not a number I like. Not to mention what other surprises they might be preparing for us down there."
"And it would be too great a risk to give them the chance," Cadence said, nodding. "I won't take such risks with the lives of the Crystal Ponies."
"But what else can we do to stop them?" Spitfire asked. "We can't exactly reach them underground."
Cadence looked back at the city, frowning. "We might need to evacuate."
Luna snorted. "I should think not. We're here to rout these invaders, not flee from them."
"With all due respect," Cadence said, treading carefully with her words. "I don't see how that can be done. I have to see to the safety of my subjects. What better course is there?"
"Before we can concoct a plan, we must know how much time remains for us." Luna said, looking to the stars thoughtfully.
"I thought not knowing how long we had was the reason we were in such a hurry to begin with." Black Stone said, confused. "How would we even find out?"
"Leave that to me," Luna said, calling her Night Guard to her.
~*~*~
The lazy hours of the night stretched on. An hour had passed since the ponies had charged the gap and reached the shield. The Troll camps were silent again, waiting for their next opportunity to strike at their enemy. A faint mist began to creep out from the shield across the frozen ground, worming into the Troll camps to the south and obscuring the ground until the fires burned like islands in a sea of clouds. With a sudden surge, the fog rose high into a wall and rolled over the whole of three camps. They vanished from sight completely, the light of the fires snuffed out and even the light from the Empire's shield unable to penetrate into the depths of the billowing mass.
Luna and her Night Guard slipped through the shield and into the concealment, making their way toward the middle of the enveloped camps. They winged through the fog mere feet from the ground and soundlessly landed at the edge of the Trolls' perimeter. The sentries posted there were slumped against the bulwarks, asleep. The ponies snuck past them and into the camp proper. The glow of Luna's horn lit up her smile. The sleep spell woven into the fog in the central camp had succeeded. Trolls were sprawled around the dead campfires and leaning against supply crates. Luna led the way between them toward the building that hid the tunnel entrance, careful not to brush against any of them. The spell was fragile from being stretched over such a wide area.
The camp seemed larger now that she was inside it, the dense fog taking away any point of reference that could help her judge their progress. They had passed hundreds of Trolls and tents when the building's hulking form appeared before them. Roughly hewn logs formed the roof and walls on three sides but the side facing away from the Empire was wide open. Luna peered cautiously around the corner and saw a dozen Trolls laying beside a gaping hole descending into the ground. She signaled the others to move inside and stand watch. She and Nocturne entered the tunnel, which was tall enough for them by a full foot and wide enough for six ponies to march abreast.
The carved earth was reinforced with timber braces set at intervals and Luna counted them as they walked deeper. Each was spaced out about five yards apart with a dim lantern hung from the crossbeam. The edge of the Empire's shield lay eight hundred yards from the Troll's camp and as the tunnel stretched on past the hundredth brace, she concluded it would easily reach. She couldn't confirm her suspicions though, because she and Nocturne were brought up short by several Trolls collapsed in the middle of the tunnel. They appeared to have succumbed to the sleep spell while hauling another cart of earth up to the surface. Luna knew they wouldn't be able to move them without breaking the spell and there wasn't enough space for either of them to slip by. They swiftly left the tunnel again.
"They've gotten too far for comfort," Nocturne whispered once they had rejoined the other Night Guard. "We could knock out the supports and collapse the tunnel. That would set them back a long way."
Luna shook her head. "If we could reach the other tunnels, I would agree, but we cannot. We will need to break this siege before they are able to breach the shield."
"That could be only hours away in the other camps," Nocturne whispered urgently. "We don't have the numbers to drive them off. What can we do?"
"We do not have the numbers, no," Luna said with a sudden smile. She looked around the camp, where even objects a few yards away were indistinct in the heavy fog. "We must return to the Empire at once. I have a plan."
They retraced their steps as swiftly as they could, emerging from the camp and crossing the gap back to the Empire and the welcoming glow of the shield. Her officers stood together, waiting anxiously for her return. Cadence was still there, and Prince Shining Armor had joined her now. He looked drained, his eyes were half-lidded and he leaned against his wife for support. He managed a crisp nod when Luna greeted him but otherwise appeared to be ignoring his surroundings.
"We've concluded that the Trolls have made far too much progress for any delay," Luna said, gazing about at them all. "But I believe I know a way to break this siege before they manage to breach our defenses."
A murmur passed through them and Cadence spoke up.
"What could it be? The Army may be enough to defeat any one camp, but it will not be just one camp that they will have to contend with."
"I agree," Gallant Lance said. "We outnumber one camp three to two, roughly. But there's no way we can get through before both our flanks are engaged. You saw how quickly the enemy responded to our rush to reach the shield."
"I did," Luna replied with a nod. "And I saw how they were slowed by the Empire's defenders. Worry not, for I have taken it all into account. We must not fight them on two sides, for we cannot win such a battle. Instead, we must find a way to engage on a single front. And in order to facilitate that condition, I shall crush them under the weight of their own brutish recklessness."
They all glanced at each other. She did her best to hide her smile, knowing they were uncertain of what she meant but hoping it was a miracle she could truly conjure.
And conjure it I will.
"First, we must move a line of troops into position on either side of the sleeping camp. I will draw the fog back so that the adjacent camps can see our troops. Our goal is to draw them out, and when they pursue us, we shall slip back into the fog and withdraw to the Empire. The Trolls will find only their brethren in the sleeping camp." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "But when they are rouses from my spell, those mists will be transformed into a waking nightmare. They will not see Trolls surrounding them, but monsters."
"They'll tear each other apart," Shining said. Even as tired as he appeared, his voice carried a keen edge, as if afraid. "They won't even know what they're doing until it's too late."
"Exactly," Luna said. "I need a unit of lancers, swift and light. Captain Comet Tail, your company will be ideal for this mission."
The Captain saluted and left to assemble his troops. Luna watched him go briefly before turning back to the rest of them.
"Meanwhile, we will prepare for the second phase of the plan."
As Luna oversaw the companies' preparations, she carefully maintained the spell over the Troll camp. It was a mild strain, but since she was merely easing them into sleep in the middle of the night, it was not too difficult. Come morning that would all change. Not only would she have to prevent them from waking with the dawn, but she would also have to prevent the mists from being burned away in the sunlight. The night was waning but there was time still for her plan.
Comet Tail's company was briefed on their orders and they marched across the portable bridge onto the plains beyond the shield. They vanished from sight and Luna moved to the eastern edge of the mist to watch her plan be carried out. Some of the officers, as well as Shining and Cadence, joined her. They waited in silence for the lancers to move into position. Minutes passed. When Luna judged they should be ready, she lifted her head and made a sweeping gesture with her horn. The edges of the wall of fog receded on both sides, exposing much of the frozen land between the camps once more.
Just visible on the new edges, the company of lancers stood ready. When they could see the Trolls standing watch at the edge of the adjacent camp, they began shouting and taunting them. There was a muted reaction from the Trolls as the sentries stood motionless and the camp roused itself to the commotion. The ponies continued to shout and stamp their hooves in challenge as more Trolls gathered behind their barricades to watch.
"I take it you were expecting a more energetic response?" Nocturne observed from behind Luna. "Doesn't look like they're taking the bait."
Luna could see that most of the camp had crowded to that side of the camp and she smiled.
"Don't be so sure," she replied. "They'll come out of their hole once they feel prepared."
She knew they wouldn't be able to resist being called out so brazenly. She could see they were being wary and attempting to gather for their charge subtly. But she knew their efforts would be in vain. No matter how they tried, no preparation would see them free of her trap. When they did charge, it was a thunderous wave that poured out of the camp at the ponies, a mass of burly forms bristling with weapons and screaming with rage. The ponies held their position for a few seconds before slipping back into the concealing fog. The Trolls followed them in with wild abandon.
Gone were the careful formations and cautious advances to stop them from reaching the Empire's shield. Gone were their own shields and the fear of icy arrows. They saw that the ponies were moving toward their allied camp still lost in the mist and they could not hold back. Their lines dissolved as the Trolls rushed to reach the hidden camp before the ponies could do their damage. Those ponies who watched alongside Luna saw them vanish from sight, though the battle cries still rang out across the plains and reverberated on the shield. At the shields' edge, the lancer company began to return. They ran hard up to the shield and skirted it to the ramp. Each lancer crossed back into the warmth and safety with grateful sighs. Captain Comet Tail waited beyond the shield, ushering his troops inside, counting them as they passed until he was sure they had all made it back and stepping through himself.
The instant they were all out of the mist, Luna's horn flared and the mist changed color from natural grey to a deep blue, tinged with purple. The shouting voices of the Trolls fell silent for a brief moment before the night erupted with screams of terror and the sound of battle. The ponies could do nothing but listen as the Trolls struggled with their unseen assailants. Luna smiled again, knowing what they saw, or thought they saw. The spell that had once kept one camp sleeping had placed waking nightmares in the minds of the Trolls now lost in the swirling fog. They would find no Trolls beside them, but misshapen and twisted figures reaching out to them, attempting to drag them away into the blackness of the night.
The hidden battle lasted for two hours. The screams and clashing of weapons were distorted in the mists, echoing across the plains. Luna stood and gazed out at the mist with a small smile of satisfaction. A pony near her commented that the Trolls of the farther camps were watching the fogbank but hadn't moved. She didn't even glance away, concentrating on her spell and its results. As the glow of the rising sun warmed the horizon, an eerie silence fell. Luna allowed her spells to end and the fog began to dissipate. When the sun had risen to light the frozen plains, the camp was fully uncovered. What had been left in the wake of the night's battle was a killing field.
Bodies were draped over bulwarks and tents, heaped around trampled campfires and spilling out of the camp on both sides. The camp had the look of a tornado's path. Isolated Trolls scattered throughout the camp began to venture out from under tarps and overturned crates to see that they were among the few to survive. They quickly retreated to the adjacent camps where they met up with the reserves that remained behind. There was a buzz as they recounted their experience to their fellows but a new commotion brought them to anxious silence once more. Many more ramps had been hauled to the edge of the shield and the Equestrian forces were swiftly forming up ranks to march out.
The moment the Army left the confines of the shield, the devastated camps fled while those farther along the shield's edge began mobilizing to attack. The pikes that made up the bulk of the pony forces formed lines facing east, a huge wall of bladed shafts. Platoons of Crystal lancers joined the lancers from Canterlot on the southern flank. The Crystal archers of the Empire formed up to the west with the Air Corps above, preparing to ward the rear. Luna, surrounded by her Night Guard, hovered high over the pike lines to get a clear view of the entire field. The sunlight streaming across the snow-frosted land turned the eastern horizon into radiant silver. The dull-furred Trolls stood out against it starkly like a stain spreading across a fine tablecloth.
They marched with their square shields raised, two thousand Trolls in the first camp's wave and four more waves forming up behind it. With a signal from Luna, the pike formations began to advance. The gap closed quickly and the two armies met with a crunch that sounded across the frozen plains. Many ponies were jolted off their hooves by the shock of their pikes digging into the shields and the weight of the Troll lines behind them. The shields took the brunt of the first contact well, protecting the Trolls enough to push into the thick of the phalanx, but once they met the next row of pikes, the shields became a hindrance. Some of the pike heads that lodged in the wooden shields began to burrow through, cracking them until they splintered. The shields that remained intact were impaled by more pikes, which multiplied the resistance against the Trolls' advance. With large swaths of the shields brought to a halt, the Trolls behind them couldn't move forward.
The clash turned into a scrum, with the Trolls forcing their way deeper into the forest of blades that separated them from their foes and the ponies thrusting and desperately digging in against the sheer number of attackers. Trolls attempted to push under the pikes with their shields, some even managing to reach the ponies they sought. Those few made a mad account for themselves before being swallowed up by the advancing formation. As the last of the shield bearers fell, the Trolls began to falter, cut and impaled by the inexorable pike wall. There was a scramble to retreat as many gave up that they would be able to win. A contingent broke away from the rear and swept to the flank in an attempt to bypass the pikes only to be met with a solid row of Crystal lancers. As the lancers made their first pass, each group tearing into the other viciously, the Canterlot lancers dove into the melee, scattering the remains of the ragged Troll counterattack.
The Trolls broke and fled, having been reduced by a third of their number. The pikes pursued at a steady march, allowing the Trolls to out-pace them. The advancing ponies watched as those Trolls melted into the next wave, bolstering their numbers and shouting warnings to the front of the line. Luna heard them giving advice on how to best pierce her lines and she scowled. She looked to the rear to see how the other flank was faring and found that they had brought the enemy to a halt with withering volleys of ice arrows. The Crystal archers were no longer conserving ammunition, intent on breaking the siege here and now. The Trolls were being inundated by the frost that spread under their feet and across their shields. It seemed that fighting into the dawn's light was also holding them up, since the unusual concentration of arrows was coming from a blinding curtain of sunlight that reflected off the snow as well. They had, in fact, set their shields against the ground to form a solid wall and stopped their advance completely.
Satisfied that she needn't worry about the rear guard, Luna turned back to the pike lines. They closed the gap with the Trolls steadily, and the Trolls approached with a more cautious march. When they met, it was less of a crunch and more of a grating and scrapping as the shield bearers jockeyed with the pikes for an opening. In pockets, Trolls began to make gaps and the pony lines were in danger of being pierced in a dozen places when Luna decided to act. Diving toward the center of the line, she let forth a rapid series of blasts from her horn, targeting the breaks in the line. As she landed, she sent out a ripple of force that scattered the Trolls where she touched down.
"Forward, Equestrians!" she shouted, charging ahead and swinging her horn in a wide arc that cut down a pair of Trolls cleanly.
Her Night Guard descended beside her and pushed back the Trolls on either side of her. The ranks of the pikes surged at her call, surprising the Trolls who had counted on the relatively slow advance to worm their way into the formation. Trolls were pushed down, cut and trampled under the thousands of thundering hooves that drove into them. The second wave of Trolls broke apart and fled, just as the first had. The pikes that cut at the heels of the Trolls took their toll, catching hundreds in flight. The third wave stood in the path of the charge, at first resolute, but suddenly a horn sounded and most of the rear of their troops broke away, heading north around the Empire's domed barrier. Only the shield bearers remained, digging in to face the ponies. Luna looked ahead farther and saw that all of the Trolls from the other camps had also turned back. Elation flooded through her and she let out a shout, urging her troops on.
Another blast from her horn shattered the center of the shield formation and the pike lines slammed into the rest. Hafts snapped and shields splintered as the ponies overran the Trolls. The horns of the Trolls continued to blare in the distance and soon all the camps were emptying. Thousands of Trolls lumbered west, back into the tundra and away from the Crystal Empire. Eyes aglitter, chest heaving with excitement, Luna watched them go until they had put the first hills of the tundra's rough terrain behind them. She let out a cry of victory and swooped toward the ground. She looked around at the various platoons restoring order to their formation after their wild charge and called to Captain Gallant Lance.
"Where is Captain Nocturne?" she asked once he stood before her. "I want him to take his flight after them to be sure they are leaving Equestria completely."
"Princess," Gallant Lance began anxiously. "Nocturne won't be able to lead a flight. He was injured. Badly."
Luna felt her excitement drain away in an instant. Gallant Lance pointed the way and she rushed to where Nocturne was being tended. Three ponies were gathered around him, one wrapping his wing in bandages, one splinting his foreleg and one easing his dented armor off. His breathing was a rasp and every time he was jostled, he winced. Luna tried to remain expressionless but caught herself biting her lip in worry. Nocturne must have noticed because he spoke up hastily.
"Don't mind the wing," he said. "Just a bit ruffled. It's the ribs that have me grounded."
"But you will be fit to return to duty?" she asked.
He flexed his wing slowly, grimacing. "Not for some time, I'm afraid. Tenebris will have to take my place beside you."
"Lieutenant Tenebris!" Luna called, not taking her eyes off Nocturne's injuries.
The Bat Pony appeared before her a moment later. She was slimmer than most, even among the more slightly built Bat Ponies. Tenebris cast an anxious glance at Nocturne and quickly averted her gaze.
"Yes, my Princess?" she asked, her voice much too soft to carry the same sharp tone the formalities usually took from any other officer.
"I need you to take a flight after the Trolls and be sure they do not mean to return," Luna said. "If indeed they leave Equestria, report back so we may relocate our forces to drive out the rest of these mongrels."
"I'll be back the moment I am sure, Princess," Tenebris replied with a bow.
Luna watched her gather a flight and quickly chase the night over the horizon. Once she was out of sight, she turned back to Nocturne, but she was interrupted by Gallant Lance and Spitfire's approach. They were discussing the casualties, which were still being tallied.
"All I'm saying is," Gallant Lance said, clearly making an effort not to raise his voice. "Regardless of where we're needed next, we're not going anywhere for some time."
Spitfire was obviously unhappy with that because she turned immediately to Luna.
"What do you say, Princess? What is our next move?"
Her tone was far more aggressive than usual and it gave Luna slight pause.
"We must be sure the enemy has left for good," the Princess said. "They have withdrawn for now but they are numerous enough to be a grave threat should they return. Once they are dealt with, we must return to central Equestria and defeat the Troll forces there." Luna raised an eyebrow, guessing at why she might be cross with the other Captain. "Why? Does Gallant Lance say differently?"
Spitfire didn't say anything, but shot Gallant Lance a sour look.
"Not strictly, your Highness," he answered, clearing his throat. "We've got a high number of wounded and they will not be able to travel for a few days at best. If we were to move against the enemy before that, we might be doing so at dangerously reduced strength."
"I see," she said, glancing at Nocturne once again.
Then Luna looked out at the rest of the troops who still combed the battlefield, gathering weapons and assisting the wounded back toward the Crystal Empire. She saw now the many that could not walk under their own power, leaning on a pony for support or else being carried. There were hundreds. She felt a twinge of guilt for cheering at her victory but she shook it off. She had won another battle, and as costly as it had been, it meant she was one step closer to ridding Equestria of this scourge. She couldn't afford to second guess herself now, for this surely wouldn't be the last difficult aftermath she would oversee.
A soft pulse went out from the heart of the Crystal Empire and a wave of warmth spread with it. The shield fell away and the spires of the palace glinted in the dawn's light. Cadence and Shining Armor approached a minute later, the latter looking greatly recovered. He was still as disheveled and his eyes had the shadow of sleepless nights in them, but he stood tall and his stride was purposeful and sure. The lines of worry that had crossed Cadence's countenance were also gone.
"We've overcome this threat," Cadence said when they were close enough to speak. "And the spirit of the Empire's citizens has been restored. Now we must make plans to prevent the danger from returning."
"And we shall," Luna nodded. "We will linger to allow our troops the rest they need before they can take to the field again and that will allow our scouts to determine the enemy's intentions. Once we are sure they are gone for good, we will need to purge them from the rest of Equestria. And with the Empire's added strength marching south with us, we can..."
"March south?" Cadence interrupted. "The Empire's forces can't leave the north. We would be defenseless. They must remain here."
"The Crystal lancers are among the best in Equestria's history," Luna said, matter-of-factly. "And having seen the effectiveness of the archers, I admit I would miss them in future engagements."
"Luna, thousands of Trolls fled west. What is stopping them from coming back? We need defenders here. You have this whole army, the combined strength of the rest of Equestria! We only have the ponies of the Empire to defend our homes with. You saw how badly we were outmatched. If the Trolls should return, or..."
"Cadence!"
Luna managed to keep her tone low but couldn't help a hint of her desperation creeping in. Cadence clamped her mouth shut immediately, taken aback.
"Please," Luna said, stepping closer. "We will not leave until we know the Trolls have left the Empire's borders completely. But the rest of Equestria needs us just as much. I am only asking for a number of troops to come with us to their aid. I believed in your ability to protect the Empire until we arrived, and you did. I ask that you believe in me now."
Luna waited for her reply anxiously. Cadence's expression remained concerned, but after exchanging a glance with Shining and receiving a nod in return, she let out a defeated sigh.
"Take a platoon of archers and lancers then. That much is owed to you for being here to save us when you did."
Shining stepped forward and put a hoof around her shoulders encouragingly.
"Don't worry. We can handle whatever comes next. We only need to hold on to faith in each other."
"Thank you," Luna smiled. "And the rest of Equestria thanks you as well."
Cadence excused herself to rest. Shining exchanged hurried whispers with her before turning back to Luna. Luna watched Cadence go and gave Shining a curious look.
"I know your being here is a sign that the situation in the south is being handled, but I still need to ask." Shining took a deep breath before going on. "How is Twilight doing? And Celestia, for that matter?"
"Our sisters were well when I left," Luna said with a slight smile. "Celestia is tending to the aftermath of an attack on Canterlot and Twilight is assisting in countermeasures against the Trolls' continued activity in central Equestria. If you are planning to remain here, I can give them word you are also well when I see them next."
"Canterlot was attacked?" Shining gasped.
Luna held up a hoof to stop him. "Let us retire somewhere to discuss what has happened in your absence. It has been a long night." |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | pre | Chrysalis' magic lit up and she began to teleport around the roof, causing enough distraction to the Lee's that the changelings jumped them, sinking their fangs into their arms and legs.
Shining Armor knocked off two changelings from the brothers with magic bolts and then performed a rearing kick to Chrysalis, making her grunt in pain before continuing on her teleportation routine.
Gripping the two changelings off of him and seeing his brother doing the same, Billy and Jimmy clashed their heads together in unison before dropping them to the ground. The changelings struggled to remain on the roof before having a gust of wind knock them off.
Leash remained still as Chrysalis stopped in front of her for a short moment. Their eyes stayed on each other before Chrysalis teleported away again.
Chrysalis remained still in a single place before firing off her green magic blast, making the dragon's dodge awkwardly to different sides. She attempted to refocus herself on something, leaving enough time for Billy and Jimmy to try and land some punches. Enough landed Chrysalis to be knocked off her hooves, but an explosive magical force sent Billy and Jimmy to the ground as Chrysalis got back up.
"So, Leash, are you with these dragons?" Chrysalis chuckled, a forked tongue slipping from her mouth.
"Our contract was limited to the mountain and the alter, Chrysalis," Leash barked. "I'm still honoring the agreement to not interfering with your changelings or you personally."
Chrysalis refocused her attention to a charging Shining Armor and swung a sharp slice of magic in the air that clashed against his armor. She felt confidence come back to her as she began teleporting around the roof again.
"We gotta hold her down, somehow," Billy grunted. "Jimmy, let's try the high-low!"
Jimmy gave a nod and waited for an opening against Chrysalis. When it seemed that she was preparing for another magical blast, Jimmy slid on the floor and kicked at Chrysalis' legs. Billy shot up and brought a heavy ax kick on the top of her head, making Chrysalis slump to the floor of the roof again. Her frustration continued to build as the Lee's were smart enough to back away from her magical blast before she got up.
It was becoming apparent that the longer the fight went, the less effective Chrysalis' magic was becoming, leaving her more open to attacks from the Lee's and Shining Armor. Pulling away, Chrysalis let a group of diamond dogs come on the car.
Leash snapped her whip and entered the fray, letting a kick land squarely against the face of one of the dogs.
"Back off, Leash!" Chrysalis screamed. "Those dogs are under my employ and you will treat them as such!"
Leash wrapped her whip around a dog's neck and stamped her foot against his back to apply pressure to his neck. "As I've stated, our agreement was for you and the changelings. Should've done a little more contracting research before you made a deal with a diamond dog like me!"
Chrysalis gave a glowering look to Leash, watching her unwrap her whip and letting the diamond dog that was beneath her fall face first into the metal roof. She charged into the fray before being struck by a stray shot of Leash's whip. Her eyes locked with Leash's as she pulled her whip back and wrapped it around her arm again.
"Oops," was all Leash said.
Before Chrysalis attempted to make a move against Leash, Billy and Jimmy Lee leapt up and pulled back their fists before unloading their charged shots against the side of Chrysalis' head, making her wobble unsteadily and finally falling to her stomach.
***Mission Complete!***
She stayed on the floor as the Lee's and Shining Armor kept their guard up, unsure of what to expect.
"Oh, no, you defeated me," Chrysalis moaned, clearly faking. "What could I possibly do?"
A scream of agony came from within the car below and pink energy formed into a sphere, a little larger than the sphere she had before. Ingesting the sphere, the green magic she had shifted into a dark purple again as it wrapped the train. "Perhaps with the little power I can access of the Avatar of Love, I can fully recover. Perhaps even more than that, gain enough strength to send this entire train to the moon!"
The Lee's watched in horror as Marian was pulled from the car and floated up and to the side of the train with Chrysalis.
"Wait," Jimmy realized with horror. "Did she just say 'to the moon'?!"
Chrysalis began laughing as the train began to tilt upwards to the sky, disconnecting from some of its cars as it starting rising quickly. "Say goodbye to your precious dragons, Avatar!"
Billy tried to jump from the car, but found his feet latched to the roof with Shining Armor, Leash, and his brother. All he could do was reach a hand out to Marian as they passed, just barely touching her hoof.
"MARIAN!!!" |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | Mission 4 - Meanwhile at the Super Awesome Base | ***As the train soars...***
In Appleloosa, two ponies have sat themselves outside of the local pub. Though they may have had a few, the sight of a train flying straight up has not been lost on either of them.
"Lookit that," one mumbles. "They've managed to make it fly." ***
"WHY THE MOON?!" Jimmy yelled out, trying to talk with his brother in his stuck position.
Billy kept attempting to pull his leg from the train, still finding no success. "IT'S WHERE THE LAST PONY WAS BANISHED TO!"
Jimmy turned to his brother as they breached the atmospheric layer of the earth. "THEY BANISH PONIES TO MOONS?!"
"ONLY TYRANICAL ONES, TO MY KNOWLEDGE!" Billy yelled back. "BUT I DON'T THINK WE HAVE A THOUSAND YEARS TO WAIT ON TO SAVE MARIAN!"
Jimmy's eyes shot open as the moon came into view. "A TH- THOUSAND YEARS?!"
With a resounding crash and groan of metal as it turned unnaturally, the train spun wildly against the white surface of the moon. A final thud of the rotating train revealed that the Lee's and their friends weren't on the top of it anymore. The sound of space is a unique thing. Technically, with nothing for sound to bounce off of, silence was the only thing that greeted the four woozy and slightly hurt warriors.
Billy moved himself to the side of the train, still seated as he put his back on it to stay upwards. Gripping his left arm, he attempted to get blood flowing back into it. "Anyone still alive?"
A resounding chorus of grunts and moans greeted Billy's ears, making him breathe a little easier.
He then took another breath and blinked. When did air on the moon become possible? Something about this whole thing was setting off bells and whistles to his schooling. His head went through tomes of knowledge from his public school days and repeated them resoundly in his mind.
Although, having to question this over everything else that had occurred to him today seemed a little hypocritical, to be honest.
"How do we get out of this one?" Billy heard his brother ask from the other side of the train.
"Like I said," Billy began, before forcing himself to stand. "We don't have a thousand years to wait. We need to get the attention of a certain two ponies that may be able to get us down."
"How do we do that?" Jimmy asked, rubbing his neck and looking over at Shining Armor.
Billy thought over the question for a moment and rubbed his chin, checking on Leash as she licked a wound on her paw. "We need to see if the previous resident left any surprises up here."
"About that," Jimmy started. "Who was the last one on the moon?" Shining Armor's eyes betrayed the answer to Jimmy, letting him know that it was something that wasn't pleasant at all.
"Sister of the one who raises the sun in Equestria," Billy explained. "The creature born from jealousy and fear, Nightmare Moon."
A hush came, letting the brothers know there was nothing else to talk about.
"I'm going with Leash," Billy cried out, starting in a direction. "We'll find something on this moon soon enough."
Jimmy gave a nod to Shining Armor. "Guess you're with me then."
***The Moon is a scary place***
Billy and Leash kept a look out for anything out of the ordinary as they walked. Oddly enough, a chair just seemed to be sitting in the middle of nowhere with what appeared to be a pumpkin right beside it. Although, it could have easily been nothing at all. The sameness of the moon could be easily tricking their vision to see something that may not have been there at all
It was a different experience for Billy, seeing the world above him instead of the moon; like the two places decided to switch positions and not let anyone else know. He could see the sun much further away than the earth and if he could focus, sure enough there were other planets hanging around.
Billy broke the quiet to make the trip more bearable. "So, your pack was meant to protect that mountain and the avatar... right?"
Leash's ears twitched, but she didn't respond.
"I'm not meaning to pry into personal life or nothing," Billy backed up. "I'm just curious as to why you would let someone like Chrysalis into the place when you were meant to protect it from creatures like her."
Leash rubbed her arm and avoided looking at Billy. The nervous tension kept Billy from inquiring any further before he noticed a folded paper hat at his feet. Lifting it up, it looked to be a folded up treasure map, just big enough to fit on a small head. Giving a look into it, Billy finally set the hat back down. He was no origami crafter, and he didn't know how to unfold it. With a shrug, he opted to leave it back where it was on the ground for its owner to reclaim it some time down the line.
The further they traveled, the more of the moon and its surprising wonder revealed itself. By surprising wonder, what Billy had really meant was more moon dust and craters. Finally, on the horizon a building's top could be seen. The closer they came, the larger the building seemed. The structure intimidated them as they saw the form of it looking like a unicorn's skull, the tip of the horn burning in a bright blue.
Staring upwards to the terrifying building, Billy tried looking around the horn to see if something was attached to the tip, perhaps leading them to where the source of energy may be. "If we could get up there..." Billy pondered. "It could work."
The entrance came, and Billy noticed Jimmy and Shining Armor also reaching the same door as they did. Waving to the duo, Billy and Jimmy stared down the towering doors and placed their hands on their hips.
"Shall I?" Billy asked his brother.
"Oh, no." Jimmy waved his hands. "Allow me."
Jimmy reeled back and slammed his fist into the doors, making the mass of metal swing open for the group. "Ladies and children, first." Jimmy said with a grin, motioning the others to go in.
***Back in Equestria, namely Canterlot***
"Ahh," Luna sounded, suddenly hearing an odd buzzing in her ears. She gave a quick shooing motion around her right ear to try and shake off whatever small insect had managed to approach her. Giving a look around, she confirmed that there weren't any insects or extremely small creatures that were even around.
Thankfully, no other pony, be it her guard or any visitor of the castle, seemed to notice her actions and she opted to maintain her composure against the buzz that remained.
***I'll tell you where you can find excitement... you can find it... ON THE MOOOON!***
The four entered the base and heard the heavy doors shut and seal behind them. The entrance was unnecessarily huge! Black marble walls that reflected the blue neon that hung from it, giving the place a rather unnerving science fiction vibe.
"Welcome, pathetic insects!" A recorded voice boomed out from an unseen speaker. "You are in the Queen's base of operations! You will experience pain and suffering like none you've felt before as you are led in by my... soldiers, shall we call them."
The opposite end of the room opened, revealing mechanical ponies with deadly red LED light eyes and shimmering chrome.
"Now, if you wish to live," The voice continued, her dark nature oozing through and making the party feel they were dealing with an unnatural presence. "You may approach the right hoof wall, faces against it. And the rest of you who feel like... heroes, then suffer the wrath of Nightmare Moon's personal robot army!
***Let the fighting recommence!***
Leash was the first to strike, her whip surrounding the neck of one robotic warrior. With a roar and mighty pull, the robot was pulled into the air and swung over her head. The robot landed on the ground, the clang of metal on smooth stone sounding oh, so sweet to the ears.
Shining Armor put his army training to the test, spotting the open weaknesses of the limbs and striking them. The metal bent and his attacker was soon grounded, just as well.
Billy and Jimmy went with their usual methods, bashing the robots in the head until they either exploded or the head was sent careening to the other side of the room.
"What's this?!" Nightmare Moon's voice came on again. "You... you're beating my warriors?! Then she must have sent you."
Jimmy gave a glance to Billy, hoping to get an explanation.
"Remember when I mentioned that this mare had a sister who raised the sun?" Billy asked. After seeing Jimmy give a nod, he continued. "Guess who was the one who sent Nightmare Moon up here."
Jimmy's expression turned to confusion. "This is a little girl's show we're still talking about, right?"
Before the banter could continue, more robotic soldiers made their way in.
"We need to get to the top!" Billy yelled out, before roundhousing a robot in the side of its head.
"That beacon that was on top," Jimmy noted, shoving his knee into the grappled mechanical pony he was holding. "I get ya!"
Pushing through the initial wave was easy enough as they passed into the next room. A large winding staircase caught the attention of the brothers as they began ascending them. They soon were halted by more metallic ponies that beeped unnaturally. Billy took a look at their chests to see explosives hanging off of them.
"Off the stairs!" Billy screamed, trying to push the group back.
It was too late for any of them to not feel the force of the explosion as the stairs fell back to ground level. The hunk of metal settled down and was soon pushed away by Jimmy and Leash as they rose from it.
"Timing, bro," Jimmy coughed. "You have to work on that."
Billy only let out a disdainful moan in response, still attempting to find feeling in his legs.
"How are we going to get to the next floor up now, crazy dragons?" Leash huffed, pacing under what remained of the intact stairs.
Shining Armor wasted no time on focusing on a teleportation spell, but felt a wave of pain strike his head. "Something is keeping my magic from being used. Maybe we can find another way up."
Jimmy flapped his wings and motioned to Leash to get on his back. "I'll get you on the return trip, Shining," Jimmy promised.
Shining Armor gripped Jimmy's shoulder before he moved and motioned to a gun on a pole hanging in the corner, pointing directly at him. "I don't think flying is going to work if that thing is going to do something."
"Get in close," Leash said with a confident smirk. "I just need one shot with my baby."
Jimmy gave a look of uncertainty to Leash, "It's aimed at me. I don't think I'll be able to get close without feeling some nasty firepower."
"Stupid plan, I'll agree with that," Leash shrugged. "However, between the both of you dragons, it's those kinds of plans that you like to do anyway."
Billy kipped up from his lying position and looked up to the stairs. "Doesn't look too high up," he thought. "Leash, I'll huck you up there."
Leash tried to find the right kind of look of confusion to Billy before asking, "What do you mean by 'huck'? ***
A howl of wild fear could be heard across the base as Leash was sent hurtling upwards. Her paws reached the edge of the stairs as she hung there, doing her best to pull herself up. Her legs kicked against the empty air before she finally managed to get seated.
"Alright, you're on catch duty," Billy started.
Leash barked angrily at the blue dragon below before speaking, "Don't you ever do that again! I will end you if you even attempt to put your greasy claws on me again!"
Billy looked down at his hands and observed them closely before gently wiping them on his sides, "They're not greasy," Billy mumbled in protest.
"Whatever!" Leash continued to scream. "Start bringing up the rest and I'll pull them up the rest of the way."
Jimmy went to pick up Shining Armor and was set to fling him when he noticed that Shining was stiff as a javelin. Taking that as a cue, Jimmy reeled back and let the stallion fly straight at Leash. He didn't expect to be such a direct shot however, as Leash was unprepared to take a full-body unicorn shot to the face.
"Sorry!" Jimmy shouted, cringing at the sight of Leash collapsed with Shining Armor on top of her. He looked over his brother as he cupped his hands for him to step on. "Hang on a minute," he realized. "Billy, if I get up there, how will you get up there without flying and setting off the turret up there?"
"I climb," Billy flatly responded.
"On what?" Jimmy asked with minor hesitation.
"Just step up on here," Billy sighed.
Jimmy took Billy's advice and felt himself lifted up. Gripping the step, Jimmy went to pull himself up when he felt a weight at his legs. "How'd I know? HOW'D I KNOW?!"
Billy started to pull himself up on Jimmy's body and awkwardly tried to avoid scratching or pressing on anything that could be easily hurt. "This is the only way, Jimmy. Sorry to do this to you."
Jimmy regripped the step and tried to ignore some of the pain that was occurring to him. "I hate you sometimes, Billy, do you know that?!"
"I'll repay the favor down the line," Billy grunted, now passing over Jimmy's head.
"WHEN ARE WE GOING TO FIND OURSELVES IN A SITUATION LIKE THIS AGAIN, BILLY?!" Jimmy screamed.
Without answering, Billy helped Jimmy up and finally they all got to the second floor. The second floor resembled a dojo, familiar territory for the Lee brothers as they tried to move past the awkward situation that occurred.
"So, reached the next floor, have you?" Nightmare Moon's voice came on again. "My loyal minotaur will take care of your little rebellion, posthaste!"
The sliding doors slammed open, revealing an overly jacked-up minotaur in a white karate gi. His navy blue fur just on the cusp of black, without going the whole way. His horns pointed forward, adding to his menacing stare as he focused on the group. His intensity was soon lost as he attempted to restrain himself from laughing, and then failing miserably. "Ha, Ha! Th- They brought in-! Ha, Ha! They let in-! Hoh hoh hoh, ha ha ha ha!"
The Lee's readied themselves, seeing that they were dealing with a much larger opponent. Abobo immediately sprang to mind for the two and the minotaur seemed to be the perfect fit for the body type.
"Big, not fast," Billy quietly noted to his brother.
"Means we got to hit him fast and tire him out before knocking him out," Jimmy added, finishing Billy's thought.
***Nightmare Moon's Creation - Honor Bound***
The minotaur finally stopped and went into a ready position, his fists meeting at the edges of his waist, still accenting his muscle mass. "I am Honor Bound! When I fight, I make no sound!" He shouted, each word making the veins on his arms stand out. "My attacks are swift! With my power, I'll give you a face lift!" He then leaned forward to the group and winked, "If you catch my drift."
"Then let's settle it," Leash spoke up, snapping her whip. Striking her whip at Honor Bound, she found it ripped from her paws and saw it flung to the other end of the room.
"We'll settle it with only ONE weapon!" Honor Bound grunted before crashing a closed fist into his open hand. "With my fists, I'll teach you a lesson!"
Suddenly, the minotaur charged forward, surprising the group as it reared his head and sent them all flying in different directions. Billy only managed to land on his feet and turned back to Honor Bound, seeing an overconfident smirk on his face.
"Scratch the big guy, slow attack angle, Jimmy!" Billy screeched. "He's big AND fast!"
"Yep," Jimmy said, his body crumpled and upside-down. "I'm quite aware of that."
"I have an idea," Shining Armor spoke up, righting himself again. "It's risky, but it may work." He waited for Honor Bound to make a charge before leaping up and wrapping his hooves around the horns on the minotaur's head. "We take the bull by the horns!"
Honor Bound was thrown off balance by the added weight and soon found himself crashing into a wall and getting stuck in it.
Billy and Jimmy took advantage of the brief opening and started bashing their fists into the ribs of Honor Bound, soon realizing that each shot they took felt like they were punching concrete.
"What is this... thing made out of?!" Jimmy grunted, opening and closing his fists to try and make the pain go away.
"Abobo 2.0, more like it," Billy mentioned backing away from the minotaur to think of another plan. "We're on the right track with the horn part, but I don't know how we're going to hurt him!"
Honor Bound ripped his head out of the wall and reaching back, gripped Shining Armor. Flipping him off his back, he sat out and brought Shining Armor's back squarely against the solid wooden floor.
Shining Armor felt all of the air in him escape as the rippling pain carried from his back to his chest. Something in him must have broke, because he couldn't force himself to get back up.
"Foolish pony," Honor Bound grunted. "When someone gets on your back, then get on the attack!"
Leash's eyes glinted, taking the words as a hint on what to do. "Dragons," she excitedly cried. "His back! Everything else but his back is ripped with muscle!"
Honor Bound suddenly felt very naked and uncertain when he heard the one secret about his incredible physique was let loose. "D- don't fool yourself in thinking that is the right answer! You're probably mad that I'm a fantastic belly dancer!"
"That doesn't even make any sense as a threat," Billy said before forcing himself to bend backwards to avoid a running clothesline by the minotaur. From the crab position, Billy continued to roll and performed a mule kick to Honor Bound's back, making the minotaur howl in pain.
Leash moved past the minotaur and reacquired her whip, waiting for a moment to step in and give a few lashes. She felt a major satisfaction to solving the problem before the dragons could. Her happy moment was cut back to reality as she remembered why she was here. She would need to explain to them why she let the changeling queen into the chambers sometime, but not in the middle of a big fight.
"I won't be beaten!" Honor Bound howled. "Not here, or during any season!" His panic was soon cut off with a solid shot to his spine by Jimmy, knocking him to his knees. His eyes rolled back as he fell, looking up to the ceiling. "Mistress, forgive me."
***Mission Complete!***
"Welp, see ya, big guy." Billy said as he moved to Shining Armor checking to see if anything was wrong.
"HURAGH!" Honor Bound voiced, managing to stand up again. "Systems! High alert! THE HIGHEST OF ALERTS! Nightmare Moon, the queen of Equestria, will put an end to you all, here and now!"
***Back in Canterlot***
Luna gripped the sides of her head as the buzzing became a high-pitched squeal, she knew where it was coming from, because the squeal now came with a voice.
"Warning! Warning! Intruders on the moon base!" the voice droned repeatedly, nearly driving her insane. She had no choice but to send herself back on the forsaken plane of the moon to stop whatever racket had now lodged itself up there.
***Somebody gonna get their flank kicked!***
A flash of light appeared in the dojo as Luna stood at its center, holding a metallic box. Taking the box, she began repeatedly bashing it to the ground, making the warning lights and signals fade and eventually stop.
"M- mistress?" Honor Bound announced, seeing the visage of his queen look completely different from how he imagined.
"WHAT DID WE TELL YOU ABOUT OUR ALARM SYSTEM?!" Luna bellowed, making the fur on Honor Bound fluff up from the gust of wind from her voice. She looked to the two dragons, the diamond dog, and Shining Armor before shaking herself to a quieter state. "Shining... Armor? What are you and these...?"
She resolutely gave up in attempting to remain calm and ask questions, teleporting them all of them back to Canterlot Castle. |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | Mission 5 - Canterlot Conflict | The sudden change from inside the dark base to an open hallway of the Canterlot castle threw off the Lee brothers, not used to having a snap transition like that happen to them before.
"Explain yourselves," Princess Luna commanded.
Honor Bound immediately got to a knee and bowed his head to the ground. "Your greatness-"
"WE WERE NOT ADDRESSING YOU!" Luna bellowed at the minotaur, making the massive brute only shrink more in his knelt state.
"Would you believe that I'm here under the guardianship law as passed by you and your sister during the founding of your land of Ponyville?" Leash asked.
A moments pause came from Luna as she looked to the floor and then looked back at Leash. "Your left paw, show it to me."
Leash held her paw out and Luna held it close, observing a mark that was on it. "The heart symbol with a dragon's eye..." Luna sighed, her eyes closing to leaf through her memories. "This mark... why does it make me feel a sense of unnerving?"
"We can't stay too long," Billy interrupted. "Marian's still in trouble and we need to figure out where she's being hidden at."
Luna's quiet ended and her eyes looked to Billy and Jimmy Lee. "The dragon protectors," she mouthed. "We had not thought that love's avatar would be returned back to this realm!"
"How come everyone here keeps calling Marian the 'Avatar of Love'?" Jimmy asked. "She's a policewoman from New York! She's not some godly figure that is revered!"
"Not where she was sent, no," Luna explained.
"Huh?" Billy and Jimmy spoke in unison.
Luna moved to a hallway entrance and turned back to the group. "Come with me, Celestia needs to be made aware of this development."
***Old School Cutscene***
Luna moved into the next hallway with everyone following behind. "The shadows of the changelings were becoming too great for Equestria." She started. "Many ponies fell under the illusion of love, when they were instead treated as slaves. From this, my sister and I developed a plan to create a lifeform which embodied love in its purest form. She would be kind, honest, and caring. As the illusion broke, she soon became the affection of the world. Not wanting to tip the balance to the opposite side, we sent the avatar to another plane of existence."
"She would fall from the sky like an angel to the care of two dragons," She continued, making Billy and Jimmy freeze in place.
"When two dragons soar through the sky," Billy began to speak, remembering a legend they heard long ago.
"An angel will fall to earth," Jimmy finished, now thinking back to the moment that the brothers stood over the fallen body of Marian.
Luna nodded, "The avatar searched far. We knew not where she went, but she found her dragons."
Billy and Jimmy looked to each other in shock. The Marian they had fought and fell in love with was a true goddess, hidden from even their eyes and hearts.
"Now she is in danger of losing the very thing that kept the changelings at bay, the longer she stays here," Luna continued. "And if the changelings gain a hold of the avatar's true form..."
Leash slapped herself in the head, "Stupid!" She angrily hissed at herself. "All that time!" She looked up to the group staring back at her. "I let the changelings in because I had believed... the avatar never existed."
Luna took a step towards Leash, making her take a defensive position. "Your pack and its generations are meant to be the protectors of the gates!" Luna spoke through her teeth. "You did not believe in the avatar and what could have been done if she were to return?!"
Leash's ears hung low and her tail tucked between her legs in shame. "I just... I saw what my pack was doing was a distraction to our nature as diamond dogs. We were meant to be hunters of gems and jewels, not guards of an empty alter. That's why when I was approached with the deal of gems..."
"You could have prevented all of this!" Billy yelled out, pointing an accusatory claw at Leash.
"Do you think it was easy for me to admit that I was wrong?!" Leash barked back. "I didn't want to be a part of it after seeing your 'Marian' in the hooves of Chrysalis and now I don't even have that choice! It's either I help save her and never have to deal with this again or I fail and-"
Leash cut off, trying to finish off her sentence as tears began to form. "I fail and I don't have a home to come back to."
The room grew quiet, now everyone feeling the weight of time running out for action.
"Your greatness," Honor Bound spoke up, clearing his throat. "Should a greater enemy get in our way, we should join together and fight another day." His steel grey eyes looked up to Luna from his bowed position. "Please let me help these fighting troupe. With my immense power, we can be a complete group!"
Luna huffed, still surprised the minotaur that was genetically created by her darker form was still here. "We don't care what you will do," Luna finally responded. "As your queen, we release you from your duties. Whatever choices you wish to make are your own."
Honor Bound stood back up and nodded to Luna. If nothing, his name would remain true as he looked to the dragons, the pony, and the diamond dog.
The stained-glass windows of the hallways burst open as changelings began to fly in.
"I'll send these guys away," Shining Armor said, readying his protection spell.
"Wait!" Billy yelled out. "They came from somewhere. No doubt from Chrysalis' hiding place!"
"I get ya," Shining Armor responded. "We follow the path, not remove it."
***Mission Start!***
Jimmy gripped a changeling and rushed it into a wall, cracking the armored shell and letting it go.
Honor Bound stood his ground as two changelings leapt and grabbed onto his massive arms. With a loud clap, the heads of the changelings hit each other and lost their grip on the large minotaur.
Leash dodged a green blast from another changeling before responding with her whip, snapping it against the black shell. "I'm not going to be lenient against you monsters this time!" She screamed out, spinning in place and using her tail to hit against the changeling.
Billy and Shining Armor took a charging changeling and threw it over their heads, using its momentum against itself. The changeling faltered in the air for the smallest moment before its back smacked the tile.
"Save the avatar, Double Dragons," Luna proclaimed. "You will be the only ones that will be able to keep the power out of Queen Chrysalis' hooves!"
Billy and Jimmy nodded before rushing towards the broken windows and leaping out.
"How high up are we, exactly?" Leash asked before being swept up by Honor Bound. Shining Armor found himself wrapped up in Honor Bound's other arm as they all charged the window.
"When time's of the essence," Honor Bound yelled. "Danger is of no quintessence!"
"You crazy minotaaauuurrr!" Leash howled out as they all fell out of the window.
Luna looked out of the window to the black swarm cloud below. Time was running out, and she could only hope that the dragons could reach their love in time. ***
The dragons touched down, leaving small craters in the ground as they found themselves surrounded by changelings. Billy put his back against Jimmy's and readied for anything to jump out at them.
Before the changelings could make a move however, a heavy crash came in the form of a minotaur carrying a unicorn and a diamond dog. The minotaur dropped the passengers of his arms and lifted his head up in a threatening manner. "When multiple creatures act like poseurs, You need to charge through like the force of multiple bulldozers!"
The minotaur rushed forward, creating an open line for the group to go through. Some brave changelings continued to cross their path, but many felt the punishing effects of a leaping kick or shoulder tackle for their troubles. The path soon ended as Honor Bound had hit his head against a massive changeling, much like the one that Billy and Jimmy fought at the beginning of their journey.
"Chrysalis must be getting more and more power," Billy mentioned, flying up and landing a few punches in the face of the massive changeling. "We can't let this get any more out of hand than it is!"
Jimmy dropkicked the knee of the large changeling and watched it give a groan of pain before it fell. "We better, I don't want to keep meeting up with these huge dudes!"
Entering the city streets, now random ponies were leaping into the fray to jump the dragons. Billy recognized one as Twilight Sparkle, but knew something was wrong when he didn't see wings.
The others tried to keep the ponies off, not knowing how to handle against them without hurting them.
Billy took a big risk and brought his fist into the jawline of the Twilight Sparkle that was in front of him. He watched her fall before igniting in green flame and turning into a changeling. "They're changelings!" Billy yelled out. "Don't hold back!"
Jimmy gripped the stunned pony in front of him and moved over to an open table. Lifting the pony, he threw him through the table, making a crunch sound as it exploded through and hit the ground.
Honor Bound took his fists and locked them together over his head before dropping them onto his attacker, causing the pony to become buried into the ground.
Shining Armor fired off a magic bolt that sent his opponent flying into a glass window of a coffee shop, letting loose coffee beans slip and roll to the ground outside.
Leash remained focused as her leg was caught by the pony in front of her. With a grunt of effort, she flipped backward and let her free leg smash under the jaw of the pony. Completing the flip, Leash stood back up and began panting heavily, feeling exhaustion creeping up. "Are we any closer to finding where these things are coming from?"
"Have you tried Ponyville?" A sarcastic, almost overconfident voice asked.
The group looked over to see Discord floating in front of them, crossed arms as he stared right back.
"What in the-?" Jimmy reacted in shock. "What is that?"
Discord scratched an ear in disinterest to the question. "I was more expecting a 'Who' than a 'What', although 'Why' is my favorite to answer."
Billy tensed up, he knew that Discord was reformed, but in his presence, he knew that this creature was capable of everything and nothing. "We're not here to play games, Discord," Billy said threateningly. "We're here to-"
"I know, I know," Discord interrupted, blinking in a book. "I've read it all in this fascinating read called 'Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria'." Blinking the book away, Discord began to pantomime in dramatic fashion. "The action! The romance! The continuity between universes! It's all so yuckily ordered out in a cohesive manner."
The group shared a look of united confusion before looking back to Discord.
"But! I'm here to provide not only another added conflict," Discord happily cheered. "I'm here to test you in your bonds of love and friendship!"
Jimmy's face fell in disbelief. He attempted to find the right questions to ask as he stammered. "Who-? Wha-? I just-?"
Discord sidled up beside Jimmy and wrapped his eagle claw around the dragon's shoulders, "Fantastic, isn't it?" A moment of realization crossed his face before he smacked it with his lion's paw. "What am I doing?"
Blinking back in front of the group, Discord threw up a health bar with his face posted at the far side. "Can't have a fight without the proper equipment, right?"
"Fight?" Shining Armor hesitantly asked.
"Duh," Discord answered. "Can't test you without some fisticuffs involved. Everypony ready? ThreeTwoOneGo!"
***Best Pony - Discord***
Discord vanished from sight, making the group look around them in panic. They weren't sure of what to expect, but each of them knew it was going to be wild.
"Expect some rain!" Discord called out.
The group looked up to see a cloud overhead begin to drop random objects from the sky. Pianos, Safes, Crates of hair gel, canned food, a kitchen sink at one point. Each of them dodged hectically around the objects, doing their best to attempt to not run into one another.
With the 'rain' ended, Discord came skating in from off screen, his claw and paw behind his back as he slid on the rough ground as though it was ice.
Honor Bound went to rush into the skating Discord, but was soon carried off by the god of chaos as he just kept moving along fluidly.
"Care to dance?" Discord's voice said as Honor Bound came spinning back to the group, acting as a top. Billy was unfortunate enough to not get out of the minotaur's way and was sent careening into a table.
"I'll be zere een a meenute!" A french sounding Discord mocked as Billy pushed himself up from the table.
"This guy is untouchable!" Jimmy yelled in frustration, attempting to stomp on Discord's head as it now started to poke out of the ground.
Billy looked up at the health bar that remained in the sky and had a wild thought. With a push of his wings, Billy gripped onto the health bar and waited for the right moment to strike.
Discord came skating in again, still calmly as he approached Billy.
"Outta the park!" Billy cried out, swinging the health bar with all of his might.
Before the health bar struck Discord, a moment of fear crossed his golden eyes as he was sent sailing into the air.
"Sneaky, sneaky," Discord tutted as he righted himself in midair. "I like that."
Billy felt himself lose control of the health bar as it now tried to whack him in the head. The health bar had now added itself to the mixture of falling objects, skating Discord, and now sudden spurts of water coming out of nowhere!
Leash couldn't contain her frustrations as Discord passed her. Wrapping the whip around his neck, she pulled him back, forcing him to land on his back.
"Do be gentle," Discord said with a smirk. "It's my first time dealing with a mistress."
Leash went to stomp on Discord's smug face when he vanished again. "I. HATE. THIS. SO. MUCH." Leash punctuated with absolute venom in her words.
Shining Armor was having difficulty keeping balance on the ball that now rolled in, but then saw Discord on the same ball trying to move it at the same time he was.
"Where's the ignition on this thing?" Discord asked, acting like he didn't notice Shining Armor there.
Shining Armor gave a grin and began running backward, making Discord give a look of surprise before he was run over by the ball, his body giving a squeak as it passed over.
"Surprisingly, I'm not even mad about that," Discord flatly noted.
Honor Bound felt something yank at his tail, prompting him to turn around, but see no one. Another yank happened, and Honor Bound kept spinning to find who or what was doing it.
Discord only chuckled once before his neck was clamped down on. He had been hanging off the back of the minotaur and holding the tail the whole time. Discord's face turned blue from the lack of oxygen as the minotaur eyed the draconequus.
"When you're being made a fool of, give them death from above!" Honor Bound roared before pulling back his fist and crushing the head of Discord. Removing the fist, Honor Bound felt unnerved by Discord's now flattened head still in his hand.
"Thanks for that," Discord's crumpled voice spoke before he vanished again.
The mania felt like it had gone on for awhile. Bouncing rubber balls spread out across the ground and tripped up everyone. Large chess pieces such as knights and rooks came bouncing across with little care to who or what they ran across. Pies were chucked. No, quite literally, the Pie family had managed to get roped into the fight and were projectiles. It was chaos!
And Discord was enjoying it all. Through the enjoyment, he remarked the attitudes and determination of the dragons and their compatriots. Despite being embarrassed or humiliated in many ways as they were hurt more and more, they kept going. The dragons in particular gave Discord the most enjoyment as they kept finding workarounds to some of his off putting tactics.
With enough testing done, Discord clapped his hands and everything returned to the way it was.
The group kept looking around, still panicking to what else could possibly occur.
"Congratulations!" Discord cheered, "You've proven your worth to me and completed this segment of the game!"
Billy blinked, still trying to pull himself back into a sense of normality. "Game?"
***Mission Complete!***
Discord rubbed the back of his head and then shrugged, "Well, it was a game to me, anyway." |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | Mission 6 - Pain in Ponyville's Plaza | "So, how about it?" Discord spoke with his usual cheekiness. "Shall we all skip merrily to Ponyville?"
"We'll go our own way, thanks," Leash growled, still upset over what had just happened to her.
Discord put his open palms out and shut his eyes in an innocent manner. "You're right. We have our own paths. Yours will have to be riding down a mountain on a rock face."
The ground underneath the group began to rumble and split as it lifted up and over the buildings of Canterlot. Billy moved to the edge of the stone plate and looked down at Discord as he just watched it hover over.
"I recommend seat belts, if there are any!" Discord called up. "We have to worry about personal safety after all!"
Billy didn't know how to respond to the draconequus as they kept getting further away. Jimmy moved beside him and gave a wave to the god they had fought against. "Thanks! We guess!" Jimmy called out, prompting Discord to cross his legs and bow down in response.
"Different," Jimmy said, letting the word sink in with his brother. "He didn't seem as bad as I had initially thought."
Billy sat down and shut his eyes before bringing his two fists together at his chest. "We need to rest for this small moment."
Honor Bound watched as the stone platform they were on began to descend closer to the side of Canterlot Mountain, making him nervous. "A god of chaos says we need a seat belt. A large rumbling, I think, will be felt."
The platform hit the mountatin side and began to slide down, making the group bounce around for a few moments before stabilizing themselves.
***Mountain Surfin' Brah!***
Changelings swooped down from the sky to land on the platform, assaulting the group as the rock occasionally hopped and swerved.
Billy took a look down the mountain and ducked as a sudden stone came flying toward his head. The changeling behind him didn't know it came as it cracked over its head and made the creature dizzy. "It's gonna be a wild ride, guys!" Billy yelled out, feeling the wind go across his scales. With a side kick, Billy sent the changeling off its hooves.
Jimmy and two changelings circled each other, exchanging shots of fire and magic at each other. Seeing the moving mountain wall behind the changelings, Jimmy ran up and brought both of his feet into the duo and landed on his back. He watched in enjoyment as the changelings stumbled, rolled, and screamed into the distance before kipping up and addressing a new challenger.
Leash saw something capture her eye as she somersaulted to the edge of the platform and held out a claw to a large rock. Her arm crashed through and in her hand was a sparkling diamond, making her give a small chuckle. With the diamond in paw, Leash tied it to her whip and started to use the diamond-whip connection as a makeshift mace of destruction. After braining a changeling with her weapon, she smirked with confidence.
Shining Armor was on anti-air duty, keeping any flyers from firing their own magic as they hung in the air above. Sensing an opening to one of the changelings, Shining Armor fired his magic bolt and watched the changeling panic before running into three more flyers and making them all spiral to the ground. A smile of his own came as the other flyers became unnerved, now knowing that they could be next in the line to be shot down by this unicorn.
Honor Bound was having trouble protecting his back, becoming further irritated as the changelings, despite hitting his weak spot, were barely hitting him with any force. Having enough of these insects, Honor Bound gripped a changeling by the leg and began to swing it around his head and body, creating a swirling battering ram. "Don't have patience? Get some vengeance!"
A sudden jump, left the group free falling briefly before hitting the platform again. In a simultaneous motion, each member brought a fist or hoof down as they were coiled from the landing and rose up to send it crashing into the jaw of the changeling in front of them.
Billy and Jimmy high-fived each other, feeling the positive energy that they were all building up. Giving quick glances in front of them, the brothers noticed the sudden drop and their eyes nearly jumped from their sockets.
Without warning, the platform was sent sailing into the air, along with everyone on it as they found themselves falling towards the center of Ponyville.
As they fell, two young dragons were holding a conversation below them, both unaware of the falling stone and its multiple passengers.
"-and this is why I'm afraid of badgers." One of them finished.
With a loud THOOM the stone landed on top of the two dragons, and the group landed on top of it, each lying down in a mixture of pain and reaction to vertigo.
***Pick Yourselves Up!***
With the sun setting on Ponyville, the group got up and dusted themselves off. The town was unusually absent of activity, making them nervous as to what they might be looking for. From where they had landed, it appeared to be right on the edge of the town and its path towards the Everfree.
"Never saw the town up close like this," Billy whispered. "It's... beautiful."
Jimmy only shrugged and kept his eyes open for movement. A quick motion in the alleys made him give a tap on Billy's shoulder. "We have company."
Drakes began to surround the group, some of them stopping in response to noticing Billy and Jimmy.
"Hey!" One called out. "Our mistress told us to fight those guys, turn around and attack them!"
Billy and Jimmy felt confused at the fact this dragon was addressing them. "You must be confusing us with dragons that like Chrysalis."
The drakes gasped in surprise, "They're the ones she warned us about!" The red one that looked to be their leader yelled out. "Traitors! You will either join us, or you will be extinguished!"
The drakes leapt forward from all angles, prompting the group to split while they had a chance. Leash kept rolling from the fire breaths, occasionally giving a snap of her whip to an open target before continuing her acrobatic dodges. Some of the more lucky dodges resulted in fire being breathed into other drakes, causing frustration to some of the attacking enemies.
Shining Armor struck two drakes with a nimble leap and simultaneous blows with his right forehoof and left backhoof. Rolling through, he collided into a third drake with a crossbody. Magic against dragons would be foolish, their resistance against it making their hides legendary to anyone lucky enough to own a set of it as armor.
Billy and Jimmy found fair challenge in these young dragons, making them both consider a possibility to create a dojo specifically for them to hone a craft in the martial arts. Straight attacks were blocked and countered, forcing the brothers to rely on their advanced techniques in their hurricane kicks and spinning back fists to gain the upper hand. Billy trapped one drake in a standing arm lock, catching the incoming punch. A swift kick behind him kept another drake from approaching; giving him time to throw his grappled opponent over his shoulder.
Honor Bound brought a heavy hoof up, making a drake feel his full force of a kick. In this moment, he felt alive as he gripped another drake in a harsh bear hug and watched its eyes cloud up from the lack of air. The more that fell around him, the less brave the remaining opponents felt about approaching or even fighting against him.
Jimmy struck a drake in the shins, fooling his opponent to think that the strike was coming for his face. With the drake hopping on one leg as he gripped his wounded limb, Jimmy finished his attack with a jumping spin kick. He watched the shaky knees of his opponent still try their best to keep him up, forcing Jimmy to unload a heavy fist to send the drake flipping once before it landed on its back.
The red drake remained, stumbling backward from the advancing group that had laid waste to his friends. "You're in trouble, now!" The drake screeched. "Wait until my brother gets here!"
A confirming roar, made the confident group stop and look up at an approaching shadow, soon locking eyes with an enormous, full-grown dragon.
"Billy!" Jimmy yelled out in shock. "Why are there actual dragons here?! I thought WE were the dragons!"
***Big Bad Dragon***
The dragon gave a roar towards the group before letting off a cloud of smoke that blocked their vision. With no other alternatives besides feeling around for who was where, Billy and Jimmy shot up into the sky. With a clear focus on the dragon, the brothers went after the muzzle of the beast, hoping to break some teeth or block up the nostrils from letting out more smoke.
Meanwhile, on the ground, more drakes appeared in the smoke. Thankfully, with their shadows being seen to let Honor Bound, Leash, and Shining Armor know where they were. Shining Armor put himself between Honor Bound and Leash, hoping to focus on a spell to clear away the smoke.
Honor Bound kept his fists swinging in any way possible. He made sure to keep a wall of pain around himself, even if he couldn't tell where he would be attacked.
Leash didn't need to worry about the smoke. Her natural disposition to not being able to see in dark mines kept her other senses sharp. A lash here and there made the drakes that thought they would have an advantage, suddenly very cautious in approaching her.
With the spell completed, Shining Armor pushed the smoke away, revealing the three remaining drakes that didn't know how to get past the devastating strikes of the minotaur and diamond dog. A smile came up on Shining Armor's face as he struck a battle pose.
Billy and Jimmy kept swooping around the large dragon's head, acting like pesky flies as they would kick or punch in an area before forcibly moving themselves to a different location to try and find the weak point.
"How come we're not getting a reaction from this guy, besides annoyance?!" Jimmy roared, getting desperate. With a diving kick, Jimmy struck an open eye and made the dragon bellow out in pain.
Billy moved back to ground level, looking back up at the dragon as it gripped at its eyes for protection. "Any suggestions for taking this beast down?"
Honor Bound hummed in thought. "Perhaps a shared weakness like I, but instead of the back, his thigh?"
"You're not wrong in your theory," Shining Armor answered. "It's not the thigh, its his belly. Because the dragons like to strike from either up high or extremely close, they keep their bellies protected. It's where dragon's have the weakest scales."
"And how exactly do we get under there?" Leash asked, pointing to the gut of the dragon as it remained on the ground.
Billy kept thinking and looked back up at Jimmy, still fighting and looking for a weakness. "Armor, I hope you can lift a dragon up with your magic."
Shining Armor began to blubber. "B-B-But dragon's are resistant to magic! I can't wrap it around the whole thing!"
Billy gave a quick pat on the shoulder to Shining Armor. "You just need to move two legs." With that, he shot up again and tagged out with Jimmy, giving his brother a breather and allowing him to continue the distraction.
"What's he planning?" Jimmy gasped out, landing back on the ground.
Shining Armor didn't answer as he tried to focus on the right set of legs on the dragon.
"A way to kick a dragon's butt!" Honor Bound spoke. "By flipping it on the side, we punch its gut!"
Jimmy went silent as he thought the answer out, "Oh! Because the dragon's protect their bellies by staying way up in the air or keeping it to the ground!"
Shining Armor found his magic wasn't working at its fullest, but he at least had the legs wrapped. "I can't get him off!"
Jimmy snickered before being smacked in the back of the head by Leash.
Leash yanked on Jimmy's arm, "Come on, let's help the unicorn by pushing the freakin' thing."
"We p-?" Jimmy went to protest, before Honor Bound wrapped his arm around him and began leading him to the side of the beast.
"If it means a kick in the tush," Honor Bound cried as he readied himself for his shove. "Then we'll all give a push!"
The combined force of Shining Armor, Honor Bound, Leash, and Jimmy Lee made the dragon topple over.
Billy watched the shock on the dragon's eyes as it fell with a mighty thud. With little time, Billy Lee went into a Superman pose and built momentum in the air before aiming himself straight into the chest and hitting it with his full force.
As though Billy repeated the move from multiple angles, some involving slow-motion, the dragon fell.
In combination, the group each gave smiles to each other and picked out their air instruments. Billy and Jimmy on air guitar, Honor Bound on air drums, Shining Armor on air bass, Leash on vocals.
***Mission Complete!***
It was this moment of unity that made each of them feel a sense of confidence and pride. They had beaten a fully grown dragon and Chrysalis was now in their sights. Jimmy gave a grin to his brother and began to run into the Everfree with his friends.
***Remember when Jimmy said he might sing later?***
Shining Armor, Honor Bound, and Leash chased after the brothers, ignoring the wild dangers of the Everfree as they felt the need to back in Jimmy's vocals.
(Glad I Am!)
(Glad I Am!)
(Glad I Am!)
Awfully familiar
They try to kill ya,
Every time..
It's a crime
You're getting stronger, (He's gettin' stronger!)
While ever longer,
You resist,
With your two fists (Enemies cease to exist)
It's okay
I'm here to stay,
And I'm glad I am!
Glad I am!
Glad I am! (I'm chasin' all the bad guys away)
Always alert,
Down in the dirt,
Bringin' the hurt,
And I'm..
Glad I am!
Glad I am!
The forest grew darker, but their speed didn't wane as each member leaped, swung, or bashed through what may have been in their way.
I get the picture
They try to hit 'cha
They try to kick ya
When you're down and out
But they don't know ya (Yeah, they dunno ya!)
Quite like I know ya
I know .. what you're all about
We'll help each other
Cause you're my brother
We'll win no matter what the odds are..
We'll turn the heat up
Even if we're beat up
We'll stomp our foes without a doubt!
As a keyboard solo went off, the group crashed through a timberwolf camp. While others would have reacted in horror to see these mystical creatures, the party kept bouncing along in their joy. Some bashing through the beasts, others lighting the sticks on fire. After passing through, the remaining timberwolves gave confused looks to each other, wondering what had just happened to let two dragons, a unicorn, a minotaur, and a diamond dog to do this.
Keep gettin' wailed on,
But never bailed on,
Till the end,
Got a friend!
I got your back now,
Pick up the slack now,
Never fear,
Army is heeeere! (Fools better run for their lives)
I've appeared..
Alive and feared!
Aren'tcha glad I am!
Glad I am!
Glad I am! (You know we're grabbin' life by the beard)
Sharing our might,
I'll be all right,
Bringing the fight,
And I'm..
Glad I am!
Glad I am! |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | Mission 7 - The Changeling Nest | ***Into the fray!***
At the gates, the group looked up at the intimidating dark tower that stood before them. Each one getting serious before rushing through the door and being greeted by the low hum of buzzing wings and angry changelings. The room they had entered led to separate entrances with an etched picture of a single member of the group.
Billy and Jimmy refused to acknowledge the etchings and motioned for them to just enter one. Their hopes of maintaining unity was dashed as they all ran into a magic purple barrier that only allowed Leash to past through. Turning back, she felt uncertain of herself and tried to return, only to hit the same magical barrier.
"She's up to something," Jimmy grunted before hitting a fist to the barrier and moving back. "We'll have to play by her rules in order to pass."
Honor Bound expressed no fear as he nodded in approval and moved to his entryway, not passing through and instead peering into the looming darkness ahead of him.
"It's going to be a trap," Shining Armor argued, moving to his own entryway and readying himself for the dangers ahead.
"And we're going to walk through it," Billy proclaimed, hoping to inspire his teammates. "Even if we're apart, we can still do incredible things."
"I really hope your right," Leash moaned from behind the magical wall.
Jimmy only grinned at Leash. "Of course he is, a Lee is rarely wrong about what he believes in."
Billy laughed, "Ain't that a fact, Spike?"
"It is a fact, Hammer." Jimmy snipped.
"Are we naming ourselves as random objects?" Honor Bound asked genuinely. "I call Battleship."
Jimmy shook his head and walked down his path. "Bringing back the gang names; I'm going to smack Billy so hard when I see him again."
Jimmy moved into a hallway blocked by a changeling in a gaudy robe. Moving forward, Jimmy went to wind back into a punch only to see the changeling float up and then phase through him. Feeling the chill in his soul, Jimmy attempted to turn around to find the changeling before a sudden bolt of lightning hit him, knocking him to the ground for a moment.
Shaking his head and picking himself up, Jimmy tried to find the changeling again and felt uncertainty creep into him. This changeling was being crafty in its tactics and he wasn't liking it a single bit. ***
Leash snapped her whip again and watched it go through the ghostly changeling again, making her whimper. She didn't know how to hurt this opponent and the more she dodged, the more she felt her body draw closer and closer to the bolts of magic that were thrown at her.
What did she need to do to beat this road block that kept her from the goal? ***
Honor Bound kept pounding the changeling in front of him, again and again and again. He pulled away, sure that he had finally won the fight. His back leaned against a pillar and tried to catch his breath before seeing that same cloaked changeling rise up again, making him shake his head in disbelief. Was he not hitting this thing hard enough? He had to be, because his arms were getting tired from hitting such a puny creature over and over. ***
Shining Armor just could not hit this changeling! It dodged, countered, and weaved around every attempt to even get a glancing shot on its black armor. It should have been impossible to not miss at least once! However, there he was, failing every attempt his training had taught him in beating his opponents. Whatever this changeling was doing, it was severely messing with his head. He needed to figure out how to get an attack in soon, or he was going to tire out quickly! ***
"Look at them, Avatar," Chrysalis chuckled. "Each and every one of your heroes are slowly getting beaten and outwitted by my own creations."
Marian could only watch on, her body having grown weak as the spirit was stripped away by Chrysalis' magic. Her expression shown contempt and fury at the monster that had chosen to let her see Billy, Jimmy, and some friends that had joined them get systematically beaten down by the shadows that were placed in front of them.
"Soon, they will all fall," Chrysalis spoke, her eyes squinting to focus on her dream of dominating the world. "You will be consumed entirely, and I will be the new Avatar of Love. The world will fall in love with ME, and feed me the power to finally become a GOD!"
Chrysalis began to cackle as Marian turned back to the sight of Billy throwing a kick against his changeling enemy, seeing the determination in his eyes. Moving to the next screen, she saw the same look in Jimmy's eyes, then the unicorn, then the minotaur, then the dog. Her hope began to rise and she found her voice again.
"They won't fall," Marian flatly spoke, stopping Chrysalis from her maniacal laughter. ***
Billy kept connecting with his shots, making the changeling slowly shift back. He had to get to Marian. He fought enough to get himself here, and he had more than enough to push through. ***
Chrysalis looked over to Marian, a sneer on her face as she looked at the chained pony that continued to speak against her.
"They won't ever love you." ***
Jimmy struck the changeling with a roundhouse. He finally found his opening and was ready to push on to Marian. ***
"They are going to beat your soldiers, because they've done it against every single one you've thrown at them." ***
Leash threw a fist into the changeling, surprising it with her sudden attack. Whip or not, she had to win this fight for the dragons and for the Avatar she had betrayed. ***
"Then, they're going to come here and face you." ***
Honor Bound opened his arms and waited for a shot by the changeling as he turned around and kept looking at the unmoving opponent. "If you don't want to throw a punch, then I'll be on my way back to the bunch." A smirk crossed his face as the changeling vanished before turning around and continuing to his destiny. ***
"You'll try to beat them. I don't doubt that at all." ***
Shining Armor let his opponent throw his attack before countering it and knocking him to the floor. He wasn't going to let Cadence down and he wasn't going to let the Double Dragons down. ***
"But, you'll learn just like your puppets, that they'll kick your ass!"
Chrysalis went to raise a hoof to strike Marian but held back, knowing her time was ending. By the time they would reach her, they would be too late to save the Avatar. She instead sidled back and looked toward the entrance that the group would all run in from and began to pull the last piece of love from the Avatar.
***Hurry, Double Dragons!***
The group continued to run as they all met up, no time to joke as they rushed to the final area. Tensions continued to build as the dark halls seemed to go for eternity until they saw the door.
Each of them leapt forward and plowed through, only to see Marian's soul being torn from her body. They all moved in slow-motion as Marian's soul began to drain into Chrysalis' body, the visage of Marian trying to reach out for a hand to save her. Billy and Jimmy jumped to reach their hands to grasp Marian's, only to fall short and land on their faces.
Chrysalis began to laugh, her body now being enveloped in a dark, purple aura. "You are too late to save your Avatar, Dragons!" She cackled out, now floating in the air. "Now, I am your god! I am your master!"
Billy and Jimmy could only look over to Marian's body, now limp on the floor, her eyes clouded and empty.
"Not again!" Billy yelled out, tears already forming in his eyes. "I don't want her to die, again!"
Jimmy grasped at Marian's body and held it tight, soon feeling his own brother's arms around him. They felt their spirits crush as Chrysalis changed her form into something more fitting an evil goddess. The holes in her hooves filled in as her body began to take the same shape as Marian's human form. Her buzzing wings became useless to her as they fell and the magic in her horn now traveled to her newly shaped hands.
"Come now," Chrysalis spoke, her voice now sounding innocent and pure. "The Avatar still requires the two dragons as her guardians, right?" She reached out to touch the mourning duo when Leash grabbed her arm.
"Keep away from them!" Leash barked out before a backhanded slap by Chrysalis sent her twirling in the air and collapsing to the ground.
Chrysalis attempted again to touch the dragons until her arm was weighed down by magic from Shining Armor.
"Don't you dare ruin their moment!" Shining Armor threatened. With a wave of her open hand, Shining Armor's horn exploded and sent him to the floor.
A final time, Chrysalis went to claim the dragons as her own and instead found her finger pointing into the barreled chest of Honor Bound.
"You want to get to them," Honor Bound grunted. "Then you'll have to go through this gem."
Chrysalis roared in disapproval and sent Honor Bound away with her magic to the opposite wall. She finally got in range to touch and claim the dragons when her finger hit a pink bubble that sent a shock of pain through her body. Gripping her wrist, she looked at her finger and then the bubble that had formed around the grieving dragons.
***Goodbye... Marian...***
The brothers kept holding Marian close, letting their tears continue to fall to the ground. They failed to save her. Memories of her with them began to float through their minds. Some fights, some moments of unity, others pure in their emotion.
"Billy," Marian said, a smile on her face as she sat at the brother's table. "Jimmy. I don't want to be a problem for either one of you."
"Nah!" The brothers responded together.
"I'd probably fight 10 Skullmageddons in a row and it wouldn't be a prob," Billy boasted.
"You couldn't handle him once!" Jimmy argued.
Marian could only laugh as the brothers got into an argument again. They were more than friends. In that moment, even if it was just for that one moment... they were family.
"I'm so sorry, Marian," Billy choked out, his vision blurring from the tears. "I couldn't save you, again!"
Jimmy felt himself step back in time, seeing Billy as he approached him, a sense of failure and pain in his eyes.
"I should have been there, for her!" Billy screamed at his brother.
Jimmy tried to hold his brother back from hurting himself, feeling the pain and rage in Billy's spirit. "You would have been gunned down too!" Jimmy argued, struggling to keep his brother from lashing out in fury. "You want to feel bad for Marian? She wouldn't want that! She would want you to fight for her! Just like we did before."
Billy sniffled and stopped moving in the hug of his brother. "I... I just feel so alone."
Jimmy readjusted his hug, comforting his brother. "I know. But, look at who's here and now." Their eyes met, and Jimmy struggled to smile through his own pain. "You have me."
The brothers laid the body down and stood up, feeling a renewed sense of duty in their bodies. They had not known it, but their eyes glowed in their respective colors.
Billy's blue eyes looked to Chrysalis and his body went into a ready position.
Jimmy' red eyes looked to Chrysalis as well, and he mirrored his brother.
A yellow aura enveloped the two, before a winding blue and red stream began to circle around them.
Double Dragon, TRANSFORM!
Billy's scales began to fly off of him, his human flesh visible for a short moment before being wrapped into a blue energy that revealed to be a blue martial arts uniform after fully enveloping his body. His blonde hair flew wildly, and finally settled on his head before Billy Lee's eyes opened to reveal a fury built up inside. As the energy continued to build, his wings vanished, revealing his strong back His muscles tightened as a dragon's tattoo circled around his right wrist and worked its way up to his forearm and then froze in place. Billy struck a defensive pose as his aura faded away, revealing himself to Chrysalis and his friends. "I am master of Sou-Setsu-Ken, Billy Lee! I fight in the name of love, honor, and friendship!"
Jimmy's transformation was just the same as his brother's, his human body covered in a red gi, instead of his brother's blue. His red-brown hair blew in the high energy that had swirled around him before settling. A similar dragon's tattoo swirled around his left arm and then froze. Striking an attacking pose, his aura faded away, letting the others witness his change in appearance as well. "I am master of Sou-Setsu-Ken, Jimmy Lee! I fight in the name of friendship, honor, and love!"
The brothers collided their tattooed arms in an 'X' fashion and struck their final pose, intimidating Chrysalis with their synchronization and burning determinism. "Alone, we are strong!" Billy yelled out.
"Alone, we are formidable!" Jimmy responded.
"Together, we are Double Dragons!" The brother cried out in unison.
Chrysalis took a step back, feeling a force that was alien to her. It felt like the love she would consume, but it was stronger, more potent, and most importantly, unable to be taken away.
The group the Dragon's had fought with reacted in shock, seeing these alien forms now standing in place where the dragon's once were. Despite the fear of these changed warriors, they felt a sense of protection had now fallen in the room.
Chrysalis pointed a finger at the Dragon's, "Do you think you can beat me?" she asked with malice. "I don't care if you are dragons, dogs, or monsters! I AM A GOD! I shall not be challenged by ANYONE!"
Billy and Jimmy remained silent, still posed as they waited for Chrysalis to make the first move.
"Very well," Chrysalis angrily shouted, an echo behind her roar. "You have crushed my armies, destroyed my alliances, and spat in the face of my final glory! All I want is to rule the world and be loved by millions!" Her purple aura rose higher into the air. "THIS! ENDS! NOW!"
***Avatar of Love - Goddess Chrysalis***
Constructing a sharp sword from her magic, Chrysalis charged forward and went to slash at the brothers. With sudden quickness, the brothers disappeared from Chrysalis' sight, prompting her to pause for a short moment. A quick look up led her to see Billy Lee descending with his foot extended to strike her. Sidestepping the attack, Chrysalis went to strike Billy's back with her sword, only to feel a hand grip her foot.
Looking down at the offending thing that had captured her, she watched in horror as Jimmy Lee forcibly pulled her down to the ground. Before she could defend herself she felt a thrusting kick to her chest, sending her flying to an opposite wall. Looking down at where she was hit, she noticed a pink outline of the foot on her. Snapping her head up, she growled and unleashed a torrent of purple magic at Jimmy Lee, an unending stream of pain.
Jimmy Lee leapt up to avoid the magic, causing it to instead strike the wall behind him and lead out into the open sky of the Everfree. He gave no reaction to the destruction and instead began to run toward Chrysalis to close the distance between them.
Billy Lee had recovered and ran with his brother toward Chrysalis, still focused on bringing justice to the creature that hurt and killed his girlfriend.
Chrysalis sent waves of her purple magic to keep the brothers away, and reacted in fear seeing them run through it as if it was nothing. "This... can't be!"
Billy leapt up and brought his leg up, still showing no emotion as he bore down on Chrysalis. Jimmy struck Chrysalis with a sliding kick, causing her to wobble unsteadily as Billy finished the job of striking the top of her head with his foot.
The changeling queen was slowly becoming unsteady in her control of the spirit that resided in her body, seeing the pink energy that was being struck on her with each blow by the brothers. Out of desperation, she channeled her energies into balls of explosive magic and sent them around the room, hoping that it would at least hurt ONE of these dragons.
Jimmy watched the magic draw close to their fallen friends and ran to send them away, not wanting anyone else to die under their care. Knocking a few out of Leash's way, he saw them all begin to blink red. With little time he threw himself on top of the explosives to reduce any damage that would have happened to Leash.
Billy kept fighting, throwing punches and kicks at the weaving goddess to bring the hurt. He felt all of his intensity focus and build as he collided his fist against Chrysalis' face. Continuing to smash his opponent, Billy made Chrysalis unsteadily back away, closer to the open wall of the tower.
Chrysalis finally forced herself to disappear, now teleporting around the room to fire her magic at the brothers. Constructing mystical knives that floated in the air and shot forward at fast speed to cut and impale them.
The brothers jumped, ducked, and shifted from the projectiles and continued to assault Chrysalis, still pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Her body now blinking rapidly in pink as she felt control of the Avatar slip further and further away from her.
"WHY?!" Chrysalis screeched. "WHY CAN'T I TAKE YOUR LOVE?!"
Jimmy brought a hard left haymaker into Chrysalis' face and then threw his right leg into her chest, making her step a little closer to the edge of the tower. "You can't be the Avatar because you only know how to love yourself!"
Billy struck with a right cross punch and spinning leg kick with his left foot, making Chrysalis feel the edge at her feet. "Your greed and self-satisfaction has hurt all that have crossed your path!"
Chrysalis stood uneasily at the edge, unable to bring herself back up or attempt to fly with her power. She watched in fear as the brothers reeled back and their fists gathered balls of energy. One blue, the other red.
"Your terror ends here!" The brothers yelled, bringing their fists together and punching forward.
Chrysalis felt her body tear away from the Avatar of Love, her goddess form now gone as she was sent hurtling across the sky by the power's of the Double Dragon. She watched as her tower moved away from her sight as she flew, her gathered magic of love now falling from the sky.
***Yooouuu beat the gaaame!***
Chrysalis could only feel a sorrowful song enter her heart as she continued to soar across the sky over the towns of Equestria, feeling failure of her latest plan fall on her shoulders.
Never thought they could stop me
Thought I had the girl, and she rocked my world
Tried to keep her away,
In my hiding place, you see: Everfree
Things are fading to black,
There's no turning back,
I'm on a roll!
Maybe tomorrow.. Won't bring me sorrow
Fallin' right into the void
Got me thinkin' that I was destroyed
And I'm hopin' that you have enjoyed
Beating me down
Here's a medal for your victory
To remind you of what you did to me!
Cause you've gotten me down on my knees
Where's the ground?
Chrysalis looked around her to see some random minions also flying in the air with her as well, despite her going slightly faster than her.
Yes! Nice guitar solo!
Play faster, Williams!
That's Abobo on drums!
Please
Remember all the friendship,
I brought into your life!
For Shining, Honor, and Leash,
Together, they helped ya,
Forever your loyal color guard,
And I,
A magical pony,
A-rendered to baloney!
Because I...
I dared to dream..
And in my dream,
I made princess three..
Love me in jubilee
And in my dream,
We lived happily,
They and me...
Ahh.. Back to reality...
Chrysalis continued to soar, a look of sadness crossing her face.
But it was not meant to be
They caught wind and they came after me
I never expected to see..
Billy Lee!
(Jimmy: JIMMY TOO!)
Barely had time to prepare,
They were fast on the way to my lair,
The dragon, the minotaur, the monster,
Caught unaware!
Yeah!
Got to my palace at last
They were on a tear and i had to think fast
But they fought right past
I can't believe!!!
Chrysalis shut her eyes before opening them in false confidence with a smirk.
I'll be back!
Nya-ha-ha-ha! I'll return one day to antagonize YOU, Billy and Jimmy! |
Double Dragon: Shadow over Equestria | Epilogue - The Final Fight! | ***Love is a Magical Thing***
Twilight Sparkle's attention to her story was suddenly ripped by an unseen force as she looked out her window. She watched as ponies across the town looked up to the sky to the descending pink lights. She could feel her heart beat loudly as her thoughts began to wander to Flash Sentry. She kept looking to the sky as the lights fell, giving her a sense of wonder that she could never explain, neither would she want it explained. ***
Celestia held her sister close, letting her explanations of what had happened during this day stop. She pointed her to the open sky and led her to the balcony to watch the pink lights of love come from above. A paw placed on Celesia's shoulder and a claw on Luna's shoulder let them both know that Discord now stood between them. He also looked to the sky, in his single moment of clarity and purpose. ***
On the moon, some of Nightmare Moon's robotic ponies looked down to Equestria and stared in amazement as it glowed in a radiant pink light.
"Do you think that we can... love?" One asked.
"God, not this again," came the response of Two. ***
Back in Appleloosa, the same two ponies that sat outside the pub were still in their same positions. Giving a tip of his hat to get a better view of the sky, he grunted, "Pink orbs fallin' out in the sky."
The other only grunted to acknowledge his friend's observation. ***
Bingo, the alpha male of the Avatar Protectors and father of Leash, gave a deep breath of the outside air. He felt that the world had found peace again, now that the Avatar had returned to it. His drooping jowls moved up as he smiled, knowing that his daughter had completed her duty to the Dragon's. Holding out a paw, he caught a single pink light and watched it fade away into nothing. ***
Awakening from her sleep, Cadence gasped, now feeling a presence that overwhelmed her own senses. Throwing off the covers that were on her, she looked out to her kingdom and noticed the lights that fell. A small smile came over her face as tears began to form in her eyes. She could feel the presence of the very being that brought love into Equestria as it now entered her heart and gave a message for her to go to the Everfree. She focused on the image of the forest and let her magic swirl around her briefly. ***
Cadence stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest and waited for the Double Dragon's to exit; waiting to bring a message of hope to the brothers.
Her sight was greeted by two uniformed creatures, one in all blue, the other in all red. In the blue creature's hands was a pink pony with long blonde hair, unmoving in its arms, cradled in an almost protective way. Beyond the creatures, Cadence's attention went to her husband Shining Armor and called out to him.
"Shining!" Cadence yelled, making her husband look up at her and rush up. She felt herself lifted up in his hooves as they spun once and was let down by her personal knight. "Where are the Dragon's?"
Shining Armor pointed to the creatures that Cadence had noticed. "Those are the dragons... or they were, before something happened to them."
Cadence could only nod as she approached the two unknown creatures.
"Billy, Jimmy," Cadence began, making the brothers stare at her in a mix of confusion and uncertainty. "I only need ask one question of the two of you."
She waited for them to respond, but got nothing. Hoping they understood what she was saying, she asked the question that the Avatar had given to her to ask of the Double Dragons. "Who did you fight for?"
Billy looked down at Marian and placed her on the ground, carefully and respectfully. "I fought for Marian," Billy responded. "Even when she had passed on, I still fought for her because..." Billy felt his words cut off in his throat, his fight to restrain the tears being lost. "I still fought, because I love her, damn it!" Billy finally roared out, tears falling freely once again.
Jimmy only nodded, a silent stream of tears of his own forming.
Cadence looked to the pink pony and then put her horn's tip on the other's forehead. The pony began to glow in a pink energy and began to float upwards into the air.
***Yes, Love is truly a Magical Thing***
The pony soon became a solid bright pink light, the form now slowly shifting into a more human form. The group all watched in awe as the female pony became fully human, clothed in a red, strapless dress; a black belt covering her midsection. The blonde hair was slightly longer than the pony version, but it fit the new form that had now appeared before them.
Billy and Jimmy just kept watching as Marian, the policewoman from New York, the love of their lives, descended from her floating position to her feet. They waited for her to open her eyes before they hugged her close.
"Marian!" Billy tearfully cried out her name in joy.
"Thank God, you're back!" Jimmy weeped.
Marian's voice echoed in an unearthly, but pleasant voice that sounded just like her own. "If two dragons soar through the sky," remember? I would never leave my protectors like that."
The trio continued to cry and praise each other as Leash, Honor Bound, and Shining Armor looked on.
"So, do they both get the girl?" Leash asked, confused to seeing such an interesting combination.
Honor Bound only shrugged. "I would think the blue one has more of a chance to have the girl."
Shining Armor shook his head and chuckled, "Jimmy's fought harder than Billy, I would think that he would win the girl's hand."
Billy and Jimmy pulled away from Marian, overhearing the conversation. A sense of tension beginning to build between them.
"You're not going to defeat me this time, Billy," Jimmy determinately spoke, his fingers flexing in a wave before they crunched into a fist. He slowly lifted his left hand and tightened his fingerless glove before getting into a fighting position. His dark blue eyes didn't leave his younger brother's own.
"You don't have what it takes," Billy responded, flexing an arm by his side. He threw up his fists and prepared for a fight.
Marian stepped back, knowing what kind of damage they could do.
*** Fight For Her Affection!***
Billy and Jimmy rushed forward against each other, throwing and countering punches right away. The occasional kick was also done, but those would also get offset against each other. Right, Left, Up, Down, every blow had a block and neither brother looked to be at a disadvantage.
Shining Armor, Honor Bound, and Leash all stepped back in amazement, not used to seeing such acclimated fighting between two brothers, let alone two opponents.
With hurricane kicks, the brothers bounced off each other's blows and were sent a few feet back. Jimmy leapt forward and landed on the ground in front of Billy, using the jump as a spring tightening technique before he exploded from the ground and sent his fist colliding into Billy's face.
Billy quickly caught himself from falling on his back and rolled, giving a quick rub to his chin to dull the pain quickly. Seeing his brother moving in to continue his assault, he jumped up and performed a cyclone kick to the side of Jimmy's head. Knowing it would borrow some time, Billy landed back on the ground and responded in kind to Jimmy's spring-loaded technique as he jumped forward and crashed his knee into Jimmy's chest, sending him sliding backwards.
Jimmy stopped sliding long enough to grasp at his chest, he should have seen the exploding knee strike coming. Just barely reacting in time to dodge Billy's ax kick, Jimmy rolled behind Billy and grappled around his waist. With a burst of strength, Jimmy threw Billy over his head and made his brother's head crack against the ground.
Kipping up, Jimmy immediately felt his mistake in doing so, his chest hurting bad enough for him to get back on a knee to attempt to recover. He began counting down to see if Billy could get up before 10.
At the count of 4, Billy had rolled on his stomach and picked himself up to a knee. His fist hit the ground a few times, making his adrenaline pump up. Feeling his power, Billy roared and put up his fists, letting an unseen fire build up in them.
Jimmy watched Billy approach and began to back to a tree. Recognizing an attempt to strike, Jimmy jumped up and off the tree, using his momentum to bring his foot forward into a kick.
Grabbing Jimmy's leg, Billy brought his right arm out and towards JImmy's body, a blue fire now visible as he shouted, "Dragon Punch!"
Jimmy fell back into the tree, making it crack under the force that had just struck it. He couldn't react quick enough as Billy gripped his chest and threw him over his shoulder to the ground.
Billy tried to keep himself from falling over in exhaustion, but if this was the final battle for Marian, he would struggle on. His countdown began against Jimmy and he hoped that he wouldn't get up when he reached 10.
At 6, Jimmy struggled up, making Billy moan in agony. He had to give everything he had, Jimmy lost once before against Billy, and he didn't want to come in second place for Marian's heart again!
Jimmy motioned for Billy to bring it on, trying his best to shake the cobwebs in his head. Billy approached him slowly, and Jimmy knew he had to come up with some kind of plan. Spinning in place so his back was to Billy, Jimmy brought his left elbow back into Billy's chest, seeing his brother hit the ground. Taking no chances, Jimmy began to stamp down on Billy, bringing as much force behind each stomp to try and keep Billy down.
Pulling away, Jimmy began the countdown, still praying that Billy had nothing left. At 9, Jimmy's heart sunk as Billy managed to stand.
Both of them looked to each other and knew that one attack was going to be the deciding blow. Standing where they were, both of them gathered as much power into a fist, making them glow and spark.
Rushing forward with no regard to defense, the brothers raised their fists and cried out simultaneously, "Flaming Fist!"
The sudden collision created a blinding light, its force sending a wave of energy and wind against the others that were watching.
With the light now gone, they all noticed Billy and Jimmy left on the ground.
"One," Leash began, shocking the group.
"Two," Honor Bound joined in the countdown, hoping to find out who won the fight.
"Three," Shining Armor added in, feeling a sense of uncertainty.
"Four."
"Five."
"Six."
"Seven."
"Eight."
"Nine."
The brothers both stirred, looking dead in each others eyes as they rose. Blood pumped loudly in their ears, not wanting to lose.
Billy gave a final roar of determination and pushed up to a knee.
Jimmy tried to get the same energy up, but physically could not do it.
"Ten!"
***Game Over!***
Billy raised an arm up and lifted a single finger to the sky, declaring himself as number one. Marian hugged him closely from his bent position, but couldn't keep them both up. They stayed on the ground as Marian kissed Billy.
Jimmy managed to get to a seated position and looked to his brother with a defeated smile. In the end, it didn't matter who Marian was with, and he learned this the first time Marian had passed away. What mattered was that she AND his brother were happy.
"So," Leash spoke, taking a seat beside Jimmy as he breathed heavily. "Does this mean you don't have a girl anymore?"
Jimmy shrugged and gave a smile to Leash, "Guess I don't."
Leash returned the smile and then looked to her feet. "You don't, uh... You don't think that you and I could... ya know?"
Jimmy gave a perplexed look to Leash before putting an arm around her, "Tell you what. I'll think about it."
"That. Was. Awesome!"
The group looked up to see crowds of ponies surrounding the entrance to the Everfree, all witnesses to the great fight that happened. At its front, the Mane Six had stood transfixed at what they had witnessed.
"He was all BAM!" Rainbow Dash continued to gush, "But then he was all, FWOOSH! Then the thing with the POW!"
Billy felt a sense of completion, having witnessed an entirely unique perspective to Equestria and now seeing the show's heroes talking about how great the battle was.
CREDITS-
Billy Lee as Himself
Jimmy Lee as Himself
Marian Kelly as Herself
Queen Chrysalis as Herself
A great party was held, the Double Dragon's being honored for their victory over Queen Chrysalis. They plan on going home after the pomp and circumstance is over, but for now, they held on to their respective dates.
Leash as Lashing Linda
Honor Bound as Abobo
Shining Armor as Himself
Princess Cadence as Herself
After much pleading to her father to join the Dragon's on their return trip, Leash now stays with Jimmy Lee, the ever loyal guardian of the Dragons and the Avatar. Her life in New York as a singer is becoming sensational, if not for the wrong reasons.
Fake Twilight as Twilight Sparkle (invisibility spell on wings)
Changelings #1, #2, #3, #4 as Themselves
Guardian Diamond Dogs as Themselves
Hired Diamond Dogs - Rover, Fido, Spot
Honor Bound has become business partners with fellow minotaur, Iron Will. Together they have sold workout equipment, putting on a seal of approval that with daily use, anyone can get added muscle. He also started a new form of fighting entertainment in the form of cage fighting in Equestria.
Nightmare Bots as Themselves
Head Drake as Garble
Drakes #1, #2, #3, #4 as Themselves
Massive Dragon as Smog
Shining Armor still lives with his wife, Princess Cadence. His future journeys in Equestria have yet to be told or written.
Discord as Himself
Princess Luna as Herself
Princess Celestia as Herself
Flash Sentry as Not Appearing In This Story
***THE END***
"WAIT, JUST A MOMENT!" A nasally voice cried out from behind the credits.
The party that was happening was halted as a rip between worlds had opened, letting out howling winds and random screams of torture out as a skeleton's arm gripped the earth. The arm continued to pull revealing more of the creature attached to it. A black asian conical hat sat atop the skull that struggled to pull himself out, a lengthy sword of metal came with the second arm. Decorative gold armor surrounded the torso and the black undersuit that accented the muscle that hid underneath.
Finally, after bringing his foot from the rip, he stood. Tall. Menacing. Your worst nightmare.
"NYA HA HA HA HA!" Skullmageddon laughed out. "Finally! Out of my own personal pocket dimension! Now, I can start all over!"
Billy let go of Marian and cracked his knuckles.
"A whole new world that I can spread my evil! A place where I can finally get a girlfriend!" Skullmageddon continued.
Jimmy gave a ruffle of Leash's fur before pushing himself up from his chair.
"And most importantly," Skullmageddon relished in relief. "NO BILLY OR JIMMY LEE!"
Skullmageddon felt a tap on both of his shoulders and turned. His eyes caught sight of Billy and Jimmy, but for few seconds, he couldn't process the possibility, neither the truth. His eyes, if he had any, widened in fear and shock.
"B- B- B- B- J- J- J- J-" Skullmageddon stuttered profusely, still unable to find an answer.
"Shall I?" Billy asked his brother.
"No, no," Jimmy responded. "Shall we?"
Billy and Jimmy wound back, building energy into their fists.
Skullmageddon only had one word escape his lips, which he had none, as the fists of the brothers that had beaten him before came careening towards his face.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | pre | "Why would it be?" the timid pegasus translated. "Well..."
"Because it's old and moldy," Twilight answered. "There's a reason why places like this get torn down, you know. And it's for health and safety reasons."
"Bah-ah-ah. Bahbah," the woolly bovidae sighed.
"Enough of the environmental platitudes," Fluttershy translated, her expression soured just a little. "It's a bit more than just platitudes."
At this point, Shaun wasn't listening. The other sheep laid The Farmer down on a bed and threw a blanket over him. Shaun pulls down the the window shade and uses chalk to sketch an image out on it of the barn at night, just to trick The Farmer into thinking it's still nighttime. When he finished, Shaun jumps down to the camper floor. The shudder knocks over an alarm clock on a high shelf. Twilight sucks in a breath and uses her magic to catch it before it could land on The Farmer's head. The others breath a sigh of relief as Shaun grabs it and gently sets it on a nightstand. The herd hurry out with the others and shut the door.
"That...was close," Spike was still reeling from the alarm clock.
"Okay, so that plan worked after all," Twilight grumbled." But, what exactly do you plan on doing now, Shaun?"
The young sheep pulls out the schedule paper and crumples it up. He throws as the sheep celebrate. A goat catches it with it's mouth and eats it. Now, that Shaun and the other sheep were free, they began to celebrate, frolicking and dancing across the field toward the farmhouse. Twilight and her friends followed not far behind. The alicorn was still monologuing about Shaun's action.
"I mean, I agree with the fact that a painfully routine and strict life is frustrating, but to literally take his owner and dump him in some weird, metal cart is just wrong. I should've talked to The Farmer about this."
"Should we go back and wake him up then? Tell him what's going on?" Spike suggested.
"And what? Have us get in trouble along with Shaun?" Rainbow said. "I don't think so. I'm sure if you've realized, Spike, but both the farmer and his dog are wary of us."
"This ain't about us, Rainbow," Applejack rebuked. "It's about doin' the right thing."
"To be fair, girls, we never actually stopped Shaun from executing his plan to begin with," Rarity mentioned.
"Yes, we should have done that," Twilight agreed. "But, now I think it's best we do something about this now before it reaches the point of no return."
"But, wouldn't that put us in Shaun's bad graces," Spike said with concern. "I wouldn't think he would be too pleased if we snitched on him."
"But what's more important. Morals or friendship?" Applejack said.
Twilight stopped for a second from her friend's question. At first, the answer seemed pretty clear to her. But, the more she thought, the more she started having doubts. Morals were very important, they pretty much morphed you into what you are. But, to tear apart a new friendship over it? It sounded strange and more complicated than she thought, but at the same time, they were living with Shaun and the others. If worst case scenario happened, they could...
Twilight was snapped out of her thoughts when Shaun whistled them over to the farmhouse. The other sheep excitedly made their way inside, leaving only Shaun and the Mane 7.
"Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, concerned for her friend.
"...We'll have to discuss this later, girls," Twilight trotted toward the house.
Her friends looked amongst themselves, confused and concerned for the purple alicorn. As they got closer to the entrance, they noticed the three pigs watching them over the stone wall with quizzical looks. They paid them no mind.
Inside, the sheep were busy with moving a couch and chair closer to the TV. In the kitchen, Shaun was putting ingredient into a blender. Another sheep opens the freezer and finds a tub of ice cream inside. Pinkie spots it and zooms over to the freezer.
"Ice cream!" she grabs the tub and tries to yank it out, but it was frozen solid to the bottom.
The sheep also grabs the tub and the two pull with all their might, but it was no use. Meanwhile, another sheep holds up a popcorn bag with a fork stuck to it. Without so much as a single thought, she puts it in the microwave and turns to on. Sparks zap about inside.
Shaun adds flower into his mix and turns the blender on. Twilight and Fluttershy come up to him.
"Are you sure this well be okay, Shaun?" Twilight asked.
"Bah-bah. Empf, bah," Shaun replied.
"Come on, show some enthusiasm. Besides, this will only be for a while. By the time The Farmer and Bitzer come back, we'll make it look like nothing ever happen," Fluttershy translated.
Twilight didn't say anything, but she still had her doubts.
While that was going on, two sheep folded up a pizza and stuffed in the toaster. They high-five each other and turn the appliance on.
"I think that's supposed to go in here," Rainbow tapped the door of an oven.
The two sheep look at her in confusion, then gesture to the pizza that was already sizzling inside the toaster.
"Whatever," she shrugged.
"Maybe I ought to try that. Just to see if it makes a difference."
Pinkie and the first sheep were still trying to pry the ice cream out of the freezer while the second sheep whistles as the popcorn sparks in the microwave. Suddenly, there was an explosion and a blast of popcorn shot everywhere.
"What'n tarnation is goin' on?" Applejack spits a piece of burnt popcorn out of her mouth.
Another sheep sorts through a selection of DVDs and lands on a western film that read "The Return of the Curly Kid." Shaun the other sheep, now with their snacks, head back out to the living room. Except for Pinkie and the first sheep, who were now half-frozen against the freezer.
"G-Girls, a little help, please," the pink mare chattered.
Rarity took her in her magic and managed to pull her free from the freezing compartment.
"T-Thanks, R-R-Rarity," Pinkie shivered.
"Don't mention it, Pinkie," Rarity smiled before swiping the tub of ice cream from the freezer. "After all, we wouldn't be able to have this."
"Yum!" the pink, party-planner cheered.
The two mares walked out of the kitchen, leaving the still half-frozen sheep behind. The sheep, ponies, and dragon sit down around the TV as the movie played. Shaun holds his drink near Twilight.
"Bah," he said.
"Wanna sip?" Fluttershy translated.
"...Fine," Twilight sighed and took a sip of the drink. "I'm still worried that we might get caught,"
Shaun chuckles.
"Bah. Epada."
"Trust me, that won't happen," Fluttershy translated.
Just as the pegasus finished talking, the door slammed open. The group all turned to see an angry Bitzer holding the duck in his arm.
"You were saying," Rainbow said to Shaun.
The young sheep sighs and puts down his drink, knowing full well what Bitzer was expecting him to do.
Bitzer looks inside the old camper, where The Farmer was sleeping peacefully. He glares at the group and tries to open the door, but it didn't budge. Bitzer yanked and pulled on the latch, the camper lurching from side to side. The back tire pushed against an old log that was meant to keep the camper from rolling down the hill.
Shaun rolled his eyes and grabbed Bitzer's shoulder to help open to door. The other sheep and the Mane 7 formed a line to help.
"Man, this door is stubborn," Rainbow observed.
All of a sudden the back tire rolls of the log and breaks it. The camper lurches forward, knocking Shaun and the others to the ground. Bitzer holds the broken door handle in his hand, the horrifying realization hitting him like a stack of bricks. He grabs at the side of the camper, managing to get a hold of a back handle. The camper drags him down the driveway.
"Oh, that's not good," Spike grimaced.
"Come on, we've got to stop that cart!" Rainbow yelled.
"Bah!" Shaun said.
"Camper," Fluttershy translated.
"Whatever!" Rainbow flied off after it.
Bitzer holds on for dear life as the back handles began to unscrew itself. Grabbing a screwdriver, he tries to screw the handle back in place. Shaun grabs onto him, along with the other sheep and the Mane 7, minus Twilight and Rainbow, causing him the drop his screwdriver. Rainbow and Twilight fly to the other side of the camper and push against it to get it to stop.
As the line of sheep, ponies, and dragon get dragged along the dirt road, a hedgehog slowly waddles across the road. Spotting the oncoming camper, it fearfully rolls up into a ball. the camper misses it, but the group get pricked against it, causing cries and yelps of pain. Once they were gone, the hedgehog unfurls itself and wave at them. his face and back were covered in wool and multi-colored fur. The back handle breaks from the camper. the line of creatures grind to a stop into the dirt and mud. Seeing this, Rainbow and Twilight let go of the camper and fly back to check on their friends.
The camper crashes through a gate, leaving the Mossy Bottom farm. It's wheel bumps against a large rock, causing it to swing to the left and roll down another road. Bitzer runs up to the destroyed gate and shakes the mud off his face. He watches the camper pass over a bridge and disappear around a corner. The sheep, ponies, and dragon run up to the opening. Shaun gestures them to follow after them, but Bitzer stops them in their tracks. He growls and yells at them, pointing back toward the farm.
"Get back to the farm and wait. I'll save The Farmer myself," Fluttershy translated. "Uhm. Though, he's a lot more angry than how I sounded."
"Oh, come on, man. We weren't even in on the plan that much anyway," Rainbow got right in the sheepdog's face. "Besides, it's our job to save people."
Bitzer only yelled some more.
"I don't care who was in on the plan or not. Do as I say," Fluttershy translated.
One of the sheep, hands him the broken handle with a...sheepish smile. Bitzer throws it down and runs after the camper. Rainbow was about to chase after, but Twilight stopped her by putting a hoof on her shoulder.
"I think it's best that we do as he says. He is practically second-in-command, after all."
"But, it's our job. We're supposed to save others," Rainbow argued.
"From evil, not others' stupid ideas," Applejack looked back at Shaun with a judgmental glare.
Meanwhile, Bitzer was desperately trying to catch up to the runaway camper. it rolls pass a traffic signal at a construction sight. Before, Bitzer could pass, the light turned red, forcing him to skid to a stop. The sheepdog scratches at his ears and waits for the green light.
The camper crashes through a barricade and into a golf course. golfing equipment and a golfer go flying. The camper then whisks a camoflauge tent off a bird-watcher, who was watching a pair of mating birds. The birds angrily peck at him for disturbing their peace. A cow was grazing in a field when the camper ran into it. The cow was pinned against the front, having the ride of a life-time.
Back at the construction sight, Bitzer impatiently, checked his watch while waiting for the light to turn green. Finally, it did and he takes off running. Meanwhile, the cow hits a speed bump, sending the cow flying through the sky and crashing behind a hedge. The camper began to lose speed while rolling up a hill, allowing Bitzer the catch up to it. But, before he could grab onto the second handle, the camper rolled down the other side, picking up speed. He lets out a squeak as he watches it head for the big city.
Back at the farm entrance, Twilight was giving Shaun a stern talking while the others stood around.
"I told you this wouldn't end well. You need to understand that there were much better ways to go about just having the "day off" that trapping your owner in a camper and acting like you have control over everything! And now look what's happened and best believe that Farmer isn't going to be happy when he comes back."
Shaun, who was just looking off into space with an annoyed expression, looked down the road. Neither Bitzer nor The Farmer had returned yet, which meant that they could continue their day off. And if he played his cards right, he'd be able to get away with it without repercussion.
"Bah-bah. Bah," Shaun bleated.
"Assuming that they come back anytime soon. Until then, let's just go back to the house and continue where we left off," Fluttershy translated
"Continue where we left off?!" Twilight yelled in anger and disbelief. "Do you not realize what you've done?"
Shaun ignored her and walked back to the farm with the other sheep following him.
"Grah! That sheep frustrates me so much," the young princess gritted her teeth.
"Take it easy, Twi. Ah'll go try talkin' to 'im," Applejack said to calm the angry alicorn down.
The Mane 6 and Spike follow after the sheep.
"I've never seen Twilight so upset before," Spike said.
"Shaun's irresponsibility has gotten on all of our nerves," Fluttershy said.
"She'll calm down eventually," Rarity comforted the dragon. "For now, maybe we should just relax a little."
"Dibs on the ice cream!" Pinkie hopped toward the farm.
One sheep stayed behind. She noticed a small sign on the splintered wood that read "Please close gate." She grabbed the remaining piece on the post and closed it shut before running to catch up with the others.
The camper, The Farmer's hand swats the alarm clock off the nightstand to get it to stop beeping. The clock, however, was not making the noise, the window shade curled up, allowing sunlight to spill into the camper. The Farmer groggily wakes up. The camper rolls toward a railroad crossing. The lights were flashing, the bell was blaring, the gates were down. The camper crashed through the gates and rattled over the tracks just before a trains thundered by.
The Farmer yawns, still half-asleep. He instinctively tears off page on a pop calendar, thinking that he was still in his house. grabs an old can of bug spray and sprays it on his armpits. Cockroaches drop to the floor. A delivery van drove alongside the camper, displaying a model on it's side. The Farmer looks at a mirror-sized window and sees the model. He chuckles and laughs cockily, thinking he was looking at himself in a mirror.
The camper rolls down the street, forcing a bicyclist off the road and into a garbage can. It then rolled up a ramp on a construction bin and goes flying. the Farmer looks around in confusion while suspended in free-fall. The camper crashes down on the road, a man in a restaurant mascot barely getting out of the way in time. Now on it's hitch, the camper heads toward a busy intersection. Bystanders look on in horror as the camper gets closer and closer toward the intersection. The Farmer sees this and panics, but, all he could do was duck underneath the window and brace for the worst. Thankfully, the camper comes to a grinding stop just a few feet from the line of cars.
Bystanders gather around the camper. The Farmer opens the door and unknowingly dislodges the globe of a street light onto the roof of the camper. The Farmer looks around in confusion at the people around him. He was in a place he was not familiar with. A whistles out to Bitzer, unsure if he would even come. As he looks around, the light globe falls off the roof and clonks The Farmer in the head, knocking him out.
A few minutes later, Bitzer finally makes it to the scene. He pushes his way through the crowd and sees The Farmer being taken away in an ambulance. It drives away, Bitzer hurries after it on all fours. He only hoped that this chase in the city would end at the hospital.
To be continued |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 4: Get Going | "Eh-heem!" Shaun waved the others back over to the farmhouse.
Twilight was still grumbling over Shaun's lack of consideration and responsibility. Her friends were in agreement. Shaun went to open the door, but discovered that it was locked. He didn't remember locking the door before he left. The others picked up on this, too.
"Is something going on, Shaun?" Pinkie asked, her eyes perked up. "Hey, that rhymes!"
"Good for you, Pinkie." Rainbow said in mild sarcasm. "Seriously, what's going on?"
The young sheep stepped over to the window just as an egg smashed into it from the inside. He, Rarity, Fluttershy and Spike peered through the glass to see the pigs from earlier had made the farmhouse into their own home. Two of the pigs were disgustingly feasting on The Farmer's food.
"Argh. Absolutely revolting!" Rarity guffawed.
"Bah," Shaun pointed to the third pig, who was near the stereo, dancing in a pair of underwear, flip-flops, and a fisher's hat.
"Oh, that is on so many levels of wrong," Spike looked away.
Rarity went slack-jawed while Fluttershy sucked in a breath and peeled her eyes away from the window.
"I don't think we're going back in there any time soon," she told the others.
"Why? what's wrong?" Rainbow, along with Twilight, looked through the window.
They were met with the disgusting goings-ons in the farm house.
"Welp, can't unsee that." Twilight turned away in an exaggerated manner.
"That is just wrong," Rainbow said in disgust.
"That's what I said," Spike said.
Shaun angrily knocked on the window, demanding to be let inside. The pigs' response was to lock the windows and close the drapes. Shaun turned to the other sheep and pointed his thumb back at the window.
"Bah-ee," he grunted.
"Can you believe those guys?" Fluttershy translated. "I wish I didn't."
"Ah think yer friends are worried 'bout more important things," Applejack said.
Shaun looked to see the other sheep looming over an empty food trough.
"Bah," he observed.
"Oh, I suppose that's going to be a problem given the circumstances," Fluttershy translated.
"For them. I'm not eating whatever that abomination that farmer was trying to feed us!" Rarity huffed.
All the sheep glared at her. The mare's displeased look contorted into a more embarrassed one.
"Let's worry about ourselves later. We need to find more sheep food for Shaun and the others," Twilight said.
The scrawny sheep puts a hand to his chin, thinking of what to do. He and the Mane 7 search around for any source of food. Shaun finds a feed sack on the ground. He hastily grabs it and opens it up, revealing only dust and vague crumbs. Disappointed he threw it over his shoulder.
"Oh, oh, girls! I think I found the ticket," Pinkie hopped over to a closed gate housing an open-sided storage shack.
On the top shelf was a stack of animal feed. The others came over to her.
"But, how are we going to get to it?" Spike wonder out-loud.
"Ha! Leave that to me!" Rainbow craned her neck and flew up to the top shelf.
She grabbed onto one of the sacks with her teeth and drag it off the shelf. As soon as it slipped off the shelf, the sack dropped like a rock, taking Rainbow with it. She crashed into the ground in a cloud of dust.
"Oh, my gosh! Rainbow!" Fluttershy cried out.
Rainbow got up dizzily and shook her head.
"Don't worry. I'm fine," she rubbed her head. "But, these things are heavier than I thought."
She heaved the sack over the fence before catching her breath.
"We're going to need a faster option to get those sacks," Twilight lifted the sack up with her magic, straining from the weight.
"Isn't just one sack enough," Spike mentioned.
"I was thinking more in the long-term. One sack of feed is only going to last for so long."
Shaun looked around for a solution then spotted The Farmer's old tractor sitting in the field. He snapped his fingers and climbed inside. The others took notice, though none of them knew what the machine was.
"Umm, Shaun. Do you know how to operate a...whatever that is?" Twilight asked in concern.
"Bah-bah. Eh-eem." Shaun replied.
"For the record, it's called a tractor. And I've seen The Farmer use it all the time. How hard could it be?" Fluttershy translated.
"Famous last words," Rainbow whispered to Applejack, who nodded lightly.
By this time, the other sheep had came over to see what was going on. Shaun put on a pair of ear-cancelling earmuffs and rubbed his hands together. He turned on the engine and the tractor sputtered to life. Messing with the controls, he lifts the grapple claws high up before stepping on the gas. The tractor immediately shot backwards and through a hedge.
"Yep, 'bout as much as I expected," Rainbow said bluntly.
The ponies, sheep, and dragon head over to the flattened hedge.
"Hey, Shaun. Are you oka-YIKE!" Twilight let a shrieked as Shaun ran toward her being chased by a giant bull.
The Mane 7 and the sheep made a run for it as the angry bull charged for them. The gang clamber over a wall just as the massive animal thundered by. All of them were petrified at what just happened, except for Shaun.
"What'n tarnation was that about?" Applejack asked in shock.
"Bah," Shaun replied flatly.
"He does this all the time," Fluttershy translated.
The bull continued to charge forward, right through the goat's tether. Realizing the he was now free, the goat excitedly hopped around and on top of a chicken coop. He let out a goofy scream as the coop tipped over on it's side. The chicken were understandably upset, but soon ran for cover as the out-of-control tractor rolled by.
The sheep, along with the Mane 6 and Spike, look over at Shaun. The young sheep shrugs and chuckles sheepishly.
"See what I mean? I told you this plan wouldn't end well," Twilight said in irritation. "None of this would be happening if you had just listened to me."
"Exactly," Applejack agreed. "You should've thought of the consequences should your plan had fallen apart. Which is exactly whut happened."
"Bah-eem. Bah," Shaun grunted, throwing his front hooves in the air.
"Okay, I'll admit it, I didn't think this all the way through," Fluttershy translated.
"You think!?" Rainbow shouted.
Deep in the heart of the big city, a paramedic wheels The Farmer through the automatic doors of a hospital. Not a even moment later, Bitzer runs up to the entrance. The doors open, allowing Bitzer inside. But, before he could begin his search, he was chased out by a guard. The guard points to a no-dogs-allowed sign on a window before walking back inside. Bitzer was upset, but hadn't completely given up. He took a few steps back before heading for the doors again. But, before he could enter, the guard steps back out with an authoritative glare. The sheepdog quickly changed direction and walked away. Bitzer took a seat on a bench and patiently waited for The Farmer to come back.
"He shouldn't be gone long, right?" he thought to himself.
Meanwhile, inside the hospital, two doctors follow a nurse into a patient's room. inside the room was The Farmer, who was eating a meal. The nurse takes the plate away, allowing the two doctors to do their job. The senior doctor sticks an otoscope into the man's ear then slowly waves a finger in front of his eyes to check his vision. Meanwhile, the junior doctor whacks The Farmer's elbow with reflex hammer, causing him to throw his fork into a painting which falls to the ground. The Farmer laughs in amusement.
The senior doctor looks over the man's chart. He signals something to the junior doctor, who nods in understanding. The Farmer watches them with a confused look. The junior doctor pulls out a deck of cards from his pocket. He puts the first one on the overbed table. He points at the card then at the man. The card shows a picture of a construction worker, insinuating the question of if The Farmer had that career. The man lets out a dry laugh and shakes his head. The junior doctor sets down more cards with pictures of a fireman, a business man, a chef, a clown, and finally a farmer. The man studies the farmer card closely. Finally, he shrugs, thinking he wasn't a farmer. The senior doctors quietly confers with his colleague before writing a diagnosis of memory loss on the patient's chart.
With that, he hangs it on the hospital bed before the two doctors wave goodbye to the man. As they head at, the two begin to discuss others things, the senior doctor even mimes a golf swing. The Farmer holds up a hand to try an ask a question, but the doctors had already left and closed the door. He mumbles to himself, confused on so many things.
Back with Twilight, Shaun, and the others, the farm had fallen into complete chaos. Farm animals ran all over the place with a runaway tractor driving about.
"Well, how do you suppose we're gonna fix this mess?" Rainbow asked to no one in particular.
"I think we might need The Farmer's help for this," Spike said.
Just then, one of the pig flew through the window and crashed right next to Shaun, scaring the other sheep away. The pig holds his head in a daze. He shakes the dizziness away and leaps back through the broken window.
"Especially when it comes to those three," the young dragon added.
Shaun finds the rest of the sheep cowering behind a coat on the drying rack. Timmy was hiding behind a pair of boots while another sheep cried into a pair of underwear, soaking it with his tears.
"It'll be okay, ya'll. We'll think of somethin' to fix all this," Applejack tried to reassure them.
"And maybe try not to defile your owner's clothing," Twilight took the pair of underwear in her magic and wrung it dry.
Shaun shut his eyes and rubbed his head, now fully realizing the mess he put all of his friends in. He folded his arms and looked to the road, spotting a bus making a stop at the gate. An ad for running shoes on its side read "Get going." The young sheep narrowed his eyes then punched his fists on his palm and ran off.
"Hey, wait. Shaun, where are you going?" Twilight noticed him heading for the storage room and gallops after him.
Hey other friend notice, too and follow after. Shaun kicks the storage room door open and prepares himself for a search mission. Grabbing a nap-sack off the wall, he puts a pair of binoculars inside and empties out a piggy bank. He sweeps up the lose change and picks up the old photo of the young farmer with his flock.
"Shaun, what are you doing?" Twilight asks as she reaches him.
"Bah-bah, bah. Ehem. Bah," the young farm animal explained.
"Taking what I need for a rescue mission," Fluttershy translated. "Wait. You're going to look for The Farmer?"
Shaun nods his head and continues to pack.
"Bah-bah."
"I understand this is pretty much my fault. The least I can do is fix this mess right now," the shy pegasus translated again.
"Well, I'm glad you're taking some responsibility and doing the right thing this time," Twilight stated. "But, you don't have to do this alone. We'll be more than happy to help you."
"Emph-pha. Bah. Emph," Shaun said.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't want to drag you guys into my problems. You weren't very happy about it last time," Fluttershy translated.
"But, that was for a half-baked plan instead of a rescue mission," Twilight argued. "Look, I understand that you want to fix those yourself, but we genuinely want to help. We were brought to this world for a reason; to solve problems and teach friendship. And if that means venturing into an unknown place to find your owner, then that's exactly what we'll do. Right, girls?"
"Yeah. You can count on us, Shaun. We'll help you find The Farmer fasting than you can thank us," Rainbow boasted.
"Darn tootin'. That's what friends do," Applejack said confidently.
"Yeah. And we'll get to have lots of fun, too!" Pinkie added.
"It's what we do," Spike said.
"Right. The map summoned us here to help and fix problems," Rarity remarked. "It's what we do. And Twilight is right. We'll be more than happy to help."
"I-if that's okay with you," Fluttershy added softly
"As your friend and the Elements of Harmony, it's our duty to solve friendship problems. Or problems in general," the purple alicorn finished.
Shaun looked at them, seemingly weighing his options. He already observed that three of them could fly, which definitely was useful, and Twilight was able carry things with her magic, which could also be useful. Besides that, having eight individuals search for someone was miles better than just one.
"Bah-bah," the young sheep finally said.
"Alright, you can come along," Fluttershy translated happily.
The Mane 6 cheered happily.
"All right, let's get going," Twilight declared.
Shaun removed the photo from it's frame and slipped it into his sack. The rest of the flock watched as Shaun, Spike, and the Main 6 leave the storage room and head for the gate. As the herd follow out, Shaun gestures to them to stay put.
"We're goin' to look for The Farmer," Applejack announced. "Just stay here for now 'til we get'im back."
Shaun opened the gate and the team head for the bus. The other sheep wanted to follow, but Shaun closed the gate behind him. The flock could only watch as the sheep, ponies, and dragon carefully sneak around the front of the bus. Luckily, the bus driver was filling out paper work, so she didn't take notice. They team were able to sneak inside and reach the top deck.
"It's actually quite nice up here," Rarity looked around the clean seats.
"Plus, you can see for miles," Pinkie pressed her face against the window.
Shaun took a seat at the front then pulled out the photo. The other sheep with big eyes from behind the hedge. Shaun carefully tears a section of the photo that only showed The Farmer's youthful face. With a marker, he writes the word "missing" at the top. He holds it up to the window for the other sheep to see. The bus lurched lurched forward and drove off as the other sheep cheer and clap for their friends. They stopped as the bus went out of view.
"Now what?" they thought to themselves.
In the bus, Shaun pulled out a tape player and started messing with the buttons, turning it on and off. He then turned to the Mane 6 and Spike
"Bah, Bah-bah. Bah," Shaun said.
"All right, we need to keep a low profile. It would be weird enough seeing a sheep, a bunch of ponies, and...a lizard?" Fluttershy started translated.
"Hey, I'm a dragon!" Spike said.
"Bah-Bah," Shaun apologized.
"Right. Sorry. Anyway, it's safe to stay hidden once we reach The Big City," Fluttershy finished translating.
"Agreed. Considering how some of the people reacted to us when we first got here, I think it's best we be discreet when searching for The Farmer," Twilight said.
"Discreet? How discreet?" Rainbow asked.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of steps coming up the bus stairs. Quickly, the team hide underneath the seats just a lady came up to the second deck. She took a seat right where Shaun was sitting. Shaun, Rainbow, and Twilight were mere inches from the lady's legs.
"Very," Twilight whispered.
The bus trailed down the road, often stopping to let passengers board and exit. The trip itself didn't take too long, surprisingly. The bus trailed down city streets toward the city center. moving toward the back of the bottom deck, The Mane 7 and Shaun looked out through the windows as the bus roared down the busy freeway, passing by numerous skyscrapers.
"This place reminds me of Manehattan," Rarity said in awe.
"Bah?" Shaun asked.
"Oh, it's a city where a lot of the wealthier ponies live," Fluttershy explained.
"And home to many high-class fashionistas and seamstresses," Rarity graciously added.
The bus made a left turn and drove into a parking area of a terminal station. A stray dog scurried out of the way as the double-decker came to a stop at a parking space. The Shaun and the others waited as the passengers disembarked the bus. Once it was empty, they carefully neared the exit doors. Shaun peers out and looks around.
"Bah, bah-bah," he cautioned.
"Stick together and try to stay quiet," Fluttershy translated.
"Way 'head of ya, Shaun," Applejack said.
Shaun was about to step out when a skateboarder zoomed by right in front of them. The team jumped back in surprise.
"Well, that was rude," Rarity grunted.
Shaun spots the stray dog from earlier jump on top of a trash can and digs her snout inside. As she ate away at the garbage, she spotted the eight creatures peering past the open bus. The mangy mutt flashes them a gap-tooth smile.
"Poor thing must be lost," Applejack sympathized.
"M-Maybe she could help us. She might know where The Farmer is," Fluttershy suggested.
Suddenly, a caution sign slammed onto the concrete sidewalk, startling the mutt off the garbage can. The team watched as an animal control officer sealed off the area with caution tape. He put on a pair of gloves and captures the frightened dog with a catch pole. A photo of the stray gets stamped with the word "Contained" before the officer caged her in an animal containment truck. Claps and cheers erupted. The officer turns around modestly, but realizes the crowd was cheering at the skateboarder doing tricks.
That's so cruel," Fluttershy whimpered.
"He's only doing his job," Twilight said. "Then again, that seemed a little over-the-top."
The officer looked over at the bus. Shaun quickly ushered the ponies and dragon back away from view. The officer, however, was able to catch a glimpse of the sheep. He takes off his goggles and squints suspiciously at the bus.
"Things just got ten times more difficult," Spike said warily.
"No kidding," Rainbow said.
The stray dog whined and clawed against the caged window, distracting the officer. He waved her away and headed for the front seat as another bus came in.
"Okay. So does anypony have any idea to get out of this place without getting spotted?" Rarity asked.
There would be no time for planning because the bus doors suddenly closed shut, forcing the eight creatures into the outside right in front of the second bus that had just parked itself. To make things worse, Little Timmy peered from behind the bus's top window. He knocked on the glass and waved at the team.
"What the!? Why is he here!?" Twilight asked in shock.
To make things even more worse, the rest of the flock peered behind the window and waved at them.
Shaun and the Mane 7 all gasped.
"You've got to be kidding me. They followed us," Rainbow said with a mix of shock and ire.
Shaun quickly shushed the cyan pegasus then pointed at the animal control officer sitting in his truck. He looks out the window, but doesn't spot anything. While his attention went back to his paperwork, the sheep flooded out of the bus while Shaun and the others tried to help them. The officer glances back, but another bus obstructs his view. By the time the third bus was gone, the entire flock was gone, too. But that's when the officer noticed something on the sidewalk. He gets out and walks over for a closer look. With his catch pole, he picks up a wad of fleece and inspects it. Shaun and the others hid underneath the bus's chassie.
"Why did you follow us?" Twilight hissed angrily, but quietly to the other sheep.
Shaun immediately shushed her and looked around for a means of escape. That's when he noticed a second-hand shop for an animal help charity on the opposite side of the parking station. He crawls out from under the bus and gestures for the others to follow. The Mane 6 and Spike trail after followed by the other sheep. They quickly and quietly hurry to the other side of the bus as the officer sniffed at the fleece. He glances over his shoulder, but doesn't see anything, but, he was also getting more suspicious.
"Bah-bah," Shaun pointed at the shop.
"We need to get there. Hurry," Fluttershy quickly translated.
The sheep, ponies, and dragon make a run for it, but, suddenly the officer dashes out from behind the bus. They all stand frozen in place, thinking they had gotten caught. However, the flock find themselves in front of a pastel billboard, commercializing the countryside. The officer thought they were just part of the billboard, though he gave a suspicious glare at the colorful equines in the mix. The officer looks around a bit and then turns back, only to realize the sheep, ponies, and dragon were missing. He frantically searched around again and was able to catch a glimpse of a fluffy tail galloping into the store. His jaw drops in astonishment.
The team ran past an oblivious old lady at the register and picked up pieces of clothing.
"Will this hat work?" Pinkie asked.
"That's mah hat, Pinkie," Applejack said.
"You wouldn't catch me dead wearing that," Rarity eye a dark-colored sweater in disgust.
The dark green was unappealing in the fashionista's eyes. Combined with the uncomfortable-looking fabric, it would be an insult to even call it clothing.
"Don't really have much of a choice," Rainbow shoved Rarity into it.
The pristine unicorn's complaints were muffled against the thick fabric.
"How are we gonna to convince everyone that we're human?" Rainbow turned to Twilight. "We can barely stand in a bipedal position."
"We'll think of something," was all the friendship princess could respond.
"How reassuring," the cyan pegasus said sarcastically.
"Way ahead of you, Twilight," Pinkie sat on Twilight's shoulders.
"Augh! Pinkie," the alicorn stammered.
Outside, the animal control officer hurried to the shop entrance. Inside, the team grabbed more articles of clothing and cleaning supplies. Trying to stand and sit on top of each other, they frantically put on the clothes. A gloved hand leaves money on the counter just as the officer barges into the shop, showing is I.D. that said "A. Trumper. Chief Containment Officer." He sees the team wearing winter clothing and coats.
Pinkie was still sitting on Twilight's shoulder with a fake moustache. Rarity stood atop applejack in a thick sweater with an innocent smile. Fluttershy and Rainbow were able to stand on their hindlegs thanks to their hidden, fluttering wings. Rainbow, however had a large bulge on her stomach area, making her look like she was pregnant.
The disguises were convincing enough and the officer politely moved away from the door to let the "people" pass. The herd waddled out of the store. Timmy hangs from one sheep's back and waves his hands. Trumper looks back, forcing Timmy to act like an stuffed animal.
"How do you do, kind sir," Pinkie said in a fake New York accent.
Trumper gave her a weird look while she walked away. As the last sheep was leaving the shop, the officer tapped it on the shoulder. The others look back nervously, sweat pouring down their faces. Trumper picks up a bright, red purse and politely hands it to the sheep. Noticing it's own feminine disguise, the sheep accepts it from him. The officer gives the sheep a wink. and the sheep waves flirtatiously back, acting like a lady. The officer closes the door and looks around inside the shop.
"That...was close," Twilight poked her head from the large winter coat and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ugh. This stuff is itchy," Rainbow scratched at her covered coat.
Spike crawled up from underneath the pegasus's shirt and peers out from below her head.
"This feels so weird," he struggles to get comfortable.
"How do you think I feel?" Rainbow asked rheotrically.
"Once this is over, we'll never have to do this again...hopefully," Twilight.
"Just so we're clear, we're taking this to our graves, girls," Rarity hissed bitterly.
"Ah'm with ya on that, Rares," Applejack poked her head from behind the trench coat.
The sheep began to quietly celebrate, but Shaun quickly shushed them. They shushed back in response.
"Guys, please. Can we just move on to the search," Twilight pleaded.
"I hope The Farmer is alright," Fluttershy adjusted her fake glasses.
Walking with floppy steps, the team head up a flight of stairs to street level. The find themselves in a city neighborhood teeming with cars and pedestrians.
"This...might be a lot tougher than we thought," Twilight said.
"Bah. Emph bah-bah," Shaun reassured.
"Just stick with the plan. As long as we have the photo, we have a chance," Fluttershy translated.
Shaun takes out his missing person photo of The Farmer. The search was on.
To be continued |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 5: Big City Escapades | Bitzer sat, downcast, on the bench near the hospital entrance. He had been waiting for what seemed like forever, hoping The Farmer would walk out of those doors so they could arrive back at the farm so everything could go back to normal. As the time agonizingly ticked by, Bitzer was growing more anxious and impatient. He stared at the guard that was leisurely patrolling around the entrance. He also looked at the patient sitting beside him, sporting a neck brace, arm cast, and a sling, while holding a cup of coffee. Bitzer then noticed an orderly, pushing a cart full of laundry, heading to them. The sheepdog quickly and secretly disappears inside the cart, leaving the injured patient confused.
The orderly and the guard exchange greetings as the orderly entered the hospital. As he passed the main desk, Bitzer hops out of the cart, now where surgeon's scrubs and a mask. He sniffs around then races down a hallway on all fours. He quickly stood back up when a noticed a doctor about to face him. They walked by each other without so much as a glance. Bitzer pushed through a set of double-doors to another hallway. The sheepdog sniffs around a corner as another orderly walked past by. He peaks into a patient's room and, lo and behold, he finds The Farmer eating a plate of hospital food. The Farmer looks over and stares at him blankly. Bitzer smiles behind his masks, thinking they could now leave, but then he heard two voices heading toward him. He ducks back out, leaving The Farmer looking on in confusion. He shrugs and continues eating.
Bitzer begins to walk away from the door as two doctors head for it. Just then, two guards, conversing with each other, walk a corner toward him. Bitzer, realizing that his cornered, backs up through a set of sliding doors. Now out of sight, he wipes the sweat off his brow and turns around, only to discover he unknowingly walked into a operating room. He eyes widened as two nurses, an anesthesiologist and the patient look up at him. Bitzer holds his hands up and tries to back away, but one of the nurses, thinking he was the surgeon assigned to the operation, hands the sheepdog a chart. He begrudgingly takes it while another one of the nurses straightens out a set of surgical instruments. Bitzer reluctantly steps forward and looks through the chart. the descriptive contents was enough for him to lurch forward and cover his masked mouth, trying to keep himself for throwing up. The other people in the room stare at him with weird looks. The sheepdog pretends to tap his chin thoughtfully. He sets the chart aside as sweat drips down his face.
The patient noticed the dog's tail. Bitzer looked back and realized what the patient was staring and quickly concealed his tail, trying to act as casual as possible. The patient, however, began to panic. The anesthesiologist covers the patient's mouth and nose with a mask and the patient went limp on the table. Bitzer looks through the door windows and sees the two guards still outside. At this point, he might as well keep up the act until the guards were gone. Bitzer walked up to the patient's exposed belly, watching rise and fall with every breath. He grabs a bone saw and inches it to the exposed skin. A nurse clears her throat and exchange large tool with a small scalpel. Bitzer gives an innocent chuckle and waves his hand jokingly, then practices the scalpel with every angle. The nurse whispers to the anesthesiologist allowing Bitzer to spot a fake skeleton model sitting against the far wall. He eyes the leg bone, enticement gleaming in his eyes. He licks his chops underneath his mask. Unable to hold back any longer, he drops the scalpel and scrambles over the patient. He begins to gnaw and lick the bone making the skeleton shake and jitter. The two nurses and anesthesiologist watch in shock and confusion, then the sliding doors open to reveal the actual surgeons assigned to the operation. He looks at the sheepdog with just as much shock. Bitzer looks up with a joyfully.
The Farmer peers through the crack in the open door, seeing hospital personnel racing down the hallway. He closes the door and picks up the chart at the end of his bed. he finds his name listed as "Mr. X" and a diagnosis of memory loss written on it. He hears someone coming and quickly takes out the page from the chart, folds it, and puts it in his pocket. A man in a lab coat enters just as The Farmer climbs back into bed. he gives the patient a casual grin and lays a set of tools on the bed. The man grabs a hammer and flips it in his hand. The Farmer panics, thinking the hammer was going to be used on him. He jumped out of the bed and ran off down the hall. The man stares after him curiously before hammering a nail into the wall and rehanging the damaged painting.
The Farmer hurries through the entrance and into the outside world. He looks over himself, staring at his patient wristband and food-stained shirt. Now that he was on his own, all he could wonder was what was he to do now?
At a lost property station, Shaun hands the clerk his missing persons photo.
"have you seen this stal-...guy? Have ya? Have ya?" Pinkie got right in the clerk's face.
"Pinkie," Twilight whispered harshly at the mare sitting atop of her.
The clerk steps back and scans through shelves of missing belongings and an old man sitting in a corner. They all look at him. The old man puts on a pair of women's sunglasses and tries to smile like The Farmer. The clerk turns back to flock. Shaun shakes his head and the clerk hands back the photo.
"Thanks, anyways," Fluttershy said.
That's when one of the sheep noticed a red-headed man walk by with a cellphone to his ear.
"That has to be him. He's wearing the green coat," Rarity said confidently.
Secretly, she just wanted the search to be over. Having to wear such horrendous clothing made Rarity feel her fashion sense deteriorating.
Shaun waved to the others to follow. The flock caught up to the man, who turned around at them. It wasn't The Farmer. Shaun waved him away.
"S-Sorry. We thought you were sompo-...somebody else." Fluttershy apologized.
Shaun scratched his head, looking around for any possible leads.
"Let's just keep looking," Twilight said from under the winter coat.
Meanwhile, The Farmer meandered around the hospital entrance, still confused. The automatic doors open, startling him away. Elsewhere, Shaun clings onto a light pole, looking through crowds of people with a pair of binoculars.
"Anythin' yet?" Applejack asked, her voice muffled under the sweater.
"Unfortunately, not." Rarity replied.
A crowd of people walked past them, unintentionally sweeping up the two sheep dressed as a woman with them. The sheep escape the crowd and stumble into a department store. The upper sheep's attention was caught by the automatic glass doors.
Shaun then spotted another red-headed man purchasing something at technology boutique. He quickly retrieves the female imposter playing with the automatic doors.
"Ya'll, now ain't the time fer dilly-dallyin'," Applejack said, as the flock headed for the store.
Together, the flock approach the boutique. the female imposter smacks into the glass doors, thinking they were automatic. The rest of the team were to their aid.
"Are you two, okay?" Twilight poked her head out, then immediately pulled it back in as the man exited the boutique.
It was another stranger.
"This is starting to become frustrating," Rainbow rubbed her forehead.
"That's why we should make a game out of it," Pinkie pulled the blue pegasus close to her.
Later on, the team stood behind a stone wall as spikey hair could be seen on the other side.
"Surely, it's him this time," Rarity said, sounding not as confident as last time.
It turned out to be a flower on a potted cactus being carried by a brown-headed man. Shaun face-palmed, clearly getting fed up by all the mistaken identities. Over the course of several hours, the team spotted several red-headed humans, but none of them were The Farmer. One of them ended up being a mannequin.
"How hard is it to just find one guy?" Rainbow vented in frustration.
"Well for starters, it's a pretty big city," Twilight acknowledged. "And, secondly, we've spotted like a dozen people with the same hair color and coat. Is it just me? Or is The Farmer's attire and hair-style seem like some kind of common visual style."
"Well, it's certainly a bland one, if that's the case," Rarity huffed.
The team crossed a pedestrian crossing and onto another city block. As they travelled past a park bench, Timmy snatched a man's toupee. The man looked around angrily, realizing it was missing. Timmy just whistled innocently while wearing the toupee. The team continued their search at a deli market stall. One of them sheep, under the trench coat, eyed a basket of chili peppers. Poking out of the pocket, he eats a few. Immediately, the mustached sheep begin to shutter and shake. The bottom sheep pokes back out with steam shooting from his ears and nostrils. He runs past the rest of the group. He crashes through a two-person horse costume, ripping it in half. He laps up water from a fountain. The two men in the horse costume glare at the mustached imposter. The upper sheep smiles innocently, but from their perspective, it looked like the imposter was peeing in the fountain. The two men shared disgusted looks with each other.
"This is why we keep to ourselves!" Twilight whispered harshly as the team was being chased by an angry mob.
The mob march past a fancy restaurant, where the flock was hiding. As the mob past, the team peek from behind the window to see if the coast was clear. Shaun wiped the sweat off his brow in relief.
"Seriously. Whatever happen to "keeping a low profile?" Twilight reprimanded the sheep inside the trench coat.
"Bah," he said.
"I was hungry," Fluttershy translated.
Timmy chuckles eagerly and points behind them. The team turn to view the restaurant. The sheep ogle the trays of desserts as they pass.
"Guys, we've got to stay focused. We can't distract ourselves with sweets," Twilight said.
Numerous stomachs growled, signifying their hunger.
"Come on, Twilight, my stomach STILL hasn't forgiven me for that mouthful of grain," Pinkie whined.
"I do feel a bit peckish," Rarity admitted.
"Ah'm sure it wouldn't hurt ta just grab a bite. Just as long as we act "natural," Applejack finished in quotations.
Twilight pondered in thought. She, herself, was getting a bit hungry, but to jeopardize the entire operation? She reckoned that it was better to eat something than continue the search on empty stomachs.
"All right. But, just be careful," the alicorn cautioned.
Shaun chuckled deviously and waved the others to follow.
Outside, The Farmer walked by the restaurant front, looking at his unfamiliar surroundings.
Back inside, a man elegantly plays the piano as waiters seat the team down. Shaun rubs his gloved hands eagerly, while Timmy's mom sets Timmy under the table with his teddy bear. A waiter tries to seat the mustached imposter, but the bottom sheep was facing the wrong way. He discreetly grabs the chair's legs to keep it from slipping away.
A diner with a blonde pompadour sneers at the group, while his female date shows a more curious expression. Woman knocks on the window next to them. The celebrity poses while she takes a picture.
Timmy, still under the table, eyes a dessert tray not far from him. He smiles with excitement, but ducks back underneath the table as a maitre d' hands out menus to the flock.
"Okay, let's see what they got here," Rarity studied the menu.
The female imposter took a big bite out of their menu. One of the other imposter sheep tries cutting the menu with a fork and knife, while the other seasons theirs with salt.
"What are you guys doing?" Rarity asked, floored by their actions.
"Wut's goin' on, Rares?" Applejack asked.
"Apparently, the sheep don't know anything about fine dining," the snow-white unicorn huffed.
"They're sheep, Rarity," the farm pony deadpanned. "Ah feel like I don't need to explain further."
Shaun stops them and watches the celebrity open the menu and look through. Shaun demonstrated this to the others by opening his menu. The other sheep copy him. The female's menu now had a bite-sized hole in the center.
"Uncouth," Rarity sighed.
"Come on, Rarity, they're clearly haven't been to a city. It would make sense if they aren't familiar with this kind of behavior," Fluttershy said. "N-No offense."
Shaun shrugged.
"Yeah. but, you have to admit. It was pretty funny," Raibbow giggled.
"No, Rainbow, it wasn't," Rarity said in annoyance.
The celebrity takes a sip of champagne from his glass. Shaun tries to drink from his water glass, but couldn't because of his turtle-neck sweater. mimicking him, the other sheep spill water into their laps. Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy just looked on at the sheep's mediocre attempts to act like fine diners.
"Th-This...This is painful," Rarity holds her hooves to her face in embarrassment.
The celebrity accidently knocks over a knife onto the floor. As he goes to pick it up, the sheep copy him, knocking their silverware to the floor which startled the other customers.
"What in Equestria is going on up there?" Twilight whispered to Pinkie.
"Mimicry," Pinkie replied in an exaggerate hushed tone.
"That doesn't answer my question," Twilight said.
The celebrity daintily picks up the knife then burps. Shaun tries to stop the sheep, but it was already too late. The three sheep let out long, loud burps. The other customers stare at them with judgmental and disgusted looks. Shaun angrily shushes them. The maitre d' stares dissaprovingly at them. The young sheep chuckles at of embarrassment and buries his face in his menu. The other sheep copy him.
"This was a mistake," Rarity murmurs.
"Um, Dash?" Spike wriggles out from Rainbow's shirt.
"Spike, what are you doing? Do you want us to get caught?" Rainbow asked.
"No. But, I really need to use the bathroom."
"Oh, dear," Twilight said.
"Now? Can't you hold it?" Rainbow asked.
"No, I can't," the young dragon clutched his legs.
"Well, did you try crossing your legs?"
"Yes."
"Holding your breath?"
"Yes. Almost passed out."
"Closing your eyes and..."
"Rainbow, I'll take him to the bathroom," Fluttershy cut in.
The imposter pegasus drew in a breath through her nose, then exhaled through her mouth, making sure to stay quiet.
"Okay, but make it quick. These guys know how to draw a crowd. And not in a good way."
"And be extra careful," Twilight added.
"I will, Twilight," Fluttershy said softly. "Come on, Spike."
Spike quietly crawled over to her and climbed underneath her purple jacket. Fluttershy left her seat to search for a bathroom. At the same time, Shaun spots Timmy scampering to the dessert tray. Shaun gasped and gestures emphatically for the little sheep to come back over. Timmy, misinterpreting the gesture, dunks his face into one of the cakes. He pulls back up, frosting covering his face, and gives a thumbs up.
"Lucky," Pinkie pouts and squints at Timmy.
Shaun rolls his eyes and walks over inconspicuously to Timmy and grabs him, stuffing him and his teddy bear under his turtle-neck. One of the knitted fabrics caught a hook on the tray. As a waiter walked over to him, Shaun patted his belly, pretending to have a full stomach. The waiter paid no notice. He pushed the cart away, while Shaun cautiously headed back to the table. He failed to notice his sweater beginning to unravel. The sheep and ponies notice, though, and motion to him.
"Shaun! Shaun your sweater!" Rainbow loudly whispered.
"Oh, nelly. That ain't good," Applejack pokes her head out.
Before Shaun could realize, he trips, launching Timmy onto the table. His mom grabs him and hides him underneath the table. Shaun shook his head and noticed all the customers staring and gaping at him. The maitre d' stammered and started dialing a phone number. Shaun, meanwhile, panics and runs around the restaurant as waiters chase after him. The pianist begins to play a more intense song, while Shaun gallops into the kitchen. Clatters and crashes could be heard inside. The sheep darts back out, being chased out by a chef. One of the waiters chasing Shaun bumps into another waiter carrying a whole fish. The fish goes flying and engulfs a man's head. Shaun dives under a table, while the man panics and staggers to a lobster tank where a lobster clamps his claw down on his finger. He screams in pain and shakes it off. The lobster flies across the restaurant and clamps down on a waitress's backside. She lets out a shriek and slaps a man across the face, thinking he had pinched her. As he falls, he knocks over a table sending a plate of food sailing into the air and into the face of the celebrity's date.
The celebrity laughs, invoking her to clonk him in the head with her purse, knocking his hair out of place. The celebrity checks his reflection on a spoon. He gasps at his ruined hair. Outside, the animal control truck showed up at the front entrance.
Meanwhile, Spike had just left the bathroom. He lets out a satisfied sigh, when he noticed the restaurant in complete chaos.
"What is happening?" he turned to a scared Fluttershy.
"I-I-I think S-Shuan got caught," Fluttershy stammered.
Suddenly, the lobster from earlier flew through the air and clamped down on Fluttershy's muzzle. She let out a shriek and galloped around in a pained panic. Spike chased after her. He was able to grab the lobster and yank it away before throwing to the floor.
"Are you okay, Fluttershy?" Spike asked worriedly.
"Y-Yeah. Thank you," she rubbed her nose.
Shaun crawled out from under the table which just so happened to be right next to the pegasus and dragon.
"Shaun, we have to get out of here right now," Spike warned.
"Bah," he agreed.
"I know. Let's go," Fluttershy translated, rubbing her sore nose.
But, before they could make an escape, a caution sign slammed down in front of them. They stepped back in fear and saw the animal control officer, Trumper, squinting down on them. The officer sealed the three off with caution tape before putting on a pair of gloves and safety goggles. The three hold each other fearfully. He nabs Spike, Shaun, and Fluttershy with his catch pole and laughs victoriously. The photos of the three creatures get stamped with the word "contained" on it, their looks of trepidation etched on their faces.
"We have to do something," Rainbow was about to intervene when she felt something tug on her tail.
She saw Applejack giving her a discouraging look.
"And cause more problems? We can't risk ourselves gettin' caught," the farm pony said.
"But...But, we can't..." Rainbow immediately shuts up when she noticed Trumper staring at the team.
They all face away from him, trying not to act or look suspicious. Trumper walks over to the table. He leans down toward the female imposter and holds up her purse with a smile.
As Timmy peaks up underneath the tablecloth, he faces Shaun who shakes his head at him. Timmy retreats. Trumper gives the female imposter her purse, then lays his card down on her plate. He winks and walks away with Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy in his catch pole. The three looked back to see the rest of the group, mostly the ponies, with looks of worry, anger, and horror on their faces. Shaun notices Timmy's teddy bear on the floor. Twilight peeks through the coat, holding out her hoof to Spike.
"Spike," she whispered in despair.
Spike held out his hand, but was pulled away by the officer.
The waitress puts the lobster back in the tank where it bumps claws with it's buddy. Outside, the officer dumps the dragon, pony, and sheep into the back of his truck and drives off.
"We never should've gone into that restaurant," Spike lamented. "In fact, I should've just held it in."
"Spike, this wasn't your fault. And it's not yours either, Shaun," Fluttershy spoke a bit more firmly. "This was just a freak accident. Nopony, or dragon, or sheep is to blame."
"Bah-bah?" Shaun asked.
"What's going to happen now?" Fluttershy repeated. "Well, all we can hope is that are friends can save us."
"But, what will happen to us?" Spike asked fearfully.
Fluttershy struggled to come up with an uplifting answer.
"...I don't know, Spike. I really don't know," She said sadly.
Spike began to tear up. He was scared. Scared for them, himself, and the others. Fluttershy put a wing around him to comfort. Shaun sighs and peers through the window as the restaurant disappeared around the corner. That's when he saw The Farmer walking aimlessly down the sidewalk. Shaun gasped and cried out to him. This caught Spike and Fluttershy's attention and saw The Farmer, too.
"Wait...that's. Hey! Hey, Mr. Farmer, help us!" Spike cried.
"Help us, please!" Fluttershy cried out, as well.
But, their pleas and cries fell on deaf ears and The Farmer didn't take any notice of them. The truck disappeared down the street.
A stretch limousine parked alongside a salon. The bald, burly drive opens the passenger door, knocks an old lady out of the way, and rushes the celebrity into the salon. The manager sits him down on a chair. Two stylists walk over and took a look at his messed up hair. the celebrity cries and looks away at the mirror in shame. The manager props his feet up on an ottoman and offers him an expresso, which he declines. One of the stylists, wearing a headband, a splotchy designer T-shirt, bracelets, and striped pants, backs up for a better look. He then notices The Farmer outside the window in his similar head bandage, stained shirt, hospital ID bracelet, and pajama. The stylists looks at him indignantly before continuing to look over the celebrity's ruined hair. The Farmer eyes a pair of head clippers dangling from a hook. A memory sparks in his head, a memory of him holding a pair of electric sheep shearers. His fingers twitch.
The two stylists argue over the celebrity's hair. As they step aside, The Farmer enters. The celebrity snaps his fingers and points to his hair expectantly. The Farmer cracks his knuckles and picks up the head clippers. He yanks the celebrity off of the chair and sits him down onto his knee as he has a flashback of shearing Shirley. The man shaves large clumps of white blond hair of the celebrity's head. The manager and a customer scream, even the burly driver lets out a girlish scream. The distracted stylists douses a woman's face in water. The driver tackles The Farmer. As the celebrity stands up, thick clumps of hair fall off his head and land in piles on the floor. He growls at The Farmer, ready to yell, but then catches his reflection. Anger turned to astonishment as he feels the close-shaven back of his head. This haircut...was actually really good. He laughs and points happily at his knew hairstyle. The manager breaths a sigh of relief and the stylists smile. the celebrity yanks The Farmer to his feet and gives a high-five and a noogie. The other people begin clapping, while the celebrity pats The Farmer on the shoulder. He holds up a handful of cash and the manager takes. He walks off, The Farmer was about to follow when the manager stopped him and handed him a five-pound note. She walks him to an empty stylish station. Outside, fans take pictures of the celebrity's new hairdo as he gets back in his limo.
In the salon, The Farmer styles another customer's hair. None of them noticed a flock of sheep and ponies race down the street and into a secluded alley.
"They couldn't have gone far," Rarity said, her voice wavering.
"We still don't know where they went," Applejack pointed out. "They could be on the other side of the city fer all we know."
"This wouldn't be an issue if we had just intervened," Rainbow argued.
"Then we all would've gotten caught," Applejack said harshly.
"That would've been better than just Spike, Shaun, and Fluttershy getting separated from us," Rainbow snapped.
"Bah, bah-bah," one of the sheep said.
"And without, Fluttershy, we have no idea what they're saying!"
"B-But, we need to find them. Not argue," Pinkie tried to calm the situation.
"Do you have an idea where they are?" Rainbow asked angrily.
"Well...no..."
"Exactly! We have no idea where they're being transported to and where to even find it!"
The ponies and sheep continued to argue and emotions grew more intense.
"EVERYPONY STOP!" Applejack yelled.
The group went silent and looked at the orange earth pony. She slowly walked over to Twilight, who wasn't in on the argument. Instead, she was quietly sobbing against a trash can.
"Sugarcube, are you okay?" Applejack asked,
"Okay!? Two of our friends and my son just got kidnapped by an animal control officer and are being led to Celestia know's where, and all you guys can think right now is to argue with each other!" Twilight shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, Applejack! I'm not okay."
The princess cried harder and buried her face into her hooves.
"I'm a failure," she muttered.
"Twi, you're not a failure..." Applejack tried to comfort her.
"I am, Applejack! I failed to save Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy. I should've never allow to go into that restaurant. I should've done better."
"Twilight, you couldn't possibly have known of this outcome. It wasn't your fault," Rarity came up to her.
"I should've saved them. I should've done something," the alicorn sniffled. "I'm a terrible friend and a terrible mother."
"Twilight, look at me," Applejack held the purple mare's face up to hers. "Don't blame yourself fer any of this. None of this is your fault."
"But, I let them down..." Twilight tried to say.
"Ya didn't let anypony down," Applejack cut her off. "I know none of us wanted this to happen, but it can't be helped. The only thing we can do now is ta remain strong and save 'em now. And ah don't want to hear any of that "terrible friend" or "terrible mother," either. You've been the greatest friend ta not just Fluttershy, but ta all of us. And you've raised Spike, loved him, and shaped him into who he is now. Ah can't think of anypony of being a better mother to Spike than you. Neither he, Fluttershy, or Shaun would think of you as either a terrible friend or mother. I know that they have faith that we'll rescue 'em. But, we need to have faith in ourselves to rescue 'em. We're here for each other, no matter how hopeless the situation is."
At this point, more tears flowed down Twilight's face, but this time, they were tears of confidence. She sniffled and hugged Applejack.
"It's okay, Twi. We'll find 'em," the earth pony rubbed her friend's back.
"Yeah. We'll find a way to rescue them. No matter what!" Rainbow said confidently.
"Even if it means crawling through the trenches," Rarity added. "Figuratively and literally."
"And we'll all have a good laugh about years later," Pinkie hopped around.
The sheep all bah'd in agreement. Twilight wiped her tears away and stood proudly with her friends.
"All right. Let's go save our friends."
To be continued |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 6: Hard Time | The animal containment truck sits, parked next to the animal containment building. Inside, Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy watch as a barred door slid open, leading to a hallway sided with cells. Shaun gulped.
"I'm starting to get the impression that this guy really doesn't like animals," Spike whispered.
The sheep and mare nod. Trumper yanks them forward with the catch pole. A dog reached out for them through a set of bars. The three jumped in startlement. The dog growled and clutched the cell bars. His poodle cellmate does bicep curls with a large bone. As the three continued to be dragged further into the prison-like station, they pass a glass cell housing a cat wearing a cone collar. It hisses at them cryptically. Another cell housed a turtle, who was marking to amount of days it had spent in the shelter. A goldfish was playing a harmonica in it's fish bowl. It quickly hides it away as Trumper walks by. The officer opened a cell and kicked the sheep, dragon, and pegasus inside. He slams the door, snorts at them, and walks away.
"We're never getting out of here," Spike said hopelessly.
"Don't say that, Spike," Fluttershy tries to comfort him. "Twilight and the others will find us. I know they will."
"It's more the "breaking us out of here" part that gives me doubt." Spike's tone remained unchanged.
"Spike, look at me," Fluttershy cupped Spike's face in her front hooves. "I know the situation looks bleak right now, but remember, we still have our other friends, too. They'll look for us and they will find a way to get us out of here. They're our friends, Spike. They do anything to save us. Especially Twilight.
A small smile managed to form on Spike's face. Not only reassuring him, but reassuring Fluttershy, as well. Shaun, however, continued to glare at Trumper.
"Bah," he said.
"Shaun! Language!" Fluttershy reprimanded.
Just then, there was a low growl coming from the darkest part of their cell. The three looked back fearfully, thinking some mean animal was about to attack them. Spike hid behind Fluttershy as the creature stepped forward. Said creature turned out to be Bitzer, who yawned and stretched.
"Bitzer? Is that you?" Spike said in surprise.
Shaun was equally surprised, but his shock turned to happiness and relief. Bitzer smacked his lips and peeled open his eyes. Realizing the familiar faces in his cell, he grinned then gaped at them.
"Are we glad to see you," Fluttershy said with relief.
"Bwar?" the sheepdog asked.
"Why are we here?" the animal-loving mare repeated. "...It's a long story."
She turned away sheepishly, while Shaun's grin turned to a disheartened frown. He clutched Timmy's teddy bear. Bitzer sticks his head through the bars and looks around the cell block.
"So, how did you get in here?" Spike asked.
Bitzer didn't respond. He ran his paw down his face in frustration. He growled and then began to yell out the three.
Meanwhile, one of the security cameras showed the verbal smackdown through the live feed in the security room. Trumper takes no notice, instead, picks up a cup of coffee and pins photos of Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy to a board along with all the other animals he's contained. He sips his coffee and catches his reflection in a mirror. He straightens his posture then pulls out his catch pole like a gun and snaps the clamp. He turns his back from the mirror. He quickly turns back around and draws again.
Bitzer, by this point, had stopped with the yelling and had sat down on the bench, looking away at his new cellmates.
"Come on, dude. At least we tried to look for The Farmer," Spike tried to argue.
"Grrff," Bitzer growled.
"But, you ended up in here. If we didn't get thrown in here, we may never have been able to find you," Fluttershy tried to calm the situation.
Bitzer didn't respond, continuing to glare at the wall.
"We didn't do this out of obligation," Spike argued further. "Shaun chose to search for him. We chose to search for him."
"Bah!" Shaun yelled.
The dragon and pegasus turn to the disheartened sheep.
Bah-bah. Bah. hmm,"
"It doesn't matter if we chose to look for The Farmer or not. Bitzer has every right to be upset with me. Twilight was right, it was selfish of me to isolate The Farmer from the farm all because I was sick and tired of the same routine. This is all my fault that we're in this mess."
"Shaun, it's not..." Fluttershy stopped herself.
She wanted to say it wasn't Shaun's fault, but couldn't deny the fact that it was. Shaun was the one who came up with the plan to get The Farmer out of the equation in the first place. And he was the one who instigated it.
"...At least you realized your mistake and tried to correct it."
"Bah," the saddened Shaun replied solemnly.
"You're right, it doesn't make what you did right. But, you've clearly shown regret and remorse for your actions and have tried to fix them," the timid Pegasus explained. "That's one of the first steps toward redemption."
Shaun looked up at Fluttershy, who gave him a comforting smile.
"And even after what you did, your friends will find and rescue you. Rescue us. I should know, they're my friends, too. Even you Shaun."
"Yeah, we have hope that Twilight and the others will come and rescue us," Spike said.
Fluttershy pulled Shaun in for a comforting hug. Shaun let out a sad sigh and hugged the mare back.
Bitzer wasn't moved by Fluttershy's speech. He sat as far away from them as possible. He was about to start chastising them again, but then Spike glared at him defensively.
"Let him have just this one moment," he hissed quietly at the sheepdog
Frustrated, Bitzer crossed his arms and stared into a cell across the corridor. A dog was giving them a judgmental glare with bloodshot eyes. Bitzer, unnerved, flashes him a friendly smile. The dog continues to glare. The sheepdog grows increasingly uncomfortable and taps his fingers together. Faking a stretch, he hide his face behind his hand. He peaks up and sees the dog's beady eyes still glued to him.
"I already hate this place," Spike grumbled to himself.
Once the hug broke up, Shaun looked over and spotted the stray mutt from earlier in another cell. He gives her a friendly smile. She wags her tail and smiles back.
Outside, a couple stand outside the entrance of the containment building. They read a sign at the front entrance saying "Adopt a stray day." An administrator shows the couple inside. Once inside, Trumper steps out and looks around the streets. He kicks down the sign and casually strolls back inside.
Back at the cell block, Shaun, Spike, Fluttershy take notice of the couple at the end of the hallway. The other animals got into position to look as cute and cuddly as possible. The cat folds down at cone collar and meows with excitement. The turtle buffs it's shell with a sheet. The mutt wets her paws and tries to smooth out her hair.
"Huh. Talk about a change of mood," Spike said curiously.
"We can't let them choose us though. That will complicate things," Fluttershy pointed out.
The three friends watch as the administrator shows the two inside. One of them gives her a donation.
The first dog sniffs his armpit and smiles, while rocking from side to side, attempting to look and act as innocent as possible. His poodle cellmate cheerfully holds a bone in it's mouth. The female shakes her head and couple move on. The poodle snaps the bone in it's mouth. The goldfish hides coyly behind a seashell. Again, the couple move on. The mangy mutt holds her paws together pleadingly. The male points to her. She flashes them a gap-tooth smile. The couple looked a bit disappointed in the fact that the mutt had such crooked teeth. They move on, leaving the mutt heartbroken. Next, the couple stared into the cell of Shaun, Spike, Fluttershy, and Bitzer. The male whispered to the female in confusion. She shrugs. Spike and Fluttershy exchange glances. The couple move on again.
They find an iguana in its own cell. The administrator opens the cell and hands them the iguana. Satisfied, the couple begin to leave with their new pet. Shaun sees the mutt begin to tear up. The iguana pumps its fist victoriously and sticks out its tongue. The two dogs growl with envy. Trumper stands in front of the barred door. The administrator hands him a clipboard which he takes it and signs it, all the while, with a forced smile. He opens the door and lets the couple past. As the female steps past, Trumper points his fingers to his eyes, then to the iguana, who looked away fearfully.
Shaun tries to cheer up the mutt by giving her by giving her a sympathetic smile. The mutt wipes away a tear, then sulks in a corner of her cell.
"The poor thing," Fluttershy said sorrowfully.
Shaun sighs sadly.
The celebrity's new pompadour was quickly going viral on the internet. A woman resizes the photo and uploads it. Hundreds upon thousands receive the viral hairdo and share with their peers. vlog and news article litter the cyber landscape with the growing-popular photo. Calls and appointments filled the salon every waking hour and The Farmer went to work with giving everybody the same hairdo. The customers take selfies with him, increasing his fame even further.
A photo sharing page showcased other pictures and gifs with the caption "Mr. X" on them. During a photo shoot, The Farmer stands with two pairs of hair clippers crossed together. The photographer instructs him to show a serious frown. the Farmer, however, flashes a big smile as soon as the picture is taken. Other pictures show him in different poses holding his clippers, a skull, and straddling a chair while naked. Touching up a photo, the photographer edits out The Farmer's grin and replaces it with a serious frown.
At an event, the salon staff gifts him flowers and champagne. He holds them up as people take his picture.
Back at the animal containment unit, Shaun rattles the bar of his cell.
"How long has it been?" Flutttershy asked while stretching.
"I don't know. I lost track after the first hour," Spike sat on the floor, his legs tucked against his stomach.
Bitzer just lied on his side on the bench. The dog was still glaring at Shaun. He sighs indignantly and turns on the other side, facing the wall. Trumper walks the cell block. Shaun backs away from the bars as he nears them.
"Bah-ah-ah-ah," the officer mocked and laughed at the young sheep.
Shaun just gave him an insulted glare.
The mangy mutt was happily chowed down on a bowl of dog food. Trumper began grunting and snorting at her mockingly. The mutt growled back.
Fluttershy shook her head slowly and sigh. Shaun then noticed a ring of keys on Trumper's belt. He was still mocking the mutt, laughing and stuffing chips into his mouth. Shaun reaches out for the keys. Spike and Fluttershy could only look on in anticipation. The officer reaches his hand back to scratch his backside. Shaun pulls his hand back to avoid making contact. Trumper lets out a small fart. Shaun winces back in disgust.
"Gross," Spike murmured, also in disgust.
The sheep reaches out again, but before he could firmly grabbed the keys, a doorbell sounded at the end of the cell block. Trumper turns and walks away.
"So close," Spike whispered, balling his fists in frustration.
Shaun shares a look of disappointment with the mutt. She looks back with confusion. Trumper presses a green button and the barred door slides open to reveal the two disguised sheep dressed as a woman. Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy gasp quietly.
"They found us," Fluttershy whispered happily.
Trumper looks on with surprise. The imposter showed him his card with a bright, red kiss stain on it. Trumper smiled flirtatiously and showed her inside. The two dogs sniffed out the sheep and growled at it. She whacks them with her purse. Meanwhile, outside, another sheep maneuvers underneath a barred window. He motioned to the others. The other sheep, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Rarity peaked out from behind the corner.
"All right, let's do this," Rainbow pumped her hoof.
One of the sheep barrel-rolls past a dumpster, holding a line of tied cloths. Timmy's mom sighs and carries the other end.
"We got to keep a low-profile," Pinkie peered over her. "Never let anypony know your next move."
The pink mare looked around with squinted eyes and tip-toed against the wall over to the barred window. Back inside, Trumper and the female imposter walk down the cell block. The top sheep shushes at Shaun, Spike, and Fluttershy to keep them quiet. They watch them pass with confusion.
"What are they planning?" Spike asked.
The other two shrugged. Outside, Timmy and Rarity finish tying the makeshift rope around the bars.
"Okay, everypony and every-sheep. It's secured," Rarity said.
"You three ready?" Twilight asked.
Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Shirley stand within the tied rope.
"More than ready, Twi," Applejack responded with conviction
"I was born ready!" Rainbow said confidently.
One sheep holds out a cloth with a picture of a banana on it. That gets Shirley going and she pulls forward. Applejack and Rainbow pull against the rope with all their strength, while the others cheered with encouragement. Cracks begin to form around the window of the building. The sound of crumbling bricks resonated within the cells.
"What's going on?" Spike asked, sounding more afraid.
"I-I don't know," Fluttershy said.
With one last tug of strength, a section of the wall rips from the building. The sheep and ponies clattered around the hole.
"Guys, we're here to save..." Twilight stopped when she realized that neither Shaun, Spike, nor Fluttershy were there.
A clueless construction worker was sitting on a toilet, wearing a pair of earmuffs and reading a book.
"What!? Where are Spike, Fluttershy, and Shaun?" Rainbow asked in frustration.
"Uh...girls?" Fluttershy's voice called out to them.
The others turned to see their friends peering through a barred window in a building adjacent to them. Shaun put a hoof to his face.
"You got the wrong building, guys." Spike stated.
"...Oh," Rainbow said sheepishly.
"But, if they're there, then that means," Twilight looks back at hole in the wall. "Uh, oh."
Suddenly, an alarm went off and the sheep and ponies flew into a panic. A security camera, mounted on the barbed-wire fence, picked up on the action. Meanwhile, Trumper and female imposter were flirting with each other when the sheep noticed their friends panicking on camera. Trumper could hear the commotion and turned toward the security monitor to see what was going on. The imposter pulled him back and into a kiss to try and distract him further. He pushed back and saw the sheep and ponies trying to flee the scene. He gasped and drew his catch pole. He was about to run out the room when the female imposter, thinking fast, pushes him back. He stumbles onto his chair and falls to the ground, his head getting stuck in a trash bin. The sheep flee the room and hurriedly stumbles toward Shaun and the others. She trips and the two stacked sheep break apart. The bottom half bumps into the cat's glass cell. The three friend watch as both sheep hurry out of the containment building. Trumper gets back up and lifts the trash bin off of his head.
"Now what? We're still stuck in here," Spike said, put off by the failed prison break attempt.
"Maybe they'll think of something else. They won't give up like that," Fluttershy said reassuringly.
Shaun peered out through the barred window again, eyeing the hole in the adjacent building's wall. An idea hits him. He pulls out a piece of chalk from his fleece and starts to draw on the wall. The other three creatures watch him with befuddlement.
"Shaun, now is not the time for chalk art," Spike pointed out.
"Bah-ah," Shaun said.
"Trust me," Fluttershy translated. "What are you planning?"
A door slams opening, causing them to freeze. Shaun quickens his pace. Trumper races down the cell block with a look of ire. The mutt sticks her paw out through the bars. Trumper trips over it and face-plants into the cold, concrete floor. He looks up at Shaun's cell and sees a hole in the wall. He gasps and quickly unlocks the cell door. Unknown to him, Shaun, Spike, Fluttershy, and Bitzer were hiding underneath the cell bench. The officer tries to reach through the hole but is met with a solid wall. He looks at the hands, which were now covered with chalk dust, then to the realistic hole, which now sported a large smear on it.
"Bah-ee," Shaun mocks at him.
Trumper turns to see the sheep, dragon, pegasus, sheepdog, and even the stray mutt now outside their cells. Shaun jiggles the keys and throws them into one of the cells.
"Tricked ya!" Spike said brashly. "Now let's get out of here!"
The five of them make a run for it, while Trumper angrily rattles the bars and shouts in fury. The other caged animals howl and cheer them on as the break out of the building and rejoin the flock. The rest of the Main 6 rally together for a group around Spike and Fluttershy.
"Thank, Celestia you two are okay," Rarity said, on the verge of tears.
"That Trumper jerk didn't hurt you. Did he?" Rainbow asked to her pegasus friend. "Because if he did, I swear I'll give him Tarturus!"
"It's okay, Rainbow. He didn't hurt us," Fluttershy assured her.
"And, Spike. I'm so, so sorry I let this happen," Twilight held her dragon close. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."
Spike wrapped his arms around her neck and looked up to her.
"It's okay, Twilight. There wasn't much you could do without getting caught, too," He said soothingly. "You didn't fail me, Twilight. I'm just so relieved that you came and rescued us."
"Of course, Spike," the alicorn mother sniffles. "I could never leave you like that. Or any of the others."
"Darn tootin'!" Applejack added. "We would never abandon ya'll, ever."
"I'll make a saved-our-friends-from-prison party for posterity!" Pinkie said happily.
The ponies and dragon shared another group hug, all overwhelmed by emotions. Meanwhile, Shaun high-fives his friends and retrieves his nap-sack. The mutt whistles to them and signals them through a hole in the fence.
"Where's she goin'?" Applejack asked.
"She wants us to follow her," Fluttershy said.
"But, why?" Spike asked further.
"Maybe she knows where The Farmer is."
The other sheep cheer happily and begin to follow after the mutt.
"Guess we're doing that," Twilight and the others followed, too. "Come on, everypony."
Shaun lifts up his hand to Bitzer, hoping for a high-five. Bitzer just growls at him. He was still angry at him for causing all this kerfuffle. Shaun, realizing the sheepdog was going to leave him hanging, decides to follow after the rest of the group. Bitzer follows soon after.
Back inside the cell block, Trumper shakes the bars furiously. He yells in frustration and gives up. He plops down and the bench and crosses his arms. The officer looks up at the adjacent cell and his anger drains away upon noticing the dog with bloodshot eyes giving him a judgmental glare.
To be continued. |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 7: A Journey in Vain | Now that the entire team was reunited, it was time to shift back to their original priority; searching for The Farmer. The herd peered around a corner that led into an alley.
"Glad that ordeal is over," Rainbow said.
"Agreed. But, now we're back to our original problem," Twilight pointed out. "We still have no idea where The Farmer is."
"Actually, we saw him walking down the street when that animal control officer carted us off to the shelter," Spike said.
"That's right. We did," Fluttershy perked up.
"Wait, really?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I think it was right around the corner of that fancy restaurant."
"But, he's prolly miles away from that location, since ya saw 'em when ya were bein' taken away," Applejack pointed out.
"Oh, you're right," Spike said woefully.
The rest of the Mane 7 were brought down by that presumption. Shaun, however, remained strong. Then he remembered something. He tapped Timmy's shoulder. The little sheep turned to him and Shaun pulled out his teddy bear out of his nap sack. Timmy grabbed and hugged it close, then hugged Shaun in appreciation, which Shaun happily accepted.
"Oh, that's so sweet," Rarity cooed at the happy moment.
Shaun opens his eyes and sees something that makes him gasp. The mangy mutt runs out into the alley. The group follow her and stop to see a giant billboard on a wall. But, it's what was on the billboard that caught their attention.
"Is that..." Twilight started off.
"It is! It is!" Pinkie hopped in place.
The billboard showed a picture of The Farmer holding the hair clippers that said "Mr. X. He's Here!" on it. With an optimistic grin, Shaun pointed to the billboard. The sheep ran closer to the billboard of their owner.
"I-I can't believe it. This might actually be easier than I thought," the astounded alicorn said, but then began to think. "But, why would he be on a billboard? And why the hair clippers?"
"Who cares? We're one step closer to finding him," Rainbow said.
Shaun walked up to the billboard where a map of a city block was shown. The mutt clambers onto a trash can to study the map. She barked and gestured to Shaun to follow her.
"I think she knows where that location is," Fluttershy presumed.
"Then let's follow her," Applejack said.
The sheep, ponies, and dragon all followed after the mutt. Bitzer lingers behind a bit. He looks at the billboard skeptically before running after the others. The mutt climbs up a dumpster and throws down the lid. She opens a grate in a brick wall and crawls into a vent.
"The things we do to complete these missions," Rarity sighed as she crawled into the dusty vent.
"How's the big one supposed to get through there?" Rainbow pointed to Shirley.
Applejack and Pinkie exchanged glances.
"Heave!" Applejack yelled as the three ponies pushed hard to get Shirley through the vent.
"How do we always get ourselves into these situations?" Rainbow said to herself.
Further on, the mutt opens a skylight and directs the herd over a rooftop. The sheep, along with Pinkie, playfully slide down the rooftops, while the others carefully stepped across. They leapt from one building roof to another, right above an oblivious window washer.
"Hi, there!" Pinkie waved to him before disappearing over a building.
The window washer looked up after hearing the voice, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
The sheep frolicked across a high ledge, while the Mane 7 treaded carefully. One sheep pirouettes and slips. Luckily, Rainbow was fast enough to grab him before he could fall over the ledge.
"Gotta be careful, man," the cyan pegasus pulled the sheep back onto the ledge.
The mutt, sheep, ponies, and dragon bound across scaffolding and down a ventilation duct.
"This is so. Much. Fun!" Pinkie slid down the duct.
The flock bounced off an old mattress and into a pyramid formation.
"Wait, where's the big one?" Spike asked.
The duct began to shake as the sound of a sheep echoing from it.
"Oh, no," Rarity squeaked.
Shirley shot out from the duct and crashed into the group like a bowling ball. The ponies, sheep, and dragon scattered everywhere like bowling pins.
At long last, the flock had finally made it to their destination. Shaun and the mutt were the first to make it to the hair salon. The young sheep saw The Farmer working on a customer and smiled happily. The two made it to the window and bumped fists. They watch as a satisfied customer feels over his hair and shakes The Farmer's hand before leaving. The Farmer sips on a cup of coffee as Shaun slowly walked into the salon. He taps The Farmer on the back of the leg. He turns around, confused, then looks down at the sheep in front of him. Shaun smiles up at him warmly. The other sheep, bitzer, and the Main 7 reach the salon in the meantime.
"We finally made it," Twilight said, satisfied.
"Go on, Shaun, reunite with him," Fluttershy encourage quietly.
Shuan gazes up, while The Farmer remains slack-jawed, almost seeming confused. the young sheep stepped closer, but The Farmer shrank back. He then began to try and shoo him away. Shaun gasped in disbelief. The others outside watched, confused and distraught.
"W-What's going on?" Fluttershy asked.
"I don't think he's happy to see him," Rainbow assumed bluntly.
"I guess that whole ordeal created more animosity than we thought," Twilight's ears drooped.
The manager and other stylists watched in surprise as The Farmer tried to wave off the sheep. Shaun's eyes filled with tears. Bitzer then runs into the salon and protectively nudges Shaun away. One of the stylists, wielding a broom, shooed off the sheep and sheepdog.
"We need to leave," Applejack calls out.
The rest make a run for it down the street. Shaun glances back sadly to The Farmer, who continues with his work with a dismissive wave. Tears stream down Shaun's cheeks as he lopes after the others. The mutt directs him down a manhole and into a sewer. When he reaches the bottom, Shaun and Bitzer shared a disheartened look, while the mutt closes the manhole.
"Are you going to be okay, darling?" Rarity asked.
Shaun looks at her with tearful eyes and shakes his head.
"Well, that was a bust! Now what do we do?" Rainbow asked, upset.
The mutt nudges aside a sheet of metal, revealing a tunnel. She nods for the others to follow her. Bitzer waves over the others, who follow him. Shaun, stays behind with a discouraged look. Twilight stopped, turned, then came closer to him.
"Shaun, is everything okay?"
Fluttershy noticed her alicorn friend talking to the sheep and walks over.
"Hemph," Shaun muttered.
"No, everything is not alright. The Farmer hates me now, all because of that stupid plan. You were right, Twilight. I shouldn't-" Fluttershy stopped her translation and gave Shaun a serious look. "Shaun, we've been over this. You shouldn't go beating yourself up over this."
"Bah-bah?" the heartbroken sheep asked.
"Then why did The Farmer shoo us away? Why did he act like he didn't recognize me? He hates me for what I've done. We've lost everything because of my actions."
"Shaun, please, you're hurting. I'm sure we'll be able to fix things," Fluttershy tried to reassure him.
"Bah?" Shaun asked.
"How?" She repeated.
Fluttershy tried to think of a solution, but she couldn't. Trying to talk to The Farmer seemed like a no-go. "W-Well..."
"Bah."
"There's nothing we can do. It's hopeless," Fluttershy translated.
The pegasus's ears drooped. She didn't want to see Shaun so hurt, but she couldn't think of anything to say or do to make him feel better.
"But Shaun..." Twilight tried to say something, but the sheep just walked sadly away.
The two mares exchanged worried and sorrowful looks.
"I know what he did was wrong. But, he doesn't deserve this," Twilight said with regret.
"I feel so awful," Fluttershy's lips quivered. "All we can hope for now is a miracle."
"I don't even think a miracle is possible."
The mutt leads the group out to an abandoned area underneath a freeway. Bringing up the rear, Shaun slips through an opening in a chain-link fence.
"Wait, you expects us to live here?" Rarity asked dismay.
The mutt steps inside a cardboard box and turns around. She smiles and gestures welcomingly around the industrial wasteland.
"Oh, no! No, no, no! We are not living in this dump!" Rarity opposed.
"Yeah. We already have our own homes in our world," Rainbow added. "We can't just stay here forever."
"And some of us have families to look after," Applejack added.
"But...how are we going to get home?" Fluttershy ask. "W-We failed our mission."
The rest of the Mane 7 were at a loss. The Farmer wanted nothing to do with them.
"Well...maybe we could try and convince him to come back," Rainbow suggetsed.
"He seems vehemently against us, though," Rarity said.
"Oh, oh. I know. Maybe all he needs is a bit of cheering up with a party. A sorry-for-locking-you-in-a-camper party," Pinkie said.
"Pinkie, for the umpteenth time, a party is not going to fix this," Rainbow argued.
"You do know that for sure. Don't knock it till you try it. That's what I always say."
"Oh, who will look after my boutique if I can't make it back?" Rarity lamented dramatically. "...And look after Sweetie Belle."
Rainbow groaned in frustration.
"You know what? I blame Shaun for all of this. He was the one who acted in the plan first. None of this would've happened if it wasn't for him."
"Agreed. He was bein' too dreamy about simple farm life," Applejack snorted angrily. "There ain't nothin' borin' 'bout that."
"You can't blame him for all of this. He pretty much had no control over it," Fluttershy defended.
"Oh, come on, Fluttershy. It was a stupid idea from the start. He was just being selfish!" the pent-up pegasus snapped back.
While the others were arguing, the other sheep chose to ignore them began picking up stuff around the area to feel more at home. Shaun just stood, guilt-stricken and heartbroken. He looked down and walked glumly over to a pile of crushed building materials. He lies back against a wooden palette and stares up at a piece of graffiti art, depicting a spider in it's web. It reminded him of the spider that live in the upper corner of the barn back home.
The ponies were still arguing with each other, until Twilight finally couldn't take it anymore.
"ENOUGH!"
Twilgiht's wings flared out and magic sparks fizzled from here horn.
Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy stopped arguing and turned to the frustrated alicorn.
"For Celestia sake, girls, I understand you all are upset, but blaming Shaun for all this is not helping the situation." Twilight said in frustration.
"But, Twilight, he was way over his head on his plan," Rainbow walked up to her. "You showed clear frustration toward him when The Farmer first got lost."
"Yes, I was. But, I understand that now is not the appropriate time for being mad at him."
"Of course it is. We're at our lowest point right now." Rarity butted in.
"So you think we should make the already negative atmosphere even worse with your animosity?" Twilight questioned them. "I'm not happy about it either, but I'm not going to point hooves at the guilty party right now when there's more productive things to do."
"Like what?" Rainbow asked.
"Helping them out." Twilight pointed to the other sheep gathering items around the wasteyard. "And maybe thinking of a way to still fix this."
She walked away with Spike, who stayed silent to whole time, following just behind her. Using her magic, she picked up several items for the sheep and carried them over to them.
"M-Maybe she has a point, girls," Rarity feebly spike up. "Perhaps it's best we just try and think of a plan of action instead of being bitter."
"Yeah. I can't be the Element of Laughter without showing positivity first," Pinkie agreed and hopped over to the makeshift living quarters for the sheep.
Applejack straightened her hat with a solemn expression.
"She's right. It's better to look past this fer the time bein'," she said to Rainbow.
"Alright, but I still don't see how things can magically become better," the bright, blue pegasus sighed and followed.
Fluttershy, meanwhile, walked over to the depressed Shaun.
"Shaun, I...I'm sorry for what my friends said. I don't blame you for this. You only wanted some more enjoyment in life. I understand that."
Shaun didn't respond. He rolled onto his side and pulled out the missing persons poster of The Farmer. Fluttershy put a hoof on his shoulder, a sympathetic look on her face.
Literally at the same time, The Farmer stared out uncannily through the salon window. He looked back at his clippers. He had no idea why a sheep was in the city, much less looking for him. But, for some reason, that sheep sparked something deep inside a head. It felt like an itch, but The Farmer just didn't know why.
Back at the wasteyard, Shaun was still looking at the missing persons poster. Fluttershy put a hoof on his shoulder to try and comfort him. A strong breeze came in and blew the poster out of Shaun's hoof. It carried the piece of paper across the cloud-covered city. Shaun sighed and looked down, while Fluttershy, the caring mare that she was, rubbed his shoulder.
At the animal containment unit, Trumper was just sitting around in the still locked cell. Two workers enter the cell block, looking for their boss. Hearing them Trumper grabs the cell bars and clears his throat to get there attention. They found the keys and set him free. Now out of the cell he made his way over to his office.
He grabbed the pictures of Shaun, Bitzer, Spike, Fluttershy, and the mutt off his board. He crumpled them angrily and walked over to a frame that showed off his achievement as a animal control officer. He tapped the frames and a section of the wall receded and split apart. However, it got jammed halfway through opening. Trumper bumps it with his fist, unjamming it. He smirks, while is coworkers stand startled upon seeing high-voltage catch gun along with pair of red gloves and a sleek pair of goggles.
Trumper puts on the gear and powers up the gun. It lights up, showing a red glow from the skull-shaped indicator. He pulls the trigger and an electrified harpoon clamp shoots out and completely fries a teddy bear sitting on a high shelf. A toy robot stares at it, then raises it's arms in surrender. The coworkers stand there, mortified, while Trumper let's out a dark chuckle.
Back at the wasteyard, the sheep, ponies, and dragon, and sheepdog did their best to get comfortable amongst the grimy junk. One sheep draws a picture of a pillow and lays on it, while another tries to stay warm with a space heater that wasn't even plugged in. Shirley was hungrily munching on a piece of packing foam from a cardboard box.
"You do realize that's not food right?" Spike asked.
Shirley responded with spitting out the foam in disgust. Timmy, meanwhile, was whimpered in his mom's arm.
"There, there, Sugarcube, everything's will be all right," Applejack tried to reassure him.
Bitzer even tried to cheer up the crying lamb with his teddy bear. Fluttershy and Shaun, who were still sitting at the other end of the wasteyard, sat sadly at the situation.
"Oh, if only there was something we can do to cheer him up," Fluttershy sighed.
That's when Shaun remembered something in his nap-sack. He pulled out his tape player and pressed play. The familiar song sounded through the wasteyard. Timmy looked up and saw Shaun walking over to him with the tape player. He smiled happily.
"Well, at least it'll brighten up the mood a bit," Spike said.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long. The tape player suddenly popped open and a tangled mass of film spewed out of the device. Timmy, now mortified, when back to crying.
"Nice one, bud," Rainbow sarcastically rolled her eyes.
With the tape player out of action, Shaun was forced to improvise. He began to whistle the song. Timmy stopped crying again and turned back. Shaun continued to whistle.
(Pause at 1:36)
At the salon, The Farmer was at work shaving a customer's head. He pauses and drops the customer from his knee. He wanders into a supply closet where a window lies, slightly ajar. The Farmer could hear a song that he swore sounded familiar. He opened the window the rest way and began mouthing along with the song.
(Continue video)
Timmy, now happy and content again, fell asleep in his mom's arms. Bitzer nods his head stoically and Shaun smiles back at him.
"That was beautiful, guys," Fluttershy said warmly.
"Agreed," Rarity said.
Twilight bumped Rainbow in her side. The pegasus sighed.
"All right, all right. That honestly wasn't very bad," Rainbow admitted, dismissively rolling her eyes.
"That was amazing! I loved it!" Pinkie said happily.
Shaun was quick to shush her, so as to not wake Timmy.
"Oh, sorry," Pinkie whispered, but with a large grin.
The Farmer stares as his medical chart, still unsure of what to make of it. The manager then came in and tapped her wrist, basically telling him the time was of the essence, before leaving. The Farmer crumples up the paper into a ball and leaves it on the windowsill before leaving, too. It rolls over the edge and down a rain gutter onto the busy freeway. It whipped up into the air from the flow of rush-hour traffic and floated down into the wasteyard. Below, one sheep was still singing, while another plucks the spokes of a bicycle tire.
"Guys, we're past that now," Rainbow told them.
They stop and head over to the rest of group where a fire was burning in an old, industrial garbage can. The paper falls to the ground. Shaun picks it up and adds it with the collection of junk carried in his arm. He joins the rest of the herd and drops the materials into the fire. Bitzer sniffs around, catching a familiar scent.
"What's wrong, Bitzer?" Twilight asked.
Bitzer spotted the picture of The Farmer was the chart began to burn. He quickly tried to grab it, but the flames were much too hot. He winced away. Shaun noticed the picture, too and gasped. He grabbed Bitzer knit cap and uses it as a pot-holder to grab stick and fish the chart out from the fire.
"Hey, what's going on?" Rainbow asked.
"Bah," Shaun told them.
"Check this out," Fluttershy translated.
The Mane 7 gathered around Shaun and Bitzer to look at the smoldering piece of paper. There, in bold, blue lettering, was the diagnosis of memory loss on The Farmer's medical chart. Shaun's eyes widened as he remembered the man aggressively shooing him away at the salon. That's when he realized the connection of his behavior and the diagnosis and so did the others.
"He must remember anything from the farm," Fluttershy said.
"So, he didn't shoo Shaun away because he hated him. He shooed him away because he didn't recognize him!" Twilight concluded.
The others gasped in shock.
"That means..." Rainbow started
"There's still hope!" Rarity beamed happily.
Both Shaun and Bitzer tremble clutch each other and tremble. The other sheep and the Mane 7 began to celebrate in excitement. There was still a chance the mission could be saved.
Back at the animal containment unit, Trumper shines a flashlight through a hole in the chain-link fence. Walking over to it, he discovers clumps of fleece stuck around the hole. He grabs one and takes a quick whiff before tasting it. He spits it out in disgust. With a hardened expression, he presses a button on the side of his goggles, which activates an infrared view that showed animal tracks leading down an alleyway. He crawls through the whole with his gun in-hand. A cynical grin formed on his face. Those animals...were as good as his.
To be continued |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 8: Plan of Escape | With the revelation of The Farmer's amnesia coming to light, the Shaun, Bitzer, The Mane 7, and the others had a renewed sense of determination to get themselves and The Farmer back home. The sheep, ponies, and dragon surround an old chalkboard. Shaun taps a drawing of the amnesiac farmer with an arrow pointing a drawing of a farmhouse, which led an equal sign pointing at the normal farmer. Shaun draws a circle around the arrow and draws a question mark under it before shrugging.
"How are we going to get him out of the salon and back home without being conspicuous?" Twilight asked.
"Bah," Shaun said.
"Any ideas are welcome to be heard," Fluttershy translated.
They all got to thinking of any ways to get The Farmer back.
"How about we just take him and run off back to the farm," Rainbow suggested.
"Oh, like that's going to go well in a city," Rarity said sarcastically.
"What if we try ta lure 'im out?" Applejack suggested.
"But, with what?" Twilight asked.
One of the sheep lifts up his finger, as if to show he had an idea. The others turned to him, but then he shook his head sadly. The others got back to thinking and the sheep raised his finger again. The others turned again, but he shook his head once again.
"Come on, dude. Stop having us on," Rainbow said in frustration.
Shaun looked past the group and toward a large pile of debris. The sheep, ponies, and dragon follow his gaze.
"What is it, Shaun?" Spike asked.
They spotted the mutt tugging on a piece of cloth in the debris. Shaun narrows his eyes and walks over to the pile of debris. Climbing up it, he picks the yellow cloth as well as a beaten up police helmet.
"Maybe, there's something here that could help us," Fluttershy said quietly.
"But...what exactly?" Twilight asked skeptically. "There's nothing but junk and broken parts around here."
That's when Shaun got an idea. A big idea. His eyes widened as the plan unfurled in its entirety in his head. Coming back to the chalkboard, he erases the bandage on the chalk sketch of the amnesia farmer and draws a police helmet instead. He addresses his plan to the rest of the team. Fluttershy helped translating it to her friends.
"Wait, they do that?" Twilight asked in a bit of disbelief.
"Apparently," Fluttershy responded.
"Well, I found that quite offensive," Rarity scoffed indignantly. "Using our kind like that."
"Eh, I'm over it at this point," Rainbow said.
"Let's not dwell on that. This is a different world after all," the young Princess pointed out. "It would make sense that some things are different here compared to our world. Besides, what other ideas do we have right now?"
"I'm all for it," Pinkie put on a pair of disguise glasses and mustache. "I love the thrill of disguises!"
"I think we're aimin' for somethin' a bit more extensive than that," Applejack said.
"Can we all just agree with the plan?" Twilight asked.
"...I suppose it's not the worst thing in the world," Rarity sighed in admittance.
The rest of the Mane 7 came together with the rest of the sheep and Bitzer. Shaun held out his hoof and the others bump fists and hooves together.
The first part of the plan was to gather up necessary parts and assemble the contraption. Shaun. Bitzer, and Twilight discussed calculations on the chalkboard. Rainbow helps two sheep bend a piece of pipe over Shirley's back, while Pinkie and Spike helped perform a chemical experiment. Spike blew a wave of fire over a pot of chemicals while a sheep pour a solution into it. The concoction bursts into green flames.
"Yipe!" Pinkie jumped back.
The sheep grabs a fire extinguisher and puts out the fire. Another sheep writes down the information on a clipboard. Cloth was cut and parts were hammered into place. The ponies and dragon helped with other experiments with springs and even a fishing rod. Rarity helped stitch together to cloth, which was soon draped over a large frame. The completed contraption slowly exited the wasteyard, it's shadow looming against the tunnel walls. The mutt wags her tail and smiles up at Shaun, who waves at her from atop his creation. Now it was time for the real part of the plan to begin.
By this point, night had casted itself over the entire city. Most of inhabitants were off work and relaxing at home or fast asleep. Trumper, on the other hand, was not. He was still on the trail of those blasted sheep, ponies, and weird lizard. He was pulling himself the steep incline of the rooftop. Then, came the sound of fabric tearing. The officer froze, realizing what had just happened.
The salon was nearing closing time. The Farmer was at work sweeping up the floor before calling it a day. From the darkness of the nearby alley, the mutt wheels a fence barricade on roller skates to the window. Shaun eyes her through a crack mirror. She gestures her paws to him, giving him the signal.
"It's showtime!" Pinkie said excitedly..
Shaun waves several sheep ahead to the sidewalk. They carefully walk to the make-shift fence. The mutt kicks at the door to get the occupants attention. The Farmer looks up, expecting another customer, but he was met with a line of sheep hopping over the barricade. Instinctively, he began to count them. He let out a tired yawn. Other people came around to watch the spectacle.
"Is it working?" Spike asked.
Twilight looked through the crack mirror to see what was happening. Two bystanders nodded off, smashing their faces against their ice cream. On a bus, several passengers and a conductor fall asleep against the windows. A man in a trampoline store fell asleep, too, and bounces against a trampoline. The two stylists doze off while pouring coffee and cream. The manager falls asleep on her calculator. Finally, The Farmer collapses on a chair, snoring loudly.
"Yeah, I think it is," Twilight smirked.
The sheep quietly enter the salon to retrieve The Farmer.
At the construction site, Trumper shoots down the ventilation chute, but gets halfway out of the opening. His catch gun tumbles onto the old mattress. He diligently tries to pull himself free from the tight constraint.
Back at the salon, the sheep walk back outside, carrying the slumbering farmer on their backs.
"Okay, phase one is complete," Rainbow pumped her hoof.
"Bah-bah," Shaun said quietly.
"Now we move on to the next part of our plan," Fluttershy translated.
The sheep, ponies, and dragon head back into the alley. They sit The Farmer on top of their contraption and put the police helmet on him. they pile inside the fabric creation. Shaun gives a thumbs up.
"All right, we're all set to go," Twilight said.
Bitzer pulled a string and a bell jingles. He mans a steering wheel as a giant horse costume walks out from the alley with The Farmer on it's back. Inside, a sheep was profusely clapping tow halves of a coconut together, creating the sounding of galloping hooves. Shaun puts a hoof on his shoulder to get him to slow down.
"Take it easy, darling," Rarity said calmly. "It's not like we're running away from something."
"Let's just get goin', ya'll," Applejack advised.
The clapping continued at a slower rate and the horse lumbered forward down the street.
Unknown to them, Trumper was slowly catching up to them. He eyed the trail of fleece down to the alleyway with his infrared goggles. He grits his teeth callously as he heads into the alley.
Meanwhile, Shaun directs the sheep in the leg sections to make the horse walk. Bitzer directs them toward a city directory map in a plaza. The slumbering farmer leans from side-to-side soothingly as the horse stops at the map right next to a tourist studying it. She turns and takes a step back at the horse. She glances up at the rider, who just leans forward with a blank expression. She slowly steps away, clearly weirded out. A flap containing the eyes of the horse open up and a pair of binoculars peer out to study the map. Bitzer zeros in on the "You are here" arrow, then follows a road leading all the way back to Mossy Bottom Farm. He looks at his watch and gestures in the direction of the road.
"Got it," Twilight nodded. "All right, guys, let's go."
The horse contraption turns toward the right direction, when Bitzer and Shaun were met with the bright, red goggles of Trumper. The sudden surprise caused everyone to gasp and yell in surprise, causing the horse to rear up from the uproar.
"He's back," Spike squeaked.
"Does this guy ever give up?" Rainbow asked in frustration.
"Probably not. It's part of the job," Twilight answered, on edge.
"More like clearly not," Rarity whispered. "I swear he's become the bane of our existence."
Fluttershy gasp quietly.
Trumper inspects the large animal closely, then glances up at The Farmer. He clears his throat and begins talking to The Farmer. Shaun peaks from behind the fabric to see the officer showing the rider the pictures of him, Bitzer, the mutt, Spike, and Fluttershy. He quickly gestures to the others. Spike and another sheep control a pole to guide The Farmer's hand. The hand knocks the photos out of Trumper hand before giving him a salute. The horse walks away, however, clumps of fleece flutter out from behind it. Squinting his eyes suspiciously, Trumper chases after it. He trips on a step and his head slips through the costume's rear end. The sheep, ponies, dragon, and two dogs look at him in shock.
"Oh, no. That's not good," Spike said nervously.
Trumper begins flailing. A bystander takes notice of the officer in the horses rear end. As the sheep try to twist him free from the fabric, the rest of his body spins around. The creeped bystander walks away from the messed up spectacle.
"Ah got this, ya'll," Applejack rears up her hind legs and bucks Trumper out from the contraption.
Pinkie quickly pokes her head out a blows a raspberry at the daze officer before slipping back in.
"The plan has been compromised. We need to get out of here fast!" Rarity said anxiously.
"Bah," Shaun affirmed.
"Say no more." Fluttershy translated.
The young farm animal pulls down on the bell string. A set of wheels pop out from the horses hooves and a pair goggles cover it's eyes. Two sheep shove the nozzle of a fire extinguisher through the rear end and Timmy hops up to turn it on. As Trumper gets back up, he stares in shock as the horse rockets down the plaza. Thinking quickly, he activates his catch gun and fires. Shaun veers wildly to the right, sending the other occupants reeling. The clamp misses and bounces off a light pole, a trash bin, and a man's cup, while looping around the horse. It clamps down on it's own wire, electrocuting Trumper, before being dragged down the street.
"Warn us next time you do that," Twilight rubbed her head.
Shaun bah's out an apology, before veering down a cobblestone alley to avoid an oncoming car. Trumper jitters and shakes against the rough ground, while the sleeping farmer dreams of receiving a massage. Up ahead, a fence blocks the end of the alley.
"Bah-bah!" Shan shouts.
"Incoming?" Fluttershy translates questionably. "What does that mea-Oh, my gosh!"
She peers through the flap opening and sees the fence getting closer.
"Jump! Jump!" the pegasus yelled a little too loudly.
The sheep in the leg segments jump as hard as they could, allowing the horse the clear the fence. Trumper crashes through it and his feet land on two wood planks, like skis.
"Wow. I haven't heard speak that loudly in a while," Rainbow stands at Fluttershy's side.
The timid pegasus blushed in embarrassment. She did intend to shout so loudly.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like that."
"I'd say that was a good thing," Twilight said. "It did save us from disaster."
"Hurray for Fluttershy!" Pinkie cheers.
"You should really bring out your bold side more often, Fluttershy," Rainbow wrapped a hoof around the caretaker's neck.
Fluttershy blushed even more brightly, but not out of embarrassment this time.
"Your fur is so soft."
The timid mare's blush quickly began to subside, not wishing to make the situation awkward. Fluttershy then put on an appreciative smile. The congratulations was cut short when Shaun makes another hard right. Trumper launches into the air and arcs around a curved railing. Two skateboarders watch in astonishment. Shaun cranks the wheel again and the gun yanks free from Trumper's hands. The speeding horse turns down an intersection with Trumper following behind.
Trumper skis wildly toward a ramp leading up to a construction bin. He eyes the yellow bin and readies himself for the jump. He races up the ramp, but falls flat on his face inside the bin and it's contents.
Shaun and Bitzer smile at each other in satisfaction. The horse races toward the camper trailer. Shaun pulls and level and an umbrella, pantaloons, underwear unfurl from the back of the costume like parachutes. The horse comes to a stop next to the camper.
"We made it," Twilight called to the others.
The sheep, ponies, dragon, and dogs disembark the costume and pull The Farmer off it's back. Further back, a bus turns down the road and passes by the construction bin. Trumper pokes his head out, covered in debris, and yells angrily at the group. The team pile into the camper, while Shaun ties a rope around the trailer hitch. As the bus passes by, he throws the lassoed rope at it. It wraps around a back hitch on the bus and the camper jumps forward.
Shaun ran after it, however, Trumper wasn't far behind with his normal catch-pole in his hand. Bitzer holds out his hand for Shaun.
"Come on, Shaun, you can do it!" Rainbow encouraged.
The young sheep grabbed Bitzer's hand and the sheepdog pulled him into the camper. Trumper refused to give up. He fired his catch-pole, which clamps down on the back of the camper. He pulls himself up to it. The team jump back.
"Leave us alone!" Spike yelled defensively.
The animal control officer shouts and bangs on the window. Then suddenly, the bus makes a hard turn and Trumper slips out of sight. Shaun and Bitzer look out the window to see the catch-pole still clinging on to the camper, but with no sign of Trumper.
"He's gone!" Twilight stated with delight.
The others begin to celebrate in joy and relief. The sheep and sheepdog both share a smile.
"Best. Rescue. Mission. Ever!" Pinkie held the two in a crushing hug.
The bus tows the camper through the freeway and, soon, into the countryside.
"I believe this is our stop," Rarity said in a sing-song tone.
Shaun directs them and on the count of three, they all jump, causing the rope to detach from the hitch. Shirley leans to one side of the camper, causing it to veer up the farm driveway. The team begin to celebrate again. Once it reaches the top, the camper's tires climb up the log, but they don't quite make it. The camper slowly begins to slide back down the driveway.
"Oh, Not again!" Applejack yell with dread.
The camper then abruptly stops, then slowly inches back up the hill.
"Uh, Twi, is that you?" The farm pony asked.
"No, I'm not using my magic," Twilight looked up at her unlit horn.
She, along with Spike and Shaun look through the window to see the bull, that chased Shaun through the farm from earlier, was pushing the camper the rest of the way.
"He's...helping us?" Spike asked in confusion.
"Apparently," Twilight said. "But, my question is why?"
"Who cares? We're being saved!" Pinkie said with excitement.
"You got it, man! Keep going!" Rainbow begins to cheer.
The others follow in her hoof-steps and begin cheering the bull. Finally, the camper makes it back over the log. The bull breaths a relieved sigh as the team clamber out of the trailer.
"Thank you, Mr. Bull," Fluttershy said warmly.
The bull grunts out something, causing the pegasus to blush. She let out a cute giggle.
"Ah, thank you."
"Fluttershy, we need to go," Rainbow flies up into the air and races toward the farmhouse.
"Bye," Fluttershy waves to the bull before leaving.
The team run through the darkened meadow with The Farmer in a wheelbarrow. The bull walks away from the camper, when a gloved hand reaches out from underneath. Trumper pokes his head out, covered in soot and with his eyes bloodshot and twitching. He growls and crawls to his feet. The back of his pants was in tatters, showing off his underwear. He stiffly walks after the herd. He was not throwing in the towel, he was not going loose his perfect animal capturing record, and he was not going to let a group of farm animals best him.
To be continued |
My Little Pony: Friendship is Cine-magic: Shaun the Sheep Movie | Part 9: Trumper's Last Stand | The three pigs were lazily lounging inside the, now trashed, farmhouse. One of them points at a picture of a cupcake in a cookbook. Another licks his lips hungrily. The first pig tears the page out and eats it. The third pig was lounging on a nearby chair, still wearing the fishing hat and underwear. That's when the two pigs notice The Farmer through the shattered window. they panic and frantically begin cleaning the house.
One hurriedly vacuums up all the half-eaten food and other garbage on the floor as well as a few items on a shelf over the fireplace. The other begins washing all the dirty dishes that towered over the kitchen sink. Once that was done, he frantically sorted them away into the cabinet, while the other replaced the broken window with a new one. One pig wipes a smudge off a family portrait, then accidentally wipes away another man's mustache on another portrait. He shrieks and races off to fetch a paint palette. A paints a bushy beard to hide his mistake. The other pig stomps on the third pig's foot, causing his mouth to open. He then dumps the contents of a dustpan down the pig's throat.
Meanwhile, outside, The sheep, Main 7, and Bitzer dress the sleeping farmer in a green coat and a pair of thick boots. The pigs hurriedly run out of the house, unnoticed, but not before one of them wipes the doorknob clean.
"This is it. Let's get The Farmer inside and we can call it a success," Rainbow said.
"...W-Wait, what about the pigs," Fluttershy spoke up quietly. "They were making a mess out of the house before we left."
"Oh, right. Ah forgot 'bout them," Applejack said.
Rainbow flew over to a window and looked through the farmhouse. There was no sign of the pigs or that the house was trashed.
"Well, it seems they got bored and left," the surprised pegasus said. "Also seems they were generous enough to clean up after themselves."
The other ponies and dragon and looked through the window to see for themselves.
"Well, ah'll be," the fruit farmer pony said in amazement.
"Guess they're not so bad after all," Spike said.
"Debatable," Twilight replied. "But, whatever, let's worry about Shaun and The Farmer for now."
Shaun and Bitzer were currently trying to pull the slumbering man off the wheelbarrow. That's when the mutt heard shouting in the distance. She turned around and let out a bark, getting the others' attnetion.
"Oh, what is it now?" Rainbow asked, getting more put off with the inconveniences.
Frustration and confusion turned to horror when the group spotted the crazed Trumper stumbling after them over the hill, wielding a giant scythe in his hands. Panic ensued throughout the herd.
"I thought we got rid of him!" Rarity said fearfully.
"Good grief. This guys more stubborn than Applejack," Rainbow said.
"Ah take offense ta that and ah still agree with ya," Applejack didn't even deny the fact.
"Not the time for jokes, Rainbow!" Rarity shrieked dramatically. "That guy is going to kill us."
"Pfft. We'll see about that," the overconfident pegasus said. "We can take this guy, girls."
"Do you see the scythe he has with him?" Twilight thwarted. "He is literally going to kill us!"
"Not if he can't catch us."
Rainbow was about to fly over and confront the officer, when Applejack put a stop to it by grabbing the cyan pegasus by her rainbow-colored tail.
"Twilight's right. It's too risky."
"Well, then, what are we supposed to do?" Rainbow asked indignantly.
Shaun took charge and pointed off to the pasture. The group run off in that direction. The young sheep ushers them into an old shed. He closes the door and Bitzer bolts the three locks, hammers boarded to the door, and braced it with a sack of manure.
"Ugh. It smells absolutely atrocious in here," Rarity gags and covers her muzzle.
"How exactly is hiding in here going to help?" Rainbow asked, unamused. "Here's going to find us eventually unless we actually do something."
Bitzer shushed her along with the other fear-ridden sheep and ponies. The Farmer began to snore, but Shaun was quick to cover his mouth. Pinkie decided to peek through a window to look around. The farmland was empty as far as she could see.
"I think he's gone..." Pinkie was suddenly interrupted when caution tape stretches over the window and all around the shed.
Panic ensued once again.
"What's going on?" Spike fearfully clung to Twilight's front hooves.
Bitzer removes all the braces and locks and tries to shoulder the door open, but the ribbons of tape keep the door from budge.
"Great. Now we're stuck in here," Rainbow groaned in frustration.
"Rainbow, will you stop with the sarcastic judgement?" Twilight asked in frustration.
Shaun and Bitzer desperately try to wake The Farmer, but he was a heavy sleeper. Ominous lights seeped into the shed and the sound of an engine could be heard. Trumper had taken the tractor. folding open the grapple claws, he dug them into one side of the shed, causing it to tip over. The sheep, Mane 7, Bitzer, The Farmer, and the mutt get tossed around inside the shed. The Farmer stays asleep, cozily resting on top of one sheep, thinking it was a giant pillow.
The tractor pushes the shed across the farm. Trumper then notices a sign that pointed to a nearby quarry. Inside the shed, the others keep trying to wake up The Farmer.
"WAKE UP!" Pinkie shouted into a megaphone, but the man remained unfazed.
"Just how deep can this guy sleep?" Spike asked.
Shaun then got an idea. He grabbed a wad of manure from an open sack and wafts it under The Farmer's nose. Immediately, The Farmer gags and sputters awake.
"Huh, who would've thought?" Rainbow wonder out loud.
The shed crashed through a stone wall and a tree branch lobs off the tractor's roof canopy, exposing the driver. the Farmer shakes his head and finds himself surrounded by sheep, ponies, a dragon, and two dogs, none of which he recognized. he defensively shields his face from them.
"He still doesn't remember us," Fluttershy said solemnly.
Shaun shrugged uncertainly. The shed began rolling again, causing the occupants to be toss around like a tumble dryer. It crashes through a hedge as the claws continue to spin it. They crash through a warning sign. Spike was able to see through a window what lay in front of them. What he saw made his blood run cold.
"We're gonna die! We're gonna die!" he panicked.
"Spike, what's happening?" Twilight asked, worried for the baby dragon.
Trumper pushes the shed against a wire fence just before the quarry. The entire team is thrust forward against the front wall. The fence begins to buckle, but remains together, keeping the shed from going over completely. Trumper floors it in attempt to break the fence. The tractor's massive tires dig into the dirt. Shaun and the ponies peer down a hole in the shed wall, revealing the rocky chasm of the quarry. They gasp in sheer terror.
"Oh, my Celestia, save us please!" Rarity begins to tear up.
Fluttershy quivers, on the brink of fainting.
"Okay, we need to do something now!" Rainbow said with a mix of anger and fear.
"This can't...end like this!" Pinkie tried to climb up the shed floor, but it was such an angle that it was impossible.
Shaun and Bitzer fearfully cling to The Farmer. The others join them. The Farmer awkwardly holds them, unsure of what else to do. That's when he catches the reflection of himself and the others off a window. He looks amongst the terrified, sheep, ponies, dragon, and dogs, then looks back at the window.
The reflection ripples and changes to a young farmer in a meadow, holding his baby animals close to them. The memories...the memories were all coming back to him. The farm, Shaun, Bitzer, the pigs, even the ponies and the weird-looking lizard he met a while ago. Tears stream down The Farmer's cheeks. He kisses Shaun and Bitzer on their heads. The realization hit all at once and the atmosphere shifted from fear to pure joy. Shaun and Bitzer clung to The Farmer happily.
"He's...back. He's got his memories back!" Rarity said, overjoyed.
"But, how?" Twilight asked.
"That doesn't matter. What matters is he's back!" Pinkie hugged the man. "I missed you so much!"
Admittedly, The Farmer didn't have as much as a connection to the Mane 6 and Spike, seeing as how he only knew them for a couple weeks, but seeing them again brought an indescribable sense of happiness. He gave a hearty chuckle at the ponies. The happy moment was suddenly ruined when the tractor's grapple claws smashed through the window and tore into the corrugated shed walls. Everyone was sent back into a full-blown panic, except for The Farmer. He growled angrily at the situation.
The tractor picks up the shed. Trumper laughs maniacally and drives the machine forward. Now the shed hung over the rocky abyss. The Farmer burst through the door, tearing away the caution tape. He shakes his fist angrily and yells. He takes off his head bandage and whistles for Bitzer. The Farmer marches forward, not realizing there was no ground beneath him. He plummets, but luckily, his foot gets entangled in a strip of caution tape. The herd all gasp in horror.
"Oh, shoot! What do we do now?!" Spike asked fearfully.
Taking initiative, Bitzer swings down after him with the sheep holding his ankles. The caution tape snaps, but The Farmer was able to grab Bitzer by the ears, much to the sheepdog's pain. He grabs the man's hands. Twilight flies down and pushes against The Farmer's back to get him back onto steady ground.
"It's okay. We got you," the alicorn affirmed, straining herself the keep the man from falling.
Trumper angrily fiddled with the tractor's controls, trying to dislodge the shed. Shaun looks back at the broken window, then back at The Farmer and Bitzer. He narrows his eyes and climbs out the window. Rainbow saw him and decided to take matters into her own hooves.
"Okay, forget this," she firmly stomped her left front hoof. "You girls help The Farmer. I'll help out Shaun."
"Dash, what do yo think you're doin'?" Applejack questioned.
"I'm done trying to play safe. If we don't stop that maniac now, we're all dead. Remember, AJ. Remember me."
"At least be careful, Rainbow," Fluttershy pleaded.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll be fine." Rainbow assured.
She flies through the window, spotting Shaun holding onto the claw arm. Gritting his teeth, Trumper messes with the controls, trying to let go of the shed. Rainbow grabs Shaun and lifts him in the air, positioning him right above Trumper. Shaun looks up at her and nodded in understanding. She nodded back.
"Bombs away!" the dive-bombing pegasus shouted and dropped the sheep right on top of the animal control officer.
Shaun lands on top of him. Trumper attempts to yank him off, but Rainbow came swooping in and delivering a kick to the face. Shaun begins presses buttons on the console, drenching the officer in cleaning fluid, whacking his face with the windshield wiper, and blows him with the air conditioner. Trumper grabs Shaun, but Rainbow was there to keep him from trying anything. She pulled on his hair, trying to pull him off the seat.
This allowed Shaun to kick on a lever, which threw to tractor in reverse. The machine strikes a large rock, knocking Trumper off the seat. the sudden reverse, also threw Bitzer, The Farmer, and Twilight back into the shed.
"Okay, how do this thing work?" Rainbow pushes down on a joystick.
The grapple claws suddenly lowered to the ground, slamming the shed to the ground in the process. The shed was still teetering over the ledge, however. It began to tip.
"Oh."
Shaun stomped on the gas and the tractor lunged backward, pulling the shed away from the quarry's edge. Shaun cheers victoriously.
"Ha, ha, yeah! That's how to defeat an enemy!" Rainbow pumped her hoof and gave Shaun a high-five.
The rest of the group begin filing out of the shed. Rainbow flew over to her friends. Pinkie brought her into a bone-crushing hug.
"You did it Dashie!" the relieved mare squealed happily.
"Thanks...Pinkie," Rainbow wheezed. "Not too hard now."
"We're just glad you're okay, Rainbow," Twilight said.
The sheep were coming over to be with Shaun, but they all gasped as a shadow loomed over the young sheep. The ponies and dragon all looked to see Trumper standing over Shaun. Before he could turn around, the crazed officer grabs him and holds him over his head.
"Oh, no! Shaun!" Fluttershy said in horror.
The group all try to save him from Trumper's grasp, But not even Rainbow Dash was fast enough to stop Trumper from throwing Shaun over the quarry ledge. Shaun covers his eyes, fearing the inevitable. Rainbow and Fluttershy take to the air to try a save Shaun, but they were beaten to it. Shaun opened his eyes to see that he was suspended just in front of the quarry. The Farmer was holding him, right behind the edge. The others watch in shock and relief.
The Farmer lowers to young sheep and gives him a hug. Shaun gives a relieved and warm smile. The others gather around with joy.
"Thank goodness. I'm so happy you're back to normal," Rarity said softly.
"And nice one with saving Shaun, too," Rainbow added.
The other sheep and Bitzer crowd around, ecstatic to have there owner back. Trumper awkwardly tries backing away. The mutt clamps down on his foot and a rope wraps around him, keeping him from escaping.
"You ain't gettin' away that easily, ya varmin',"Applejack said, clenching the rope with her teeth.
The Farmer turns around to face him and starts shouting and waving his fist at the officer. The Mane 7 joined in.
"You have a lot of nerve thinking you can just get away like that," Rarity huffed.
"What is wrong with you?" Rainbow angrily gets right in Trumper's face. "Nobody endangers my friends on my watch."
"If this wasn't Equestria, I'd have escorted to the Canterlot dungeons for endangering a princess," Twilight said defensively.
"You're a no-good meanie!" Pinkie gave him a sour look.
Trumper waves his hands defensively, trying to act all innocent, but nobody was falling for it. Suddenly, the bull sprang from the bushes and charged at the officer. It headbutts him high into the air. The mutt looks around in confusion, holding his shoe in her mouth. the group watch as Trumper sails high across the quarry, screaming his lungs out. He smiles cockily, seeing he made it across safely, but then he goes back to screaming before in lands right into a large pile of manure.
The Farmer laughs and others laugh along.
"Serves him right," Rarity snorted.
"Hope you enjoy the smell," Spike yelled, his voice echoing across the quarry.
The Farmer pets his sheep. The mutt watches before discretely leaving. The Farmer checks his watch, realizing how late it was.
"We've had enough chaos for one day," Twilight said. "I think it's time we head to sleep."
"Best idea I've heard all day," Rarity said tiredly.
"Come on, ya'll. Let's get back to the farm," Applejack led the group back.
The lights of the farmhouse go out. Bitzer and Shaun stand in the field, staring fondly at the it. They face each other with smiles and begin playfully slugging each other in the shoulders, then pretend to pull there dukes up. They hug, but then the sound of someone clearing there throat interrupted them. They look back to the other sheep, ponies and dragon. at the barn's entrance, who look away innocently.
"Bit of a bromance thing going on, huh?" Rainbow teased.
The sheep and dog quickly separate and wave each other goodnight.
"Say. Whatever happened to the stray dog that helped us get back to the farm?" Spike remembered.
The Mane 6 all look around trying to find her.
"Maybe she left to go back to the city?" Rainbow presumed.
"Wait, look," Pinkie pointed to a note with a paw print tacked to a fence post.
Shaun noticed it. He pulled it off and read it. The Main 6 join in.
"It's all just woof's." Rainbow said flatly. "Fluttershy, can you translate?"
"Oh, um. I'm s-sorry, but I can only understand what animals are saying when they're talking," Fluttershy looked down in shame. "I-I can't translate writing."
"It's okay, Fluttershy," Twilight smiled warmly. "Shaun seems to understand. He could tell us."
When Shaun finished reading, he only stared down the road.
The mutt was making her way back to The Big City. Lights illuminate the road, causing her to look back. A bus was barreling down the road. The bus driver spots the wayward stray and slams on the brakes. The mutt shuts her eyes and braces, but the bus is able to come to a stop in time. Shaun and the Mane 7 bound over and see the bus driver crouched to the road, coaxing the dog to come closer. The stray dog flashes her a gap-tooth smile. Surprisingly, the bus driver flashes a gap-tooth smile back.
The gang all smile warmly, as the bus driver carries the mutt back into the mutt. Inside, the dog sees Shaun and the Mane 7. She waves and smiles at them as the bus drives off.
"Oh, how heartwarming," Rarity waves as the bus drives away.
"Goodbye, whatever your name is," Rainbow said, earning a glare from Applejack. "What? We never got to know her name."
Twilight waves to mutt goodbye, then notices tears running down Spike's face.
"Spike? Are you crying?" she asked, worried for the sobbing drake.
"No," Spike wipeped the tears away. "I just have something in my eye."
Twilight smiles at him.
"Goodbye, dog friend. I'm gonna miss you!" Pinkie cried, a fountain of tears spraying from her eyes.
"All right, settle down there, Pinkie," Applejack pulls the mare into a hug. "I'm sure we'll get to see her again."
Pinkie sniffles, then smiles.
"Yeah, then I'll give her a Happy Adoption party,"
"Well, for now, I think it's best we get some shut-eye. We had a long day today," Twilight said.
And with that, Shaun, the Mane 6, and Spike all head back to the farm for some well-deserved rest.
The next morning, the rooster poses as he let's out a morning cry. Shaun wakes up and rises from his sack bed. He gives the spider on the top corner two thumbs-up, which gives four thumbs-up in return.
"I never that I'd say this, but I missed sleeping on this thing," Rarity rose from her sack and yawns.
"I bet you'll be even more happy when you're back in your actual bed. Right?" Rainbow smirks teasingly.
"Ha, ha, very funny," the white unicorn said sarcastically, but with a hint of playfulness.
In the farmhouse, an alarm clock goes off, waking The Farmer. He turns it off and leaves the bed to open the window. He looks out at his pastoral farm. Bitzer awakes in his doghouse and doesn't bump his head. He grabs a newspaper and tosses a roll of toilet paper in his paw. He heads for a tree with a click of his heels. At the barn, Shaun throws open the loft barn. The other sheep, ponies, and dragon look out through the farm.
"Ah, fresh air. Reminds me of mah farm back home," Applejack breaths deeply.
Bitzer stands in salute next to the farmhouse's backdoor. He winces, expecting to smash against the door as The Farmer exits. But, that doesn't happen, instead, The Farmer looks at him and pats his head. Bitzer smiles, but then the door smashes him against the door as the pig wearing the fishing hat staggers out of the house. The sheepdog glared at him.
The Farmer and Bitzer make their way to the barn and throw open the doors. Shaun and the sheep happily run and greet the man. The Mane 6 and Spike follow after.
"Good morning, you two," Twilight said gracefully.
The Farmer picks up the schedule and his smile falters, seeing the list of things to do. Shaun bats his big eyes.
"Oh, right. Farm stuff," Rainbow grumbled.
Bitzer, however, had other ideas. He tore the paper off the clipboard and chucks it away, where a goat catches it in it's mouth.
"...Forget the schedule. The tasks can wait just one day," Fluttershy translated.
"You hesitated there fer a second there, Flutters," Applejack said. "Is somethin' wrong?"
"Ummm..." the timid pegasus hesitated to answer.
"Oh, don't worry. She's just trying to keep this story family friendly," Pinkie chimed in.
Wait, wut?" Applejack said in confusion.
"How do you know?" Rainbow questioned suspiciously. "Are you telling us you've known what Shaun and the others have been saying this while time?"
"Nope, but it's obvious Bitzer said something on the more vulgar side in terms of vocabulary," Pinkie answered cheerfully. "So, Fluttershy had to improvise."
"...Well..." Fluttershy tried to say something.
"It's okay, Fluttershy. Like I said, we got to keep this family friendly somehow."
The pink, party-loving earth pony wrapped a hoof around the Fluttershy's neck.
"...Okay, seriously. Pinkie, what in Equestria are you talking about?" Twilight asked.
Pinkie merely giggled.
"You know what, let's not dwell on that and let's enjoy the day off," Spike said.
That was something, everybody agreed upon. That day was spent with a big picnic and fun in the sun. It was the most fun The Farmer, Bitzer, the sheep, and the Main 7 had in a long time.
Things turned out better in the long-run, too. The mutt now happily lived with her new owner, both now wearing braces to fix their misaligned teeth. The Animal Containment Unit was rebranded into an Animal Protection Unit, where the animals were cared for and treated better. The animals grew more happy and friendlier. the glaring dog remained unchanged, however. But, as it turned out, it was a cardboard cut-out that hid a hole in the wall the entire time. The real dog was out there somewhere, hopefully living life to the fullest. But, what became of Trumper? Well, he lost his job and license and was forced into a different line of work, which happened to be wearing a chicken suit for a frozen food mascot. To be honest, that's pretty generous.
The Farmer places a new framed picture with him, the sheep, Bitzer, and the Main 7 on the shelf over the fireplace. he dusts it off and chuckles. The group all watch through the window as The Farmer sits down with a cup of tea and turns on the TV.
"Welp, as well, it ends well," Spike said.
"It wasn't all well, but it did end well. That's for sure," Rarity said. "And that's what matters the most."
"Agreed," Pinkie said happily.
As they watch the television as news report shows Mr. X with clippers in-hand and then The Farmer riding on the fake horse. The Farmer spits out his tea in shock. A sense of dread washed over the herd.
"Oh, boy. That's going to be a lot to explain," Rainbow said uneasily.
"Well, I think it's about we should get going back to our world," Just as Rarity finished, their cutie marks began glowing and the portal formed behind them.
"Yup, right on time. See you some other time." she galloped into the portal.
"Uh, yeah. it's now just occurred to me that I left my...stove on back home," Rainbow backed away. "See you soon."
She flew into the portal.
"Sorry, Shaun. We'll keep in touch," Twilight grabbed the rest of her friends with her magic and dashes into the portal.
With the Mane 7 now gone, that left Shaun, Bitzer, and the sheep with the now angry farmer. Shaun and Bitzer exchange dreadful looks at each other. At least Rainbow was right about one thing: There was a lot to explain.
Tara Strong - Twilight Sparkle
Ashleigh Ball - Rainbow Dash & Applejack
Andrea Libman - Fluttershy & Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain - Rarity
Cathy Weseluck - Spike
Justin Fletcher - Shaun & Timmy
John Sparkes - The Farmer and Bitzer
Omid Djalili - Trumper
Richard Webber - Shirley
Kate Harbour - Timmy's Mum & Meryl
Tim Hands - Slip
Andy Nyman - Nuts
Simon Greenall - Twins
Emma Tate - Hazel
Jack Paulson - Celebrity with hair trouble |
Halo Zone | pre | Princess Celestia made a bright enough light from her horn to signal their chariots approach along with Lee, Mike and the other group members getting the attention from below with Sergeant Maddox ordering the crowd to clear a way.
"Captain look!" Shouted out one of the tech officers pointing a good towards the light in the sky.
Captain Holland saw before him being greeted familiar and unexpected newcomers as the chariots soon landed, the first to get off was the princess calmly making her way to the leader of the alien visitors. As the light from Celestia's horn started to fade down, one of the superior officers that was now an earth pony could now see what was approaching them along with the Captain Holland and the tech officer, they now saw what appeared to be the most unbelievable thing they have ever seen in existence, and it had the graceful beauty of a guardian angel. As the crowd began clearing a way for the princess, she looked down the edge of the cliff and around her seeing what kind of situation these creatures were dealing with, that their ship was going to slowly tumble down and the fact that it was also giving off so much magical energy.
Princess Celestia was making her way towards the captain, the captains troops stood their grounds in defense as if she posed a threat, but they did not know what she is and what her purpose is here, and she halted her movement to state her purpose.
"My name is Princess Celestia, I am the ruler of Equestria, I know you what you are and what brought you here, and I come here not as a threat but as a friend. I know how afraid and confused you all feel about what has happened to you creating a situation that overwhelmed you all. I will help give you knowledge, strength and the ability to survive. So let me help you all in peace." Princess Celestia finished extending her hoof in peace to Captain Holland who was standing calmly in silence as his mind was left speechless from what he came in contact with.
In Captain Hollands mind, he was in desperate need of help he could not have imagined was possible, from what he has experienced for the past three days being on this bizarre alien world becoming one of them, it would be a bad choice to refuse the help from such a powerful majestic creature. It would be a story unbelievable to their world, if they had the power to make it back to their Earth.
Captain Holland extends his hoof trying to shake hers not to lose his balance standing up, after that, the group rushed off their chariots to both the captain and the princess.
"Sergeant Maddox reporting for duty Captain, we had along journey, and as you can see, we brought just the help we need." Sergeant Maddox interjected.
"Good job Sergeant, it's good to se that you and your men made it back in one piece, and where's Dr.Erik?" Captain Holland Questioned.
"Right here sir, what's the status on the ship?" Erik implied.
Well so far as we can tell it's been hard for us since we crashed, it's been hard for us to build, sleep and work on any way to fix the damage that the ship has taken, the ship had also been pulsating strong unstable amounts of energy from its slipspace drive that not even a group of transformed experts can try to fix it back in shape."
"It's because it can't contain or handle the exposure of this worlds magic." Stated Princess Celestia.
"Magic?"
"Yes sir, magic, its what exists on this planet and it is an exposure to the ships drive. When the Tycora jumped from slip space, the drive was somehow exposed to the planets passively surrounding magic resulting into a rare anomaly that transformed us into Equestrians."
"Equestrians?"
Equestrians are what we are, what the princess is but more powerful than any other, there are earth ponies, unicorns and pagasi. The princess is an Alicorn, resembling the traits of all three. But that will be something we should talk about later, for now our ships core is going through a strange reaction. Erik stated thinking through the possibilities.
"And what would that be?" Questioned one of the officers on Captain Hollands right side.
"From the core being exposed to immense amounts of magic resulted in not only the transformation of our human forms but far worse than i could have expected." Erik said as he began to picture what would happen to the ship if they could not contain the situation.
As Erik observed the state of the Tycora, if it were to fall forwards of the edge of the cliff or overcharge on too much energy, could result in a catastrophic supernova. Learning from the event of the Battle on Installation 04 and on Reach of the slipspace drive being used as a bomb proved to be a dangerous example of destructive power in space, but on the surface of a planet with a newer and more destructive device is far worse than Erik could imagine, if it were to go supernova on the surface, Erik feared it would mean the destruction of all life on this planet.
"The ships core will go supernova on a full scale wiping everything out thousands of miles from here!"
What Erik frantically stated created panic in the valley realizing that their salvation could be the end of thousands and many more on this planet. From what Lee and the others had been through for the past days, every living being on this magical world along with all the good souls that survived will all soon be gone. But it was a fate that Lee and his friends will not let this planet face in the end.
"Erik look!" Lee said to Erik pointing his hoof at the back of the ship, something in the back had caught Erik's direct attention.
Erik's mind had sparked an idea the moment he looked at a familiar spot on the ship, he first needed everyone's cooperation if his idea was going to work.
"Captain!" Shouted Erik getting the attention of Captain Holland and Princess Celestia.
"What is it Dr.Erik?"
"The position of the ship, it's what's rupturing the containment shield on the Celerium drive, it's the reason it's so unstable, if the ship falls off the edge, then it will go supernova. We have to pull the ship back up in its straight position in order to seal its shields back up, but a huge amount of the Celerium drives energy exposed to magic must be disposed of where it can't do any..."
"Wait, the tech officer interrupted, your suggesting that we relinquish our only means of getting back home as a plan of preventing this catastrophe, the Celerium drive happens to be our only way off this planet, and we're not upjust going to be stuck on this planet for days but for decades!" The tech officer abruptly stated.
"It's the only way, in order to save life on this world, we must get rid of our slipspace drive." Erik finished.
"He's right, Captain Holland agreed. I'm not going to let this planet endure the fate of destruction, this is our fault, and we must do everything in our power to stop it."
Captain Holland looked at the Tycora with deep concern thinking what would happen if the plan would end up putting him and his crew in a whole new direction, he had no other option to come up with, and he was as curious as to how he and everyone else will do their part in Erik's plan.
"What do we first do doctor?" Questioned Captain Holland.
"We first need to keep the ship straightly positioned in place, we need something to keep it in place so that we can go in the engine room and seal the containment shield. Then we will need the help of the ships AI Eva to transfer the Celerium drives energy to the ships cannon releasing it where it cannot do damage.
"That plan seems to fit perfectly Erik. Dale implied. But the Tycora's front cannon could shoot straight, we would have to release it somewhere up, what will we do about that?"
"The princess herself could help us with that, with her strength and power could just about be strong enough to release the energy somewhere that can't do any damage at all, into space."
"That sounds like its just about good but what about holding the ship straight?" Mike questioned.
"With support beams, down there are supply ships, and they should have enough beams that's strong enough to hold it together. The unicorns can smelt the beams together so that it can be straightened by the pegasai pulling it back in order for us to containe and release the energy."
"And from the plan succeeding, means that we just saved the planet." Glenn positively interjected.
"Yes, yes it will." Erik stated confidentially.
"But Erik, what if the Celerium drives energy does something different, what if it doesn't work."
"Lee."
"What if we.."
"LEE!" Erik shouted.
"This plan will work, we can do this."
Princess Celestia felt concerned to where that plan would go, she surely did not expect to be blasted with alien magic and to also shoot it into space.
"This magic may be alien, but if I'm powerful enough to raise the sun and moon, then I am sure powerful enough to tame this alien magic." The princess agreed.
"Perfect, now that everyone understands every phase of the plan, are we all ready to do this?" Erik questioned the audience he had in front of him counting his friends.
Lee, Mike, Dale, Erik, Glenn, and Kent had been through so much on this planet, they have looked out for each other and even looked out for their own kind from the fall of Arcadia, and they may have been too late to save their planet, but they were not too late to save their planet.
"Ok, let's do this!"
The first phase of Erik's plan was now proceeding in motion, the unicorns below the valley were levitating enormous beams with all their magical strength they had putting them together in place behind the ships starboard, as soon as the beams were all together, the unicorns below used the magic from their horns to smelt the beams together the moment the pagasi above started pulling the ship back into straight position, and after the ship was soon held straight with the support of both the pegasai from above and the unicorns from below the valley, became the end of phase one.
For phase two, now the the ship was in a straight position, it was now up to Lee, Mike, Erik, Captain Holland and five other crew members to board on to the ship to contain and dispose of the Celerium drives energy. Lee, Mike, Erik, and two crew members would take the engine room where they will contain the energy as Captain Holland and three crew members would operate from the bridge bringing Eva online to link with the engine room transferring the energy to the ships front cannon where it will be relinquished from the ship.
The second phase was risky for the group heading to the engine room, without the proper care and inabilities to fix what had been done, the engine room would be very unstable. The moment the group got there, the engine room was surrounded with high voltage, the possible reason was certain that it was from the cracked opening of the containment shield, since it was not contained for too long, it had turned the entire engine room into an electric trap on the verge of going supernova. One of the crew members felt overwhelmed with the engine rooms unstable condition.
"So how do we get through that?" Questioned the crew engineer looking around for another alternative of the plan.
Erik looked around to see if there was any other way through the electric field, then he looked at Lee and Mike coming up with another risky idea.
"Lee, you and Mike could help us go through this field."
"Through it, how?" Mike questioned.
"You and Mike are unicorns, you two can create a magical barrier that could deflect the electricity for us to find a way to clear out and contain the drives energy."
"Erik, you come up with the craziest of ideas, but you're real genius when it comes to times like this!" Said Lee.
Lee took a moment concentrate very carefully with his magical ability, making sparks and lasers was one thing he almost mastered, but making a barrier would be careful concentration with delicate time at risk. As Lee concentrated harder, his eyes began to flicker with light soon creating what appeared to be sphere forming from the point of Lee's horn, when the sphere was enclosing around himself, he needed Erik, Mike and the engineers inside.
"Guys, huddle around me!" Lee groaned trying to maintain the barrier around him.
"Are you sure he's got the hang of this?" Questioned the crew member.
"He does, let's move in!" Erik said motioning to Lee that they are ready to move in the engine room.
As the group entered the hazardous condition of the engine room, it was just as Erik had thought, the barrier was suddenly deflecting all the electricity around them as they were making their way carefully to the broken containment shield. The shied was entirely damaged, meaning that the shield must be replaced with a brand new one, and Erik knew exactly how to replace it.
"Well how are we supposed to fix this?"
"By making one." Erik implied.
"Lee, you think you can create another barrier?"
"Yes, I think I can but what about all this around us, we'll be electrocuted!" Lee added feeling concerned with the idea of holding back the unstable energy of a slipspace device.
"Erik, I'm gonna say this more than once because I know so, this is crazy!" Mike abruptly pointed out.
"Lee made a barrier that's able to block off the electricity, and he can also hold all that energy in the containment long enough to transfer it out of here!" Erik retorted back.
"Listen guys, I know you all are going to feel nervous where this is going to go but, i don't know if this barrier is going to last any longer!" Lee said trying to hold it together.
"We have to stay close together if Lee is going to seal the containment shield up!"
"ARE YOU GUYS READY!" Lee shouted getting in the center of the containment shield.
Mike along with the two crew members gave an affirmed nod with Erik readying a countdown.
"3, 2, 1, NOW DO IT NOW!"
In a Matter of seconds, Lee shifted his barrier right into the containment shield along with the high voltage energy it had absorbed holding the barrier in place as long as he can to buy Erik and the crew some time reroute the energy from the drive and to signal the captain in the bridge. Mike saw that Lee was struggling to keep the barrier in place, Mike quickly ignited a spark from his horn creating a beam of light supporting the barriers strength on the containment shield.
"Hurry Erik!"
"We're holding it back as long as we can!"
As Lee and Mike kept the barrier in place, the crew members were switching the route for the drives energy with Erik readying as fast as he can to initiate the transfer, and what he was waiting for now was for Captain Holland and his crew at the bridge to reactivate Eva.
Captain Holland and the bridge crew immediately brought the ships emergency power back to interface with the ships console, he first reactivated the primary weapons systems, then communications, and finally the ships AI Eva. When her form appeared on the console, she looked exactly the same as before surprisingly, her condition was green, and she was slightly concerned what happened while she was gone just by looking at it.
"Eva, this is Captain Holland, do you read?"
"I read you Captain and I'm doing fine, I'm sorry to ask but why do you look like a horse, am I seeing things fuzzy or am I really seeing things?" Eva questioned.
"Its a long story, but right now, the ships Celerium drive has gone unstable and must be relinquished from this ship immediately."
"Relinquish our means of getting back home, how will we do that?" Eva questioned looking around towards the front view outside of the ship realizing right away how they were going to relinquish the drives unstable energy.
"Well then, what's the plan so far captain?"
"We need you to link up with the engine room to transfer the energy to the ships main front cannon, and we be o make it quick before the doctor loses his grip on the shields. This is a risk I'm willing to take for the lives on this planet, we'll find another way back someway somehow."
Soon everyone was getting to the next and final phase, Erik had his hoof on the master control switch as the captain readied the cannon for the energy to be transferred by Eva from the engine room to the ships firing mechanism. Princess Celestia was right in front of the ship with the cannon directly pointed at her, she has dealt with many challenges throughout the ages in Equestria, but what she was about to do was a very life risking. Erik was waiting for the captains confirmation on the transfer.
"Dr.Erik, Eva is ready for the transfer, what's going on back there?" Captain Holland questioned through the ships intercoms.
"My hands are right on the switch, I'm ready at the switch!"
"Alright doctor, Eva prepare the energy transfer!" The captain commanded with his crew priming up the cannon.
Princess Celestia worried of the kind of power these being were capable of with what she was about to brace herself for, and she was ready in position along with everypony else. Eva on the other hand was worried deep in the inside about the lives of captain and the crew if the plan does not work accordingly. And as for Erik, he was ready to pull the switch on the final phase.
"This is it, now is the time to make it happen!" Erik announced in anticipation for everyone to prepare themselves.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, NOW!" Erik shouted pulling the switch.
When Erik initiated the transfer, magical energy surged from the back all the way to the front of the ship emitting a power fluctuation, Eva felt the energy being transferred as she rerouted it into the weapons systems along with Captain Holland at the ready to fire out the unstable energy.
"FIRE!" The captain shouted to his crew firing the weapon.
In a matter of seconds, the ship bursted a powerful beam of energy from its main cannon that was now heading towards the direction of Princess Celestia, when the beam collided with the princess, she created a barrier holding the energy back, it was as powerful as she predicted, and she was struggling to redirect its powerful impact.
With the power operational on the ship, the monitors showed Princess Celestia struggling to hold it, it was soon obvious that she was need of more firepower.
"I knew that energy was too unstable for her to handle!" Erik said looking at the monitor outside the ship.
With the drive taken care of and the engine room cleared out, here was no reason to wait for Erik's plan to fail without the help of thousands more.
"The princess can't do this alone, we have to help her before its too late!" Lee interjected quickly pacing out of the engine room with Erik and Mike right behind him.
Lee was going through a familiar way, the way that him and his friends took to get Erik off the ship, but the problem with that was the lifeboat was not there. Erik then realized what Lee was about to do, Erik's plans may have been crazy to everyone else, and what Lee was attempting to do was going to be crazier. When Lee made it to the lifeboat sector, he only saw an empty airlock showing the outside looking down revealing how high up he was, Lee did not have wings to fly, but he did have the power to levitate objects and possibly people. As Lee looked down the edge taking a deep breath, Erik, Mike and the two crew members caught up too late as they looked in shock as Lee leaped out of the airlock at a tremendous height.
"LEE!"
Lee was now in free fall, everyone down below in the valley screamed in horror as they saw the unicorn fall from out of the ship. Closing his eyes, his horn suddenly began to glow in attempt of another magic trick. When Lee felt the breezing wind in his face, when he slowly opened his eyes, he saw an orange aura of his own magic around himself floating him in the air with the crowd looking above both surprised and shocked that he was flying. After that, Lee calmly lowered himself down to the ground above the valley as steady as he could. Erik and Mike were relieved almost having a a heart attack that their friend would have been dead from doing such a dangerous move.
"This guy is insane!"
"He's incredible!"
"He's brave technically speaking." Erik accurately noted.
When Lee finally reached the ground, he then ran through the crowd clearing a way for him to reach the edge of the valley seeing the princess holding the energy beam back, and from the looks of it she was about to lose her hold on the energy. Lee decided that there was only one way to help the princess, and that was to shoot at the energy beam with everything they got. Lee aimed with his horn releasing his magic out at the energy beam supporting the princess in holding it, then soon immediately one by one, streaks of light beams igniting from every unicorn in the valleys above joined with Lee to fight off the magic they brought into this world with everything they got to aid the princess in redirecting the magical energy. When Captain Holland looked outside from the bridge seeing the streaks of light being unleashed on the energy beam, he too unleashed the light of his magic shooting it right through the glass window of the bridge joining with the thousands of light beams being released on the energy beam.
With the power of the alien equestrians unleashing their magic, it became bright enough to be seen from hundreds of miles from the valley, Dale with the pegasai above concealed their eyes with Glenn and Kent below also blinded by the light.
"What's happening!" Kent shouted with the light growing brighter and brighter.
"They're magic, its getting too strong!" Dale shouted through the coms.
Princess Celestia's strength was quickly regained with the aid of the thousands of unicorns, she soon grabbed a hold of the alien magic, like using her Alicorn magic to raise the sun and moon, she used her Alicorn magic to absorb the last of the alien magic from the ship fading away the beam forming a magic orb containing the magic. With the remaining Alicorn strength she had, she aimed the orb upwards into the stars, her horn growing brighter and brighter until a matter of seconds, the powerful light from Princess Celestia created an enormous boom of light shooting the orb of alien magic straight up into space in the blink of an eye.
When the magical energy vanished in the sky, it then created a tremendous explosion of a dying star, it was a sign showing that millions of lives were saved and that it was all over. Princess Celestia hovered in the sky relieved that her peaceful land was still alive, and she felt exhausted with two words to say to herself.
"It's over."
(Two Hours Later)
It was now noon, with little by little the UNSC learned from their Equestrian forms for resourceful purposes, the unicorns would use their magic to salvage resources for fuel, power up their technology and provide greater protection for their survival. The earth ponies would use their strength to maintain the ships support systems for a fact that 70 percent of them were engineers that organized the systems and power lines in their establishments of alternative resources for emergency matters. And pegasai would scout the perimeters being the eyes in the sky watching for any threats or suspicious activities.
From the loss of the ships Celerium drive along with its engine, the UNSC would be in Equestria for a long time as their ship the Tycora would remain grounded where it lies in the valley, but along with all the vehicles, supplies, and colonizing hardware they had, the UNSC would build a base of operations in the valley. As for Princess Celestia, she also kept providing the UNSC with teachers of unicorn magic, pegasai flying and earth pony strength. In return of the princesses knowledge and generosity, the captain offered knowledge and history of the United Nations Space Command.
With the UNSC having a technological advantage over the planet and Equestria, it would be for the best to keep their presence to the world a secret, it was an agreement between Princess Celestia and Captain Holland to ensure a safer world from those who would use their technology to endanger Equestria.
As all was quiet, Lee stood on the clif looking towards the horizon at the sunset, he felt the wind blowing so many memories he had leading him to the most greatest of moments he had in his life, even his life with many friends he had with those alive and possibly gone, and while he was thinking to himself through the wind, he was then visited by his friends who also came to admire the view.
"Its beautiful isn't it?" Erik asked Lee.
"It sure is, it looks just like home." Lee implied looking at all the hills and mountains beyond the far horizon.
"I wonder how long were gonna be here for, hopefully its not decades."
"Well based on our current situation, its hopefully for decades Dale." Glenn interjected.
"There's possibly going be so much things to adjust and maintain ourselves to if we all are going to be here for a long time, and this planet is full of wonders that no human being thought could be real." Mike positively noted.
"I just want to point something out here but, what do these things mean?" Kent questioned pointing his hoof on the tattooed symbol on his flank.
After what Kent pointed out, the six of them had unique symbols on their flanks meaning something about them, the princess gave knowledge to the UNSC about Cutie Marks which symbolizes a ponies special talents. They looked at their marks with curiosity figuring out what kind of talent they all had.
"It's gonna be a long time getting use to this." Dale added.
"Erik, you think we will fits perfectly for this world?" Lee asked.
"We sure will Lee, we sure will." Erik replied looking in the direction towards the sun going down.
From their long journey in this new world, these ponies forged a bond that would not be broken from how much they could accomplish together and stood up for, after fleeing from their own world, it was hard to know what was going on and what they would do in order to come back. The UNSC was in a whole new different world far beyond comprehension, and it was only just the beginning. |
Halo Zone | Chapter 8: A New Beginning | (Three Years Later)
After three years living Equestria, life became much easier for the UNSC with the help of innovation and knowledge its smartest have managed. After adjusting to their Equestrian forms for months with the help of Princess Celestia's best teachers and flyers, teams of scientists created advantages for the earth ponies and pegasai making something capable of defending both the ground and sky since their old standard means of protection proved to be obsolete. Luckily the unicorns did not any improvements since they already have their magic and firepower, the scientist created mobile sentry packs for the earth ponies being the ground support along with the pegasai being the air support for their pelicans and cargo ships. Mini bases and outposts were established through farther regions to scan for complete visuals and resources on the planets surface in Equestria to maintain their supply and manufacturing with the UNSC taking steps little by little in making an efficient working colony. The mining outposts provided tremendous amounts of gems and minerals resulting in a greater working economy and manufacturing capability to improve their surroundings and technology, but along the way involved many set backs with the progress being ruined by dragons and other meddlesome creatures that lurked from the bad parts of Equestria, and in order to resolve further problems resulted in minor conflict to protect their outposts and bases. The UNSC kept their peace with the equestrians, but with the other creatures on the planet not handling their presence, the only thing the UNSC would not want to get into was a war with a whole new species that would risk everything they have worked tirelessly for, the future.
The UNSC still held on to their promise with the princess still remaining hidden and unnoticed by the rest of the outside world, the command center was perfectly hidden within the valley as their ship stood above lifeless and hidden with magic by outsiders, the Tycora's was still grounded while the power inside was still alive and useful. The command center was improved with a network of underground tunnels and built in generators for backup power in case of emergency, and for the valley around the command center became their fortress fortified with anti-air and infantry turrets around every corner of the perimeter in and out. It was hard for the UNSC to gain any contact with their own world having no clue what horrors their race was enduring from the new Covenants wrath, but it would be a fight that they would one day go back to and finish it, but where the UNSC are now was a whole new world with threats far beyond comprehension.
(UNSC Command Center, Day of Summer Sun Celebration)
Lee, Mike, Dale, Kent, and Glenn were waiting patiently by the corridor of the briefing room as their commander was preparing the team for their mission in the outside world once again, Erik was running late to the briefing as he made a shocking discovery looking at the date and time.
So much was going on in the command center as they showed feed from the picture of the moon three years ago and now, years earlier they detected a magical energy source coming from the moon like it did from the surface, it had a dark powerful presence remaining dormant for quite some time, and now it was emitting an even stronger presence, as if it was about to be set free. While the rumors were being spread about this latest development, Commander Clovis, one of the captains high ranking commanding officers exited the briefing room levitating a holo panal of the teams mission.
As Erik made it to the corridor of the briefing room, Commander Clovis came up to the group levitating to them the holo panel of their mission, it was going to be a covert operation into civilian territory, for the past decades since the promise of staying hidden from the outside world, they would secretly spy on the outside world to better understand what goes on outside their boundaries, and UNSC intelligence were not the only ones who made the discovery. The mission was to follow a suspect who knew way more about what little the UNSC learned about. Commander Clovis revealed to the team the suspect that they would be tracking down and where to start, she was a unicorn who lived in the capital city of Chanterlot and is the prized pupil of Princess Celestia. She had dark blue purple hair, her coat had the color of a pale orchid and had a cutie mark that symbolized a sparkle. Her name was Twilight Sparkle. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | pre | "That's good. It proves you're not magically blind. Keep looking... Let your eyes go unfocused..." This was becoming tiring. "Try to imagine how you would cast the spell yourself... You do see your own numbers, right?"
"Ugh!" She had been working her own levitation spell like clay in her mind, not releasing it. I'd seen it fomenting in her aura. In an instant, prep complete, she grabbed the book and slammed it to the redwood slats of the bench so hard that the bang startled a passerby to whinny and caused the wood to groan. At least she was strong. She shouted in my face, "What do you mean by numbers?"
"Well, that's a weird question. You know... bright, flaming, swirly, twirly, digity things that form a cloud in your head when you solve magical equations--?"
"I. Don't. See. Numbers!"
I sat up, taking my turn blinking in surprise. "I clearly sense the numbers swirling in your aura, and can get a good sense of the equations you were solving to modulate the magic pulse. You don't?"
"You're obviously a freak."
"I've read it's pretty commonplace, in fact--" I cracked the book, found magic, visualization in the index, then flipped pages. "Look," I said pointing as I read, "Some 90 percent of unicorns report seeing ghost images during spell casting. In modern times, magic users understand the phenomenon is stimulation of the visual and aural complexes of the brain by modulated magical energy. This was determined by the famous Bramble Wine case where a pegasus pony was initially diagnosed as schizophrenic, but it was later determined that he could see the magic of the unicorns around him. And here, ...usually takes the form of numbers."
"I don't see numbers." She raised a hoof, "But I do see images. Light particles that swirl like snow flurries until they snap into a shape unique to a spell. Levitation is a dodecahedron. I know the spell is ready when they snap. I can control the spell by rotating or pushing around the shape."
"You are talented."
"Don't insult--!"
"--I'm not being sarcastic. I guess for lack of a better paradigm, you invented your own. It's all very interesting.
"At the practicum, my magical misfire burnt the base of my horn, and I guess I should reiterate how grateful I am that you took me to your father when you did. He fixed something that would have left me little better than a weakling earth pony with a useless horn. But, here's the interesting part. Disconnected from my horn, I could not sense magic or see auras. In fact, I could not do math at all. But with it restored, I sensed the result of telling my horn to think for me, or better put, to calculate for me. The numeric feedback allows me to judge the results and apply transforms. I'm not sure how you would do that without numbers."
"Pretty well, actually. Have you ever heard of geometry?"
"You must practice your spells a lot, at least long enough to learn to make the shape and manipulate it effectively."
She smiled. "Practice makes perfect. I practice whenever I'm alone. That was the purpose of your classroom exercises for the stun spell; the practicum makes sure you use the spell in a realistic setting."
"Numbers are better. Take a look at this."
I bounced off the bench to the middle of the brick sidewalk. Beds of red and white geraniums lined either side. I waited until there were no ponies around and cautiously prepped a very low power Barthemule-transformed force spell. "Ready, go."
It again popped before I released it--as I said go--and with a tiny bit of inspiration, I continued to power it rather than generating an on-off bolt as I might during a fight.
A sphere slowly grew out to three times my length in radius, pushing down the geraniums in its path and causing little pink butterflies to flutter away. Through it cracked some stems, most sprung back up when inside the sphere. Sunset Shimmer reached out and touched the magical surface, jerking back her hoof as if shocked. I felt a definite buzz in my head. The surface vibrated like a rubbery balloon. I found what seemed to be the radius numbers and applied a transform. The sphere shrunk, then popped audibly.
Sunset Shimmer said, "Nice trick. A shield spell?"
"Maybe. Don't know. That's a Barthemule transform applied to a force spell. That's the second time I've cast it."
"Second-- what? That's not possible."
"Ask me to cast a standard illusion." I raised a hoof. "Now, that's not possible."
Sunset Shimmer walked up to me, looked into my eyes, then glanced about my head, obviously reevaluating the double star "shaved" into the fur of my forehead, which wasn't growing back yet. She circled me, trampling the geraniums without a thought and surrounding me with their scent. She lingered on my blank flank, once on each side. "How old are you?"
"Fifteen-- no, wait, I think my birthday was the day of the practicum. Guess I'm sixteen."
"You've gotta to be kidding me."
I shrugged.
"You're her age? And I suppose you read all the time?"
"Any time I get the chance and can crack a book. I'm very nice to librarians."
"You sound like the runt, but at least you do magic! I've spied on her. She talks up theories, but when it comes to practice, I've yet to see her in action. She's usually in her tower, muzzle in a book. Our paths never cross. I guess creating a crack through earth and space-time all the way to Tartarus from Canterlot University is a good enough trick to make anypony acceptable as Celestia's protege. I don't see the point if you don't produce. She's a one-trick pony, if you ask me."
"Tartarus?" I asked.
"Yes, that Tartarus. Celestia sent me through the rift while she wrestled the runt under control. Good thing, too. Her magic-storm blew through the security perimeter and some pretty ugly monsters were escaping. Cerberus went missing for days." She described a combination of modern and stone fortifications built upon the craggy mountains in an ancient caldera--and, well, monstrous monsters. Apparently, if you could levitate a non-magical creature, you pretty much neutralized him.
I had heard of the rift. To think that little purple somewhat goth-looking foal leaving Dr. Flowing Waters' office was my age! Princess Celestia certainly knew how to pick them.
"So. Back to the bench. This time, concentrate and look at my magic until you see, uh, shapes. We'll work on turning it into numbers another day. Later, you'll teach me spell canceling..."
As if.
My half of the bargain turned out to be Sunset Shimmer finally becoming exasperated with the visualization exercise and, instead of teaching me to cancel, dragging me to a hay and herb bar for dinner--where I had a daisy and borage sandwich on Hooflyn corn rye spread with lots of horseradish mustard--followed by her drinking herself drunk and forcing me to escort her home.
It's funny how four legs aren't enough to steady a pony. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 9: Theory into Practice | I did not sleep over at Sunset's.
I had plenty of questions to pepper my Magic Dynamics instructor with the next day about how unicorns actually cast spells. Essentially, everypony was different. You had to understand the math that implied the spell mnemonics (the poetry). You had to understand the spell mnemonics that implied the math (the equations). It boiled down to how well you could manage the perceivable result of preparing and casting a spell, the feedback, which in turn allowed you to tune your magic. The best way to visualize was, in her opinion, meaningless--an exercise for philosophers and competition spell casters.
My point exactly. Still, Sunset Shimmer's paradigm seemed lame to me, and I meant that in the sense of limping and being crippled. I needed to help her with that.
Miss Peppercorn lowered her glasses on her muzzle and arched an eyebrow when I asked her about spell canceling. I vowed I'd look at that star on my forehead in a mirror tonight, even if I had to go out and buy one, as I was certainly getting a lot of looks lately. She said, "Why would anypony want to do that?"
Then again, my teacher wasn't a high level unicorn herself, having demonstrated nothing beyond levitation. I could agree that attending a magic school was rounding out my education, teaching me history, health, civics, charms, and earth pony magic (potions)--all topics I had ignored--as well as spells I was just plain bad at, like wards. To the extent that I could ask teachers questions, I had thought it worth the trouble to attend class instead of becoming the favorite patron of the librarian at the well-stocked Canterlot libraries, my usual method of operation. I was beginning to wonder if I could tough out the end of this semester and the senior year before I entered university study where I might get much better answers.
My prospects were circumscribed by what I didn't know more than the advanced arcane knowledge I excelled at.
For a while, that evening while I continued reading the SBS Omnibus, I came close to saying to Tartarus with it all. Maybe I ought just go somewhere my past couldn't follow me. But then thanks to Sunset Shimmer, I had knowledge that Princess Celestia's Tartarus prison really existed. And thanks to knowing Sunset Shimmer's name and her father's, when I came to a chapter that unexpectedly ended in the omnibus, I realized that I not only had access to a rare book, I also knew what "redacted" meant and also knew of the existence of the ultimate library: the Star Swirl the Bearded Time Wing of the Canterlot Library.
Many nights later, with moonlight streaming through the open windows of my always comforting hovel, laying buried in my haystack, I decided I would tough it out. Cool air blew in, scented by a trash heap burning down the street, but devoid of other pony smells. The mountain city of Canterlot was a much cleaner city than others I'd lived in, but it felt more like home than Grin Having ever had. Sunburst's abandoning me had proved that a pretty town of wealthy ponies that seemed perfect probably wasn't. Cutie marks could ruin anything good.
Imperfection reassured me. The dynamic of ponies finding their place on merit could be symbolized by burning trash. Purification brought a new start. I needed a new start, now that I accepted Sunburst was lost forever.
That was what drove me in the night to experiment on my own flesh. I had a good idea now how Dr. Flowing Waters used Barthemule's work. What took time was finding the equations that fit the numbers I'd sensed and reconciling that with a spell that could be transformed.
Eventually I got that by solving Levitation simultaneously with Force. This worked because both were practically transforms of the other, allowing Barthemules's various transforms to slot into the result. The necessary equations were enormous, and the corresponding spell mnemonics daunting, but I was good at simplification and enjoyed it. My first success happened late in the night when I reached in and found myself massaging the muscles from inside my rear leg.
It wasn't external pressure applied by Levitation. Shockingly, it felt very good. It felt very relaxing.
I slept better that night than I had in ages. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 10: Blind-sided | Streak turned out to be the name taken by Running Mead's pegasus spy and messenger. The pale blue pony's mane was carefully spiked today; each of the various different shades of blue formed a separate shaft of color. The whole outrageous 'do vibrated as she fluttered down before me, giving me an eye-level view of her cutie mark: a real head scratcher. It was a oval brown donut with two brass spikes at 11 and 1 o'clock, each spike topped with a ball.
Since I had just exited the university and was now trotting through the adjacent restaurant and bookseller district of Canterlot, and because she looked like a punked-out thug, considering the gaudy gold chains she also wore, I walked by as if she were invisible.
Streak didn't take the hint. I heard her hooves clatter on the cobblestones behind me as the scent of caramelized alfalfa from two hay burger joints competed for the attention of the empty stomachs of the scholastically-challenged textbook set. At least she waited for the cloud of students around us to thin-entirely her fault--before she said, "There's work for ya."
I considered whether to cast Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look or Teleport, queuing quick draw transforms for both, but activating neither. As she suddenly trotted up on my left, I turned right on to Ponyville Way and headed toward Cliffside and the Strand. A plenitude of late afternoon deliveries left me in traffic surrounded by ponies pulling wagons, taxis, and vans, and it convinced Streak to flutter off; I heard her wings whoosh behind me as she leapt away. I didn't mind the rattle of tack or the huff and puff--or the smell of the sweaty predominantly earth pony livery class. Every city had its life blood.
Blood was a part of everypony's life--mine especially, though I did everything I could to minimize it. Work, Running Mead, and morbid thoughts attracted one another... I walked, determined to think happier thoughts.
"I know!" I said suddenly, tapping a hoof hard against the pavement and attracting the glance of a black-suited yellow unicorn. She walked beside a cart of clattering bottles of red wine rolling by itself in her violet magic. I tasted the magic, which was probably Motivation, a mathematical derivative of Levitation and yet another spell I hadn't mastered. "The Fell Swoop," I finished.
"A good restaurant."
"I know!"
"I have a delivery there later, but this is my turn."
I slowed and let her cut ahead of me, thinking of oat shell pasta stuffed with cheese and pesto. My last silver bit might cover it and gird me for my next job later tonight.
Already in Cliffside, two blocks from the Strand, with the deliveries thinned to one lone work pony hauling construction materials and a chatting unicorn couple, Streak did a dive bomb landing, startling everypony including me. I reflexively quick-draw-teleported seven feet and dangerously close to the brick wall of a brownstone. Worse, I materialized a yard in the air.
I landed, not flexing my knees in time, and hurting my rear leg as a result. I glared as Streak approached on my right and noted the other ponies hastening away.
I huffed and trotted left down the side street.
I heard her thrash the air and go airborne. To my disgust, her flying made me think of Sunburst. In saving me from being crushed by a Jenga tower of tomes and grimoires, he had suddenly discovered a new spell (besides learning he could levitate a hundred books at once). I thought enviously of what I called Pegasus Simulation. One day I would figure out that heretofore unknown spell and wished I had it now. The restaurant was four blocks away. I increased my gait to a canter, trying not to limp as my leg threatened to stiffen up.
Streak landed with a clatter of hooves as I passed an alley on a street of whitewashed warehouses and fancy loft apartments, currently--neigh I say it--deserted.
In my anger, my deeper Grimoire voice asserted itself. "You're herding me!"
"You were ignoring the boss's orders." Her indigo eyes gleamed with amusement.
I wasn't going to blurt was not. Instead, I affected a tired sigh and said, "Don't you know better than to contact me in a good part of town?"
"What?" she asked, then continued in a pouty voice, "Ya trying to protect your secret identity like some comic book hero?" She garnished it with a musical, "Wah, Wah."
In a low voice, I said, "You ruin my ability to do what I am here in Canterlot to do and I'll leave town, and good riddance. The boss won't be happy with you."
"The boss told me where to go and to fetch you as soon as ya showed up."
"Then he's a foal."
She smirked. "I'd watch your mouth wuz I you."
This time my sigh was pure exasperation. "Fine. What's this high priority job, anyway?"
"There's this mauve unicorn irritating the boss real bad that goes by the name Fellows. He's got a double unicorn-bust cutie mark and lives at 233 Canton. The boss wants you to eliminate the two-faced son of a dragon."
"Did you mean eliminate as in eliminate?"
"Yes, pissy missy prissy filly." Baby talk. "Da K word."
"I don't sell product and I don't--" I couldn't even say kill ponies. My rage grew like a summer storm, hot and quick.
"But ya'd be so good at it," she said, smiling but looking slightly away, obviously avoiding my angry glare.
"I won't do it; not negotiable!"
"The boss insists."
I cursed. I'd learned intricate profanity in Baltimare and Hooflyn, and I proceeded to spew most of it--despite the unlikely familial relationships and impossible geometry issues it proposed--as I turned toward the narrow alley behind me. I knew Streak's wingspan would prevent immediate pursuit so I began to queue teleportation spells... |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 11: I Don't Kill Ponies | It felt like one of those dreams where you become aware that you were dreaming and you feel like you've woken up. You get to make choices, talk, do things but realize you can't move and you have no control, and realize that you've woken up in another dream, the worst kind of dream, where the routine becomes nightmarish and your life depends on the outcome.
Mine was based on fire and broken things, and my heart beat rapidly in my chest, and my throat felt scorched like after running a race.
And real.
Because, it was real.
I awoke finding myself mid-leap between wooden crates and cloth-covered sofas. In that frozen second, I found myself triggering a full prep spell (not a quick draw). Trapped between metal shelves stocked with boxes, stood a wide-eyed mauve unicorn with a white blaze to match the white center streak of his violet mane.
My victim was trapped, targeted, and had no place to run or dodge. He was casting no defense spell.
The sleepwalker's force spell triggered.
I had woken myself in time to witness an act of murder, or--
Sunset Shimmer still hadn't taught me how to cancel, so I twisted, starting with a hard jerk of my neck that would transmit through my body. The green bolt shaved off the tip of his left ear and burnt off locks of his mane as it continued upward, shearing through shelving, setting boxes on fire, and finally scoring and blackening a plastered ceiling, not ending before it sliced a water pipe that managed to spray the stallion and the wreckage, but totally missed the boxes I'd set alight.
I found myself screaming, "No!", as I began rolling and yawing through the air, spine forward, toward shadowed obstacles, none of which were likely soft. There were many ways to cripple oneself in a fight. Spell backfire was only one.
I did have some quick draw spells lined up. I instinctively knew better than to teleport when I didn't know my position, velocity, or orientation in space. I triggered force with as much of a Barthemule omega transform I could apply to it.
Paradoxically, I found myself already in an expanding sphere of green, forced to complete the calculation using the transform as I collided with an end-table and a crate, one full of horseshoes from the clatter it made as it was shoved aside. As I hit the floor, the barrier proved rather too elastic and since the end table was shoved against an immovable wooden bench, it still struck my rump, bruisingly. Worse, the rebound sent me spinning off like a billiard ball toward a high stack of crates. Once again, the spell conformed itself, sliding like a deflated ball on the actual floor rather than keeping me centered in a sphere. Fur rubbed off as I collided, rear hooves forword, into the crates, which not unexpectedly proceeded to fall over since I'd shoved the bottom one rather hard.
A searing pain shot through my right rear leg from the knee, the leg I'd sprained earlier thanks to my reaction to Streak's dive-bomb landing. This time, something tore, and I felt it happen.
As the boxes toppled, I had sufficient presence of mind to scrabble away. On impact, the fading spell squirted me a foot clear, but I still got pelted by splintered wood and a coffee mug.
"Ow, ow, ow!" I heard myself crying as the sound of bouncing earthenware shards came to an end. I heard the sssish of streaming water and the smell of smoke drifting together with the dust my crash had lofted in the air. The warehouse in which we fought became otherwise deadly quiet.
Fellows spoke up. "You had me square on, chap. Why did you intentionally miss the shot?"
It sounded like a taunt, but I knew he was ranging--trying to discover my location, whether it was safe to run. The tactic worked both ways, and it did tell me it was safe enough for me to lever myself up on three legs and prepare to defend myself. I wobbled like an arthritic grandmother and was sweating. Was I bleeding or burnt? Who knew what had happened when I was sleepwalking! A quick glance uncovered no blood.
I felt beat up and horribly exhausted. I saw tumbled-over furniture, exploded cartons, and scorches in every direction. How long had we been fighting? I'd run out of strength once in Baltimare and had barely escaped with my life. Also, 232 Canton was on a street packed tightly with brick two-story walkups, essentially what in a better neighborhood might be called toy townhouses. Warehouses lay at least three blocks further uptown. Worse, did I track him here, chase him here, or get chased here?
I shouted in the opposite direction from which I'd heard his voice, hoping the sound reflection would throw off his sense of my direction. "I don't kill ponies."
The moment that finished coming out of my mouth, I couldn't believe I'd said it. Grimoire wouldn't have. My side began to stiffen as the bruising set in. I added, more because I was tired than anything else, "And I don't like to hurt ponies, either."
That got a response. "Lady Grimoire is it?"
Celestia on Rollerskates! I'd forgotten the Grimoire voice, and now my head began to spin, too. He had moved, but not far because I heard a splashing sound. I hazarded a glance around a teakwood breakfront, and through glass saw water levitate from the cleft pipe to extinguish the burning boxes. At the sound of a sudden crimp, I ducked. The spraying water stopped.
An average unicorn could not levitate flowing water. His levitation magic was also strong enough to crimp a copper pipe. I prepared a stun spell. I had to put him down quickly and get away before I became unable to function.
I nevertheless lowered my voice. "I'm here to scare you into leaving Canterlot. Did I do that?"
"You are scary, but that isn't what you said after you ambushed me."
"What did I say?" I asked.
That made him pause. I took the moment to examine my surroundings and to hobble, and I mean painfully hobble, out of a position I could easily be cornered in. I felt my ears swiveling as I tried to hear if he moved, and thanked myself for taking the time to properly ensure my horseshoes would help me move silently. I could now see three spots, one he had vacated between the aisle of shelves, another in a castle of stacked sofas, and another atop a catwalk that I could teleport to. I prepared quick draw transforms for all of them. The upper level of the warehouse, behind me, had dirty windows that I now realized admitted the orangey light of dawn. Being up over 24 hours accounted for my being tired.
He said, "For starters--" He'd moved.
I crouched reflexively, putting down my lame leg. I saw stars and nearly fell over, but I kept my spells. I kept my spells because I'd burnt the need into my brain, like breathing. Keeping your spells could save your life.
"For starters, you said you were going to rip me limb from limb and roast me on a pyre to discourage nosey ponies from putting their muzzle where it didn't belong."
"Huh? Really?"
"Indeed."
He'd come to my north, judging by the windows. I teleported to the sofa area for better cover, then replied. "That's a good one. I'm going to have to write that one down."
From my new vantage point in a bunker of sofas, some yellow, some brown, all corduroy, I still couldn't see exits. The windows didn't show a neighboring roof line. I couldn't just teleport blindly to the opposite side of the wall. I might teleport below ground level or three-stories up, or there might be traffic I'd strike, or another building with walls I might materialize within. Sleepwalking Grimoire might have known where she was, but I'd lost that information.
"The way you delivered the threat certainly convinced me to believe what you said."
"I've had practice."
"I've read reports of Grimoire the Enforcer, but not any murders connected to him. Perhaps you're good at that so we haven't--?"
"--I don't kill ponies. My boss--"
"--Running Mead?"
"Are you a constable?"
"So you don't kill ponies. You could have fooled me, considering how you blasted down my door and chased me around town all night. I will concede that nopony got hurt--"
"That proves it."
"You're acting like a foal-- Wait, you're barely a mare, aren't you?"
I checked my voice; still at the proper register. "You are a constable."
"Detective Fellows, and logically, Lady Grimoire, you should surrender. By now, I'm sure last night's mayhem has been traced here. At the very least, when the Sofa and Quill opens up and workers enter the factory floor, they will call for help."
He teleported where I'd crashed into the tower of crates. An instant later, I teleported into the shelving area, splashing down in puddles of water mixed with burnt shredded cardboard. A second teleport sent me against the wall, behind the end of the shelves.
If he could teleport, that raised his magic level even higher.
So. I was at the Sofa and Quill on Chestnut near Elm. I'd slept in an alley off of Elm, about a block away, across from Blueblood park where I had grazed at night due to lack of money. The warehouse and factory outlet was at the edge of Cliffside, and I was sure that meant I was on ground level.
It also meant I might find quills. As the first light of dawn streamed in above, I looked up up up and across the aisle to find boxes decorated with swirled letters. It contained cut, calligraphy nib quills, which I levitated under my cloak into my saddlebags.
He saw my magic.
It was complete luck that I realized he'd chucked a dozen broken chowder mugs (from the crate that had nearly crashed on my head). I caught the shadows whizzing down at me and reflexively triggered a teleport.
I landed squarely on the crane catwalk, nary a clank on the metal lattice to announce my appearance. However, I'd caught a whizzing earthenware shard in my magic. It cut across my back at my withers, slit the fabric of the cloak, drawing blood and a gasp.
I cast Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look and let all the rest of my spell prep dissipate so that I could hold the spell steadily. The shard that had drawn blood clattered against the body of the crane hook, bounced and hit the metal siding of the far wall, then ricocheted a pony-length into a china cabinet, shattering the glass in front and the mirror in the back. As glass tinkled to the ground, Fellows moved. I could see him positioned to peer down the row of shelves my sleepwalking-self had cornered him in. He jerked and looked a number of aisles beyond my position, but not up.
He did not look up, even though the suspended walkway swayed, and to my dismay, squeaked ever-so-slightly. It was difficult to balance on three legs.
My spell held.
I saw the harshly lit, steeply inclined shed roof of a building on the opposite side of Chestnut Street. I could teleport there, but would I be able to do a second before sliding to my death?
No good.
I stood essentially in the middle of a long warehouse. I saw a steel fire door exit equidistant on either end, neither open. I might be able to aim a teleport into a pony-sized square implied by the sweep of the door, but at this distance, I might miss, or misjudge the thickness of the door.
Could Fellows cast Force? He'd thrown things instead of blasting me. Certainly, he could stun--a third spell average ponies often learned, after Light and Levitate, was Stun, if they needed a self-defense skill.
The candystripe-maned stallion picked his way silently around the furniture, entering my abandoned bunker of corduroy sofas. He wasn't coming close enough to my vantage point that I could hit him with a full strength stun bolt, and I wasn't going to use a force spell, not now. If he wanted to hurt me, he would throw things.
I carefully reached around and shoved my face into my saddlebag to retrieve a mouthful of quills, avoiding the feather part because the last thing I needed was for them to make me sneeze.
I waited until he had passed under the catwalk, taking my time to select where I would make my last stand. My magic was indeed weakening, and I was going to have to charge him if I were to stun him. I decided that the stacks of wooden chairs next to a dozen mattresses set on their edge would work best.
I dropped the quills over the side, hoping that he wouldn't see the fluttering things in his peripheral vision. I immediately let go of my spell. Visible again, I quickly queued a teleport spell and levitation. The stallion and my falling feather quills gave me the five seconds I needed.
I caught the feathers as they settled on the furniture and, like arrows, shot them at the unsuspecting detective. Unlike last time, to see the aura around my horn he'd have needed to look up, and I had let the quills fall below eye-level just to assure he wouldn't look up.
Calligraphy nibs are blunt. These hit their mark before he could even flinch, and caused him to jump into the air with a loud whinny, then roll away as if avoiding bees. He bucked over a dresser.
I teleported to my hidey-hole, knowing for a moment he'd be completely distracted and might not even figure out where I'd appeared.
And I appeared on target, a thick wall of mattresses between him and me. I quickly levitated more quills across the floor to a decoy location--and sat down as I needed a rest, rolling on to my left haunch. It hurt. I leaned into a mattress with my shoulder and left a smear of blood.
I heard him knock over something that gave a loud wooden crack when it fell, then silence.
I knew the mattress would muffle my voice toward him, and make it appear as if I were elsewhere. I said, "Surely by now Detective Fellows, if that's your name, I have sufficiently frightened you so that we may agree I've done my job, and that you've done your job. Certainly, you know your cover is blown. Can we call it a day and go our respective ways?"
"But, Lady Grimoire, I so wanted to meet you."
I chuckled. Back in Grin Having, before I ran away, adults referred to me by that title and it was hollow, hollow--hollow now that my soulmate had abandoned me to realize the life-wreaking reality of his cutie mark. The fact of the matter was that nopony wanted to meet the real me, not even myself.
Though he tried to move quietly, I felt my ears move as I caught Fellows' hoof beats echoing off the walls to either side of the mattress. I could not have picked a better hunting blind. Time to do a course correction.
I levitated more quills and flung them in the direction I suspected he was, from where I wanted him to think I was.
I was rewarded with a "Yow!" and a swear word I'd yet to learn. It sounded like one, anyway. I also heard something heavy fall and clatter metallically. He'd been levitating missiles just as I suspected.
Speaking so the echo would convince him of my decoy position, I said, "It's a game. I put on a show--"
"A show? Really? Do you not remember chasing me all over Canterlot, stunning a constable--"
"Stunning, Fellows, stunning. And no, believe it or not, I don't remember. Whether you believe it or not, I put on an act. I break a few things, scare a few ponies into fulfilling their commitments. I get bits. I move on. I refuse to sell product--drugs--and I don't want to know where or how the boss carries on his business. So, can we call it quits?" I realized I'd let the Grimoire voice slip. With the pain I was feeling, and a bead of blood running down my right leg from my shoulder, I didn't care, either.
"I can't do that, Lady. I will tell the judge that you didn't shoot when you could have. That'll be in your favor."
Wait for it...
He was nearly in position. I queued a teleport, a force spell with a Barthemule transform, a stun spell, and finally a levitation spell that didn't need to be at all accurate. On top of everything else, a searing pain shot from between my eyes to the top of my skull as I pushed myself to my limits. The numbers whirled like paper-on-fire caught in a tornado. I was unsure if the blur was me having trouble staying conscious or the strain of the quick draw calculations trying to make my horn explode.
Wait for it...
I used the levitation spell to shove furniture, and a chair jerked a lot closer than I would have hoped. No matter. I triggered the teleport.
Of all the rotten luck! I appeared desk-level three pony lengths from the mauve stallion's right shoulder, catching him winding up to throw an assortment of pot metal horseshoe coasters and stock pots. I fell, and despite bending my knees in time, I only had three that were good. The fourth spiked me with pain that took my breath away; I collapsed in a quarter-turn corkscrew.
Fellows shook his head and with barely a smile--what might be described as a satisfied workpony's expression--rounded the ten hovering objects around his head and threw them toward mine. He did not trust me not to try to kill him, I guess, and felt justified using deadly force.
I was no ordinary unicorn. Only the shock of pain delayed me from triggering the rest of my quick draw queue. The omega transform went smoother than ever. The force spell triggered even before I was about to want to do so. The expanding green bubble moved at the speed of a trot, intercepting the pots and paper weights barely half-way to their target, flinging them upward arcing overhead to hit the wall behind. The bubble hit the mattresses behind me, knocking them down like dominoes. It swept up chairs, sofas, and a few left over quills. Before me, it caught Fellows, stunned by the sight of my spell, like the cow catcher on a locomotive. He toppled toward me, then bounced off the rubbery surface like a plastic horse doll. He landed, rather adorably I might add, hooves up on a white and paisley red sofa with mahogany trim, his best parts visible for all to see.
Simultaneously with the spell bubble popping, I cast a single Stun at him. The blue-white lightning zapped him in the chest and surrounded him in a brief electrical glow, snapping and crackling, leaving the smell of an imminent thunderstorm in its wake. A mini-thunder crack echoed across the warehouse.
I checked that my cloak was properly in place, then grunted, shaking as I got up. I half-staggered toward him, limping badly with an iron taste in my mouth. I was bleeding from my lip because of how I'd just fallen. To him, Lady Grimoire had to look particularly grim. I looked into his magenta eyes. He blinked. Just because he jerked and wasn't able to move, didn't mean he couldn't hear or wouldn't understand.
I said, "I said I don't kill ponies, and I meant it. Hopefully, you'll take the hint and leave the Lower alone. The one thing I do know is that my boss has other enforcers. I'm just the most economically efficient one. You seem like a nice pony, mostly. Let's not meet again."
With that, I limped toward the closest fire door. I felt like I might keel over any moment, and might be sick on top of it from what the pain was doing to my stomach. Nonetheless, I prepared a stun spell and a teleport.
Good thing, too. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 12: Revelation | The door opened, revealing a brown earth pony in denim with a factory showroom behind him, checking to see what the noise was. Before he could notice I stood behind the door, I teleported past him.
I was surrounded by new fabric smell and roses in glass vases amidst perfectly arranged living room sofa sets, breakfast-nook kitchen sets, and bedroom and dresser sets. Magic sconces and wrought iron chandeliers lit a room full of mahogany, oak, and maple, with book shelves stocked with faux classics, and bedspreads glowing with hearts. At a black granite kitchen center island, below pristine copper pots, a pink mare in a lavender business suit was looking away at a coffee service; she jumped at the sound of my teleport exit pop. Opposite her were glass doors leading out to Chestnut street.
I teleported past them, my quick draw approximation landing me in the street. I had enough strength to dodge a yellow cab pulled by a green stallion who didn't have the time to swerve, though he did have time to curse.
Before I could topple on the curb, I teleported one last time past a shoe shine kiosk halfway down the block--and struck a brick wall with the momentum of avoiding the taxi. Though further bruised, I was saved the ignominy of falling on the sidewalk. I heard the shoeshine colt jump up, his brushes, files, and rust-cleaner scattering around him. I again left a blood smear as I levered myself upright again. I adjusted my cloak to hide the wound and walked.
Now everything was whirling. I struggled to get numbers moving in my head. I wasn't going to be able to teleport any time soon. As I approached an alley, I turned into it. Early morning sunlight streamed down it, illuminating broken pavement and the morning dew condensed into the cracks, as well as a stinky overloaded dumpster. Unfortunately, it also illuminated a wagon with unicorns unloading bolts of fabric for the factory. The sun was behind me, and though I cast a long shadow, none of the workers noticed me.
I stood there, breathing hard, working up the numbers. Behind me, on the street, I heard ponies talking, and one galloping--and he wasn't pulling a taxi. The hue and cry had begun.
Slowly, relying on the rubber soles of my horseshoes to keep quiet, I walked down the alley until I finally got Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look properly spun up. Now, I only had to keep it going despite the pain and a real chance I might faint. Slowly, one-two front steps, one limp, repeat. I had to duck a two-hundred pound red velvet roll that would have surely laid me flat and unconscious, but I got past the wagon. I approached Cottonwood, which meant that to the right lay Elm. I tasted blood as I sucked my lip.
I stopped at the sidewalk and watched a mare in a red business dress trot by. She didn't seem to notice me, even when I threatened to step into her path. So, the spell still worked. Avoiding traffic and succeeding, barely staying upright, I got to Elm, a less busy cross-street. Delivery wagons interspersed with bus-and-eight--each harnessed pony in metro-white and purple livery--that pulled dozens and dozens of salary ponies and their supplies to stores that would open within the hour. I was about as far from my flat as I could get, and though relatively close to the university district, the last thing I was going to do was show up and beg Sunset Shimmer for help in my current state. I nearly collided with a cut fruit vendor, but only knocked over his chili powder shaker and had to fight to keep the spell and not sneeze at the same time. The pony in white and blue pinstripes stared at the ground where the shaker had mysteriously leapt.
Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look was magnificent when you could maintain it. Maybe because I believed my life depended on it, I succeeded.
I found my old alley, the one I'd spent part of spring in. I did not feel an ounce of nostalgia for it, or any contempt for the amalgamation of plastic sheeting, both rigid and tarp-like, that surrounded a lean-to near the dead-end fence. I limped forward and soon smelled a pony who, like myself not long ago, rarely had the opportunity to bathe or the luxury of a nearby toilet.
Having had to live this way--no, correction, having chosen to live this way multiple times over the last three years--the smell didn't bother me, nor did I despise the blue pony who I saw sleeping away beside sacks of clothes and gathered recycling. He wasn't a symbol of decay. He was just another oppressed pony, whether by choice or circumstance, or by lack of a cutie mark that might lead him to be the oppressor.
He just was.
I took no satisfaction in what I needed to do. With the harsh shadows of the new day and the general disinclination of ponies to look down an alley that might harbor something dangerous or uncomfortable, I let my spell sputter out. It took me a minute to spin up the numbers, and as soon as I knew I had it right, I stunned the poor stallion. He yelped, but with all the street noise echoing about, no pony heard.
I pushed myself into his rather spacious shelter. Pushing aside his bags of stuff, three stallions could fit without hooves or flank exposed. I piled the bags into a blind and pushed him with my nose in his noisome flank into a corner, into his blankets so he couldn't see me.
"I'm really sorry about this, but it will be worth your while. Do me the favor of not looking at me when the stun wears off and I'll soon be gone."
He jittered and jerked, but he continued to breathe normally with his head facing away. As I took off the cloak with my teeth, I did as I said I would. I reached into my saddlebag, found with my tongue the silver bit I had reserved for visiting One Fell Swoop, and spat it beside him with a clink he could mistake for naught but money. After few minutes, I managed levitation and got my Grimoire costume off. I might not be able to launder out the blood matted into the black fabric, but I put it in my saddle bags with the shoes. I sponged off the absurd cutie mark and rearranged my hair into pigtails. That took a long fifteen minutes. If the hue and cry reached out four blocks, I'd be caught cold.
That left me with a cut across my withers and a bloody lip, not to mention a startling limp that surely Detective Fellows had taken good note of. Stupid me. What had possessed me to lecture him, as if anything I might say could sway him. Stupid.
Stupid.
If only I had Dr. Flowing Waters to help me, but then I would have to get through the bailey gate and into the castle for that.
Or would I?
I glanced at my bunk mate. Though he had stopped jerking and jittering, he did shiver a bit, but he did kept his head buried in his blanket. "Good fellow. Just keep looking away."
"Yes, ma'am," he said in a phlegmy voice.
I took my time, breathing deeply and regaining as much of my strength as I might under the circumstances, resting, as I did, on cobblestones. Eventually, I wasn't quite so dizzy and bone tired. With my head a bit clearer--it helped that I didn't move my leg--I intentionally remembered both massaging my leg from the inside and how the doctor had spoken to my wounds and told them to heal. I could remember that conversation as if it were branded into my memory.
That didn't mean I could do it, but I would get caught if I limped out of here or if they found me. Best that I concentrate and work through it. I had impressed Dr. Flowing Waters with my awareness of the ebb and flow of his spells, and amazed myself that I'd gotten as far as I had.
Just work through it.
It took about an hour, and fully half of that resting with my eyes closed, but I began to see more detail in the numbers that came back when I moved the tissue in the sliced flesh on my upper back. Craning my neck, I could mostly see the slit skin. It began to vibrate and I could perceive a pattern of knitting that seemed to be innate and right for the skin and vessels lying below it in layers. This feedback told me what was right and I told it to become right again.
Oddly enough, it did as bidden. The flesh heated up and became feverish, and after a half-hour, the scabs worked loose and fell off, revealing skin that puckered a bit. It looked faintly scared, but under my fur it looked basically perfect.
I worked on my lip and--though it pulled up, probably giving me a faint sneer--in ten minutes it felt whole. I levitated the blood away, if not the smell.
My friend moved, rearranging himself but not looking. I said, "I've left you a silver bit. Please humor me for an hour longer."
"About an hour'll be as much as I can hold it."
I nodded, though he couldn't see. I was already regarding my leg. Well, there was no choice and certainly time was running out. I dove my magic into the wound. I had a torn ligament, which caused the limp and the majority of the pain, and a slight fracture that was more painful than dangerous. Bruises peppered my upper leg, but wouldn't be visible under my fur except as puffiness, so I concentrated on the worst--the ligament.
It fascinated me that I could learn as much as I did about my own anatomy, and trust me, I knew very little anatomy. It was like being handed a broken machine and when you went to repair it, you found it came with a very detailed, easy to understand repair manual. It kind of made sense. School taught that all ponies grew from a single cell. Ponies could heal. That meant that somewhere inside us all lay both the operations guide and a full schematic as well as the repair manual. I kept that in mind as I detected the correct pattern of the ligament, and used brute strength to pull the stretched tissues back into place as the cells raced frenetically to mend themselves because I simply told them they could and they should. This time the fever filled my whole body, and maybe I suffered a bit of delirium because I was dimly aware of an immense pain that caused me to shudder and moan, but I managed to continuously maintain the spell spinning as if it were my breath itself. I sweated buckets, but persisted.
And then it was done.
I glanced at the homeless stallion. He shivered. Perhaps he had looked and had seen me encased in a green glow. Perhaps he was frightened just by the sound I emitted. Or maybe he need to go and thought his life depended on controlling his bladder. Nevertheless, he kept his eyes averted.
I took a deep breath and flexed my right rear leg.
Ah, there was pain. And it felt stiff and well bruised, but it moved and articulated correctly.
With a sigh, I carefully stood and hit the tarp ceiling. I put my weight on my leg, then pushed down; the fracture twinged, but if I walked slowly, I felt convinced I would not limp. I took precious moments to comb my hair and used a square of cloth to dry the sweat off. I checked my flank for smudges--and for a half expected cutie mark.
Thank Celestia and all the forces of nature it was still blank. I checked my ponytails; perfect.
I said, "I'm leaving. Give me five minutes, okay? I promise not to visit again if you don't talk about my stay."
"Yes, my lady."
I shuddered at the title, but knew he wasn't clairvoyant. I nosed myself from under the tarp and pushed the bags of stuff aside and entered the alley.
At least a couple of hours had passed; I felt each one of the 26-plus hours since I'd last arisen. My tongue wanted to stick to the roof of my mouth and my eyes were dry, from dehydration. There was a pond in Blueblood park were I could drink if I found nothing else.
At the end of the alley, ponies gathered, talking. The ears of one perked up and he looked my way. He was mustard yellow with a green mane and eyes. He wore a simple khaki shirt and tan tie. Though he wore neither a copper badge nor a uniform, investigator radiated from him like heat radiating off dark pavement at noon. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 13: Unintended Consequences | Careful not to push my newly healed leg, I walked slowly to the end of the alley. I smiled at the undercover copper. He smiled at me, so I turned away from him and on to Elm.
He said, "You, filly. Wait."
I stopped and looked back. The ponies around him looked at me. Having seen where I'd come from, I could tell they had a low opinion, despite the glaringly good quality of the flower-embroidered denim saddle bags I wore when attending Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The stallion asked, "Did you see anypony suspicious around here?"
"I was sleeping with my uncle. I'm going to hustle something to eat, or go and graze, if that's okay with you." Grazing was eating some pony's lawn for free.
His cheek twitched. Maybe I had met him, or he had rousted me once last spring. "You be careful." Translated: Don't steal anything because I'm watching.
"I will, sir," I said, turning away. "Thank you, sir."
It was a very long walk to my flat, but I spent much of it with a silly grin on my face. It might not be my special talent, but self-healing magic was very cool. To put a cherry on top of the ice cream dessert, when I entered my apartment I found a silk purse filled with silver bits tied with a blue thank you note thrown through my open window.
In a whisper I said, "Thank you, Running Mead. I guess my sleepwalking didn't botch the job after all." I pulled a bucket of water from the tap, put it by my hay stack, then collapsed in my bed and didn't wake until the next morning.
Walking to school, aching from every bruise and the greenstick fracture to my leg, I found myself walking up Elm. A glance showed nopony obviously watching me and I kept my ears purposely perked so as not to look worried.
I did know why my subconscious sent me here.
A mare might have to do what a mare had to do, but I knew how I would have felt if somepony had done to me what I had done to the homeless stallion. Angry. Humiliated. I would probably have blasted my oppressor, true, and I grinned at that, but the having happened would still have been horrible. I still had nightmares of the Hooflyn gang war, or the first time a crime boss' lieutenant forced himself on me. Sure, living on the street or living on the edge opened oneself to being victimized, but it didn't make it right, nor make it right that I felt I had to victimize a nameless faceless pony, give him nightmares, and destroy whatever small illusion of safety and control he clung to.
What had happened to my dream of helping ponies? My dream of finding a way to make ponies safe from the oppression of their cutie marks?
Despite the heavy tomes I carried in my saddle bags, only the silver bits I carried along with them weighed me down. Running Mead's unexpected generosity constituted my rent, grocery money, and a book I had my eye on.
To Tartarus with it!
I could graze, had grazed numerous times, and I had slept huddled up against a wall in an icy rain. Likely, Running Mead would have another job before the week was through; under the circumstances, it felt necessary that I should eat my pride--with which my larder was full--and ask for work.
The purse contained twenty and one bits of silver. That I'd spent one on butter pastry, princess oats, and Trottingham sipping chocolate this dawn, reminiscing absurdly of home, left my stomach souring.
What would the stallion do with such a windfall?
My first thought was he'd surely spend it on hard cider or buying product. And for a moment I loathed myself. Surely, I'd eaten my supper beside a trash can fire or spent the night in a charity shelter beside plenty who professed they'd do just that. Yet, there were those who had spent their last bit and lost their job, and sometimes their family, and had had no choice but the hard scrabble street. Few cared so little for their high station in life that they left to choose the street, as I had, looking for meager opportunity because of overwhelming pride. Few had my salable skills and the questionable scruples to make a life like mine work.
It didn't matter his situation, or if he would drink himself into a coma and die. I knew absolutely I would not feel better giving him the bits--but I'd feel worse if I didn't.
Before I reached the entrance to the alley, I slowed so I could barely hear the clatter of my hooves on the sidewalk. Salary ponies and workers rushed by, on hoof, by taxi, and via a noisy bus. When a lull in the traffic presented itself, I slipped into the alley.
It was empty.
As I approached the dead-end link fence, I smelled pine solution and could see where brushes had scoured away the grime of a long habitation leaving the bricks a brighter red than the rest of the alley. Bits of faded green plastic from his broken-apart lean-to floated in puddles of water tainted with excrement.
Well, of course the undercover copper had rousted him. I had said I had "slept" with him and had called him "Uncle." That his "niece" looked underage (by design and by virtue of being true), and that he refused to say he knew anything about me--because of my threats--likely got him arrested.
I chose an appropriate curse of something I was unequipped as a mare to do to myself. The oath echoed in the isolated alley like a epithet.
I turned away.
I walked with my ears down to school. I didn't cry; hadn't since losing Sunburst. I had no idea why my eyes burned.
From comments I heard whispered, I looked even more horrible than I felt all through the school day. I asked no questions and offered up the wrong spell when a teacher asked.
Unfortunately, somepony noticed. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 14: Prodigy | That somepony who noticed my malaise, of course, was the T.A. in my last class that day. As I walked down the hall toward the exit, not even toward the exit that lead toward the university library, but toward home, somepony walked beside me and without a by-your-leave, leaned ever so slightly into my right side. She was yellow furred and warm.
It was cheeky. It implied intimate familiarity. It was embarrassing because it was a mare, though in Canterlot girlfriends seemed to be a lot more touchy-feely than ones in Hooflyn, particularly where I'd lived where they might just as likely kiss you on both cheeks as knife you for such a prank.
And with Sunset Shimmer, I wasn't convinced it wasn't a prank.
I cringed and gasped. I was a mass of bruises barely hidden by short fur on my right side from twisting mid-leap to avoid killing Fellows in the furniture warehouse.
She flinched and looked at me with uncharacteristic concern in her turquoise eyes. Her magic opened the door so we could walk out into the front quad. She asked, "Are you okay? You weren't your annoying self in class today."
When I didn't answer and disconsolately walked toward the street, she walked ahead of me. "Look at this! I'm beginning to see the numbers!" In front of us, fiery numbers played and spun like fanciful butterflies. She seemed inordinately pleased with herself and happy, both also uncharacteristic of her.
"Is that a joke?" I all but whispered.
"No. I know illusions aren't you forte, but this is a mirror of what I'm seeing in my head. I can see the numbers, though I will admit it's quite hard to manipulate them--" Her grin went away and now she got in front of me, trotting backward. "You aren't well. What's the matter?"
"Soft. Nice. Concerned? What's the matter with you?"
"I found a little helper with my concentration. But that's me. What about you?" She stopped. "Dish."
Dish? I almost walked around her, but instead sighed. "I got beat up," I prevaricated, though it wasn't exactly a lie either, "and I hurt and I deserved it and I want to go home."
"Beat up? Deserved it? Nobody deserves to be beat up. It's that neighborhood you're living in on Lower West Gallop."
"Wait? You know where I--?"
"I've got means, and I suspect you do too. You need to move--"
I started blinking as an unfamiliar emotion welled up. She wasn't the only one acting uncharacteristically today. "I'm little better than a vagrant--"
"And I'm so much better?"
"Your arrow is aimed at the sun, mine at the dirt and the mud. I'm bad news with a bad attitude and you don't want to be associated with me."
A pink and a orange pony had stopped to look, attracted by my intemperate speech. Like I cared.
"Who's down in the dumps today?"
Now, prissy talk? I wanted to kick her, which was an improvement in my mood. I ground my teeth and glared.
"Well!" she said, pulling her head back in mock effrontery. "I do want to associate with you. You're a patient teacher, you take crap from nopony, and you're magically talented. That's good in my book. What I don't understand is how you got beat up."
"Even you beat me up."
She huffed dramatically. "I remember it differently. Yeah, I challenged you, but your injuries were entirely self-inflicted."
Indeed, the double-star marks from the practicum where I'd burned off the fur in the backlash of trying not to kill her were still visible. "There are parallels," I admitted.
"So you weren't beat up?"
"I am beat up." Absolutely true. Two white unicorns under a tree and the old greens keeper with a straw in his mouth had joined into the audience. Sunset Shimmer dressing down a lower-classmare was always a spectacle. If she fought back, more the better. "And if somepony reputedly quite talented herself would teach her supposedly magically talented student how to cancel a spell, she might have avoided some of it."
She swished her tail. "Hehe." Still, she didn't look all that contrite despite the faintest blush, but the dig hadn't succeeded in digging in, either. The nasty part of me wondered if she'd gotten laid last night.
I made to walk around her on the grass, but I had been standing long enough for the bruises to tighten up and I visibly winced. Sunset sidestepped into my path, looking concerned.
"You are hurt!" As I rolled my eyes, she leaned forward and examined my right hindquarters, even going so far as to blowing air to ruffle my fur, though it would have been far more polite to use her magic. "Glimmer, you look like you were hit with a brick. You're all black and blue. You're lucky if something isn't broken."
"Something is," I whispered.
"That's enough. You are stupider than you look, and that's saying a lot. Follow me, now."
I knew where we were headed and complied. "Perhaps I need to teach you judo, first. You're probably not so much kicked as knocked over? Am I right?" Of all the rest of the nattering she did along the way, the only thing I paid attention to was that she said that if I would be willing to take a roommate, she could find me a room for a gold bit and ten silver a month. That made me think of the twenty and one bits of silver guilt that jingled in my saddle bags, essentially double the amount I made on most jobs. Yeah, sell more of my little remaining soul off.
We found her bespectacled father in the hall just having locked the door to his office. Sunset Shimmer said, "She's been beat up."
I added, "And Sunset had nothing to do with it."
The frosted glass in the door rattled as he unlocked it. Sunset Shimmer even politely stayed back in the waiting room as the doctor turned on the lights and lead me into an examination room. I levitated off my saddle bags and hopped on the table as he donned his head mirror.
As he separated the fur and palpated areas, causing me to grimace, he said, "And I suppose I should have seen the other fellow?"
I actually giggled at his unintentional pun, but I went with it anyway, remembering Fellows hooves up exposed on the the sofa. "He was actually quite cute, and the only thing I did to him was stun him to get away." And cut off part of his ear.
"He knocked you down and back. You've lost a bit of fur here. I'm surprised you're not cut up."
"I was."
He paused. His dark green eyes flicked to look into mine, then back to my rear haunches. He stepped back. It took him about ten seconds and he spotted the healed injury across my withers. The scar was kind of red, and obviously new. Thinking about it rationally, he had to realize it was long and deep enough to require stitches, but was perfectly straight and perfectly thin and perfectly sealed. It had soaked my cape with blood. Flowing Waters got a beatific smile on his face. "Which transform? You know how to use calculus with imaginary numbers?"
I shrugged, which hurt, and answered his questions. He nodded a lot, corrected some suppositions I didn't quite have right, and quizzed me until standing was starting to make my leg quiver.
He looked out the window at the late afternoon sun. In a low voice, he asked, "And you did this on yourself?"
"Well, yeah."
"My, my." He tapped his hoof, as trying to say something but not coming up with the right words. Finally, he said, "You're something of a prodigy."
"What? 'Cause I could heal myself? It seemed straightforward when I tried hard enough."
He laughed briefly. "Straightforward? Easy? Young lady, I found those transforms in a book nopony took seriously for centuries. I had to track down the original book in the Star Swirl the Bearded Time wing of the Canterlot library, and convince the princess to even let me in there. You just watched me doing my magic and, with a few hints, figured it out yourself?"
I shrugged, but something fearful was growing in me.
"And, and to top it all off, you performed the magic on yourself, first? I've never had the nerve to work on myself, and it took years working on livestock before I used it on anypony." He stared at my blank flank, obviously surprised to find it still blank. My silent wish was that it would forever remain so. "Show me. Show me, I have to see it to believe it."
I was actually shaking. He glared at me with a passion someone his age normally didn't show. I complied nearly in shock, pushing my magic into my leg and harnessing it against the fracture in the bone. His eyes, magnified behind his bottle-bottom glasses, stared unfocused into my green aura as he sampled my numbers.
"A green-stick fracture," we both said together.
He had me lie down and together we healed the bone in my leg. About an hour later, we proceeded to fix my bruises, causing the damaged tissues to heal further than they had. The interstitial fluids could not be fixed, but he assured me that the bruises would now disappear in a few days. As for my withers, he gave me some silver salve and warned against sealing wounds without cleaning them first.
"And, before you get too high on yourself, working on yourself ought to be a magnitude easier than working on another pony because of nervous system feedback; it's just that it takes an incredible amount of nerve to do that because..."
I filled in what I figured. "Because I could damage myself easily." That was the scary part I'd ignored.
"If you'd broken something, you could have bled internally, even fainted, unable to fix it."
He had a lot of fears about a process he'd never tried and learned, but I wanted him to get to his point. "I could have paralyzed myself, or--"
"Yes. This wasn't a good idea, you understand."
I nodded noncommittally.
"Well, that's settled. You're a third year student, right? Sunset Shimmer's teaching assistant assignment is third year."
"I'm a first year, bumped up to third because of exams."
"Well, that's something I have to tell Princess Celestia about--"
"Uh--"
"A prodigy like you needs to be fast-tracked into university study. You require senior classwork at very least."
"I--I can't keep up in half my studies."
"Let me guess. History, geography, and literature?"
I nodded.
"Equestria needs its brightest minds, now. There is something known as 'trailing studies' and 'assigned tutors.' You may not know this, but there is a silent war going on. Incursions by magical beasts, and a few neighbors needing to be discouraged from raising armies."
I blinked, then understood. Spies. Special operatives. "Both my father and mother were killed in that.... I actually know, though I don't think I understand."
"Princess Celestia took both Sunset Shimmer and her rival as proteges from modest backgrounds and is training them for a reason. Her school finds the best. There is a need, and besides which, you look like you wouldn't mind. I can sense a greedy part in you when it comes to magic. It would mean access to restricted archives and rare objects."
Actually, I did mind being drafted. So, it was a secret little war that had taken my parents away and made them heroes and left me an orphan of elevated means I had no use for. "I don't come from a modest background," I said. "And though I would like more challenging magic classes, I don't want to bother Princess Celestia--"
"Too late. You no longer have a choice."
I never did. I never had. I probably never would.
Still, the idea of getting into the university much sooner worked for me. I would rather learn all the things I needed to learn sooner than later, because sooner or later my job with Running Mead was going to kill me. Better that I wring dry what I could get from Canterlot quickly and leave alive.
In any case, this quashed any thought I had of leaving Canterlot any time soon. I had to stay, even if I was forced to work twice as hard at my "job."
To my chagrin, I would get an interesting blue note that night. But before I left and before an oddly mellow Sunset Shimmer took me to a feel-better dinner at the Hey Burger! and didn't drink at all--before all that, the doctor said as he locked up his office, "If you follow a medical track... Realize that I am an old stallion but Princess Celestia will out-live us both. I can't retire because nopony can replace me, except--maybe you could."
Would the princess want a criminal as her personal physician? Even were her physician a member of the peerage and the daughter of Heroes of Equestria, I suspected that answer would be an emphatic "no." |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 15: Exam | Three days later, I knew I would be up most of the night on a job. Sunset Shimmer had also presented me with a late afternoon exam appointment on the second floor of the Luna Tower on the university campus. I noted the red and gold wax royal seal. The curlicue signature confirmed it had been penned by the school's headmaster herself, Princess Celestia. I had regarded it with trepidation, but at least it wasn't a personal interview. I would have declined that. In any case, I'd taken my entrance exam for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns in the obviously repaired white spire and knew what to expect.
So, I slept in and skipped all my classes.
I levitated a thermos of strong black tea made syrupy with sugar as I trotted up to the round white brick tower with its new copper conical roof. What interested me most was the line of crushed boulders that filled the chasm that the runt had opened during the magic storm she caused during her examination. I scratched my nose with the bottom of the thermos, sighting down the straight line fault. It ran through an enormous gnarled oak that had been split in two, both edges burnt. With a shock, I realized that a chrysanthemum garden was surrounded by the foundation of a building, the entrance and egress being the fault line. By some miracle, the chasm followed the path of least resistance down Alicorn Way and off the cliff a few miles away. The catastrophe must have been the talk of the town.
Many of the travertine blocks in the tower looked a bit whiter and more precisely cut than the others. The ragged line ran from foundation to roof. I'd heard Princess Celestia herself had intervened; likely the tower would have collapsed into the Regents Building had she not.
And this had happened... I frowned. I was going to have to check the date. It was about the time Sunburst got his cutie mark--and I didn't.
I spilled the remaining tea in a long brown fan across the obscene line of rocks in disgust, my face afrown. Too many bad memories.
"Well!" I took a deep breath. That was the past. Today, I was rested and wired on primo caffeine and twenty teaspoons of sugar. All I had to do was unleash a storm of magic!
I found myself alone in the auditorium. There had been five other applicants the last time. The four proctors, the same four as before, presented me with a blackboard, a piece of chalk, and math problems to work out. I'd have just treated the math problems like magic and solved them in my head, just providing only the answers, but I was told to write them out so that they could see my reasoning. They also quizzed me on potions, physics, chemistry, and history. I only sweated the history as the proctors scribbled notes on clipboards.
When I finished, I expected a drill of some common spells, just like they had asked the five of us before. Instead, the proctors climbed the steps to the fifth row of desks and took seats. The yellow one with the grayed pink curly mane said in a Hooflyn accent, "Impress us with your magic, Dearie."
The brown-maned grey stallion said, "Chop chop, we don't have all day!" He said it in a way that implied that somepony, perhaps the princess herself, had arranged this command performance, but he wasn't impressed. In fact, now that I had time to think about it, I had registered a hint of resentment in all the proctors' voices, and not just because they had had to stay after the school day to administer an ad hoc exam.
I felt a smile grow on my face that masked the outrage in my heart. You are so on!
I could surely impress them by cutting through the side of the building with a pure force spell, or by triggering a shield spell that would upend the blackboard and break the bolts holding down the first row of desks--though really, that spell was still a work in progress.
My most impressive spells were combat magic; they'd assure that I'd be expelled, likely as not. Impress them, they said? My smile became feral; I returned their bored looks with a fanatical glare. Meanwhile, I luxuriated in spell prep I never had time for in battle. Despite the discomfort starting to register on their faces, one of them, a manila mare with a dirty brown razor cut mane who repeatedly cleared her throat, three of the four started scribbling notes when nothing happened.
I cast Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look.
Risky? Yes, because I had to maintain concentration, but if I couldn't concentrate now, perhaps I didn't belong here anyway. Always test your limits.
The blue stallion with the white hair stood instantly, knocking his desk into his seat-mate to the right with a wooden clack. His seat-mate clapped a hoof atop her clipboard before it fell. The manila pony whinnied when she looked to find me gone. Pink Curly Top said drolly, "A silent teleport? Might be considered impressive. Do hope she comes back soon." When a few seconds passed, they scanned the auditorium only to conclude erroneously that they were alone.
The blue stallion, the oldest, asked, "How long do we wait?"
The dirty brown razor-cut brunette said, "The princess will insist we give her the standard five minutes. Shrinking Violet has used a minute of that so far. Right?"
The others nickered in agreement as I made my way up to the fourth row of seats just as the blue stallion put down his clipboard at the front edge of his desk. I grabbed it with my teeth and slid it forward so it tumbled behind the desk beside me. I lightly kicked it so it slid three seats over and tumbled over the edge and down one more row.
Dirty Brown chuckled. "Your levitation getting a bit shaky there, Eye Dropper?"
I sensed a levitation spell probe out, but as an added bonus, since I was between him and the clipboard and the spell prevented him from looking at me, he couldn't grab the thing. He chuckled without amusement and trotted over to fetch it.
I stepped over the chair back and gingerly slid into his seat. His pen rested in the slot routed out of the wood... I looked to Curly Pink on my right and Dirty Brown on my left. They'd given me good marks in everything but history. No surprise there. Dirty Brown watched Eye Dropper's progress, so I scooped up Eye Dropper's pen with my lips and positioned it with my tongue between my teeth. I'd learned to write like an earth pony, and had done so until I was four. I could still print passably. I drew an A+ next to my practical score.
Eye Dropper levitated his clipboard before him and was at the start of the fifth row. I hurriedly put the pen down, but missed the pencil holder. It rolled.
I flinched out of the way, standing, but somehow not striking the desk.
Curly snickered. "I think gravity is your enemy, today." Though she unconsciously had to lean forward to see around me, she added, "I wonder where Starlight Glimmer went?"
"Two more minutes," the grey-furred stallion at the end said. He adjusted his bow tie as I gingerly stepped to the sixth row, brushing the dirty brown mare's mane with my tail in the process. She brushed it back in place as the grey stallion also straightened his green pinstripe jacket.
I stood there, heart beating rapidly, perspiring copiously, working to keep the numbers marshaled, renewing the slippery-eel of a spell, and trying not to grin so hard I lost it. Watching Dirty Brown readjust her nerd haircut gave me an idea. I leaned over and blew lightly into her ear.
Her ear flicked.
I waited a few beats and blew again, a bit harder.
"Eye Dropper!" she cried, ears down, chocolate brown eyes infuriated. She shoved her face into his space and he jerked.
He shook his head, startled, and looked into her glare. "What?"
"You--" She coughed and blushed slightly. "Never mind." Under her breath, I barely heard, "You're smelling horsey today."
Right. My spell didn't include a don't smell clause.
Curly spoke up. "I don't know about you, but this tactic of hers isn't working for me. Her scores are good, except where Her Majesty advised us, but this 'shrinking violet' routine is a bright red zero as far as I'm concerned. She's a first year taking third year coursework, and now she has the hubris to ask for advanced placement as a senior so she can attend university part time? Not on my watch."
I sat to her right, dripping-sweat splat-splatting on the maple desktop; thankfully nopony was looking there. As she spoke, she gestured with her pen suspended in her light pink magic. I followed the trajectory with my eyes, like a frog following a fly buzzing excitedly around a forgotten plate of honeyed fruit. I moved my head, trying to match its path, my mouth open. Not so easy a task when you've got a cloud of numbers spinning in your head, obscuring your vision--numbers from equations you absolutely had to keep balanced.
I was having fun.
Chomp.
I had to wrench it from her magic, causing the nib to stab my tongue, leaving a bitter taste of ink mixing with blood, but though she noticed immediately and she looked me in the eye, her face remained blank with surprise. She didn't see me, or the pen. I concentrated beyond the pain; this was nothing compared to my fight with Fellows with me on the catwalk.
She continued to look right through me. Her mind didn't even register that I stood between her and the loudly ticking wall clock. In a hideous whine, she turned to Eye Dropper and said, "I told you to stop with the practical jokes!"
"What? I did not! Did you see a magical aura, Clear Rah? Come on. You dropped it."
"Whatever," Dirty Brown said, exasperated. "That's five minutes. Let's fail her and go home."
I prepared a quick draw teleport spell, causing Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look to spin out of balance. I stood at the same time, pushing the desk I sat in aside so that it crashed loudly into the next one.
Around the pen still jammed in my mouth, I said, "I fink I fassed."
As Professor Clear Rah looked in horror, I spat her pen onto the desk, where it bounced and rolled to the edge and dropped to her hooves. They all stood with equal lack of grace, and looked as if they stared at an apparition. Clipboards scattered. Pens dropped to the ground.
"I think I passed." I stuck out my tongue to confirm that it was now colored blue. "And I certainly didn't request advanced placement. I was given no choice but to accept it. Of course, you could make my life easier and fail me, but what would the princess say?"
"Watch your tongue," the grey-furred proctor at the end warned.
I complied, sticking my tongue out again, looking at it. Keeping it out, I said with distorted words, "Is ink poisonous? Professor Clear Rah kind of stabbed me." I looked up.
My clowning got Dirty Brown over her shock faster than the rest. With a dawning smile, she said, "You were there the whole five minutes? One spell cast continuously for five minutes?"
Wasn't the sweat lathering me obvious?
I teleported behind her on the sixth row and said, "Yes," then immediately used a quick draw to teleport to the fourth row in front of her, just to make the point that I was the highest level unicorn in the room. I had to step forward because my second spell was off-target by a half step, a decent quick draw margin of error. I pointed with my nose. "Look at your clipboard. You've already given me an A+," She looked down and gasped as I amended, "Well, okay, I wrote it in for you, but I was pretty sure you would agree."
"Where did you learn that. What was it?"
"Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look. I got it from Arches Bald's Compendium of Neat Unusual Illusions. His recursive math gave me headaches, but I found one spell I thought might be practical so I stretched myself, rewrote his lame mnemonic poetry, and worked hard to master it..."
The interview lasted another hour. Yeah I passed, but it made me late for my job. Some kind of guard duty, I'd been advised. I trotted out the instant they gave me leave. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 16: Night Hauler | 5011 Camel Caravan turned out to be one of the roads terraced into the mountainside, in an area called the Canterlot Heights. You could tell by the gas lamplighter, dressed in a smart white jacket with black piping making his rounds in the dusk, that the neighborhood was actually a good part of town, which made me suspicious about whether "guard duty" might be some strange euphemism for something I would refuse to do, like kidnapping. The suburban vibe made me feel exposed and unwilling to change into Grimoire, lest Fellows had posted a description of me with the local constabularies.
My hooves echoed on well maintained even cobblestones as I entered a strip of old houses, painted in greens, blues, and yellows, and converted to businesses each with signs swinging on posts or displayed in front windows. A common lawn area had been paved with gravel to provide parking for wagons. A plebeian-groomed Streak flew from a doorway to a large deep carryall. It might have been used for carting ore had it had rail wheels instead of small cart wheels. It stood before a white-washed establishment with the right address. She hovered with a dozen paper-wrapped packages tied with string, and carefully deposited them in the wagon before looking my direction. Innocuously enough, she said, "Hi."
Plenty of other ponies trotted by; many were salaryponies in suits with loosened ties returning home, but I saw a mother pulling a fancy blue wagonette with young foals in baseball caps and blue and gold sports uniforms. Canterlot Heights was a nice neighborhood.
I approached and gazed into the wagon.
It contained few packages for its size, and a number of bales of leaves and sticks. I smelled something faintly like rosemary, maybe something like burnt cinnamon. A few crates lay pushed up in a corner, beside clay canisters in a wine carrier box, each labeled with names I didn't recognize. I did recognize some cut flowers wrapped with wet paper from my potions class: Hearts Desire. None of it looked illegal, though the hearts were particularly rare.
The sign in the window read, Prime Number, Herbalist.
Streak said to me, "I knew you'd be a pal and help out."
I stood blinking as an old pink mare with a white mane and very blue rheumy eyes walked out with vials of colored liquid. Extracts of some kind. She placed the basket containing them in the wagon and accepted a purse in return. She took out some glasses and checked the contents. "Exactly right to the last bronze bit, child. Next time the clinic needs supplies, be sure to tell me a week ahead so I can get everything you need."
"I will Miss Number."
She laughed. As she climbed the steps to her porch, I whispered to Streak, "What's this all about?"
Streak considered me with her indigo eyes. Her mane was brushed back such that the streaks blended. Without her jewelry, she looked maybe twenty and possibly respectable, though not quite middle-class. Streak answered loudly enough that the herbalist could hear from where she waved at us, "I asked for a favor, girl, and you're it. Go ahead. Hitch up."
My mouth dropped open. "What?"
"Hitch up. You're being paid for this. Besides which, have you ever seen a pegasus pulling a wagon down the street?"
I might have, but certainly not in Canterlot where there was a dearth of the feathered ponies. With my withers still tender, I didn't like the idea, but as I examined the half-barrel hitch, I saw plush padding and sewn felt that would prevent chaffing. I'd certainly pulled my share of wagons in the last three years; before that, ponies had pulled for me.
I nosed under it, and with Streak alternately flying above and trotting beside me, we took the meandering road down the mountain until it met up with Ponyville Way. We followed it through the diminishing business traffic and soon past ponies on their way for a night on the town. We continued all the way down to Cliffside, and when we turned onto the Strand, Streak directed me onto a dirt path into the Palisade Park, a green belt a number of miles long with scattered trees. It was ten yards to the fence that guarded the precipice. After five more minutes, we stopped at a section of the fence where the trees colluded to hide the street from view.
A cool breeze blew up from a half-mile below. Southeast, I could see the lights of Ponyville, and beside it a dark gulf which had to be the dense forest beside which the hamlet had been founded. Stars filled the sky and twinkled, magnificent with the lights of the city masked behind us. Meanwhile, Streak dug out a lantern with a large bobeche designed to be bitten to allow earth and pegasus ponies to carry it, hung it on a peg, and flicked her head. A match hissed into spitting flame. I smelled kerosene, sulfur, and soot. As she repositioned it by hovering over the wagon to an interior peg, I offered no assistance. There were certain things you didn't offer the other races unless asked, or unless you wanted to insult a pony.
"It's kind of romantic," I said drolly, "but that isn't why we're here?"
"No, Grimoire," she said, alighting in the wagon and digging something out. "Time ta change places."
"I thought you didn't pull!?"
"Ya believe everything I say? I guess you're dumber than you look. T'was for the herbalist's benefit. Boss'll probably use her again. Anyway. Switch out."
She fluttered down beside me with an elaborate pile of lustrous black gum straps, strengthened with twine, and matching traces. As I unharnessed myself, she brought out a large collar with a cushy, though sweat-stained, red fabric lining. With deft use of the frogs of her hooves and her teeth, she threaded the parts together with ingenious metal rings. She removed the harness on the wagon, stowing it, and attached her tack to the wagon poles. Soon she shrugged herself into the gear, which by stretching her neck, she wrapped around her loins, docking a loop under her tail. She cinched a girth under her forelegs that, when connected to the pulling collar, left her wings unencumbered. Even the eight livery stallions pulling metro buses wore less complex tack.
After she pulled the last lead tight with her teeth, she said, "Climb in."
I had been so fascinated by the process, I blinked at what seemed a non sequitur. With my forelegs over the railing, I stopped and said, "You know, I can walk beside you."
She had a delicate sweet laugh for a street punk. "No you can't. Get in. Time's a-wastin'."
I did and she immediately pulled, jerking the wagon so I had to squirm to fight for balance as she went to a trot and then to a canter. On the dirt, albeit straight, road, this caused the wagon with its tiny wheels to bump and sway precariously. I put my forelegs over the rail to steady myself, but my protest got stuck in my throat. And me with no teleport spell queued...
Streak galloped toward the fence, directly at Ponyville--five leagues distant and over a half-mile straight down. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 17: Night Flight | I think I screamed as Streak leaped the fence, throwing herself and the wagon into the air. Heart racing, frightened beyond speech, my terrified rabbit brain took control. Fortunately, I didn't remain spooked long. I neither peed myself nor bucked; I can't image how. A sudden sweat cooled me sufficiently in the on-rushing wind that I began to shiver.
Unaccountably, the wagon remained aloft as Streak flapped her magnificent wings of blue white-peppered feathers, flapping strenuously, cord-like muscles pulling grand downstrokes, literally reaching into the air and heaving us upward. Even fully extended, her wings were each barely a pony-length. Now, more than ever, I realized how ridiculously inadequate the pegasus physique really was. Even a rudimentary knowledge of physics provided enough to understand that you just could not scale up a sparrow to pony size without making its wings disproportionately larger to its body, and there was that bit that a pony tail couldn't function as a rudder. And, as she gained altitude, she continued galloping in the air.
My horn insisted on handing me the calculations about how truly long pegasi wings needed to be, and insisted that even if Streak's wings were that long, the wagon would have fallen and ripped itself free from her harness.
That manifestly had not happened. And, of course, Streak was laughing her ass off.
"You-- You-- punk!"
"Flattery will get you everywhere!" She snickered so hard, she snorted.
With my forelegs clamped tightly on the wagon rail, I pulled my eyes from Streak's athletic form to the world below. Princess Celestia had only just raised the moon; its wane light cast blue shadows across the landscape, emphasizing the roll of the land and making lone trees and farm buildings standout on the Ponyville plain. I quickly realized that the dozen star-bright dots spread along a line toward Ponyville moved, and if I squinted, I could make out ant-sized ponies pulling wagons. As I calmed down and my eyes adjusted more, I could see apple and orange orchards below, the rows making a repeating pattern almost like a vibration in a glass of water as we glided downward. I saw a patchwork quilt of other agriculture, as well as a quarry with tailing hills beside it. Waves on the various lakes sparked and glittered, as did the tributary flowing through Ponyville from its source at the Canterlot Cataract. It looked like stars fallen to earth huddling together.
"You're no longer a virgin."
Still collecting my wits, I blushed, and saw Streak smiling back at me. She held her wings rigidly outstretched with the feathers of her right wing up and her left wing down. "Flying," I responded as the realization dawned on me of how she ruddered. We banked in a gradual downward spiral.
"If ya say so." She faced forward. Speaking loudly so I could hear, she added, "Welcome to my world, Grimoire. This is the one thing that unicorns can't do."
"I know one that can."
She laughed. "Her Majesty is an alicorn, not a unicorn."
I meant Sunburst. My soulmate. My one-time best friend. "I had an-- acquaintance. I knew him when he got his cutie mark. I saw him self-levitate." The thought sucked the enthusiasm for flying right out of me. I suddenly felt the wind in my eyes drying them out and causing a faint annoying whistle from the forward rail as we flew.
"Not the same experience, I'll bet."
"I wouldn't know. He left me."
"Jilted. Always sad."
I looked over the rail, gazing at the great forest that ran west and south of Ponyville. The irregular height of the trees, and the gorge that ran through it heading south, lent it the visual texture of a swatch of blue velvet with a rip down the center. Beautiful. I suddenly missed the trees of the forest surrounding Grin Having. "I'm going to figure out that spell one day."
"I can always use a flying buddy. But, beware, I'm one of the strongest flyers around. Only the very strongest flyers can pull a rig like this. I'd be able to handle this tub with a load of iron ore."
Boasts much? "I didn't know pegasi could fly things other than what they carried on their body."
"How'd ya expect we get things up to Vanhoover or the nomad city?"
Cloudsdale, I presumed.
"--Hauling is the one thing I'm special at. I volunteer for these missions whenever I can get them."
I gasped. "Your cutie mark is a yoke!" A donut with ball-head spikes.
"Yah. I take it back, you're not so dumb--just a bit slow. Average for a unicorn. Anyway, a night flight is faster and safer than having an earth pony making the delivery. Less chance of running into a copperhead returning to Canterlot. Go ahead and change; I know you like to get into cos-- uniform before a job. I haven't spotted our contact, yet, so we've five minutes at least."
I put all fours on the bed of the wagon. Though "the rig" was as firm a platform as the ground, I felt unbalanced. I took out my supplies, which I sorted in the lamplight. I said, "Am I scaring some neigh-do-well or deadbeat? Hey, don't look!" I found her staring as I levitated my makeup compact, brush, and hairspray. Where had this convention of being embarrassed when somepony watched you get dressed come from anyway?
She displayed a contrite expression that nonetheless included a smile and the tip of her tongue sticking out. I looked into her eyes and realized she wore brass-rimmed goggles. I glared.
"Sorry! And no. I didn't lie about the guard duty. We meet in the Everfree Forest and it's full of monsters that'd be well happy to eat ya as see ya."
"Couldn't arrange a safer venue?"
"It's complicated. You'll see."
I became Grimoire on the outside, but didn't don the persona. Instead I watched the landscape wheel ever so closer below. When it finally grew monotonous, I looked at Streak, or more accurately at her withers and saddle area, where the strong muscles bunching there almost caused a hump where her wings connected to her torso. So unpony-like and mechanically amazing.
I knew that if Steak looked back, my stare would be a magnitude more rude than hers had been moments ago. Still, she didn't. I gasped when she fluttered a bit, gaining altitude and making a course correction. It wasn't her beauty, though I'd never look at her the same again, or the broken physics of pegasus flight.
No. I sensed a disturbance in the magic pulse, like a unicorn preparing a spell. But there wasn't an aura.
There wasn't an aura!
But there was magic. Logic dictated I was right. Reflexively, I cast the healing spell, modulating the Barthemule mathematics to project my aura into her spine. I had to refine the imaginary axis over and over--the tardiness of our Everfree contact helped in that--until I morphed the spell as if I were massaging her muscles. Perhaps because she ached and I suddenly sensed her fatigue and a buildup of lactic acid, or perhaps mere persistence, but my consciousness finally slipped into her.
A new red world of liquid, bone, and electrical impulse opened to my inner eye. I could taste lemon-sour fatigue and feel overtaxed fibers become angry and grimace in a meaty fashion. I smelled the scent of a lightning storm; saw a storm of pulses; blue flashing that ricochetted through channels that disappeared into the distance leagues away. So much moved! Sounds of rivers flowing and clay being roughly molded warred for my attention--blood pumping and joints moving, possibly.
But I saw more.
At first it was hard to detect: a glowing mist, but once I caught a glimpse, I could focus on it and see it flow like the tides from the Celestia Sea into Horseshoe Bay, forward, slow, back a bit, then forward again. Bioluminescent plankton acted like this: they lit as pressure waves glided through the water. Concentrating harder, I began to sense the particles that appeared, briefly danced and pirouetted, then vanished.
Numbers!
The mist was a magic aura: a tamed, terrifically complex rivulet of the magic pulse. Soon I saw the flaming digits themselves; I worked to decipher their pattern, seeking the equation that underlaid their generation. The skeleton of a spell. I could easily get lost.
Perhaps I already had.
I pulled back, trying to stabilize my consciousness by concentrating on the massage suggestion that had gained me entrance inside her in the first place. The angry fibers told me how to push out the build up of fluids. I did as instructed.
But it was already too late. Captured inside the sensual warmth and ebb and flow of Streak's body, I lost all sense of self and could do nothing as my world ceased to exist.
Nor did I want to. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 18: Pony of a Different Stripe | "Grimoire! Grimoire!"
Everything shook and my right temple bashed into something hard. The side of the wagon. I shook myself awake to hear her shriek my name again.
"Yes! Yes, I hear you."
"Fell asleep, Sweet Celestia! Lack of attention span, Grimoire? Anyway, good. Grab hold. The landing will be bumpy."
I reared and clipped my forelegs over the railing just in time to see us dip below the tree line and soar quickly above a grassy uneven meadow. The air howled around us. In the distance, I saw a lantern waved in a circle.
Streak ruddered rapidly, flapped, ruddered some more, causing us to sway and shimmy. Her feathers spread as she bled off our forward momentum.
Suddenly, it all made sense.
Wings were the horn of a pegasus. The internal structure, while inadequate for true flight, performed a queer, immensely complex variant of levitation. No. No-no-no. It tasted more like Teleport. Micro-teleportations, perhaps? It had to be. The magic flowed, instead of from Streak's brain, from a bundle of nerves on her spine, through her wings, and filled her feathers. A field of synchronicity spread out to everything attached to her body, its strength varying in proportion to the distance from her wings.
One spell. One awesome spell. Cast continuously. Performed mindbogglingly well.
I had memorized a sequence of the numbers. I might yet create Pegasus Simulation one day.
Her wings flared, becoming a huge blue feathered fan.
The wagon dropped to the ground with a thump and a shimmy that tried to rearrange everything in the wagon, and would have succeeded with me had I not held on. Nevertheless, she was good. Nothing spilt, slid, or broke. She trotted the wagon to a stop.
She kept her wings flared, though she flexed them a bit. "Well," she said, flapping a bit, "Nothing like a good flight. I haven't felt this good in days."
And I knew why. In-flight massage services.
Ahead, the lantern made a circle again, against the black line of the monolithic darkness of the Everfree Forest. I could not see who, or what, held the lantern.
"Get out," Streak said. "The ground's uneven and I'm going to have enough trouble pulling this the last half-mile."
I leaped out and landed on rocky soil, kicking away stones into the grass. Levitating the wagon, I said, "I can help with that."
"Don't. I know you're strong, but I would much rather you be ready to fight. I can pull."
I set it down gently and followed alongside her. I began prepping quick draw force spells. "What exactly are we fighting? Does the competition know what we're doing? Is it a raiding party?"
She grunted, rolling the right wheel over a large rock. "I wish. Last time a manticore stalked us until I dive bombed him with rocks. There's also basilisks, spiders the size of a plate, house-sized timber-wolves, and cragadiles. Ya seen it in Monstertopia? It's probably here. And that doesn't count plain creatures like puma or bear. You can see why I asked for you."
"I do," I said, shuddering. I felt my ears pivoting as I searched for what in this poor light I might not see.
Our steps thrashed loudly through the thigh-height wild barley. I lowered by head and ripped free a bite, then savored the nutty flavor as I watched the shadow ahead hang the glass globe lantern on an inverted crook staff. The form resolved into a pony shape, which further proved hard to decipher because the pony wore a dark brown full length cloak that even hid his, or her, tail. Coming closer, I could see a hint of glossiness: his hooves, since a mare's fur extended down to the base of her hoof and a stallion's didn't. But at a distance of few yards, I became less certain. He seemed awfully small for a stallion.
A voice inside the hood said, "Since there are not one but two of you this night, I first wish to determine your demeanor and your might." I could not place the accent. It didn't sound Equestrian.
"Stop," Streak hissed at me. Louder, "It's me, Lady of the Everfree forest. I have most everything ya requested last we met."
"You I can see, but heed my plea."
I whispered to Streak. "Does he always talk this way?"
"In rhyme, yes. It breaks my head to think how she does it." Whispered, "He's a she. Don't insult her." Louder: "Lady, my friend will approach you slowly."
I complied. As I craned my neck and strained my eyes to see the face within the hood, it occurred to me I had my hood up and a ribbon keeping it in place. I shrugged, released the ribbon, and let the hood drop as I took a step, then a second.
I saw a hint of muzzle. Totally black! Even a black beauty pony rarely had a black muzzle.
"All right raindrop, it's time to stop!"
I halted. She walked in a circle around me, keeping her distance. I could see into her hood and found the outlines of a face, painted white and black in stripes. As the light changed, I could see the form of her mane. It was spiked up in a mohawk and... dyed in white and black stripes, also. And another thing.
I sensed magic.
She had no horn, which jibbed with the sense of earth pony magic, or rather, potion magic--but something more, too. Like she had an invisible aura. What I knew for sure was she was likely armed with powders she could throw or vials she could crush at the first hint of attack, and something that might act as a ward, perhaps embedded in her cloak.
The Lady of Everfree stopped. The lantern light now entered her hood. Deep blue eyes regarded me. I saw an eyebrow go up before she said, "I sense a life of such great potential even the sun might find it consequential."
"Is that good?"
"Like the unknown seed, in the moment it is indeed."
The more I looked at her, the more I became certain she wasn't a pony. She reminded me of a breed that I read about in passing in the days after deciding that Sunburst had left me to go to another continent. South of the deserts to which he'd have traveled were rich savannas populated by... "You're a zebra."
The zebra laughed pronouncing the words, "Ha, ha." I guess that rhymed. She added, "By this we know a diva, for yes she can identify the zebra."
Streak said, "I didn't know."
"You didn't try to find out."
Her identity known, The Lady of Everfree used her mouth to remove her cloak and lay it across her back. Her mane, her face, and her body were white striped with black. She even had a weird spiral cutie mark that looked more like a hieroglyph than a symbol. None of it was makeup. Reaching for her staff, she first said, "Imagine me as the parade's drummer and follow me Miss Dumb and Dumber."
Streak quipped, "And I thought she was being nice to you."
Oddly, I understood. She'd said I had potential, but considered it wasted. I shook my head, but some inspiration made me say, "These words that you submit make me blue, but I must admit that they are true."
"Hey!" said Streak.
The Lady had the staff crosswise in her mouth, the lantern hanging to the left; she laughed around it. I took our lantern and hung it on a peg on the right of the wagon. We followed along a trail used often enough that it was almost a path. It had no ruts, so it wasn't a road per se. We left the moonlight behind.
Trees surrounded us. None grew straight. Most were bowed or bent, and quite a few looked gnarled, some like twisted wooden animals or ponies. Birds hooted in the night, and something went tick-tick-tick buzz. Every so often, something would skitter through the underbrush, but never showed itself. Here and there shrubs and vines strangled a trunk or filled in between the trees until we walked by a solid wall of thorns and leaves. At lesser intervals, burnt trunks made way for a pocket meadow, probably thanks to a lightning strike. We strode into the fourth one of these we encountered and there I spotted a light in the distance, which might have been a house--not a very well made house, considering it had windows at random heights.
The Lady tilted her head and planted her staff firmly in the ground. The beads at the end rattled against the lantern. She turned and pointed with a hoof at a field of blue flowers through which the path meandered. "Beware you pony folk, these blue flowers are not a joke."
Streak said, sotto voci, "Trust me, they aren't. Don't touch."
"Got it."
A few steps away, the zebra reached for a big bush of thorns and leaves with her mouth. I cringed, but she grabbed hold of a wooden lattice and pulled away a blind that hid a two-wheeled cart. Streak pulled up to it so she could glance inside. I didn't need to. I could tell by the smell; this was where Running Mead got the product he sold.
Over the next half hour, we sorted the packages between the vehicles until the two of them agreed it was a fair trade. The zebra actually had more product than we had herbs to trade for.
"What do you do with this stuff? You seem pretty isolated."
"I sometimes make a pill and work to cure an ill. When something happens quite tragic, I often mix up something that's magic. Sadly my life has a hitch; these Ponyville folk think me a witch."
"No accounting for some ponies. You're a doctor?"
"It might be clearer that spirits make me a healer."
I glanced over at Streak who had a pencil grasped in her lips and was checking off things on a pad of paper. I asked quietly, "Do you know what these herbs you gave us are for?"
"I am not amused that these substances are abused, but in my land these plants are not banned. We treasure their merit to commune with a spirit. Of this I don't confuse, in this matter you don't approve."
I nodded. "I don't sell product, but I understand a mare must do--"
"--what a mare must do," the zebra completed with a sigh what was for her a good-enough rhyme.
That instant, a roar sounded near the tree line at the edge of the clearing. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 19: Accounting for Wrong Decisions | The roar sounded hungry.
The predator-aware rabbit brain in the three of us took notice; Streak's pencil went flying into the blue leaves as the three of us jerked our head to peer in the same direction.
It took five heart beats before I picked out green-looking branch as thick as my leg. I cast Force, sending a bolt that boiled the sap where it struck the tree, exploding the branch with a bang. Before the splinters peppered the ground above where the severed branch landed, something enormous crashed through brittle brush and bounded away.
The zebra healer accompanied us down another path. Though longer, it ended in fallow fields not far from Ponyville Way. We picked our way through loose dirt to a flat, straight irrigation path.
It took ten yards for Streak to launch us into the air. I stood at the front of the wagon, the product in neat cereal box-sized bales shoved to the rear. I didn't want to be reeking of the fresh, incredibly fragrant weed.
With the wind in my face, as we crossed over the Everfree, I thought about the zebra's comments. Many ponies wasted their lives doing things they had to do, maybe searching for what they wanted do--or being denied it.
Flowing Waters had offered me the moon, and today I had proven to myself at least that I would eventually fulfill the requirements. I just had to gain my bearings, not become overwhelmed, and learn not to faint doing it.
Easy peasy, right?
But I had abandoned a life without want back home. Would a physician's life satisfy me? Perhaps a good question was why didn't my current life disgust me?
I had a sense that something was broken and somehow I was destined to fix it. Vague. Too vague to pin a living on.
"Say, Streak, if air hauling is your special talent, why is it that you're a punk working as an errand filly for Running Mead?"
She looked back briefly, saying breathlessly, "Spear me through the heart, why don't you!" She flapped and lunged through the air, carrying us over the Ponyville plain.
Once we landed in Palisade Park, and she had a few minutes to cool down, we found a previously hidden tarp to tie down over the load. As Streak packed her tack away and restored the simple hitch, she asked, "Why do you want to know?"
I shrugged into the harness she held up with the bridge of her nose. "Because I think I know why I made all the wrong decisions I made and ended up here. I was wondering if you knew yours."
"You'd make a bad diplomat."
"Maybe." We plodded along a secluded path until the Strand ended, then along a service path as we left the Cliffside district. We'd soon be in the Lower. It seemed logical that the constabulary wouldn't expect product to be shipped in from the better parts of the city, so I wasn't worried. I was just as glad I wasn't the only pony wearing a cloak on this rather cool night.
"Well," Streak started with a sigh. "I'm nowhere as educated as you are. For a pony from my background, there aren't many options. Cleaning, cooking, postal service. But I found I had this talent. Hitch me to a wagon and I can haul anything, even jumbo loads, long distances. Not many ponies are stronger than me. Unfortunately, they're mostly stallions and they keep it that way. It'd have been better if I didn't have the silly cutie mark; maybe then I'd be happy being a drudge."
I nodded and she continued.
"But I can't be happy, and the stallions in Vanhoover won't hire me. They say I'll ruin things. In the nomad city, a guild runs the air service and they refuse to admit me. I come from Vanhoover, they say, as if that were a reason. The only wrong decision I made is not finding a way to be patient. Ya need plenty of gold bits to buy a moving van, the cargo blankets, and gear to pack and unpack stuff you haul. I need enough gear to credibly take on jobs hauling goods between customers and clients, or furniture between old and new homes, and I need bits to pay stallions to hustle the crates. That's the difference between a few years and a decade, and I can already feel I'm losing my edge. I'm going to have to compete for business. I must be able to haul the most the fastest. Ten years from now, will I?"
I huffed. "You've got it together better than I do. I'm impressed."
"I've always thought you a snob, but coming from you, that's praise."
"You're welcome. For me, I've got plenty of avenues to follow, but I keep on taking detours. I've got an offer to become a physician."
"A doctor, really?"
"Or I could fall back and go into town government."
"Riiight." She quieted. "Well, maybe. But with a criminal background?"
"Somebody has to catch me first, remember. I could remain a thug, but I am beginning to think there's no future in that."
"But that's not it. None of it is your special talent."
The cutie mark. Of course, she'd say that to a blank flank. I took a deep breath as she directed me off the service path, across the sidewalk and onto a northbound avenue. "There's the whimsical choice. I'm telling everypony that my boyfriend left to become a soldier of fortune overseas."
"At, what, sixteen?"
"Eleven. He's like you. His gift is special."
"But more in demand."
"Something like that. These last three years have taught me combat magic short of being a front line soldier. I could become a soldier of fortune--"
"--and find him? Nah, we both know that won't happen. Doubtless he's found an exotic foreign mare with long legs and twirly eyelashes and has fallen madly in love. He jilted you, didn't he?"
"That he did."
"Good riddance. I hope you find your own dream soon."
"I hope one day soon you leave Canterlot and I never see you again."
"You too." She stopped and lifted a hoof. I reached over and clopped mine against hers.
We unloaded the wagon in a roll up garage, but as Streak was locking it up, Tailor appeared. He pointed to stairs that led to a second floor with a balcony and an apartment with a row of dark windows. I made note of the address and the street, and the placement of trash cans, lamp posts, and water plugs. I decided teleport spells were my best bet if anything were to go wrong.
Inside, lit only by the light of the street lamps coming through the open drapes, I saw a familiar silhouette on a shadowy sofa. Yellow magic levitated a squat glass with chunks of ice that clinked as he swirled it.
Streak said, "I'll just be leaving."
Running Mead said, "Please stay. This concerns the three of you."
I said, "But mostly me."
He said, "For one so young, you are perceptive. I first wanted to congratulate you on your last job. You eliminated the irritation quite spectacularly. I couldn't be more pleased."
Everypony in the room understood the euphemism well. Streak, standing beside me, turned and looked at me, perhaps reevaluating our earlier conversation. I studiously held a flat expression. I had left Detective Fellow unharmed but for a cut ear and bruised dignity, and with civilians entering the warehouse floor, and the police swarming around afterward, I doubted anything had happened to him. Whether for spotty news reporting, or intentional misinformation, Running Mead seemed to have a different idea of my last job's outcome. Since he didn't ask for a report, I decided it best not to correct him.
If he was waiting for a thank you to his complement, he was going to wait a long time.
He swirled his drink and sipped it. "Remember that comedian you paid a call on?"
"I thought my performance was top notch that night."
He put his drink down on a table. "And it was. Streak reported the whole thing."
She chuckled weakly. "I was positioned on the roof. Quite dramatic. Scared me, even."
Running Mead stood and paced in front of the sofa. After a few moments, he said, "The foal turned informant."
My whole body went cold, down to frogs of my hooves. I knew where he was headed and I didn't like it.
"I'm only effective at certain jobs."
"That means you failed with the comedian."
"You agreed sometimes it wouldn't work when you hired me, but it usually does. You wanted fewer incidents the constabulary might be interested in. I gave you that."
"But now the constabulary is interested. This time, you need to set an example for those who might think they can get away with unbecoming behavior toward their debt holders."
"There are certain things I won't do, Sir."
"Don't sir me. There's gold bits to be made this time. Plenty of them."
"I won't--"
"--dirty your hooves? Come on, Grimoire. There are certain things in life that if you do them once, they change you into something else. Your first stallion, for instance."
"Been there, done that."
He picked up the drink, swirling it. "It's the same when you eliminate a pony. You may as well learn and improve your skills."
"I-- No."
"'No' isn't an answer, Grimoire. You do understand you have no choice. You come from a town outside Horseshoe Bay? You're friends with Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia's protege. You were sighted leaving the Quill and Sofa Factory Outlet Store. Do I have to paint it out for you?"
"I won't do it."
He tapped the side of his head with his hoof. He suddenly slugged down his drink and set it on the table, causing the ice to circle within the glass. As he approached me, I smelled the whisky on his breath. "Well, I'm just going to have to convince you, aren't I...?" |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 20: Fright Night | It felt like one of those dreams where you become aware that you were dreaming and you feel like you've woken up. You get to make choices, talk, do things but realize you can't move and you have no control, and realize that you've woken up in another dream. You find yourself somewhere where you don't belong. And you recognize it's not where you want to be.
And then you see there's blood.
A smear went across two kitchen floor cabinets and across the face of the stove, making a downward arc to a shattered soup bowl. On the stove simmered a small stock pot filled with, from the smell of the garlic, probably marinara sauce with olives. I saw carrots, macaroni, and celery on a sideboard along with appliances and cutlery. The table in the bay window was set with one place-setting and a daffodil in a little vase. I looked out through sheer drapes to see the apartment building from which I had stalked the comedian Rye Bald. In the middle of the kitchen floor, on white and black checked linoleum, lay the heretofore mentioned pink stallion, with a black-dyed mane judging by its yellow roots, bruised and broken with his face growing puffy, his right foreleg bent the wrong way, and a bloody kick mark across his ribs. He lay there moaning and shivering, trying to cover his head with his hooves.
I looked at my hooves and could only conclude that the somepony who'd beat him was me.
The sleepwalking incidents all suddenly made sense. They weren't due to a backfired force spell or to the side effects of Flowing Water's cure. Running Mead had somehow twisted my will to his own. Sunset Shimmer had claimed that I'd acted inebriated, but I had been unreasonably successful in manipulating her to the point of getting into her bed--maybe even having had sex with her--to the moment just before getting her to try nettle-ewe, which, of course, because Sunset's drinking binges were well known, was a perfect strategy for Running Mead to find influence in Canterlot Castle. My first time "sleepwalking," my last memory of Running Mead was me refusing to sell product. Both previous times that I had woken up from the dream, I had woken at a key moment when I was about to violate my deepest principles.
Mind control. Magical mind control. One of the most illegal magics; short of raising the dead, a unicorn could do nothing worse. It was always a bad practice to read something into a pony's name when examining his cutie mark, but his was a mug spilling a foamy yellow liquid. The ability to metaphorically make a pony drunk and pliant and having a name like Running Mead were too much of a coincidence. Like I had with Grimoire, he had doubtlessly assumed the name. His special ability might even be a spell he'd learned to cast very well.
And here I stood, suddenly awakened, facing the ultimate decision point: the ruin of my life.
Tailor's voice said, "Stop toying with him. Put him out of his misery, already."
I jerked my head around, looking into the living room. I saw evidence of the damage I had caused last visit, but Rye Bald had put everything back in place, taped up the glass of the china cabinet, and put a cardboard patch where the mic stand had punctured the wall between the living room and kitchen. On the ugly avocado green carpet, in the doorway to the kitchen beside the sofa, Tailor stood near Streak. She peered over his shoulder, her wings flared to balance on the back of the sofa.
On impulse, I bellowed at them and screamed profanities. I had no doubt that up to just seconds ago, I had acted insane.
Their rabbit brain took over. Had you ever wondered whether ponies could jump backward? Well, they proved it. They did, Streak going as far as the door.
That gave me fifteen seconds or less to find the best solution. After that, intuition told me, everything got worse.
I glanced at the marinara. I had been in the living room; I knew what could be seen from there.
I knew I faced the greatest performance of my life. Two lives depended on it, mine most importantly.
I prepared Levitation. Meanwhile, I reared and crashed down on the floor. Then reared again, whinnying madly, but creeping further from the door.
The third time, I swept the counter with my tail, dumping a colander, knives, and glasses to the floor as I came down square on top of the comedian, my hooves to either side of his head.
I dragged him under the breakfast table and put the chair between us.
I reared again, another bellow already escaping my throat. I scattered utensils as I backpedaled into the view through the kitchen doorway. This gave me time to ready my force spell while moving things around the kitchen.
I lifted the stock pot and, as I rotated it toward me as if to spill the contents. I hit the silvery vessel with a green force bolt.
The pot, alas, rocketed through the glass window to the street below, but the viscous liquid inside cooperated perfectly. Suddenly super-heated, it exploded outward making a wet, hollow thud. I'd triggered my quick draw levitation spell as if to catch the liquid right before me and it did pretty much as I hoped. The boiling glob fanned around me, but didn't hit me.
Unfortunately, it wasn't marinara. It was probably minestrone, and it was more brown than red.
I grabbed soup-coated leaks and hurled them to the floor as a last touch, jumping back as I did, crying, "Well! Didn't know a force spell could explode somepony. Did you?"
I turned to Tailor and Streak, but they'd already spun away, gagging and staggering.
I followed them, blocking their view of the kitchen. "Well, you're not going to be any help! Go ahead, leave. I'll clean the mess up; I could use the anatomy lesson. Tell Running Mead it's done."
"Yeah, we will," they said, the door shutting rapidly behind them.
Everything would have been perfect, but for the stock pot and the window glass in the street at 3 AM. Nevertheless, looking through the window, I saw the pair dash from the building, never glancing in the wrong direction. I stuck my head out the window, waiting for them to rush around a corner, then levitated both the dented pot and the broken glass back up.
It was at this point that I realized Rye Bald had gone unconscious and that he was bleeding from a gash on his right shoulder. I found a jar into which to levitate the small puddle while I put magical pressure on the wound. Unconscious, he might bleed to death.
In any case, I wasn't going to leave him here, but looking at his face and side, I began to wonder if he might have a concussion or internal bleeding.
If he died, I became a murderer.
I could cauterize the five inch wound, or try healing him. I chose the latter because a burn scar was just one more thing I would have to ask him for forgiveness about, and to make this work, I would have to beg forgiveness.
I had to stop the bleeding. I substituted the mason jar and my knee to apply pressure in place of the levitation spell, pressing the rounded glass into the wound while pushing the healing magic behind it.
After a few fits and starts, my aura sunk through his skin.
How long I worked, I didn't know. I was too frightened to marvel at the scenery. I just asked for the instructions and forced the skin, sinew, and blood vessels to mend. Though I was certain I did a shoddy job, I found the skin sealed around the wound when I finished. The few other cuts had stopped bleeding on their own.
Of course, he might have internal bleeding. It might already be too late. What he needed was a real doctor.
But, if I dropped him off at a hospital, there would be questions. If I left him without being seen, he'd surely identify me. Running Mead would be furious, deadly furious.
But if he died?
I knew a doctor who wouldn't ask a lot of questions. I hoped.
I levitated the blood on the outside of the jar to the inside, then cleaned up the floor around and under him. In a moment of inspiration, I found a paring knife and coated the cutting edge before tossing it to the floor. A culinary accident might put the constabulary off the track. The jar went in my saddle bags.
I suspected Running Mead would trust his eye witnesses and take Rye Bald's disappearance from that perspective. Nothing would hit the newspapers; he'd take that as a cover-up of a botched constabulary operation.
Assuming Rye Bald didn't blow the whole thing wide open...
I'd deal with that later.
Meanwhile, I had to find him help while keeping him alive and out of the grasp of the constabulary. I gave the room and my clothes a quick going over, and swabbed up with ammoniated floor cleaner from underneath the sink.
I ended up lying atop the stallion and teleporting him a dozen times through empty streets and alleyways through a darkness made all the more concealing by clinging pre-dawn fog. That nopony, especially no-constable, noticed was a miracle in itself. I knew where I could find a wagon that wouldn't be reported stolen. I just had to make sure I could get to it.
I cast Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look as I slunk up the steps to the second floor apartment. Were Running Mead still here, he'd have had a guard outside. I peered through the window at the shadowy furniture, anyway.
I listened at the rollup garage for a minute, then worked a minimal force spell on the padlock until I cut through the loop and rotated it open. I dropped it in my saddlebags, then slowly rolled up the garage door, minimizing the hard to hide noise.
It was a relief to both find the wagon and to find it empty, though the unmistakable mediciny saccharine smell of nettle-ewe lingered. I levitated the stallion into the cart, on top of rags I scrounged, and took a minute to see if I could get him to drink a mug of water from the laundry sink. He drank until he began coughing, then lapsed unconscious again.
I took off my costume and fixed my hair into pigtails.
Soon after, I left the garage closed with the lock hanging in the hasp and pulled through the empty streets of Canterlot. An hour later, as the sky turned blue, then purple and orange, I was on the switchbacks down the mountainside. Thankfully, the brakes worked sufficiently that I didn't lose control. At the bottom, I checked Rye Bald and found signs of life. He was sweating now, and cool to the touch. I trotted onward through growing exhaustion.
Five leagues found me at the Kettle turn-off near Ponyville an hour after dawn. None of the early morning haulers paid attention to me, other than saying good morning. I pulled on down the farm road, past barns and by fields. I saw farm workers in the distance bent over vegetables, but if a lone pony pulling a wagon with oddly small wheels was remarkable, nopony showed it.
I recognized the irrigation path, and the ditch, and the trail that lead into the forest. I even saw our wagon ruts. I had to levitate it through the loose dirt section and was soon traveling deep into ever darkening forest. Soon I could not tell if it was night or day, except for occasional breaks in the canopy where sun would shine down like a spotlight on a stage.
Once, I heard something creeping along side, keeping pace. I shot a force bolt that direction and heard nothing more. The comedian, if anything, seemed less responsive and I found myself shaking. Eventually, I came to the clearing with the blue leaves that I could only assume secreted a contact poison.
I solved the problem of traversing it by putting on Grimoire's horseshoes and using the discarded lattices that the zebra had protected her cart with. I put a section down crushing the leaves below it, pulled the wagon that distance, put another section down, pulled further, retrieved the first section and put it ahead of me, pulled, and so on.
I soon found myself at a wide-boule tree that had been hollowed out to make a living home. Gourds and drying herbs hung by ropes from the branches. Some dappled sun occasionally made it through the canopy to play lights on the few windows.
I hesitated to knock on the door, stopping with my hoof an inch away. For some reason, I was certain the zebra wouldn't be home, that all this had been folly. My life had been a folly.
If Rye Bald died, I'd be his murderer.
I should have taken him to the hospital, played it safe, gambled for a lesser ruin!
What have I done? |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 21: The Curious Cure | I never did knock. After about a minute, the zebra healer opened the wide round door. She peered silently at me and at the cart with an expression of how did you get here, and, besides-which, who are you?
I levitated the comedian out, maintaining him lying down. I looked from the beat-up stallion back to the zebra and said, "I need a healer really badly."
Deep blue eyes looked at me like they had just seen me. She nodded, wordlessly pointing inside her home with a black hoof.
Tears streaming down my cheeks, wobbling with the last of my energy, I followed her inside to find an unexpectedly small room that looked more like a pantry kitchen than a living space. As directed, I placed Rye Bald down on a table shoved against the wall. While she examined him, I looked around.
A cauldron filled the center area, on a hearth filled with charcoal with an ingenious shuttered flue that opened to a hollowed out branch that worked as a chimney. Clay pots of orange, red, and purple were stacked many deep on shelves. Bales of herbs were wrapped in tight packages of waxed and oiled papers; some hung from the ceiling. The smell was somewhere between a spice pantry and a chemistry lab. Pointy ovoid stylized masks as tall as a pony, some smiling some leering, were propped in a corner. A lumpy hoof-sewn mattress filled another corner between a roughly carved dresser and an unusually spotted, but otherwise empty, wall opposite the door.
I stiffened when I realized the wall moved.
Attention riveted, my tears drying, I stepped closer and realized the wall moved because beetles swarmed on it--black ones, with a shiny green tinge that shimmered in the potion light from a half-dozen small potion lanterns. I could hear a click-click as the insects moved, climbing over one another, gnawing at the wood with pincer-like mandibles. They tore off tiny splinters, and upon eating their fill, would clamber toward a tiny mouse hole at the bottom of the wall. The silver-barked sticks that had been tied in a bunch in Streak's wagon were attached by pegs at the margins of the wall, the ceiling, and the floor. The sticks corralled the zebra's excavators and kept them at work extending her abode according to her design.
"I am sorry I must be curt; but quick please, how was he hurt?"
I faced her, feeling cold and guilty. I took a deep breath and said, "Beat up. Kicked. I don't know exactly. I-- I did it, but I wasn't really there."
"I ask for a reason noisome, need I treat him for a poison? And chilly filly, the missing you is plain to see for queer magic swirls around you in an odd degree."
Magic. I was under an enchantment still? Rye Bald, first. "No poison. Even sleepwalking, I'd only know how to fight. Not only wouldn't I know how to use poison, why would I use earth pony magic when my magic is far more potent?"
She nodded and pointed at the pink pony who sweated and lay, wheezing, eyes shut, not moving. She pointed at his shoulder. "And this, to me, is something amiss."
The gash. "I healed him." But unlike my work on my withers, this looked ragged, red, and scabbed. Sure, scar tissue had filled and stopped the bleeding, but in comparison, it appeared the work of an amateur. "It was all I could do at the time."
She nodded again and grabbed an orange clay flask. She walked to a tea kettle beside the caldron. She poured steaming tea into two wooden cups on a basket plate, then with a dexterity of an earth pony sure to marvel any unicorn, she nosed the flask on to the plate, and the plate onto her muzzle and forehead, and carried it all to our table, sliding them before me without spilling a drop. A strong astringent herbal tea struck my nasal passages, together with the scent of honey. She sat, raising her cup between her hooves for a sip. "All of this down you must drink, for in the next hour must able you be to think."
She looked at the pony's scar. She then looked at the scar on my withers.
Related to Dr. Flowing Water, are we? In spirit at least. "You want me to use my magic?"
"An idea so stark it misses the mark?"
I pursed my lips, but neither nodded nor shook my head.
She reached for the pony, lifting his eyelid, revealing an unfocused magenta eye. He didn't respond. I began to shake ever so slightly as she tapped the air around his head without actually touching him. The puffy swelling on the left side meant I'd probably boxed him with my hooves. A kick would've outright killed him. It had to be something with his brain. "I'm no doctor."
The zebra said, "A healer heals best when her knowledge she can trust, but with a life on balance a mare must do what a mare--must."
I decided I needed to be careful about what I said around Zecora as she popped the lid off the canister and shook some leaves into my tea. I recognized the mediciny saccharine scent of nettle-ewe.
She caught my expression and said, "At poor Zecora you need not glower; using this herb once does not abuse its power."
"Call me Starlight Glimmer. That's Rye Bald."
"Of this Grimoire you wore like a mask, I am glad that we in the light of the sun now bask." With a sigh, she drank her tea in a gulp and gathered herbs and vials. My tea was too hot to gulp, or perhaps the idea of the drug scared me. And her mention of poisons. But if she was certain I could help, and since my top concern was assuring that my assault didn't lead to Rye Bald's death, I drank the sweet, lemony, metallic-tasting drink.
I watched with growing fascination as Zecora mixed ingredients and chanted in continuous rhyme. In minutes, she created mustard poultices and odd salts drawn out of leaves. I could see magic swirling around her hooves and knew it wasn't all potion magic. It didn't involve numbers, per se, but it did involve magic being pulled out through her hooves; she was manifestly not manipulating magic summoned by chemistry or the rules of contagion and sympathy. After minutes, I could almost grasp how she physically manipulated the magic pulse by using the motion of her body.
It was the nettle-ewe talking.
I sat back, sipping the last drop of the tea so unconsciously that I was surprised to find myself holding the cup in my magic. All my fatigue had disappeared, replaced with an uncanny clarity. On a whim, I ran a Barthemule transform on a weak levitation spell, watching Zecora's tiny room swarm with a flock of burning numbers, circling and diving and combining, a galaxy of computation all in my head. First the omega and then color-charm corollary. And if that worked...
When the spell triggered on its own, I saw I had to finish by adding a two-foot delta to the sum to prevent a time paradox because suddenly I was floating midair, in a spherical green aura of force just big enough to reach from the tip of my horn to the tips of my hooves. It held me completely aloft.
After two heart-beats, enough for Zecora to glance my way and raise an eyebrow, it popped.
I blurted, "But pegasi micro-teleport!" What had I done? What had the drug done to me? Oh, no--
This was why it was so addictive!
"Starlight Glimmer!" Someone shook my head; hooves held my cheeks. "Starlight Glimmer, come back and shimmer. Now you must focus; we need your hocus-pocus."
I lived in a new type of starry dream world, one surrounded by potentialities that showed that the magic pulse would do my bidding if only I chose what to command it to do. I felt incredibly focused and horribly distracted at the same time. Invincible and impotent. A paradox of understanding.
Zecora waved the purple crystals in front of my nose. A scent of rancid turpentine went up my nose and struck me knife-sharp, clearing my head of everything, clearing away the noisy numbers and the chattering voice of worry in my head. In that instant, I existed, silent.
Zecora's rhyming voice filled the background, but didn't reach my consciousness. I knew what she wanted and she drew me physically forward. Without real thought, I scrambled onto the table, smelling the sweat and dried blood and bile sickness of the unconscious stallion. I let intuition work as I regarded the bruises and contusions around his head. I dimly became aware of a thick nimbus of numbers whirling about me, but muted and marshaled and working more efficiently and reflexively than ever before.
Zecora waved more salts by my nose, emerald green ones this time. The herbal concoctions, except for the poultice, were all to guide me and to control me, to calm my mind--to allow a mare to do what this mare had to do.
I touched my horn to Rye Bald's temple and found myself floating in the midst of a lightning storm. Electricity sizzled and spat from every little cloud, lighting the region with a blue and white strobing glare while filling my senses with ozone and thunder. In this uncanny space, rain surged not so much in raindrops but as an almost-ocean of air droplets, foamy but transparent. In it, I sensed a growing wrongness--a taste of mineral sharpness in what the environment told me ought to be wet purity. And when I looked for it, I changed place to find a wall of what at first seemed like intrusive columnar granite, but proved to taste more like marble. It had to be bone, but it looked so crystalline to my eyes that I wasn't sure if I was thinking in metaphor or magic. I saw the cracks. I could see the storm pushing at the rock face and realized the bone thrust into this space did not belong. It grounded and dissipated the electricity of the gray clouds, and the pressure was building between the the element of water and the element of earth, making the ocean thicker, darker, and cold.
I asked the marble what was wrong. Where did it belong?
It told me. I told it that it had to return, and with my constant, consistent voice telling it to do so, so it did, pulling from my magic and making it its own--reconstituting, repairing, retreating. And as I babbled on, the storm strengthened in all its blue-white glory, and the rain became a proper sweet salty mix, warming gradually until... #
I woke, opening my eyes. I was laying on Zecora's red-ticking mattress. My drool wet the cloth in a rivulet that stretched to a puckered seam that demonstrated the zebra wasn't much of a seamstress. Two sensations struck me hard that instant: the first, the need to pee, the second, with a choke, that I was going to vomit.
A wooden pail shoved unceremoniously under my muzzle at the right instant solved the latter splendidly. The wood bottom made a resounding thunk. The sounds I made only left me more nauseated. I threw up the last two days of food, by the volume of it, and possibly some of my liver. The instant I could get my trembling hooves under me, I shot out the door with Zecora's assistance and found relief by lantern light. It had to be the next evening. I heard birds and weird chittering sounds, and saw no light other than wane shadows of surrounding trees by the flickering kerosene light. I was surprised my bladder could hold that much. Like a racehorse, so the old saw went.
When I returned inside, shaky on my hooves, my head literally thumping as if it were about to explode, I found Rye Bald awake, covered in blankets beside the glowing coals of the hearth below the cauldron, smelling of wood smoke. I could hear him laughing, a horsey sounding noise, emanating mostly as puffs of air from his nose. He looked shrunken into himself, but had a cup of tea clamped between his front hooves. I had healed his leg, too.
I gathered he would survive.
I stopped and stared, trying to compose myself. I had to say something, but guilt left me tongue-tied.
Perhaps because his voice wouldn't work, he said in a whisper, "You don't have to apologize. Zecora explained that you were under an evil enchantment. She also explained that you saved my life, that if you had taken me to a hospital in Canterlot, I likely would have died."
I looked to Zecora. The lantern hooted as she blew it out, wafting the smell of kerosene and soot my direction. By the potion light, her eyes glittered as she nodded gravely.
"But I beat you."
"No. A monster beat me."
"Had I not pursued such a hateful life, I would not have become the pony that had been manipulated to hurt you."
"Had I not decided that telling a joke was more important than earning a living, I might not have racked up a debt that put you in a position to be used and abused. I know I'll have nightmares about this." He shuddered, "But I'm not completely stupid either. There is plenty of fault to share but plenty else not to share."
I lay on the floor and Zecora brought me a tea, too. "For what it's worth, I want to help ponies, to protect them. I don't want to hurt them. And that's what I told--"
"Running Mead?"
"--Running Mead, yes, before he did what he did to me. I consider myself more of an actor than an enforcer. You saw my act. I scare ponies into paying up, basically. Didn't work on you, though." I sipped simple honeyed chamomile. It helped the headache.
He adjusted the blankets. I could see plasters adhered to his side and a pink crust on the left side of his face. "Maybe we haven't chosen the best professions. Perhaps I should go back to being an accountant."
"I've got an offer to become a physician."
He smiled, a ragged thing that didn't quite reach the right side of his face. He probably had a lot more healing to do. He said, "From what I've been told, that might be a good choice."
But, did I like it? And if it required drugs to be good at it? Without them, getting lost inside somepony or being able to do little more than first aid would not qualify me to be a nurse, let alone a doctor, or to become the princess' doctor--not that a criminal would ever be allowed that close. I sighed.
The next day, we worked out that he would take a train from Ponyville to Manehatten as soon as he had recovered. If Running Mead had an inkling he was alive, we'd both be in trouble. I facilitated his relocation by finding a purse filled with twenty gold bits in my saddle bags. At least sleepwalker-me had extracted a hard bargain, and had collected payment first. I gave him fifteen. Though he was understandably reluctant to say how I could find him should I need to prove my relative innocence at some point, I did get him to agree to post me the address of someone in Ponyville that would know how to contact him.
The next day, I stood outside in the dim dappled sunshine, a meal in my belly, my hair up in pigtails, and my saddlebags strapped on securely. I looked at the Everfree and thought of its dangerous denizens. "How is it," I asked, "that you live here safely without weapons or battle magic?"
"As an equine you see I am no phony, but as the forest is concerned I'm no pony."
"The creatures of the Everfree don't like ponies?"
"Give them their due and consider it true: Near a thousand years ago I've heard from the spirits in verse, the two reigning ponies destroyed harmony--and grew this elemental curse."
I blinked at her. Reigning? And now there was one? "The princess?" She was certainly old, but that old?
"You are surely keen; all is proven, in a castle's ruin, I have fully seen."
If I had time, I was going to have to do some research. But I also had to get to school. I had appointments with councilors, a class schedule to rearrange, and I was supposed to have started yesterday.
And I had a problem to solve. If there was one thing that I wasn't going to do, it was get close to Running Mead ever again. My profession as an enforcer was over. Worse, I lived in Running Mead's territory, which was why I'd given Rye Bald Sunset Shimmer's address, not my own. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 22: House Rules | Sunset Shimmer found me in the administration office, getting a photo identification card for advanced placement at the university. I turned when I heard someone humming a tune and saw her walk by the office door. She saw me, too, for she popped her head in. Her unaccountably cheerful person soon trotted inside. I looked away, but knew the yellow pony with fiery hair stood behind me. The councilor noticed Princess Celestia's protege and stood straighter and carefully explained which professor I needed to find tomorrow in which building on the campus, as if she were being tested.
As I walked out, putting my card in my saddlebags, Sunset Shimmer said, "You're supposed to smile when they take a photo."
"I've had little to smile about recently."
"Acing the exam Celestia gives her prospective proteges?"
Exaggerate much, do we? "I pretty much failed the history part."
"Piffle. A good tutor will fix that."
Not her, of course.
"I heard what you did. Not anywhere of the caliber of magical conjuring I did--"
"--or the runt--"
"--but your performance was commanding," she emphasized. As we clopped down the stairs to the main exit, she added, "And the runt's performance was purely pathetic. I watched from an observation balcony. She had no control! It was lucky she didn't explode! Almost killed me. She's lucky Celestia prevented anyone from prosecuting her for the damage she caused. The exchequer covered all of the repair costs both public and private."
"Don't sound so happy that she might have exploded!" I chuckled.
"Yeah, I wouldn't want that even for the runt. But-- But my performance is now improving with the tutoring you gave me. Soon Celestia will notice."
I stopped just as we reached the door exiting into the quad. Other students grumbled, having to walk around us to go through the doorway. Nopony, except perhaps me, was stupid enough to say anything to Sunset Shimmer. "You don't seem like the type who would wait to be noticed."
"Celestia has been working with the runt a lot recently."
"Well, go to the princess. Show her your tricks. Ask for help."
"I dunno. There's assignments and..."
I rolled my eyes and trotted out. It took until I stopped at the boulevard that a contrite Sunset Shimmer caught up. I liked my little flat with its simple bed and two windows, but, manifestly, I could not go home.
Sunset Shimmer asked, "Okay; what's wrong?" She looked at the restaurant that I did, with its gaudy red and yellow plastic decor.
Across the street down the block was the Hey Burger!; my stomach growled. I would be earning no more money, and I had no place to live. In a short time, perhaps longer if I were frugal, I would be grazing in the parks. I might get away with sleeping in the university library stacks, but eventually it would be in an alley, under an overhang, trying not to be soaked by an evening rain. I said, "Remember that roommate situation you were telling me about for one gold and ten silver? I need it."
The mare walked around me, stepping in the gutter so her green eyes could look inquiringly into mine. She stepped aside, checking my flank to assure herself it was still blank, then probably would have checked my temperature had she a thermometer available. "Nonsense," she said. "And the Hey Burger! it is, my treat."
"You don't have to do that."
"I do."
She said nothing, even as we sat at a plastic yellow table with red plastic bench seats. The waitress wore a green outfit with a funny field-hat that looked like two pieces of green cloth standing up with green lace connecting the two sides. It covered her mane. After she took our order and trotted away, I said, "It's not nonsense. I-- I lost my apartment."
"And your job. It's written all over your face. You don't want to return to the Lower, either. Can you afford a place in Canterlot? No."
I felt my appetite waning. Which was ridiculous. I needed to eat up so I wouldn't go hungry later. "You're not helping."
"What?" she said in mock outrage. The miracles of fast food and unicorns able to heat meals with force spells meant that the waitress trotted back with two steaming sesame seed bun sandwiches, a hay stack of fried alfalfa, and an orange soda for me and a small cider glass for her with brown-amber liquid and a foamy head that creeped over and slid down the side. She saw my eyes and said, "Non-alcoholic."
I blinked. I was going to ask what was wrong with her when she said, "I am helping. I said 'nonsense' because that's what you finding a place to live is. Don't be a silly filly. You can stay with me."
Reflexively, I said, "No."
"Really? How much money do you have left? Do you really want to work at Hey Burger! grilling or serving burgers while trying to keep up AP and university coursework, especially with the princess likely to look in on you at any point? The gigs or whatever you did before certainly pay better than what you're going to get cooking, cleaning, or selling dresses. And don't give me horse apples about living on the street again. We are both way beyond those horse apples. Eat."
I did. The sandwich dripped with cheese and ketchup. The alfalfa and oatmeal had been mixed into a perfectly spiced ground patty and smothered with warmed-up mustard, pickle-relish, basil, and grilled onions. It was grass-eater heaven. For a few minutes I didn't think about her offer until she said, "And I won't charge rent. But there is only one bed, you know."
"Ugh!" I put the sandwich down and shook my head.
However, Sunset Shimmer was if nothing else persistent in getting what she wanted. Eventually, I agreed--certain it would not end well.
That night, she gave the functional tour of her ivory tower. Everything from the glassware in the basement laboratory to the reflector telescope in the attic observatory. She spoke in full teaching assistant mode, assigning me desk space, shelf space, closet space, garden space (the pots on the third level), laboratory table and fume hood space, pantry space, and kitchen space--not that it looked like the pristine salt and pepper, brass accented space had ever been used. "The Oat Bran O's are mine!" She showed me how to use the plumbing and the heating, and how to refresh the lantern system that in full use mode could make most every surface of the blue and gold accented marble residence glow softly.
At least she let me choose my side of the enormous bed. That would be the right.
Frankly, for a sixteen year-old who had fought in the Hooflyn gang wars and seen too much of the violent underbelly of Equestria, I was unaccountably petrified of going to sleep that night. I could protect myself, I had no doubt. But this being vulnerable thing, that just didn't work for me.
I had no idea what Sunset Shimmer had in mind, or why she didn't just order in another bed, but it was her house and it was her rules.
I was the beggar.
After a fabulous shower, I took my side and snugged in under satin sheets far finer than any I'd had as a foal. She did the same, but left on a lamp to read. I didn't think I would sleep a minute, unsure what she would do, and my heart racing anytime she moved or readjusted her position. But the sheets were airy and the mattress cushy. The slight breeze from the open balcony blew clean air over my nose, some times tickling, and brought no real sound as it faced the precipice.
Perhaps it was the five league trot up from Zecora's, or the two climbing the switchback Ponyville Way Incline to the city itself, or the day arranging school matters unsure of my situation. I did sleep, and soundly.
And woke with dawn rays filtering through lace draperies with a cool breeze that brought the sounds of twittering birds. My bed mate had not molested me. Perhaps she had heard me when I said I preferred stallions. That, however, did not prevent her from snugging up to me in her sleep.
I grew aware of warmth against my back. I commended myself for not flinging myself from the bed like a crazy pony, but instead I lifted my head and looked back. She lay there, sheets kicked off by one of us, her golden velvet back against my lavender pink making us a pair of Cs. Her usually poofy hair matted against her face and spread out in night-sweat glued-together curly ropes of yellow and red across her pillow. She snored almost imperceptibly and somewhat daintily for such a large mare.
As I shimmied a bit to break contact, she began to shiver. Even after I gently levitated the sheets over us, it continued. She twitched. After a few minutes, I heard the faintest moan.
I lay my head on the pillow and felt bad. I shimmied back, made contact. In a minute she quieted and fell more deeply asleep.
And so it proved: over the next nights, despite being bombastic and imperious during the day, though decorous around me, she made no advances. But every time I awoke, whether I had staked out the middle ground or had drifted so my hooves hung over the edge, there I'd find Sunset Shimmer, her rear and and withers snugged to mine. I wouldn't call it snuggling, and it manifestly was not. But it seemed like--felt like--wanting to be leaned against, to find contact, to not be so terribly alone.
In this, I became aware, we were alike.
The both of us were abandoned. Her by a heartless mother when old enough to be weaned but young enough to have known no adults, an orphanage, nor foster parents. Never cared for. Never held. Me, I didn't remember my parents, though I certainly had to have been held.
I'd been the accidental git of a pair of ponies that by themselves were talented business sorts, but who'd together become cheerful bumbling foals. They'd married after my arrival and during the subsequent journey evolved into a team that would become "Heroes of Equestria" before I was four. That left me old enough to know I had parents, to have photographs of myself with them, to remember grieving them--but way too young to remember their voices or their love. A butler raised me--no father figure, just a proper stallion--along with a governess he hired who provided lessons but shied away from love. He'd told me once that servants must always provide impeccable service, and with a butler named Proper Step you can guess it was perfect to the point of being mechanical and cold, but I understood deeply that a foal needed more. Much more. It drove me deeply into my books. And with my friendship with Sunburst, somepony temporarily filled the void.
But Sunburst had abandoned me, too.
Sunset Shimmer and I had the same issues; we felt isolated. Contact could fix that, and I grew certain that she would ask no more than I could give. But on the fifth day, I rolled over. In the dawn, I extended my left legs gently over her and bent my right ones under me such that they wouldn't get in the way. Oddly enough, it played into my need to protect and the new warmth against my stomach lulled me rapidly to sleep.
Neither of us complained. We each slept well.
I wondered if this was what being a sister meant, caring for one another, being just a little bit more without having to ask. My parents had been killed before they could give me a little sister, which might have prevented me from changing my life as radically as I had.
A sister I could deal with, for now, anyway.
She wasn't a friend, though. I knew the signs well enough that if I went there, disaster would strike. For now, like this, life became pleasant.
She had a cutie mark, though. Disaster was likely, if not inevitable. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 23: Likely, Meet Inevitable | I enjoyed a good two weeks of camaraderie until the blemishes became apparent. Sunset Shimmer had deigned to teach me spell canceling (finally).
Why? She admitted she had learned enough of how I conceptualized magic that she thought we could conceivably speak a common language.
Her technique involved feeding the spell the right wrong numbers--her term, not mine--until the spell became incapable of working. For her, she took the shape she visualized the spell as and pulled it inside out. Since spell casting was about accuracy and marshaling the numbers, how could numbers do anything but change range or targeting? I sensed she had an idea about transforming the equations, but that didn't feel right, either.
Then I had the bright idea of having her demonstrate spell canceling on me so I could see what she meant, using my most studied spell: Force.
"I'm not good at that one."
I said, "Oh, come on. I know you have problems with Force, but you're not trying to cast it; you're trying to cancel it."
Her inability to cast Force showed there was a fundamental difference between her and I, but after verbal cajoling, I got her to agree to do so anyway.
We were outside the school, on the quad, under the shade of a tree on a hot afternoon. We planted ourselves facing off as if in a magic duel, though way too close. I opened myself up, clearing my horn of any calculations, listening and observing, trying to monitor her magic as it formed, bloomed, and intentionally decayed.
That was the plan, anyway.
I watched the pulsating green shimmer of her aura light up at half a pony-length away. I could see the numbers circulating in the magical apparition encasing her horn, coalescing, becoming something. For a moment, I thought perhaps that was the point. I sensed the patterns of a field of force slowly distorting and collapsing even as Sunset was grunting with effort, perhaps too loudly because other ponies started watching. I leaned forward, trying to get the gist of it--
--when she fired a bolt at point blank range.
The physical shockwave lifted my forequarters as if I were rearing. I collapsed backwards, hooves up, laughing and soon crying at the same time, feeling as if tickled by a dozen feathers at every sensitive spot. I gasped for air and could barely breathe and worried I might pass out. I'd let her shoot me twice now, and, frankly, was relieved she hadn't figured out her problem with Force. She groaned and grunted, and in my peripheral vision I could see her fighting to stop the continuous green auroral discharge almost as if it were me drawing the flood of magic out of her.
But that wasn't it; it was fear.
She fought fear.
"Oh, Brandywine," she moaned as she rolled to her side, smashing herself forcefully to the dirt, and then, and only then, did it stop.
Combat reflex rolled me over, even as I took in great lungfuls of precious air. My former third-year potions instructor was galloping over, his black suit tails flapping. I thrust myself back up on all fours.
"She meant to do that! She just got a bit stuck. No harm done!"
"Shimmer!" The pallid, faintly pink stallion with a long silky black mane said quietly with a faint sneer. He appraised Sunset Shimmer through narrowed eyes.
She rolled onto her stomach, dirty with bits of grass in her mane. "I lost control. Starlight was just tutoring me and I lost control."
I nodded.
She nodded, though I couldn't read her expression.
"The princess' tutelage isn't enough? Pity."
Her expression remained neutral enough, and I kept mine earnest enough, that the teacher accepted it and trotted off, obviously barely convinced that Sunset Shimmer hadn't just tortured another student or that he hadn't just witnessed a duel. He looked annoyed that he hadn't caught her doing something he could report.
I suddenly understood, though. I'd forced her to cast the one spell she'd never get right and had publicly humiliated her. "I am dreadfully sorry!"
"It's not working any more," she said to the ground, hanging her head. Her mane covered her face like a limp yellow and red veil. "It was supposed to help me control thoughts of my past, but it didn't. Now I remember. I need a beer. And I'm going to have a beer." She stood, levitated the soil and bits of grass in her hair, and dashed the mess to the ground before stalking off.
Sunset Shimmer hadn't shouted at me.
Or blamed me.
She'd admitted to a teacher she'd failed.
And lied to deflect the blame from me!
She was ill. Celestia on roller-skates! It had to be my fault.
She got roaring drunk, which meant mopey and talkative and wobbly on her hooves. And when I got her to bed, she wouldn't lay still. She just wanted to talk and talk and talk.
Mostly, this meant complaining about her and Princess Celestia's relationship, or lack of it, or the runt getting all the attention and Sunset Shimmer getting none. After awhile, I levitated a text book over and tried to study, tuning her out, giving appropriate responses at the right moment, ignoring how after awhile she lay and shoved herself side to side, next to me. I let her have whatever made her feel better.
I could tell she felt very frightened. She expected to lose her position as Princess Celestia's student and felt powerless to do anything about it.
After an hour of her nattering on, repeating herself endlessly, I began to have enough of it. If she would only act instead of waiting to be noticed...
Ugh!
I closed the book and concentrated on the healing mathematics that had let me slip into Streak by gently offering to massage her back. It took a few minutes, but I soon sensed the great knots and aches all over her body. As subtly as I could, I set up the feedback loops and offered her tired muscles solace. Maybe it was her intoxication, but her muscles let my ministrations in. I kept it light, minimized the effort I needed to exert, and I kept focused on her voice, not letting my consciousness slip in any further than necessary.
I focused on her breathing through my contact against her ribs.
I focused on the slickness of the satin sheets, the stark white of the walls, and the moon through the balcony doors.
She calmed in stages. First she kept forgetting the point she wanted to make. Then she lay her head on her forelegs, mumbling. Then I heard the soft wheezing that meant she had slipped into slumber. I opened my book, having gotten into the groove of renewing the spell as it started to unravel, continuing the massage while reading.
When she gave a great big sigh in her dream, I looked at her and smiled. #
Two days later I learned what Sunset Shimmer's "it" that "wasn't working" was; I didn't smile.
Nettle-ewe.
Somehow--and I fervently hoped it was from one of Running Mead's competitors--she had gotten a supply of the weed. Credit her for having decided to smoke it in the fume hood of her downstairs laboratory. I figured this out because the machine worked best when closed and she had used it open. She could hardly climb inside; it was too small.
I searched for and found a burnt leaf that resembled a prickly lamb's ear.
My fault, of course. I may not have willingly sold her on the idea, no more than I had willingly beat up Rye Bald, but my history had made me the pony who brought sickness upon any innocent in my life.
I didn't know how to bring it up, either. She was my host. And she would brush it off. Regardless, I refused to tell her that brewing nettle-ewe as a tea made it more effective. If the merest idea of nettle-ewe tea actually excited me, I could easily imagine that whatever feeling it gave her had addicted her, and I didn't want to make that more intractable.
And why had this happened? If merit alone couldn't merit you the attention you wanted, you had to ask--but time and again, she refused to ask. I could not see why she would shy away from it, considering her personality. There had to be an intrinsic friction between the student and her mentor.
What occurred to me was that they both had solar cutie marks. There could be room in the sky for only one sun. I had observed time and again how cutie marks shaped ponies' attitudes and changed how they interacted with others. There was an imperious royal flavor to Sunset Shimmer's personality. I suspected that even if Sunset Shimmer's cutie mark were a moon instead of a sun, the relationship would still be destined to fail. The princess' name was Celestia after all. Nothing else reigned in that universe.
Cutie Mark magic was too subliminal, too insidious in its action. It took an outside observer to see the tyranny in it.
Under the stress of it, Sunset Shimmer was cracking.
Too many times over the next days, the only way I could get my roommate to sleep was to massage her, but only when she was intoxicated. I might have been encouraging her bad behavior for all that she never mentioned it when sober.
And then my life fractured.
Walking to the Tea And bakery near the banking district one morning, I realized I had company. A blue pegasus trotted near me, and gave a flutter to walk beside me when I glanced over. That she wore a white blouse and wore her mane pulled back into a bun gave me pause, but being dressed smartly like a salespony in a dress shop did not hide her hauteur or suddenly make Streak more lady-like. I'd had the clothes, learned the act, and practiced the manners; this wasn't it.
I walked by the cafe tables and striped-velvet wallpapers of the Tea And. A butter smell wafted into the street from the little shop. I sighed that I wouldn't get the strong tea and the croissant I had so craved to eat while studying my astronomy text, but, in fact, I was willing to keep walking around the castle without saying a word until I got to the next bailey gate so that I could leave Streak behind. I had begun to like her and Running Mead had made me a monster in her eyes.
"Grim--"
I cut her off, not changing my pace. "I quit."
"You can't do that."
"I can and I have. I quit."
"No, no. Ya don't understand. He sent me to tell ya that ya can't quit."
"Or what?" I intentionally slammed her shoulder to upset her gait and got in front of her. She stopped nose to nose with me. I hissed, "Or he will blackmail me? Let him try."
I turned, leaving her sputtering. As I cantered toward the security of the gate, she landed with a thump in my path just out of earshot of the two unicorn guards. They did come to attention, though, as Streak said, "But I saw you k--"
"You saw nothing. If you think otherwise, you're a foal. I quit. You should, too, while you can... Excuse me," I said politely, bowing slightly as if I were speaking to a business contact, and ducked around the nonplused pegasus to trot through the gate.
"Trouble, young lady?"
"I paid that bill," I muttered over my shoulder.
I quickly found an empty courtyard between buildings where I laid down on the grass because I was shaking. It wasn't as if I hadn't expected it to happen, or that hadn't expected Streak to be the messenger, or that I would likely have to jettison everything and move on to another city. No.
When she landed in front of me, I noticed her yoke cutie mark. All that her cutie mark represented had driven her into a life of crime. At least I'd chosen my cesspool. How many lives had a silly magical brand destroyed, or was destroying now? Running Mead's own had driven him to become a sociopath.
I rocked and grieved for Streak. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 24: Breakthrough Consequences | Sunset Shimmer returned home late, both high and drunk. For a while, I thought she was having trouble breathing and that I might need to take her to a hospital.
Or to visit her father.
I should have taken her to her father, but if I've learned one thing in my life it is that thinking about what you would do if you were in a crisis and acting during a crisis were two completely different things. Later, I'd think about it and realize that I hadn't wanted the doctor to learn I'd introduced his adopted daughter to nettle-ewe--and that I hadn't wanted to piss off Sunset Shimmer into throwing me onto the street. I might act as if I were willing to ditch everything and start anew elsewhere, but, in the crucible, I didn't feel so glib or willing.
I endured an hour of her standing in the kitchen, her eating the contents of a box of cereal, then starting another, all the time talking about the intricacies of this or that spell whilst I did everything I could to keep her from casting the spell while drunk, including Levitation by pouring out her cereal for her lest oat bran O's go flying like drunken birds pinging or plunking into every window, cabinet, or plant. Her issue: something the princess had said (surprise!), something about the runt being in need of her attention and Sunset somehow not.
Could this be interpreted as a compliment, Sunset?
Absolutely not, Starlight!
I saw another cutie mark driving its owner insane. Ponies would be better off without them.
Getting her to bed proved another ordeal all together. She'd suddenly hop up from the mattress and prance toward the balcony--off which I worried she might try to fly. I locked the glass doors. I tried massaging her, beginning to wonder when I'd become both her nurse maid and enabler.
Even that didn't work at first. I kept increasing the pressure I applied until I worried I might actually be hurting her; she seemed totally anesthetized. Eventually, my efforts quieted her to a low mumble, peppered with a few flailing of hooves and sputtering remonstrations.
I'd grown quite adept at making her muscles contract and flex, hurrying out waste fluids and toxins causing her fatigue and pain; it appeared to feel good. I no longer feared I might lose myself, at least in this territory. It did take up enough of my attention that I understood I'd get no further studying done until Sunset Shimmer fell asleep. To make that happen, I spread my ministrations from her neck down her back, and finally down her legs and flank.
Her flank proved interesting...
While healing Rye Bald's brain and skull, I had known I'd dealt with something substantially more complex and active than simple muscle. I still couldn't remember the entire experience, but I remembered enough that I realized that, as I probed Sunset Shimmer's half-red half-yellow sun cutie mark, I examined something more complex than skin and fur coloration. Moreover, I had encountered something odder than anything in a unicorn's body except perhaps her horn.
A unicorn horn is a physical manifestation of the body that allows the direct manipulation of magic, like the wings of a pegasus allows specific manipulation of flight magic. These magic organs were flesh, blood, and bone. The cutie mark, on the other hand, appeared totally different, though like my horn, it communicated information back to the brain by radiating magical energy that the nerves picked up as a signal.
Though this thing on her flank seemed akin magically to a pegasus' wing, as I probed it I discovered only muscle. I could ask it questions; I got vague impressions of lifting celestial bodies and wings of fire, and great skill at magical symbology. But it had little substance, though her body fed the area with increased blood flow. I sensed a magical aura and began to think that it wasn't tissue at all, but magic somehow localized into an aural projection of an organ. It seemed like a magical symbiont, though to my way of thinking, that meant little more than a parasite since it changed a pony to suit its purpose.
I thought about it a while, then got the muscles and skin in the area to shift in coordination but in opposition. In effect, I tugged the cutie mark aside and it shifted about an inch downward. If my magic were water in a pool, I'd say I'd found something gelatinous and had found a way by paddling to move it by water pressure.
Sunset Shimmer grew very quiet and froze. After a minute I worried it was because of what I'd done. My heart thumping in my chest, I let go of my magic. The mark snapped back into place.
Sunset turned her green eyes toward me. They seemed unfocused, wet as if she'd been in tears. Slurring a bit, she said, "That hurt, but for a moment I stopped thinking about the runt and Celestia snubbing me and nothing mattered any more." She laid her chin on her legs and sighed. "What a relief. Could you do that again?"
I whispered, "Not tonight."
"Oh, too bad." She closed her eyes, rolled on her side, and fell instantly asleep.
I felt like I had gotten caught with my muzzle in the cookie jar. I'd made a epic discovery, but had experimented on another pony. The optics of that act looked bad; totally unethical. Yet...
Yet...
Yet, I'd had an epiphany.
I jumped off the bed and examined Sunset Shimmer as best I could. Her chest raised and fell rhythmically, and when I prodded her around, she shimmied herself under the sheets I held up for her.
For the first time since the day Sunburst had gotten his cutie mark, I wished I had one, too. I'd have been able to examine myself.
The implications of my discovery--if for no other reason than it snapped Sunset Shimmer's mania and allowed her a moment of solace--caused my brain to overheat. What would Understanding Pony Behavior have called it? Cutie Mark regression therapy? Could this be it, the something that I could actually help ponykind with?
I looked at my flank. Still blank.
Shoot!
On reflection, I felt kind of relieved. #
The next day, at breakfast, we had the discussion I dreaded all night. Sober (apparently), surprisingly with no hangover, she brought up the sticky subject of me massaging her to get her to sleep. I felt uncomfortable when she shivered with unmasked pleasure as she told that me that she had "adored the sensation" but had decided not to acknowledge it because it would have made us both uncomfortable. "So, I'm acknowledging it. Thank you," she said.
She continued as I stirred my bowl of oaty O's, looking down at the granite kitchen island. "But that mental chiropractic manipulation you did last night, that we need to discuss."
She listened as I described my discovery and my theory that, "...it isn't so much a part of a pony's body as a magical manifestation generated by the nervous system. All ponies have magic. I've directly sensed it at work in a pegasus--even zebras have it; it's not a stretch that earth ponies have it too--"
"Wait, zebras?"
"I've met one."
"This new magic Father taught you lets you see this?"
I wasn't going to correct her about how I learned the magic and powered on. "That and seeing auras and the numbers in them, which, with more practice, you will see, too."
"I'm going to have to learn all this. But how does this magic generate a cutie mark?"
"Generate? That might be a philosophical question. What I theorize is that pony magic, let's say, crystallizes the moment of realization, for lack of a better term, allowing the apparition to act as a reinforcement for the putative skill or talent, while creating a dominance marker in the social hierarchy. It takes a pony from being a generalist and promotes--no, enforces--the stratification of the herd."
"Sounds like you're taking those psych books too seriously."
I felt my face flush and let my anger leak out. "If you had been where I've been, seen the ugliness I've seen, spent time observing from on high and from the gutter, been beat up and used by the marked ones, you might have a better appreciation of what I'm implying."
She smiled at me and my outburst, crunching thoughtfully on a spoonful of cereal. "I dominated the street; I was the user, trust me on that. But I've experienced oppression, too. I'd dearly like to understand why a simple sun holds power, and why a cutie mark of seven stars seems better destined for greatness than a setting sun."
She saw my theory from an opposite perspective. But as I opened my mouth to clarify, she raised a hoof to stop me and said, "I'm supportive of you studying this new magic, but you do know that what you did last night was..."
The implication hit me as she looked for a word. My heart raced and my stomach soured. She had been drunk, high, and virtually anesthetized; had I been a stallion and not a mare-- I quickly inserted the word, "Wrong," before she inserted the word every mare dreaded.
She chuckled, the sound coming out her nose. "Let's say, 'inappropriate.' 'Unethical' is floating in my mind, too..."
My whole body cooled. Another blackmailer.
"So... In an effort to be supportive of research I too am interested in, let me tell you how it's going to be: No experimenting on other ponies, only on me, getting my permission first and under my supervision. Do this and we'll just forget how we got to this point."
I nodded.
"You'll start writing down everything you learn, your Barthemule derivative equations, any spell mnemonics you create, your theories, your experiments, your observations, with drawings and all the data you collect. I'll provide any tools you require. I'll find an undergrad faculty advisor who will listen to me and won't interfere with your work when the need arises to legitimize the research. We'll review the research together and you'll help me with the maths and magicks. When we have the science sewn up, we'll submit it to Celestia with my name as lead researcher. Got it?"
"I get to do physical research on your cutie mark?"
"Within limits."
"You get me what I need and help write it all up?"
"Sure, but you must make me an expert in the new magic."
"I'll teach. The learning's up to you."
"Yeah," she said, quieter. Perhaps she thought of her troubles learning to visualize numbers and master quick draw. That turned into a smile and she trotted around the island and held up a hoof. "Deal?"
I felt the emotion growing in me like an increasingly strong wind against a stand of strong trees, trying to blow them over. What was this expanding feeling?
"Deal," I said, doing the hoof bump, then hugging her with tears in my eyes.
She was giving me everything I wanted to fulfill my purpose in life. I could give a copper bit about credit or her motives; I'd have my new magic and a true understanding of the abomination of cutie marks, and maybe a way to help all of ponykind through the darkness the magical aberrations caused.
Sunset Shimmer didn't push me away; instead she hugged me back.
Nevertheless, she looked at me strangely when we parted. She asked, "Maybe I should hit you about the head and shoulders? Does that type of treatment make you happy, too?"
"Nope," I said, and lifted Sunset Shimmer and our bowls of cereal in my magic. Her legs scrambled for purchase reflexively in the air. She had been correct when she had said levitating monsters from Tartarus pretty much made them ineffectual. My cheekiness stunned Sunset Shimmer such that I managed to carry her to the counter built across the dining room's picture window without further protest. It looked out across Canterlot Castle, with its fairy towers and soft curving ramparts illuminated in the dawn-light, blazing orange and throwing dense shadows. I set down our bowls and spoons, levitating napkins and a bud vase with a single daisy to complete the place setting.
I knew what she wanted. "Enjoy your breakfast and the view, my future queen."
She wanted power.
As she laughed, I thought how I'd been Carne Asada's bodyguard in Hooflyn--until she committed the sin of stupidity and made it impossible to protect her life. I was happy being a lieutenant so long as I got what I wanted.
If nothing else, it provided cover. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 25: Backed Into a Corner | I got fifteen days. I guess I should have been thankful for what I got, but I resented the shortness of the span to Tartarus and back.
Fifteen days to do a half-dozen tests. Enough time to learn enough to think a cutie mark had no physical connection whatsoever to its host. Was it some sort of strong electro-magneto-magical force that kept it in place and conforming to the skin?
Fifteen days to attend senior classes, and one at the university: library science. Mid-session transfers were difficult, but I got Miss Verdigris as a professor and quickly earned supervised direct access to the rare books collection, and unearned unsanctioned unsupervised access to a card catalog that included the Star Swirl the Bearded Time wing with tantalizing short descriptions of scrolls and objects.
Not enough time to research a whole new obscure force of nature, however.
Could it be an attractive force consistent with an attractive spell opposite in polarity to that of the anti-gravitational force generated by Levitation. What if it were a spell in stasis? Could I cancel an intrinsic self-reciprocating spell like one cast into an object? I had my eye on Charms and Artifacts 101 for next semester.
Of course, I had to learn how to cancel spells by translating yellow-horse-speak into standard mathematical nomenclature--another thing for which fifteen days proved insufficient.
It was also fifteen days believing that I might have a full life doing something that mattered, and that I could finally get about the business of enjoying what I did and maybe help ponykind.
What chance had I had of being left alone? Little more than the chance of an ice cube in warrior-Sunburst's presumed desert home. Analyzed objectively, Cutie marks were the ultimate source of all evil in my life.
I did my best to stay on the castle grounds, the school grounds, or the university campus. I stayed out of Canterlot as much as possible unless accompanied--actually cajoled--by Sunset Shimmer for meals or supplies. I didn't want to admit what I knew viscerally.
But I did have to get to school.
The dread disruption came on wings of blue. On the sidewalk of Castle Walk Boulevard, within sight of the school, I walked with my magical mechanics textbook levitated inches from my nose. I saw a blue fast moving form and heard the sound of wings braking and flapping to a stop before me, then the clatter of four hooves. I reflexively swatted with the open book, but Streak danced and fluttered back. She had kitted up in full punk mode, including gold chains, lip piercing, and a spiked-up mohawk mane. No pandering to Starlight Glimmer's precious aristo sensibilities this time.
"Whoa, Nelly. No shooting the messenger, Grimsy." She kept backpedalling because I didn't stop, even as I put the book away. As it became apparent I would continue on to the front quad lawn, she frantically took off and fluttered like an angry crow protecting a meal. "Stop. Please!"
By now, every pair of eyes, except for a couple of first-year gossips, had turned to face us. Who was this pegasus attacking Sunset Shimmer's protege?
"Get out of my way!" I yelled. I didn't care.
"I'll follow ya inside. See if I don't."
"Not in this lifetime you won't."
"What ya going to do, shoot me?" she asked loudly, playing to the audience, trying massive downstrokes of her wings, causing me to walk into a wind, as if that could dissuade me.
My aura lit on my horn as I prepared Stun. Truthfully, I didn't want to use it because I didn't want to hurt her. If I did, she'd crash and likely break a wing. I'd be arrested for assault.
She apparently saw Grimoire, a crazy pony whom she thought she'd seen murder another by causing him to explode. Her voice squeaked with her effort to control its volume. "He's forcing me, honest. Please!"
"Fine." I stopped. I saw movement, but not a protective teacher. A silver-maned deep blue stallion with a blue French cap and a copper badge on his uniform. "Quickly," I hissed.
As she reached into her black messenger bag, she said, "Boss said give you this." She had a blue paper, folded like origami into a book. A Grimoire.
As I tried to pluck it with my magic, it stuck in the frog of her hoof, pinched tightly.
I heard a police whistle.
"Look right," Streak said.
Reflexively, I complied, gazing toward downtown Canterlot and the mass of morning hoof-traffic passing the bank and cafe. When the note released into my magic, she said, "Boss don't trust me either."
What had happened? A photograph?
I stuffed the note in my saddle bags as the constable came galloping up, yelling, "Halt!" Streak ignored him and shot away. His Levitation proved too weak to stop her.
The middle-aged constable, huffing and puffing, asked, "What did she give you?"
I was way ahead of him, a veteran of the gangs of the eastern cities. I had already grabbed a random sheet and before he finished his sentence; I hit it with a force spell, burning it to a cinder. A puff of white smoke wafted away as I said, "Don't know, don't care," and walked away.
"Wait, miss?"
He wanted my name; no free pass. Best change tactics. "Starlight Glimmer," I said. I turned and looked into his amber eyes.
He said, "Why did you destroy--?"
I let myself visibly deflate and my brow furrow, shaking my pigtails. "Because she was an obvious ruffian, trying to sell something," I said, my voice turning into a wail. But I dropped it to a whisper to say, "Probably weed." Then again loud, distraught, I wailed, "In front of all my friends!"
"I'm very sorry about that--"
"As you should be."
"Yes, um--"
"What? I'm late for class."
He took out a pocket notebook. As I stood, soon tapping a hoof, he touched a levitated yellow pencil to his tongue then began scrawling. "Miss Starlight Glimmer, you see, there's a bulletin out about a pegasus that fits that description. She's wanted for questioning. Did you see anything on that paper she gave you?"
The blue origami grimoire? "Other than it was purple, no. Not really."
"I see. Well, if she accosts you again--"
"I'll be sure to tell her to visit the constabulary office and ask for--?"
He sighed deeply, closing the notebook with a soft clap and returning it and the pencil to a pocket. "Officer Lapis Lazuli. Thank you for your time, Starlight Glimmer."
He made sure I knew he knew my name, and wasn't happy. Had to hope I'd only left a sour taste in his mouth. "Don't mention it," I said, then as he strode away, I said under my breath, "Really, don't mention it."
I didn't want to be a sensation, but there I was, a sensation. Ponies I didn't know asking questions and gossiping. Turns out I'd burnt up my homework and had to deal with a pouty teacher who thought she had been getting a new teacher's pet.
I didn't get to look at the note until I used the lavatory between classes. In a dark pink-painted stall, finally no longer under scrutiny, I unwrapped it half expecting to find weed or another controlled substance. I found two words cut and pasted from a magazine.
Sunset Shimmer. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 26: Any Plan in a Storm | I knocked a couple of first-year mares aside barreling from the lavatory, heading for the stairs. The halls were clearing, except for a few grabbing books from lockers as the morning sun streamed in the window at the end of the hall.
The bell rang.
A last gold stallion slipped through the doorway and shut the door, recognizing I wasn't a classmate as I skidded up to the room. That left me winded, pressing my face against the cold rectangular window to see Sunset Shimmer in a wall-side desk, rustling through her saddle bags and bringing out papers.
I slid to the worn, darkly-stained wood floor, feeling as dented and trodden by horseshoes as the centuries-old oak planking looked. A small purple mare trotted quietly by, tardy as I, frowning at me.
Not kidnapped, then. What good would kidnapping do for Running Mead? If he wanted influence through a minion with access to Canterlot Castle, namely me, he stood to lose it if he got the royal guard involved and my affiliations became known. Still, I was no expert in criminal psychology, despite spending time involved in a few such organizations.
With a sigh, I levered myself up and trotted to class against growing paranoia that I shouldn't be leaving the keys to my new life unguarded. Though tardy, I shot from the room a minute before the bell, leaving a potions quiz incomplete to make it to her class as the bell sounded.
A tide of pastel ponies surged outward as I arrived, none yellow with a yellow and red mane. When I could stick my head inside, I saw Sunset Shimmer sigh and lay her head on her desk, her bright tresses cascading over her face.
The auburn teacher in a brown dress said, "Excuse me!" squeezing past as I entered. Standing beside my patron, I asked, "Are you okay?"
Without lifting her head, she groaned and said, "Why are you here?"
I packed her notebook and quill into her saddle bags, pulled her unenergetic self standing with grudging assistance, and placed her saddlebags on her back. "What you need is a mug of strong sugary tea."
"Won't help," she said... and said again as we sat in the largely empty cafeteria with that mug of deep red liquid and a rapidly dissolving ice cube before her. She deigned to sip it, then affixed her green eyes on me, "Why've you done this to me? I could have snoozed for an hour upstairs."
"I was worried."
"About what?"
Well, that was an awkward question.
A pegasus delivered a note from a crime boss with a threat on your life this morning.
Though she hadn't asked, I assumed she thought my "gigs" in the Lower were either acting or musical in nature--Proper Step had insisted a filly needed to learn to sing, and occasionally I sang pop and bridleway show-tunes around the ivory tower while doing experiments, cooking, or showering. I couldn't tell her that I had worked as a racketeer's enforcer. That would ruin everything. I'm sure Running Mead would find my discomfort amusing, but I doubted the imagined humor was what he had had in mind with his note.
Instead, I said, "You were fine at breakfast."
"Say, isn't your library science class now? You were so excited about getting that book. Go. Leave me be." Her hair slid over her eyes as she bent to sip her tea loudly.
"You planning on going into Canterlot for lunch?"
"Scrounge up your own lunch, Glimmer," she hissed. "Go."
I found her at lunch on the castle-side quad, under a tree, munching brown-bagged sliced apples and curried hay, reading a textbook. As I passed by behind Sunset Shimmer, the usually wary pony continued reading placidly, not noticing me.
At least she looked less downtrodden than before.
As I walked around the building toward the front lawns, intuition, or something seen subliminally, made me look toward Castle Walk Boulevard. I saw a pony with a white blaze.
This wasn't me thinking I saw Sunburst, who had both a white blaze on his muzzle and white socks. I'd seen Sunburst everywhere I looked the year he left for Canterlot. Well, maybe it was a flavor of that old hyperawareness mixed with the memory of fighting another with a white blaze, locked in a battle that I'd expected to end with me dead.
I moved to stand in the shade behind a fragrant cypress tree and looked. Was it Fellows coming out of the bank wearing a tan business suit, white shirt, and red tie, "idly" looking around from the vantage point of the granite steps?
Not dead.
Of course, Running Mead was stupid enough to believe that, which meant he didn't have spies in the constabulary--yet.
Certainly, Fellows suspected his appearance would scare away Grimoire? Of course, the detective might have learned that a suspicious blue pegasus pony delivered a blue note to a snitty filly with a chartreuse-striped purple mane.
I glanced around. No students stood close. A few talked or ate their sandwiches, laying on the lawn, studying. Others looked at an impromptu hoofball game in the rear of the school. Despite the blue-sky reflected in the windows, I felt certain nopony watched me.
I cast Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look and trotted quickly to the street. The illusion had its usual drawbacks, and the number of observers also attenuated the spell. One odd head turn, expression, reflexive dodge of something not fully seen by any potential observer, even an unnoticed ear flick, could break the illusory verisimilitude that interfered with the senses and, in a cascade, cause everypony to look. Things I touched might disappear, especially if small--or fail to disappear, meaning things would move without a levitation aura. Perhaps worse was the personal danger of pony or vehicular traffic. Nopony would avoid a collision.
I stopped before the sidewalk and watched Fellows, assuring it was the self-same mauve pony with a white candy-stripe in his purple mane, just before he clattered down the steps and strolled toward the Hey Burger!. I waited for a student to pass, then timed my crossing to avoid a northbound bus and a southbound van, the latter by inches, blowing my tail in the draft. Hoof-traffic was light, but it felt like threading a needle, me having to concentrate on the spell and being aware of everything 360 degrees around me, including the ponies, pasteboard restaurant menu signs, cafe tables, newspaper racks, and other sidewalk obstacles that limited my ability to dodge. My neck began to hurt from swinging it around rapidly and I began to sweat, and I well knew the spell didn't mask that distraction.
I caught up to him past the Hey Burger!, where I noticed the tip of his ear. A triangle of about two inches had been sliced off; he was probably not too happy about that. Better that than dead, though.
He purchased a stick of apples, jicama, and watermelon dipped in chocolate from a window, but other than occasionally glancing at the school, I had no new clues as to why he was here. I noticed a little orange colt foal with a quacking wooden duck on wheels pulled by a string, trailing his mother. His eyes seemed to follow me as he approached. Add the height of the caster's eyes leaving gaps in the caster's perception to the weaknesses of the spell. With the strain of casting the spell growing too much, I ducked into an access way and watched Fellows amble away to be lost in the crowd.
A "Mommy! Mommy!" was also lost in the crowd noise. I was going to have to be wary of young foals, and probably animals too.
I timed it and let the spell unravel as I exited onto the sidewalk.
It left me too much to think about in class the rest of the day. My practical magic teacher actually banged on my desk. I realized she'd said, "Stop cloud gathering, Glimmer--!" before she dropped her ruler.
A charred piece of wood smoked on my desk top. I tried to look contrite, but trying to blush just doesn't work.
I got to meet the vice-principal. Yippie.
I had to face it. All signs lead to the conclusion that my life would soon implode. Needless to say, I felt torn when a somewhat-revived Sunset Shimmer hauled me away from studying at my desk on the first floor of the ivory tower to join her in Canterlot for dinner. I said, "There's oat bread and veg in the pantry."
Her eyes had dark circles under them. "Are you trying to get on my nerves, today?" she asked, then led me with a tug of her magic. "Silly filly."
At an all-you-could eat herb and hay bar, she also bought a hard cider, and another when I whispered, "Me too," before we got to the cashier. If there was any time I needed it, it was now. Watching the crowds in full bodyguard mode, looking for constables or gang members, had my every muscle tight. We found a table with me facing the storefront and an eye to the swinging kitchen door.
Celestia, how I hated this. How could I have found this at all fun?
Right. All the attention and praise... Being useful. Protecting a life. Being the fastest quick draw of them all...
I bowed my head to sip the golden liquid in the glass, the effervescence tickling my nose as I put my lips to the liquid. My reaction was instant. "Bleech! How can you drink this yucky stuff?" I couldn't tell if I hated the sour or the astringent medicine taste worse as I tried to remove the taste by scraping my tongue with my front teeth.
"More for me," she said, dragging the glass next to hers in her magic. "What's up with you today?"
I looked down at my plate. The whole basil leaves, red and yellow nasturtiums, and the pile of potato and ground alfalfa beet salad had seemed more appetizing when I'd heaped them on my plate. Hers had halved tomatoes, arugula, caramel hay stalks, and celery root puree. I looked up to find her green eyes regarding me.
I said, "I realized how important you are to me."
She started blinking as I realized the many ways in which what I had said could be misinterpreted. It didn't help that my face grew warm. Her face went through a panoply of expressions, all uncomfortable. "I don't know much about this friendship thing, but I don't think I've been much of a friend." She munched on a forkful of hay.
"I've sworn off the institution--"
"After Sunburst?"
"Yeah." So why did I care about Sunset Shimmer, and truthfully, that punk Streak? "We've both had lives where that just doesn't make sense."
"We're survivors."
"Exactly. But for a few weeks, I thought I might evolve beyond that. Unfortunately, I've made choices in my life that I regret all of a sudden." I didn't realize it at first that I glared when she picked up her glass. It registered with her the instant it did with me because she put it down unsampled. I added, "I hope you won't make decisions you'll regret."
"I'm sure I'll make loads of them," she said prophetically, hefting and downing the entire glass.
Later, I hugged her in bed--after she fell asleep. Something told me it might be the last time.
It didn't take a day to realize her choices already haunted her and would destroy my dreams. It didn't seem possible, but she became more grumpy and more irascible. Not only did she look like she was hungover, despite only two ciders the night before, but I overheard the gossip fillies mention her name as I returned from the university library. Seems she'd bawled out a student during a practicum she had administered. As I lingered around the group, a lavender platinum blonde said she heard Sunset had boxed the ear of a student. Another said she was on report with the principal.
Incidents the princess would hear about.
I returned to the ivory tower and checked the fume hood in the basement laboratory. As I suspected, no scent of nettle-ewe smoke. There was always a chance she had listened to me and voluntarily gone cold turkey.
I hissed, "Yeah, tell me another!" and slammed the glass door down.
Whatever the reason, her supply had dried up, and I would bet bits to biscotti that I knew why. The best I could hope for was that she would seek out help or, at the very least, tough it out. But when she returned home later, and despite being a wreck, with hairs in her mane standing out, and wincing at loud noises, she acted nice, almost sweet and deferential around me.
I'd introduced her to weed, after all. Who might be better able to get her more?
I could understand. I had amazing memories of the influence of the drug. That Zecora had helped me through the experience with her salts, guidance, talk of spirits, and metered doses of the herb prevented it, barely, from stepping from fond memory to a craving.
The next day, before my third period class, I stood at the second floor window facing the boulevard. I spotted Fellows again. I now knew that the downtown constabulary shared office space with the royal guard and was less than a dozen blocks away, but still. What was his game?
I saw him again near the end of lunch, too.
At dinner, in the kitchen, we ate poorly seasoned spinach and garlic oat pasta that Sunset Shimmer tossed together with olive oil. With her barely able to keep up a nervous banter, she finally asked how I spent my time in the Lower.
"Acting," I prevaricated, curtly, and that proved sufficient to delay the inevitable.
I trotted up to school at dawn while the janitors busily swept for the new day, the cafeteria cook prepared the day's meals, and athletes showed up for early practice. I kept vigil at the second floor window sill with a mug of steaming honeyed tea, a math book, a sheet of paper, and a quill. As normally-didn't-get-out-of-bed-until-the-last-second students showed up, with, to my relief, Sunset Shimmer amongst them, I spotted dear old Fellows across the way, rapidly heading in the direction of the constabulary, but not so fast that he couldn't spare glances at the school and the pastel ponies streaming into the building.
By then, I had written a checklist of my options.
One: I could throw it all away and spend my last gold bits on a train ticket to Dodge City or Trottingham. I had more skills, now, even if I didn't have a diploma or a degree to prove it. I might get honest work.
Two: I could go home. I'd have plenty of money, would even be able to pay for tutors; let Proper Step try to restrict me now and insist on making me a proper lady! I'd love to know who had made him the administrator of my trust fund. However, both Running Mead and Sunset Shimmer had correctly deduced I came from around Horseshoe Bay. Grin Having stood five miles away in the hills.
Either of these two options seemed like running with my tail between my legs. Quitting. The argument that a mare had to do what a mare had to do just rang hollow.
Three: I could visit Zecora. Assuming Zecora would trade me for nettle-ewe--and I sensed she might refuse--that solution was fraught with problems, like getting caught bringing an illegal herb into Canterlot, to name one, or possibly drawing the ire of Flowing Waters or Princess Celestia herself. I had no criminal record or enemies that weren't criminals, yet. Becoming saddled with either was the risk. This option allowed me to expand the length of time I could research and study. Of course, Running Mead would find another way to obtain his goal, which I still wasn't clear about, so how could I counter it? How much time could I buy?
Four: I could go to Flowing Waters and tattle about Sunset Shimmer's addiction. I could go to the Princess herself, for that matter, but the result would be the same. Sunset Shimmer would retaliate by mentioning that I introduced her to the weed, and perhaps that I had had sex with her, something I couldn't refute since I didn't remember. No chance I'd become the princess' next physician; a slim chance that I might avoid Tartarus.
Five: I could take Sunset Shimmer to Zecora. I presumed the zebra knew how to cure addiction considering that she knew how to prevent it. However, I could see Sunset Shimmer objecting to visiting the Everfree Forest, or letting herself be treated by a folk healer. This option also exposed Zecora as Running Mead's nettle-ewe supplier. If Sunset Shimmer retaliated, she'd hurt Zecora, too. Or she might just threaten to retaliate to get nettle-ewe. I owed it to Zecora to protect her from harm. Last, it would raise questions in Sunset Shimmer's mind as to my involvement...
Six: I could work with Sunset Shimmer to ride out the storm of her withdrawals. She might not be able to cast Force correctly, but she was huskier than me and no lightweight mage--she was Princess Celestia's first protege after all. I might be able to corral her for awhile, but she'd get away. I knew the authorities could control a dangerous unicorn by ringing her horn, but that meant both obtaining the prohibited toroidal amulet and getting the unicorn to cooperate to allow you to put it on her horn. My situation was reality, not fantasy; if I acted without Sunset Shimmer's permission, at least she'd retaliate only against me unlike in option five, maybe not as forcefully as in option four, but I'd be out on my ear with no help for my project, and an enemy who'd likely thwart any research In the future. At best, it would buy time as in option three.
Six: Abandon Sunset Shimmer, get work force-heating burgers, and find a flop house with ponies who attended school from distant cities. This was the weakest option of all since I gave up my one strong asset, Sunset Shimmer, and left Running Mead plenty of time to blackmail me or hurt another I might associate with.
The five minute bell sounded. I packed my supplies, drank my cold tea, and trotted to class. As I sat in my desk, looking at the blackboard upon which the teacher wrote the topics for today's lesson, I thought sourly how my options were to 1) quit, 2) lose everything, 3) be beaten into submission, or 4) get arrested. Might as well jump off the Canterlot Precipice as go back to work for Running Mead. That would be number 5, wouldn't it?
I hated that Running Mead stood to win big or not lose anything he hadn't lost.
The teacher continued yesterday's lecture about the Resignation Interregnum. Three-hundred years ago when Princess Celestia had retreated to the Crystal Mountains, she had left Equestria under parliamentary rule. The teacher talked about cultural shifts. During that time, ponies of any means wore clothing in public. Many wore outlandish frilly costumes, even stallions, that always covered a pony's cutie mark. It was a time when philosophical and political thought ran that ponies, whether commoner or gentry, were equal under the law and, like Princess Celestia's sun cutie mark, cutie marks were thought to intrinsically differentiate ponies. Some historians even thought that the fashions of the interregnum seemed to indicate that ponies thought it rude to display cutie marks, though my teacher poo-pooed that conclusion.
I found it fascinating that for about thirty years, everypony thought that cutie marks made ponies appear unequal. But more interesting was the idea that costumes made one's identity. I thought about Grimoire. I thought about my former life in Grin Having.
The inkling of an idea bloomed in my head.
That afternoon, I cut class when I ascertained Fellows had finished his occasional patrol. I took my bits and did some very careful shopping in the Canterlot fashion district. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 27: Gambit | In Canterlot, as in Manehattan, ponies wore clothing more often than in other cities. Those who did were professionals or members of the upper class. Except for athletic uniforms, occasional sweaters, or rare tides of fashion, average students rarely wore anything other than their saddlebags or a messenger bag. Of course, nobody remarked about the few smartly dressed aristocrats who also attended. In any case, most exposed their hindquarters, for at our age ponies were usually proud of newly acquired cutie marks. I was proud I didn't have one, but today I needed to hide that fact.
As I listened to Sunset Shimmer grumbling while she dragged her aching body out of bed, I rapidly dressed a few floors below and dashed out into the early morning chill.
I caused rather a stir when I appeared at school, first in the cafeteria making a fragrant Earl Graymare bergamot tea, with three spoons of sugar, and then sauntering through the halls. Nopony recognized me. A young baroness even greeted me politely. I remembered my manners, stressed my eastern accent, and used proper elocution, deferring to her with proper forms of address to explain who I was. Proper Step would have been proud his lessons stuck, though not that I had been deferential to a baroness.
Clothing made the mare.
My history teacher smiled as I managed my ensemble with practiced ease, crossing the front of the classroom before my fellow students, then paraded down the aisle to my desk beside the window. I imagined she thought her lesson the day before had struck a chord, and it had, though not in the way she thought.
It amazed me that nopony jeered when they figured out it was me. Most stared agape as I removed the big floppy straw sunhat with the diaphanous daffodil yellow and pink scarf tied around it, revealing my mane tied into a bun, sprayed stiff with hair gloss. I slid the hat under the chair and took off a canary yellow messenger bag, from which I slid the sole notebook that fit inside the petite basket-weave accessory, placing the bag in the desk and closing the top. I positioned my notebook perfectly centered on the pine desktop with my new pink feather quill parallel to the top edge, also centered. I arranged the skirt of the yellow cotton dress through the back of the chair together with my tail and flounced down with nothing out of place, demonstrating that I had practice moving in fabric. The actually kind-of-plain two piece outfit had a slightly pinkish white-collared ruffle neckline, with butterfly sleeves trimmed with matching lace, from which fell daffodil yellow bell-bottom culottes that dropped to my fetlock. The pink ribbon at my dock matched the faded pink sparkle of the polish on my hooves above the bright lemon yellow of my horseshoes.
With the hat, the ensemble hid me completely. Considering my upbringing, I could carry it off with a correct amount of poise sufficient to confuse everypony who stared trying to reconcile today-me with yesterday-me.
Even with the shoes--and the quick tailoring necessary to fit the close-out discovery in order to make it possible to gallop in it (by lifting a few hems and darting a few seams that I had to point out to the seamstress)--it only cost me two gold bits and five-and-twenty silver.
Fellows didn't show up until mid-lunch.
Decked-out in full aristocratic daytime costume, I merged into the crowd near the bank like some upper crust mare out shopping on the town. My presence in the crowd, like a large rock in a brook, merited a few paces of clearance on all sides.
I wondered if the detective had more than one suit; he still wore his tan one, this time with a creme color tie in an overly tight four-in-hoof knot. And the same brown bowler. I watched him stop, nudge up the brim, and look at the school from no more than a pony-length behind him, hiding in plain sight as it were. I studied him as he stared across the boulevard. His sliced ear added to an already square-jawed ruggedness, especially when he flicked it. I thought that if he were to choose to pierce his ragged ear with a diamond stud, a kind of pirate fashion popular this year for stallions, he might even look dashing.
Time to get on with it.
My heart already beat too rapidly; it was a gambit that could cost me everything. I prepared the numbers for a stun spell as I began my approach, just in case. My horn held up the brim of my floppy hat, leaving it free of obstruction. The sides of the hat drooped down to my neckline and the collar rose high. I crossed in front of him, but he saw neither my distinctive mane nor my pink-lavender fur. He reflexively stepped back from the curb to give me room. A few paces beyond, I glanced back and saw him sigh, turning coincidentally to follow me, not coincidentally heading to the constabulary.
His heavy horseshoes made a distinctive ring against the pavement and sometimes he muttered to himself. I found it easy to stay a few paces ahead of him until we strolled out of the sight of the school. We had passed the few restaurants frequented by students, going three blocks before we approached a department store with wide glass windows filled with wares from shiny appliances to seasonal clothes. It would work for what I'd planned.
As his shoes clopped very close, I purposely backed into his way, causing him to nudge me in the rear. "I say!"
"Excuse me, m'lady," he said.
In return, I said quietly, "Running Mead."
"Wait, what?"
"Keep it down." My heart was in my throat. "Don't stare at me. You are not the only one watching."
"I--"
"Pretend to look interested in the merchandise in the window. Walk ahead. Don't look back. I'll follow and talk."
"Yes, m'la-- Grimoire?"
"Walk, okay?" I hissed.
He passed me, stopping to stare at a black Trottingham-cut suit. After a pair of mares in red business dresses trotted by, I said, "I quit the business."
"So I heard."
"What?" Playing my own game, I breathlessly passed him and stopped before a display of Hearthswarming Eve tree ornaments. The Running of the Leaves was still a week away, but retail had its own rules.
He stopped a pace behind me and said, "Rye Bald sent me a letter."
"A nice one, I hope." In my messenger bag, I had the letter he'd posted from the Ponyville Golden Oak Library sent to Sunset Shimmer less than a week after I'd healed him. I went nowhere without my insurance.
"One about how you were used, and that you obviously didn't want to commit assault, but that doesn't mean you weren't committing a criminal act."
"I can get you Running Mead. Might that allow you to overlook what you saw at the Quill and Sofa warehouse?"
"It might," he said. He continued after we swapped places and I looked in at children's clothes. "But he's a slippery son of a dragon. The few times we thought we'd bridled him, he slipped away."
"He uses a mind control spell."
Fellows perked up and I could see enough of his reflection to know he looked toward me. I had mentioned dangerous capital dark magic.
"Manners!" I warned loudly.
He looked away. "That would explain much."
"I'd rather not experience it again, but I'm pretty sure I can arrange to have him dealing drugs. He might even try murdering me, just to make a point. Would that work?"
"That surely would work."
"One night, at sunset, probably less than a week from now, I'll head into the Lower. Don't worry. You'll recognize me. I'll be with Sunset Shimmer. Follow discreetly and don't lose us."
"Or I could just arrest you now."
"Do you really think you could do that? I've nothing to lose except an attempt to bring Running Mead to justice. I could be gone and you'll never see me again. Literally. Instantly. You've fought me. You know. Try me, Detective Fellows. Better yet, trust me."
"Fine. I'll give you a week."
"Don't threaten me. I want this as much as you do, and you won't catch me if you try. I know how to disappear. You had nothing until now, so be patient. Prepare." My accent had thickened on its own, so I stressed it. "On my honor, sir, I swear I will deliver when the moment of opportunity presents itself. And, it shall present itself."
"I shall endeavor to be patient, m'lady." He bowed his head slightly, doffing his bowler and placing it over his heart.
Giving the barest curtsy appropriate to his office due from me, I tipped my hat so he got a good look at my face and that weird double-star around my horn that was beginning to grow in. "How gallant of you, kind sir," I said and winked.
With that, I strode off. I almost couldn't hear for the pounding of my heart and the taxi and truck traffic in the street, but I didn't hear his horseshoes against the pavement, nor had he moved when I glanced back after crossing the boulevard.
I would carry out my part.
Would he carry out his part? If I were wrong about that, I suspected nobody would find my corpse. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 28: Act Three, Scene One | That night, I insisted on eating at home. Unsurprisingly, Sunset Shimmer acted as if she thought it a good idea, that it would save money. Over a bowl of primavera fried hay that I'd tossed together with carrots and squash I'd scrounged up at the back of the pantry, she finally brought it up.
Her red wine unsampled, her hair limply laying across her face as if she no longer cared about her looks, not even making eye contact, she asked, "Remember the night you first slept over here?"
I had expected this, but it saddened me anyway. The mouthful I chewed became like sawdust, but I decided to play the game. "Uh, huh."
Quiet, very quiet: "You brought nettle-ewe..."
I'd brought it under Running Mead's control. Despite her equivocation at the time, I felt certain it had been my chummy presentation that had introduced it to her. Having destroyed it and having warned her hadn't dissuaded her from trying it. Thus had Running Mead lost the battle and won the war. I had thought he had no influence outside the Lower, but now he'd dried up Sunset Shimmer's supply. He wanted a tamed princess' pet and her trainer--the two of us.
I put down the fork. "I warned you."
"Don't tell me you didn't know."
"I knew."
Her eyes came up, and I could see the red rimming them. "Then you can get me some?"
"You need to go to your father and get help--"
She slammed her front hooves on the granite top, rattling the plates and silver. "You don't know my father! He was against me living here alone and..."
I had read about addiction in Understanding Pony Behavior. Addict's logic. It was the addiction speaking. I endured the rage, the tears, and the begging as a sailor might bad weather at sea--no choice but to survive it.
She wouldn't even let me hold her that night to ease her tremors. In essence, she'd sunk so low she wouldn't let me lean to support her. In the end, I knew what I had to do and giving in, even if I honestly could, wasn't it.
The next afternoon at lunch, I left school and walked through the fashion district toward Ponyville Way, ensuring I was as visible as possible and obviously alone. If I was being watched by the constabulary, I saw no evidence. I hoped that this meant Fellows and I had a deal.
I got all the way to the very busy intersection of Alicorn Way and Ponyville Way before a mare trotted up with a green mane styled in a casual flip, wearing a long dress and a smart ruddy bowler hat. She had indigo eyes, and on a closer look, no horn. Wearing a dress to conceal her wings must have hurt. The green dye would have hurt her pride.
I told Streak, "Tell Running Mead he's won."
"I'm sorry."
We both sighed, watching trucks and taxis go by, not budging an inch as we forced hoof traffic to walk around us. I said, "I know you are."
"The boss is very good at finding ways to control a pony."
I looked at the wannabe furniture moving magnate. "Try to believe me when I say he doesn't always get it right. We've got to hope. And the other day, I had to protect myself, and I'm sorry for what happened and for what you saw."
She dismissed it with a snort.
"Now, this is very important. Tell Running Mead I'm going to bring him Sunset Shimmer." I hesitated about the next part because it was intended to infuriate him. I took a deep breath and added, "In exchange for my freedom."
"We're his possessions."
I was counting on that. I needed him to do his worst to me as his victim. I was no innocent, and if he acted and the constabulary saw it, and I survived, I would finally make the world a better place for myself and everypony else.
"Tell him I'll only give her to him personally or no deal. In person. Tailor can guide us. And tell him I have no scruples about protecting myself. Remind him what you saw in Rye Bald's flat." Again, calculated to incite anger.
She nodded wordlessly, possibly sadly and suddenly sick to her stomach as she ambled away.
I endured one more night of moaning and moping, and all sort of piss and vinegar. I wanted Sunset Shimmer desperate enough to do anything I asked, and I wanted Fellows ready. I did hope that he was as professional as he seemed.
Sunset Shimmer didn't go to school the next day. When I returned to the ivory tower, I found her in the vestibule, draped over a gilt blue-velvet fainting couch she'd dragged over, waiting, as I'd read dogs were wont to do. Reddened green eyes followed me as I hung my saddlebags on the umbrella tree, then knelt facing her.
I said, "I've seen roadkill that looks better than you."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I feel far worse, and you know why."
It was time to crack. I managed a sob and lay against the cushion, pressing my cheek against her ribs, laying my horn across her stomach. I could hear her heart beating, but at least she couldn't see my eyes as I lied. "I can't take this any more. This is tearing me apart." Okay, it wasn't entirely a lie.
After a moment, I felt her stroking my mane. Her numbers moved sluggishly. She had the concentration to levitate hair, but probably not much more. "You can help me."
"I want to, and I know what you're asking for. I wanted to be the mare you thought I was, but I guess that was a dream anyway. Couldn't you consider getting real help? Do you really want me to introduce you to my world?"
Her heart beat faster. "No pony is perfect, and yes, I gather it's hard for you, but I promise, this time I'll be careful of what I take and to taper off. I've read what to do. Just help me this once..."
In the dusk, after I had fixed her hair, cleaned her up, and found eyedrops to clear her eyes, we walked through the bailey gate to the castle, nodding at the guards who nodded in return. Minutes later, I led her on to the school quad, where she said, "Deep Thinker is no longer selling. I haven't been able to find her in weeks."
Few ponies remained. I could see lights in the magic lab downstairs. A pair of roan ponies, the "conjuring twins" everypony called them, stood on the sidewalk awaiting a ride. I sat beside a tree, out of view of the street. The grass felt cool and the scent of the pepper tree spiced the air. I asked, "You haven't got a clue, have you?"
"About what?"
I took out a compact I had bought this morning, along with a makeup brush, newly cut stencils, and a pump hairspray bottle. I checked that the black, brown, and white powder pots were in proper order, wincing at the heavy gardenia scent of the cheap stuff. Leaving Zecora's, I had set Grimoire's cape on fire, melted my supplies, and thrown the special horseshoes deep into the forest. Even that hadn't made the nightmare over.
No wishes came true unless you acted to ensure they did. I forced down the resentment of what I had to do.
"Welcome to my world," I said. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 29: To Ring a Unicorn | "Welcome to my world," I said, placing the stencil, brushing on the black, and spraying the fast-dry lacquer. As Sunset Shimmer watched, and for some reason I needed her to watch, I layered on Grimoire both physically and mentally. I continued by releasing my pigtails, combing my mane back, and pushing in the beret, creating Grimoire's signature Baltimare tough's bouffant. In a society where stallions wore their hair short, many of the eastern gang members never cut their manes or tails. A few spritzes made the hair style solid. I finished by putting my tail in a bun, hiding the chartreuse stripe. A second-hoof black hip-length short cape completed the costume, though I left the cowl down.
I stood. Sunset Shimmer followed wordlessly. The twin roan ponies still awaited their carriage, lit by a flickering gas streetlight. Both were brownish-tanish in color with black manes, and black points that made them look like they had stepped knee-deep in charcoal. I stopped at the curb and waited with Sunset Shimmer to my right. I sensed them looking and turned to my left to meet their magenta eyes.
I lowered my muzzle as I looked, exposing the whites beneath my irises, showing them predator eyes. I didn't blink.
"Come on, Candy," one said, and they trotted down the block. I waited another minute, hoping everypony who needed to see me would see me and prepare. I suddenly really really didn't want to do this. I could well believe I was facing my death. I could see where I might throughly ruin Sunset Shimmer's life, or get her hurt or killed.
I could be a coward, as I had always been, and run away from my life. Or I could go forward and give restitution for my crimes against society, as well as find some for those against myself. The crisp autumnal chill in the air felt appropriate somehow.
I stepped into the street as the traffic cleared and began a slow stroll toward Lower Canterlot. I didn't make the conscious decision. I just let my body lead. I followed.
As did Sunset Shimmer.
Lamplighters had lit the last gas lights and night had fallen completely before an escort appeared out of the general hoof traffic heading home or out for a meal. It was a lanky mauve stallion, sporting a unkempt black mane and a reversed red billed cap, and a blue pegasus with a spiked mane who joined us as we walked.
"Grimoire."
"Sunset Shimmer, meet Tailor and Streak. Not their real names, of course. Tailor, Streak, meet my friend Sunset Shimmer."
Both shot me an annoyed look. Too many pony ears listening around us. Sunset Shimmer said, "Hey, you're the pegasus who bothered Star-- St-St--Grimoire last week."
"Indeed, she is," I said. "She delivered a note with your name on it. Somepony knew you needed help."
If Sunset Shimmer saw any incongruity in my words, I saw no indication. Perhaps the addict inside prevented it. She kept close enough for me to feel the heat of her body, though, but did not balk as we turned at the intersection.
I soon knew where Tailor and Streak led us: The Edge, that park-adjacent eatery district near that Hooflyn-style deli that Running Mead apparently liked. I had worried he might choose to meet in a warehouse or any place unfamiliar that might close me in and force me to take desperate measures, but this was good. No, it was very good. I kept my face a mask and followed. I played idly with some quick draw calculations, but felt certain I needn't fear an ambush at least, not with the moderate hoof traffic we traveled with as cover.
Mid-dinner hour looked to be a perfect time to visit the semi-seedy trendoid three city blocks known for its dive bars and up-and-coming chef-run restaurants. Running Mead liked it, I suspected, because few of the establishments had glass storefronts, and those that did had smoked glass you couldn't see through. With everypony inside eating, or in a rush to get inside, the area outside felt relatively empty. Maybe Running Mead kept it that way by influencing the proprietors with some protection scheme.
I stopped as we entered a block that edged on the small urban park. Lanterns, some gaslit, some lit by potions, warmly lit a predominance of brownstone buildings. A few were white-washed in Canterlot colors, but most were painted forest green or brown, with stenciled signs that read The Draft Horse or Mama's Kitchen or Hayride's. Little planters of daisies and carnations graced the sidewalk. Trees had firefly feeders to attract the cheerful night insects, and in this season, they literally buzzed with wane light. I smelled garlic and the scent of cooking oil caramelizing hay. The cobblestones here, worn from centuries of use, looked recently scrubbed, leaving random puddles that reflected the lights, and, to the east, the newly risen moon.
"What are you waiting for?" asked Streak, prodding me with the stiff pinion feathers of her wing.
I blinked, realizing I'd been woolgathering. I wasn't going to tell her I was finding any excuse to delay, but I took it as a reason to work up some quick draw stun spells, not so much though that my horn lit. Didn't want to scare the locals.
Down the street, where a warehouse from a block over made a slightly more private alcove, lay The Hooflyn Delicatessen. Blinking marquee lights around the sign ensured you saw it. Once again, cafe tables stood beside the establishment with a smoked black window. A brown pony with a tan mane, white socks, and a white horn stood swirling the dark contents of a wine goblet in his amber magic beside a green bottle. He wore a gold corduroy jacket. A couple ponies loitered.
After a minute, I saw light glint off amber eyes as Running Mead regarded me. Well, too late for regrets and plenty of time for Fellows to scope out the situation. I called up Grimoire, finding his deep-toned voice and hoping for his imagined strength. I touched Sunset Shimmer's flank with a hoof and pointed. "We're going there." She gave me a strange look as if I had changed into another pony. "You walk out ahead of me."
And so we did. As she stepped up to his table, I stood off five pony-lengths and said, "You asked to meet the princess' protege."
"So I did!" He held out a hoof and she reciprocated with a gentle tap.
I watched with keen interest, waiting for any magic beyond his levitation spell. I watched the other ponies who watched me, too. I decided to add Mirror to my quick draw queue.
"My little filly, Sunset Shimmer--"
"I'm not a filly," she interrupted, surprising me, her ears forward. I expected her to be groveling, but certain types of condescension grated on all mares.
He laughed, gently, and turned to his wine, lifting it in his amber-colored aura. A red. It smelled like a claret. I could identify it because Sunset Shimmer drank it when she didn't drink hard cider or beer. "They all want to be seen as older until they realize they'd rather be seen as younger. My apologies." He sipped and put the crystal goblet down with a clack. "I know what ails you."
Sunset Shimmer stiffened.
Still, no unusual magic. Impatience made me half turn as if to walk away, never leaving my eyes off him, of course.
"My dear, dear Grimoire, don't leave me."
I stopped. "We made a deal."
"It takes two to agree to a deal."
I wheeled my body around, keeping my eye on Running Mead while I addressed Streak hotly. "Did you tell him what I told you to tell him?"
"I did. Every word."
Running Mead said, "She did. She said you told her that I had won. You don't run from a winner, Grimoire." He motioned with his nose and his two flunkies split up and walked toward me, but kept their distance as I retreated more steps from Running Mead. Apparently Streak had indeed told him everything I'd said. Keeping track of the two, not to mention keeping track of Tailor about whom I knew little, put me on the spot and made me nervous, reminding me of the last days I spent in Hooflyn. It was the type of reminder that had made me shoot my TA during what should have been a fun defensive spell practicum. I worked to control my breathing.
With a sudden awareness of three hostiles, I nevertheless didn't overreact when Running Mead threw something at me. I caught a heavy purse that, like the first time he'd turned me into a sleepwalker, would have struck me in the head. The creep obviously used it as a tactic to keep idiots like me on the edge and malleable.
Had he understood my fighting technique, he'd have known better. I brought the purple velvet purse to eye level and pulled the drawstrings to see dozens of glittering gold bits. I cinched the purse, licking my lips, but didn't throw it in my saddle bags. Instead, I kept levitating it. It gave me a reason to leave my horn lit so I could fully spin up my quick draw queue.
He added, "I am a generous employer. I insist you stay. I think I'll be able to convince you--" I cringed despite my usual self-control, but he didn't notice and continued, "--to stay on the team. As for you, Miss Sunset Shimmer, I was saying--"
She cried, "I have bits. Lots of bits! A simple transaction and I'll leave you to your business with G-Gr-- Grimoire."
"No, no. You don't understand, my little filly. This isn't a business transaction. This is an employment interview."
"I just want some net--"
"--We don't talk aloud about such things," he interrupted, waving a hoof. "You want this." He levitated an envelope and passed it under Sunset Shimmer's nose. She gasped, ears perked.
"Yes, but--"
"As my newest employee, you'll find an unlimited supply. Unemployed, you'll find the plant may as well be extinct. So, here is your first job: I want you to talk to Lieutenant Bright Moon of the royal guard and tell her--"
"I-I can't do that."
"I beg to differ. Do you want to earn your keep tonight by saying yes, or do I send you home to contemplate your sorry life? Either way, you'll eventually do what I ask."
"What? I have bits. Can't we just--"
"Your bits mean nothing to me Sunset Shimmer. I thought you were one of Equestria's best and brightest..."
As I watched him work to break her, I saw it wasn't working because she prepared to fight. She wasn't experienced in combat magic. Perhaps she didn't realize her horn lit as she worked up her teleport spell while holding on to the numbers for Levitation. She had apparently figured out my quick draw technique, somewhat, but her numbers were sluggish, clouded, and not at all hot. Her transform wavered like a heat mirage, numbers floating lazily away and dissipating. Her snatch and dodge wouldn't get her far, if her teleport spell worked at all.
"Don't do it," I warned, snapping her concentration, but not mine. What I waited for was Running Mead to spin up his mind control spell. I had to see how he did it if I were to have any hope of countering it. I put Mirror at the top of my queue.
Sunset Shimmer glared at me. I waved my jingling coins at her. Her anger caused the muscles in her jaw to bunch and her ears to go down again. She faced Running Mead and firmly said, "No," with what certainly was the last of her willpower.
"So determined to be contrary. Tsk, tsk. However, I do think I can convince you." He reached out with a simple levitation spell and squeezed her right shoulder gently. Having done that, he began to speak, telling her how important it was for her to find the lieutenant to remind her of her manners in agreeing to favors without doing them. He went on about how the royal guardsmare would be so appreciative of Sunset's visit. He continued by remarking about how Sunset Shimmer herself was being so nice as to agree to doing him a favor that she would be welcome to take the envelope with her.
"Uh, huh," Sunset Shimmer said, her eyes somewhat unfocused. "Putting it that way, I can certainly see how it helps everypony. Yeah, right, I'll do it..."
She nattered on as my jaw dropped. Running Mead had touched her with his levitation spell, and though he kept Levitation spinning, he now lifted his wine and sipped it as he listened, not touching her at all.
I had expected a spell.
A spell.
Was it his words? No, that wasn't it. I felt no compulsion to agree with the monster, nor to talk to a royal guard, and by the looks of the rest of the audience, none of them did either.
That led to a singular conclusion: His odd ability to persuade ponies had to be his special talent. He had a talent that allowed him to turn ponies into hypnotized sleepwalkers.
Were he a pegasus or an earth pony, he'd be just as good at it.
It was all because of a cutie mark. A filthy cutie mark.
A Force spell had wormed itself to the top of my quick draw queue. I wasn't surprised, nor was I appalled.
A familiar voice in the street said loudly, "I do think that is enough."
I wheeled around again, gasping, keeping an eye on Running Mead, confirming that it was indeed Detective Fellows approaching at an unhurried stroll. I pushed down Force and opted for Mirror again at the top. I dropped the bits, too frantic to keep up the charade at the expense of readiness.
Running Mead glanced around, his ears swiveling rapidly. In that instant, I would have prepared a teleport spell were I him, but I had yet to see him do any magic beyond Levitation. Might he actually only be a low level unicorn? One thing I was sure about, he was as aware of everypony's position as I was.
Fellows continued, "So, Running Mead, has Lady Grimoire told you that this is actually a sting operation she arranged to catch you in action?"
"Thank you," I said sarcastically, my heart now beating double-time. Were the shooting to start, I stood in the middle of the crossfire.
"Is that so? I knew she wanted to quit, but to put me out of business! I didn't see that coming."
I looked from Fellows to Running Mead and back. Why did I get the feeling that these two knew each other?
Had I been set up? But. But, I had been sent to kill Fellows, and had nearly done so in the factory. He stuck to the detective story. Why would he do that? And the police hue and cry following my escape from the factory? That had been real, but it didn't have to have been directed by a detective at the scene of the crime. The factory worker had seen me. Had vandalism been enough for the search?
But, what if Fellows were a competitor or a colleague, fallen out of favor, based somewhere in downtown Canterlot? Sunset Shimmer had mentioned a dealer. Perhaps the fight had resulted in Fellows and Running Mead coming to terms. Some sort of "crime boss" truce? It neatly explained why Running Mead seemed oblivious that Detective Fellows had gotten away.
I was so dead.
Fellows walked closer, the clatter of his hooves echoing in the alcove. It had become awkwardly silent, except for the fireflies that buzzed haphazardly about. My bad luck, all possible witnesses had gone inside the restaurants and only the smells of garlic pastas and hay burgers were drifting out. If I stood a chance of escaping this alive, and taking Sunset Shimmer with me, I had to act soon. If I hit Running Mead square on with Force, I might just have a chance. Around me, the two lackeys' horns lit, one green and one yellow, but nopony fired.
Fellows said, "I wouldn't do anything rash."
"Do you leave me a choice?" I asked, my eyes and ears flicking to targets, knowing that if they all shot, I'd not be able to defend against them all. I thought about casting Teleport, but I'd lose Mirror. I felt so overwhelmed, I feared I might teleport into the ground.
I queued it anyway.
Fellows laughed. "Everything isn't about you, Lady Grimoire. Did you think I was so stupid as to come here alone?"
He dodged left.
I reflexively teleported five feet right and drove myself into the ground. Funny how the spell bent my legs to my stomach so I did materialize above the surface of the cobblestone street, but I still barked my knees and hit my jaw hard enough to see stars.
Running Mead's lackeys fired. Whichever one had fired at Fellows, missed. The other had fired Force at me. The underpowered bolt missed because I'd teleported. It continued and burnt across Streak's rear end; I saw her tail burst into flames. As I rolled evasively, I saw other shots, this time from behind, stunning one of the lackeys. Looking up, I saw an armored mint-green pegasus who threw a javelin that clattered at Running Mead's hooves, preventing him from bolting the opposite direction.
He'd warded off the javelin with Levitation. As he ducked beside his table, he shot what appeared to be some sort of wimpy slow moving amber energy bolt towards a darkened corner of the wall where there had to be an alley. He shouted, "I'm innocent! Protect me from those flying thugs."
Moments later, a bolt of pink shot into the sky. The spasming pegasus cried out, scattering her quiver of javelins as electricity crackled around her. The wooden weapons came clanking down and bouncing as she spiraled way too quickly to the pavement.
I transformed my new force spell using quick draw into Levitation, flicking it out just in time to intercept the armored mare, but with no good control. It stopped her, but it translated her downward momentum to sideways momentum, spinning her on her stomach toward Fellows who had to jump over the poor pony. Sparks flew in her wake. The motion blew out the rest of Streak's flames as she rolled and screamed like a child, wafting a mixed scent of burnt hair and ozone my way.
"I'm innocent! Protect the innocent from these murderers!"
Another?
I rolled just in time to avoid a stun spell--almost; it hit my back right hoof. The leg twitched as it went completely pins-and-needles. Tailor had fired it. Holding on to enough discipline, I spun up Mirror, and not a moment too soon. A uniformed constable standing near Running Mead shot me.
The purple bolt ricochetted off harmlessly, but that wasn't all. A glowing amber tendril reached my way. It looked like an extension of a unicorn's aura, like the aura that glowed around levitated objects, and by its numbers, it was indeed Levitation. I used Mirror as a shield, but the tendril just avoided the manifested optical illusion as I jiggered it around. It extended back to Running Mead's horn. Was he levitating air to extend it?
Yes he was--to grab at me.
A force spell, insufficiently prepared, was all I had. If I could apply--
A Barthemule transform actuated, compelling me to finish the calculation as the sphere bloomed and surrounded me, lifting me off my legs and warding off Running Mead's touch.
Touch? I gasped. He had to touch a pony to make his talent work!
And touch he did. But not me. Suddenly the full constabulary task force was shooting at one another. Soon one would shoot at me and not miss.
Sunset Shimmer hid behind a cafe table she'd knocked over, cringing and shaking, shielding her head. I noticed this because I'd floated closer to Running Mead as my spell ran its course and collapsed under the weight of its temporal paradox.
I worked up another spell as I rolled flat and kept down, unable to run because my leg, which, though better, was largely numb.
From my position, between one moment and the next, I saw that Running Mead, cowering behind a protective constable, had his rear legs and flank up like a racer, ready to bolt again as soon as he could turn the copper blocking his escape. His tamed constable faced the one not yet turned. This gave me a good view of Running Mead's cutie mark: a spilt glass mug of mead.
He made ponies drunk and compliant. His was a filthy, horrible cutie mark, and I could not, would not, let him get away.
In an adrenalized snap, I transformed Force into Levitation into my healing spell, using my memories of working on Rye Bald under the influence of nettle-ewe; I refined it with all I had learned by experimenting on Sunset Shimmer's cutie mark, moving it, impeding its action, and confusing its feedback mechanisms. To that I added my burning, unbridled outrage and bile.
I reached out with no compunction that I might cause harm, dashing my magic into Running Mead's flank without a thought that I might fail.
And I did not fail.
The cutie mark's hum of conceit and bacchanal contentment flooded across my senses, with images of vineyards and the scents of intoxicating oaky wine. I could see horrific magical numbers spinning up in the ecstasy of fulfilling a destiny, a mathematics blissful in the face of atrocity. I shook my head to rid myself of the equations as I reached for the cutie mark's metaphysical connection, that bulb of virtual magic centered in his hip that formed the non-corporeal organ tissue that projected the image of his cutie mark to both sides of his body for all to see.
I grasped it--and ripped with all my strength.
It resisted.
It was like pulling elastic, but I renewed my determination even as I heard Running Mead scream in terror. The constable looked around in confusion for an enemy, but didn't see me immediately as she had to dodge the "innocent" stallion she was protecting as Running Mead fell on his side and thrashed against the pavement, bucking and neighing loudly.
I tore at the cutie mark as the constable turned and focused on me.
Running Mead, with a sick bang, struck himself senseless against the glass wall. I jerked harder, flooding all my magical energy through the connection.
I felt a click.
Like pulling a melted marshmallow from a roasting stick, the faint aura of the glass-mug-spilling-alcohol cutie mark pulled reluctantly away, leaving a gooey tendril of light. Looking like the ghost of a symbol, I dragged the transparent thing until it floated disembodied away from Running Mead's flank. At the instant of separation, the instant when the constable would have shot me, she instead stumbled.
I fought the cutie mark still magnetically attracted to its host. As the constable fell to her knees, I struggled frantically to keep hold of the apparition as my magic faded in exhaustion. I levered myself to a sitting position and saw the almost empty green-glass bottle of Claret. The label read Stags Leap Claret, Applewood, 989 vintage. I wrestled the cutie mark into the bottle just as my spell broke into thousands of burnt-out digits.
The cutie mark inched up the neck.
I got Levitation spun up as fast as I could, barely thrusting the cork into the bottle in time. It squeaked as I pushed down. I held my breath.
The apparition stopped moving, hovering and drifting about the inside of the green smoked-glass bottle.
Giggling, tears streaming down my cheeks, I cried, "Now that's the way to get a cutie mark!"
Something was very wrong with me.
I blinked, dizzy, but it felt the opposite of being sick. Suddenly, my heart felt overwhelmed by emotion. It was... it was... it was an elation and a pride magnitudes beyond anything I could have imagined, or previously identified.
I had done it.
I had defeated a demon!
And learned something profound about cutie marks--how to manipulate them. This, this--joy vanquished all other thought or worry. I felt myself lifted up, literally high. Oddly, the world took on a golden glow, though surely all of this was all in my head.
The shooting around me had ceased the instant I'd wrenched Running Mead's cutie mark free. The compromised coppers shook themselves as my levitated body rotated, giving me a view of a dozen confused combatants and constables who worked to secure the area. I felt so satisfied that I'd accomplished my goal that the idea that anypony might arrest me, that anypony might do anything to hurt me, became a complete non-sequitur.
My burning moment of self-knowledge and destiny passed, though. I found myself touching the ground and my hooves holding weight. I almost stumbled as my still partially numbed leg found itself unable to do its necessary task. I tingled all over, though, and could hardly care. As reality started filtering back into my brain, I smelled the perfume scent of the makeup powder I used to brush on my fake cutie mark. It was gardenia, though it smelled slightly burnt.
Fellows galloped up, causing me reflexively to renew my quick draw queue. From his back pack, he withdrew a rusted wrought iron ring the size of a donut, covered with tiny red iron-hot numbers that to my learned eyes vibrated and danced in place.
Running Mead lay there dumbfounded and stunned, muttering to himself, "Where did it go? It's gone!"
Fellows slipped the ring over Running Mead's horn and from the other saddle bag, he pulled two glass tubs. He ladled the pink contents of one over the ring, then poured the sickly green glowing contents of the other over it.
With a loud crack, the gel crystalized, afixing the ring in place. Well, that made sense. Wouldn't want a criminal tossing his head and launching the ring into the air.
He turned to me and said, "Thank you, Lady Grimoire, you came through after all." He huffed and tilted his head, squinting past me. A smile drifted across his face. "And congratulations on getting a real cutie mark."
I blinked.
I looked.
The brushed-on Grimoire had flaked off. Under the bits of powder lay something indeed new. I saw a doubled four-point star, purple overlaying white, with two turquoise auroras dancing above it. It was the same star burnt by my magic into the fur of my forehead. From my perspective, the auroras looked like they were trying to pull the high magic symbol from the matrix of the cutie mark itself. Since Aurora was my given name, the one I refused to use, it felt appropriate.
But wait. What? My special talent was cutie mark magic?
My special talent was cutie mark magic?
Cutie Mark Magic!?
Okay. Maybe that made sense, considering what I'd learned.
"Cutie mark magic," I muttered, and felt my lips pull up in a half-grin. "Huh..."
In my peripheral vision, I saw Fellows turning to look at Running Mead. He said, "I don't know what you did to him, but you knocked the sense out of him." I watched in horror as his head continued turning to scan toward Running Mead's flank and the doubled dark scar that the unmarking had left.
Instinct that had queued another spell allowed me to transform it into Levitation. It didn't matter that it was inaccurate. I winged the Claret bottle, bashing it hard enough against the glass window that the window cracked. The bottle didn't, but it bounced, spun cork over bottom to smash open on the cobblestone pavement, spraying me with droplets of red wine and bits of glass that bounced like dumped marbles.
Released, like a tiny comet, Running Mead's cutie mark shot back into place on his haunch, causing the stallion to cry out, "Oh!"
"Sorry," I said as Fellows looked from the smashed bottle to me. "Nerves," I added. "Um, I know how Running Mead's magic works."
"Right," he said, standing and drawing out his pad of paper and a pencil. "Go ahead."
As the constable that had moments ago been protecting Running Mead reached out a leg to shake the stallion to his senses, I cried, "Stop!"
To her credit, the mare jerked back her leg.
"Touch," I said, "He does it by touch. It's a cutie mark talent, so all he has to do is touch you physically or via magic. Whatever he tells you that he can make sound reasonable, you'll do. It's like sleepwalking. You have no control over your nightmares."
"I see." As he looked back at Running Mead, I began to get an uncomfortable feeling. Had he seen any of what I had done? No. No more than Sunset Shimmer had, attended by a plainclothes mare who tried to coax Sunset to stop hiding her head under her front legs. Somepony, somepony's protege, manifestly didn't have the right stuff. Glancing back at Fellows, intuition told me that cutie mark unmarking wasn't what he thought about. As I analyzed the feeling, I began to queue teleport spells. He wasn't looking at me and I had time to glance behind, to see Streak pawing at her singed tail. Blood coated her blackened flank. A constable watched her.
Fellows said, "I know all the help you provided will prove a mitigating factor--"
Blam!
The teleport landed me half a pony-length from Streak, right at the constable's front legs as he reared in fright. I stood, throwing him over. I leapt atop Streak--
Bang!
At the end of the street, I caught my breath and spun up my numbers as a cloud of disturbed fireflies swirled away. The constables turned and pointed as I found what I wanted to see. The royal guardsmare lay flat, jittering spasmodically as she preened a wing. The constabulary airforce was grounded.
Pop!
I teleported Streak above the warehouse, barely making the very edge of the building. We fell half a yard to the roof with a whump that knocked the breath out of us both. I'd gotten the angle right; nopony on the ground would know where my exit pop sounded.
"Can you walk?" I asked. Her burnt flank looked red, raw, and painful.
"I think so," she replied with an unconvincing smile.
I limped with her, occasionally shaking my leg to hasten it waking up. At the opposite side of the block-sized flat roof, looking down on the evening hoof traffic and a lone taxi, she asked, "Why'd ya do it?"
"I see us as victims, but the constabulary has other ideas. You have a record?"
"Not in Canterlot. I threw a brick through a moving company's window in Vanhoover."
I laughed. "Not what I meant. For the record, the stuff in Rye Bald's kitchen was minestrone soup. I helped him escape. So, let's make ourselves disappear. We aren't the big fish in this pond."
"Yeah, thanks. Oh, and this is yours." She pushed her face into her messenger bag and pulled out the purse I'd dropped. Her spiked mane blew like wind chimes in the cool evening breeze. "Really, thanks."
I leaned against the blue pegasus and teleported us to the next warehouse roof. "Don't mention it."
Later, I healed her flank. And split the gold bits.
I also did a lot of thinking about what having a cutie mark really meant. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 30: Epilogue? The Third Protégé (and Tears) | The soft patter of hooves on the Saddle Arabian rug and the slight rustle of enormous wings caught me by surprise. I had expected the door of iron bars that sealed the ancient entrance to the Star Swirl the Bearded wing in the Accadamie building to squeak.
I closed the cinderblock-sized volume of Barthemule's original bound manuscripts and it made a satisfying whump. I stacked, straightened, and inserted my copious notes into my denim saddlebags, using the levitation spell to mask queuing up the teleport spells I had let lapse after I allowed myself in before midnight. I kept my pink quill floating.
A sweet voice asked, "Countess Grin Having, I presume?"
I glanced to the yellow skirt and hat on the floor. They lay on a brown wool carpet woven with images of hour-glasses that matched the pony-sized bronze specimen in the center of the room. It had proven useful to act as a noble castle guest while roaming the grounds late at night. It wasn't, as her use of my title pointed out, presumptuous. I still wore the one piece blouse culottes, and had my hair up in pigtails again, which helped her to figure me out. I sighed. She had probably attended my parents' funeral and had a reasonable idea of my appearance, though I didn't remember seeing her at the age of four. In any case, I had no use for titles bestowed upon my parents after their death.
"Yes, Your Majesty." I bowed my head courteously as dictated by decorum, but didn't look back.
Princess Celestia walked around me and lay before me, and even so, the great white alicorn looked down on me with hard purple eyes. "You've passed the test neither of the other two have passed."
"A test?"
My eyes gravitated to the fanciful solar cutie mark the size of my head on her haunch, but flicked up to her eyes when she spoke. "I dangle forbidden knowledge before my special students and wait for them to break into the library to get it. Sadly, neither Twilight nor Sunset have taken the bait my physician tailored for you. Starlight--interesting choice of name, by the way. Unlike Lady Aurora, it has a synchronous ring like prophesy to it. Sunset, Twilight... oh, never mind."
For a moment, she lay thinking, her fascinating ethereal mane suspended in the unseen winds of the magic pulse; streaks of blue, green, pink, and turquoise hair waved in ripples like a badly tattered flag, hissing and fluttering quietly. When she spotted a scroll on the desk, she unrolled it before her, displaying a mug ring likely left by spilt cocoa. "Where did you find this old thing?" She lowered it and blinked at me. "I mean, really, where did you find it? It needs to be in a specific place to prevent a time paradox and I'd hate to have to break open a millennium-old diary to remember where to properly place it."
The thing had smelled of time. Probably because of my work with Barthemule's mathematics, I sensed the imaginary number time-magic the same way I saw numbers in a unicorn's aura, or an alicorn's. The alicorn's numbers were a magnitude more beautiful than she was physically, fluid and three-dimensional, amazingly simplified yet complex, flushed with fiery color. Perhaps I could perform her simplification on Levitation. It might make the spell instantaneous.
I pointed with my quill, thinking how the drops of blood used to activate the scroll looked fresh, though since we were talking about time here, it could have been the blood of Star Swirl himself--or that of a pony not yet foaled. It purported to allow a pony to travel back in time for a few minutes, but was scribbled with margin notes that made me doubt the cohesiveness and veracity of the otherwise simple spell mnemonics. As Celestia returned it to a top shelf, I admired how the whole room smelled of time, from the age-yellowed magic-infused paper it contained to the musty aged buff color walls.
As she lay again, I asked, "Shouldn't you be raising the sun?" The sky had become pale outside the window.
She chuckled. "Clocks are not set by the rising of the sun, and for good reason. Even I sleep in sometimes..." Her expression hardened. "I'm displeased at how you handled Sunset Shimmer, getting her involved with capturing Running Mead."
"Look no further than your own hooves, Your Majesty. Had you been paying attention--"
"--to her drinking habit? Students sometimes fail, my little pony. I only teach. Learning is up to them. I had hoped that a certain friend might have grounded her."
"Should I have told her father or you?"
"Friendship is an intriguing magic, but the three of you show no inclination for it..." Her voice petered out and she looked to her right, becoming thoughtful and considering her words. "I once taught a former friend of yours--Sunburst."
I tensed. Her eyes narrowed until her gaze rested on my flank.
"When he got his cutie mark, at least six others got theirs, too, cued by an external incident that ended with the opening of a chasm from here to Tartarus. Frankly, from his account of the day, I'm surprised it wasn't you who acted instead of him. I can't understand how he got his cutie mark and you didn't, considering his description of your much stronger magic. He proved a great talent in his field, but male and ultimately narrowly focused with inhibited magical abilities, and, oddly, as put off by friendship as you seem to be. You--you are a generalist of the highest order, as proven by that cutie mark you bear. Yes, the friendly thing for you to have done would have been to have found Sunset the help she needed, and to have waited for her to become well, and to have watched her become the friend you needed. What you did worked well enough, and she survived. 'Scared sober' describes it. She's hit rock bottom and has asked for help, and as a bonus she understands that if there's lesser evils in Equestria the greater ones can be both real an formidable. And that, Countess, is why I train a new generation of heroes for Equestria."
Not only did her last sentence ring of equivocation, both the title and the substance of the statement seemed honed to set me off. "You trained my parents!"
"I did. The both, separately. I later called them my friends."
"Yet you sent them to die, to become 'Heroes of Equestria'."
The princess looked at the floor, her ears folding down. "By the time I sent them they already were heroes, and sadly, yes, I sent them off to die, bound and unable to help."
Bound? Unable? "And all I got was a lousy title?"
Still looking away, she said, "And a grant of the environs of Grin Having, and right to the third coin of all taxes collected, and a governing role."
"I understand what an earl is."
She looked up, ears perked. "Do you? An earl can also claim a right to captain one of my armies. I had great hope for your parents' child, and, though she chose to runaway from her responsibilities, she has since demonstrated a unique martial prowess."
Meaningless babble, commanding armies or running towns. "You hired Proper Step, didn't you?"
"He's the son of my Majordomo and came highly recom--"
"He was a mistake."
"Judging by the result I've seen of your career in Canterlot, I think he did an excellent job."
"You haven't a clue--" I spat "--as to how or why I got Sunset Shimmer involved in capturing Running Mead, do you?"
"The more I learn about you the more interesting you become. Yes, I interviewed Detective Fellows."
My jaw clacked shut. Roller-skates. Horse Apples and Her Majesty on roller-skates!
I checked the prep on my teleports, not that I expected I could outwit the most arch of archmages. "So, you're going to imprison me?"
She snorted. "The paths to enlightenment are diverse, my little pony. There are benefits to working for an absolute monarch. I make the laws you've broken."
In other words, laws meant nothing to her other than as tools.
Then, suddenly, I understood. How had Running Mead put it? This is an employment interview. More blackmail, or just naked coercion?
"Countess--"
"Don't style me as anything I haven't earned." And why, in Equestria of all places, wasn't there a mare-name for an earl? I wasn't a count who happened to be a mare.
"Starlight, then. I'd like to make you my third protege."
"I won't take Sunset Shimmer's place."
"Now you give me hope. That's the first friendly thing you've said!" She laughed that delicate laugh, misinterpreting me. "I can surely teach three--"
"I won't take your blood money, either!"
She sighed. "All of what I've given you up to this point may have been 'blood money', but this offer--this offer--you've earned. Equestria needs independent thinkers."
"Sure she does. Independent enough to see the tyranny of cutie marks and that of a leader who supports the stratification they cause? I won't be co-opted into--"
She stood suddenly, towering over me at near the height of a horse. Her magical majesty struck me dumb. My needle must have struck home. "I live to preserve Equestria! She has unimaginable enemies. And the worst will hit in four years--"
Then something happened.
In terror, I stood, knocking back my chair. Not from awe, but from what choked off her words and that she didn't immediately realize what had happened! The region around her mouth blurred as you might see an illusory lake over a hot desert. Her voice became a garble of muffled sounds.
When she realized what I saw, her brow furled as she tried to shout through it. Finally, she said, "--ruins. It was all my fault." Hearing her voice again, a stream of tears ran down her cheeks. She added, desperately, tears splattering on the carpeting, "I train guardians for Equestria who may be able to do what I cannot."
I remembered Zecora's tale about the Everfree forest that implied there had once been two rulers in Equestria. Two! Worse, I remembered that Zecora had implied there was a curse.
That--what I had seen--that was a curse. The princess was also under the influence of a geas that prevented her from fighting the curse.
What could curse an alicorn for a thousand years?
She was a regicide...
And, deep in my heart, I knew that at the root of the murder would be found the interaction between cutie marks and the hardship they caused. I wanted none of it. Let Sunset Shimmer and the runt deal with it, as damaged as they might be!
I touched my nose to my saddle bags and teleported to the royal gardens, two stories down outside the travertine stone walls of the Accademie building. Surprised that I had succeeded and not encountered a counter-spell, I dove under the denim saddlebags. The old greenskeeper watched with a straw in his mouth in the anomalously long pre-dawn twilight. I teleported again and again, choosing buildings by shape and material to funnel the pops and confuse the ear of anypony who might follow me.
I used Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look to escape the castle grounds through the east bailey gate. I didn't see any evidence of heightened security, yet. I purposely ran into a mare in a red business suit, just to break the spell and make everyone wonder how they missed me, not to wonder where I'd appeared from. I apologized and blended in with the early morning crowd.
I'd lost the yellow blouse by the time I hopped on a bus being pulled down the Ponyville Way toward Ponyville. The sun had still not come up.
I judged it a message from Princess Celestia, but I didn't understand its meaning. What I did know was this: I had an insight into the true enemy of Equestria and now had the tools to dedicate my life to correct it.
Ironically, it was what my cutie mark was telling me.
The End |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Chapter 31: New Book 2 - Starlight and The Persistent Princess | Book 2 -
Starlight and The Persistent Princess
Chapter 31: Of Mice and Mares
The best laid schemes of mice and mares often go awry. How true!
After having been awake over a day, having been awful to Sunset Shimmer to bring Running Mead to justice, having earned my cutie mark, having confronted Celestia with all the ruin she had brought to my life and to Equestria's, having burned through splendors of my magic teleporting to escape Canterlot Castle, also escaping from the city was too much to ask.
All my hooves dragged, not just my right rear one, by the time I reached the corner of Alicorn Way at Ponyville Way. I blinked up at the News Building, lit brightly, a hive of activity as ponies realized something had prevented the sunrise. I could see that the giant printing presses had literally been stopped.
Little did the reporters know that the most newsworthy pony in town stood right across the street in a growing daze. Maybe it was common sense, not entirely exhaustion, creeping up. Celestia hadn't chased me, yet, but neither had she raised the sun.
I hadn't kept my freedom this long by being stupid. I needed a plan to keep from being caught. A slug-like target, with fluorescent green stripes in her purple mane, trotting down the switchback of the Ponyville Incline would be like a flare at midnight.
I glanced at my flank. Even the auroras in my newly-minted auroras-and-stars cutie mark glared a harsh ionized-oxygen fluorescent green. The abomination moved and conformed to my flesh as I walked. It seemed surreal. Maybe I was dreaming?
No. Celestia had sent Running Mead to Tartarus for stalking Sunset. Should have, at very least. From what I'd learned of her, perhaps worse.
I remembered the elation when I'd magically gelded the crime boss. It felt so right, like deciphering and manipulating cutie mark magic was what I had wanted all along.
Destiny?
I was so demented! The flapping mark controlled me, now. I stomped a hoof. No! Not happening!
Tartarus! My tail and mark were both flares in the morning twilight!
Celestia would search the Incline, would doubtlessly pack the train station and the airship terminal with royal guard and undercover constabulary. Without wings, or the skill to repel down the shear walls of Canterlot Mountain, there was no other way to leave Canterlot.
Oops, sorry--there was the taking an illegal barrel ride over the cataracts! Not happening.
I stationed myself under an awning before the Toque Blanche bakery. The smell of fresh yeasty bread beguiled me as I tied my mane and tail into colt buns, stuffing my green streaks from view. I hadn't eaten dinner yesterday, because that was when the sting operation went down, nor had I had the appetite for lunch, knowing I faced Sunset's ruin. My stomach gurgled loudly. A stallion in the glass window paused with a Prench bread in his magic to regard me with his blue eyes and a smile.
I yawned as I trotted around the corner. I desperately needed sleep but once again homeless, short of sleeping in the park for all the constables to see, I wasn't getting any.
I shuddered. Fellows. I'd forgotten his threat to arrest me. He'd likely issued an all agencies alert for somepony that looked like me! Even if Celestia threatened to pardon me, I didn't want to experience the humiliation of being caught, or worse, giving her the satisfaction of pardoning me and making me feel obligated.
One impossible task at a time. I would succeed, or learn something about myself.
The sun hadn't risen and most retail hadn't opened yet. I needed fur and mane dye, styling gel, and make-up. A sewing kit. And scissors. Definitely scissors. Short tail, short mane, overalls to hide my flank. I could make myself into a yearling colt, given an hour to work and a secluded alleyway to work in. It was after 7:00 AM, however, and I sensed I needed to be anywhere but in the open.
Right! I remembered from my previous visit to Canterlot. Back then I had failed to learn where Sunburst had gone because to do so, I would have had to enroll in Celestia's School because of privacy concerns about a random filly asking personal questions about a student. I hadn't had emancipation papers. I had required permission, which meant Proper Step or Celestia. I had run away from home for a reason: to learn magic. Celestia's money paid for Proper Step, who said learning magic wasn't lady-like. I hadn't known it was a setup. I'd left the city totally shattered, but I had had one good experience on the way out: Donut Joe's!
I trotted faster, glancing at the sky. Purple and deep blue, still. Clouds danced around the higher snow-capped peaks. I could still see the brightest stars to the west. Thankfully, I saw nothing more than a pegasus flitting uptown.
Likely, you've visited Donut Joe's if you've stayed in Canterlot. Diners with neon outlines and white Formica tables were much more common in Baltimare, and the other eastern cities I'd spent the previous few years in, so I felt a welcoming glow approaching it this dusky morning. Apparently, so did a hundred other ponies. The place was packed, which suited me fine. More camouflage. You know that special scent of cooked sugar, caramel, seed oil, and coffee. It hit me, along with moist warmth and the scent of ponies as I opened the door, letting two in business suits step out.
A hefty tan pony with tea cups and a coffee pot in his magic called out through the din, "'Low!" as I pushed in. No chance I was getting one of the crowded, shared tables for myself, nor did I want a place at the standing bars that faced the three windowed walls. Like putting a target on my back. I waited and noticed a mare in a red blouse beginning to stand near the middle of the front counter. I scooted her back in my magic, and stepped in before anypony could even think to move. Yeah, rude, but I'd gotten used to living in Baltimare where eastern ponies were rude and in your face all the time--and it served my purposes.
Soon multiple teabags of Earl Greymare steeped in front of me. Donut Joe dropped a still warm peanut butter stuffed chocolate donut and a pink frosted rainbow sprinkle donut on a little clattering plate before me. I counted over my coins. I'd still have plenty for the cosmetics and clothes, and train fares, but was happy the sugar I poured was free.
With bergamot scent filling my nostrils and my spoon stirring in my magic, my tea rapidly turned into brown-black syrup. I'd been up twenty-six hours. This pony's batteries needed recharging!
I sipped, burnt my lips, then flagged down some ice because I needed a caffeine infusion in a vein, and drinking fast was the closest substitute. I looked at the paper tea bag wrapper as I drank. Who was this Earl of Greymare, anyway? Had she, or he, been forced into service by a tyrant princess also?
Slowly, my energy ramped up, while I reviewed the notes I'd taken about the princess' cutie mark. I kept my position at the counter by ordering progressively cheaper donuts. A chocolate cake curler, then a sugar-frosted. Finally, realizing none of my observations in the library would help me fight her, I closed it and sighed. The big red stallion beside me noticed I looked over at his stack of newspapers. The Inquisition had a large politics section, but little sports, so I rarely bought it. Seeing my eyes, he slid over the sports section.
"Thanks."
"Wonder what's keeping Celestia?" he muttered, before sipping coffee.
I ruffled to the prizefighting results and said--loud enough to be heard over the clatter of plates and din of the crowd--"Dunno. Maybe her protege got caught up in a sting operation last night, and this morning the replacement she'd been cultivating for a decade refused the invitation and spat in her face?"
"That's kind of specific."
"Would be interesting if true."
He nodded, sipping coffee, turning the page.
I'd burnt a good half-hour and, by the clock, if I left soon I might be able to trot right into a store when it opened--
"Is that Princess Celestia?" a few ponies on the east and south facing windows asked, one standing precipitously and splashing tea on another pony.
My heart leapt into my throat, nearly choking me.
I glanced right. True, without actual sun, you don't get strong shadows. But with orange light on the horizon and lots of street lamps still lit on a main thoroughfare, light does get interrupted noticeably.
A winged shadow too large to be a pegasus swept by going north on Ponyville Way.
I gulped down my tea and stuffed the last of an apple fritter in my mouth. "Thanks," I told the stallion beside me, catching a spit crumb, slipping back into the crowd.
My nemesis had flown north. My destination, Vaquera's Secret, lay south of Alicorn Way and east to Chestnut. I pushed toward the west window, turning toward the entrance. I found an area relatively free of ponies and cast Don't Look Don't See Don't Hear. With nopony looking specifically at me, ducking down was enough to effectively disappear without anypony noticing or caring in the morning rush. Most diners were stationary as they ate, and with my current sugar rush, I could play a hoof ball match. I played dodge-a-pony only three times before I slipped out the closing glass door.
Traffic wasn't heavy, but I could easily step between other ponies in the crosswalk. I trotted to the corner, ready to cross with the other ponies, watching as a couple of wagons of boxes and crates rolled on by, leaving an opening for hoof traffic.
Having dealt with aerial attacks both in the arena and real life, my body reacted before my awareness. I flashed back to a certain griffon attack before my ears alerted me to the sizzle and hiss of feathers under pressure as something closed on me. I twitched, butting the mare to my right as my ears pivoted around and I glanced north.
"Hey!" the mare complained, but the descending sound had reached others' ears and she didn't notice I wasn't there. Gulping, heart racing, I looked where everypony else looked, while side-stepping south in preparation to gallop. I kept hold of the spell--the digits until then like unnoticed floaters in my eyes, spinning and on fire--confident I remained unseen.
Princess Celestia thumped down with bent knees in the middle of the cobblestone boulevard--hard enough to crack the matrix holding the cobbles in place and rattle the windows of Donut Joe's--five pony lengths behind me. I had no doubt the earth pony part of the alicorn chimera was as strong as her other aspects. She wore her golden peytral and crown, and furled her white wings with a feathered thwack.
Her snowy equine perfection--slightly pink in the gaslight and colored predawn, combined with the mysterious flow of her mane and tail--inspired awe. Like puppets, everypony went down on bended knee; even the oncoming traffic halted and bowed, including eight stallions harnessed to a purple and white city bus whose drover applied the brakes heavily, eliciting an appropriately ominous groan for the tableau.
I backed softly from the crosswalk, not trusting the Don't Hear clause of my spell. Celestia didn't look my way, but she did the familiar thing: She waved her pike-like horn back and forth... until she pointed it at me. As she stepped my direction, other ponies looked there.
One pink mare gasped, green eyes centering on me. In a cascade, the verisimilitude dissolved and all eyes alighted on me and widened. Ponies pointed, muttering how I'd suddenly appeared. Most importantly, Celestia also broke through the spell.
Purple eyes speared me.
Of course she'd found me. She was the headmare at her school. The proctors reported my test result. They'd copied Arches Bald's spell from my annotated notes for her. The clauses talked only about not looking, not seeing, and not hearing. It still took copious splendors of magic to cast, and like myself, Celestia could sense the flow of magic and see the numbers with her horn, even if tricked by the illusion in the particulars. She'd been flying around, scanning for magic.
My magic.
Had I stayed in Donut Joe's, I'd have remained hidden.
"Shoot!" I said. I let go of the spell, spinning up Levitate, straightening and checking the tightness of my colt buns as an innocuous way to keep my magic spinning as I gathered my wits.
I backed away.
The great alicorn stepped closer with a far greater stride. I got an education as to how huge she was. I could see under her barrel without dipping my head much. While relatively slimmer than most ponies, her body, neck, and head towered three pony heights, and her deadly sharp horn higher. I understood why the interior of most buildings had high ceilings, if for no other reason than to prevent embarrassing gouges in the plaster.
In her place, I would have stunned me, not let me analyze how to attack.
She said, "Everypony, clear the area." I backed faster. "Not you, Countess."
Most of the ponies stood and trotted away, watching over their shoulders, looking confused. Ponies reversed their vehicles. A couple of bright mares galloped away, understanding the dynamics of the threat. Ponies packed the window at the diner, lacking imagination to conceive violence, and annoyingly limiting my options lest I hurt somepony.
"Some ponies won't take no for an answer," I returned, ticking off in my head what I could and could not do.
Continued in The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers (Enhanced & Augmented).
Or read the prequel: The Runaway Bodyguard |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Appendix 1: Chapter Descriptions | The novel consists of thirty chapters including the epilogue. It is 56,000 words in length and fully complete. It was serialized in chapter installments finishing May 8th 2016.
Original Short Description: Starlight Glimmer's past and future collide in Canterlot before the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration. Starlight, a teenage runaway, tries to reform herself but her past crimes and Sunset Shimmer make that difficult. The collision will change Equestria.
Chapter 1: PTSD
Having recently fought in the Hooflyn gang wars, Starlight finds a lab in defensive spells too intense and looses her cool.
Chapter 2: Much in Common
After being tantalized by a healing spell, Starlight learns she shares similar experiences with Sunset.
Chapter 3: Work Issues
Starlight's criminal employer, Running Mead, has a job for her and Starlight doesn't like it.
Chapter 4: I Prefer Stallions
Starlight wakes up in Sunset Shimmer's bed and realizes she's been sleep walking--or sleep something.
Chapter 5: Reading Barthemule Recommended
Starlight's doctor, Sunset Shimmer's father, suggests she might have a talent for healing magic.
Chapter 6: Using What She Learned
Starlight asks Sunset Shimmer to blast her with a force spell; the result is... unexpected, and enlightening.
Chapter 7: Grimoire Ascendent
Starlight the Enforcer does her job frightening a pony who won't pay up and realizes something about cutie marks.
Chapter 8: Shimmering Issues
Starlight tries to teach Sunset quick draw, but finds Celestia's protege doesn't think in numbers at all.
Chapter 9: Theory into Practice
Sunset's talk of visiting Tartarus gives Starlight reasons to stay in Canterlot. She also casts her first healing spell.
Chapter 10: Blind-sided
A punked-out blue pegasus delivers an order from Running Mead. Starlight doesn't like that it contains the word "eliminate" in it.
Chapter 11: I Don't Kill Ponies
Starlight fights for her life against a capable foe convinced she wants to kill him.
Chapter 12: Revelation
Trying to escape, Starlight takes desperate measures. Will it cost her her soul?
Chapter 13: Unintended Consequences
Starlight realizes the real crime she's committed and it horrifies her.
Chapter 14: The Prodigy
Dr. Flowing Waters leaves Starlight no choice but to stay in Canterlot, even though it involves the princess.
Chapter 15: Exam
Starlight finds herself taking the same exam Twilight once took. The result differs drastically.
Chapter 16: Night Hauler
Streak makes Starlight pull an interesting wagon loaded full of unaccountably perfectly legal herbs.
Chapter 17: Night Flight
Starlight goes flying--and finds something enchanting about Streak.
Chapter 18; A Pony of a Different Stripe
Streak's trading contact seems a bit alien, but proves understanding.
Chapter 19: Accounting for Wrong Decisions
Starlight finds common ground with Streak, and is assigned another "job."
Chapter 20: Fright Night
Starlight wakes about to commit murder. She has to think fast.
Chapter 21: The Curious Cure
Zecora insists only Starlight can save Rye Bald's life and gives a history lesson.
Chapter 22: House Rules
Sunset solves Starlight's rent issue. Problem is, Starlight must share her bed.
Chapter 23: Likely, Meet Inevitable
While the situation with Sunset Shimmer deteriorates, Streak delivers an ultimatum.
Chapter 24: Breakthrough Consequences
When Sunset twists Starlight's discovery about cutie marks to her advantage, Starlight finds she doesn't mind. It is a lesson in situational ethics.
Chapter 25: Backed Into a Corner
Starlight's past rears up to threaten the key to her new life.
Chapter 26: Any Plan in a Storm
Starlight is desperate to save Sunset. And she really hates too lose.
Chapter 27: Gambit
Starlight confronts Detective Fellows and proposes a deadly plan.
Chapter 28: Act Three, Scene One
Sunset hits bottom and tries to convince Starlight to get her what she needs.
Chapter 29: To Ring a Unicorn
Starlight confronts Running Mead. Cutie mark magic may prove her downfall.
Epilogue: The Third Protege (and Tears)
Starlight visits the Starswirl the Bearded Time Wing, unwittingly taking Celestia's bait. What she learns about the princess and herself changes the fate of Equestria. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Appendix 2: Glossary | Barthemule - A virtually unknown student of Star Swirl the Bearded, famous for his mathematical treatises explaining his mentor's theory of time.
Brownstone - A kind of reddish-brown sandstone used for building. Also, a building faced with reddish-brown sandstone.
Don't See Don't Hear Don't Look - An illusion spell that renders a pony invisible by magically warping light and sound around the caster who must remain cognizant of her surroundings. It also emits a magical sensation that convinces nearby ponies not to look in the caster's direction.
Force - A complex multi-vector variant of Levitation that takes the anti-gravity aspect of Levitation and converts it into a directed force along a specific vector. Because the force rapidly reciprocates between the caster and the target, the resultant beam, when cast by a high level unicorn or alicorn, can generate a plasma.
Enforcer - A violent criminal employed by a crime syndicate; especially : hit man.
Horn - An evolved organ capable of flexibly solving the math necessary to warp normal physics into magic in multi-variable ways.
Grimoire - A book of magic spells and invocations. Typically, an ancient book of large size and arcane knowledge.
Levitation - The most common spell, allowing a unicorn or alicorn to typically manipulate two or three objects.
Magic Pulse - A supposed type of aether that suffuses the entire world and provides the energy that unicorns and alicorns use to warp the otherwise static physics of the world. The only evidence for this material is the behavior of Princess Celestia's mane.
Mirror - A shield spell that can reflect another force spell like a beam of light off a mirror.
Motivation - A derivative of Levitation that can operate machinery. Typically, it is used to power gears and levers. It is considered a refined version of Force.
Mnemonics - The verbal component of a spell, typically poetry, designed to remind the caster of the various magical mathematical expressions necessary to trigger the spell. In some cases, the mnemonics alone can trigger the spell, causing the caster to unconsciously do the required math.
Nettle-ewe - A psycho-active drug that magically increases the speed of thought.
Quick-draw - A style of spell casting, originally developed for competitive casting, that sacrifices accuracy for speed without sacrificing the efficacy of the spell and usually greatly simplifies the calculative burden of the equations necessary to cast a spell.
Spell - n. A codified linguistical-mathematical tract of steps that a magic user can use to learn or remember how to warp reality in a specific intended way.
Strand - Typically, the land bordering a body of water, but can refer to any land bordering an otherwise inaccessible view.
Stun - An spell that converts magic into a continuous electrical discharge akin to lightning.
Tartarus - A mythical hell in which the worst monsters and demons abide.
Teleport - A spell that translates the caster, objects in contact with the caster of limited size and adhesion, and a surrounding layer of air from one point in space to another.
Transform - v. To change (a magical-mathematical entity) by transformation, e.g., by translation, mapping, or through a function. n. A mathematical entity designed to transform a spell to tune, control, and make it into a different spell.
Valerian - Valeriana officials; Probably the most widely known of the calming herbs, valerian root is so effective that it had been designated as a prohibited substance by many of the equine regulatory bodies. In modern times, it is regulated, taxed, and available for sale, but not available to minors.
Visualization - How a unicorn or alicorn views the feedback of his or her horn. Most report numbers. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Appendix 3: Errata | During the writing of any long work of fiction, there are two main periods of time. The first is the writing of the story, the second is the revision of the story. In the case of a novel, writing usually takes months. Revision usually takes much longer and involves a series of drafts that include copy-edits and rewrites. This novel is no exception to the rule. I wrote the bulk of the 55,000 words in Enforcer and Her Blackmailers in the span of a month. Revision therefore should take longer.
It is taking longer.
However, I'm publishing the completed novel as I revise it, and, well, I've encountered issues. In this section I will note anything that I changed that might make a difference to your imaging the places or characters in the story, or content that might affect your conception of the plot.
March 28, 2016
- The story originally portrayed Starlight Glimmer as having two ponytails. I stand corrected. These are called pigtails and the text was revised to reflect this.
- The season opener The Crystalling added some backstory for Starlight Glimmer. The following paragraph in chapter 4
"At eleven? I used the application process to find access to school records. Turns out he was in Celestia's school for a couple of years until a Saddle Arabian diplomat learned about him. A mercantile league in their confederation offered him employment. He and his big sister now live half a world away in the Great Sandy Desert. Seems that if you can wield a hundred spears independently at one time, you're a one pony army--and can guarantee the safety of mega-caravans. He was out of reach before I even thought of leaving home."
was changed to
"At eleven? I used the application process to sneak access to school records. Turns out he was in Celestia's school only for a few years; somewhat of a brain. I figure a Saddle Arabian diplomat learned about him. A mercantile league in their confederation probably offered him employment. I'm guessing he and his big sister now live half a world away in the Great Sandy Desert. If you can wield a hundred spears independently at one time, you're a one-pony army who can guarantee the safety of mega-caravans. Why wouldn't he go? Let's face it, he was out of reach before I even thought of leaving home."
April 25, 2016
- When Grimoire shoots the soup pot, she doesn't cancel her levitation spell. She just shoots the pot. Sunset hasn't taught her how, yet. |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Appendix 4: About the Cover | The cover art for this novel was commissioned especially for this story from Raikoh-illust. The picture is of Grimoire, and is rendered in Raikoh's stylish take of the MLP cartoon style. The detail is accurate, but intentionally emphasized for the purposes of making a nice cover. (You'll understand what I mean by details better by the third chapter.)
Realizing I was writing a major novel, I wanted something more than my usual frame-capture manipulated in Photoshop. I found his illustration, The New Mare, and was taken by it.
Please patronize this talented artist. Visit his web presence here: http://raikoh-illust.deviantart.com
Raikoh has courteously consented to publish his work-in-progress images for the commission. I particularly like the sketch. He was a pleasure to work with and I felt his commission prices were fair. Find his WIP composite here: http://raikoh-illust.deviantart.com/art/Starlight-Glimmer-WIP-597369650 |
The Enforcer and Her Blackmailers | Appendix 5: Outline Materials | Enforcer
Workspace
-SG is forced to give up everything. She realizes she can't protect SS because SS won't let her without her explaining why. The why would ruin everything. She realizes that SS is addicted to nettle-ewe, and drinks too much, and telling her father or Celestia would ruin SS' position as a protege and ruin everything. SG is left helping herself, but doesn't know how. She thinks that SS can protect herself from kidnapping, but doesn't think that is a good strategy for RM who wants influence. The only conclusion is that he wants Grimoire to return to the fold voluntarily or that he will get to SS by the nettle-ewe and force SG into submission.
-SG decides to take down RM, saving SS and Streak at the same time. RM doesn't believe that SG would give everything up, but including her freedom, by going to the police.
-When she sees the guard she fought in the Lower walking near the castle, she tells him that she can help him if he follows her and lets her talk pretending he is doing something else. She explains that she has quit enforcing, though her former employer doesn't see it that way. She will be leaving Canterlot soon, but if before that if she is escorted into the Lower, it will be against her will, and it's probably going to be for something that would interest him and that he might want to follow and listen for something that might help him clean up the lower.
-SG realizes that RM wants Shimmer to do something for him in Canterlot Castle. RM is never caught because he rarely exposes himself, letting his minions do his dirty work, and has this special talent to get people to do things for him that he can use as blackmail. When RM tries to get Shimmer to agree to do something in exchange for weed, she refuses and SG gets to finally witness his talent in action. Though she can sense magic in his horn, his is an inherent talent that doesn't use magic directly and thus cannot be shielded against. Magic is necessary only to initiate the influence. When the guard arrive, ready to arrest him for mind control and attempted blackmail, he uses the influence on them before they can capture him. The melee ends with only the guard under his influence and RM's body guards knocked out. RM twigs to that SG lead the police to him. With no other choice, to prevent from being attacked by the guard under his control, she rips out his cutie mark and corks in a wine bottle. Do Shimmer and the guard wake from control when RM's talent is cut out of him? The guard "ring" his horn, to prevent him from doing magic. SG prevaricates when she releases his cutie mark, saying it was an illusion that confused him and prevented him from using his talent. Shimmer is told her behavior will be reported to Celestia. SG gasps when she realizes she has a cutie mark. With attention focused on her, SG teleports away.
Treatment
-Running Mead realizes SG has contacts at Castle when Sunset Shimmer attempts to follow SG home.
-When RM interviews her, he tries to get SG to sell weed to Shimmer, but SG refuses.
-SG wakes up at Shimmer's ivory tower. Celestia has given her her own lodging and laboratory. SG destroys the weed and finds finds Shimmer's closeness pathetic. Is it?
-Concludes the spell backfire caused her blackout and the bizarre action of her selling weed when she told RM she wouldn't do that. Shimmer's adopted father says he see no evidence that she is damaged, but that the therapy could cause side-effects. All therapies can cause things to happen, however unlikely.
-SG finds the reference the doctor told her about. She practices on herself and finds it allows her to heal quickly, and is better than massage.
Interlude with SG doing enforcing her way, which is being scary and breaking things but not people, but also appealing to reason of the contractee.
-(This might be a good blackout second occurrence). SG is sent to convince a problem pony to leave the Lower. She fights this apparently combat-trained pony to a draw. During the altercation, she tears a tendon (and later uses the doctor's magic to fix it.) She realizes she is fighting a member of the guard, possibly planted to ferret out information about RM. Oddly enough, in their exhaustion they banter and their seems to be some camaraderie, though cautious. She tells him she's Grimoire, but the best she can do with him is know what he looks like.
-SG is used as a guard for the herb trade with the supplier in the Everfree. Probably a flying wagon load. The supplier is Zecora who trades for herbs she can't buy, especially in unfriendly Ponyville.
-After the herb run, RM insists on SG eliminating a dead beat to make an example. When she refuses, she "blacks-out" again. She catches herself while initiating a force spell before hurting the pony; instead she teleports him to the wagon preventing him from taking the brunt of force spell. She catches herself about to kill. She is in a kitchen with witnesses from the boss looking in. She scares them back so they can't see what she's doing. She explodes a pot of tomato sauces with a force spell and convinces the witnesses she killed the victim. She sends them aware,saying she'll clean up the crime scene. She uses levitation to do so and has to heal the victim, too. She takes him to Zecora, who hears her story and is convinced that magic was used on
-SG. She now has RM witnesses that think she committed murder, but no evidence for the police. She convinces the victim not to go to the police but to relocated to another city with the gold coins RM slipped into her saddle bags to pay for her job, trying to further her guilt.
-SG concludes that RM has a mind control spell. (She is wrong; it is his special talent.) She decides to avoid him at all costs. Moves in with Shimmer, she she no longer has a job and Shimmer had invited her. In the days that follow, SG is approached for enforcing, but she insists she quit. She is told that nopony quits, and rebuffs blackmail innuendo saying she actually didn't kill that pony and can prove it. Thus she has nothing to lose and is used to leaving everything behind, and will if forced, so they should just go away.
-Shimmer is under great pressure competing with Twilight Sparkle. She has prowess where TS has potential. She needs SG to teach her quick draw techniques and how to do a force spell. Her force spell is so weak, pony feel tickled rather than bruised.
-The pressure has caused Shimmer to drink and take weed. SG sees that this is self-destructive. Nevertheless, she uses one of these drunken episodes to try the healing magic. It soothes Shimmer. Another time, thinking of RM, she wonders if she can manipulate the cutie mark. She removes Shimmer's completely and it helps her. Thus she hits on equalization therapy.
-SG wants to help Shimmer, to make her get help, but doesn't want to lose her safe lodging.
-SG uses Shimmer as a test subject when she is soused to learn how to use the doctor's magic. It is during a session that she learns a cutie mark can be temporarily removed. This therapy actually allows Shimmer to center herself and let go of the pressure.
-SG begins elaborating in her mind how cutie marks cause ponies to desire control over other ponies, making them unequal. It is often bad.
-When she sees the guard she fought in the Lower walking near the castle, she tells him that she can help him if he follows her and lets her talk pretending he is doing something else. She explains that she has quit enforcing, though her former employer doesn't see it that way. She will be leaving Canterlot soon, but if before that if she is escorted into the Lower, it will be against her will, and it's probably going to be for something that would interest him and that he might want to follow and listen for something that might help him clean up the lower.
-SG realizes that RM wants Shimmer to do something for him in Canterlot Castle. RM is never caught because he rarely exposes himself, letting his minions do his dirty work, and has this special talent to get people to do things for him that he can use as blackmail. When RM tries to get Shimmer to agree to do something in exchange for weed, she refuses and SG gets to finally witness his talent in action. Though she can sense magic in his horn, his is an inherent talent that doesn't use magic directly and thus cannot be shielded against. Magic is necessary only to initiate the influence. When the guard arrive, ready to arrest him for mind control and attempted blackmail, he uses the influence on them before they can capture him. The melee ends with only the guard under his influence and RM's body guards knocked out. RM twigs to that SG lead the police to him. With no other choice, to prevent from being attacked by the guard under his control, she rips out his cutie mark and corks in a wine bottle. Do Shimmer and the guard wake from control when RM's talent is cut out of him? The guard "ring" his horn, to prevent him from doing magic. SG prevaricates when she releases his cutie mark, saying it was an illusion that confused him and prevented him from using his talent. Shimmer is told her behavior will be reported to Celestia. SG gasps when she realizes she has a cutie mark. With attention focused on her, SG teleports away.
-SG at the end of the story is found in the Star Swirl the Bearded wing, researching a spell. When Celestia finds her, she thanks SG for arranging RM's arrest, but chastises her for using Shimmer. SG equates Celestia's attitude and domineering personality to her cutie mark, and the inherent inequality it represents. SG then dresses down Celestia for running rough-shod over Shimmer and pressuring her proteges. Celestia says it is necessary, but when SG asks why, Celestia acts as if under a geas that prevents her from speaking. SG is disgusted. Celestia is a damaged leader and ponies are locked into a hierarchy of talent that tears away friendship through inequality. She reaches for Celestia's cutie mark, but isn't fast enough. In the confusion of Celestia realizing she might be under attack, SG thinks better of her actions and teleports away. In the epilogue scene, as she runs away leaving all behind, she thinks she must never try to take away a pony's cutie mark without their consent, because that's wrong, but that if she can prove that equality therapy works, maybe one day even the alicorn would eventually come to her to ask for relief from her curse.
What Does Runny Mead Want?
-Control over the royalty?
-Higher paying up town clients, or clients in the castle?
-Immunity from prosecution?
-Power to run the lower with impunity?
-He was runs a protection racket and is a loan shark. He also is in the herb trade, which tends to benefit his loan sharking. Sometimes he excepts favors in lieu of money. If he could get connections up town, he might be able to lower funding to the Lower's constabulary and make his business safer and more profitable through efficiency.
-He recognizes that SG is dangerous but her scruples allow her to damage property but prevent her from hurting ponies, and therefore him. He figures if uses his talent on her, he can make her do special assignments without her conscious in the way, expecting she won't retaliate, if she knows what she did. Indeed, he can use it as blackmail to keep her in his control.
-The establishment is aware of his business but have been unable to catch him?
-Does the constabulary know his identity?
-Runny Mead has two enforcers. Does the second actually try to perform retribution on SG? Perhaps this happens after SG gets RM arrested and the enforcer takes over the remaining organization?
-Runny Mead could be Shimmer cut off from weed. This might clue SG into an imminent power play. So she leaves a message for the guard she fought that she can deliver Runny Mead soon to set up a sting. He just has to agree to let her get away. The tip off is when Shimmer and her head to the Lower together.
Details
Magic
-All ponies have magic
-Wings focus flying magic
-A horn focuses magic externally
-Lack of either focuses the magic inward
-By modulating magic using their horn, solving equations to produce changes in their projected magic, unicorns make local temporary exceptions to physics.
-The horn is a math coprocessor as well as a magic modulator.
-Any pony can sense the numbers in the magical field, though unicorns specifically use the feedback to gauge the result of their solution.
-Most ponies learn how to decipher the feedback as the numbers, but other visualizations can be effective.
-Deciphering another ponies numbers can give a quick or savvy unicorn and advantage of knowing the type of spell and targeting. It also allows one unicorn to copy another's magic. |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | pre | Again, the ponies shared a laugh.
Violet suddenly sat up straighter. "Oh, that reminds me! I have to ask you something." she said.
Twilight turned to the young mare with curiosity. "Yes?" she asked.
"When I was in Cloudsdale, before the heart crushing rejection of my immediate goals, I saw something. In the lobby of the Cloudsdale City Hall, there was a unicorn pony who was walking on clouds."
Twilight nodded. "Uh huh."
Violet continued. "Anyway, she was just walking along the clouds, like they were solid ground. Rainbow Dash told me that you had found an old cloudwalking spell, modified it, and had made it available to everypony."
"Really? Rainbow Dash used the word 'modified'?" Twilight asked.
Violet chuckled. "Not in those words, no. Still, would you tell me how you did that? Why didn't you seek some kind of notoriety for it? I mean, it's your business, Twilight, but you're too smart a pony not to get the attention you deserve."
Twilight blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Violet. I'd be glad to show you how I did it, even though you don't need it. As for notoriety, I'm not interested in being famous. I'm just interested in helping everypony achieve their dreams."
The unicorn mare paused for a moment, and rubbed her chin with her forehoof.
"Hmm." she said, in deep thought. "Speaking of achieving dreams, you say you need a job?"
Violet nodded.
"I think I can help you with that."
Violet smiled, her ears perking up. "Really?"
Twilight smiled in the affirmative. "Yes, I can. I have a stipulation in my own contract for hiring on a research assistant. You have to be willing to do a lot of reading, and you'll work most weekdays, but I can offer you a small salary in exchange for your help."
Violet squeed, and it was the purple unicorn's turn to be caught off guard, as Violet embraced Twilight in a suffocating hug. "Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou! Twilight!"
Twilight's face had become darker, her eyes bulging as she tapped Violet's foreleg.
Violet, realizing that she was choking her prospective employer. "I'm sorry, Twilight!" she cried out, panic on her face.
The purple unicorn sat backward, gasping for air. "It's...okay." she said, between gasps. After a few more moments, she calmed down, her breathing returning to normal.
"Can I get you any water, Twilight?" Violet asked her, concern on her face.
Twilight shook her head. "No thanks. I'll be fine." She smiled. "I'll take your zeal as a sign of your dedication to doing a fair and proper job."
"Really, though, I appreciate what you're doing, Twilight."
"It's really no problem, and believe me, you'll work hard."
"I promise you I will."
"And I believe it."
"So, when do I start?" Violet asked after a momentary silence had passed between them.
Twilight appeared to be in thought for just a few moments, before replying. "Give me a day to organize your work schedule, and to get my own schedule adjusted. You can be here the morning of the day after tomorrow."
Violet smiled. "Awesome. I'll be here with bells on."
A few moments later, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Twilight called out.
A few seconds later, Rainbow Dash poked her head around the door. "Hey, there you are!"
Violet and Twilight greeted the brash pegasus.
"Would you like some tea, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked.
Dash waved her off. "Nah. I got that letter delivered. Handed it right to the Princess." She looked at Violet. "You ready to go, kiddo?"
Violet nodded, turning to Twilight. "Thanks for all your help, Twilight."
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "What help?"
Violet turned and walked over to her big sister. "Twilight said I could work for her as a research assistant."
Rainbow Dash patted her younger sister on the back. "Awesome! You didn't have to do that, Twilight! That's a pretty cool thing to do!"
Twilight smiled, blushing slightly. "Well, I needed a research assistant for a while, and Violet, here, is really smart."
Rainbow Dash ruffled her sister's mane. "She sure is! She's going to make a heck of a Wonderbolt someday, aren't ya kid?"
Violet's smile faltered slightly. "Um, yeah." she said, but she managed to bring the smile back. She'd work on that problem later.
"Well, see ya, Twi," Dash called as she and her sister began heading out the front door.
Twilight nodded as she stood and headed toward the door to close it behind them. "Thank you for taking that letter to the Princess, Dash. I really appreciate it."
"No problem!" Dash called out behind her, disappearing with her sister past the door.
Twilight ambled over to the door, preparing to close it. As she did, she heard a young voice asking, "What's this thing about a catapult?"
Twilight smiled as she shut the door with her magic. ***
"We're back!" Rainbow Dash called out as she opened the door to the farm house.
She could hear Applejack rooting around in the kitchen. "What took y'all so long? There wasn't much trouble, now, was there?" she said, as she entered the family room, a plate of apple crullers piled high, and sitting on her back.
Rainbow Dash grabbed a cruller, giving Applejack a peck on the cheek on the way past. "Nah," she said, taking a bite of her cruller, "I mean, well, yeah, a little, but Twilight helped fix it."
Applejack's eyebrows went up, as she sat the crullers down on the coffee table. "Twilight? You saw her in Cloudsdale?"
Rainbow Dash's mouth was stuffed, so Violet answered, lest Dash send baked goods across the room. "Oh, no. You see, the weather authority didn't have anything open, so we headed back home. On the way, Twilight flagged us as we passed the library, to see if Rainbow Dash could deliver a letter for her. While I waited in the library, Twilight mentioned that she could use some help, and brought me on as a research assistant. I start in two days. I get a salary, and a schedule and everything." The smile on Violet's face was effervescent, and it was easy to get caught up in her happiness at finally having a source of income all her own, and a responsibility all her own.
Applebloom tumbled into the room, snatching a cruller on the way by as she gave Violet a hug with her other foreleg. "That's great, Violet! Twilight's one of the neatest ponies Ah know! She'll be real nice to ya, and ya even get some bits to go spending whenever ya like!"
"Applebloom" Applejack interrupted.
"Not only that," the excited filly continued, "but you'll be able ta find out all kinds o' stuff about magic, an' special talents, and-"
"Applebloom."
"An' ya may even discover something' really groundbreakin'-"
"Applebloom, ya ain't gonna crusade with Violet when she's workin' with Twilight. She's gonna have her hooves full enough as it is, an' she don't need ya messin' about gettin' yerself inta trouble. Ya best get yer saddlebags so ya can head on over ta Rarity's for yer sleepover."
The small filly stopped her stream of compliments, and sighed, a flat expression on her face. "Fine." With that, she made a beeline for her room.
Violet smiled to herself as she watched the little filly galloping away, and wondered if she had every tried anything like that with her parents.
For a moment, she thought about them, and a pang of guilt made its presence known, but was quickly squelched. She had made her decision. It didn't mean she didn't love them, it just meant that she had her own life to live now, and if current events were any indication, that life had truly begun it's own path, with or without them to guide her. She only hoped that they would understand why she needed to do this, and why every filly had to become her own mare.
She took a cruller for herself, and nibbled as she made her way up the stairs to her own room.
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | Tempest Takes A Job | CHAPTER FIVE
"Tempest Takes A Job"
It was a beautiful day, and Violet was so excited, she couldn't help but almost skip on her way to Golden Oaks library, where she was starting her new job working as Twilight's research assistant. It probably didn't seem like much to some, but to Violet, it was the first major step in her efforts to make her life a successful and happy one. Unlike some of her friends in high school, Violet loved research. She loved studying, she loved the smell and feel of the books and scrolls as they passed underneath her hooves, and she delighted in the mental exercise it required to dig into page upon page of text, and to discover a hidden truth that was sitting right there in front of you the whole time. Those were the best secrets, the ones held right under your muzzle.
She focused herself as she finally stopped, standing in front of the large library door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and took a step back. A few seconds passed, at which point she heard what sounded like the scratching claws against a door lock. The door flew open, and Violet lowered her gaze to see a purple dragon smiling at her.
"Hello, Violet! Twilight's been expecting you!" The tiny drake called out cheerfully. A moment later, he stifled a yawn.
"Hi, Spike! Is it okay if I can come in, then?" Violet asked, her head tilting to the side, a bemused expression on her face.
"Oh! Yeah, sure! Sorry, I guess I'm still a bit tired." The young dragon moved to the side and let Violet in. As he closed the door behind her, he continued. "Twilight had me re-arranging everything last night. Something about a meteor and apology about some kind of something."
"Meteorological Occurrences and Atmospheric Anomalies."
Violet turned her head in the direction of the voice that had just entered the conversation. She saw Twilight coming up from the downstairs laboratory, goggles on her face, a clipboard held in her magic.
"I've been studying the recent anomalies with the odd weather patterns coming out of the Everfree forest. It's nothing major, I'm sure, but it is something that the Princess will want fully documented." She smiled at Violet. "Are you ready to get started?"
Violet nodded, at which point she heard a "here you go" from behind her, and turning, saw Spike approach her with a labcoat and goggles of her own. She saw magic take hold, and in seconds, the goggles were on her face, and the lab coat was around her barrel.
She followed Twilight down the steps and into the spacious laboratory below the library. Violet was in awe as she saw tubes, pipes, electrodes, recording devices, reams of paper, and various oddly colored objects here and there, coming out of every corner of the lab, and there, in the center, stood a purple unicorn, jotting down notes, perfectly at home in her environment.
Violet trotted over to where Twilight was standing, and waited.
After a moment, Twilight looked up at her and smiled. Violet felt herself blush just a bit. She wasn't accustomed to being the sole focus of somepony's attention.
"Here's what I need you to do, Violet." Twilight said as she cleared some space on the large table in front of her. "I need you to read through these journals left by Sea Sprite, the last meteorologist who had fully documented the weather patterns of the Everfree forest some seventy-five years ago. Obviously some things have changed since then, and I'm going to need you to take down relevant notes where his research differs from my own."
Twilight placed her own clipboard next to the cleared space she had made, as Spike walked downstairs with the books Violet would need to follow up on Twilight's research.
"Thanks, Spike," Violet said as the drake dropped the pile of books on the table.
"Hey, no prob, Violet. It's pretty cool that you'll be hangin' around here now that you work for Twilight."
"I'm proud of you, Spike!" Twilight called from over her shoulder, while she was reading an old, dusty scroll.
Violet cocked her head to the side, and looked at Spike. "What does she mean?"
Spike began to recite the story about his past encounters with new assistants. "Ya know, I was more of a kid back then, I guess," he said, scratching at the dirt with a clawed foot. "I'm much too old and mature to fall for that kind of jealousy anymore." He said, sticking a claw to his puffed out chest.
Twilight smiled as she turned toward the two of them. "Alright, Spike. Violet and I have some work to do. If you'd like, you could go get a few groceries while we work."
Spike began hopping up the steps, but stopped and turned before reaching the door. "Can I get some ice cream, too?"
Twilight giggled. "You sure can, just make certain ponies can eat it too."
"Hey, it's not my fault you won't open your mind to Double Fudge Cream Quartz," he retorted, before jumping the last couple of steps, and closing the door behind him.
Twilight went back to her research, and Violet cracked open the first of many books, Meteorological Circumstances and Circumferences, hoping to pare down the ream of statistics to a workable, and simplified theory.
As she turned to Twilight's first set of notes, she took a moment to thank Celestia for her advanced Calculus courses. Twilight had filled every nook and cranny with volumes of figures, both abstract, and imaginary. She glanced over the second page, and saw more illustrations, figures, and estimations.
She grabbed the quill with her mouth, and started reading the large tome in front of her, making comparisons, from time to time, and generally working to resolve the hypotheticals that were preventing further illumination into the matter by which Twilight had been digging so deeply to uncover.
The day passed uneventfully. They took a break for lunch, and Twilight and Violet got to know one another better. Twilight regaled Violet with some of her adventures, and Violet told Twilight about her future, and what she hoped to do with her career options.
That night, she went home late, which would be the norm when it came to Twilight and her research work, but her mind was full, though contented, and so after a quick snack, and a warm shower, she went to bed eager to begin the next day.
Day 2 was more of the same. She got up, took a shower, had breakfast, and practically skipped off toward the library, ready to get started on her second day of research work with Twilight. Like the day before, Spike met her at the door, Twilight was already at work in the lab, and over lunch, they once again discussed different parts of one anothers lives, their hopes and dreams, and as they giggled over small jokes, Spike would occasionally roll his eyes at all the "cutesy" frou-frou silliness, though secretly he was happy to see Violet coming more out of her shell around them.
Like the first day, Violet stayed late, finishing up the first draft on a lab test that had gone slightly wrong (a minor explosion caused both Twilight and Violet to be turned a light shade of green, and reeking of vinegar), much to Spike's delight (he would go on to refer to them as the pickled pony pair for days). She went home, that night, happy and content, glad she was able to be useful for someone who was so intelligent, and such a kind pony.
It was on Day 3, while cross referencing a theorem from a book titled Windy and Warm: An Observer's Guide To Tropospheric Cyclical Phenomena, when she dropped her quill in surprise. She quickly checked the figures on her draw sheet, and then glanced back at the book she had open. Seeing that they matched, she looked up at the purple mare, who was studiously working on a chemical composition, a beaker in one grip of her magic, a vial in the other.
"Um, Twilight?" she asked, "I hate to bother you, but can I ask you a question?"
Twilight nodded without looking away from her work. "Sure, Violet! Ask any question you need. That's what lab partners do."
Violet felt a warm pang of appreciation at Twilight's casual inclusion of the young mare, but pushed forward before she lost her train of thought.
"You told me that we were documenting the Everfree forest's weather patterns, right?"
Twilight nodded as she eyed the amino acid levels of a beaker sitting on a bunsen burner. "That's right," she said, and tapped the beaker. Violet watched as it changed from a sickly yellow to a bright cherry red.
"Well," Violet replied, "I was looking at your long form equation here, and to be blunt, it looks more like you're preparing to manipulate the Everfree's weather into something less dangerous."
Twilight turned toward her and smiled. "That's right."
Violet took in a deep breath, and said rapidly, "but isn't that dangerous? I mean, I know you wouldn't put anypony in danger but I'm pretty sure messing with the Everfree's weather pattern could result in very bad things happening."
She cringed, waiting for Twilight to get upset at her questioning the brilliant mare's work.
"Violet, are you okay?"
Violet opened one eye, and saw a curious Twilight staring at her. A moment later, Violet opened the other eye, and relaxed slightly.
"Aren't you mad?" she asked the purple mare.
Instead of showing concern at Violet's impetuousness, Twilight simply smiled. "No, silly filly, why would I be mad?"
Violet began blushing at her apparent faux pas. "Well," she mumbled, while rubbing one foreleg with the other. "I thought you would be upset with some new upstart like me trying to second guess your work."
At this pronouncement, Twilight's smile turned into a giggle. "Of course not! We're partners. That means you asking questions when you need them, no matter what they're about. I mean, I trust your judgment, Violet. Just the past two days alone have shown that you're studious, disciplined, and very smart. I'm very happy to have you on the team."
She turned toward the clipboard and picked it up in her magic. "Yes," she said as she flipped several pages, "one of my goals is not only to keep the Princess informed of the Everfree forest's weather patterns as of late, but also to find a solution to the increasing storm activity. There's-"
A voice interrupted her from upstairs. "Twilight, Violet, it's supper time!"
A second later, Twilight's stomach rumbled. "Oh my," she giggled, "I guess it is time to get something to eat!" She motioned to Violet. "Come on up, and we can discuss this while we're making our tummies stop growling!"
After quickly washing up, they sat down at the dinner table, plates laid out before them, loaded down with daffodil sandwiches, baked cucumber slices, and hay fries.
"This looks delicious, Spike!" Twilight said as she took a bite of her sandwich. Violet followed suit. Spike munched on some hay fries slathered with onion sauce, and sprinkled with peridot pieces. For a few minutes, the trio at in silence. Violet finally resumed her question from earlier.
"So, Twilight, what are your plans for the Everfree forest?"
Twilight finished a cucumber slice, and dabbed her muzzle with a napkin.
"Well," she began, "my theory is that there is a magical imbalance, perhaps resulting from an overabundance of output coming from the Everfree, and it's causing havoc with local Equestrian weather."
Violet thought on this a moment before replying. "So what you're saying, is that if we, I mean you, find a way to neutralize this source of high level magical output, the remaining magic should bleed back into the Everfree from the surrounding area-"
"Reducing instability, that is correct." Twilight finished, and then smiled. "That's terrific, Violet! I mean, I knew you were smart, but I didn't know you had such a grasp of the finer points of the physics behind it. I'm impressed!"
Violet blushed hard. She turned away from Twilight and Spike.
"Are you okay?"
Violet nodded at the question. "Oh, I'm fine. I'm just not used to being heaped with praise by someone I respect so much."
Twilight grinned. "Aw, that's so nice of you to say that! I really am lucky to have such a wonderful research assistant!"
Spike made gagging motions with a claw.
Violet felt warmth permeate every square centimeter of her body.
Twilight looked down at their empty plates. "Well," she asked as she looked up at a blushing Violet, "are we ready to get back to work? The Everfree won't tell us the problem itself!"
Violet grinned. "Ready when you are, partner."
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | Stormy Weather | CHAPTER SIX
"Stormy Weather"
The Sun beat down upon her orange coat as she used the sledgehammer to pound the wooden post further into the ground. Her only relief was the shade provided by the hat sitting atop her head, and even that began to protest the heat.
She stopped for a moment, and took off her hat as she looked along the fence that ran beside the northwest orchard, fanning herself. Noting with satisfaction that the fence looked far more secure than it did at the start of the day, she wiped her brow, placed the hat back on her head, and began tossing tools back into her cart. Finishing this task, she began to make her way back up toward the utility shed.
She acknowledged the howdy of every farmhand she passed, and was pleased to see that most of them didn't pay her no heed, as they were too engrossed in their labors to stop and chew the hay, even for a moment. It wasn't that she thought the ones who did were being lazy, but it was always a good sign when it seemed there was too much work to do. A busy farm was a happy and prosperous one.
Coming upon the large building, she pulled the cart inside, and backed it into the wall, where it gently came to a rest. Releasing herself from the harness, she took a moment to stretch, feeling a crick in her neck as she did so. She ignored it for the moment, knowing it would probably annoy her for the rest of the day, and made her way back toward the house.
As she approached their family home, she noted how quiet the place was these days. Ever since Big Mac and Granny Smith had decided to join family out in Coltorado, things had felt different. Applejack had practically begged them to stay, but Granny Smith had insisted that the family needed to prune its branches, and for new roots to settle down into the Apple Family Acres soil, and when Granny made up her mind, that was it.
She had taught Applejack, Big Mac, and Applebloom everything she knew about Zap Apples, about the family history, how to love and respect everypony, and how to live a good, and honest life, and even though Granny Smith was still around, that she wasn't here, in this house, doing what she did every day, it was keenly felt. What made it all the more noticeable was the lack of her older brother; a stallion of few words, but even in silence, you could feel his presence. That's what had made the place feel alien and strange. It felt like they were gone forever; far off in a foreign world never to be seen again, even if, in truth, they were only a couple day's train ride away.
They say home is where your heart is, Applejack, but what do you do when your heart is in two places all at once?. The thought had come unbidden, but before she could answer the errant thought, she sensed a familiar presence.
"Hey, AJ. What's up?"
Applejack turned her head and glanced over to where Rainbow Dash was now standing. In response, Rainbow sidled up to Applejack and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, Rainbow," Applejack responded, giving Dash a nuzzle of her own. "Not much, really. Ah was just standin' here, thinkin'."
"Thinking about what?"
"Well, 'bout the way things used ta be, if ya really want ta know." Her voice had a bit of a hard edge to it. More than she had intended. "It feels lonely here, sometimes. Granny an' Big Mac are gone, Applebloom spends most o' her time at Rarity's these days, and we're always busy takin' care o' what needs takin' care of. It's like no one lives here any more. Like we all jus' use it as a place ta sleep an' eat. Home jus' don't feel like home no more." Tears welled in her eyes.
Rainbow draped her foreleg over Applejack's withers, bringing the mare close to her chest. "Hey, AJ," she intoned softly as she wiped the orange mare's tears, "I didn't know you felt that way. Why didn't you say something before?"
Applejack gave Dash a sideways glance, and raised her eyebrow. "When did we really have the time, Rainbow? We get up, eat breakfast, ya give me a little kiss, and ya head off to take care o' the weather. I wash the dishes, get Applebloom off ta school, and get to workin' here. We ain't even got time ta spend together, we ain't had time to even plan our own weddin'. We're gettin' married, soon, an' we ain't even sent any o' the invitations or anything!"
"You're not mad at me, are you AJ?" Dash asked, leveling a look at her marefriend.
Applejack met her gaze. "Nah, Ah ain't mad, sugar cube. It ain't nothin' ya could do. It's just the way things are 'round here. We've always been a hard workin' family. Ah guess Ah just miss havin' all that family around at the end o' the day to make it all worthwhile, ya know? Ah mean, when it was me, an' Big Mac, Granny Smith, an' Applebloom, gettin' together and havin' supper, talkin' 'bout our day, that made all the hard work an' struggle worth it. Now what do we do? Yah work, Ah work, and Applebloom goes ta school, comes home long enough for a howdy, and then she's off ta Rarity's."
Rainbow Dash took all of this in, and it bothered her. She was a mare of action, and seeing that Applejack appeared almost helpless disconcerted her. She vowed to herself that she would solve their problems, and give Applejack the happiness she so needed.
"You know what, AJ? I think we need some time together. Just some time for us to go spend together without anypony around."
"Well, what do ya suggest?"
Rainbow Dash grinned. "I think we need to have ourselves a picnic." ***
An hour later, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were laying on a checkered blanket. Dirty cups and plates were stacked off to the side, next to a now empty picnic basket. They were huddled together, with the back of Applejack's head against Rainbow Dash's chest. The cyan blue mare was stroking her marefriend's mane, as they marveled at the beautiful flowers surrounding the lake by which they had chosen for their picnic retreat. Not far away, a waterfall cascaded down a cliffside, offering a soothing background of rushing water as it gushed headlong into the lake below, the thundering of that collision becoming a peaceful drone further away along the lakeside.
The lush green grass was peppered with lilacs, peonies, daffodils, and marigolds. Here and there, daisies could be found in patches, their stark whiteness offsetting the gorgeous rainbow hues as the evening Sun of Celestia's eternal watch cast it's evening visage upon them, with several clouds turning a pink cotton candy hue and casting their shadows on the tall trees below. From those trees, the birds chirped happily as they flitted about, going from tree to tree, tweeting, and flapping, and climbing high into the sky, only to swoop down upon another tree top, surprising their loved ones with joyful chirrups, the warm breezes carrying that joy throughout the glade. It was a paradise in every sense of the word.
Applejack lay nestled up against Dash's chest as the pegasus ran her right hoof through the farm mare's mane, her braids no longer holding her hair back, leading to the creation of their own waterfall of blonde hair, cascading down around the mare's shoulders.
Rainbow Dash stared silently at her marefriend's freckles, highlighted by the Sun, as if it were to say, "look at this beautiful mare, in all of her unassuming glory. She doesn't even have to try, and yet she is more beautiful than the flowers of the field."
Dash could do nothing but silently agree with the Sun's assessment. She watched as Applejack's emerald eyes gazed out over the beauty of the landscape around them, a stalk of hay in her mouth.
This went on for several more minutes, and in Dash's opinion could have gone on until the end of all time, but nothing gold can stay, and so it was Applejack who eventually broke the silence.
"Hey Rainbow?" she asked, not too loudly, lest she disturb the peaceful setting around them.
"Yeah, AJ?" Dash responded with equal measure.
"Ya remember that day we competed in th' runnin' o' the leaves?"
"Yeah, I mean, how can I forget it?"
"Well, I just want ya ta know, I loved ya even then."
"You know what, AJ?"
"What?"
"I loved you then, too."
"Ya did?"
"I sure did. You know why?"
"Why did ya love me then, Rainbow?"
"Because I have a soft spot for ponies almost as awesome as I am."
Applejack chuckled, reaching back to pop Dash in the shoulder. Rainbow Dash caught it with her hoof, and leaned down, kissing Applejack's foreleg. She began to plant kisses up Applejack's foreleg, taking a moment to move aside several stray hairs, and leaning in, gently kissed Applejack on her neck.
The orange mare inhaled a sharply.
Spurred on by her marefriend's reaction, Rainbow Dash kissed the mare's cheek, and nibbled on her right ear. The farm pony turned her head as Rainbow Dash came in for another kiss, and their lips met. Eyes closed, and hearts inflamed by the pure, intimate contact, they pressed into one another, with Applejack turning slightly in order to more comfortably reach her marefriend.
The kiss solidified as Rainbow Dash ran a foreleg down Applejack's chest, tracing the countours of her stomach, causing Applejack's eyes to snap open and draw in a breath, their kiss breaking, Dash's lips forming into a smile instead, as her hoof traveled in lazy circles on her marefriend's stomach. Applejack's breathing quickened. "Rainbow," she began.
Dash smiled. "Yeah?"
"I-" Applejack had began, but a clap of thunder interrupted her words.
Both ponies jumped from the sound, Applejack's hat falling off of Dash's head. Upon looking around, the pair noticed that their once ideal picnic spot had become an overcast portent of stormy weather.
Rainbow Dash scratched her mane in puzzlement. "There's no storm scheduled for today."
A flash of lightning and a peal of thunder told the weather pony that schedules were being ignored, and, with some regret, got to her hooves, helping her marefriend up in the process.
"Stay here, Applejack, while I check out what kind of storm we've got here."
Applejack kissed her marefriend on the lips. "Don't do anything foolish, now," she said as she pulled back.
Rainbow Dash cocked her a confident smile. "When have I ever..." at which point she faded off and blushed a bit, as she saw Applejack raise an eyebrow, a frown appearing on her face. It didn't last, however, and a moment later she just laughed and exclaimed "Exactly!"
Rainbow's confidence returned. "Eh, don't worry. I'll just take a quick look around and come right back down before the storm starts."
A drop of rain splashed on her muzzle.
Applejack noticed the errant drop. "Ya better hurry then, Rainbow. Looks like the storm'll be here any second. Ah don't mind sayin' Ah don't want ta be out in a field in the middle o' no gullywasher."
Rainbow Dash nodded her agreement, and took off like a shot into the air. Applejack watched as her lover's form disappeared beyond the lower edge of a menacing cloud bank. She felt something bump her back leg. Glancing downward, she saw her hat laying there. She picked it up and dropped it back onto her mane, it's presence offering little in the way of protection as the occasional wind began to kick up.
Fortunately, a cyan blur came into focus a few seconds later, and materialized into the sleek form of Rainbow Dash, who landed a hoof-ful of yards away. AJ trotted up to her as she got her bearings.
"So what's it lookin' like?" she asked the pegasus.
"Not good, AJ," Dash replied, "the tops of the clouds are still building, and it's looking like a huge rainstorm will start dropping here really fast. Maybe some lightning, possibly hail. If you'd like, instead of us running back to the farm, I can fly you there.
"You sure you can handle me and this wind at th' same time, sugarcube?"
Dash's air of cockiness appeared. "You're talking to the fastest and strongest mare in Equestria. Of course I can."
Applejack gave Dash a withering look. "Fastest? Sure, Ah'll grant ya that one, but strongest? Ah'd say that's up fer grabs, sugarcube."
A bolt of lightning struck a nearby tree, causing a smouldering branch to crash to the ground, and a peal of thunder that rumbled beneath their hooves.
"Look, AJ, I think we can argue about this later. Right now, I'm trying to get us out of here before mother nature tries to kill us."
Her look brooked no argument, and AJ quickly climbed onto her lover's back, and gripped Dash's neck.
"Hold on tight, AJ, this is going to be rough!"
"Ah'm holdin' on, sugarcube! Wild ponies couldn't pull me off'n ya!"
Gritting her teeth, Rainbow Dash flapped her powerful wings, and they were off the ground, on a path toward home, hoping to beat the giant storm before it decided to beat them first. ***
They made it to the front of the gate right as the storm began dropping it's storehouse of water in the form of raindrops, both frigid and massive.
The two ponies hurried through the gate, up the front porch, and into the house. AJ slammed the front door behind her, the heavy rains beating against it.
"Ha! Made it in first!" the brash pegasus called out behind her.
Applejack turned around to see a triumphant look on Dash's face. The pegasus was oblivious to the dripping water cascading from her mane, and the rest of her body, leaving a puddle on the hardwood floor.
"Well, that's all nice and such, but ya might want ta do somethin' about the mess yer leavin' on the floor, Rainbow."
Dash looked down, seeing the water begin to head toward the rug.
"Anything else I can do, Rarity?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow at the orange mare. "Maybe I can help you get into a frou frou dress and wear a pretty little bow, too."
She stopped for a moment, a small smile playing at her lips. "You know what? I think I'd like to see you in a pretty little dress with pretty little bows. Highlight your sweet, dainty feminine side, you know?"
Applejack's eyes went wide. "Dainty?"
Rainbow Dash nodded. "Oh yeah. Definitely dainty. We can get some tea cozies-"
"Tea cozies."
"Yeah, and maybe some lacy white curtains-"
"Lacy?"
"Yep, the ones that gently waft in the breeze, and I can come home from a hard day's cloud bucking, and see my pretty little wife in her nice little apron-"
"Did ya say 'little wife'?"
"I sure did. My pretty little wife to kiss me on the cheek and say," and for this Dash took on a high pitched voice, "'Hello dear, Ah'm so happy ta have ya home to protect me from the big ba-'"
Before she could finish, Applejack pounced on her, the two of them jockeying with one another, rolling around laughing, each one vying for position on top of the other one. This continued until they rolled over far enough to bump into the coffee table, at which point the bowl of apples sitting on top decided to spill over and bonk them on the head.
At this, they stopped, and laid on the floor for a moment, catching their breath. Applejack could hear the pitter patter of rain falling upon the tin roof, creating a staccato pattern, one that was relaxing as much as it was noisy.
She turned her head toward Rainbow Dash, who was looking back at her, and before she knew it, she had crossed the distance between the two, and had planted her lips on her lover's. They embraced one another, both sopping wet, they were, from their escape from the rain outside, and the sweat of their rough play. It didn't matter. They were in each others' forelegs, and they were alone. All in all, even with the rain cutting short their perfect picnic, it had still been a wonderful day.
A few moments later, they pulled away.
"I think we made a mess of the living room," Dash said as she sat up, looking around, taking notice of the soaked and muddy rug upon which they were laying.
Applejack chuckled. "Now who's actin' like Rarity?"
Rainbow Dash snorted. "It's not me. There's no way I'd ever wear one of those frou frou dresses.
Applejack could hear Dash's teeth chattering just a bit as she spoke. Being wet and covered in fur didn't help matters, either.
"Hey, sugarcube," she said, "why don't we run upstairs and take a nice, warm shower? After all o' what's happened today, Ah'll bet we're mighty dirty."
Rainbow Dash's face lit up as Applejack gave her a peck on the cheek.
Applejack began to make her way up the stairs.
"Don't forget mah hat," Rainbow Dash heard as she watched AJ round the corner at the top of the steps.
Wasting no time, Dash grabbed AJ's hat with her teeth, and clambered up the steps right behind her marefriend, whose unspoken promise to get her very clean kept ringing in her ears. *** |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | It's Twilight Time | CHAPTER SEVEN
"It's Twilight Time"
"A little higher, Violet!"
"How's this, Twilight?!"
"Perfect! Hold it there!"
Violet flapped her wings to stay in position, as the winds buffeted against her. She was holding the metallic sphere Twilight had built in the lab, as she hovered a hundred meters above the ground.
They were out in a large, open field just southwest of the Everfree forest, it was early morning, and Twilight was taking measurements. The wind was pushing her mane in her face as she was scribbling her observations onto a clipboard, would have to, on occasion, use a quick burst of magic to brush the errand strands of hair away to keep her vision unobstructed.
"That may not be high enough..." she mumbled to herself as she checked the figures she had just jotted onto the paper. She looked up into the air, in the direction of Violet, who was holding her magnetic sensor array, one designed to test the ionic dispersion rate in a localized atmosphere.
"Violet! I'm going to need you to take it about 50 meters higher, if you can!"
She watched as Violet nodded, and soared higher, becoming a blob of purple at 150 meters up. At that point she would likely be out of voice range, thanks in particular to not only distance, but also the howl of the wind.
She checked her figures once again, and gave herself a mental nod of approval. The figures were sound, the math was correct. Gazing up and focusing on the shiny glint that was the sensor array, she fired off a strong burst of magic from her horn to activate it.
Violet almost dropped the array when it suddenly started beeping and whirring. She quickly realized it was doing what it was supposed to do, and kept as still as possible, knowing that too much movement would mess with the sensor's ability to detect the magnetic background emanations given off by the Everfree's powerful systems of nature, whatever they were.
Squinting her eyes, she could see Twilight way down below her. Probably going over her figures once again, she thought to herself as she watched the meticulous pony going about her business.
150 meters farther down, back on the ground, Twilight was watching the readouts from her portable station. Reams of paper were being printed at a fast rate, but not so fast that Twilight couldn't read the statistics and jot down her calculations. Her eyes were glued to the printouts as they sped by her.
Meanwhile, back up in the air, Violet had taken a few moments to daydream. She was holding her position, her forelegs keeping the sensor array stable, and her wings steady against the gusting winds, but her mind was elsewhere. She was quickly brought out of that reverie by an odd beeping coming from the array. Granted, there were already a number of beeps and whistles emanating from the odd device, but this one was different. This was one that made your subconscious mind alert you that something was wrong. Most scientists had this inherent ability, and while Violet wasn't a scientist per se, her instincts were no different, and she started looking around to see what options she had should something go wrong.
On the ground, Twilight cross-checked her clipboard with her other instruments, watching the feedback from the array dumping raw data into her machines, the readouts showing a marked disturbance in the scattered electricity surging through the atmosphere near the Everfree. She exclaimed in delight. This was it! She had found the source of the odd disturbances in the forest's weather patterns. With this information she would be able to return balance to the forest's freakishly autonomous weather system.
She was scribbling the newly formed equation onto her clipboard when she heard a warning beep coming from the receiving station that was printing the sensor array's data. Glancing over to the console, she watched in surprise as the printouts began indicating large spikes of electrical feedback.
A power surge! she realized, and turned up toward the spot in the sky that was Violet Tempest.
"Violet!" she called out, but received no indication of a response. Quickly, she charged her horn and fired off a magic burst, in order to shut down the sensor array.
Violet watched as the array began smoking, a roiling black smoke accompanying the high pitched whine that had begun replacing the odd beeping. She was torn between dropping the array to save herself, or holding on to it in order to keep from disappointing Twilight, who would surely be upset that her lab partner had dropped such an important piece of scientific equipment.
Fortunately for her, a dazzling splash of magic burst all around the device, and the array went silent. She breathed a sigh of relief, and began heading downward, towards Twilight's position on the ground. She was curious about the results Twilight had managed to gather, and hoped that they had found enough data to correlate with the odd disturbances happening in the Everfree.
As she approached the ground, however, at about 50 meters, she felt a massive burst of wind slam into her back, pinning her wings against her body. The ground began to rush up toward her at an alarming rate. As much as she struggled, Violet couldn't get her wings to open back up, and she began spiraling completely out of control.
Twilight watched in horror as Violet came hurtling downward. Seeing that her wings were neither flapping nor spread, Twilight could only assume Violet had been hit by a microburst or heavy downdraft, one too powerful for which she could compensate.
Using her magic, Twilight tried to encircle Violet with a bubble of lighter than air magic, in order to soften her fall. It was all she could do at that distance. She broke into a gallop, heading toward Violet's direction, all the while hoping that what she had managed with her magic would be enough. As she crested a hill, she saw Violet disappear below the horizon. She pushed her body with every fiber of her being, hoping against hope that she would not find what her analytical mind was telling her would happen to a pegasus slammed into the hard ground from a more than 50 meter altitude.
A minute later, Twilight skidded to a stop as she approached the crash site. She saw the sensor array in a smouldering heap to her immediate left. Hurriedly, she began searching around the higher grasses, looking for the outline of a violet pegasus and her multicolored mane. She tried desperately not to panic, and kept her valid, yet unhelpful, fears at bay as she pushed the weeds aside, scouring the ground for the young pegasus.
After five minutes of searching, Twilight had reached a steady panic. There was neither hide nor hair of the young mare, and Twilight had long since dissolved into a state of dizzying fear.
"Violet!" she called out for what felt like the thousandth time, and again, for the thousandth time, she received no response. As she cantered forward again, she glanced over her shoulder and saw the still smoking heap of the sensor array, and realized she had traveled more than a hundred yards, and still no sign of Violet.
"Maybe I'm too far aw-oof!" she said, interrupted as she tripped over an object in the grass. She tumbled to the ground and lay there for a moment, getting her bearings. She opened her eyes and sitting up, looked behind her to see what she had tripped over.
The object was violet, and very much a pony.
Twilight gasped as she launched to her hooves, running the short distance to where Violet lay in the grass.
She began examining the pegasus, trying to assess what damage she had incurred from her fall. The first, and most terrifying, thing she noticed was that Violet didn't appear to be breathing. Tears began to well at the edge of her vision as Twilight carefully turned the pegasus' body over. She saw Violet's eyes closed, and that her chest was not moving up and down. She leaned her ear against the pony's chest. She could hear the very faintest heartbeat.
There's still time she thought as she rapidly accessed the emergency procedures she had learned long ago when she was studying the medical subcourse at Celestia's School for Gifted Students.
Quickly, using the tip of her hoof, Twilight checked inside Violet's mouth to make sure her tongue wasn't blocking her airway. Noting that there was nothing blocking the passage, she tilted Violet's head back slightly, and using one hoof to close Violet's nose, she leaned down, and bringing her muzzle into contact with Violet's, she gave two slow, deep breaths, watching to make sure Violet's chest was rising and falling with each breath.
Seeing this, she continued, giving Violet another breath every five seconds. Over the course of two minutes, Twilight continued her rescue breathing. She wanted to break down into tears, to cry until the panic would subside, but she knew that Violet's life was in her hooves, and that if she expected to save this young pegasus, she had to continue being her lifeline.
She resolved to keep her fear at bay, and with calm collectiveness, Twilight continued breathing into Violet's body, hoping to Celestia that she would get a response.
Then it happened. At first, Twilight wasn't certain, but she stopped for a moment to watch Violet's chest. Several terrible seconds she waited, hoping she wasn't doing this in vai- there! There it was! Twilight let out a yelp as she saw Violet's chest rising up and down on its own. A second later, she heard the pegasus draw in a deep breath, and Twilight reached down and kissed the young mare on the cheek as she wept, tears of joy falling down her muzzle. ***
Aside from having a screaming headache, she felt oddly fine, considering she must have slammed into the ground so hard as to create a permanent pegasus shaped crater in the dirt.
In the blackness, she could hear soft whirs and beeps. A quick bolt of panic shot through her, that maybe she had landed underneath the sensor array, but after a moment, she recognized the sounds as those of a hospital room. That confirmed, to her anyway, that she had survived, assuming she wasn't floating above her own body lying in some hospital bed.
She very gently cracked open one eye. Light poured in, and was painful for a moment, but she had to know. She saw directly above her, and realized she was seeing soft bluish green tiles. A hospital room ceiling. So she was laying in a hospital bed. Accepting this as a good sign, she slowly opened the other eye and let it adjust to the light in the room. That she could see out of both eyes made her breathe a sigh of relief. That was working in her favor as well, so far.
Blinking a few times to ease the soreness of having opened her eyes, she slowly turned her head. Aside from some stiffness and a twinge of pain at the base of her neck, she could move it well enough.
She immediately noticed that she had a companion.
Sitting next to her, in what must have been a very uncomfortable chair, Twilight Sparkle sat dozing. Violet's heart warmed as she heard the mare's soft breathing, punctuated by an occasional light snore. She smiled as she watched the unicorn, her heart filled with pride at knowing Twilight Sparkle. It was filled with something else, too, but she was unsure of what it was. She knew it was something important, something major, but the feeling was sitting at the edge of her awareness, and she just wasn't sure what it was.
The pride, though, she recognized that right away. Pride was certainly something not unfamiliar in the Dash family.
Hearing her mind touch on that name, she glanced around the room, and sure enough, sitting on the couch against the wall, lay Rainbow Dash, with Applejack asleep next to her. Her eyes welled, and a single tear escaped down her cheek. A small sniffle escaped her, and it was enough to wake Twilight, who sat up from her slouching position, and turned her attention toward the bed.
Seeing Violet awake and glancing in her direction, Twilight let out a small cry of surprise, and jumped up, hugging the young mare.
Violet choked a bit as she began laughing at the unicorn's sudden exuberance. She returned Twilight's embrace, squeezing the adorable mare. Behind her, she heard the other ponies stirring.
She heard Applejack call out, "Oh dear Celestia, is somethin' wrong, Twilight?!"
As they ran up to the bed, they cried out in joy as they saw their young charge awake, and for all accounts, doing well.
Gathering together, they all hugged Violet tightly. Tears of joy pouring down their faces. Violet let her own tears pour down her face. ***
"The doctor says you can return home today, but you'll need lots of rest, kiddo." Rainbow Dash was saying to her sister, as she lay in her bed, nibbling on a sprig of parsley from the dinner tray that was sitting on her lap.
"What about my wings? I'd imagine hitting the ground would have caused some damage." Violet said over her parsley.
She heard somepony clearing their throat, and glanced over toward the door, where an older male pony stood, holding a clipboard in his magic.
"Hello, Miss Tempest, my name is Doctor Stable. I oversaw your admission, and have been monitoring your progress. While your wings will be stiff, and nearly unusable for the next day or so, they will return to normal in no time. You merely sprained the muscles at the base of each wing, due to the sudden force that was pressed downward upon them. If you're feeling okay, otherwise, I will be discharging you today. Is that okay with you?"
Violet simply nodded her assent.
He then turned to Rainbow Dash, "will she be staying with you, Ms. Dash?"
Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yes, Doctor, she will be staying with me and my fiance, Applejack. She left a little while ago to get a few things ready for Violet once she gets out of here."
Doctor Stable wrote something on his clipboard. "Very well, then," he continued, "once I get the paperwork completed, I will send the nurse to help you be on your way." With a smile in Violet's direction, and a quick pat on one of her back hooves, he left the room.
Rainbow Dash glanced down at her sister, who had finished her parsley, and was staring at her empty dinner tray. She felt a twinge of something bothering her, and she realized the source of that twinge was her sister.
"Hey, kiddo," she began softly, "are you gonna be okay?"
Violet didn't meet Rainbow Dash's gaze for a moment, but then she looked up and met her older sister's gaze. "Yeah, I guess...no, not really." She let out a sigh. "I don't know."
She fidgeted for a moment, looking around the room, and seeing nopony else, looked back to her sister. "Where did Twilight go?" she asked.
Dash blew a stray hair out of her face. "Oh, she went to get some coffee. She should be back in a few minutes."
Violet nodded silently. "Do you think," she began after a few moments, breaking the silence that had begun to linger, "that I could ask you a question?"
Rainbow Dash's eyebrows went up in surprise, but she just nodded. "Sure, kid, you can ask me anything. I'm your big sis. I'm going to be here for you no matter what."
Glancing around the room quickly, and listening for hoofsteps, of which she heard none, she felt confident enough to go on speaking. "Well," she began, "what would you think of me, if I told you that," and at this she took a deep breath and exhaled, "I don't want to be in the Wonderbolts?"
She shut her eyes and waited for a shocked pegasus pony to gasp in surprise. After hearing nothing for a good five seconds, she opened her eyes, and saw that Dash was still there, her face bereft of any surprise, shock, dismay, or even disappointment.
"Are you mad at me?" Violet asked, her voice just barely above a whisper.
"Mad at you? For what?" Dash asked, confusion in her voice.
"For not wanting to be in the Wonderbolts." Violet squeaked.
"What? Mad for... mad for what? No!" Dash exclaimed, then realizing she had accidentally raised her voice and caused her little sister to cringe, she lowered her voice to a conversational level. "No, don't be silly, Violet. Why would I be mad at you for not following my dream? I mean, yeah, I thought you wanted to be in the 'bolts, but hey, I was wrong. Everypony is entitled to follow their dreams, ya know."
Violet's heart felt better already, but doubt tinged her words. "I thought I was supposed to know what I was doing. I'm just a silly filly who can't make up her own mind."
Dash rolled her eyes. "Sweet Celestia, are you kidding?" She put her foreleg around her sister's shoulders. "When I was your age, I wanted to be everything. Did you know I wanted to be a firepony?"
Violet shook her head.
"Yep! I wanted to be a firepony, working for the Cloudsdale Fire Service."
"What happened?" Violet asked.
"Well, I found out something about being a firepony. That is, I don't like fire."
Violet giggled.
"It's true!" Dash insisted, her eyes growing wider as she began to warm to the story. "During the practice drill, I singed my tail. When I panicked, I flew right into a tree next to the practice building, and caught the tree on fire. I was so bad at fighting fires, the volunteer service had to let me go before I had even been to my first fire!"
Violet broke out into a laugh. Rainbow Dash chuckled at the memory, running a hoof through her tail without realizing it.
"So do you feel better, kiddo?" she asked, hugging her sister.
"I sure do, Dash." Violet said, squeezing tighter into the hug.
"Oh, my, did I miss anything?"
Violet's eyes shot open, and her heart began racing. "Oh, no, Twilight, um, Rainbow Dash was just telling me a story about when she first came to Cloudsdale."
Twilight entered the room, and handed a mug of coffee to Rainbow Dash, who began sipping quietly, looking back and forth between her sister and her dear friend.
"Oh, that sounds like fun. I hope I didn't interrupt." Twilight said, with a warm smile on her face.
Violet rubbed her foreleg. "Oh, no, no. It was just a story." She laughed nervously.
"Ah, good. I thought maybe I was intruding."
"Of course not, Twilight! You could never intrude on anypony."
Rainbow Dash chuckled. "I wouldn't say that."
Twilight blushed.
Violet looked from her sister to Twilight and back. Apparently it was something unspoken between them, so she shrugged it off. Sometimes older adults could say confusing things.
She turned back to her tray, and wished she hadn't already finished all of her apple juice. She looked forward to going home, and more importantly, she looked forward to a future where she didn't have to feel trapped in one career path.
Now if only she could work on the other problem she had. One that wouldn't be so easy to solve.
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | Wild Horses | CHAPTER EIGHT
"Wild Horses"
"Applejack, darling, if you keep fidgeting, I will be forced to use a most unlady-like method of keeping you restrained while I work, and I am loathe to do so."
"Consarn it, Rarity, Ah can't help it. Ya got me all gussied up in these... frou-frou duds. Ah look like Ah just got back from some hoity-toity, high falutin' shindig." Applejack started squirming in her newly fit clothing.
Rarity, with the gentlest touch, put a forehoof on Applejack's withers, both to calm her, and to stop her from wrinkling the fine material. "Dear, I only want you to look your best for your big day. A mare only gets to experience wedded bliss with her true love only once in the grand scheme of life, and I want you to look your very best."
Applejack could hear an undertone of hurt in her friend's voice. She sighed. "Ah'm sorry, Rarity. Ah guess Ah'm just nervous."
"Oh, it is perfectly normal to feel that way, Applejack," Rarity cooed, "this is a major event in your young life. It is to be expected."
"Ah feel like a dog about ta give birth ta a chatterin' gaggle o' geese."
Rarity raised an eyebrow as she tried to picture the metaphor. "Well, I, guess that could be one way of putting it, love. Though I hope you don't see your wedding day as being quite that...messy," she said, her voice taking on an air of distaste, as she returned her focus on the balance of Applejack's ensemble.
As she did so, Applejack began glancing about the room. She noted the cleanliness of Rarity's boutique; how everything was in perfect order; not a speck of dust could be found anywhere. Sometimes she envied that level of painstaking detail.
"Darling, could you look straight forward, and hold your head still for just a sec?"
Applejack complied, as Rarity began to adjust the orange mare's collar. "Thank you, my dear. I just... have to...," with a final adjustment, Rarity stood back and clapped her hooves together. "Done!"
Applejack let out a sigh of relief.
"Come, my dear, take a look for yourself! I think you'll find it most dashing," Rarity said, her choice of words were evident as a small smile formed at the corners of her mouth. She floated a full size mirror into position so the farm pony could see the results of her labors.
Applejack looked up as the reflection appeared in front of her. "Sweet Mother o' Celestia."
Rarity's expression took on a slight look of dismay. "You don't like it, darling?"
Applejack shook her head. "Nah, it ain't that at all, sugarcube. Ya done went and did good. Ya did real good."
Applejack looked at herself in the mirror, in awe of her friend's skill. Rarity had dressed her in a bespoke velvet suit; the color of which was a deep forest green. The undershirt was a beautiful sky blue. The jacket was trimmed in gold along the collar and the lapels, and on each shoulder, gold braid, which highlighted the contrasts of the brass buttons running down the front, and the gold inlay of the trim itself, and the maroon striped bow-tie completed the set. She looked downward to see her hooves shod with gold accented shoes of forest green.
"Not to be overdo the effect, my dear," Rarity's voice brought Applejack back to her surroundings, "but I felt it wouldn't be a complete ensemble, without this." She floated an object from a box behind the counter. Before Applejack could see it, she had already placed it on the orange mare's head. Looking back into the mirror, she saw a cowpony hat that looked just like the one her pappy had given her, but the color and material were just like her jacket.
"Oh, darling," Rarity whispered as she put her hooves together in front of her muzzle, "you look so handsome. I can honestly say that Prench cuffs were the right move, that's for certain."
"Do ya think Rainbow will like it?"
"Darling, while I would say that Rainbow will love it, I must admit that if I've done my job as well as I hope I have, she's not going to care one whit about the suit once she see's who is wearing it."
"Thank ya, Rares."
"You're most welcome, darling. Now please stop fidgeting for a moment, while I adjust your bow-tie." ***
"Twilight?"
"Up here, Violet."
Violet followed Twilight's voice into the kitchen. As she entered, she saw the unicorn mare sitting at the far end of the kitchen table, a book open in front of her, and a cup of coffee being held in her magic grip.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Twilight, I didn't mean to interrupt."
Twilight glanced up from her book. She smiled warmly. "It's no interruption, Violet. I was just brushing up on marital customs."
"You mean for Dash and Applejack's wedding?"
Twilight nodded in confirmation. "Mh-hm!"
Violet frowned. "Not to push my flank into your business, Twilight, but why are you reading a book on marital customs?"
A brief flash of surprise washed over Twilight's face before disappearing. "Oh, you didn't know?"
"Know what?"
"Ah," Twilight began, wondering if she had accidentally overstepped her bounds. "I, uh, better not say for now."
Violet let the words mull around in her head for a moment. She kept her gaze on Twilight, watching the bookish pony cringe slightly, looking discomfited as she sat, coffee in magic grip, book in hoof.
Deciding that she had no reason to suspect anything sinister, Violet decided to drop it for now. Besides, she had another matter that she wanted to talk to Twilight about; something that had been gnawing at her for a while, now. It was getting to the point where she couldn't really hold it in anymore, and she wanted to find out from the source of her consternation.
She smiled in an effort to assuage Twilight's fears, and ease her discomfort. "Well, don't worry, then, Twilight, it's probably nothing important."
She noted Twilight's poorly concealed expression of relief. She gave her another moment, and then she broached the subject of which she did find to be of great importance.
"Hey, Twilight, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
Twilight smiled warmly, apparently happy to change the subject. "Certainly, Violet. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?"
"Yes, tea please, thank you," Violet replied as she took a seat at the opposite side, nearest Twilight.
She watched for a moment as Twilight gripped the decanter in her magic, and levitated it from the stove to a tea cup that was now sitting in front of Violet. As she did so, Violet organized her thoughts, and took a quiet, calming breath.
With tea poured, and empty coffee cup refreshed, Twilight's attention was now Violet. After a few seconds of silence, she felt the need to prod the young pegasus, but didn't want to make her feel rushed. Twilight knew what happened when rushed questions came pouring out unbidden. It was not a pretty sight to behold.
"Well," Violet spoke, her voice tinged with uncertainty, as if she had yet to fully gather herself, "I just want your advice on something."
Twilight nodded. From mathematics to magic, advice was her specialty. There was nothing that couldn't be found in a book somewhere. With access to her library, Twilight had her hooves on a veritable fountain of information, ready to be parsed and learned.
"I want to know what it's like to be in love."
Silence.
"Because I... may have feelings for somepony."
The silence became much longer, and was threatening to fill the whole of Equestria, when Twilight managed to collect herself long enough to respond.
"I see."
Horseapples!
Twilight quickly tossed the involuntary mental curse to the back of her mind as she focused on Violet's question. Violet's straight-out-of-the-blue question. Violet's where-in-Tartarus-did-this-come-from-and-why-do-I-have-to-be-the-pony-answering-it? question.
"Do you..." she began, "know who this pony is?"
Violet nodded. "Yeah, I know who she is."
Twilight continued. "So this pony is a she?"
Violet started. She hadn't realized she let slip the gender of the presumed mystery pony.
Twilight caught Violet's subtle reaction before she could conceal it. "I'm guessing I wasn't supposed to know that?" She said with warmth in her voice, attempting to allay Violet's fear of discovery.
"Well, I didn't want to complicate matters." Violet responded, as she began fidgeting with her hooves.
Twilight smiled. "Don't be worried, Violet. You know that anything you tell me will be completely confidential. Nopony will know anything. This will be between you and me. We are, after all, lab partners. I think we can trust one another."
Violet kept her face impassive as a cold, wet stone of trepidation fell in the pit of her stomach.
Lab partners. Like their relationship was just a working partnership, and nothing more. She took a deep breath.
"Okay," Violet responded, a smile appearing as she rallied herself to let loose some of her feelings. She took one more deep breath, and began.
"You see, Twilight," she said, "when I first came to Ponyville, I stayed with Rainbow Dash and Applejack, as you know, because I didn't have any real friends that I could relate to. There aren't many ponies my age, here, and so I generally kept to myself, sticking by Dash and AJ. To be honest, I kind of felt like a little lost puppy, what with my following Dash around everywhere she went. No offense to my sister, because I do love her dearly, but that gets really boring after a while, not to mention how frustrating it has to be for somepony like Dash, who is used to being free to do her own thing without anypony tagging along."
"You'd be surprised."
Violet halted at Twilight's comment. "What do you mean?"
Twilight smiled in response to Violet's question. "Well, let's just say that even if you weren't here, Rainbow Dash would still have a pegasus admirer keeping tabs on her hero at all times."
Violet scrunched her face in concentration for a moment. "Ah, yes," she said, relaxing her expression, "the little orange filly, Scooter something."
"Scootaloo." Twilight provided.
"That's her." Violet cleared her throat. "Anyway, so I felt that I needed to find something to do, some way to earn my keep, some way to keep myself busy. So Dash went around trying to help me find a place to work, and as you know here as well, I was turned down for the weather patrol position."
Twilight nodded.
Violet continued. "So, you know that." She cleared her throat again. "Anyway, and that's when we visited you, and you so graciously offered me a position here, as a lab assistant, something I appreciate, by the way, since I don't have a major degree in any scientific field."
"You show a lot of promise for it, Violet."
"Oh, um... thanks." She said, her face turning crimson from the quick compliment offered by Twilight. She took another deep breath. "So, anyway, you gave me this position, and I have to say it has been the best thing that has happened for me since I got here, even factoring in the whole Maelstrom of Doom thing that happened last week."
Twilight's expression was one of embarrassment. "I'm sorry about that, Violet, I..."
Violet interrupted her. "No, no. That wasn't your fault. Nopony can ever be prepared for everything, and that was something neither of us expected. I figure if you didn't expect it, nopony else would have even considered it."
It was Twilight's turn to blush. "Thank you, Violet. While I don't completely agree with your assessment of my abilities, I do appreciate your willingness to look past my mistakes."
Violet cleared her throat, finding it difficult to organize her thoughts when faced with the adorkability of a blushing Twilight.
"Yeah, well, you know, nopony's perfect." Although I think you're pretty close, Twilight Sparkle, Violet's mind offered.
Silence filled the void for a moment, before Twilight spoke up again.
"So, Violet, if you don't mind my asking, what does this have to do with this special somepony on whom you've set your sights?"
Violet looked down, and began to trace circles on the table with her forehoof. "It's, um," she spoke, so softly that it could barely be heard above a whisper, "there's a pony who has made me feel so special, so needed, that I realized that I wanted them to feel special, and to feel needed." She looked up at Twilight, but said nothing.
Twilight nodded. "You can tell me, Violet. I won't tell anypony."
Violet took another deep breath, and quelled the movement of her hoof.
"I like you, Twilight."
Twilight's eyes went wide, and her jaw went slack. She quickly pulled herself together long enough to get out a question. "What did you say, Violet?"
Violet took another deep breath. "I like you, Twilight. I think you're the most beautiful mare I've ever seen." Her thoughts rushed forth, neither her mind or her muzzle able to stop the words from gushing out. "Not only the most beautiful mare, but the smartest mare I've ever known. You're funny, you're brilliant, you're kind, you're sweet, you have a compassionate soul, Twilight, and to top it all off, you're the most skillful adept I have ever met, and likely will ever meet. You are unparalleled on every conceivable level. There is no boundary to the majesty and might of your magic, nor a block or boundary to your knowledge. You are Dulcinea, the unattainable, the blessed image, the vaunted icon, the eternally desired."
Twilight's eyes returned to their wide state, and her jaw decided to give in to gravity once more.
Violet, for her part, had managed to stem the flow of her heart, and was now turning an amazing shade of red, one that would rival the prettiest prize apple in her soon to be sister-in-law's orchard.
Twilight's mind went on autopilot. "I see you've read the story of Don Coyote," she said absent-mindedly, her eyes staring blankly forward.
Violet continued to sit quietly, her mind spent. Now she waited for Twilight's reaction, and hopefully, her acceptance of Violet's outpouring of emotion. Her stomach was a bevy of butterflies, all vying for her attention. She ignored them as best as she could.
"That's..." Twilight began, and then paused.
Violet's butterflies flapped harder against her stomach. She watched as Twilight made a move to speak again.
"That's very sweet, Violet..."
Uh-oh.
Twilight took a deep breath, bringing her foreleg in toward her chest, and then exhaled, pushing it away from her, as if sweeping aside any stress that may have found itself in her path. She finished her sentence.
"...but, sweetheart..."
Nononononononononono...
I'm in a relationship, remember?"
Crash. Violet felt her heart crumble into pieces, right atop her stomach, which was torn open as the fluttering butterflies escaped, viciously taunting her as they sailed haphazardly toward the kitchen window, and the promise of emotionless, ponyless freedom. She was certain, as they fled, that one of them farted in her general direction, though she couldn't be sure.
She stared down at the table, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. The urge to bolt was growing strong, but she didn't want to run. Embarrassed? Yes. Humiliated, in fact. Regardless, she wasn't one to run away from a problem, especially one that she had a hoof in creating. So there she sat, waiting for Twilight to emotionally pummel her heart into a pretty red dust.
Twilight looked at Violet, and felt for the poor young mare. Young love was always the most confusing feeling, especially if it had the unfathomable problem of involving herself in its affections. She knew she had to help Violet come to terms with this, lest she contribute to not only a painfully uncomfortable working relationship, but quite possibly the disillusionment of a very intelligent young mare, and who knows what Princess Celestia might say about that, even if it wasn't Twilight's fault. Well, she certainly wasn't going to risk that happening.
"Violet," she said, her voice firm, "look at me."
A moment passed, but Violet did bring herself to face Twilight.
"Good. I want you to know a few things; firstly, don't feel embarrassed. I think it's sweet that you've found something in me that you like so much that you had to express it."
Stab-stab-stab-twist. I don't need that heart.
"Secondly, I must admit that you are very attractive, and have many fine qualities one would look for in a mate."
Stab-sta-what?
Violet echoed her internal masochist's sentiments. "What?"
Twilight continued. "That's what I said. You are very attractive, and have many fine qualities one would look for in a mate."
This was unexpected. "Go on."
"Well, you are intelligent, you're quick-witted, you're capable, and are a fast learner. You have an attractive physical appearance, and a youthful exuberance that one doesn't find in many ponies these days," she said, smiling. "Pinkie aside, of course," She added.
Violet didn't know what to say to that.
"The thing is, Violet," Twilight continued, "that I am with Luna. I love her dearly, and she is my soulmate. You know I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, or make you feel embarrassed, but I feel that telling you like this, one adult mare to another, is the best way for you to see that it's not your or your qualities that push me away. It's that I have found my special somepony."
She paused a moment, and then said quietly, "Do you still want to know about what it's like to fall in love?"
Violet just nodded gently, her mind still hazy.
"I'll tell you." Twilight confirmed. "Being in love is like finding the best friend you never knew you had, and for whom you never knew you were searching. It's like the warmest sun that blankets you, even on a cloudy day. That pony completes you and complements you in every way. Their smile, their laughter, even their tears bring out the most powerful feelings inside of you. They bring the best from you. You are so overcome with that feeling, that you must share it with the rest of the world, and when that pony is not around, your heart aches, and when they return, your heart is overjoyed. You wonder how you ever lived without them, and you pray that you will never have to know that old feeling again. That, my dear, is what it feels like to be in love."
A silence lingered between the two of them for a moment, as Violet took in what her mentor had told her. She looked at Twilight, whose expression was the very definition of serenity. Violet looked down at her hooves, lost in her thoughts, and contemplating all that she had learned in this embarrassing, if informative, lesson on love and relationships.
"Twilight?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly. "Do you think somepony will ever love me like that?"
Twilight smiled at her question. It spoke so favorably of the young mare. "Violet," she said, "I bet you that right now, there is a pony out there just waiting to see you from across the room, and realize that there's something special in you that they haven't found in anypony else."
"You really believe that?"
"Violet, I have learned that not only is anything possible when friendship is involved, but that in this town, surprises can happen around any corner at any time, and they're not always of the pink and poofy maned confetti cannon variety."
Violet couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image that produced. She looked back to Twilight. "Um, Twilight? This might sound silly, but, would you mind if I..."
Twilight smiled warmly, knowing what the mare wanted to ask. "Yeah, go ahead. You can give me a hug."
Violet smiled, and with slight trepidation, maneuvered over to Twilight, and squeezed her in a tight embrace, warmth coursing through her when the unicorn returned that embrace. She smiled when she heard Twilight's next words.
No matter what, we're still lab partners, and as far as I'm concerned, lab partners can give each other hugs any time they want. In the name of science, of course."
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | The Rays of the Summer Sun Do Sparkle | CHAPTER NINE
"The Rays of the Summer Sun Do Sparkle"
Several Days Later
Somepony was knocking on the door. The sound it made was slow, and deliberate. It was also quite loud, though from the reaction of the cyan pegasus mare laying underneath a small mountain of covers, one would have never guessed such a thing at all. Fortunately, the mare lying next to her was quite aware of the intrusion upon the morning stillness, shown by her alacrity in scrambling out of bed, and ambling down the stairs.
The percussive knock was almost painful at this proximity, but Applejack pushed the minor inconvenience aside and reached for the door handle, pulling it open to meet their oblivious tormentor muzzle to muzzle.
The tormentor's, or tormentors, muzzle(s) were a light red, and bright green, respectively. Applejack noted, in the slight blur of her vision, that the height difference between the two muzzles was quite noticeable, and that the taller, thicker muzzle was also the owner of the knock in question. She knew this because of the large forehoof that had just placed itself firmly against the creaking wood of the porch.
"Well, Ah'll be tarred, feathered, and plucked!" The exclamation from Applejack received an appropriate response from the larger red muzzle.
"Eeyup."
"Big Macintosh, Granny Smith! You're here! Well, Ah mean, o' course you're here! Where else wouldja be?! Well, Ah mean, ya would be in Coltorado, but you're all here now!" Applejack stopped the fumbling of her words, took a breath, and spoke again. "Where are mah manners? Y'all come on inside!"
She opened the door, letting Big Mac and Granny Smith step into their former home. Applejack wasted no time in grabbing Big Mac by his strong shoulders and pulling him into a hug. Before he could react, she let go and, with a touch of gingerness, pulled Granny Smith into a hug. The old mare just smiled and patted her on her withers.
"Okay, young'un, ya can let go, now. Ah may not need much air, but Ah still need it!" She said with a chuckle, as Applejack pulled back, a warm smile on her face.
Applejack motioned over toward an old rocking chair, and their well worn couch, inviting them to sit. "Did ya all just get in town this mornin'?"
Big Mac nodded as he eased himself onto the couch. "Eeyup."
Granny Smith plopped down in her rocking chair, "That's more like it. Ah missed this old chair. Ah may have ta take it back with me if'n ya don't mind, Applejack."
Applejack smiled. "O' course not, Granny, it's all yours. We was just keepin' it warm for ya."
Granny Smith nodded. "Speakin' of 'we', where is ol' Rainbow Doze anyways?"
"It's Rainbow Dash, Granny."
"Ah know what I said."
"Oh, yeah, well, uh, she's still in the bed-"
"Ha!"
"-right now, but Ah can get her up, if'n ya want ta talk to her."
"Ah do. Ah got something I need ta talk to the both of ya about, and it can't wait until it's too late."
Applejack response was only to raise an eyebrow at this, but soon she was heading up the steps to wake up her fiance. ***
"A summons? That doesn't sound very good. I hope nothing bad has happened with the Princess," Violet said, a note of concern in her voice.
Twilight handed her reply scroll to Spike, who dutifully sent it with a breath of flame, and proceeded to resume gobbling down his sugar gems.
The three of them, Violet, Twilight, and Spike, were sitting at the kitchen table, having breakfast. The stresses and revelations of yesterday evening had become nothing but a memory, one that was easily disregarded in light of the new day.
"I informed her we would leave within the hour, and I wouldn't worry, Violet," Twilight said, before taking another bite of her strawberry creme doughnut. She chewed for a moment before continuing. "I receive these from time to time, usually as a result of some routine fact checking assignment that the Princess would rather deliver in person. Most of the time it involves some dignitary pony who wants firsthoof information from me personally, and while she doesn't do it often, the Princess does grant such requests if she deems it worth my time. So who knows? It could be an interesting experience. Anything that has the potential to impart new knowledge is always worth exploring."
Violet let a smirk form on her face. "You're such a nerd, Twilight."
"You're telling me," their dragon companion said around a large powdered sugar emerald. "She reads Playcolt for the articles."
"Spike!" Twilight choked, her face turning beet red, pieces of doughnut falling to the table.
Violet giggled as she watched Twilight use her magic to hurl the half eaten doughnut at Spike's head. The dragon ducked at the last possible second, sticking his tongue out at his assailant, only to feel the squishy texture of pastry coat the back of his head.
"Ha!" the purple unicorn called out in triumph, as Spike tried, and failed, to reach back far enough to remove the smashed baked good from his scales.
"Oh, great, it's going to be all sticky, now, Twilight, and I have to help Rarity with a dress delivery today! I can't go with pieces of doughnut on my head! The birds will attack me again!" he called out as he ran for the bathroom.
"The birds will what?" Violet asked Twilight, who had just finished gulping down a glass of water to clear her throat.
"Oh," she began, setting the empty cup aside, "Spike and Pinkie Pie got in a doughnut fight about six weeks ago. Pinkie is using this new batter that makes donuts stay moist longer, in such a way that a pony can eat them throughout the day, or store them out in the open, without their becoming stale."
"So why did birds attack him while they were having the fight?"
"Well, it wasn't exactly like that, and they weren't exactly birds in the general sense." Twilight said. "You see, Pinkie Pie got him right on the tail, and apparently, some of the sticky residue remained. As you know by now, the scent of Pinkie's baked goods can attract all kinds of animals. Spike, being himself, didn't pay much attention to making certain he was thoroughly clean. It didn't help that it had been an unusually warm afternoon, the warmest over the course of several days, and it reached the point where even I could detect the strong scent of pastries emanating from Spike. I told him as much, and he dismissed it. Spike can smell gems from a kilometer away, but he seems to have some trouble with baked goods.
So as we were walking home, the scent of the doughnuts attracted a flock of geese that had been passing overhead. Next thing you know, Spike was covered in geese. It took three applications of my repel magic to shoo them away. I found out that geese rarely listen to reason in cases involving Pinkie Pie pastry crumbs."
She gave a lopsided grin as Violet began giggling. As she dusted the crumbs from her hooves, she heard the telltale sound of a chariot pulling up outside the door. She waited a few more moments for Violet to calm down from her fit of laughter, and patted her gently on the shoulder.
"We better get going," she said, her words punctuated a moment later by the sound of knocking on the library door. ***
"Hey, Granny Smith! Good to see you're still up and kicking!"
"Rainbow!" Applejack hissed.
"What?"
"Ya gotta respect yer elders!"
"Oh, ain't no worryin' about it, Applejack. Eh, hello, there Rainbow Dash, good ta see ya! Are ya up fer all day, or just fer now?" The old mare retorted. Her voice was full of biting sarcasm, but her eyes were twinkling with unrestrained mirth as she said them.
Rainbow leaned in and gave the old mare a hug. As she backed away, she waved to Big Mac. "Heya, Big Mac. Things going alright for you and Granny?"
"Eeyup."
"That's cool. So, Granny, you got me and AJ standing here, what did you want?"
Applejack rolled her eyes at Dash's way of getting to the point. I mean, she was the same way, but not to her elders.
"Well, young'uns, while Applejack was upstairs a-draggin' ya out of bed, Ah had Big Mac bring in the suitcases. I also had 'im grab this here old box, and I was wantin' ta give it to the two of ya."
She handed the box over to Rainbow Dash, her hoof shaking just a bit as she did. Dash took it gingerly, as not to excite the old mare, who probably didn't need an awesome faster-than-lightning pegasus just snatching things from her old, trembly hooves.
Once she had it in hoof, she began looking it over. It looked like an old wooden box, about 10 centimeters long, and 5 centimeters wide. As she flipped it over, she saw that there was a carving on the bottom of the box that read, 'JA ♥ DG Always and Forever'.
"This is pretty cool, Granny Smith, but, um, what are we supposed to do with a box?"
Granny Smith bopped Rainbow Dash on the head with a cane. "That ain't just a box, ya nitwit!" she said.
"Ouch! You didn't have to smack me in the head, Granny!" Dash called out, rubbing her head with one hoof.
"Oh, honeychild, don't get all upset. I do it out of love."
"Yeah? Well love me a little less, will ya?" the pegasus retorted.
Applejack sighed. "Let me see that box, sugarcube."
Rainbow Dash offered the box to Applejack, who took it in her own hooves and examined it carefully. The box had a very thin band of silver around the middle.
Wait a minute, this wasn't just some box.
Granny Smith saw the light dawning on her grandchild's face. "That's right, honey."
A trembling that decided to shake her up and down her entire body decided to focus on her hooves, so it was with great care that Applejack, sitting on her haunches, pulled the two halves of the box apart. In her left hood was the bottom half of the box, in which there contained two golden hoof bands, something that a married couple would wear to show their commitment to one another. The golden bands were simple affairs, lacking any ornate design, or precious gems, but they still shone like the morning sun when the light hit them.
She began breathing heavier as she turned the lid over to look at the underside. It took her a moment to register, but then the feelings came rushing forward as she stared at the photograph; a handsome light brown stallion, in a cowpony hat, was standing next to a beautiful deep red mare, her blond mane tied up into a ponytail. The stallion had his left forehoof around the mare's right forehoof, their heads together, and smiling.
"P-Pa. Ma." Applejack looked into the box at the two hoof bands laying there in repose. "These were their weddin' bands?"
"That's right, young'un," Granny Smith said, her tone subdued, "these were your Pa and Ma's hoof bracelets, and I want you ta have 'em."
Applejack touched one of the gold bands, the contact with her hoof causing a slight ring to emanate from it.
"Granny, we can't take these. Ah mean, these were, these are somethin' too special-"
Granny Smith cut her off. "Now ya listen here, young'un, and ya listen good. Yer Ma and Pa were good folk. They didn't do nothin' ta nobody that ever caused anypony any harm. They lived by their wits, and their hard work. All they wanted was ta make a family, and have somethin' they could be proud of, and Ah can tell ya right now, darlin', that they'd be mighty proud of ya both. I ain't havin' no argument about it, yer gonna take these here weddin' bands, and yer gonna wear 'em, and yer gonna make the whole Apple family proud." She tapped her cane on the wooden floor for emphasis.
There was silence for a number of heartbeats, and then Applejack heard a brash, colt-ish voice weigh in. "I don't know about you, AJ, but that sounded like a challenge."
Without looking at her fiance, Applejack reached down and touched the golden bands once more, as if drawing strength from them. A small smile began to form on her lips, as she looked up at Granny Smith, sporting an expression of defiance.
"'Zat what this is, Granny? Is this a challenge?"
"Yer darn tootin' it is."
Applejack glanced at Dash, who was smiling at her. She knew that look in her marefriend's eyes. She had seen it every time they raced, every time they wrestled, every time someone told either of them they couldn't have something, or worse, that they couldn't win something. She turned back to the old, green mare rocking back and forth in her chair.
"Challenge accepted." ***
"Princess!"
"Twilight, it's good to see you again. Your visits have become much too few and far between."
"Well, you know how it is with my studies." Twilight said as she trotted up to Princess Celestia, and outstretched her neck, which the Princess nuzzled warmly.
"I understand quite well, my faithful student." she said gently, low enough that only Twilight could hear. "Of course, there's somepony else who might not be quite as understanding if you don't visit her before you leave today."
They stepped away from one another, the Princess giving a blushing Twilight a knowing wink. She looked up to the other visitor standing in the giant throne room. "Hello, Violet. I don't believe we've had the opportunity to meet."
Violet was awestruck. She was standing in the throne room of the Princess of the Sun, and the Princess had just spoken to her like they were equals.
"Princess Celestia, I am at your service." Violet said as she bowed low before the Di-arch.
"Oh, don't do that, please. I get enough of that from my other subjects."
It took a moment to register with Violet that the Princess had just told her to stop bowing to one of the most powerful authorities in all of Equestria, which was slightly distressing, considering it also came from one of the most powerful authorities in all of Equestria. Slowly, with uncertainty, she stood from her bow, not knowing what to do next.
Princess Celestia smiled.
Twilight Sparkle giggled.
Violet Tempest continued standing, rubbing a forehoof and looking around the throne room casually. It was quite massive. Oh, hey, purple drapes. That's... interesting.
Finally, after another moment of awkward social silence, Princess Celestia cleared her throat. "Now," she began, "let me explain to you just why I brought the both of you here."
She called out for a messenger.
"Please bring Doctor Von Bridle at once."
The messenger saluted, and then raced off to fulfill the command.
"Twilight, I have been reading your reports with great interest. It pleases me to see you have resolved the Everfree Forest anomaly."
"Thank you, Princess."
"You're quite welcome, my dear. Now, I notice that you didn't solve this particular problem on your own, but that you did, in fact, have some significant assistance from our young friend here, Miss Violet Tempest."
"That is correct, Princess. Violet was instrumental in helping me formulate the magical equation used to detect upper tropospheric anomalies. I'd also like to add that she willingly put her own safety at risk to carry out our experiments, including the field experiment that nearly cost her to lose her life."
Princess Celestia raised an eyebrow as she looked at Violet, who was blushing, and absent-mindedly tracing circles on the alabaster tile floor with a forehoof.
"Is this true, young Violet?" asked the Princess.
Violet, who was already withering under the Princess' gaze, simply eeked out a 'yes'.
"Which is why she's the perfect choice." A strong, masculine voice cut through the throne room. Everypony turned to see a chestnut brown unicorn stallion, with a white mane and tale, walking into the room, wearing a labcoat, and googles around his neck.
"Ah, Doctor Von Bridle, I'm glad you were able to step away from your work long enough to join us." said the Princess, who seemed oblivious to the prospect where a subject might casually tell their godlike ruler 'no', when asked to perform a task at her convenience.
"It is a pleasure, your highness, and hello Twilight," the doctor said as he shook her hoof. "it is a pleasure to see you again. We missed you in Meteorological Sciences."
"Twilight used to work in the Royal Climatological Sciences Department?" a shocked Violet asked the scientist.
He chuckled and turned to Violet. "Oh my, no. Twilight here was still a filly when I worked in that department. However, she used to stop by every day to watch our progress on various studies, and would offer her own advice on how to properly get things done, and my goodness, the lecture you would get if you didn't do it 'right'."
"Still, it isn't the reason why I am here and, more importantly, it isn't the reason why you're here."
He gave a wordless glance at the Princess, who nodded. Von Bridle turned back to Violet, and indicated the door with a foreleg. "Would you please take a walk with me, Violet?"
With a quick look to Twilight, who said nothing, Violet turned and followed the scientist into the hall. ***
Over the course of an hour, Dr. Von Bridle gave Violet a tour of the Royal Sciences wing of the castle. He showed her the Life Sciences Research department, the Astronomical Sciences complex, the Agricultural Concepts division, and now they were standing in front of the entrance to the Meteorological & Climatological Research center. Violet took a minute to watch the activity going on in the research area, filled with busy scientists moving about in their tasks; some examining test tubes, others writing data on work pads. Some were standing in front of large machines with spinning reels, and they were reading results from a ticker tape printout that would periodically appear from a slot in the front of each machine.
"Violet," said the white maned unicorn, "this is the laboratory where I started my apprenticeship more than 30 years ago. In those 30 years, I have seen amazing, wondrous things. I have witnessed phenomena that has turned the world of science on its proverbial ears; I have taken part in experiments that have put me in harm's way countless times, but not once have I ever considered any other field of research. It can be dangerous, but it is such a rewarding kind of danger. It takes devotion, study, skill, and a lifetime in which one can make better that which is known, and to uncover that which is unknown. It is also why I want to offer you an opportunity to attend the Royal Academy of Sciences as an apprentice."
Violet's attention was now firmly on the good doctor. "I'm sorry, Dr. Von Bridle, but could you repeat that?"
The scientist smiled as he repeated himself. "I would like you to attend the Royal Academy of Sciences, as an apprentice. As my apprentice, to be exact."
Thoughts flooded Violet's mind. Had it been less than two weeks since she had started working for Twilight as her 'lab assistant'? Is this what she wanted to do? I mean, it was a fantastic opportunity, but how many pegasi actually succeeded as a scientist in what was, predominantly, a unicorn's career path? She asked the doctor this question.
"Dr. Von Bridle, as I'm sure you're well aware, I'm a pegasus. When I worked with Twilight, she still did most of the work. Her magic operated the machines, and experimented with the various chemicals we used to come up with a solution. I'm not certain I could keep up with all of these unicorn scientists. No offense."
The doctor chuckled a bit to himself. "Oh, that's nothing to worry about, my dear. There's more to the meteorological sciences than machine work, and test tubes. Follow me."
Von Bridle took her through the research area, and down a corridor off to the side of the room. As she was walking behind the good doctor, Violet could have sworn she heard thunder, but that was ridiculous to hear it when the nearest outside wall was hundreds of meters away. After two minutes of walking in companionable silence, they stopped in front of a door that read 'Atmospheric Stabilization Testing'. Opening the door, Von Bridle moved to the side to let Violet see inside.
What she saw astounded her. The room was massive! The ceiling alone looked to be about 4 stories high. There were about 50 meters between where she was standing, and the far wall, and the room appeared to be roughly 25 meters in width.
"We reused the old castle gymnasium as a field testing facility for atmospheric research," he explained. "We needed a place where alpha testing could be performed in the relative safety of a secure location, without the chance of the experiment making its way into the domain of the unsuspecting public. As you can see," he said, waving toward a dark bank of clouds near the ceiling, in the center of the room, "this is where we make it all work."
"Doctor," Violet asked, "doesn't Cloudsdale's Weather Factory create clouds to be deployed over this region of Equestria?"
Dr. Von Bridle nodded. "Indeed they do, my dear, however, it is the Royal Academy that conceives of the various working formulas that the weather factory uses when creating new cloud forms. We depend upon one another to bring shade when the sun is fierce, rain when the crops are dry. We work together."
Violet took in all that she had witnessed. Dr. Von Bridle was certain she was a good candidate for apprenticeship, and she couldn't lie, being a part of something this awesome was just too fascinating to pass up.
"I'll do it."
"Pardon me, my dear?"
"I'll do it, Dr. Von Bridle. I would love to be your apprentice, if you'll have me."
"Wonderful, my dear! I believe we shall now let Princess Celestia, and young Twilight hear the good news!"
He closed the door to the testing facility, and they made their way back to the throne room. ***
As they approached the throne room, Princess Celestia met them outside the entrance. "Well, Doctor," the Princess said, "have you completed the grand tour of our research facilities?"
Dr. Von Bridle nodded, "Indeed I have, your Highness. Violet?"
Violet smiled as she looked up to the Princess. "I have accepted an apprenticeship into the Royal Sciences Academy, your Highness. I will be apprenticed under Dr. Von Bridle."
Princess Celestia smiled at the young pony's enthusiasm. "That is wonderful. I promise you that you will never find a better mentor than Dr. Von Bridle. He has served Equestria very well these many years."
The elderly scientist blushed, "Eh, I, thank you, your Highness. I shall do my best. I, eh, should return to my work. It was a pleasure Violet, Princess."
The two mares giggled at his rapid onset of modesty, followed by his rapid departure, lab coat flowing behind him as he made a beeline down the corridor.
The Princess turned to Violet. "He was never one for praise. Sometimes I laud him openly, just to see him turn that interesting shade of red. Though I will say those compliments are always true, and you, my little pony, have a bright future ahead of you."
She turned to walk away. "Now, I have some work in my office to attend to, but you will be contacted when all is ready. Until then, keep working with Twilight. She is an invaluable resource."
"Oh, I agree, your Majesty."
"'Celestia' will be fine, Violet."
"Oh no, your Majesty, I could never call you by your first name."
Celestia smiled. "Perhaps in time. Meanwhile, if you wish to see Twilight, she is in throne room with Princess Luna."
With that, the Di-arch walked away from Violet, a phalanx of guards behind the Princess.
Violet turned toward the door, and walked into the throne room. As she looked up, she froze in place. There, in front of her, was Twilight and the Princess of the Night, sharing what appeared to be a very passionate kiss.
Slowly, Violet backed up, trying to exit the room without being seen. Unfortunately for her, she didn't noticed the large porcelain vase next to the door entrance, and bumped into the unseen obstacle. A second later, a loud shatter filled the room, and suddenly all attention was on her.
"Violet!" called out Twilight in surprise.
"WHAT DOES THOU WANT, CHILD? YOUR PRINCESS IS ENGAGING IN A ROMANTIC ENDEAVOR WITH HER SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AND THOU ART POTENTIALLY WRECKING THE MOOD!" came Princess Luna's voice.
Violet waved her hoof and grinned a toothy smile, her face blushing hard. "Hey, everypony! So... have you heard the news?"
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | Love's Flower Don't Bloom For Jus' Anypony | CHAPTER TEN
"Love's Flower Don't Bloom For Jus' Anypony"
"One Week Later"
It was a beautiful day, like any other day under Celestia's Sun, but this day marked one significant difference. There was no difference in the gentle blowing of the warm wind, neither was there any difference in the azure clarity of the skies; nor was there a difference in the warm grasses that crunched softly underhoof; Even still, there was no difference in the lush, green trees, swaying gently back and forth in the breeze. In these things, there was no change from the usual display of nature's bountiful glory.
The deviation from every other day in Ponyville was to be found in a clearing; one near the northwest orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, and one that was bustling with activity; a frenzy of ponies moving about preparing for that day, that shining moment, when two ponies joined together in matrimony, to share the rest of their lives with one another, and their dearest friends, and today was that day.
This was a simple affair, because the two ponies who would be joined this day preferred things to be simple, much to the chagrin of a certain white unicorn mare. Still, it was their day, and so she went along with it willingly, for she was the element of generosity, and would be happy for her friends, regardless.
"Applejack, quit fidgeting, dear. I'm almost finished."
A sigh. "Sorry, Rarity. Ah guess I'm just nervous an' all."
They were inside a small tent placed not far away from where the wedding ceremony would be held, near a grove of apple trees.
"There we are, my dear, now stand back and let me look at you."
Applejack backed away, and let Rarity examine her work. "Darling, you look magnificent, even better than when we were in my boutique, if that is even possible. Oh, Rarity, you are amazing."
Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend's self congratulatory remarks. Still, she did feel like a million bits, and she had Rarity to thank for it.
"Ah really appreciate it, Rarity. Ah would appreciate it more if Ah could get these here butterflies out o' mah belly."
Rarity stepped forward and gave her friend a warm nuzzle. "You have nothing to worry about, dear, you make a handsome mare. I've no doubt once you see your beloved in her ensemble, you will forget all about the butterflies."
"Ah hope so, Ah just don't want ta make a fool outta mahself in front o' Celestia and everypony." ***
"You look so pretty, Rainbow Dash." A soft voice could be heard saying, as Rainbow Dash turned and looked at herself in the mirror.
"You know, I do, don't I?" Rainbow Dash said as she nodded at her reflection. "I look awesome in this dress."
"I still can't believe you chose a dress over a wedding suit. It's quite the romantic gesture, if you don't mind my saying so," Fluttershy said as she admired the white lace around Dash's wings.
"Hey, I can be romantic! Besides, I know Applejack's all about old fashioned traditions and stuff, and I want her to be more comfortable. Plus, I look so hot in this. I'm going to knock the hat right off her head with how awesomely hot I look."
"I've no doubt." a new voice said.
Fluttershy eeped as Rainbow Dash turned around and saw her mother standing in the entrance way to her tent that was situated on the opposite side of the clearing, near a grove of apple trees.
"Mom!" Rainbow Dash yelled out in surprise, running to her mother and embracing her. "You were able to make it! I thought you and Dad weren't able to leave Baltimare in time!"
"Oh honey, I wouldn't miss this for the world. My baby girl is going to be married. Oh, I can't wait for grandchildren."
"Um... Mom?"
"Oh yes, of course. Well, we'll worry about that later. In the meantime, look at you! You're so beautiful! My dear, when Applejack sees you she's going to spit!"
"Well, that's nothing new. She does that anyway." Rainbow Dash deadpanned.
Mother and daughter giggled.
"Oh, my sweet baby! Look at you!"
Rainbow Dash turned to the new voice. "Daddy!"
"Sweetheart, you're breathtaking!" Dusk Thunder said, his eyes wide. "You don't look like my daughter, you look like a full grown mare! What did you do with my daughter?"
Rainbow Dash laughed as she grabbed him and hugged him tightly. "Mom, Dad, I'm so glad you made it."
Dusk Thunder held his daughter close. "My sweet little girl, your Mommy and Daddy wouldn't have missed this for the world."
"Wow, Rainbow, you look great!" a fourth pony had joined them. "Mom, you look lovely as always, and hey, nice suit, Dad! Love the way you're rocking the plaid."
Everypony turned to see Violet make her way into the tent. Dusk Thunder broke out into a grin. "There's our scientist!" he said, as he pulled her into a hug as well. Violet's surprise lasted only for a moment. She realized that nothing mattered beyond the fact that the four of them were whole, as one family, enjoying the moment together.
Fluttershy quietly stayed off to the side as not to intrude.
"Flutters! What are you doing over there? Get over here and join in on the hug!" said Rainbow Dash.
"Oh, no, I don't wish to intrude. I mean, you're all so cute together, and I don't really want to-"
The family shuffled over, as one group, and pulled the shy pegasus into the fold.
"Oh my! Well, I..." and she paused for a moment before saying, "this is nice." ***
Twilight Sparkle stood under the archway, where she would be joining two of her dearest friends together in matrimony. She looked out at the gathering of ponies sitting in their white wooden chairs, arranged on either side of the aisle.
"Are you okay, Applejack?" she whispered to the orange mare now standing in front of her, and to her left. To say she looked nervous would have been a gross understatement. Applejack was shaking so hard, that it looked like she was about to set off the seismometers in the Canterlot Geology lab.
Applejack just nodded as if this were her normal state of mind every day. "Oh, sure, Twi," she whispered back, "Ah'm just a touch nervous, is all."
Twilight smiled. "No need to worry, AJ. You'll do fine."
"Well, ya know, it's not everyday ya get ta marry the mare o' yer dreams."
"That's true," Twilight conceded amiably, "but on the plus side, you only have to marry her once."
Before Applejack could respond, they heard the singing voices of Fluttershy's bird chorus start whistling the wedding march. A few moments later, the flower girls, better known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, began traipsing down the aisle, throwing flower petals everywhere, with some even landing along the aisleway where they belonged. They were all smiles, save for Scootaloo, who had the largest grin anypony had ever seen on a filly's muzzle, though it was barely outshining Applebloom's grin as she winked at her sister standing at the altar. Sweetie Belle had a simple, joyful smile on her face, as if she were humming a tune that only she could hear.
Following the three fillies was Violet Tempest, escorting a bashful and blushing Fluttershy, who was wearing a lovely teal dress, a white and blue butterfly pin in her hair. They moved down the aisle, smiles on their faces as they reached the altar and took their places on each side, respectively. Applejack glanced over to see Violet step into her place as the Best Mare, who looked up to her soon to be sister-in-law, and wiggled her eyebrows, in a 'just you wait and see' expression.
Next to step out was Rarity, in a shimmering yellow gown, violet accents in her mane, and being escorted down the aisle by a tuxedo-ed Spike. Pinkie Pie hopped down the aisle last, wearing a pink dress, a decorative cupcake design in her mane, as she was escorted by Caramel, wearing a dusk blue checked suit. Each pony took their place near the altar, each one giving Applejack either a smile or a nod, save for Pinkie, who gave Applejack both a smile, a nod, and a "hooves up."
Applejack smiled in return to each of them and, with bated breath, turned back to watch for her bride-to-be.
It wasn't long. A moment later, the whole gathering gasped in surprise, as Rainbow Dash walked out into the aisle, her father next her. The butterflies in her stomach were evicted with extreme prejudice.
Applejack took in the sight of Rainbow Dash walking slowly down the aisle. Never did Rainbow Dash ever do anything with the word 'slow' in it. What was more heart stopping, however, was that Dash wore an all white wedding dress, in the traditional style. Her wings covered in lace, and on her head sat a flowered wreath, a shimmering white veil coming down from it to obscure the fine details of Rainbow's face.
Applejack watched as Dash's father brought her up next to the altar, giving her a peck on the cheek as he stepped away, and took his place next to his wife, seated in the front row, a tissue in her hoof, dabbing her eyes. ***
Rainbow Dash couldn't look away from her best friend. She barely registered the light peck on the cheek from her father, so enraptured as she was staring at the orange mare, who was dressed such a fine suit, that so perfectly blended with her natural fur color. It was difficult to make out some of the details, as the veil made it a bit difficult, but she most certainly saw those luminous green eyes of her marefriend, and she could not tear herself away from them.
It took her friend Twilight to bring her attention elsewhere.
"Friends, and honored guests," she began, giving a nod to the Princesses, Celestia, and Luna, who were seated on the far side of the aisleway; as not to obscure the vision of the other guests, "today we have gathered here, in this beautiful countryside, to join together these two ponies, Applejack Apple, and Rainbow Dash, in matrimony. It is their love that binds them, and it is their friendship that surrounds them. More powerful than the greatest magic, containing greater depths than the seas, and higher than the highest mountain peaks, their unity transcends all things, both great and small, and even so, shall it endure until the end of their days, and beyond."
She looked directly at the two ponies standing in front of her at the altar.
"The bracelets, please?" She asked quietly.
Both Violet and Fluttershy stepped forward, giving each friend their wedding bracelet. After a moment, they returned to their positions off to the side, as Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, both held their respective bracelets.
"I ask that you turn to one another, please," Twilight continued, and waited, as Applejack and Rainbow Dash turned to face one another. As if by a small intercession of divine intervention, the breeze stopped blowing, the birds stopped chirping, the leaves no longer rustling. All was quiet, even the slightest whisper silenced.
"Applejack, please repeat after me:
"I, Applejack,..."
"Ah, Applejack."
"Take you, Rainbow Dash,..."
"Take you, Rainbow Dash."
"As my beloved mare."
"As mah beloved m-mare."
A slight tittering was momentarily heard in the audience as the full impact of what Applejack was saying decided to fall upon her at that moment.
"I swear now, before Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna,..."
"Ah swear now, before Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna."
"That I will love, honor, and cherish my beloved mare,..."
"Yer darn tootin' I will!"
More laughter as Applejack looked at Twilight.
Twilight smiled. "That I will stay by her side in sickness, and health,.."
"That Ah will stay by her side, in sickness an' in health."
"As long as we both shall live."
"As long as we both'll live."
Twilight smiled again as her friend breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to the cyan pegasus.
"Rainbow Dash? Will you promise to do all of the stuff I just told Applejack?"
Chuckles and peals of laughter rang through the crowd gathered.
Rainbow Dash smiled, and nodded. "You betcha. I'm not letting her get away from me for nothing, and I know she won't because I'm way faster than her."
"Ain't so!"
"Is so!"
"Ain't so!"
"Totally is so!"
"Girls!" Twilight interrupted as the crowd's laughter quieted down. "Applejack, please place your bracelet on Rainbow Dash's hoof, and Rainbow Dash, please place your bracelet on Applejack's hoof." She waited a moment as the couple did as requested.
"By the power vested in me, in the nation of Equestria, and dually appointed by the Princesses Celestia, Daughter of the Sun, and Luna, Daughter of the Moon, I now pronounce you as one. You may kiss one another."
Cheers erupted from the gathering as Applejack raised Rainbow's veil, and kissed her on the muzzle. Rainbow Dash pulled Applejack into a tight, passionate kiss, as Fluttershy reached over to cover the eyes of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who were trying to get around the foreleg to see what was causing the audience to hurl catcalls at the couple.
A moment later, Rainbow Dash and Applejack, now married, bonded together not only in friendship, but now a deep, abiding love, walked down the aisle, side by side, as one, looking forward to forever together.
The End.
(/)*(\) |
Orange and Blue, I Do (Book 3) | Author's Note | AUTHOR'S NOTES
I want to thank all of you for reading "Orange and Blue, I Do." I realize it seems like a short chapter, but I wanted to save the wedding for very last, so I cleared out the other story lines in previous chapters before this one. I wanted this to be for Applejack and Rainbow Dash.
That said, I hope you enjoyed it. I never thought, when I started writing "Of Clouds, Seeds, and Apple Trees," that I would be writing a trilogy of stories for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, nor did I realize that my OC Violet Tempest would grow as much as she did.
So let me say once more, thank you so much for reading my stories. For any of you who are interested, this isn't the end of my writing. I plan on writing other stories. There is definitely one in the works for Violet Tempest, which takes place after the Applejack/Rainbow Dash trilogy, though I am sure to revisit the couple to see how they are doing.
Until then, thank you for reading. You have all of my love.
Sincerely,
The Lotus Tea Dragon |
The Rise Of An Empire | pre | "Pharynx!" another changeling shouted. "The" he panted. "The umbrum have been freed! Have you heard the-" he stopped upon seeing Pharynx's glare. "What?!"
Pharynx simply pointed a hoof to Ocellus. "I. Was. Trying. To. Keep. That. From. Her!"
"Oh." Thorax's ears drooped.
They remained in silence until Ocellus innocently asked, "What's an umbrum?"
"It's nothing you need to know about," Pharynx snapped.
Twilight and the fillies walked to the throne room, and entered when permitted to do so. Twilight bowed, and the fillies did the same. "King Sombra," she began, stepping forward. "These fillies have come from Equestria and wish to join you. They are Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, and used to be sisters of my former friends."
"Used to be?" the King asked.
"They disowned their sisters, Your Majesty, in order to join you."
"King Sombra," Scootaloo said "can you please let us join your army? We want to fight for you!"
"Yeah! Please King Sombra, let us join your army and fight against Sunbutt and others that wish to be enemies to you!"
Sombra chuckled. "I'll give the three of you some tests, and if you pass, I'll let you join my army."
The following week, Twilight received a letter. It read:
Dear Twilight, where ever you may be, I invite you to come and end Celestia's pathetic life. You might be confused now, but when you come, I'll explain everything.
Eagerly awaiting your arival,
Queen Heartbreaker of Equestria, formerly known as Mi Amore Cadenza. |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter 5 | "So, what should we do now?" Thorax asked. "The umbrum are freed, the Queen is severely injured and can't help us, and-"
"What did you say?" Pharynx asked.
"I said that Queen Chrysalis is way too injured to help us."
"Do you know how she got those injuries?"
"Um... She just fell out of some portal with them."
"Portal? Huh..."
Just then a changeling entered the room and said, "I know how the Queen attained those numerous injuries. And I also know who is to blame for the freedom of the Umbrum."
"Who are you?" Pharynx asked. "Have you been eavesdropping on us this whole time?"
"My name is Kevin, the changeling who was sent to spy on the ponies," he answered. "And yes, I have been eavesdropping on you both this entire time. I had simply been passing by when I heard you."
"I won't punish you for eavesdropping... Because we have questions, and only you have the answers," said Pharynx.
"Then I shall tell you..."
"And that is how Queen Chrysalis attained her injuries, and is to blame for the freedom of the Umbrum," Kevin finished. "It may have been Twilight Sparkle who cast the spell, but if it weren't for our Queen, they wouldn't be free."
A pregnant pause followed his statement until Thorax broke the silence. "...So what should we do now?"
"Find a new leader of course," said Ocellus.
"What are you doing here?" Pharynx asked, shocked.
"I was here all this time, remember?"
Pharynx shrugged. "Anyways, new leaders don't just fall out of the sky, Ocellus," he scoffed.
"Or maybe they do..." Thorax said. "We could join King Sombra."
"Join King Sombra?" Kevin asked. "As in King Sombra the tyrant Umbrum ruler of the Crystal Empire?"
"Yes."
Pharynx laughed, and Kevin blinked. "You're crazy, Thorax," the former said. "We're changelings. We can't serve an Umbrum!"
"Why can't we?" asked Ocellus.
"Umbrums take ponies' emotions away, making it impossible for us to get the love we need to survive," spat Pharynx. "What do you think of Thorax's idea, Kevin?"
"I think it's a good idea," Kevin spoke.
"What?!"
"Yes."
"You're kidding. Don't make me laugh."
"I'm not joking. The Umbrums make everything so melancholy that it's impossible for us to find love to feed on. However, if we were to tell King Sombra we'd join him if he makes sure that there's still some love for us to feed on... It would be beneficial for us in the long run," Kevin explained. "Also, he's probably going to take over Equestria and could easily eradicate us all. If we were helping him, if we were his allies, then we'd be safe."
"I guess...You're right," Pharynx nodded.
King Sombra was just about to fall asleep when a guard knocked on his door.
He said, "You may enter," and upon seeing the guard, asked, "What do you want?"
"A letter came for Miss Twilight Sparkle, Your Majesty."
"So take it to her, you idiot!"
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
After the guard closed the door, King Sombra muttered, "Why do all guards have no brains?"
Heartbreaker was grinning as she electrocuted the former Princess. "So Celly, do you think that Twilight will come as soon as she reads the letter, or will take her sweet time in coming? I do hope she'll take her sweet time, because I've still got so much left to do with you!"
It was morning in the Crystal Empire, and instead of having breakfast, Twilight Sparkle was chewing her hooves as she stared at a piece of paper.
Seeing this, King Sombra asked, "What's the matter? Do you not like the breakfast? I can have the servants make something else for you..."
Twilight looks up and says, "N-no, the breakfast is wonderful. It's just that I got a letter last night from my former foalsitter, who is now the Queen of Equestria. She has Celestia as her prisoner, and has invited me to go and kill that manipulator."
"Why are you worried about that?"
"I wanted to, well... I thought it'd be better if I knew some more dark magic spells so that I'd be able to have all the fun I want, torturing Celestia."
"And I guess you wanted me to teach you?"
Twilight nodded. "Yes. If you don't mind, that is."
"I'd be more than happy to teach you, Twilight."
"To Queen Heartbreaker,
I am more than happy to accept your invitation.
However, I'd like if I could have some time to learn a couple of torture spells.
After all, I do want to have all the fun I can with my toy...
I hope you don't mind.
Truly Yours,
Twilight Sparkle."
Heartbreaker's grin grew even wider after reading the letter.
"Guess what, Celly," she chuckled. " Twilight's decided to learn a couple of torture spells before coming here. And you know what that means... Oh, we're going to have so much fun together."
"So, this is how you cast the horn nullifier spell. It creates crystals on the ponies' horn, which prevents them from using any magic," King Sombra said as he demonstrated on Sweetie Belle. "It also hurts them when they attempt to use magic... Now you try."
After the King had removed the crystals, Twilight tried to cast the spell. "It's not working!" she exclaims in surprise.
"Of course it isn't," Sombra says, causing Twilight to look at him in surprise. "It's not working because you aren't casting it correctly. This is dark magic we're using, remember? Focus on your hatred and anger for Sunbutt, and think about the crystals that will soon grow on this filly's horn. Only then will the spell work."
"Sorry, I forgot." Twilight tried again, focusing on her hatred and anger, and cheered when she succeeded "Yes! It worked!"
Sombra smiled. "Cast this spell a couple more times, and then we'll move on."
"Kill this pony, but you can only use a single spell."
Twilight nodded, and then focused hard on her dark magic.
She then casts the Muerte Rápida Pero Dolorosa spell, which gives its victim a quick but painful death.
"¡Maravilloso!" King Sombra says. "Now that you've mastered the Muerte Rápida Pero Dolorosa spell, I can proudly say that you are a master of Dark Magic. But before you celebrate, I need to tell you something."
"I haven't failed a spell, have I?" Twilight asked, worried, leading the King to chuckle.
"Don't worry, you haven't failed a spell. You did perfect in everything... And won my heart." Sombra stares into Twilight's eyes as he says, "I haven't found anypony who could rival me in Dark Magic for a thousand years. But now, I've found you. You've won my heart, Twilight Sparkle, and I'm madly in love with you. So now I ask you, will you be my Queen?"
Twilight blushes and says, "I too have fallen in love with you. And while I may not be able to give a speech as grand as yours, yes, I will be your Queen."
Sombra smiled, and then their lips met.
Queen Heartbreaker was writing a letter to Twilight, asking for the date of her arrival when suddenly a crystal mirror began to glow, and out of it stepped none other than Sunset Shimmer and an army of angry teenagers.
The unicorn burst into the throne room and roared, "Get your fat butt off the throne, Sunbutt, because now it's mine!" when she noticed that it wasn't Celestia who sat on the throne, but rather it was the corrupted version of Mi Amore Cadenza. "Cadance?" Sunset asked in surprise. "Why are you sitting there? And what have you done to your mane and fur?"
"I am not Cadance. I am Queen Heartbreaker of Equestria. The traitor Sunbutt is in the dungeons, being tortured, and if you don't do what I say, so shall you."
"Cadance. Enough with the jokes. I've been in a world where they do even more impressive tricks than that, for your information."
Heartbreaker slams Sunset against a wall. "This is not a joke or a trick," she hisses. "I am the Queen of Equestria, and I can put you in a cell next to your former mentor if you don't behave accordingly."
Sunset puts her hooves up, not wanting to be locked in a dungeon. But since she's a pony, she loses balance and falls flat on her face.
"Ow," Sunset rubbed her muzzle.
"You're going to be screaming 'ow' if you don't listen. I will only ask you this question once. Why did you come here with an army?"
"That's simple. I thought Sunbutts fat butt might still be on the throne, and I wanted to dethrone her and take her down with the help of my army. And once I did that, I'd be able to find her little pet- Twilight Sparkle, and take her crown to the human world so that I can rule it!"
"Twilight has never been that traitors pet."
"What did she do to be thrown and tortured in the dungeons, and be branded as a traitor?"
"I haven't branded her yet, but she's a traitor because of what she did during the changelings invasion of Canterlot. She knew what would happen, and decided to pretend she didn't. It's because of her that Chrysalis nearly ruled Equestria. She also lied to Twilight, which turned out badly for her."
"I see." Sunset looked at her hooves before asking, "If you don't mind, can I see Sunbutt in the dungeons so I can have fun torturing her? I learned a lot of torture spells."
"You have permission. Just ask the guard for help getting there."
"Which guard?"
"The only guard that's in this room."
Twilight Sparkle and King Sombra are talking, when the former jumps up, having remembered something.
"I just remembered! Now that you've fully trained me in dark magic, I need to go and give the traitor a painful end."
"Are you sure you need to do it this instant?"
"I've been waiting to do it for such a long time, of course I have to!"
Sombra teleports himself and Twilight to the Canterlot castle. "As you wish, love," he winks.
Twilight heads straight to the dungeons, and is surprised to find Queen Heartbreaker and another pony there.
Sunset Shimmer stops torturing Celestia and looks at Twilight who is staring at her.
"Twilight! You finally came!" Heartbreaker breaks the silence.
"Of course I did, Heartbreaker. I can't wait to start my fun with that traitorous bitch. But before I start, who is this?" Twilight points a hoof at Sunset.
"That's Sunset Shimmer, and she used to be that traitors former student. She came back to try and take over Equestria, but finding that I was on the throne instead and that Sunbutt was in the dungeons awaiting death, she decided to torture the traitor instead. While she was having fun, I told her all that happened while she was in the human world, and she wants to join you and King Sombra. She also has an army with her, and they would join you too."
Twilight hasn't moved her gaze from Sunset since Heartbreaker began speaking, and the unicorn looked at her hooves before looking up and saying, "It is an honor to meet you, Twilight Sparkle. My name is Sunset Shimmer, and as Ca- I mean Queen Heartbreaker has told you, I used to be a student of that bitch. When she didn't give me what I wanted when I wanted it, I escaped to another world to plot my revenge. I came back here with an army of teenagers so that I could get the Element Of Magic and dethrone Sunbutt. But it didn't go as planned. So now, instead of just stealing the Element Of Magic, I've decided to join you on one condition."
"Which is?"
"You give me the element of magic."
"And why should I do that?"
"I am a powerful unicorn. Having me on your side would be much better than having me against you."
"I... Guess you're right. But I'll make my desicion after killing the traitor."
"Take all the time you want Twilight. Just make the right choice."
Twilight nods and then turns to Heartbreaker. "Now that I'm here, you can tell me how you...changed."
Princess Cadance sat in a cave, crying. "Auntie Celestia! Twilight! Shining! Anypony! Save me!"
A few hours later, when her throat had grown sore from screaming for help and crying, Cadence accepted the fact that nopony would be coming to save her.
They are all fools, she thought. They can't even tell the difference between an imposter and myself.
She dried her eyes and stood up. Anger filled her as she thought of Chrysalis marrying Shining Armor.
She got angrier as she thought of how dense they all were.
She would break out of here and get revenge, that was for sure.
But then she saw a screen with Chysalis' face on it. "Just thought I'd let you see how helpless you are," she said before the screen changed to show Twilight begging for her friends to help her, for somepony to believe her.
It showed them all brushing her thoughts aside.
But then it turned off, leaving Cadence in darkness, crying as she realized how helpless she was.
After a while it turned on again to show Chrysalis' marriage to Shining Armor.
What happened next was unexpected. Twilight destroyed Chrysalis, with the bug escaping through a portal. And then it cut off.
Cadance grew angry. The bug was still alive, even if heavily injured. She had to get out of the cave. She had to rescue herself and then get her revenge on Celestia, Chrysalis, and a couple of other ponies.
Her anger gave her the strength to blast a hole in the cave, and she flew out to the throne room.
She kicked the doors open, unsurprised to hear the gasps that followed this.
Celestia was the first to react. "Cadance! You don't know how glad I am to see you!"
The pink alicorn flew to her aunt, but said nothing.
"C-cadance? What's wrong?" Celestia asked, concerned.
Cadance's eyes flashed as she said/sang, "The world is a place
Where I'll gladly learn to live in disgrace
Once I send you to your last resting place
Where the shadows are forever..."
"And then I flew out to the Everfree Forest so that I could come up with a plan to get revenge. But before I could do anything like that, I had to regain my strength. Once I had gotten my strength back, by drinking a couple of potions that a zebra shaman gave to me, I looked into a pond and noticed the changes that had taken place. And that's the story."
Spike had just gotten permission from Twilight to go to the dragon lands, and even though an umbrum guard was supervising him to make sure he was safe, he was happy.
He had arrived just in time for the gauntlet of fire tournament, but as he was about to start running (he hadn't any wings), two dragons stopped him.
One was a tall blue one, and the other was a short orange one.
The blue one laughed, "You're too small to be taking part in this tournament. You haven't even got wings!"
"I'm not too small! I may not have wings, but I'm a fast runner, and I'm strong!"
"You think you can win this?" The orange dragon asked.
"I believe I can win this tournament."
"Well then, how about this? If you win, you can do whatever you'd like to me and Ember. And if you lose..."
"We'll get to do whatever we want to you," finished Ember. "Deal, or no deal?"
"It's a deal."
Spike had won, surprising every dragon. He was now the ruler, but before he did anything like- he didn't know- whatever a ruler was supposed to do, he needed to find two particular dragons.
However, before he could move, Ember and Smolder came up to him.
"It beats me as to how a baby dragon such as yourself won, but we're not here to talk about that. Now that you've won, you can do anything you want with us," said Ember.
"How about having you two be the first members of my harem?" |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter 6 | At Canterlot, every citizen of Equestria, and a few non ponies were gathered, eagerly waiting for Celestia's torture to begin.
"This is so exiting!" A stallion exclaimed.
"I know, right?" said the pony next to him. "Oh, the readers of the Equestria Daily will just love to read about this!"
"You work for Equestria Daily?"
"Yes, I'm actually their..."
While the crowd talked about their excitement, Twilight was with King Sombra, who was helping her prepare herself.
"Look Twilight, it'll be fine. Don't focus on the ponies watching you, focus on the vermin that you're torturing."
"I'll try, but what if I suddenly freeze? It'll be so embarrassing..."
"You won't freeze, love, because I'll make sure you won't."
Twilight blushed. "But-"
She was prevented from finishing her sentence by Sombra joining their lips together.
"Don't worry, Twilight. Everything will be fine."
Half an hour later, Queen Heartbreaker stood in front of a curtain on her balcony, drawing the crowd's attention. "Citizens of Equestria and many other lands, you are all gathered here today for the much awaited event- the execution of your former ruler- Celestia. No, she's not going to be granted a quick death, that would be too good for her. Instead, she will be put under the most painful torture, and her soul will be trapped inside of her body so that she shall never truly pass on. If you are not a fan of gore, or have a weak stomach, I advise you to turn away immediately as this execution will contain lots of it." Two guards stood on either side of the curtain, ready to open it as soon as they were given their cue.
"And now, the execution shall begin! And the one who shall be given the honors are... Twilight Sparkle!" At this the guards pulled the curtain open to reveal Twilight hovering above Celestia who was chained to a pillar.
There was a vast collection of knives on a side, and the crowd cheered as Twilight flew beside Heartbreaker.
"Ponies of Equestria, and citizens of other lands!" she began, using a voice amplifier to make sure that all could hear her. "I am Twilight Sparkle, the lucky mare who has been given the honors to end this traitor's life! But before I start, I must address the elephant in the room- Why is Celestia getting executed? Well, the reason is because of her, we all could've been the slaves of the changeling Queen Chrysalis today. She, Celestia, knew that Chrysalis would attempt to take over Equestria on the date that was set for Queen Heartbreaker to marry the useless stallion who was the former captain of the Royal Guard. And did she do anything useful about it? No, she decided to sit back and let me do all the work. She thought 'Twilight and her friends will save Equestria like always'. But what happened? She got branded as a traitor, and is going to be executed today..."
While Celestia's execution was taking place in Canterlot, Spike was starting to take advantage of his new role as Dragon Lord.
"My subjects! I am Spike, and am your new Lord! My first command to you all is that you shall work for a mare whom I consider my sister- Twilight Sparkle."
Shouts of protest began. "Work for a pony?!" yelled Garble. "And why should we do that?"
"Because, my sister and her...partner are the most powerful ponies in the land, and whatever race doesn't pledge their loyalty to him will be wiped out or forced to be slaves."
"You're just protecting yourself, aren't you?!"
"Protecting myself? Twilight would never kill me, Garble. So all I'm trying to do here is make sure that all of you stay safe. I mean, the changelings and batponies have already submitted, what's left are us dragons, the griffons, and the sea ponies. Sure, we could resist, but even if we breathe fire and all that, we don't stand a chance against dark magic or umbrums. I'll give you all a week in which to decide what you will do, and after that, what's done is done."
In Canterlot the foals and ponies who were unable to handle the gore had fainted after seeing Celestia's wings ripped off brutally, with her horn being broken by a hammer.
She was covered in blood, and her throat was sore from having screamed in pain.
Twilight savored every moment of her former mentors pain, using a spell to intensify her agony so it was actually ten times worse.
"I bet now you wish that you hadn't betrayed Equestria, huh Celestia?"
"P...please...have mercy!" screamed the mare.
"Mercy?" Twilight laughed. "Why should I have mercy on you? Mercy is only given by the weak, and agony is given by the powerful. And as we all know, I am not weak. You get no mercy Celestia."
"P-please Twilight, I beg you. I-I'll do anything you want."
"Anything I want? Well, all I want is to do this to you." Twilight laughed as she electrocuted the mare with a spell.
A few more cuts later, Celestia's skin was ripped off, revealing the pink flesh beneath. She threw up.
Just as Twilight was about to begin cutting body parts of the former alicorn, an umbrum guard interrupted.
"One second ponies, and I'll resume giving this traitor justice."
Once they were aside, the guard said, "Miss Sparkle, I am sorry to interrupt your...fun, but a mare has shown up at the Castle. She said her name is Starlight Glimmer, and that she has the powers of time travel. She says she knows all about you and everything else and shall join you if you do her one favor. "
She has the powers of time travel? That would make her a useful ally and a dangerous enemy.
"And what is this favor?"
"She wishes to tell you herself."
"Very well. Tell her I will see her an hour later."
"Miss... she told me that she wished to see you immediately, and made it clear that she was not known for her patience. And that if you did not see her straight away, she would use her powers to destroy you."
Destroy me? She is brave...And as much as I want to continue my fun, my will to see this mare is stronger.
"Go back to the Empire and tell her I shall be there within a few minutes."
"As you wish, Miss."
The umbrum went and Twilight flew back onto the stage. "I am sorry to announce that I am urgently needed at the Crystal Empire, and because of that the traitors punishment will be postponed to a later date."
With that, she gave orders to the guards to keep the traitor in a dungeon and alive, and then she teleported away.
King Sombra did the same, and once they were back in the Crystal Castle Sombra asked, "What's the emergency?"
"Some mare named Starlight Glimmer wanted me to do her a favor, and in return she'd join us. She wanted to talk with me immediately and if I delayed, she threatened to use her time travel powers to destroy me."
"Then let's not keep her waiting any longer. With powers of time travel she could be a useful ally and a dangerous enemy."
"That's exactly what I was thinking."
Starlight Glimmer was in the throne room, pacing. "Is she coming or not?"
Just as she was about to leave, the doors to the throne room opened and King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle entered.
"King Sombra, Twilight Sparkle," Starlight bowed "it is a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Starlight Glimmer, and I have come here to ask for a favor. I used to live in a town called Hollow Shades and had a friend named Sunburst. However, he went to some school and never came back. There were rumors that he was lost. So... could you please find him? In return for that, I will join you."
"Give us a few days and he will be found," Sombra told her. "In the meantime, you are welcome to stay at my castle as a guest."
"Thank you King Sombra and soon to be Queen- Twilight Sparkle." |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter 7 | Twilight Sparkle lay on her bed, head in her hooves. She hadn't moved from that position in over an hour, and now King Sombra was worried.
He had originally thought she was too tired to do anything, but this looked like more than exhaustion. "Twilight, is there something wrong?" he asked for what had to be the thousandth time this morning.
This time she decided to honor him with a response. "No," the purple alicorn groaned. "Nothing's right. Everything's been going by so fast- it feels like hardly a week went by since I was betrayed by some of the ponies most dear to me." She sat up, mane covering her face. "I know it's been something like a month, but..."
"Everything's been going so fast you haven't had time to make sense of it all?"
"Yes! And I've noticed something strange. Luna turned into Nightmare Moon after learning about what Celestia did, and I know she actually cares about the health of Equestria. Yet she still transformed and joined us, knowing what we would do would change Equestria completely."
"Well, I guess something did seem a little off about her coming so quickly..."
"And then there's this Sunset Shimmer. She came with an army, assuming Celestia was still on the throne. They must have been from her world, but they were also controlled by some sort of magic. I've studied about her world, and there's no magic in there. So there must be something I'm missing. She wanted my crown for the power it gave... And assuming it could work in both worlds... I'll need to check if my crown's still where I left it."
"Or I could just send one of my guards to check."
The mare shrugged. "If it's not a problem."
Instead of replying, the King pressed a button with the image of a guard on it, and a few minutes later a guard knocked at the door. Sombra smirked at his marefriends expression. "Crystal technology makes it easier to get things done." To the guard he said, "Enter!"
"What does his majesty require of me?" The guard asked, bowing.
"Where did you leave your crown?"
"The Golden Oaks Library in Ponyville. It should be on the ground floor, in a box with the rest of the Elements."
"You heard her. Go to the library and check if the crown is there. Come back immediately once you've checked."
"Yes Sir!"
The guard left, closing the door behind him. "Now we just have to wait for him to return. Though, about Luna, we need a way to check if she truly joined us or is just pretending."
"Perhaps you could send an umbrum to spy on her?"
"Good idea."
"Before you do that, there's another thing worth mentioning. Luna wasn't at the execution."
"There are two possibilities. One is that she was stopped by something. And the other... There is foul play here."
"Foul play? What do you mean? Luna may not be who she tells us she is. But even when faking things, one would think carefully and we both know Luna knows how to plan things out, unlike her incompetent sister."
"That brings us back to the possibility that she may have been stopped by something, perhaps another race who does not wish to join us. However, that might not be the case. She might be deceiving us, and maybe-"
Twilight finishes his sentence. "She might be pretending to be evil on the outside, but she could actually be doing it so she can get information on what we are doing, and then making an army against us so she can prevent us from ruling Equestria and putting those traitors and pretentious snobs in their place."
"She could even be plotting with those other two mares. I must send an umbrum that is competent enough to do the job... but it is easy to tell they are there if one experiences negative emotions."
"Yes, though who can we send?"
"Perhaps we should wait a little, and we might find a solution."
"Perhaps... And if those mares are working against us... I will hunt them down and tear them limb from limb."
"I am sure you will. I shall be watching and applauding you. Though, I have noticed something. When they are mentioned you become agaited. Have they done something to you?"
Twilight scowls. "Have they done something to me? Of course they have. They threatened me if I didn't do as they asked." She suddenly leaps off the bed and begins pacing angrily. "Who the fuck do those bitches think they are? Threatening me, while I clearly have more power than them! Why, I should just throw both of them in Tartarus and be done with it! But no, I must make them suffer first! Make sure they regret ever daring to threaten me!"
As she began huffing angrily, drawing in great breaths, the King decided to speak. "Worry not my love, for they will be punished. But kill them? Arrogant as they have been, wouldn't we have some use for them? After all, they do have power."
"...Fine. We will keep them. But they will suffer agony worse than Celestia's, if that's possible."
"As you wish. However, before giving them their due, I think we should tie up loose ends, so to speak."
"What do you mean?"
"Finish killing Sunbutt and Chrysalis, destroy the statue of Discord in such a way that it will be impossible to restore him, also kill Grogar, and a couple of others that could be highly potential enemies, as they may not be as willing to become allies as others."
"...I guess I can wait a little. But speaking of Chrysalis, what happened to that assassin you sent?"
"I forgot to tell you. Turns out he was caught, and the idiot came back here. So I punished him. He's still screaming in the dungeons." Looking at his future wife he said, "And yes, you can go and kill the changeling bitch if it makes you feel better."
"Thank you."
After taking the map of the changeling hive from an umbrum guard, Twilight made her way to the hive.
There was an anti-magic barrier around it, so she couldn't directly teleport to it, but she was still able to use her wings, which she was thankful for.
Going on tip-hoove, she snuck into the hive- and was surprised by the utter lack of security...and occupants.
What happened to all the changelings?
King Sombra was just reading his soon-to-be-Queens plans when a guard approached him. "What do you want? Hopefully it isn't instructions on where to put a letter," he said sarcastically.
The guard shook his head. "Your Majesty, an army of changelings are outside the Empire and they wish to speak to you."
"Speak to me? Bring their leader here."
The guard did as told, returning with Pharynx. "King Sombra,"the changeling began "I am Pharynx. I have come here with my fellow changelings, not to attack but rather to make an offer. We are currently without a leader, and wish not to elect one from among ourselves due to the fear we will be destroyed if they made a mistake. We have also talked together and decided the wisest option would be to join Your Majesty as we would be protected. Us changelings will join you on one condition."
"It being?"
"You will tell the umbrums not to drain all of the emotions from Equestria as we need it to survive."
The King thought for a moment. Changelings possess the power to disguise themselves as any creature or object. If I get them on my side, it would come in handy as I would be able to know what side Luna is on.
"Your condition is accepted. Welcome to the Crystal Empire."
The mane five were hiding in the caves under Canterlot, discussing what to do.
"So... Twi's gone all evil, the Elements of Harmony are useless without her because only she can wield the Element, and the Princess is being executed. Painfully. Anything I missed?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Ah think that's all. Okay y'all, we've gotta make a plan. We can't let Twilight team up with King Sombra and become evil and do nothin' about it."
"I agree," Rarity said. "It's mostly our fault that she's evil in the first place, so we have to clean up our mess. Has anypony got ideas on what we should do?"
"I think we should make an army against King Sombra..." Fluttershy whispered, drawing all eyes to her.
"Good idea Fluttershy darling!"
"Yeah, that's a good idea, but how exactly are we going to get ponies to join us?" the cyan pegasus asked. "What I mean to say is, all of Equestria saw that it was mostly our fault- why would they want to help us?"
"...Ah guess ya do have a point Rainbow. But if we admit that we know what we did was wrong... And that we're willin' ta clean up our mess... Wouldn't they help us?"
"I know how we can get ponies on our side!" said Pinkie Pie who had until then been sitting in a corner, feeling guilty. "We can tell them that King Sombra is a meanie who hurts ponies that work for him! Like he mind controls them. Or... We could say that he wants to ruin Equestria!"
"Ah don't think that'll work, Pinkie."
"We can at least give it a try, can't we?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she stood over the sleeping form of Chrysalis. Sure, she could just kill the changeling right there and then, but that wouldn't be any fun.
No, she would wake the changeling and kill her painfully and slowly.
She levitated the bug out of bed, and then brought it down on the floor, instantly waking it.
Chrysalis groaned in pain and opened her eyes weakly to see the alicorn standing above her.
The mare grinned. "Hello Chrysalis. It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Upon hearing Twilights voice she whimpered and tried to move away best as she could with her weakened and injured body, but Twilight put a stop to that by stepping on the changelings leg.
"Now, there's no need to run, that is terribly rude. We're going to have lots of fun today." She stamped down on Chrysalis' leg, causing the changeling to cry out. "My oh my, you seem terribly injured. Whatever happened to you?" Twilight asked with mock affection. "Ah, now I remember. You showed up a few weeks ago at my brothers wedding and posed as my foalsitter, and when I tried to warn my friends, brother and even Celestia they chose you over me. " She punched the bug in the face, causing a few teeth to fall out. "If it weren't for you, we'd all be happy. None of this would've happened. I wouldn't have been abandoned by everypony. Though, at least now I know that they cannot be trusted because they'd be too happy doing whatever they want than supporting me."
She pulled the changeling up and smacked her continuously. "And you" another smack "you cast some sort of spell on my brother so he'd do whatever you wanted. You hurt him. You made him do things against his will."
She threw the changeling on the ground and conjured a knife, and proceeded to stab her in multiple placed.
"Sure, you showed me what a manipulating cunt Celestia is, but I don't care. I'm going to make you suffer. You're going to go through agony worse than that bitch did."
It was midnight when Twilight returned, covered in blood and gore, smiling and skipping happily.
"Twilight," King Sombra began, surprised by how happy his marefriend was. "I suppose it went well?"
She laughed. "It went perfectly. There was no security or other changelings, which is something of interest, but the changeling bitch was too weak to do anything apart from lay on the floor, crying and begging for mercy like the scum she was. Of course I wasn't moved by her pleas; I dragged it out long as I could so that she could learn a lesson. And guess what I did next?! I trapped her soul in her body so she could go through agony for eternity!" She continued laughing. "It feels so satisfying to know that one of my enemies are dead and going through unthinkable agony. Though... if it feels that good just killing Chrysalis, I bet I'll feel wonderful after getting rid of that alicorn scum that's in Canterlot, waiting for death." Her eyes lit up. "I wanna go kill Celestia now!"
"Indeed you do, love, but perhaps you should get some rest first so you have more energy to torture that scum."
"...Okay. But we're going to Canterlot tomorrow!"
Sombra rolled his eyes. "As you wish, my love."
The following morning Twilight flew out of bed, excited as a filly who was going to a fair.
She woke her significant other. "Sombra wake up! We've got to go now!"
The King groaned. "Twilight dearest," he checked his alarm clock. "Do you realize that it is three in the morning?"
"Of course I do! That's why I woke you up! Canterlot is waiting~"
"Twilight, you are acting like a foal. I know you are eager to give the scum what it deserves, I am also eager to see it get killed, but am I hopping around at three in the morning? As you can see, I am not. We must go about this in a proper manner. First of all, we must make sure that the whole of Equestria is awake to see this. And second, we must make them fear us. It will be easier to make ponies take us seriously if we keep our emotions neutral."
"I... I guess I was. Worry not, I shall do my best not to act foalish again."
"And?"
"I suppose we could go a little later."
"Good." Sombra yawned. "Now, let's get some sleep, shall we?"
Once they had properly rested, the two set off for Canterlot, leaving Rabia in charge while they were gone.
After all, she was loyal and could be trusted- Sombra had made sure of that.
Upon entering the palace and informing Queen Heartbreaker that today they would resume the execution, the Queen smiled.
"I would have informed you with a letter of our decision as it is polite to do so, but Twilight wanted to come as soon as possible, and she rushed us."
Heartbreaker laughed. "I see you still have a few traits from before, Twilight," she said, making the purple alicorn blush.
"So, Twilight, have you made your decision?" The ponies turned around to see Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer.
Twilight forced a smile on. "Ah, yes, I have. But before I tell you what I decided, there are a few things you need to know." At this point her smile disappeared. "How dare both of you threaten me! I could squash you like a fly! Surely you must know this, and yet you still threatened me! And Sunset, you came here to get my crown, didn't you? You wanted it so that you could rule your world. But when you came here, you already had an army which was mind controlled. I spent some time thinking and remembered how you said your world had no magic. I sent a guard to check if my crown was where I left it, and surprise, surprise, it wasn't."
The orange unicorn's confident smile fell, and she grew pale. "It wasn't there? But I'm sure I left it-"
"What was that Sunset? You left it where?" Twilight asked angrily. "So let me guess, you came here, stole my crown, used it to control your world and then came back again with an army just to threaten me?"
She was embarrassed, as everypony looked at her. "I- I was unable to use all the magic. It said that I needed to get the permission of the owner..."
"..." Twilight took a deep breath. "HOW DARE YOU! YOU LIED TO ME. YOU STOLE FROM ME. AND YOU STILL HAVE THE NERVE TO THREATEN ME INTO GIVING YOU MY CROWN! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!"
"Yeah Sunset, I had no idea you did that. I mean, come on, th-"
"DON'T YOU DARE TALK, GLIMMER. YOU ALSO THREATENED ME. BUT BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT THAT, let's discuss about the time spell, shall we?"
Starlight froze and turned pale, just like Sunset had. "T-time sp-spell?"
"Don't say a word. Don't waste my time by denying it. You stole the time spell created by Star Swirl the Bearded," Twilight growled.
The unicorn hung her head down in shame.
Sombra, who had been watching with Cadance as the drama unfolded chose this moment to step in. "Take a few breaths, my love, in and out, in and out."
Twilight did as he advised and then said. "I don't believe in just forgiving straight away. You two will receive punishments for this. But not today. I have some business to take care of first."
Once Sombra, Twilight and Heartbreaker had left the room, the mares glanced at each other.
"Remind me not to ever get on the Dark Queens bad side."
"She said we would get punishments, didn't she?"
Starlight gulped in fear. "Perhaps if we apologize to her sincerely as we can it will be less."
"Let's hope, let's hope." She stood up shakily. "But for now we'd better get to the dungeons like we were supposed to."
Twilight hummed as she stroked a knife, watching her victim carefully.
She was the predator and the broken alicorn was her prey.
Twilight laughed. That was funny.
She took a deep breath and picked up the knife. Another thought came into her mind and she began laughing again.
Unlike before, she had chosen to continue the execution in private, and only her King and former foalsitter were allowed to watch. And those two spoiled brats, Glimmer and Shimmer, just so that she could strike even more fear into their hearts. They would learn from this not to mess with her.
She took another breath and walked up to the alicorn who was good as dead.
That almost sent her into another laughing fit as the alicorn already looked dead, but this time she managed to control herself.
Celestia, who had been gazing at the floor with one eye, as the other had been stabbed out, let loose a scream as a knife was pushed into her leg.
"Ahh, this feels so good," purred Twilight. "I can feel your fear, and it makes me feel... Wonderful."
She pulled the knife out and the wounded mare attempted to move away from her torturer, but she was held firmly by chains and was helpless.
Twilight inhales and licks her lips. She gets another knife which is longer and pushes it through the prisoners stomach. "I love the fact that you were once an alicorn as your built in healing will prevent you from dying too fast. Are you lucky? It wouldn't be fun if you died before we get to the good parts."
"You're a sick, twis-" the mare begins to verbally fight, but is cut off by a choking fit as the wound in her stomach affects her.
"What were you saying?" Twilight puts the knife back in the stomach wound and twists it. "That I'm a sick, twisted what? A psychopath?" She laughs loudly.
"That's what you may think, but don't even dare to think, not even for a second that you're the victim. No, I'm the victim. You betrayed me when I was foolish enough to trust you with my life. You used me. You saw me as nothing but a means to keep yourself on the throne, and to keep your peaceful little kingdom running perfectly."
Twilight pulls the knife out and stabs a different spot, twisting the knife, causing her prisoner to spasm in pain and cry out. "So before you start calling me a psychopath, before you think I'm the demented one, think about what you've done. What you did. Think about your own mentality before calling me all these things. Think about how fucked up you are before talking to me. You know, I think it's ironic. All this time I was your toy, and now look. Oh, how the tables have turned. You're my toy now, and I can do whatever I want to you. Nothing and nopony can or will stop me."
With those words said, she pulls the knife out and begins stabbing her 'toy' multiple times in the lungs and heart. Twilight gets blood sprayed on her, but doesn't mind. "Die you wretch, die!" She laughs maniacally as Celestia begins coughing out blood. As the made slowly ceases all movement and the light fades from her eyes, Twilight grins and licks the blood off the knife. "The satisfaction I get from ending the life of the pony I hate most cannot be matched by anything."
She then turns to her audience who is sitting a little away. Starlight and Sunset are shaking in fear after witnessing this in sharp contrast to Sombra and Heartbreaker who are grinning widely.
"You did marvelous, sweetheart," the King says, kissing his marefriend on the lips and tasting a little of the blood which is in her mouth.
"Indeed Twilight," Heartbreaker says, also getting up from her seat. "You were simply wonderful in there."
Twiligjt grins darkly as she approaches the two mares who are bowing as low as they can in fear.
"Stand up," she says with no emotion in her voice.The mares obey her and shakily get to their hooves. "You know, a little part of me is still not satisfied. Even after that" she gestures to the mangled mess a few feet away "I don't feel completely satisfied. I need a little more bloodshed on the menu tonight, and I know exactly how I can get it."
She draws closer and the duo shrink back in fear. Twilight levitates a sword over and strokes it with the edge of her hoof.
"P-please d-don't kill me," Starlight begs.
"I will do whatever you say, whatever you want I'll even give you my soul! Just don't kill me!" Sunset says in fear.
Twilight draws closer and strokes the sword faster. "Oh, I don't know, should I let you live? Should I? Should I?" She puts a hoof to her chin in mock thought. "Hmm... Let's see... I think...not!"
The mares almost run for it, but fear has them locked in place. Twilight can hear that one of them has pissed themselves in fear. She draws back and laughs. "Hahaha- you- you really fell for it, didn't you? You actually thought I was going to kill you both. Hahahah," she begins laughing again.
The unicorns are bewildered as to what Twilight found so funny that she was actually rolling on the floor due to her laughing fit.
The Dark Queen recovers after a few minutes and stands up. "Remember this, if you ever dare to threaten me or even go against me, I will tear you both limb from limb. And I won't hesitate to rub salt in your wounds as I do so. You'll end up even worse than her if that's possible."
She continues laughing.
After spending the evening at Canterlot, the King and Queen return, accompanied by Sunset and Starlight, and also by their guards as they would have been foolish not to take any.
"Rabia, I trust no misfortune has occurred while we were away?"
The umbrum bowed. "Nothing of great importance happened Your Majesty, though there is a company of three griffons and a dragon who wishes to speak to you. They are currently in the throne room, awaiting your arrival."
"Thank you Rabia. While I speak to them, might you call Confianza so she could help Twilight get cleaned up?"
"Of course Your Majesty."
"Wait. Sombra..."
"Yes my love?"
She whispers into his ear, "If they are creatures wishing to join us, it would be wise to show them what would happen if they threaten or go against us, would it not? After all, we wouldn't want them being like those two..."
"Why, you are correct dear. We shall see what they want and then you can clean up."
Twilight followed Sombra into the throne room where three griffons and a dragon were waiting, all of whom bowed when the King and Queen entered the room.
"I apologize for my delay in coming, my marefriend and I were taking care of some...business."
The creatures looked at Twilight and quickly turned their gaze away in fear.
The Dark Queen could see the smallest of the griffons trembling slightly, and enjoyed her fear.
"Who wishes to speak first?"
The dragon stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am Garble of the Dragons, and I am here to offer my assistance in any way I can. I wish to become your ally."
"You must give me your reason. I do not imagine you simply wanted to join."
"Your Highness... Smolder is my younger sister, and you may have heard of her. She recently joined the Dark Queen's brother- Spike as a member of his harem."
"Ah yes, I see now."
"I have deep affection for my sister, and when she asked me to join you as she would, I could not refuse."
"I see. You are accepted into my forces, and can rest in one of the guest rooms before training."
"Thank you My King."
"Now, you three."
"King Sombra, I am Gilda, and these are my companions, Gallus and Gabby. We heard of the whole incident that happened in Equestria, and learning from history I knew that sooner or later, an army would be formed against you. I decided to join now instead of later, so that we may be able to crush the resistance before it has a chance to begin."
"You seem wise. And of your companions, I can only assume they joined for the same reason."
"Yes Your Highness. Gallus here is good with swords, and Gabby has proved herself useful in guarding."
"I would say you make a good leader, correct me if I am wrong."
"No Sir, you're not wrong in the slightest. Why, when our town was in great disorder, with everyone fighting and arguing, it was none other than Gilda who knocked some sense into everyone. She managed to make a small team and no matter how hard it was, she still fixed all the issues."
"I think it was a good thing that I stayed with you, still covered in blood because that scared them alright."
"You have nothing but good ideas, love, and now we have four new allies. We also have gotten rid of two of our enemies, so we can move on. We'll take care of Discord next."
"Yes, we shall," Twilight grinned darkly at the thought of what she would do. "But first, we could rest for a few days?" She yawns. "The double torture took a lot out of me, as did having to put those unicorns in their place."
"Fear not Twilight, I'm sure we can afford to have some rest. We wouldn't want to fall asleep on our foes now, would we?" |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter 8 | Twilight woke up with a grin on her face, and a small but noticeable skip in her step.
"You seem rather happy today, my love," said Sombra while brushing his mane. "Surely it's not just from being well rested."
The dark purple mare set her toothbrush back in its place and walked to her lover, placing her forehooves on his shoulders.
"You are correct. Today, I know exactly what we're going to do. We're going to Canterlot, unfreezing that statue, binding Discord up in a dungeon, and then the fun will begin."
"So you want to see if we can get some use out of him?"
"Correct. It would be such a waste if we just killed a creature that bears such magic without even trying to get him to join us first..."
"I share your sentiment. I assume we'll also be bringing those two mares along with us?"
"The more fear we instil in them, the better."
A knock was heard on the door. The Dark Queen marched over to it with an air of impatience and opened it. "Guard. What is it?"
"I am here to inform your Majesties that a unicorn mare by the name of Tempest Shadow has requested an audience with you and the King."
"Make her wait in the throne room. Don't let her out of your sight." Saying that, she shut it before the guard could say another word and turned to her lover, who raised an eyebrow. "Some unicorn named Tempest Shadow wants to speak with us."
"Three unicorns in a row... Hopefully we won't need to put her in her place as well."
Twilight merely nodded and straightened her crown. "Let's go, shall we?"
Tempest Shadow studied the throne room as she waited patiently. "You've been rather silent, Grubber," she said to her companion.
"...I... Do you think that these ponies will deceive us like he did?"
"If I thought that, why would I have come here?"
"...Good point."
"These rulers... One is an umbrum who was betrayed by the former Princess, and the other is a pony, who was betrayed by those dearest to her. They joined forces, and like us, they're against Equestria. What would they have to gain, if they were to deceive us?"
"Well-"
"That was a rhetorical question."
"A-ah..."
"Why are they taking so long?" she muttered, as her patience wore away. "We've been waiting for almost an hour now."
No sooner than she had said that, the Guards opened the doors of the Throne Room and the rulers of the Crystal Empire entered.
"Haven't you heard of the proverb, patience is a virtue?" asked Twilight sarcastically.
"Your Majesties." Tempest and Grubber bowed respectfully.
"Who is your companion? I don't believe the Guard mentioned him," said the King, glancing in the Guard's direction, inadvertently causing him to open his mouth to let out a stream of apologies. However, Sombra held his hoof up. "Save your apologies for later."
"Y-yes Sir."
"So, I don't think I've introduced myself. I am Tempest Shadow, former general of the Storm King's army, and this is Grubber, who was the commander."
"The Storm King?"
"He is not known to many as this is his first attempt to take over Equestria, so if you allow me, I shall explain who he is."
"You may begin."
"So let me get this straight. You joined him because he made a deal with you, in which he'd fix your horn if you helped him."
"Yes, Your Highness," said Grubber. "A few days before our arrival here, Tempest was discussing the plans for the attack with him, and I was there so I could write everything down. Once it was confirmed that he would be able to successfully take over Equestria, he got some drinks out to celebrate, and well...He has a habit of blabbering when he's drunk."
"So, basically, he got completely drunk and then he told me his true intentions... I was foolish to trust him."
"...What was your reason for coming here today?"
"To form an alliance with you. Grubber and I shall join your army if you fix my horn. I am good at organising attacks and torturing, and Grubber can gather information about those who seek to oppose you."
"Alright... But what's in it for him? What's his reason?"
"I want that stuck up bastard to learn a lesson," said Grubber with anger shining in his eyes. "Tempest wasn't the only one who learnt the truth that night."
Twilight nods and Sombra holds his hoof out. "Then it's a deal."
"And uh, there's one thing we need to tell you," Grubber said nervously. Twilight waved her hoof in a 'go on' signal. "If his airship lands according to plan... He'll be in Canterlot by this evening."
"Don't you think that would have been useful to mention earlier?" growled Twilight.
"Calm down," whispered Sombra into her ear. "We'll deal with Discord; I promise we will. But it looks like that will have to wait."
"But why do we need to stop him first? What about him is so dangerous that we need to stop him as soon as possible?"
" Well... While the Storm King may not seem that threatening and to some, he is laughable... He actually possesses a lot of power. "
"Which he does not show unless he gets really...pissed off, for lack of a better word, " added Tempest. "And I know his power better than anyone as I was his right hand pony. He never thought I'd find out about his deception, and he trusted me... He said that after Equestria was successfully taken, he'd get Grogar's bell and summon him so if anyone tries any heroics, he could strike them down in an instant. Though, I know that's just because he wants more power. He is the Storm King after all, so he'd already be able to summon lightning bolts and kill whoever he wants... "
"..."
"I know you're disappointed, but try and look at the bright side. You can spend more time thinking of how you'll win him over to our side and make him be loyal to us."
"I guess so..."
They turn back to their new allies.
"Tell me all of the Storm King's weaknesses. Anything and everything he fears," demanded Twilight.
"As you wish, Queen Twilight," smiled Tempest. "There are many things he fears, the first being-"
"Wait, not here. Guard!" called Sombra, after which one entered. "Tell the cooks to make lunch for four." Looking towards the former General, he asked, "You don't have any allergies, do you?"
"Neither of us do."
"You may leave now. And wait, make sure that the guest room is suitable for staying in." The Guard bowed and left. "We'll talk about it over lunch. You two must have had an exhausting journey from...wherever the Storm King's base is to here. I suggest that you go and rest. A maid will show you to your room."
They nodded appreciatively and left.
The Mane Five were still in their hideout, desperately trying to come up with a plan.
"So look. Twilight's gone and joined Sombra. She's beyond the point of saving. Ah'm not even sure if Ah'd wanna save her, what with all this torturin' she's been doing. Ah mean, sure, Ah'd like ta have a go at Chrysalis for what she did, but what Twilight did to her? "
Applejack shuddered upon remembering what she had read in the newspaper Rarity managed to sneak back along with food that morning.
"That was just terrible, darling... I never thought Twilight would be able to do such a ghastly thing. "
"Well, that's not our Twilight. She's different now," said Rainbow. " We need to take her down before she kills us. "
"Take her down before she kills us? That's an...interesting thing to say, Rainbow Dash. "Why, I'd say we all deserve to be killed because of how we acted that day. Getting excited over the chance to wear some dresses and be in a wedding... Ignoring our close friend's worries and...abandoning her just for that. Every one of us should just die right now," spat the former party mare.
Fluttershy nervously stepped forward in concern. "Pinkie-"
"My name is Pinkamena. Not Pinkie," snapped the pink mare.
"W-well, then Pinkamena, a-are you o-okay?"
"No. Why would I be?" she scoffed . Suddenly she stood up and stamped a hoof on the ground. "I wonder...How can all of you be okay after what happened? "
"Because we've got a plan. We're gonna put it into action and show King Sombra who's boss! "
"Hahaha. You're so funny, Rainbow Dash. You're acting like Sombra is the villain in this. He's not controlling Twilight. Twilight went to him and she's doing this all on her own. It's all of your faults that she's like this..."
" And what, you're the good guy in all of this? " scoffed Rainbow Dash.
"I never claimed to have helped her, but I did nothing to her. No, it was Pinkie who did it. "
"Pinkie dear, have you lost your mind?! What's wrong with you?"
"As I said before, my name is Pinkamena! Do I have to spell it out for all of you numbskulls?! P I N K A M E N A! Pinkamena! Pinkie is the fool that contributed to the events that led towards the corruption of Twilight Sparkle. I. Am. Not. Pinkie!"
" Now, let's not waste time arguin' about all of this... " said Applejack.
"Yeah... Let's focus on what we need to do. Though, we could consider saving Twilight. She deserves that much... Every moment wasted is another second that Twilight is out there, unable to transform back into herself because of what we did to her! We need to stop her before it's too late and we can't save her! "
"Save her?" asked Pinkamena, as if this were all a joke to her. "We can't save Twilight. There's no way to do that. Once one's mind is corrupted, they'll never turn back. To try and 'help ' her we'd have to first strip her of all her dark magic, with powers we don't have, and why would she want to go back to normal after we all abandoned her? And would you even want to talk to someone who's going on a torturing spree? Why, she might even decide to hunt you down and kill you next."
"Stop trying to bring the mood down everywhere!" glared Rainbow, ceasing her hovering to step closer to the mare with the faded pink coat.
"Bring the mood down? Ahaha... All I'm doing is just stating facts. I'm actually being useful, while you're just trying to give them false hope."
" It's called motivation! "
"Useless motivation. You're just going to be sending yourself and your friends on a suicide mission. Just give up. What's done is done. The pain, the truth, it's already been given. " She looks at the pegasus coldly. "You've never done anything useful. All you do is show off, brag, and act like you've got everything under your control, when you're actually no braver than Fluttershy. It's all just an act, isn't it? Give up. "
She walked forward, her hoofsteps echoing throughout the cave, until she was literally face to face with the one with whom she had been speaking.
Before Rainbow could react, she pinned her against the wall and snarled, "You'll never be able to undo what was done. Now, I think that giving you a little taste of how powerless you are should put you in your place."
With that she began pushing down on the athlete's throat. Applejack rushed forward and attempted to pull her away, but the mare saw her coming and kicked her with a hindleg, causing the apple farmer to fall down, winded.
Rainbow, of course, attempted to struggle, but for once she found out that the former party pony possessed more strength than her.
Just as she began to see spots in her vision...the other mare released her hold on her, letting her fall to the ground.
Pinkamena took a deep breath and glared at the other members of the mane five who were looking at her fearfully. "You know what, I'm done with all of you. You're all hopeless."
With that said, she stormed out of the cave. Her body was surrounded with a dark aura, and her dark pink mane began to get even darker...
"And to think he claims himself to be the Storm King..." laughed Twilight. "I'm sure that he couldn't even stand a small attack!"
"Now, let's not get too cocky... Underestimating one's enemies is a sure way to fall in battle... But yes, I do believe that even a small squadron of our guards could easily defeat him. Hence, I assign the task of murdering him to you, Tempest. "
"To me?"
" Yes, why not? I shall send a group of soldiers with you if you require any assistance. Or do you not want to do it?"
"No, I can do it, despite having hardly any magic. I am well trained in hoof combat and can wield hoof held weapons efficiently, even having designed some of my own..."
" It would be the perfect chance for you and Grubber to get your revenge, " chipped in Twilight.
Tempest looked at Grubber, who nodded. "I'll be more than happy to take part in killing him."
" I accept this task. That bastard will pay for his deception and lies..."
"Now come on, my love. This will be a fun show to watch," grinned the Dark Queen. |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter 9 | As Pinkamena walked away, Fluttershy regained her senses. She briefly considered calling after the pink mare, but dismissed the notion.
It wouldn't do any good going after her... She wouldn't even hear me...
"Let her go, Rainbow ," she told the blue pegasus who had just been about to fly off. " If she doesn't want to stay, she doesn't have to..."
"So, you're saying that Thorax is talented at spying?" asked King Sombra .
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied Pharynx. "I can confidently say that he is the best at spying in our hive. He was the one who brought us the information before the Canterlot Invasion, and he has also spied upon the Equestrians for a long time so all of us could act like ponies if the need arose. "
"Well then, tell him to come here," said Twilight. "Let's put him to the test... "
Fluttershy looked around the cave. Rarity was in one corner, trembling and muttering to herself, and Rainbow Dash and Applejack were talking to each other about something.
Deciding to leave Rarity be, she sat down and began to think about what had just occurred. Pinkamena's words replayed through her mind.
" Why, I'd say we all deserve to be killed because of how we acted that day. Getting excited over the chance to wear some dresses and be in a wedding... Ignoring our close friend's worries and...abandoning her just for that. Every one of us should just die right now. "
"It's all of your faults that she's like this..."
"You'll never be able to undo what was done."
"You're all hopeless."
Pinkamena was right, she thought miserably. All of us are hopeless. If Twilight wants to take revenge on us, we won't be able to stand a chance against her. Well, the others might, but I'd be obliterated in a second. I'm weak - I can't even defend myself. I almost always have to rely on someone else to save me from a dangerous situation. I'm just a burden to everyone...
"Shy! Come over here!" Dash called, breaking the mare out of her misery.
"I'm coming," she replied, and after wiping away the tears that had formed with the tip of her wing, she went to the makeshift table where Applejack and Rainbow were huddled together, discussing something.
The yellow pegasus noticed that Rarity was still in her corner, seemingly unconscious. "S-should I call Rarity?"
" No, " said Applejack. "Ah already tried but she didn't seem to notice me."
" Oh, okay, " Fluttershy whispered and sat down.
"The Storm King shall land in Canterlot this evening. According to Tempest, he doesn't know about the current state of affairs in Equestria and will land there so he can capture the Princesses and take their power. Well, one is dead and two are on our side... That reminds me, did that changeling I sent to check on Luna ever come back?"
Just as the words left the King's mouth, the door opened and a changeling stood there. "Your Majesty, may I have permission to enter?"
Sombra nodded. "So, what did you hear?"
Thorax walked in and made sure the doors were closed before revealing what he had heard.
"So, like, the two of us are gonna go to the Empire and stop whatever Twilight will do, and Fluttershy will..." Rainbow Dash, who had been animatedly explaining the plan faltered as her gaze fell upon her closest friend. "Well, I'm not sure if she'd be able to keep up, so she could just stay here and guard the base and Rarity. You don't mind, do you, Flutters?"
I'm useless... The yellow pegasus wiped the corner of her eyes and shook her head. "No, I don't mind. After all, I'd just slow you down and it's not like I can do anything anyways," she mumbled .
Her friends didn't seem to catch the last part and continued discussing.
Fluttershy watched them sadly.
"You may leave," said Twilight once Thorax had revealed all, and he obeyed. Once he had closed the doors, the Dark Queen sighed and turned to her partner. "I suppose we were wrong to doubt her, especially after what Celestia put her through. I thought she might be on Equestria's side, but she doesn't want to help the descendants of those who shunned her a thousand years ago."
" Well, now that we know for sure that she is on our side, let us return to the planning. By now he would've landed in Equestria... Perhaps you could ask Heartbreaker to inform you if he comes? "
"That isn't a bad idea. I'll write a letter to her, and Spike should be able to send it with his fire. Speaking of Spike...where is he? I haven't seen him as of late."
Sombra chuckled. "He's been training the Crusaders. Let's check on them," he said, and teleported the two of them just outside of the training hall, where only the aforementioned dragon and equines were.
Through the transparent crystal doors, they could perceive Spike flexing his biceps while Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo blushed.
The King opened the door and signalled for Twilight to follow him.
"Well," he teased, " I can clearly see that you are showing your muscles off...But did I not put you in charge of their training? "
Upon hearing his voice, the group collectively jumped. "Uh...How long have you two been here?" Spike asked nervously .
The Storm King's airship hovered above Canterlot, and the owner of it came into view upon the deck, where one of his yeti soldiers stood, nervously awaiting his orders.
"Sir, shall I la-"
"No," he said, causing the soldier to tense. "It seems as though there has been a...change in the city. Things don't seem like usual," he remarked, stroking his beard - a thing he did when in deep thought. "My plan was perfect, but I was not well informed. You," he shouted, gesturing to a random soldier who was mopping the deck. "Go and find out exactly what has happened..."
" There has been a change in leadership? Celestia has been executed after betraying her now alicorn protege, who killed her? Hmm... " His fingers once again became entangled in his beard. "If the alicorns possess dark magic, then I shall need greater forces to defeat them..." he pondered. "Fly to Appaloosa. The invasion shall begin there..."
"The Storm King has been busy capturing towns and villages across Equestria, rather than directly going to Canterlot," King Sombra informed as he put a newspaper on the table the following morning. "Presumably to strengthen his army. Of course, we cannot afford to let that happen."
" So what do you suggest we should do? I would be more than happy to burn them all alive, but if I want the Equestrians to support us when we take the throne, that won't be the correct course of action. After all, I don't want to spend all my time stopping conspiracies... I mean, even if Heartbreaker is someone close to me...I want more...power," said Twilight.
"I've got an idea . If we can get rid of the soldiers and capture those areas for ourselves, then we can stop the Storm King...and possibly strengthen our own army. After all, I assume they are treated badly, and if we 'save' them from him, they might be grateful enough that they'd offer to join us. Does the newspaper mention whether he's got barriers?"
Twilight levitated the newspaper towards herself and scanned it. "Heartbreaker, along with some Royal Guards went to try and recapture one of the areas, but when a few Guards went forward in an attempt to enter the town, bolts of lightning struck them, killing them instantly."
"It looks like he's already put some up... Well, taking them down won't be impossible."
Twilight was about to say something but the Guards announced Tempest's entrance into the Dining Hall. "Is there something you require?" she asked.
" Your Majesties, " the unicorn said, bowing, "I have read today's newspaper and suspected that the Storm King merely wanted to increase his power. I know of a species that will be immensely helpful in defeating him and his soldiers, but I decided that before I would help any further, I would like it if Your Highnesses were to fulfil your end of the deal. "
"I suppose you don't want to take the risk of being used without getting the thing you desire in return. Sure, follow me," the King commanded and Tempest obeyed, with the Dark Queen following.
Rarity smiles as she begins drafting the design for a dress she plans to make.
The tip of her pencil touches the paper, and she begins to sketch, but at the sound of hoofsteps, she pauses.
"Rarity?" calls out a familiar voice. "Where are you?"
The white unicorn turns her head around, searching for the owner of the voice and sees the lavender unicorn at the entrance to the room.
"Twilight?"
"Oh Rarity, you're here! Thank goodness! Spike's favourite blanket got a hole in it and he's been upset about it all day. I don't really like to see him upset, and as I'm terrible at sewing, I was wondering if you could fix this?"
She levitates the blanket to her table and sees there's a small hole there. "Of course darling; just give me a minute."
A few moves of her needle and it's mended. "Thanks Rarity, I don't know what I'd have done without you."
Rarity smiles in return. "It's my pleasure, darling. Don't hesitate to ask me for help if you need it- I'll always be here. "
"Really?" asks Twilight in such a tone of hatred that the unicorn is startled.
Suddenly the dream atmosphere changes, the lights flicker a little before going out and when the seamstress turns around, she sees a pair of huge slitted red glowing eyes. The lights flicker again, illuminating the room for an instant and she can now tell that the eyes belong to Twilight, who has become distorted. Bloody wings stretched from her back, and tears of some sort of black substance were falling from her eyes.
Jagged teeth with sharp points reveal themselves as she says in a voice so filled with despair, hopelessness and misery that it makes Rarity's heart ache, "I trusted all of you. Especially you, Rarity. You told me that you'd always be there for me, but in the end...you weren't. "
Fluttershy looks around. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are both sleeping, and Rarity is the only one other than her who is awake.
But she's just staring blankly at the wall opposite her.
Now's my chance. I should just go and do it. If they see me they'll try and make me stay around to torment me. There's a cliff not too far away. Quick...I must go. They'll rejoice once they're free of the burden that is me.
The mare sneaks out of the cave, and wipes a tear away as she takes one last look at her friends who are peacefully sleeping. No matter how much it hurts, knowing that this will be the last time that I see them, I can't let that stop me. They'd be better off without me.
As she treks through the rocky path towards the edge of the mountain that the city of Canterlot lay upon, her ears pick up the sound of footsteps.
The pegasus glances behind her and sees a figure whose rainbow mane is illuminated by the moonlight.
She stops.
"Rainbow, just go back and forget you ever saw this."
A hoof on her back startles her.
"No, Fluttershy. Please, don't do this."
" What use would I be if I stayed? Like you said, I'm the lamest, most useless pony ever. "
"When did I say that?"
" Don't you remember? When we all went to face that dragon and stop him from polluting the air with his smoke, you were constantly complaining about how I was slowing you all down...and there are lots of times you've called me lame when I was scared of things that you enjoyed."
"Fluttershy..."
"I don't want to slow you down any longer," she whispers as she takes a few steps back.
"Fluttershy, please!" shouts Rainbow in desperation, leaping forward to stop the event that would occur.
The yellow pegasus looks back at the athlete and smiles sadly, with tears gathering in her eyes.. "I love you Rainbow Dash, and I don't want you to watch me fall."
With that last utterance, Fluttershy leans back and lets herself fall.
Frozen by shock and disbelief at the event occurring before her eyes, Rainbow Dash's sprint is a little too late.
She falls to her knees, a hoof on her chest as she blinks away the tears that will inevitably fall.
A mournful cry escapes her lungs as she accepts the death of her closest friend.
"No! Fluttershy!" |
The Rise Of An Empire | Chapter Ten | As Intrepido flew towards Canterlot, the words of the Dark Queen remained at the front of his mind.
"I want you to spy on a group known as the Mane Five," she ordered, with an expression of disgust making itself known on her face as she said the name of the group. "They will most likely be found in the city of Canterlot. You will find them and remain close to their hideout, wherever it is. Gather some information - whether they will start any kind of rebellion or not. Do not kill them. I want them alive. Here," Twilight said, tossing a picture in his direction. Five brightly coloured ponies came into his view. "This is what they look like."
It was just as he finally reached the city that he saw a figure falling. He flew closer and saw that it was one of the mares from the picture.
Fluttershy screamed as the distance between her and a huge rock became closer. She had longed for death, but now that she was quite literally staring it in the face, she could not help but wish she had stayed.
Perhaps some other way would have been better. A painless one. But she couldn't open her wings now as the air current surrounding her was too strong, the speed that she was falling at was too fast.
She wished Rainbow Dash would come and save her, but it seemed as though the pegasus was either too shocked or just as the shy mare thought, didn't care.
Fluttershy closed her eyes, not wanting to see her end, but no sooner than she did so did she feel hooves wrap themselves around her body.
She opened her eyes in surprise to see the face of an Umbrum staring at her. Fluttershy fainted.
Rainbow Dash felt miserable. Her best friend had just jumped off a cliff. In front of her. And she hadn't done anything to stop Fluttershy, other than talking.
Her chest began to hurt, and as much as she tried, she couldn't stop the hot, stinging tears from flowing out. All her achievements meant nothing to her. In races, she always tried to keep her title, but this was a race she had lost.
Why...why was she so slow? Why was she foolish enough to think that her words alone would stop Fluttershy from jumping? She was foolish...foolish...
Heartbreaker was drinking a mug of coffee - she had abstained from drinking tea ever since the Incident- while pondering upon what to do.
The Storm King was certainly very powerful- the barriers he had put up, as well as their unexpected surprise still haunted her- and as powerful as she was, she doubted she could defeat him even in a one-on-one battle.
Ironically, just as she began to doubt herself, a guard frantically sought permission to enter. She let him.
The Guard looked as though his worst nightmare had been chasing after him.
"Whatever is the matter?" Heartbreaker inquired, concerned.
"Your Highness! The Storm King has invaded Canterlot and is coming towards the Castle!" he gasped out, breathless.
The Queen sighed.
Her coffee sat there, long forgotten.
She had not done so much as move a hoof when the doors burst open. "Speak of the devil ," she muttered.
The Storm King stood there with a bloodthirsty grin on his face and a crazed look in his eyes.
He looks like Twilight, with that grin and look, she thought.
"Prepare to die," he warned her, and as he slammed his staff upon the ground, causing lightning to crackle and illuminate the room, the Guard fainted.
Twilight looked at the changeling, and the figure on its back. "You may go," she said, and he laid the mare down before doing so.
Once the door shut, she returned her gaze to the one she once viewed as a friend, and to be honest, still did. Despite everything that happened, Twilight never found it in her heart to condemn Fluttershy, who was out of all her former friends, the least guilty as she merely gave into peer pressure.
Just like Spike, she was innocent and had the best chance for redemption.
"You should have come to me," she whispered. "I would have forgiven you, had you asked for my forgiveness. I know you. I know that you are easily led. Did fear of me root itself in your heart? Did you fear that I would declare that I hated you?"
"Confianza!" shouted Twilight, and a maid sought permission to enter.
"What do you require, Your Majesty?" questioned the maid.
"Bring a doctor and prepare a room for this mare," she ordered.
Fluttershy was suffering from malnutrition and according to the doctor, should have sufficient rest for the following few weeks.
While the Dark Queen stood there, watching her comatose friend, the door opened. "Ah, there you are," said her betrothed who was holding a scroll in his magical grasp. "Spike received a scroll from Heartbreaker. It seems as though the Storm King has chosen to deal with Equestria first. She requires our aid in defeating him."
Twilight nodded and her signature cruel smirk became present on her face once again. "Let's go as soon as possible," she said, as a thought took place in her mind. In Canterlot, there is Discord. And where there is Discord, there lies a chance to either bring him onto our side as an ally, or have fun murdering him. It would be rather interesting to see what can kill a draconequus.
The Dark couple threw the doors of the throne room open to find Heartbreaker on the verge of death at the Storm King's hands and several guards battling yeti soldiers.
"Ooh," said the Storm King, swivelling his head around to see who had entered, "looks like your little reinforcements are here."
"Underestimating one's foes is the biggest mistake that one can make," snarled Sombra.
"Well, this was supposed to be a powerful alicorn, but look at her," the invader retorted.
Twilight stepped forward and chuckled. "That's only because she wishes not to put all of her power on display. However..." she shot a beam of Dark Magic at him, which he barely managed to avoid, perhaps expecting her to do the typical 'good guy' (if she could be called that) speech and then start firing, "I, as well as my partner, on the other hoof, are well versed in the Dark Arts."
"Let's see just how strong you are, pony," retorted the Storm King, and slammed his staff down yet again, causing lightning to crackle throughout the room.
"Beginner spells," said Twilight mockingly. "I'll show you who you're dealing with."
Saying this, she glanced at Sombra and nodded, and together, they fired continuously at the Storm King, who, in response, cast a multitude of weather spells.
Soon, both parties had used up the majority of their energy, and Twilight feared her horn would explode if she were to cast any more spells.
Heartbreaker, who had been watching from the sidelines to recover, used this moment of vulnerability to step forward and return fire with a spell which fit the theme of the Storm King's.
Lightning charged forth from the corrupted alicorn's horn, only to surround the Storm King and electrocute him as a chilling look of terror took over his face, to remain frozen there forever.
Heartbreaker laughed. "You may be well versed in spells of the sky, but protecting yourself against them seems not to have been in your best interests. Seriously, I expected him to have some sort of defence mechanism."
Twilight smiled. "Things may not always meet one's expectations, or turn out differently than one thinks, which is why it is wise to try..."
"Well said," applauded Sombra.
"Well, now that the Storm King is dead, I shall take on Discord..." announced the Dark Queen.
"So soon?" asked Heartbreaker with her tone being one of surprise. "I had thought that you might want to deal with all potential enemies, being who you are, but a little rest wouldn't do you any harm."
"What Heartbreaker says is correct. You should rest... Not only will you be able to recharge your mana, but you will also be able to think of numerous ways to deal with Discord," Sombra advised.
Twilight sighed. "...Fine, I shall rest. But if anything or anyone stops me after that," a dark grin replaced her smile, "there will be hell to pay."
It was relatively easy to free Discord from his stone prison, considering the fact that the Elements of Harmony were used to seal him away. Perhaps the spell had lost its strength as the Elements no longer functioned, but Twilight cared little for the details of that as she stared at her latest prize. She would save that for later, but right now she would do what she had been waiting to do for weeks. Dealing with Discord.
He would be powerful, but she could overpower him easily with her prowess in Dark Magic. It wouldn't do to get too cocky and underestimate him, but Twilight didn't think that it would do any harm if she was confident in her abilities.
She had studied the weaknesses of draconequus'.
"As useful as it would be to have a draconequus on our side... Draconequus are sly, aren't they, Discord?"
Discord trembled in fear as she walked closer, bearing a maniacal grin. He wasn't easily scared, but something about this particular pony made his skin crawl. She wasn't the one he was used to- none of that 'friendship and harmony are magic' nonsense came out of her mouth.
No, she was different, and not the good type of different.
Could he dare to think he stood a chance against her?
Discord found himself heavily outmatched. After an intense staring contest, he thought that it would be wise if he were to make the first move, but upon attempting to cast a spell that would distract his opponent while allowing him to escape, the mare merely dodged it and cast a spell that instantly paralysed him.
Chaos Magic was apparently useless for fighting. What else should he have expected, knowing that it was named so for the magic it performed?
Yes, his magic was powerful, but he could only cause chaos using it. It was good when one was in need of a distraction, but that was all.
He remained motionless, unable to move while she dragged him towards what he remembered to be the Castle dungeons, and his heart leapt into his throat as an unfamiliar feeling of dread began to settle in his gut.
It had been so long since he had felt fear, for he usually evoked it, and now that the tables were turned, he regretted those days of mischief due to which he was now imprisoned.
A little trick here and there for momentary amusement seemed now, of little worth or importance as it had only gotten him imprisoned in the end, due to which he was in this predicament. He had only himself to blame for this...
At last, his senses and mobility were returned to him, and he stood up, trembling, to see the Dark alicorn before him, grin manically.
"I considered letting you live, as it would be immensely useful to have a draconequus on our side. However, I took a look through that head of yours, and it would seem that it would be a foolish move on my part to give you an offer to join us."
He knew not what came over him, but the thought of death awoke a terror within his heart, and so, he found his lips moving as though he weren't controlling them, and whimpered out, in a pleading voice filled with fear, "Please, don't..."
She merely threw back her head and laughed. "Oh, how I love it when they beg me...but no. Draconequus' are sly, aren't they, Discord? I cannot afford to let myself fall victim to one of your pranks. Now," she said in a tone which sounded almost demonical in nature, "how shall we proceed?"
"Why, Twilight, you are becoming quite the master at torturing," remarked Sombra as his hopefully soon to be wife drove one last dagger through her victim's heart.
As Discord lay writhing on the floor in his death throes, with his entire body covered in blood which oozed out of the numerous wounds afflicted upon it, the alicorn who was soaked in blood that was not her own smirked and turned to the Umbrum King.
"No, not Twilight," she said. "Twilight was a pathetic pony. I am Midnight Terror, and I shall have no mercy upon those whom I consider as my enemies. "
> Chapter 11
The Rise of an Empire
Chapter 11
Written by KingSombraTheTyrantRuler
Fluttershy's eyelids flutter open, and she's confused upon seeing her surroundings. It's unlike any place she's seen before, and she certainly didn't remember coming here.
She tries to get up, and notices a few IV tubes stuck in her forelegs. "What... happened?" she asks herself.
And then she remembers.
Jumping off the cliff. Rainbow's screams. The pain. And last of all, the umbrum who had saved her.
But why would an umbrum save me? Wait a second... She remembers seeing articles about umbrums in the newspapers when she used to read them. That would mean...
Almost as if on cue, the door opens and Midnight comes in. "Fluttershy! You're awake!" she says happily. "I was so worried about you."
"T-twilight? Where a-am I?"
Something in the dark Queen's eyes shifts after hearing what her friend addressed her by, and she says, "Not Twilight anymore. Call me Midnight."
"O-oh. Sorry, but Midnight, where am I?"
"Do you remember anything from before?"
"I-uh... remember it all," she says hesitantly.
"Don't be scared, Intrepido works for me. However...why did you do it, Fluttershy?"
She shies away from the dark alicorn's gaze and looks at her hooves as she says softly, "I just didn't see the point of staying alive. Everyone ignored me, and I felt so guilty about what I did. Even if the others influenced me at that time, and I was too scared to say anything different...it was wrong of me. I should've known better," Fluttershy explains, fresh tears falling down her cheeks.
"It's ok, Fluttershy," says Midnight, already thinking of something. "Don't beat yourself up about it. Just rest and don't worry about anything, ok?"
"Okay," Fluttershy meekly whispers as Midnight turns and leaves the room.
"Fluttershy can easily be convinced to join our cause," says the dark Queen thoughtfully. "Her nature would not only ensure that she would feel guilty for following the others, but it would also mean she would be willing to do anything to repay me for what she did. And with a few well planned favours to her...she would be easily won over."
"Now...With Rarity unresponsive, that leaves just Applejack and Rainbow Dash, and trust me, I will get my revenge on them," Midnight tells Sombra. "They will regret everything, but it will be too late! They shall plead for mercy on their knees, but they shall find...none!"
"What do you plan to do, dearest?"
"Let them come," she replies. "They will come here sooner or later, and when they do, I will finish them."
Applejack wakes up to find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy gone. Deciding to save the panic for later and search for them first, she checks the whole cave and then cautiously walks outside.
A few minutes later, the blue frame of her athletic friend comes into view, but there's no sign of Fluttershy. She walks up to the cliff, and doesn't see her anywhere.
Knowing that Rainbow is the only one who could have any possible idea of the yellow Pegasus' whereabouts, she hefts the Pegasus onto her back and returns to the cave.
When Rainbow wakes up, Applejack notices that her eyes are red, and she doesn't seem her usual self.
"Dash?" she asks, softly. "What happened? Where's Shy?"
At the mention of Fluttershy, Rainbow's eyes glisten. "A-applejack....She... She's dead."
"Dead?" Applejack murmurs in shock, not knowing if she heard correctly.
"She...jumped off the cliff. I tried to stop her...but I couldn't....I couldn't save my best friend... What use am I?"
"It's not your fault, Dash," Applejack says, hugging her. "It's Twilight's fault, and we'll make her pay."
Rarity sits up, looking around with wide eyes. "Please...no..." she whimpers, seeing the corrupted Twilight approach her. "I'm sorry..."
"It Is ToO lAtE tO sAy SoRrY nOw," says 'Twilight' with a distorted voice. "ThE dAmAgE iS aLrEaDy DoNe."
"Please don't hurt me," she whispers, shaking.
She feels a hoof on her shoulder. Someone calling her name. The voice sounds familiar. She looks back fearfully and sees Applejack's concerned face, her lips moving but no sound coming out.
Just as she's about to respond, Applejack becomes Twilight, grinning wickedly. "YoU wIlL pAy FoR tHiS, rArItY."
Rarity faints.
Fluttershy stands up shakily, bored of doing nothing but resting in bed for the past week. She stands in front of the door, wondering if she should leave the room, and if she was even allowed to.
Too scared to find out the answer, she walks around the room instead, and glances out of the window, at the ponies walking in the streets, doing their day to day life.
She can't help but think of how beautiful the Empire is, and is so lost in her pony watching that she fails to hear the hoof steps from behind her.
"Fluttershy, right?" asks a deep voice, and her heart races as she slightly jumps, turning around to see none other than King Sombra.
"Y-yes," she replies fearfully.
"Relax, you have nothing to fear. Midnight told me about you."
"Oh."
"I have heard that you are good with animals. In my garden, there will undoubtedly be many of them. If you want, when you feel better, you may go to the garden whenever you wish. Oh, and Midnight also spoke of how you kept many pets in your hometown. "
Fluttershy nods sadly. "It's been so long since I last saw any of them, even Angel Bunny. They must all be so scared...and there's no one to take care of them either."
"If you like...I can arrange for them to be brought here."
The pegasus becomes ecstatic despite her weakened state, and for the first time in ages, a huge grin adorned her face. "Oh, thank you, King Sombra! I would like that very much!"
King Sombra nods and allows a smirk to cross his face as he leaves. Everything is going according to plan.
A few days pass, and true to his word, King Sombra had brought all of Fluttershy's pets, and they were now in a spare room in the Castle, which had been modified slightly by Midnight to accommodate her animals.
She had been overjoyed and this, and in a moment of utter bliss, had asked how could she ever repay them both for this act of kindness. The King had promised that the time would come, and it had...
Fluttershy tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep due to the growing turmoil in her head. Life, to her, had been granted once more, but at the price of joining a pony she knew once before.
However, Twilight was not the same- she was evil, and bore a new name. And while Fluttershy was scared...she knew she would eventually be offered a place in Midnight Terror's army, and she had no way to get out of saying anything other than 'yes'.
She had to make amends for her former sins; it would be cruel of her to leave the newly turned alicorn again. Although it would require leaving her very morality behind...she would have to do it; it was what was right.
Now recovered from her wounds, Fluttershy was able to sit up in bed without wincing from pain. Getting out, she stumbled towards the bathroom to freshen up, and mulled over what to do as she lay in a hot, steamy bath.
She played with the bubbles, relaxing in the water that was just the right temperature as the scene of the previous night replayed itself in her mind.
The yellow pegasus had just gone for a walk in the Castle's garden, desiring to get some fresh air and perhaps meeting some sort of wildlife, for she was becoming rather bored, staying in the same room all day.
The gardens were absolutely beautiful, and her mind rejoiced upon seeing the flowers and plants, many of which she had been hoping to see for a very long time, but until now, had been unable to.
In fact, she was just on her way to take a closer look at one of the many breeds of roses, near which a bird was resting, when the sudden sound of hoofsteps from behind drew her attention.
Freezing up momentarily as her heart began to beat faster and faster in fear, Fluttershy could only wait for the pony to draw closer before she would look. The hoofsteps came to a stop beside her, and a familiar voice, that had not changed at all despite the numerous changes its owner had undergone spoke, "Ah, Fluttershy. What a surprise."
"Good afternoon, Queen Midnight," the pegasus replied, thankfully managing not to stutter.
This response merely drew nothing but a disapproving look from the dark alicorn, who said, "Did I not tell you that you are free to call me by my name? We are friends, are we not?"
"F-forgive me, Midnight," Fluttershy whispered meekly, trembling a little.
"Think nothing of it," says Midnight dismissively. "However, it would do you well if you were to remember that in the future." Fluttershy nods, and Midnight continues, "So, how have you been finding your stay at my castle so far?"
"It's been wonderful," the pegasus replies, not exaggerating the slightest bit. Though the presence of evil bothered her, it was truly a nice place.
The Queen nods satisfactorily. "That's great to hear. Now, Fluttershy, remember how you asked how you could, in your words, ever repay King Sombra and I?" The pegasus nods, and Midnight continues, "It may be too soon to ask, but I've been thinking quite a fair bit recently, and the help of someone like you on my side would be invaluable."
Fluttershy nervously begins to say, "Uhm-"
"Fear not, you shan't have to take up a position in the army; I was merely referring to your healing skills, as well as your excellent skill with animals and creatures of all kinds. I won't pressure you to make your decision, but know that if you were to join me, not only would I be extremely happy, but you would also have a much better life..."
"I, uh, I'll think about it, Midnight," Fluttershy stammers, and nodding, the alicorn leaves. The yellow pegasus sighs as she returns her gaze to the flowers before her, and whispers softly, "They've been so kind to me... What am I to do?"
Ever since then, the offer had haunted Fluttershy every waking second. She was hesitant to play a role in the downfall of Equestria- to help the forces of evil, but the guilt from betraying Midnight before also hung heavily on her heart, and she felt as though she had to make it up somehow.
Especially after Midnight had saved her from her suicide attempt. Thinking back on it, she wasn't sure she could have found contentment in the afterlife. If anything, it scared her, especially the thought of being held accountable for every good and bad deed she had done throughout her lifetime.
Fluttershy wasn't completely sure, but wasn't the saying- follow your heart?
Her heart was telling her to join Midnight.
Rainbow Dash's heart was racing as a Crystal guard marched past. If he'd come any closer, they'd have been done for. "So, you're sure this plan of yours will work?" Applejack asks sceptically.
"Like, there's only a sixty percent chance it'll go wrong and we'll die," the pegasus replies. "But we should be fine. I hope."
"Y'all haven't thought this through properly, have ya?"
Rainbow hisses, "Don't make fun of me, AJ!" and turns her gaze back to the Castle looming ahead. She gulps. I really should have thought this through... |
Volt's Estrus Adventure | pre | "I know the stakes, I ain't no spring chicken... or spring dragon that is. I can take whatever you dish out, so do your WORST," you replied. Barb wasn't surprised at this point. Seeing as a lecherous dragon like yourself would do anything to win some tail. She kept up the waves of pleasure, rubbing her soft mammaries against your beefy behemoth. Barb took it up a notch by swirling her forked tongue around your cock like a kind of tongue job.
"What do... you think of... this?" she asked in between her licks.
"Mmmm... You're definitely mate material, babe... Work that tongue..." you encouraged while so desperately trying to hold back your orgasm.
"W-what is the meaning of this...?!" another female voice called out. You and Barb stopped what you were doing and looked over to see a beautiful anthro horse-like creature with a lavender fur coat, midnight blue mane and tail with pink stripes. She had a horn, along with a pair of wings.
"Do you honestly have to shout like a drama queen, Twilight?" Barb asked, rolling her eyes as if there was nothing weird about giving a blowjob in public. You had to bite your lip to keep yourself from laughing.
"Don't give me that attitude, young lady! You should know better than to engage in any sort of promiscuous activities outdoors!" Twilight scolded before turning to you. "And you! I don't know who you are, but you have some nerve to come after my #1 assistant when she's in her heat cycle! If you ever-"
Barb disregarded Twilight's fury by this point and just went back to her treat. The mare held her hands up, shaking with disbelief and unable to make a clear sentence because of how angry she was. If you didn't know any better, you'd say Barb thought this was funny. You sure did.
"DON'T IGNORE ME WHEN I'M TALKING!!! Either put some clothes on or take this up to your bedroom, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Twilight yelled, her voice almost booming.
In addition to the fact that Twilight was drawing attention, she obviously wasn't going to leave the two of you alone unless you played by her rules. You had to go with the second choice and allow Barb to escort you into that beautiful crystal castle so you could have your fun in the privacy of her bedroom.
"Ugh! Yeah, yeah whatever, "mom". Jeez, you're such a nag," Barb groaned.
"Mom", huh? Isn't she a little too... you know... young to be a MILF?" you asked, chuckling. Any other girl might have punched one of your teeth out for talking about their caretaker like that, but Barb shared your sense of humor and laughed along with you.
"Don't take it literally dude," she grinned. "You see, Twilight hatched me when she was still getting the hang of her magic and has raised me ever since. Not really a mom, but I definitely look at her like a big sister. Although, she can also be a bit of a freakazoid when it comes to books," she mentioned, making you laugh.
"So she's a nerd, huh? Interesting. Maybe one of these days I'll show her what she's missing out on," you suggested, only for Barb to lightly slap your cheek.
"One thing at a time you pervert!" she sneered and pushed you onto her bed. "You haven't peaked my full interest."
"Whoopsies! Guess I'd better make up for lost time then, huh? What do you say we shut up and just pick off where we left off?" you offered rhetorically. You let Barb crawl on top of your chest and press her lips against yours. You didn't know if you would admit it, but the sanctuary of being locked alone in this room was better than fooling around in the open. Having someone else walk in on your funtime with this sexy dragoness in heat just takes the fun out of it.
You traced your claws down her scalp back as your tongues slithered around, and one of her wings instinctively spread out as you traced over them. She immediately began to blush that she lost control of her wings. Looks like she had a weak spot she was trying to keep hidden.
"Ticklish much?" you questioned and tilted your head to the side.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about! J-just... shut up so we can get this over with! My loins are killing me...!" Barb stuttered. You didn't obey her, however. Rather, you teased her defenseless wings on purpose this time, and Barb squirmed and moaned from within your embrace. "K-k-knock it off, you big lug! Ahh! I'm... s-s-so gonna... gonna..." Barb couldn't finish her sentence as you kept attacking her weak spot.
"Hm? What was that? I couldn't hear you over the adorable sounds of you trembling in pleasure," you teased, tickling her wings. "If we're being honest, those lovely screams of yours might have a better chance of getting me to blow my load than your tits. And I might be willing to let you have a taste... if you ask me really nicely." Your smug attitude was really starting to get to Barb and she was actually getting annoyed with you.
"Ugh... I swear, you're a hopeless pervert through and through... but..."
"I turn you on anyway," you finished for her. Barb didn't give a reply and just kept moaning while you caressed her wings.
"Mmmph...! Ahh! Are you gonna let me finish blowing you or are you gonna keep teasing me like this, you jackass!?" Barb exclaimed in annoyance, twice as horny as she was just a second ago.
"Oh, I'm not sure kid. Let me think about it..." you mocked. While you were pretending to ponder, Barb's aching estrus drove her off the deep end. As if something inside her snapped, she couldn't stop herself from shoving you down on her bed and straddling on top of you with her back turned to face you.
"So is your mind made up NOW?!" she growled, and even shot some green embers out of her nostrils. Your little acting show didn't stop there, and you pretended that the girl's impatience was actually starting to scare you.
"U-Uh... b-b-be my guest," you stuttered. 'Damn, I was only teasing her. Note to self: never take a joke too far when dealing with a dragoness in heat,' you thought to yourself. Alas, you couldn't keep that fake expression of fear for that much longer since acting wasn't your profession, and you started chuckling again.
Barb rubbed your cock up and down while continuing to let small sparks of flame out of her nose. Thank goodness dragons were fireproof, or you else wouldn't have been able to stand being this close to her from this point on.
You kept moaning away as Barb worked her magic on your stiff meat pipe. Even though it was in your nature to joke around with your mates, you were still an affectionate lover--reaching over you caressed the side of Barb's cheek and listened to her sigh with content as you massaged the said area.
"Mmm... That's it, work those claws of yours the right way, you perv..." Barb urged after pulling herself free from your shaft. The young temptress resumed taking in more of your thick meat pole, bobbing up and down. As she slurped you hungrily, her wings spread out wide in excitement like a pair of wing boners.
Before you could go any further, a loud growl echoed from your stomach. How could you help it? Dragons loved gems and this entire castle was made of crystal. Not only were you the one who was embarrassed now, but because of that and your hunger, your shaft got soft. Long story short, you wouldn't be mating with anyone on an empty stomach.
"Hungry are you, big guy?" Barb snickered at your red face. "You're lucky I'm not cruel, otherwise I'd be laughing at you for an hour. You deserve it after teasing me so much!" She grabbed your arm and pulled you off the bed.
"My apologies. Barb. I'll be sure to ease up on the jokes next time," you replied, gently rubbing her shoulder with one of your claws. "I actually do like you. I just tend to take it too far because of one of my friends back home who influenced me in that way."
"Oh, is that right? Well, maybe I should give them an earful. But... first things first." Barb then stopped as the two of you reached the kitchen. "Now, we mostly have vegetables given ponies are herbivores, but I'm sure we can-"
She stopped as she heard a loud crack and turned around to see that you decided to bite off a big chunk of the kitchen's crystal wall. Your sharp, jagged teeth dug deep into the crystal wall and you pulled a chunk off, crunching on it hungrily. "I'm sorry, did you say something?" you asked with a mouthful of crystal.
"Oh great! What am I supposed to tell Twilight if she sees-" Barb was cut off for the second time in a row as the alicorn did indeed come in. And even though you were now face-to-face with the owner of the castle, your stomach was in charge and you took another bite out of the wall, even though it was likely to get your next mate into trouble. It was as if fate decided to be cruel to Barb at the moment.
"What... What in the great name of Celestia do you think you're doing to my castle?! Barb, shouldn't you be dressed, and what made you think it was okay for him to EAT the walls?"
Barb looked at you, hoping you would take the fall for her since eating the walls was YOUR stupid idea. Instead, you leaned a little closer to the princess and noticed how nice of a figure she had.
"Has anyone ever told you that you've got a sexy bust size, Your Majesty?" you asked with a wink. One moment Barb was worried, but now she was biting her lip so she wouldn't laugh at her adopted older sister. That became almost impossible when you crossed the line and grabbed Twilight's left breasts and made her yelp.
Oh, how she wanted to step back, risk hurting her hand by slapping your hard scaled face, scream at you with the royal Canterlot voice, but she did none of the above. For that matter, she couldn't even move. Her mind was spinning out of control, as nopony had ever touched her breasts before.
Barb leaned on you from behind. "I think you got her in your claws. Now what, you perverted punk?"
You were going to answer with another witty comment before Twilight got a hold of herself and pushed you a few feet back with a flash from her horn. However, instead of yelling at you, she suddenly got sweaty and fell to her knees with some heavy breathing. Was she having a panic attack? Did you go too far?
"I, uh... think we should head back upstairs. That was good for a laugh, but she's not used to being handled like that," Barb said, feeling a bit nervous. You followed her back up to her room and left the princess alone so she could clear her head.
"Yeah, you're probably right. I might've overstepped my boundaries... a smidge..."
And so Twilight was left alone in the kitchen to deal with her thoughts. 'What... What was that? I get that dragons are greedy, but... the way he touched me. I've never... f-f-felt so vulnerable. So helpless to stop him. And yet... I... I was... enjoying it?' she realized as she felt her alicorn nethers grow moist.
Of course, neither you nor Barb were mind readers and had no idea the alicorn they left in the kitchen was having such a naughty conversation in her head. In all honesty, while she did laugh a little when you groped her best friend, Barb did feel a little jealous, but it didn't matter since she figured Twilight would be keeping her distance from you from now on.
'All mine!' she mentally cheered before taking your tool all the way to the back of her throat. However, contrary to what she thought, Twilight had come upstairs and carefully peeked through the crack in the door. She was still blushing hot red and could feel her nether regions getting moist and sticky as she observed for herself how promiscuous her assistant could be.
Secretly, you knew that the curious princess, foreign to the ways of sex, was spying on you. You slowly opened one eye, looking at her through the crack with a smirk, but then looked down at Barb so she wouldn't notice you averting your gaze.
"So, my luscious friend... shall we indulge ourselves once more?" you offered, flashing a toothy grin at Barb. You wanted to make sure both she and Twilight heard you.
Flapping her wings because of how irritated she was with the stupid question, she hoisted herself above your throbbing erection. "I'm tired of waiting. Get to work and shove that-"
Before Barb could finish barking orders, Twilight had leaned into the door too much and her weight caused the door to fling open. She fell face first before picking herself up quickly, blushing deeply that she caused a scene unorthodox of a princess. "Uh... I-I-I can explain, uh..."
"Oh lookie here, Barb. We have ourselves a private audience," you snickered and got off the bed. Going over to Twilight and squatting down, you lifted her chin and felt how warm her face was from all that blushing. Not to mention you saw how glorious her hanging breasts looked.
Barb shut out her jealousy and watched without blinking even once as you cupped Twilight's chin. Were you about to kiss her?
"Were you, by any chance, interested in learning up close and personal about... dragon anatomy and mating?" you teased, booping your nose with her nose. Like Barb, Ember, Smolder and even Mesosoma, you barely even knew Twilight, yet your lips were so close to hers.
"What are you... doing?" she asked, shaking as you continued to hold her face. You didn't answer, as you knew just that merely looking into her purple eyes as you kept your lips just inches from her own was enough to put her under your hypnosis.
Twilight breathed heavily, unable to get rid of her blush, she slowly gave into her urges the more she gazed into your eyes. She leaned in and her lips finally met with yours in a hot make-out session.
'What is he doing? What am I doing?' she thought, but didn't pull away as your long tongue messed with her inferior one. 'I practically forced myself to gather the strength to come up here so I could tell this guy off for touching my breasts, but now... here I am... Kissing him as if we've been in love for years...'
'Wow! For a girl with such a short tongue, she's one hell of a kisser,' you admitted and your hands went south to grope her breasts for the second time, knowing for a fact that she wasn't going to stop you this time. 'I could definitely make some cute lovers out of these ponies if I wanted to. And if she's a princess, she might just be the best of them all!'
"There's no need for either of you lovely ladies to be jealous," you grinned and brushed Twilight's ear with your tongue. "There's plenty of Volt to go around."
"You're one cocky bastard, you know that?" Barb deadpanned. She grew displeased when it seemed like you were ignoring her to lead Twilight over to the bed to get nice and comfy on her back. "I rest my case... Anywho, you don't think we broke her, do ya?"
"Let's find out," you said with your trademark grin of evil. Placing yourself on top of Twilight, straddling her midsection, you pushed your massive dragon pole into her gaping wide-open mouth. You thrusted in and out as deep as you could to try and get a reaction from this adorkable princess. One thing you do know is how warm her mouth felt and how slippery her tongue was.
Barb was holding her gut with laughter. "Oh, sweet Celestia, dude... You are SO going to the dungeon afterwards!"
"Hah, she can try. But my money is on the possibility that she'll thank me for loosening her uptight royal tuckus. Besides, you loved the taste of my cock, didn't you?" you brought up all smug, and Barb wasn't laughing so hard now that you got her all embarrassed. Smirking at her silence, you pushed all the way to the back of Twilight's throat and listened to her gag on your tool.
"Okay, Barb..." You glanced over to your remaining victim, who was still blushing like the color of a delicious fire ruby and pushed her down by her shoulder to lay next to the princess. Pulling out of Twilight's coughing mouth, you bestowed the same oral treatment to her assistant and adoptive sister.
"W-what...? What did you do that for?! Has it occurred to you that you just sodomized a princess?!" the alicorn seethed, just as red as Barb.
You shut out Twilight's yelling and straddled atop the blushing dragoness and thrusted your mighty dragon-hood down the furnace that was her mouth. You went as far back into her throat as you could while enjoying the warmth of her breath and wet saliva coating your penis and her forked tongue slowly slurping around the base.
"Don't act like... that, Twilight," you cooed and panted at the same time--Barb's mouth was just amazing. "As a gentle-drake, I pulled out when... I heard you choking... Besides, you can't... honestly say you didn't find it an... interesting experience."
Barb was still busy with her new treat, so you decided to pull Twilight in for another kiss before she could come up with a compelling argument. With every new thing you did to her without her permission, you increased the chances of her preparing a cell in the dungeon with your name on it, but how could you help yourself? You scored two beautiful mates for the price of one visit!
Twilight once again succumbed to the kiss and returned the affection, moaning beautifully all the while. You kept assaulting her mouth with your skilled forked tongue, driving her nuts and addicted to getting more out of you. You could feel her soft yet firm fingers clinging onto parts of your back. Her lust was beginning to win over all sense of thoughts in her mind. And Barb was still happily enjoying her big treat.
Both of these poor ladies were becoming powerless under your spell (no surprise to you at all), and it felt so good knowing they would throw themselves at you in a matter of minutes...
You loved it when you were right about things, as Twilight decided to give you an even stronger kiss, giving into what her body's demands. Her wings stiffened up from the arousal, but once she learned how to go with the flow, she was able to relax them so she could flap gracefully and then wrap them around you. You struggled not to laugh at the ticklish feeling of her feather tips touching your own wings.
"That was... That was my first kiss..." she admitted. Her purple face fur was scorching red by now.
This newfound knowledge made your dragon-hood throb. "What an honor, Your Majesty. If irony is to be appreciated, you pulled off quite the makeout for your first try. I'm surprised you haven't found a mate of your own before me, but at the same time, I'm glad to be your first. A classy princess such as yourself deserves some real loving..." you complimented in a sultry tone. You stroked Twilight's cheek tenderly, showing her you're not all sex and no love.
"Y-You're just... s-s-saying that..." Twilight stuttered, trying to keep it together, despite the amazing kiss you bestowed upon her.
"I'm dead serious. Allow me to prove you wrong," you offered. Twilight watched as you smothered her with kisses, starting with her defenseless horn. She shivered as though she was in the middle of a blizzard as you lathered your tongue all the way around her horn several times. Practically paralyzed because of how sensitive her horn was, she hardly even noticed as Barb helped you unzip her adoptive sister's dress so her delectable breasts bounced out. Your claws more or less imitated your tongue, and circled around the alicorn's stiff nipples for an enticing reaction.
Indeed, Twilight yelped in surprise when you started to pull on her nipples instead, stiffening up from having her girls touched in such a manner. Her breathing got shaky, but she didn't resist. Her moans were soft and cute, and she didn't want to admit it, but she loved the treatment she was getting from you. She had never once sought out a stallion even after reaching adulthood all because she was so absorbed in learning more about friendship and reading books. And now, here she was, about to be claimed by a ruggedly handsome dragon.
Barb wanted to make a sassy comment towards her sister, but your massive dragon cock kept her from saying anything. She just kept sucking away as you thrust your girth deeper down her throat. Although, that didn't stop the promiscuous dragoness from rubbing her tail against yours. You respond by intertwining your tail with Barb's while chuckling as you smothered your face in Twilight's gifted bust.
You kept your face there for three minutes of fun before you continued going down to get a new prize. Specifically, you got on your knees so you could look at Twilight's leaking marehood from below and licked your lips again.
'One of my favorite things... The delicious opportunity to drive a girl off the deep end,' you thought, grinning. Leaning in, you put your lips against Twilight's dripping flower and slurped her tasty mare juices. She moaned and gasped in surprise, shaking violently from having her special spot being intruded like that.
Barb puffed out her cheeks, having been forced to spit out your member when you kneeled to the floor. She contemplated what she was supposed to do now. She got an idea just as Twilight let out another scream, although Barb had to get really low to the floor to pull it off. You didn't notice the dragoness crawl between your legs until you felt her take one of your sacs into her warm mouth.
She was acting like she was sucking on a freshly dug fire ruby. Not that you were complaining since it didn't deter you from your own task. More and more of poor, defenseless Twilight's mare juices were leaking from her alicorn nethers as you continued slurping each and every drop like it was a delicious, refined drink.
"H-heavens to Celestia...! W-what am I f-feeling...?!" she wondered out loud. Since no one else in the bedroom had a free mouth to answer her, Babs ultimately spat out your sack so she could poke some more fun at Twilight.
"You like that, Twi? What you're feeling is your sex drive stimulating itself. You're gonna be getting a good fucking out of this along with me," she explained in a seductive manner.
You gave Twilight's depths one last thorough cleansing before retracting your tongue. You got off of the floor and smacked your lips to enjoy the alicorn's taste until it finally faded from your greedy mouth. That same greed hasn't even remotely been sated yet, and you got the message across by nodding to the bed.
'It's such a shame that those clean sheets will have to be replaced,' you smirked and scooped the princess off her hooves because even though it was a very short walk to the bed, it looked like she was in too much of a daze to move by herself.
"What do you say we cut back on the tacky romance and just get this party started, ya big lug?" Barb suggested rubbing your buff, scaly arms. "Be as wild as you want! This bedroom is big enough for the three of us!"
"I love your style, my little temptress," you snickered, rubbing noses with her. Your dragon-hood couldn't get any more stiff. "You've actually convinced me. And because you have, I'll let you go first while Her Highness recovers from that lovely foreplay."
"Then stop yapping..." Barb paused before laying on the bed in a sexy pose, tempting you with her natural beauty. "...and make with the plapping."
Chuckling, you get on the bed and get on top of Barb. But then... you surprised her by turning her to lay on her stomach. Grabbing your erect dragon cock, you aimed it at her smaller hole above her dripping vulva.
Barb could feel where you were about to stick it in, and it left her both excited and a tad nervous. And what's more... there was no stopping you from going wild. She inhaled deeply and soon, you grabbed her by the ass to steady her as you shoved your entire length inside her tight anal hole. Barb bit her lip, stifling her long, guttural growl as she tried her best to take in as much of your dick as she could WITHOUT passing out.
"Filthy bastard..." she cracked a smile once she found she was still conscious.
"You've got nerves of steel to be taking in my cock like that. I do apologize for the brutal treatment, but in all fairness, you were the one who said I could be as rough as I wanted," you pointed out.
"Mmmph... Well, yeah, I did say that. I just... didn't think you'd... go for my ass," Barb said, inhaling from the slight pain in her back doors.
"Again... you have my sincerest apologies..." you grunted as you commenced a smooth rhythm. You honestly thought it would be harder to push through her ass, but oh well. Her dripping pussy juices mashed and stuck to your pelvis each time you slammed into her. It was hard to resist, but you just didn't feel ready to penetrate her down there yet.
"N-no... No fair..." Twilight had finally calmed down enough to talk again as she watched you have your way with Barb. She still looked a bit dizzy and her once straight mane looked like she had just checked into a mental hospital, but your weird mindset actually found that to be sexy.
To help Twilight out with her lonely position, you wrapped your tail around her and laid her down next to Barb. Afterwards, your tail unwrapped around the princess and you used it to rub it against her dripping marehood... before you pushed it into her wet love tunnel.
You made sure not to go far enough to risk breaking her hymen so soon. No, that's a privilege for your mighty meat pole to claim. Even so, you thrust your tail in and out of her royal nethers while pounding Barb's ass in a nice, smooth rhythm. The young, horny dragoness' pain was soon replaced with pleasure.
Your massive dragon-hood did well to stretch out her back entrance, turning her into a moaning, slutty mess. Barb's wings stiffened out each time you thrusted balls deep inside.
"Ahhh! Yeah! Fuck! Mmm, right there! Stretch me out you fucking savage son of a bitch!" Barb ordered with a sultry growl. You chuckled from listening to another one of your mates calling out such vulgar commands in a sex-driven state. You humored her by thrusting faster, but you couldn't go in further due to the knot of your cock. No matter. It would all fit into place once you were ready for the big climax.
It was then that you decided to be evil and betray your new victim's expectations by pulling out of her. Naturally, Barb turned around looking livid with your game.
"Oh, come now, cutie. Did you forget that I have two care of both of you? Don't worry, I'll come back and fuck you... right after I give Her Majesty a royal pounding," you assured, hovering over Twilight and licking your lips with a lust-filled gaze. "And as a bonus, I'm going to fill you up... with TWICE the effort!"
Twilight didn't catch your drift until she felt two appendages poking at her sensitive royal nethers. She looked down and was shocked to find you have two, count them, TWO huge dragon cocks. Equal in length and stiffness.
"Are you ready for your prize, princess?" you teased, rubbing your cocks against her private areas, sending shivers throughout her entire graceful body. She could only nod rapidly, but that was the only kind of invitation you needed.
Aligning both cocks at her marehood and her anal hole, you slowly inched both beef sticks inside her two holes. Twilight's legs began to shake from having both her holes filled by two massive, girthy dicks. A treatment Barb wasn't amused you denied to her when you were focused solely on her back door.
"Sweet Celesti-AH~!!" Twilight screamed as her holes made room for you, her first dragon mate. You saw her horn spark on and off like a dying candle, but treating it as such, you licked your fingers before you reached over and pinched her horn. Satisfied that it worked, you pulled back before thrusting back in at equal speed.
Twilight's mind goes completely blank with nothing but thoughts of your cocks. She becomes a moaning disaster, powerless against your amazing bedroom skills. Though, her moaning, unbeknownst to her, was about to end as Barb scooted beside her.
"I never thought I'd see this side of you Twi..." she said softly before touching the alicorn's chin. Both females were blushing hot red before Barb silenced her boss and adoptive sister's moans with a dirty, wet kiss. Frankly, Barb had a secret lesbian side and has wanted to do this to Twilight for years!
If she were in the right state of mind, Twilight would be taken aback and would have tried to push her off, but her sexual desires screamed with joy and she gave into the hot make-out session. Once she was stable and balanced herself on one elbow, her free arm grabbed the back of Barb's head so she could return the kiss. Her long, forked tongue was far better than any owned by a stallion, yet it only came in second in comparison to yours, and you knew that.
'Looks like Barb grew some more backbone! It's not every day you get to see a girl make out with her guardian!' The enticing scene made both of your members throb inside the princess, who, in turn, tightened her holes around you because of the double assault.
"What do you... know Your Majesty? Your assistant/sister had feelings for... you she never told you... about!" you panted and chuckled. "Now you know you'll... never be alone... whether or not there's a male in your... castle."
The princess of friendship felt butterflies in her stomach and rubbed Barb's scaly cheek.
"Ahhh! I... I love... you, Barb! And... And you, too!" Twilight squealed, referring to you. You calmed down with your thrusts so you could reach out and affectionately straighten your new mate's messy mane until it more or less looked the same as when she came into the bedroom.
Barb shed a happy tear, but wiped it away quickly to maintain the tough girl image. "We love you too, Twi! Ain't that right stud?!" You didn't answer, so she naturally was confused. "Stud? Stu-WOAH!"
It was her turn again, and she paused all questions as you double penetrated her as you did with Twilight.
"Sorry for not doing this at the start, my sexy temptress... I do hope this more than makes up for my negligence..." you smirked. "And don't ask silly questions... You both should already know how much you've come to mean to me."
'Especially since I plan to knock you up...' You kept those intentions in your head so as not to spoil the surprise. And with that, you continued scratching the itch of the young, horny dragoness who lured you to this castle, rocking her world senseless.
With your talent for multitasking, you did a remarkable job dominating the dragoness whose cocky behavior was on par with Smolder while listening to the ticking of the wall clock. Once you counted exactly 120 seconds, you switched back to Twilight.
"You know... male dragons and certain other reptiles have hemipenes for occasions precisely like this... Namely, if there are downright sexy females who need to be stuffed and there's only one dragon available..."
Seeing how responsibility fell on you to decide where this would go next, you pulled out of Twilight and gestured for her and Barb to roll over onto their sides until their chests were touching.
"Perfect! Now spoiled little Barb here won't give either of us any grief about wanting her turn, Your Majesty," you cooed, which got Twilight to giggle and Barb to start growling. The snarls only got louder when you reached down to pinch one of her cheeks like she was a child.
"Bastard..." she hissed.
"Awww, look at you. You just look so cute when you're angry, Barb. And you're very adorable, too, Your Majesty. Even if you're not in a sour mood like your sister."
You were pushing your luck as it is. Letting go of Barb's cheek while you were still fortunate enough to have two hands, you scooted forward on your knees and with one thrust, plunged into both of their snatches with practiced aim.
"A-and to think... ah... I was g-going to give y-you the s-scolding of a... lifetime for inviting t-this flatterer... after he w-wrecked the kitchen... AH!" Twilight stuttered, pleased that she could still look her sister in the eye from this new position.
"L-let me g-guess.. Cleaning the entire c-castle? N-no gems for a week?" Barb snickered through her own moans. "T-then again... ah... I might've never f-found the guts to... ah... express my feelings f-for ya if he... didn't show up Twi..."
"Lesbian affection... Whoo! Damn, does that turn me on!" you exclaimed and then gave them each a light slap across their rears. "I might blow my loads inside you sooner than I thought with this drama in front of me!"
Feeling your lust take control of you, you let out a growl and thrusted faster and harder in each of their pussies, holding them in place with both of your hands on their hips. Barb and Twilight were quickly reduced to hot, moaning wrecks, or at least that's how it was until they suppressed the moaning by kissing each other. The dam was finally ready to break.
Watching them wrestle tongues and swap spit turned you on so much, and you concentrated the rising excitement down below so you could thrust deeper and prod past their womb entrances. You went so far in, you could see your cocks bulge through their stomachs like a couple of baby bumps. Their tight pussies squeezed your two, long, hardened beef poles so much that it was literally impossible to hold it in any longer.
Your balls churned and your dragon-hoods were throbbing, ready to explode. At long last, you spread out your wings, arched your back, and threw your head up with a mighty roar as you shot large globs of dragon seed into the fertile dragon and alicorn nethers. Twilight and Barb moaned loudly and came hard themselves. Their bodies spasmed as you bloated their bellies with your life-giving seed, slowly, but surely, impregnating the two.
"Y-you came inside of us..." the princess of friendship muttered bluntly.
"Yes I did," you said calmly, returning the tone before watching both girls pass out. |
Welcome to the Herd | pre | I started walking toward Ponyville again, noting the ease with which each step was coming. I felt like I could run all day, dance all night and still feel better than I ever did back home.
I turned my head to look at the brown splotch on my back, "Seriously Lina, thank you. You went above and beyond the call of duty there. And I appreciate it, a lot"
Lina didn't answer right away, but when she did her voice was quiet and introspective, "It wasn't anything special, mostly just a metabolism speed up and a lot of endorphins. There's going to be a nasty backlash when you actually go to sleep tonight, so just try and make sure you're somewhere comfortable or you're going to start hating me again once you wake up."
I blinked. She didn't have to tell me that. In fact I was willing to put money down saying my not-knowing that would probably have screwed me over sometime soon, and she would have reaped the benefit. So why tell me?
I probably would have pondered that question all the way to Ponyville but it was about then that we ran into the griffon.
I kid you not, a genuine eagle-head-wings-and-talons-on-a-lion's-body griffon, sitting at the base of a tree doing...well, things people usually do on trees a little bit out from the path far away from civilization. The fact that I was coming toward the path from the opposite direction meant I got an eyeful of something I STILL don't even want to think about...and one freaked out griffon.
She keeled like a big red tailed hawk, "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
Which of course got me screaming, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
You get the idea.
The griffon snapped to action first and leaped at me with a snarl. I reared and tried to block with my hands before I remembered I didn't have any hands. And now I was off balance and a big fat target. Her lunge ended up flipping completely onto my back, talons at my throat, and the fight ended before it had even really begun--so much for Daniel Travers, slayer of monsters.
"Kaer fdl abei puoy uo yeratre vre pfo, din klleheh ttahw!" She shrieked in my ear, and I felt something cold hit the pit of my stomach.
I couldn't understand her...I couldn't understand her at all. All this time I'd been operating under the assumption that everyone spoke English here, just like in the show. It shouldn't have surprised me as badly as it did--this was another world not just some theme park on earth. But wait, Discord spoke English, so did Lina for that matter, why didn't the griffon?
Maybe because one's a nigh omnipotent reality warper and the other's a voice in your head. I kicked myself for not thinking of it sooner
"Tihspi de, mrewsna!" the griffon pressed, "Se n itse tninwor uoy htiw uoye lgn artslliwiro."
"I'm sorry!" I screamed, "I didn't know anyone was here!"
The griffon cocked her head to one side, still angry but now confused, "Taht sa Gaius' wega ugna lf odnikema nni tahw?"
"I swear, I didn't want to see that either." I continued, trying not to sound terrified, "Please don't kill me."
Her grip around my throat loosened and she poked me in the chest, "Regna rts mor fouy, eraerehw?"
Wait, what was going on? What did she want?
"What?" I squeaked out.
"Ni niar tseuqe kaepsyeht od 'what'?"
Before I could answer another voice shouted through the woods, this one male but just as incomprehensible, "Gilda! Gnit uo hseh tll aht iwsitahw?"
The griffon turned and shouted back, "Ssip agnik atsawie lihw emotnide lbmu ts ynopn g ier ofdrie w emos."
"Tih ctacu oy?" the other one pressed, "Ev il allit stisi?"
Okay, this was getting ridiculous. I was never going to get anywhere with these...things, if I couldn't understand a word they were saying. Which meant that I needed a good translator, a pocket dictionary and five or six years of peace to really absorb the language, or a really good shortcut. Guess which one I had handy.
Oh Lina... I thought, putting a little singsong tone into it as I did so.
Dude! Lina snapped in the recesses of my mind, She's practically mounting you! Why do you want to talk to me now!"
I mentally groan (and force down the inevitable "cannot unsee" image), "Drop the sex-maniac shtick and focus. Can you make me understand her?"
Heh, no way. You know the joke, I could build a bridge to the Gallopagos easier than I could make you understand women.
Ugh...I meant, can you make it so I can understand her language.
Ohhhhh, I see. Yeah, I can imagine why you'd want that.
Urge to kill, rising, But can you do it?
Sure, easy as cake. Just say the magic words and we're good to go.
A second griffon lopped into view, apparently running from wherever he was before. He was bigger and slightly darker than my captor but otherwise followed the same general pattern.
"Tisis ihtk ni ht Gilda? the new griffon asked, "Yse hpo rp senod erra cse htmorfh tra'e fonameht?"
"Gilda"--I can only guess that's her name, shrugged, Nw otmo, rfs i ehk'n ihttn od it ubeu lcon. S'i htekilgn i rol-ocem altonare bmem erdi.
I got the distinct impression I was missing something important. I sighed, Fine...Lina, I wish to speak and understand any and all languages that exist or could possibly exist on the Equestrian continent as close to immediately as you can manage.
I could hear the irritation in her voice, You're a dirty rotten cheater, did you know that?
Flattery will get you nowhere sweetheart
Ha ha...grit your teeth and hang on tight smartass, because this is going to suck
I clamped my mouth down hard just as the worst headache I have ever had impaled me like an icepick right between the eyes. I suddenly found myself seeing white as Lina scoured the corners of my mind with a wire-bristled pipe cleaner and shoved something that felt like a drill bit in the space that remained. It hurt, a lot. By the time it was done, all I could think was one thing.
Lina. What. Did. You. Do?
Didn't care for that one much did you? she purred, Well serves you right for getting clever with you wishes...I had to really clean house to get you all that.
Wait, what?
She sighed, You know that thing about you using only ten percent of your brain?
Yeah...
Well it's a damn lie is what it is. You use all of your brain, just not all of it at once. Every bit of space is important. So to stick that complex a translator into your head, I had to take something out. And that tends to sting a bit.
My eyes widened, That was NOT part of the wish you little...
Oh shove your righteous tirade up your glory hole Danny-boy. I didn't erase anything important. You've still got all your personal memories, you've still got all your knowledge, you speak a pile more languages than when you got up this morning...and you don't have all that stupid Pokemon nonsense cluttering up your thought processes. You should be thanking me.
I felt my heart shift in my chest, You...wiped my memory of Pokemon?
Yeah, you had about five or six YEARS worth of trivia stored in that noggin of yours. Facts, figures, data, statistics. All for some video game--whatever that is. Trust me on this, you're better off without it.
Oh God, I could feel it now. It was like missing a limb or something. All that time coming up with the best team imaginable, all those conversations with friends and hours poring over strategy guides, all those mornings I had woken up early just to watch the anime...gone. Hell, I couldn't even remember the theme song.
Lina was going to pay for this...she was going to pay dearly.
I snarled and shoved her away from the forefront of my consciousness and returned to my regularly scheduled conversation, already in progress. Opening my eyes I found everything going at matrix-speed. The male griffon's mouth open mid-shout as the female griffon's paw crawled forward toward my muzzle for a back-handed slap--her face etched with concern.
Lina...what the hell is this?
Oopsy, forgot to take you off brain-speed, hang on.
I felt a switch click in my head and things returned to normal just in time for a bitch-slap by a griffon.
"Wake up, stupid!" she shouted as she swatted me again...vaudeville style rapid slaps, not psychologist and restraining order abuse.
I groaned and tried to block her claws with my hoofs.
"He's okay!" she crowed and her buddy sighed in relief.
That was odd, she sounded like she was speaking English. Whatever babelfish-type thing Lina shoved into my mind seemed to have done the trick. The griffon had a low alto-ish voice with a biker chick grizzle to it. She sounded like a fun gal to get in a bar fight with--not against of course, but on the same side as her might be worth the hospital bill.
"Thank Gaius," The male griffon sneered. His voice reminded me of a Klingon's, all arrogance and badly suppressed violence. "If Julius found out you broke the very thing he sent you out to find..."
"Yeah yeah," Gilda snorted, "boiled in oil and fed to the troops deep fried. Can we tie him up now? This is getting awkward."
I thought fast. These two were apparently looking for me...or something like me. Which meant they somehow knew I would be coming, which meant badguys. Therefore I would NOT be going with them under any circumstance and therefore needed to escape before Male-Klingon-griffon-dude tied me up and I lost the ability to run the heck away. Now violence was an option, but I was pretty certain anything less than a lethal amount of it would be an exercise in futility. I wasn't prepared for killing two more sapient creatures right now (and, you know, they'd probably win). So plan B. I needed to convince them I was not the droid they were looking for and I needed to do it fast.
I needed to lie.
"I say," I began in a bad British accent, "when cousin Pinkie told me this place was full of wild animals, I certainly wasn't expecting this sort."
Both griffons looked at me a little dumb-founded
Oh please let them buy it...
"I mean," I continued, "interspecies congress, male-male-female-threesomes, ropes...throw in the saddle and the riding crop and it's like a weekend back home!"
The female griffon blushed straight through her feathers and leaped right off me. Lina started laughing hysterically forcing me to tune her out as best I could.
The male griffon recovered faster, "You...speak Equestrian?"
I rolled over and got up, brushing some dirt from my coat as I did so, "Fluently, old boy, no thanks to the school system back home...bloody awful stuff, mired in red tape and no money whatsoever. If it wasn't for cousin Pinkie and that scholarship I'd barely squeak by with 'where is little colts room?'" I laughed like I was among friends, instead of pulling the stupidest Bugs Bunny bullshit I'd ever conceived, "Speaking of which, dreadfully sorry miss, sneaking up on you like that. Got myself a bit turned around don't you know...they really should put up more signs."
Gilda shook herself and tried to press forward with the conversation, "Don't mention it. Seriously, don't mention it."
Male griffon took this opportunity to cuff Gilda upside the head...psychologist and restraining order style, "You stupid hen!" he screamed, "You told me he spoke nothing but gibberish!"
My eyes widened in shock. He really just did that...right in front of me. What kind of sick moron does that?
"He did!" Gilda keeled, "I asked him simple questions and he garbled out something that sounded like he was speaking backwards!"
I know I should have just let this stand, but I didn't really want Gilda getting punished on my account, "Ah...if I may interject." I said, "I was rather frightened out of my gourd...slipped into the old country vernacular. You know how it goes."
Both griffons looked at me like I'd sprouted a second head.
The male griffon narrowed his eyes, "What did you say your name was again?"
Me and my big mouth. "Oh...um..." crap crap crap...okay, what did I say? Cousin Pinkie right? If she's anything like the Apple family that would probably make me some kind of Pie...what kind what kind...strawberry? No. Blueberry, Rhubarb, Shepard's, Mince, Kidney...no no no NO! Come on THINK Daniel, he's getting suspicious...what am I, what am I...what could you guess my name was just by looking at me? Two-toned, pinto...
"Well?" The griffon bellowed.
"PIE-BALD!" I blurted out, jumping at his tone.
I had to blink a few times...that could actually work, "Erm...yes, Piebald. My name is Piebald. A pleasure to meet both of you."
I held out my right forehoof, as if for a handshake.
Hey, stupid! Lina laughed, They don't shake hands here!
I pressed forward with my funny foreign greeting.
The Griffons looked down it, then to each other, "Sounds about right," Gilda said, "All those ponies have weird names like that."
Klingon-griffon snorted, "So, all we have here is a simple pony, lost in the deep dark woods where he should know not to roam...a shame."
He fished around his midsection and withdrew a big ugly knife of the "sacrifice him to Tezcatlipoca" variety.
I felt the blood drain from my face. "I say..." I gulped, backing away from the sight "What do you intend to do with that, old chap?"
I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count... Lina mused.
"You are not the one we seek," Klingon-Griffon replied, lazily stalking forward, "Therefore you are an intruder who has seen too much and whose corpse shall serve to keep the townsfolk away."
I felt the blood drain from my face. What the hell kind of girls' cartoon was this? I felt my rump hit a tree and my hoofs get tangled in the roots. There was nowhere to run without doing something drastic and getting-stabbed-anyway worthy.
The griffon smiled the smile of a predator, "Nothing personal "old chap" just good strategy. Gilda, hold him down."
I whirled toward Gilda, keeping Klingon-guy in my line of vision, trying to think of a way to beat two sapient hybrid predators with nothing but four hooves and two brains (one of which probably wouldn't cooperate). But something stopped me from just acting on frantic fearful instinct...Gilda's face.
The smaller griffon's eyes were wide in shock, like the order surprised her as much as it did me. She looked over at her boss, and then back to me...and in that moment I saw a way out. Deep down, this griffon didn't want kill anyone. And if I was a deceitful tricksy conniving bastard (which was looking like a pretty good thing to be right at this moment) I could exploit that.
My eyes widened and lowered my head in pathetic subservience. Please don't kill me that look said.
Gilda gulped quietly and turned back to face her commander, her expression shifting back to the one of lazy contempt she'd worn most of the conversation. Jackpot. "Really boss? Kill a pony for walking down the wrong road at the wrong time?"
Klingon-Griffon gave Gilda a very hard look. Gilda suddenly looked less sure of herself, "I mean, I don't like the lame-os any more than you do. But that doesn't mean I want to kill all of them."
Klingon-Griffon snapped, the veneer of genial villainy cracking like glass and revealing the raw brutal animal he was inside, "I gave you an order, soldier!" he roared, raising his blade toward her "Now obey or my knife drinks of two this day."
Gilda shuddered back at his anger, her resolution cracking as well, "Yes sir." She said at last. The biker chick attitude long gone and only a young woman in an ugly situation remained.
She took a few steps toward me, the talons of one foreleg outstretched, "I'm sorry," she whispered.
And there it was; my opening.
"So am I," I murmured in my normal voice, just before I kicked her in the chest.
Unbalanced as she was, on three legs and expecting a meek little ponyvillian, she was caught completely off guard by the full blown two-hoofed buck and went flying. Right into Klingon Griffon. They both went down in a tangle of limbs, and I took those precious few moments to run the hell away.
From somewhere behind me, I heard the two creatures scrambling to get on their feet and Klingon-Griffon shouting, "After him you fool!" And the chase was on.
For the record, running as a horse is a bit trickier than running as a human. How fast you want to go changes what hooves go down when. And running as fast as you can in the middle of a forest is a very good way to trip and die even without dangerous predators chasing you. Honestly the only thing saving my bacon was the fact that I had better balance as a quadruped, and was far more worried about impending griffons than I was concerned about how my feet worked. I just fixed the classic "gallop" sound in my head and moved my hooves accordingly. It must have worked because the terrain began to fly by at car speeds.
I ducked and swerved around trees and under branches, trying my darnedest to put obstacles between them and me. However I had to keep at least one eye on the path. One pony might not be able to beat two griffons in a fight...but a whole bunch of ponies certainly could. Salvation, therefore, lie in Ponyville. And if I got lost, I might as well have stopped running and let the griffons kill me quickly. Waitaminute, where were they?
I risked a glance behind me. Sure enough, the pair were hot on my heels, but something was amiss...those sweet birdy forefeet weren't so great at tearing up the ground and all the low hanging branches really kinda barred any sort of flight. So instead of mighty hunters of grace and beauty, the griffons loped after me in a kind of clumsy shuffle halfway between a big cat and an ape running.
I however was a horse, and was, therefore, winning.
Everything worked the way it ought to. Lungs took in crisp clean air that transferred energy to the bloodstream that allowed the massive pony heart to send gobs of energy through powerful limbs and down to heavy hooves that connected with the earth like bolts of thunder. Terrain flew by in green-brown blurs and the wind I generated blew my mane and tail back like flags in a storm. And for a moment, a great and glorious moment, I wasn't running for my life. I was running for the sheer joy of life. Sure my death galumphed behind me, but before me hope glistened like the sunlight seeping through the edge of the forest.
And then some great big schnozwanger had to go and crush all my good feelings flat.
There I was, running a bazillion miles an hour, when big bat-like shadow descended from the canopy like an anvil. I should have seen it coming, I really should have. Why should I assume there were only two hostile griffons in the forest when three hostile griffons were just as likely? And why should I assume that they're just going to chase me on my terms when herding me toward an ambush works every so much better? Of course all I could think at the time was a series of expletives as my face met the dirt once again and a big black fuzzy weight pressed me rest of me flat as well. But in hindsight, it shouldn't have surprised me as much as it did.
"Pony not struggle or Cobalt kill." A voice garbled through a mouth full of fangs. My eyes fluttered open and I looked up to see something that was simultaneously the funniest and most terrifying thing I had run into since I got here.
A flying monkey.
I just got caught by a goddamn flying monkey.
Of course it wasn't a cute little spider monkey with pigeon wings on its back and a little fez on its head, nooo... that would be too easy. I got the version made with a mandrill baboon and a bat the size of a hang glider. I got the version with glowing eyes and snarling jaws and too much intelligence to call it an animal, but not enough to actually call it sane. In short I got the flying monkey from the rated R action flick version of Oz...or possibly the horror movie version.
I made it a point not to struggle.
The griffon-griffons arrived a moment later, both short of breath. "Good job, Cobalt." Klingon-griffon said between pants, "Now finish him before he gets away again."
The monkey thing looked down at me, skin on its muzzle flaring as its fangs parted. I winced, shutting my eyes as I waited for the fall of the guillotine.
But it never came, instead all I heard was a sharp intake of air. And another. I opened an eye to see the bat-monkey sniffing at me with the deliberation of a Ringwraith. He--Colbalt I suppose--snorted, and then looked back up at his commander. "Him stink," he said bluntly.
"So?"
"So, not normal stink." Cobalt snarled, "Him stink of rust and swamp gas. Him not from forest."
"Of course he's not from the forest," Klingon-Griffon replied, "there's a town just beyond the borders, you ignoramus. Now obey your commanding officer or I'll..."
"Him not from town either." Cobalt spat back, "Him from other place. Place Cobalt never smelled."
Oh crap...
"Cobalt think this Man of Earth." The monkey said with the surety that only animal instinct could produce.
The two griffons blinked. And for that matter, so did I.
"Wait," I said, "Man of Earth?"
Okay, that was a little too close to home for my comfort.
Gilda's eyes lit up, "Well...that would explain why he showed up speaking in tongues." She said tentatively.
"But not why he suddenly spoke Equestrian a moment later," Klingon-boy retorted, "Making the pony's own explanation the most likely. When you hear hoofbeats, think ponies--not zebra. That's what I always say."
"Since when?" Gilda snarked.
"Him not smell like pony." Cobalt insisted, "So I take to Julius..."
He shifted his weight but kept me pretty well bound in chimp-like hind feet (goddammit, if there were so many thumbs around here, why couldn't I have a set?) and started heading toward the nearest tree--me in tow.
Male Griffon sputtered and made one last effort toward even a semblance of control over the monkey, "How dare you disobey a direct order from your commanding officer! I'll have your hide for this!"
The monkey's bat-clawed hands hauled his bulk (and mine) up the tree with no difficulty, and no hesitation. "Cobalt make sure. Take to Julius. If Julius say him Man of Earth, Julius reward Cobalt. If him not, then Cobalt kill."
Well I couldn't argue with that logic. Apparently the monkey was smart enough to know when things are over his paygrade...which I suppose made him the smartest one there.
Cobalt leapt from the tree and started gliding, to where ever this "Julius" was. The funny thing is, we were gaining height despite the monkey's less that aerodynamic shape. I guess the physics of this world were set on "it's just a show, I should relax" when it came to flight.
You're being awfully calm about this. Lina's voice mused in my ear.
I sighed, They got me...not much I can do about it now, except relax and start plotting my escape.
Gilda and her friend shortly joined us in the air. The cranky one shouting up a Yosemite Sam sized storm of almost swears in Cobalt's direction. Gilda meanwhile was quietly flying behind her superior--rolling her eyes at his ridiculousness. We never rose far enough above the treetops for me to get my bearings (dammit), just enough for me to get thwacked by a high branch or two every so often.
thwack!
*Ouch.*
Like so.
So...how're ya going to escape? Lina asked me, Tickle him until he drops you?
And do my Wile E. Coyote impression a second time today? *Ouch.* I don't think so. Heck, I'm still not sure how we survived the first time. Besides, *ouch*, these griffons seem to know an awful lot about a guy who just fell into their world today...I think I'd like to know how they did that.
*Ouch*.
Damn it.
"Do you have to hit every single one?" I shouted at the monkey.
Cobalt ignored me and actually lowered into the canopy.
"Ah! Okay, I 'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you!"
Cobalt didn't care and kept sinking.
The trees however completely gave way to empty air--all but the most obvious branches having been clipped away from a landing path long before I arrived.
It was a false top--a smoke screen to keep any overhead pegasi from asking questions.
Beneath those precious few branches were nests. Not the bowl shaped nests everyone thinks of but the round beehive style nests that certain birds make...but these were as big as tents and put together with a craftsman's touch. They hung ten or fifteen to a tree, all the way down the trunk like Christmas ornaments, and jostled with activity from within.
And there were griffons everywhere.
The area was littered with them. Some perched in the trees, some marching in groups, some fighting with bare claws, others with spears and swords and still others patrolled makeshift walls and towers bows in hand. They didn't even all look the same. Sure the Lion-and-Eagle was the most common, but I saw whole squads of the flying monkey types, four-winged reindeer, and even a couple of things that could only be described as "owlbears" But despite the chaos of the form and function each and every...thing here moved with a lockstep precision that meant iron fisted order and a metric ton of training. And even as Cobalt neared the landing strip the sheer magnitude of what I was looking at hadn't quite sunk in yet.
An army.
I was looking at an army. |
Fall of the Changelings | pre | I actually had some free time for once. Usually I would have been working all day in the factory. Not the rainbow one of course, but our own small factory close to town. We produced parts of small machinery, usually cogs and mainsprings, escape wheels, pinions, sometimes winding keys or pallets. The reason why normal smithies do not create such delicate creations is that the harshness of a hammer compares badly against the fine grab of magic. Cooling down the liquid while holding it with your magic though is the difficult part. Mostly we use water for the smaller parts. The bigger parts tend to deform on microscopic level when simply dipped into water, which is why we have to use advanced cooling spells, cooling them from the inside to avoid the tension created by the hot metal pressuring from inside. I could have gone on that topic for hours, if there had not been a certain mare catching my attention.
I remember it to this point. I remember her beauty in the sunlight, her mane shimmering in the soft rays of light. Well, I don't remember how her mane looked like... I can't even remember her appearance. It is all just a blur of emotion and memory. However, I still remember the pain in my heart of each and every time she had screamed at me, causing my mind to retreat to happier moments... like this one. I can't help myself but to drift back to our arguments, our unhappy times, even if I want to ignore it all. The thing I probably best remember of her was the angry shouts, her voice almost breaking under the pressure of her hatred she tried to load onto it. It makes me sick to remember it all...
The harsh sound of an old metal door squeaking while being opened pulled me out of my thoughts. The guard had just lead me to some forsaken corner of their 'hive', whatever that was supposed to mean. It seems as if they adopted more from insects than just their appearance alone...
"Here we go, firstling."
The way he said firstling really bugged me. At first I had thought it was just hatred, but there was something more into it. Maybe ignorance,maybe arrogance or maybe even jealousy. Although I could have let my mind further go on about it, there was a giant room in front of me which caught my attention. The entire room was filled with hundreds of statues of highly ranked ponies. Every single one of these marble statues was meticulously worked, details showing as clearly as they would in reality. It made me wonder when or where such a castle had existed. I don't recall anypony having lost even a word about a wonderful castle like that in my time. So either it had to be long forgotten then already, or just newly built after my ... unfortunate timeout.
"I am ordered to teach you about our proud history so you can soon become a valiant servant to the hive. The hive will.
After me, Captain Lorewing will take over with your first flight lesson. As you seem to be a firstling, it is quite possible for you to have no knowledge of using your wings correctly."
Tell me: What did you happen to be before Ostia has touched your petty soul?"
This Ostia once again... We just treaded through the third row of statues. The reflections were amazing, but so were the expressions on the statue's faces. They were so incredibly detailed, all looking into some unknown world before us. There was one question slowly arising in my mind though: Why were all the pieces of art and majesty in this castle made from ponykind and not from ... insectkind?
"Well?!"
"Ermm... I ... I was just an ordinary factory worker."
"Are you kidding me? I asked what you WERE, not what your pitiful society assigned as task to you."
The sudden outburst caught me offguard. I had not expected this much anger to come so overwhelmingly abrupt. From harsh but calm to angrily shouting in less than one second, that had to be some sort of record. And what did he even mean? Who I was? Well, who WAS I? I was a factory worker, a loving husband, a friendly neighbor and a chaotic tinkerer. Still, I felt that this was not what he was asking about.
"Your race? Your gender? Anything? Were you outfitted for war? Do you know anything about flying?"
If he had asked this all along, he could have saved us both from much trouble. I sighed as I gave my response:
"I was an unicorn ... once."
It still felt strange to speak of 'once', when it really had been just a couple of days. 936 years, not a couple of days. Admit it. This voice again! Are you switching on and off or something like that? For hours you are completely silent and then you suddenly come back?! Time always fools those who fail to look behind it. And what is that supposed to mean again? This voice is nothing but a bothersome parasite. Be careful who you call parasite, my little pendant. The assimilation will be soon and then you will be able to see. The hive will. The voice started to bucking laugh! Inside of my head! You can't imagine how creepy THAT is. Imagine standing alone in a giant dark hall and somepony is laughing. You don't know where it comes from, but the laughter goes through your entire body.
"An unicorn you say? This is indeed going to be annoying. At least the unicorns are said to be the most studious ones."
Studious? If he expected me to be studious, this really could require a loong time. Studying has always been one of the hardest things to me.
"Although I can't see why our queen would demand singled training for you. Learning with others will only help you, especially in what Captain Lorewing and Captain Incrim are going to teach you."
Names... I am really bad with names. Sometimes I keep them for a week or so, but I always remember them. Heck, in his first years I even had some moments where I had forgotten how my own son is called. You can't imagine anything more awkward than calling your son "son", followed by a glooming stare of your wife.
"If the queen is right with these 942 years, you are going to need a lot of recapturing. The ancient lore is dry history, hard to learn, but worth knowing about."
Dry history? Really? The first thing he had to endure in this 'hive' was the dry history of a thousand years? For my entire life I had shown a certain 'resistance' to education, especially for dry lessons.
"Let me begin."
"Right now?!"
"Of course. There is no time to waste. The queen has her plans. And the hive will."
The tone with which he spoke this recurring phrase made it obvious that he had far more belief in it. He spoke it like something to be proud of, not just like a repetitive mantra one was supposed to repeat after each sentence.
"The history of the changelings begins with the touched one. The first changeling. We will find him right over there."
"What?!"
The first 'changeling' to be found somewhere in this room? How could that be possible? Then again, how should it be possible for 936 years to have passed by?
"Yes. The first changeling. The most majestic statue of all... Our own creation."
The statue he presented was... ugly.There is to my knowledge no word to better describe how the statue looked like, especially when comparing it to the others. Simplistically said: It was ugly. If you want to let me explain that further: It was ugly because of two reasons: The first reason being just the crass contrast between the way it looked standing alone, the other being how it looked compared to everything else in this room.
The statue was made of the same gluey substance that the walls were also made off. For the statue however, it was less transparent and much less... fluent, I guess. The walls all seemed as if they were made of a fluid that had cooled while running down. You could clearly see the streams of substance inside of them. Looking at this statute however, it was completely solid. That didn't improve its look however, it just made it more comparable to bogeys or snot. So, let me add 'disgusting' to the plain ugliness. The details were tediously engraved, but what they formed didn't look like a pony, not even like a 'Changeling'. It looked more like a grotesque painting that a dying cat had drawn while someone had puked over it after eating too many cupcakes, then tried to erase that mistake with even more puke and just given up on it and put it in the dump, then it had somehow landed here in the end.
Comparing it to the other statues of pure majesty only made the appearance even more repelling. Instead of light reflexes playing around on its body, there was just this semi-transparent substance. A clump of snot, really. I guess Changelings aren't into art.
"A majestic statue, isn't it? Back in the time, we had another one, which was a bit... less pure."
How was it even possible to have an uglier statue than this?
"The first changeling, the touched one..."
I realized that this would be a long, tiring day... |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 6 - The first days | "... and that is how the first plague had begun. Next lesson will be tomorrow, early in the morning. Now head off to Captain Lorewing. He will teach you about the art of flight"
Slowly I got out of the trance-like state I had been in for the last couple of hours. The lecturing had been boring, to say the least. It seemed as this Captain Whateverhisnamewas had tried his best to bore me to death. There had been a moment where I had just slipped into dream just to wake up to his glooming stare, almost as if he wanted to rip my body apart with his eyes.
"You are dismissed."
With that, he just turned around towards a smaller door I had not noticed before in the back of the hall and left. I thought about following him, but then I just shrugged and turned towards the huge doorway we had entered through. If they just let me wander around like this, I might as well find my way somewhere else. It's not like I wanted to serve their stupid cause or anything like that. I wanted to go home... And I hate myself for allowing myself to keep coming up with it.
"Oh, you thought you could simply trail off like that?"
A deep voice coming from behind me startled me. If I guessed correctly, it was the voice of that particularly angry guard from earlier today. His angry snarl destroyed my thoughts of simply wandering off into freedom. Well, there was nothing to find in 'freedom' anyway. I didn't even know where I was. Still, the thought annoyed me to be forced to participate in this society of crazy 'Changelings' if that really was their name. They haven't shown much 'changing' in the last hours. Everything I had learned about them so far was that they have a long and boring history, beginning with the prime example of boredom: The first changeling. He had apparently been the first one to come in contact with the amulet. It had granted him this ... 'majestic body architecture', which was nothing but the dark shell that I now carried around with me too. Furthermore, he had been granted 'great power'. Then he had done a bunch of nonsense, fought with a couple of mythical creations and finally brought the 'plague' - I was still not sure what that was actually supposed to mean.
"It is quite interesting to see you standing there, ignoring me. If however, you are not going to obey my command I think I will have to execute you on the hive's behalf. The hive will."
No patience, these changelings. Only slowly I started following the heavily armored pony. He gave his best to disappear behind every corner, so I had to stumble through this castle almost alone. Whenever I decided it had been too much though, he came back to prevent me from just wandering off. I wonder if he was playing some changeling form of hide-and-seek with me or whether they had an universal pony-detection sensor in their 'hive' or maybe it was just my luck to be caught every time.
"Here you go. Have fun..."
The 'have fun' sounded much more like 'go die' than anything else. Clear annoyance, distrust, arrogance and hatred. You have got to love those ponies because otherwise...
"Ahhh. Hello ther' . Are you the young fella that is shupposed to be my trainee? Look at those wings! Have you even used shem once?"
The heavy accent made it hard to fully understand what he was saying, especially when his voice started to fade out in his excitement. However, from the first moment I had seen that pon... changeling, I had started to like him. He was friendly beyond mere reason. This contrast to every other changeling was quite impressive, but as was his strange voice deficiency. He seemed to have problems with his 's', sometimes letting the air just flow out of his mouth and sometimes adding it where it isn't needed. The way he spoke his 'r' also reminded me a bit of a scottish accent.
"Now come witsh me and let's get ready for takeoff."
He took me through further halls, but this time the journey ended very soon. He opened just another door, but this time searing light streamed through the opening. I had to close my eyes from the intensity of the sunrays burning into my eyeballs. For a minute or so there was nothing but the sharp pain in my eyes and the feeling of having become blind. For the last days I had not seen the sun, but had it ever been THIS intense?
Everything seemed of sudden, unknown brightness. Even the time I had met queen Chrysalis in the giant marble hall it had not been this intense. I slowly stumbled forward, but just to lose my ground. Everything suddenly turned upside down as I felt the well known pull of gravity. I couldn't even make out where I was falling, just that everything was shining in unnatural light. The impact however, was not what I had expected it to be. Instead of a hard, bonecrushing percussion, I actually felt a soft fabric below me. From somewhere above me I could hear the laughter of captain Lorewing echoing down.
"Heheh. I shee you have introdushed yourshelf to the flight hall already."
The flight hall seemed more like a gaping abyss hall. Looking up to the ledge I had fallen from, I could guess the height to be about a hundred hooves or so. The irritating light seemed to come from... Well, it was actually quite strange to see where it was coming from. Looking directly at it was impossible due to the sheer intensity, but I could very well see the green gluey walls containing dark lines that lead up to the point of light. However, I still had no idea what those actually were.
"Now come bach up her' and let me fix your wingsh."
It took me some time to actually regain my orientation. Obviously, I was lying on some fluffy fabric at the bottom of a high pit. Instead of practicing flying in freedom, this was an enclosed hall with artificial lighting. I wondered why they wouldn't just practice outside, but before I could even ask, Captain Lorewing already answered that question:
"We used to train outshide, but there had been inshidents wish the stray animals."
They were seriously not training outside anymore because of stray animals? Where in Equestria have I landed here? Still, it was probably for the best. If I had fallen somewhere outside, I would probably have found myself pierced by spikes once again. This fabric had also helped greatly in reducing the severity of the impact. Getting up to Captain Lorewing, however, would be another task. There were no stairs anywhere around, not even a ladder. Was I supposed to magically lift myself up there or what? I still was unsure how my horn would react to my commands, especially considering the recent events with Silver Coil.
"Flahp your wingsh boih!"
"But I can't! I have no idea how!"
"You musht be kidding meh!"
Without leaving me time to respond, he opened his wings and slowly descended to me. There was a certain grace in the way he flew down that did not match up with his voice. While his voice showcased his messy character, the way he flew was completely different, almost as if he had become a different pony. He even made a loop and a couple of helices, not to brag off or anything, but because he enjoyed the flight so much. When he landed there was an unignorable expression of sadness in his face, but just for a couple of seconds until the awkward smile reappeared.
"Well, boih, how often have yoush ushed there wings of yoursh?"
It took me a second just to realize what he had actually asked. Well, the answer was pretty easy to give though. After the initial disaster, I really hadn't used them at all.
"To be quite honest: I didn't know these were wings for quite a long time..."
"Oshtia! Ish that true?"
"I have no idea how to use these... plastic wings." [
To be quite honest, I had a firm grasp on how to use them in general, just not how I could use them. While tinkering around, I had actually created small winged creatures. I had attached two feathers onto a small mechanical device that basically just flapped its tiny arms up and down. At first, the device completely failed, not even rising an inch or so. With further improvements and further feathers, I actually created a suitable mechanical bird... sort of. It took a lot of studying wings, which is the main reason for my knowledge of flight. However, the flight of insects always fascinated me: Instead of having feathers, which allow aviation by their sheer design, insects have to deal with their chitinous layout. Feathers actually bend the streams of air around them in such a way that there is low resistance when flapping up and high resistance when flapping down. Insect wings, however, are stable. They don't bend air around them and thus should theoretically be impossible to fly with. Studying insects for hours and even working with biologists had not solved that problem. And now I was to fly with these? I didn't even know how to move them!
"Just shpread thosh wingsh."
"I would love to SHpread SHoSHe wingSH!"
Although I had not intended to sound this harsh, it had to be done. This accent was getting more annoying by the second. And the inability to move those darn things on my back didn't help my calmness either. This whole thing was just ridiculous!
"Ish... I hust wantshed... wanted to shelp..."
For a moment, I stood there gazing. I was not sure how I should react to this. Had I gone too far? No. This is just what they all deserve. These changelings, these monsters! Their feelings were none of my business. He was a captain for Celestia's sake. Captains are not supposed to be muttering weaklings. Captains are supposed to be strong leaders, harsh commanders and ideal examples for their fellow comrades. This was all just a bunch of ridiculous nonsense, and nothing I wanted to be a part of. I used levitation, the spell I could most easily access, having had to lift thousands of screws, cogs, and other small, fiddly parts in the factory. It had required much concentration, and over the years I had mastered the concept. What I had not expected though, was the reaction of my horn to the command. Instead of simply lifting me up onto the high end of the cliff, something went wrong with the spell. The world below me suddenly retracted with incredible speed, while the air just gave a quick sizzling sound. Like a cannonball fired from some forsaken cannon, I crashed into the ceiling. If I hadn't had this shell, I would have probably been nothing but bits and pieces by then. However, if I hadn't been in this shell, the whole problem would not have even existed...
Before Captain Lorewing was able to react, I already fell down again. Luckily the angle I had taken proved to be sufficient to reach the edge of the cliff with my hooves. Slowly, and still a bit taken by the hard impact, I pulled myself up again. Meanwhile, Captain Lorewing thrusted himself into the air right below me.
"Now come back here!"
The anger had purged any accent he may have had. I gave my best to run as quickly as I could, since I did not want to end up on one of the lances the guards kept carrying around. Unoriented, I drifted around random corners, not sure what would expect me behind the next one. Even though I had thoroughly expected it, I didn't encounter one guard. I just followed ancient halls, all stuck up with that disgusting green snot. I burst through the doors, trying to find a way to escape.
When I looked back, there was nopony following me anymore. Still, I felt the need to run, the need to escape from this horrible place. I didn't care about it anymore. Of course there was nowhere to go, but everywhere would be better than here...
I can't remember what door had lead me to freedom, but I can very well remember how surprised I had been. I had almost thought myself lost, when there had suddenly been a hot sun burning my skin. I stumbled a couple of steps forward, completely without orientation once again. This time however, there was no abyss to fall into. When my eyes had finally accustomed to the bright lighting, I found myself in... a dead valley. There is not much more to say about it. The same black earth, the same burnt shrubbery that I had seen before. Nothing lived out here. The vast emptiness reminded me of the emptiness of the 'hive'. From out here, you could clearly see the shape of the castle, although distorted through the vast amount of green, gluey gunge on it.
I ran further down, further into the valley. There was really nowhere to run to, just a general direction: Away from the forsaken castle inhibited by monstrous creatures. I may now look differently, but I have not changed! I am still the same pony! The further I ran though, the harder I could force myself forward. Slowly, I saw the reason fading why I should move forward. I had escaped, there was nopony following me anymore... If there ever had been anypony, that is. It was weird to realize that they had not chased me for some reason. Maybe they knew that this vast emptiness was no place to escape from or maybe they had more important things to worry about.
I didn't know where to go and that was probably the worst part of it all. I have heard of people getting lost on simple tours because of a lack of orientation. Luckily I knew how to interpret the sun's altitude in the sky to my advantage. By the direction where it was rising, I would be able to see where east was. By the route over the sky, I would be kept reminded on where to walk. However, I had no idea in what general direction civilisation lay. Would I have to trott northways? Should I try to find cities further south? Or maybe I could follow rivers? Rivers always lead to civilisation as I was told. However, this land didn't seem like there were many rivers around.
So, where should I head? There were some simple signs I had to pay attention to:
This climate seemed far too hot to belong to either polar region. It had to be a hotter region, somewhere close to the equator.
The vegetation suggested similar, however what was left of the actual vegetation couldn't tell much. This land was completely burnt down to the last bits and pieces.
I decided to seek my luck further in the north until I would be able to find a suitable river to follow. Ahead of me lay a shattered landscape, filled with rocks and burnt ground. So... The sun was somewhere in the sky right now and I couldn't tell yet if it was still ascending or maybe already descending. I guessed on ascending and decided to just take the easy path downhill.
It was all burnt. All of it. There was not a single bush or tree down here, that was still alive. I wondered how that could have happened. I mean, Celestia is careful enough to prevent deserts from spreading too far. Of course, Camels, Zebras and others still have to live somewhere.. but this? This was not a place where anything could possibly live. And now I was out here, stepping forward through these black valleys. I started to wonder: Why would it even be black out here? I had tributed it to the ground being this burnt, but as I looked closer, it seemed less and less like it. What would even be burnt, the rocks? I have never seen burnt rocks, maybe because that is actually quite hard to achieve. It wasn't covered with burnt vegetation either. It seemed to be just black stone, small pebbles with lots of holes inside of it; Dragonstone, named for its usual occurrence close to dragon hives.
I had never personally seen this kind of stone, only heard of it by explorers and adventurers. Those ponies who just set out into the world to find themselves. I never needed it, never wanted it. I knew how the world worked, by books and experiments. I taught myself everything that there was to know. So why would I want to get out there, where I would only miss what I had? And yet I could have used the knowledge right there, among the dragonstones in some forsaken land. I would have known how to react, how to cope with the situation. Now I was stranded in a dead valley that probably was inhibited by mighty dragons. GREAT! A good start to this epic adventure. Still, I trotted further. Not in the hopes of finding anything here, but hoping to find something that would just lead me away. Away from the castle, away from this new strangeness, away from what or not I was supposed to do. Not only that, but also away from my old life. Away from harsh memories, away from what I have used to be. Away into an unknown land that held new memories, new exciting experiences and maybe new love. I could still feel my heart burning in the well known pain. I had already lost my life long before this all had happened. I had CLINGED to it, not realizing it was long lost. My whole life had been the lie I had been telling myself. NOTHING BUT A LIE! It's all lies. I have never been loved, I have never loved. I have... I can't... My legs just gave in and my body toppled over. Although I had expected a harsh impact, there was just nothing. I have lost everything. I have even lost myself...
The depression and bitterness in the following days was even worse than sunrays relentlessly burning down onto me, the lack of food and the dehydration. Even though my stomach was constantly rumbling and my throat had dried out, it were still minor tortures compared to the unrelenting torment of my own thoughts. I could not bring myself to burst out in tears, instead the sorrow was eating into my flesh. I have lost everything... I still can't cope with that thought. What was I supposed to do? Being in the castle had distracted me from the realization and before that, the shock had protected me. Now I was all alone in some desert, left with my thoughts.
It was the third day... or maybe the fourth. I could not really tell anymore, I did not care anymore, night being as indifferent to day as my heart from a cold, black stone. My mind had given up to measure time as it had lost all meaning. Why would you count the days if there is nowhere to count towards? If there is nothing to look forward to, why would you even think about time? Time becomes nothing than an abstract thought, not bothering you in your sorrow.
A nice day to be spending alone, out in the desert isn't it? The voice, once again. I had not actually expected it... again. The voice seemed to have the habit to start speaking in the strangest moments. Oh, I am just being kind to you. We don't want you to go insane, do we? Well, hearing a bucking voice is quite close to insanity already. Yet I think it is time, time for me to start the convergence. You had your fun long enough, and now we can begin. It is going to be fun... Well for me, but not for you. Convergence? What the actual buck are you talking about? The convergence... It is the most wonderful thing you could imagine, it is a life changing experience. Every sad moment is purged by the sheer greatness of your new life beginning. You truly become a better pony. Just shut up, please! I don't need to hear, I don't even want to hear. Well, it is inevitable. You won't be able to stop it anyway. You have lost the ability to stop it. Go tell yourself it is all a dream, because isn't that easier than remembering? Remembering what she looks like? Stop it! This is none of your business! Oh, I know how she looked like. Her beautiful blue mane. Stop it! Stop it! Her beautiful green eyes. LIAR! STOP IT! Oh, and the way she moved. So elegantly. Shut up! Oh, but I haven't told you about her cutie mark yet. You are lying! You couldn't have known her! But I am in your head, am I not! "STOP! JUST SHUT UP!" I am not going to shut up, especially not when I can remember so well how she looked. Oh, she really was a beauty. Just... shut... Oh, can you remember how her eyes entranced you, her beautiful green eyes you could lose yourself in. Just... I... Don't be silly. I know all about her. I am your only connection to her. You are... right. Of course I am. I know who she was. Tell me about her ... NO! "What am I doing?! You are just a voice. JUST A VOICE! JUST A VOICE!" JUST A VOICE ... I am more than ... JUST A VOICE ... Keep telling y... JUST A VOICE ... Now liste... JUST A VOICE ... Are y... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... JUST A VOICE ... J- just ... just a ... just a voice. She never loved you. ...
Back then the voice stopped, once and for all as far as I can tell. The only problem was that I had changed due to its influence. I guess it was right, when it had talked about the convergence. Although it was not really a change for the better, it was most definitely a change of my very self. I can't exactly trace back what had happened to me. I became hard and distant, became somepony I had never wanted to be, I had felt my life slide away and it had driven me to a point where I couldn't take my old self anymore. I changed. Today I often say it was the magic of Vulcrim, the name that the voice had given itself. I like to say that because it is easier than those other explanations. Those other explanations involving my own weaknesses, my own anger and my desperation. Those other explanations involving the inevitable truth. It was not or not only Vulcrim. The voice may have made it easier, but in the end, it was only myself who broke down. To this day I cannot even say if Vulcrim existed or was just an imagined voice in my head. Maybe I had been insane all along or maybe I had only turned insane after Vulcrim had left. Maybe I had only turned more insane after I had not been able to calm myself with a voice anymore, or maybe it really had been convergence. I don't know and honestly I do not care anymore. I am only glad that I did not commit suicide in that time of self-hatred and anger. Maybe Vulcrim was something that lead me to insanity, maybe it held me away from insanity; in either case, I changed when it was gone.
To whom did I change? That is a question even harder to answer, but not impossible. I think it is easiest to explain by telling my story further... |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 7 - A new beginning | The sound of hooves had disrupted him in his thoughts. That strange sound of hooves, a sound he had almost forgotten. A sound like no other, calming as the neverending noise of rain drops impacting on cloth. He loved the rain because it had always helped him to keep calm, soothed him into sleep, even in the worst times he ever had. He had embraced not only the calm sound but also the predictability of rain. You knew that it would never just stop abruptly, it would go on for hours and only when the time was right, it would slowly fade into the noise of the world. He took a deep breath in as the memory of the soft massage of thousand drops returned. The image of a light curtain made out of millions of small droplets, each and every one finding their way down to earth. Landscapes drenched in water, grass overwhelmed by its weight and bowing down, trees waving in the heavy storms and clouds hushing through the sky. Rain was much more than a simple phenomenon, but a symphony of nature, a composition of each amazing note.
So, how came it to be that such a strange sound had entered his ear? This question plagued his mind as he was unable to find a suitable answer. They had given up the search for him, hadn't they? Then who was it to disturb his slumber with such elegant and yet misplaced sound? Who was it to bring his mind into unease, a state it had not been in for a long time?
"Down there! There is something down there!"
An unfamiliar voice, sounding like a young mare. A soft, a soothing and pacifying voice. A voice that everypony should have heard once in their lives so they could immerse themselves in that heavenly bliss which was her voice. A voice as comforting as angels singing sweetest songs for mortals to be heard and hearts to be moved. A voice of such magnitude and yet sweet and calm. Nothing could have ever compared to such a voice, nothing could have sufficed to stand in its place.
"I think it is a pony! We have to help her... or him!"
The same voice. Other words, soothing words. Wonderful words, new words. He could listen to that voice for days, for years, for the rest of his life. His own voice had become so very deep, so very raspy. The softness of her voice was such a beautiful contrast to his own harshness. What sweet angel spoke these words that he would never forget? It had been an eternity since he last had pushed his body up, or at least it had seemed like one. His legs seemed to tremble in the first moments, but as soon as he was able to stretch them out a bit more, his standing was as strong as ever. How long had he been down there? He had forgotten time and its necessity in his isolation.
The hooves slowly closed in on him, slowly descending down into his cave. How would they react when they found out he was not a pony? Would the voice just leave? He didn't want the voice to leave him alone, to leave him alone in crushing solitude once again. Too long had he been absent of its sound and too long had he been alone in his cave. Would they try to attack him? They could judge upon appearance rather than his actions, quickly ending his fate. The bigger question was, whether he would actually care about being attacked. Would he? He wasn't sure. The primal instinct kept telling him to run or hide, but his mind was too broken to react. He had stopped reacting a long time ago...
Suddenly, he heard somepony screaming and the unnerving sound of the pebbles rolling down the hill, taking a body with them. This time, however, it wouldn't be prey for him to feast upon. Would it really be a pony, or had the voice led him to false conclusions? He walked slower as he heard other hooves quickly approaching.
"Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Are you okay?! Are you hurt? Fluttershy?"
The sweet voice didn't answer their call. He was almost there, almost able to see the pony. He continued to hear the ponies speaking, but he didn't listen to their shabby voices anymore. For what beauty entered his eyes rendered all other senses useless. What meaning was there in feeling, tasting, smelling or even hearing, when before him was all the beauty of the world. It had all been darkness, all isolation, and now there was... A pony. Not just any petty pony though, but a true beauty. She lay on her side, all four legs stretched out as the desperate attempt to catch her had failed. He could see the bleeding wounds on her legs, but he did not have time to give them further attention. He had to spend every single moment gazing upon her beautiful face. It was covered with strains of bloody hair, but he could still make out every detail. The pink mane was more than just a beautiful contrast to the yellow coat, it was much more than he could have ever dreamed upon meeting a pony again.
Her face told stories of incredible sweetness, loveliness and kindness. It told stories of a shy pony, one that always valued others higher than herself. It told stories of a friend to everypony. He could not imagine that she would or even could hate. He trotted ever closer to stare deeper into those eyes. Those skyblue eyes which stole his senses, stole his time and stole his memories. He lost himself in them, unable ... no, unwilling to look away. He had not known that such beauty had ever exist-
"A MONSTER!"
What had been sweet background noise before, now had turned into a shrill shriek as a white unicorn had discovered him. Her purple mane was curled in unusual matter, almost hypnotising. The strange unicorn was being followed by three other ponies. Not only would he meet one pony, but five of them? A pink earth pony mare was bouncing around the corner, but there was a deep determination in her eyes, below the layer of superficial happiness. There was an orange farm pony, a southern mare of incredible strength, but not only on the outside. Her eyes showed more than just determination, also anger, hatred, pain and fear. The mare however, that caught his utmost attention was the purple pegas... Alicorn. He had not seen an Alicorn before and the stories had only rarely reached his ears, stories of the two aspring princesses defeating evil again and again. A true alicorn! The way she marched forward made it obvious that she was the leader of the group. Her eyes were flaming in anger and hatred. This one would not hesitate to attack. Again, the question crossed his mind if or how much he would care. He couldn't help but feel no importance to this topic that everypony else would have given their highest attention to.
The shadow had betrayed whomever had tried to approach him from behind. However, the betrayal didn't weigh much as it was already too late to evade the imminent attack. The pain of a hard impact entered the corner of his mind, but it was quickly pushed aside by the ignorance he had learned in his loneliness and the newfound ecstasy about meeting other ponies. At first he thought he had indeed hit his head, but while time marched on, the image didn't change. There was a rainbow colored mare standing above him. Although he admired the colors, they could not compare to the simple beauty of the mare he had seen first. His eyes glanced over to the body, still lying there unconsciously, but obviously still breathing.
"Oh no you won't."
The rainbow colored pony hovered her hoof and let it slide right onto his face, pressing his face to the ground.
"Just as nasty as the other ones. Oh, I hate these changelings!"
The alicorn stepped forward, something he could only make out from the edge of his eyes. She was slowly trotting, but there was more weight to her steps than he had expected. Most ponies - like that farm pony - simply walk. The alicorn however, had a weight in her steps that was unmatched. The ground itself seemed to tremble under her hooves, or maybe he interpreted too much into it.
"Let me have a look at it."
He had thought not to be able to feel anymore, yet the last word still struck him. It. He was no pony anymore, he was simply an 'it'. As the alicorn approached, she slowly slipped out of his field of vision, which was bound to the hundreds of dragonstones around him. While she was also increasing the pressure onto his head, the rainbow colored mare started speaking again.
"Guys! Did you see how I got this one singlehoofedly? You can thank me after we've squeezed everything out of him!"
"Look at his mouth! A beast! Poor Fluttershy! What has that foul monster done to her? I can only imagine the horror that Fluttershy had went through, the drama, the incomparable torment!"
His mouth? It took him longer than it should have to remember what could possibly be so upsetting about his mouth. The last prey had only been a couple of days ago and since then it had not rained. And this is how the circle closes, all turns back to the rain. The wonderful, most delightful rain. For days it had been amiss now, and he had missed the sweetness of its sound. Now he had found something of so much higher beauty, of so much more importance.
"Has he bitten her?"
This was going too far. Even though his mouth was pressed against the smooth edges of the dragon stones, his voice still came out clear, although wrought with the deep harshness forged in his solitude, echoing from the hills around them.
"I am not a barbarian, nor am I a cannibalist."
Stating that he was, in fact, not a Changeling would just be foolish as it would simply grow their distrust. Maybe with the right words he could get a little bit more time to revel in her presence. The alicorn continued speaking with that voice that pierced through the landscape like a sharp blade.
"He can talk?"
"Isn't it normal to talk? Everypony talks..."
"You are not a pony! You are a monster and you tried to eat her!"
The lavender alicorn punctuated this painful accusation with a stomp of her hoof, causing the earth to vibrate. Her eyes seemed to burn in some unholy fire, her anger spreading throughout the world like a dark aura.
The words themselves, however, were piercing his heart like a fiery dagger, but he knew the pain too well already. He had had his time to deal with the devastation, now he had emptied himself. There had been a time where he had sit in his-
The sudden change in lighting stopped his thought. There was only so much that could have caused it and the glowing purple reflection on one of the stones gave the presence of magic away. His reaction was almost primal instinct, turning his body to the side, taking the surprised rainbow mare with him through the momentum. While he was still turning, he pushed himself up, lifting his heavy, chitinous body a couple of hooves into the air, rotating until he finally landed on all four of his hooves. The spell fired onto the black stone, throwing him a couple of hooves back. This Alicorn was a huge threat, something well expected of such a divine pony.
The rainbow mare agreed and instantly thrusted towards him, leaving him no choice but to counteract. He would have refrained to use magic as he had involuntarily burnt every single prey to crisps, but he had no choice. The spell he channeled to defend himself was a simple levitation spell, but once again it turned into something completely different. Instead of stopping the rainbow colored mare in the air, it rammed her right into the dark stone below. She bounced and slid over the ground, until the wall brought an end to her motion. Her blood drenched body had stopped moving. He had not intended to hurt anypony, but looking at the red substance flowing out of her body, he knew that he had undeniably broken that promise he had tried so hard to keep. Never hurting anypony else was a goal that had always been unreachable. Sometimes, you inflict pain without even knowing it, or as in this case without even having the intention to do it.
The rainbow mare roared in anger, jumping high up into the air and flapping her wings two times. Any normal pony would have been unable to even move, while she was already behind him again. Although he disliked the thought of having to use his magic once again, especially after seeing the devastating results it could have, she still gave him no real choice in that matter.
"Oh, you want to put up a fight?! I am going to show you how real pegasi fight!"
foalhood. Without hesitating much further, he let the magic flow through his body, streaming through every limb, assembling his strength and binding to his will, until he finally released the finished spell through his horn.
The shield seemed to work at first... until the rainbow mare actually reached it. When her hooves touched the smooth magical surface, the shield burst apart in flames. A giant explosion not only outwards, but also going inwards. It threw him off his hooves, down another hill of dragonstone, down into another black cave. The Alicorn howled in anger somewhere far in the distance. He came crashing to a halt, and after a moment of pain, managed to stand up, even though his hooves were still aching from the explosion. If even he had been hurt so badly from that distance to his shield, how much pain had he inflicted on the pegasus?
Suddenly, he stopped, as he had just laid his eyes upon something that could very well mean his salvation. A cave to hide in, a cave to forget the whole story, a cave that would let him escape from this unpleasant surprise. He hesitated. Right in front of him was the end to this all, the ability to just end this chapter. Right behind him was an angry alicorn and an even angrier soldier of her's. However, he still hesitated. What was actually holding him from the escape, what weighed more than his wellbeing? It was ... the mare. It was impossible to just go his way without her, without the possibility to ever again have a glance at her beauty, to hear the voice that would never leave his mind again.
He waited. The alicorn came closer and closer, followed by some of her friends. He couldn't hear the light flapping of the wings of a certain pegasus anymore... But that didn't have to mean he had killed her! He had never killed anypony...
The distant thunder of the alicorn's voice interrupted his grim thoughts.
"We are going to find you and you are going to rue this day! You will regret ever having done this to Fluttershy!"
There was one question he could not solve, a riddle that kept him busy, this problem he could not work around: How would he get to that sweetest of all mares, the mare of dreams, the mare of angels, the mare of purest beauty? How would he get to her, when there was an angry horde of ponies chasing after him? He would not be able to win against five ponies, especially not if one of them was an alicorn. There was only one way to see her again: To get captured. What would make them keep him alive though? Fear of wrath? Seeing worth in him? Having a hostage? There was really nothing valid enough to stop their lust for killing.
He would have to fight them somehow, pulling a trick from under his mane, or taking another dice out of his tail to weigh his fate anew. Only a miracle would help him now and that miracle would need to be his own hoof's work. To fight a superiority was to use their weakness as your own advantage. He just had to create a situation where they would hinder each other, a situation of chaos ... and his environment was the only thing that could help him with it. There was nothing inside of the cave, nothing hidden within the impenetrable darkness. There was only the cave itself, the cave and its gloom. His eyes knew the darkness, he had become used to it. They, however, were proud ponies, proud to walk on their bright soil, to bath their bodies in the sun above, to seek their fortune, while he hid in the shadows.
There was a way. Yes, he could already see it. It would require his utmost attention, it would be a highly difficult task with this horn of his, but it could very well pay off. There was no other choice anyway, so there was nothing to lose. To see her again, he would have to imprison the alicorn and her guards in his darkness.
"There is no escape for you anymore. You are trapped."
"Come out!"
They were screaming, but soon their stubborn mind would force them inside.
"He won't come out...
It tastes so sweetly to watch your plan being fulfilled, the sweet taste of victory. He always won over his prey, no matter how strong it was. He was the one who lingered in the shadows and he would be their demise. The sound of their hooves clopping on the hard stone ground was like the seconds counting down in a mighty clock.Their seconds were flowing away and they didn't even know it. They couldn't feel it, not the way he could. They couldn't see it, they didn't have his eyes. They couldn't smell the smell of danger that lingered heavily in his shadows, something that would cost them dearly.
"I can't see them. Twilight?"
The dim glow of purple magic swept through the cave; A sign. Like a giant clockwork tower, the wheels started turning, a simple gesture having initiated something far greater. Wheel after wheel was set in motion and his horn started glowing dimly. He took in the deep breath, letting the magic once again stream through his body, taking his energy with it, being formed to his will, being bent by his mind, until a cracking noise arose. The spell left his horn and spread quickly into the ceiling of the cave, into every crack, settling in every unseen fracture in the smooth skin of the soft stone.
But even before the alicorn had been able to charge her magic once again, his magic did its work. The stone had been weakened and now it collapsed. A sound of thousand thunders, a roaring cry of collapsing stone, trying to hold itself in position just to be crushed by the pressure of the rocks further above. The darkness filled every part of the cave, a darkness carrying thick air and dust with it, making it hard to even breathe. He had imprisoned them, now he only needed to use his advantage.
"Two little ponies in my lair. Tell me, what do you think is the most destructive force you know? Do you even know whom you have awoken?"
His voice echoed from the smooth surface of the dragon stones. However, there was something else howling back at him. Something from deep inside of the cave. Warm air was streaming towards him, flowing over his body. The ground started vibrating, as something seemed to have awoken. Something far more terrible than him.
A distant light, almost like a star twinkling in deepest night. A small, beautiful distraction somewhere in the distance. For just a moment, it seemed as if it would remain as small as it seemed, but then it quickly grew in size. A wall of fire burnt through the entire cave, illuminating the scared expression on his persecutors' faces. It was the last image before the blinding light made it impossible to see anything. Within seconds, there also came an unbearable heat, consuming flesh and bringing piercing pain to him. The sheer force of the fiery hell forced him off his hooves, throwing him against a hard, burning surface. The impact almost deprived him of his consciousness, but he stood strong. What followed was a thick darkness, filled with hot smoky air that burnt the lungs whenever one tried to breath. Even worse than that was the pain when the dust reached the eyes, making it impossible to open them for much longer than a couple of heartbeats. It was a chaotic mess, an overwhelming disability of senses. He stumbled forward, just to instantaneously be rewarded by massive pain upon colliding with another wall and collapsing down to the ground.
A roaring scream followed the wall of fire, echoing through the cave. It seemed as if the whole world had started to blur in this darkness. There were ponies lying on the ground but it was impossible to count their number. Their bodies were covered with red stains, in which the black dust of the cave had accumulated. His own body hurt as if somepony had scraped his very skin off. He would have screamed if the impact had not pressed all air out of his body, leaving him panting in these burning ashes in the air. He had trapped them, but also himself. Their demise would now be his, so unless he would fight the beast alone, he would have to keep them alive until they had recovered from the burning breath of the monster deep down in its lair. He had disrupted its slumber and this was his punishment.
He took one last deep breath before finally channelling the spell he had failed to complete before. The shield would protect them all from further damage. Although he disliked the idea of saving his prosecutors, it was his only option to defeat the beast. He took his time with the spell, trying to perfect their only defense. He slowly absorbed the magic from around him, letting it flow through his body. Although the mind is the biggest contributor to form the magic that is lead into the body, the body itself still forms the spell the most, it gives it the essence and the characteristic aura. The mind only directs the spell, directs in what form the magic should manifest itself.
He had learned so much about magic by Silver Coil. He had been taught everything, from the way magical spells work to the finest controls over their exact execution. Silver Coil had obsessed about him learning every single piece of information about magic. Maybe that had been Silver Coil's way of dealing with the inability to ever cast it himself... Silver Coil had always pushed him a bit further, to observe the spells that Starswirl himself had taught in praxis rather than just in theory. To some degree, he had been a protege of Star Swirl, although a very indirect one. All the knowledge he had acquired from Silver Coil, however, would not help him fighting off a fully grown dragon.
Usually he wouldn't have feared a dragon like this. While it is true that there are some frightening beasts out there, normal dragons can usually be defeated by a single magically advanced unicorn. A mistress - or master - of magic if you will. This however, wouldn't just be any kind of dragon. Guessing by the traces he had seen during his desolation, this would be a shadowborn, a distinct race of dragons known for their resistance to magic. Furthermore, these dragons were often much more astucious than most other conspecifics. The harsh landscape and the constant lack of food had forced these dragons to adapt to the rough conditions.
A groan filled with pain startled him and he nearly let go of his spell. The ponies behind him seemed to have returned from their unconsciousness just to find themselves painfully burnt in a dark cave. He couldn't even imagine what pain they were feeling as his own shell had mostly prevented heavier damage. They had nothing but their coat to save them, which is probably why they had fallen into unconsciousness unlike him. Without leaving them much time to react, the dragon seemed to have made its way further through the cave. Although he could not see the dragon itself, he could hear the deep vibrations of its heavy claws impacting on the hard ground again and again. A bright light suddenly flashed as the alicorn had pressed herself against a wall, unable to stand without the additional support. Her light did not only reveal the dragon slowly sneaking closer, but also the horrific wounds that the wall of fire had inflicted. They were much more than wounds, it almost seemed as if their whole skin had been peeled off, cut in pieces and then glued back on them. His last meal almost came up again, and it probably would have, if there had not been the steady treading of the heavy beast.
As soon as the dragon had realized that he had been discovered, he jumped towards the shield. The impact almost broke the magical surface, but he held strong against it, not letting go of his spell. The following roar almost shattered his ears as it came from just a couple of hooves in front of him. The gaping mouth of the beast was filled with razor sharp teeth and a blue slimy substance that one could only guess to be saliva, if not sevendayed ooze - and no, you should not ask about that, for your own sake. The teeth were arranged in three rows, each tooth having some sort of hook on their end to make it impossible for prey to escape once bitten. Not that the bite itself wouldn't kill everything the dragon decided to push its sharp teeth into anyway. From inside the deep throat a fountain of fire spread over the entire shield, blinding everypony inside. There was nothing but a fiery hell around them, nothing but a dead-end with an especially painful death at its end. How would they escape from this predicament... if their escape was even an option?
The dragon seemed to realize that the fiery breath was doing nothing, and quickly changed its tactic. Instead of wasting its burning breath, it started to circle the magic shield, examining any weaknesses that it could possibly posses. While the farm pony slowly pushed herself up, the alicorn was already channeling some sort of spell. Within a moment, she was gone and with her was the earth pony. The darkness once again filled the cave, leaving him alone with the dragon... |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 8 - Predicaments | The Shadowborn dragon didn't seem amused, disturbed in its own lair by its own prey. It should be glad that the prey had actually found its way into the cave alone, but after two of the delicious snacks had just disappeared in a glowing orb and the other one, who had caused a cave-in before, was now hidden behind some darn magical shield, it could not bring itself as far as to enjoy this interesting turn of events. It would have probably taken it with amusement, if it had not been for the disturbed slumber and the lack of food in the last days.
The whimsical pony before him seemed to have created some sort of barrier, keeping itself safe. He had not seen this kind of pony before, as it seemed to be some mutant hybrid between these nasty insects with their hard-to-open shells and the rare travelers, which most of his conspecifics liked to feast upon. Although their taste was much more refined than the insects', the often did not put up much of a challenge which he favored over simple slaughter. This one, however, would be different. It would put up the well known challenge, but its taste would most definitely be a new experience.
The question however remained, how he could destroy that magical shield. His own body would prevent any magical tricks that this pony could try to pull on him, but it would not help him simply getting through the barrier. If he could startle this pony, there were good chances that it would just let go of the shield in shock. He had revealed his graceful body already and the cave itself was not much to work with. He had to do something that the little pony would not be prepared for, something that the tiny pony would never expect... An idea formed in his mind, a simple trap, but maybe just enough to get more. He could simply wait out the pony's magical strength and consume it at the end of the week, or month, or year. Would it even matter? There was something much more appealing than that though. Why should he be content with one little pony, and why not three of them? The other two had escaped, but his mighty wings were stronger than those stumpy things they call legs. To get those other ponies though, he would have to open the cave. And that is where this little unicorn could come in handy. Of course he could have done it with his own mighty claws, but then it would have taken an hour maybe, too long for his prey to escape. Maybe, if the unicorn would see no other choice than destroying the wall behind it...
The dragon seemed to pander about something, not having moved for almost a minute. Its empty eyes just stared at him, almost as if the pure act of staring could bring it prey. Surely it was thinking about a way to destroy that shield of his. He had put a lot of effort into the spell, but he could already feel his powers being drained. It was wonderous that the shield had even worked, as for the entirety of his desolation every spell he had tried to cast had failed horribly.
Suddenly the shadowborn dragon started moving again, but neither in a defensive stance nor really emitting raw aggression. It definitely had something - The first hit caught him off guard. With incredible velocity the Shadowborn had stopped moving and sprung towards the shield. The impact thew him off his hooves as first holes appeared in his shield. He intensified the effort, but the dragon was already attacking again. This time, he was prepared and instead of taking another serious hit, he evaded a bit backwards, just for his hoof to collide with the heavy pile of rocks. Slowly he started climbing upwards, which was a really difficult task without leaving the shadowborn out of sight. Maybe that is what the cunning dragon wanted: If it could bring him to fall while pushing him back into the pile of stones, it would have an easy meal. If however, he could reach the top of the pile without falling, he would require much less energy as his sides would be safely covered by rocks.
Another strike fell down from up above, almost bringing him out of balance. The top half of the shield had broken apart and he would not be able to fix it fast enough. He desperately tried to climb further up, where the ceiling would cover that weak spot. The dragon roared, showing off its giant teeth once again. He was almost at the top, just two more stones... and done. The shadowborn however was relentless. It jumped towards the small sphere, pushing its teeth deeply into the magical barrier. At some spots, the barrier just burst under the pressure, letting the sharp teeth come closer and closer. With every spot breaking, the teeth gained an inch, already eagerly eying thier precious prey. He gave it all, trying desperately to repel the mighty beast, but his abilities were limited. From one predicament, he had come into the next. Down there, he could have run. Down there, there had not been sharp teeth closing in on him, inch after inch. One already touched his leg and he could feel the blade slowly cutting it open. Another one had reached his flank, also sinking into the hard shell of his. The teeth seemed to simply push through the hard shell, almost as if they were snapping through air. There was only one way left. The sharp teeth didn't leave much of a choice, neither enough time to properly decide. Either inevitable death or the chance to live on.
While the sixth tooth found its way inside his body, he started to channel what could be the last spell. The pain was unbearable, but he did not allow himself to think about it. Either life or death. While the spell was far short of being finished, he had to let it go. The eighth tooth was already scraping at the surface of his neck, while the first one was already pushing out through the other side of his leg. It would be a mighty explosion, split into two parts. One would hopefully open a hole in the wall behind him, potentially pushing him into the teeth by the sheer shockwave. The other one would hopefully catapult him away from the dragon. There was no time left. It had to be done...
With a mighty roar the tiny pony closed its eyes. The dragon already thought he had accidentially gone to far, when the wall behind his little snack burst apart in a magic aura. What he had not expected was the second explosion following shortly afterwards. The explosion deafened his ears and blinded his eyes, but the pain it inflicted was even worse. The heat as nothing but a well known feeling, but the incredible pressure almost ripped his mouth apart. He could barely see the prey flying through the small hole behind it, leaving a trail of blood behind. Slightly overwhelmed by the sheer intensity, the dragon had to take a step back. For a second it seemed like his stomach could empty, but he quickly regained his senses. Even though it had been a painful exercise, the hole was open and there were still some ponies to be crushed. It took him not more than half a second to push his mighty body through the small hole. Bits and pieces of the stone wall were thrust into the air as his muscles tensed up to make his way into the much deserved freedom, taking half of the wall with him.
Out here was the burning sun again, the hot desert air and the black ground beneath him. It had not always looked like this, but in his young days he had liked to watch the stones burn and with them everything that those ponies had held dearly. It had been better days, more prey and less effort. Now the landscape had been declared hostile and the amount of ponies traveling through his lands had dramatically decreased. Right now, there were two ponies on the loose.
It took him not more than one mighty flap of his wings to burst highly into the sky, letting out a roar, vibrating through the vast emptiness below him. He quickly found what he had been searching for. While a couple of hundred hooves in front of his cave lay the prey he had found, not only two, but five ponies were another hundred hooves away. There was another, particularly strangely colored rainbow pony lying very closely to the group. Seven ponies... What a feast on this bright day.
"A dragon?!" Pinkie Pie screamed.
Twilight cringed, not only upon seeing the giant beast having freed itself from its prison, but much more because of the expression of Pinkie's face; The fear in those eyes which were usually bright stars of joy burned into Twilight's mind. While she could understand that feeling - seeing how her own legs had began to tremble - , she still hated to see Pinkie Pie experience it. Her friend who had always stood strong against any threat, laughing into the face of evil, was now cowering behind her. She couldn't explain how the dragon had escaped the cave after that damned Changeling had caused a cave-in. It should not have been possible and yet the dragon's shadow was blocking the sun above them. Rainbow Dash had somehow managed to come closer to Fluttershy, both only slowly recovering. Twilight wished she could have taken the advice and made a pause from her training. Now she was exhausted, especially after performing that teleportation spell. She had not eaten for two days now and her body reminded her painfully of that fact. If that damned Changeling had not lured them into a dragon cave like a madpony, it would have all been fine. This Changeling had brought nothing but trouble. As the shadow quickly grew bigger, Twilight knew that the dragon had started its attack without having to stretch her neck. The shield she created was a simple shield, but it should be enough to stop a dragon, even one this big. She had seen bigger, but the black scales reflecting the sunlight made it impossible to stare at it longer than just a moment.
Before the dragon would hit the shield, Twilight quickly performed a magical ice bolt. A very difficult spell which she had found in the Canterlot library in "Advanced Masteries of the Art of Magic" by StarSwirl himself. It had taken her years to perfect the spell, but she had never given up. The small snowball didn't seem like much of a threat, but as soon as it impacted on the dragon's skin, it quickly spread its freezing power. Within seconds, the entire dragon was frozen in its motion, falling down from the sky like a stone. She already wanted to scream in delight as the ice vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The dragon quickly corrected its angle and just burst THROUGH the shield. No, really. A dragon penetrated her shield. To be honest, it was a simple shield, yet it should still not have been possible. Was she really this tired?
Instead of crushing to the ground as she had planned it to, the dragon softly landed a couple dozen hooves in front of her, only barely catching itself. Without losing any time, it just jumped towards Twilight, opening its mouth broadly. A mouth filled by hundreds of sharp teeth, even with a Changeling leg stuck in between them. If she had fought alone, Twilight would have just jumped to her side. Here she was not only protecting herself though, but also her friends. For them, she would have to stay strong and she didn't plan to disappoint them. A giant chunk of the ground before her slit upwards as her horn had barely started to glow. She had indeed become faster than her magic aura. The time it took for the visual light to be emit from the magic was longer than it took the magic to actually reach its target.
The dragon crushed into the stone wall, ripping it apart with its heavy body, then flying just over their heads, its angry teeth snapping for anything in their proximity, and finally landing far behind them. When the dragon jumped up for another attack, Twilight had already created another shield. The sharp teeth dug deeply into her magical barrier, slowly ripping it into pieces. Any normal dragon would have lost its teeth by this time... Either she was much weaker than she had thought to be or this dragon as not just a normal dragon. With a last effort, she created a magical spear and accelerated it towards the dragon. It flew like a bolt, simply piercing through the dragon's neck, and stopping before it could leave on the other side. The dragon, however, took its revenge before Twilight or anypony could have possibly reacted: The huge tail swung like a whip and crushed through the shield, digging its spiked end into the only ponies still standing.
The world seemed to disappear so incredibly fast. There was so much to still be done, so much she had not said. This couldn't just be it. It was not suposed to end like this. Her entire life, those years of studying. Every second she had spent, every moment she had enjoyed, every heartbeat she had despised. All of this ending here, with a small mistake? There was another explosion, or maybe she dreamt that. A burning pit of fire and thousands of pillars. Celestia talking to her about studies, her mom and dad looking at her with that certain spark in their eyes, the spark of loving parents. Was this really it? She felt a tear running down from her eyes, followed by another one and yet another one. Soon she could not decide if it were her tears or the rain coming from empty clouds. A hellish nightmare of a pony laughing maniacally, a night as dark as no other. Chaos and disruption, anger and distrust, hatred and betrayal, Discord and Chrysalis...
Was this the end?
Scrift laid down into his soft, comfy bed and let the events of the day pass by again. They had been ordered to search that newling he had rescued. By now he was almost sure he should have never saved Ethereal Tear as that ling had not brought anything but troubles. Neither had the rescue been recognized nor had the newling proven very useful. And now Scrift was seen as the fault for all the unnecessary searching, just because of this heroic sacrifice. How could a newling even be able to evade the entire hive like this? He moaned as he moved just a bit further under the blankets, a bit deeper into the comforting warmth. A strange tradition, these beds. He would have usually preferred the sleeping chambers and not these beds, but since they had started the search, he had felt uncomfortable sleeping at their side. Sleeping while having to worry about some sort of vengeful strike just wouldn't work.
Before he could drift into sleep though, the small wooden door was burst open. It was strange to have a door, such an inconvenient little thing. Why would you make it difficult to get into your own room by putting a wooden board in front of it? It was so much easier to just leave an entrance open, because that is what an entrance is supposed to be: Open! How could you even think it would be beneficial to put a board in front of it? What had the person inventing this "door" thought? 'Oh, I am just going to put this wooden plank here to make it difficult to get into my own room.' The door could not even keep any unwanted visitors out, as the guards had simply knocked it down. Now it was nothing but a pile of rubbish anyway, so there was nothing to complain about anymore.
"You! Come with us! The queen wants to see you for some reason. I guess, the hive will."
The guard with that incredibly deep voice. There was something about that Changeling, but Scrift had never cared or dared to ask. Whom would he ask anyway? The leader of the guard? Probably not, he wouldn't be too excited about some strangeling asking him about his guards.
"Are you deaf? The queen wants to see you!"
Scrift quickly got out of the comfy blankets and followed the growling guards. Even through their aggressive appearance, he could still make out the excitement in their eyes. Or could it be mischievousness? The guards seemed to be a lot hastier today; There was definitely something going down...
As Scrift began to wander alongside the guards, he began to wonder: What could be the premise of the guard's escort in this late hour? And where were they heading towards? A real escort only made sense if it would either lead to the hall of the queen or to the grand entrance. So either punishment by the queen herself would await him or his exemption from the hive. Neither of both alternatives sounded too delightful...
The heavy metal doors opened very slowly and with a loud screeching sound. They should really get the thing fixed at some point, or maybe it was the sound to prepare one before meeting her. A screeching sound, much like the promise that something terrific would await you, beautiful and vengeful at the same time. A queen like no other before her, ruling her fellow Changelings with incredible might and cruciality and yet caring for every single one of them.
"Ahh, Scrift."
For a moment he was just completely perplexed. Not only had she spoken before he had bowed to her, but she had also mentioned his name. Had he become famous over night or what was this supposed to mean?
"Your majesty!" he quickly added with a deep bow to her. He kept his eyes down on the ground, not daring to look up to her legendary beauty.
"I have decided to promote you."
What? So he was getting promoted now? This would be too good to be true, there had to be some trick to this, some veiled agenda.
"I promote you to leader of the search troup delta. Your assignment is to search the newling. And now get out of my sight, I have more important business to deal with than the misfortunes of single Changelings."
With that, she pointed her hoof towards the door again. Scrift had no real choice but to turn around again, not really having fully arrived. Why was the queen so busy? And more importantly, why would she promote him to a search troup leader? He had not done anything showing leadership qualities except saving a random newling, which shouldn't be considered as anything important anyway. Either this was some totally inconceivable plan that only such a genius like the queen herself could create, or it was some kind of hidden punishment. Or maybe she just had to promote someling and he was just the one in her mind at the moment.
Each option had its own weirdness inside: If it was a genius plan, how would a search troup partake in it? If it was some veiled punishment, why would she punish him with a promotion? A promotion was furthest from the idea of 'punishment' he could possibly think of. So it had to be some random promotion... Yes. The most probable thing was that it was just some kind of weird randomness going on right here, a machine set in motion by the throw of some dice. Then again, why would the queen ever rely on randomness? Every plan of hers was cunning and ingenious and she never relied on such things as 'luck'. Leader of the search troup. That actually sounded quite nice and a promotion was something he most definitely deserved after that most epic rescue of his, raining down from the sky into a deep pit of dangerous, giant, ling-feasting spikes and helping that poor firstling out of his misery. What if he could actually get a bit further? What if he could become squadron leader? Or the queen's personal guard? Finally, after years of being ignored, he had found his way up the ladder of success.
The silent darkness surrounded her, leaving her no place to hide from her own fears. The picture quickly changed into that of the strange amulet that she had seen in her dreams. The amulet that was the sole reason for their adventure and the sole reason for what had happened. Shortly after having her first dream interrupted by the ruby encased in a golden necklace, she had sent a letter to Celestia asking about the strange amulet. Celestia's answer though was disappointing: Under no circumstances should Twilight try to find the amulet and Celestia herself would deal with it. The visions didn't stop occurring though, and as dream after dream kept stealing her nights, she had to start researching. She couldn't just let her nights vanish into these weird nightmares, which kept waking her up.
The problem to the whole thing was just that she didn't know where to search. She had searched about a red amulet, but there are hundreds of red amulets and thousands of stories about amulets in dreams. It was plain impossible to find out what those dreams were all about. She had almost given up when she had noticed something more in the shadows than just the amulet itself. There was a figure back in the shadows, a figure with holes in their legs. She could not make out much more than that, but that was already enough for her to make her way down - Not without her friends of course.
Once again the picture changed, showing the unholy darkness behind the amulet, filled by a deep laughter echoing from unseen walls. She tried to move backwards but there was only darkness left, only the cold, wet wind blowing into her face. Suddenly it was the first day of their journey again, a stormy day, thunder and lightning crashing down onto the earth again and again, making it impossible to sustain a good mood. Only Pinkie's entertainment package made the whole excursion bearable.
The picture in her mind almost seemed to react to her thoughts, as the sudden sound of the train whistle startled her. She was still encompassed by the darkness, only hearing the sounds of a busy train station in her thoughts. The train station in Ponyville maybe, or the one in Appaloosa, guessing by the path of their journey. They had decided to ride the train from Ponyville southwards without waiting for further confirmation of Celestia. The problem had to be dealt with as she had started to accidentally misfire her spells in her tiredness. The victims of those unfortunate accidents had been a certain musician pony with three hooves, a stallion crushed by a giant deformed apple, and another stallion transformed into a mare after startling her. To reverse the spells had actually been much more difficult as she could often not remember what she had actually cast in this state of fatigue.
The picture changed again, turning into a bright, blinding light. Suddenly her body was being thrown to the side, then up and back down again while lines were forming around unrecognizable schemes. With time flowing by like honey, the blurry lines started to turn into a more recognizable figure: It seemed as if Rainbow's head was hovering somewhere in a black sky.
"Twilight?"
Even though it was nothing but a distorted echo, she could clearly make out Rainbow Dash's voice. As she tried to move her body however, she could feel nothing but an overwhelming numbness in her limbs. She was barely able to hold her eyes open as another sudden rush of fatigue pulled her back into darkness.
"Twilight! Don't leave us now!"
Why was Rainbow Dash so upset? She wasn't going anywhere, just allowing the comfortable blackness to surround her, sheltering her from the harsh light of the desert. However, There was something about Rainbow Dash's voice that kept her awake. Dash was just too upset for her to simply ignore the pegasus. Don't leave us now. Could that be...? This darkness... A lie! This all was a lie, the comforting darkness was a sweet angel of death, whispering softly into her ears. She had to get up and escape from this darkness. Almost overhastily, she pushed her body into the air.
"What are you doing?"
When she finally opened her eyes again, the whole world was blurry, but at least it was not the dangerous darkness anymore. While the world slowly started to deblur, she could make out more and more. It wasn't only Rainbow Dash standing in the darkness, but six ponies and a small dragon. While Rainbow Dash was still standing very close to her, the others sat around a burning tree. As she started to slowly step towards the fire, Rainbow Dash quickly rushed to her side, holding her up. Even though her expression showed concern, she didn't say anything. Instead, Twilight had an important question:
"Who is that other pony over there?"
Rainbow's mien seemed to darken a lot upon hearing the question. Either that, or the fire's shine had suddenly changed, letting dancing shadows hush over the pegasus' face.
"The Changeling. Fluttershy decided we should keep him after he... well... he saved us. I had everything under control though!"
It was almost painfully obvious that the inability to help her friends tormented her. Twilight wanted to say something, anything, but what do you actually say in such a moment? It isn't your fault? Of course Rainbow Dash would always see it as her own fault when her closest friends were attacked. You couldn't do anything? She would never be contempt with that, as she would always tell herself that something could have been done. Furthermore, it would seem as if Twilight believed in the incompetence of Dash, not trusting in her awesome abilities.
Twilight wasn't sure as how to react to the appearance of the Changeling. On one hoof she absolutely hated those nasty creatures whom had almost took her brother. She would never be able to forgive such crime, even though it had been the queen, not her subjects committing it. On the other hoof however, the Changeling supposively saved them. She shouldn't even think like this. If Rainbow Dash said that the Changeling had saved them, the Changeling had saved them no matter how despicable and cruel and monstrous such a beast was. Then again, how could a Changeling save them? Changelings had almost killed Princess Celestia and had tried to steal her brother. It was far beyond unforgivable and they should suffer!
Her anger resided though as she got a bit further towards the campfire. What she had thought to be just an illusion of the dancing shadows was in fact not an illusion. The Changeling... His front left leg was just... missing. She quickly looked away as the Changeling seemed to have sensed her glooming stare. With a mixture of disgust and pity, she couldn't get it over herself to sit down next to him. Instead, she decided to squeeze herself in between Applejack and Spike. All of her friends seemed to be horribly wounded. Either burnt skin or deep flesh-wounds were covering everypony, definitely painful but never mortal. It was absolutely horrifying to see her friends in such a state. Once she would regain her strength, she would be able to care for their wounds, but for now she would have to watch their pain without the ability to help them. This feeling of helplessness... She suppressed the anxiety as she looked down at her own body and noticed some sharp bruises, and one or two deeper wounds. Although the wounds seemed quite painful, she had not yet experienced any. She should rather be grateful for that fact instead of complaining about it. Spike once again used his fiery breath to keep the fire going.
"This is not going to hold for long. The wood is just too burnt already."
There was this... heavy atmosphere spread over everypony. Pinkie "the happy party pony" Pie herself was just poking holes in the ground. Applejack was staring into the fire as if there was the entire Apple Family orchard, a beautiful sundawn above the field of thousands of apple trees, all ready and ripe to be bucked down, to make some sweet cider together as a family. Rainbow Dash sat down next to the Changeling and started to stare into the distance too. Rarity however seemed to try to get her hair into order again, which seemed quite difficult without any professional equipment. To see Fluttershy like this was unsurpassable by any horrible emotion. It ripped her heart apart. The fear and sadness in those eyes were worse than anything she had ever seen. Twilight quickly looked away into the fire again as she could not stand it any longer. Fluttershy had always been the definition of innocence, but now it was so obviously missing. She knew it would never come back and that was a burning dagger in her heart.
Oh, Fluttershy... |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 9 - United | The cracking noise of the fire slowly eating through the thick bark of the tree was the only sound in the next few minutes. When a single tear started to run down Fluttershy's cheeks, a fire slowly started to build up in Twilight's body. A fire she had never felt in this intensity. She had known rage, she had known anger, but this was something deeper. A deep underlying hatred against the harsh world around her, something she had never thought to experience. Her whole body slowly started to burn up in that feeling, slowly creeping into her thoughts. She quickly remembered the lessons taught to her by princess cadence. Although they seemed to work quite well against anger, they couldn't extinguish that fire burning inside of her. Instead, her breath only started going faster and her heart became more of a series of rapid earthquakes shattering through her body than the steady drum she was used to. There was only one thing needed to turn those earthquakes into a giant volcano spewing her fire throughout this dark night... Something like a certain Changeling leaning in towards Fluttershy and whispering into her ear.
"Stop that!"
"But Twilight, he is just -"
"That is none of your business, Fluttershy! Let it answer..."
"I am not an 'it'. I am just like you."
There it was. The searing dagger quickly piercing through her heart, releasing all the sadness, anger and hatred she had tried to keep contained. She felt her own body burning in unnatural heat as she spoke all the unspoken words she had tried to imprison deep down in her mind. All the images she had tried to ignore. Her poor brother trying to clear his mind, but forced into submission by an unnatural being. A fallen princess - a fallen mother - before her hooves. A laughing demon looking down on her, surrounded by the flames of her dark magic.
"NO! You are not simply going to come here and act as if your life was worth ANYTHING. I should have killed you when I first had the chance to!"
"Twilight! He hasn't -"
"I don't care what he has or hasn't done! He is just as monstrous as they all are!"
"I am not like them!"
"You will be. You will be dead!"
Twilight jumped up, pushing Spike and Applejack aside. Even though one of her wounds had started bleeding again due to her sudden movement, she still could not feel the pain. She could only feel the heavy quakes in her chest, hear the adrenaline rushing by her ears and sense the overwhelming anger almost ripping her body apart. It was the first spell that came to her mind, a simple transformation spell, but as she felt the magic, she just threw every bit of hatred into it, turning the very essence of the spell around. She had known how to cast the magic of shadows, magic only allowed to alicorns, and yet it had been nothing to this sudden rush of power she could feel. She wasn't forming the spell anymore, the spell had started to take her with it into a world of harsh, uncontrollable power beyond any imagination. She could see the dark purple mixed with an even darker green which surrounded her horn, but it didn't matter anymore. It almost felt like watching a movie of herself. When the spell had finally consumed all of her power, it burst from her horn towards the Changeling.
Even though the Changeling was able to evade the direct hit, he still did not go unharmed. The black and purple bolt of magic landed only a couple of hooves behind him, suddenly exploding in dark flames. It did not only thrust the Changeling dozens of hooves into the air, but also took Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy with him. What remained was a crater burning in dark flames and pain. As if her body had decided it had been enough, all the wounds that had almost been idle, suddenly started the bring a piercing pain with them. There was another kind of pain though, the pain of regret. Now that the hatred had subsided, it made room for the knowledge of having hurt her friends.
She just stared at her own hooves, unable to fully understand what she had just done, what she has become. The anger and hatred had overwhelmed her in a moment of weakness and taken her beyond her own morals and thrown her into a deep pit of helplessness.
"Twilight? What have you done?" screamed Rainbow Dash saucer-eyed, her mouth widely spread open, painting an image of confusion.
"Oh my! What happened to you, Twilight?" echoed Rarity, equally as much confusion flashing across her face, but also mixed with worry for Twilight.
The concern in their voice made it even worse, almost a nightmare to be lived through. To be honest, she had no answer. All that was left was the inability to comprehend what had happened and the regret for her inexcusable outburst. Everything had turned against her, suddenly she was the monster now. How could she judge anypony? How could she dare to show the audacity to judge a living thing? Something so far beyond any imagination and any power in this world, the value of life and she had dared to judge. No.
"Twilight! Are you alright?" the sweet voice of Fluttershy rang in her ears like a soft bell.
"Hey! I know you are angry and all..." The voice of the Changeling was a crass contrast to Fluttershy's voice, so much deeper and rougher. "I am sorry. I don't know what you might be thinking about me, but I am not a monster."
Twilight looked up again, tears blurring her vision. When she met his eyes however, she quickly burrowed her whole head between her hooves. There was a certain sincerity and forgiveness in there that she had neither expected nor deserved.
"You may only see the Changeling in me and I can't fault you for doing that after what your friends have told me and what I have experienced myself. I am more than just the Changeling and even though I don't know ... I don't know what I am, I know that there is more to me than the monster you might see every time you look at me. I just hope ... I hope you can forgive me for whatever I might have done."
An apology? Why did he have to apologize? Out of everything he could have said, an apology probably was what she had least expected. To be quite honest, she didn't even know how to react to it. She should have been the one apologizing. It only made this whole situation so much worse. She was the princess, a role model for all of her subjects, her actions would be followed by thousands of ponies. The only thing she had just proven was not that Changelings were evil but instead that she had so much to learn until she could really be the princess she was supposed to be. It was never too late to start.
"Listen..."
"Ethereal Tear."
His smile made this even more uncomfortable. Couldn't he just... stay expressionless? This smile made it all feel so wrong, as if she was apologizing to some devilish demon.
"Listen, Ethereal Tear, I still don't like you. However, I am not a mare who would simply ignore the truth. Instead, I see that I was wrong to prematurely judge you and I guess... I am sorry." It felt so incredibly wrong. She already regretted even having said it, even though she didn't know why she should regret it. It was the most logical thing to do, but her heart seemed to just not comply.
"I am sorry too. I didn't mean to trap you but you didn't leave me a choice."
Such a liar! No choice? Maybe he could have not tried to trap them in a bucking dragon's cave... Dragon?
"Where is the dragon?!"
She had almost forgotten about the dragon!
"It's dead." Applejack answered quickly, yet her voice was almost crumbling as if she felt some sort of pressure. Was the Changeling threatening her friend? Was there some conspiracy behind this all, just a giant illusion to fool her and to stop her finding out about this Changeling amulet? Oh, she would smite this small insect if she only got one small hint for supression.
"I think... I... Phew... I think it's time to sleep. I just can't hold on much longer."
Spike seemed to be at the border of exhaustion. Had the Changeling forced him to keep the fire up at any cost? Maybe he needed the fire so the other Changelings could find them easier. This was all such a big mistake. For now however, Twilight felt the warm feeling of tiredness slowly creeping up her legs and with no imminent threats - the Changeling. How could she sleep with such a thing around her? Would he take control over one of his friends? She couldn't allow it, no matter what the cost was.
When everypony went to lay down on the cold, hard ground, Twilight got slightly confused.
"Why don't we use normal beds?"
The sad expression in everypony's face that followed answered the question already, but Rainbow Dash still brought the crucial words out:
"That damn dragon burnt our supplies."
"We are going to have to get back to the village." answered Applejack, but not without letting out a yawn afterwards.
While everypony cuddled together before the remains of the fire, the Changeling laid down on the opposite site. He just wanted to escape without her notice, but Twilight wouldn't allow it. She positioned herself on the far end of the cuddly furball that were her friends and tilted her head just a bit up to watch over the Changeling. It was her duty to protect her subjects and she would not allow anypony or anything to hurt her friends again.
Even as the fire slowly faded into a cloud of black smoke and glimming pieces of the tree, Twilight didn't allow her eyes to close. Even as the snoring of her friends became louder than the eventual bursting of small pieces of wood in what was left of the fire, she did keep her watch. And even as the moon shone brightly on the sleeping Changeling, she did not let her dreams catch her. She was the alicorn princess and she would protect her friends no matter what.
The stars twinkled so high up in the sky, so unreachable from anypony. Some black shadows were slowly flying over the immeasurable beauty that was the night's sky. She could almost hear Luna laughing somewhere in the distance, watching over her and every other pony. She could hear a distant whisper, pulling her deeper and deeper into a trance, until her eyes could not resist anymore and the watch of the Alicorn Princess ended.
Fluttershy was frightened when Twilight erupted into a giant ball of flames. She had never seen Twilight this angry before and she wished she never had to experience something like this again. Twilight, covered in flames that didn't seem to harm her, slowly walked towards an unseen foe, burning down the forest around her with every step she took. Fluttershy, although terrified by this image, brought herself to move to the side a bit just to get a glimpse of whomever Twilight was fighting against. If Twilight continued to burn down the forest, Fluttershy would have to intervene, she could almost hear the small birds crying in their nests for a mother that would never come home. She could almost taste the disgusting taste of burnt flesh on her mouth, the burnt flesh of all these innocent creatures. Worst of all, she could almost feel their pain in the flames, slowly consuming their tiny bodies, innocently searching for a reason for why they deserved this; a reason for this madness.
"Twilight, stop!" Fluttershy screamed once again, and once again Twilight didn't even hesitate moving onwards.
Now, a couple of hooves further on the left side of Twilight, Fluttershy could finally make out her enemy. The Changeling, eyes widely opened in fear, trying to hide from the overwhelming fiery force that was her friend.
"Twilight, please stop!"
The purple unicorn still showed no reaction to her screams, pushing the Changeling further into a corner of trees that had started to burn behind him. The fire was quickly spreading, bringing pain to every creature that could not run fast enough. Even for herself it got too hot to bear much longer.
"TWILIGHT!" she yelled again before galloping towards the purple alicorn that was destroying everything without hesitation. The Changeling was already cornered in and Twilight slowly increased the size of the ball of fire around her, slowly pushing out towards the Changeling. His painful screams mixed with the screams of the dying animals and the burning trees.
"TWILIGHT, STOP THIS MADNESS!"
And the alicorn didn't stop. Fluttershy galloped across to the Changeling, trying to save the only life she possibly could.
"Twilight, please..."
When the fire touched her body, she felt it consuming her flesh, making it impossible to resist the necessity to scream. Her very tears vaporized before landing on the ground and her entire body was nothing anymore, nothing but a world of pain. And she screamed.
A sudden force shook her body violently. The burning hell quickly faded into the blurred image of Rainbow Dash, looking down at her in concern.
"Fluttershy?"
It took her mind a while to realize that it had all just been a horrible nightmare and the friend she knew was still the friend she knew and had not fallen for madness.
Fluttershy got up onto her four hooves again before calming the cyan pegasus down: "It... It was just a dream."
Even though the concern remained in the pegasus' eyes, she backed off a bit, allowing Fluttershy to orientate herself. Twilight was sitting on a stone together with Applejack, who had spread out a leg of hers. Healing magic slowly flowed into the wound and Fluttershy's memory returned. She quickly searched for any bruise or wound on her pegasus friend, but found Rainbow Dash to be in perfect condition.
"It is still twitching a bit, but Twilight did a fine job. I already flew a few loops without a problem."
Fluttershy sighed in relief as she had not even realized she was tensing up this much. Her relaxation quickly disappeared again as she lay her eyes on the Changeling, still having only three legs, and confusion took its place. Before she could even ask, the rainbow colored mare had already read her expression and answered the inevitable question:
"Twilight said she didn't know how to fix such large wounds, especially without the required knowledge of the Changeling anatomy. And before you ask: We are going to head back to Browndawn as soon as your wounds are healed."
Although that was an explanation for why the Changeling still had one less leg than expected, the answer still caused another question:
"Why doesn't he get a bandage then? What if he gets a terrible infection or something?"
"Yeah, then he would be nothing but dead weight, you are right."
Although Dash had failed to understand her logic, she was still glad that there would be help for the Changeling. She knew not to trust their enemies, but there was something good in everypony. Discord was the living proof to show the world that there was more to such "monsters". If they all just understood her way of thinking better, maybe they wouldn't have to fight this much...
"Fluttershy?" Twilight's voice pulled her out of her thoughts and she slowly approached the Alicorn, who seemed to be finished with her last patient.
"Yes?"
"You are next."
Although she felt bad for taking Twilight's help before the Changeling would, she still did obey the commanding tone of Twilight's voice. Even though she would not have admitted it, her wounds were really hurting badly and she needed the healing. A couple of steep flesh wounds covered her feet. It had probably been only a couple of dozen hooves, but the sharp stones below had dug deeply into her hooves. If the Changeling would have wanted to kill her, that would have been the best moment.
The healing magic felt so good, she could barely contain sighing in relief from the pain and stress of the last hours. Now they would finally head back from this dragon-cave-filled deadland. Only a few animals lived here, save for the dragons obviously, and those who did had become harsh in this unforgiving environment.
"Come on, y'all, it's time to head back!" yelled Applejack when Twilight's magic faded again.
"Okay, Fluttershy, I think it's okay now."
"Twilight, you need to heal the Changeling too."
"I would if I could. I have no knowledge of Changeling anatomy though."
It was obvious that she had lied, but Fluttershy wouldn't care about that as long as Twilight was helping him in the end. Of course Fluttershy could have agreed with her, but it was important to care for the well-being of everything and everypony, not only for yourself and your friends.
"At least give him a bandage-"
"Or he will become nothing but dead weight." interrupted Rainbow Dash who had listened to their conversation.
Twilight groaned, but brought out a quick "Fine!" in the end. After pulling out a bit of string and a couple of bandages, she began quickly covering the Changeling's wounds. It was more than obvious that she didn't care much about his health as she repeatedly brought him to cringe in pain and the final result was still more of a mess than a professional bandage. Although Fluttershy still wasn't satisfied with that, she didn't want to risk Twilight getting angry. Somehow, the image of the burning nightmare slipped into her mind once again and she couldn't help but to step back a couple of hooves from Twilight. There was no reason for it and yet the image didn't leave her mind.
Even as they headed off, the image remained.
The strange Changeling had fallen behind quite a bit and Fluttershy already worried about his well being. The wound seemed to be quite deep and an infection could be lethal. She had only seen such a deep wound once, when a small duckling had fallen into the streaming river. His mother had tried to save him but the river had taken her too. When she found the little duckling and his mother, the mother had already passed away. She had cared for the duckling as much as she could have, but at some time it had just given up without a mother to care for it.
"I think we should help him," she finally brought out after being plagued by the images again and again. While everypony seemed to just ignore what she had said - No, they had probably just not heard it - Twilight groaned loudly.
"I have already helped him. He is fine. Look at him."
was obviously distorted by the pain, but she couldn't hear a sound. Maybe that was because of the distance that had kept on growing. He already lacked a couple of hundred of hooves and guessing by the volume of the sound of the forest, he wouldn't be able to hear them over it.
"Twilight! Our little adventure in this uncivilised land does not have to mean that we become uncivilised ourselves. Be a deary and help the poor thing."
Fluttershy was surprised by the sudden help from her elegant friend, who had taken special shoes with her which would prevent the dirt to creep up her hooves. Fluttershy didn't mind the dirt, instead it was quite a comfortable feeling after having trotted around on these black sharp stones for so long. The small dirt roads laid sparsely in this deserted land. She had thought that maybe the construction ponies didn't have enough time to complete them... But now that she thought about it, there had probably never been any construction ponies here. Maybe some exotic animals had made their paths to transverse through the lands easier. That theory was underlined by the fact that those ways most oftenly went from oasis to oasis. She had thought the roads to be constructed by the few villagers that had settled down at the oases, but the roads went much further than any settlement had. That again was a big problem now that they were trying to head back.
"Rarity? You too? Imagine we would help all of our enemies!"
"Like Steven Magnet?" Rarity quickly asked, followed by a "Like Discord?" from Fluttershy.
"Like Sombra!" Twilight screamed, getting louder than any of them had expected her to.
Fluttershy couldn't help but to turn her head again and look over to the Changeling. Either he hadn't heard it or he was sunken into his own thoughts too deeply.
"Calm down, y'all. It ain't like the end of the world here. I agree, though. We should help that poor fella."
"Twilight, you got to stop only thinking about your fears and your dislikes! It is going to bring you down.
Baaaack in the days of the-"
Pinkie Pie was suddenly stopped as Rainbow Dash quickly pushed a hoof in front of her mouth, cutting her off before she could continue with her melody. A disgruntled stare followed the gesture as the pegasus didn't seem to be in the mood for entertainment.
"I think you are right, Twilight. He is just playing the wounded lamb until we decide to help him. Then he will show us his teeth." with that, Rainbow Dash slowly approached Fluttershy, building herself up and blocking out the sun. Fluttershy couldn't help but to cringe a bit at the frightening sight, and Dash seemed to be contempt with that reaction and turned around again.
"We can't just leave him like this. If we are to be social ponies, we are not to succumb to such barbaric measures as to let somepony die in our presence."
"If we help him, he is going to turn on us!" Twilight said angrily. The expression on her face reminded Fluttershy of the dream she had had. "It is his own fault anyway."
Fluttershy closed her eyes for a moment, remembering the two bullies from her school. They had said the same thing when ripping the wings of one of the geese peacefully flying through the air. "It is its own fault anyway." Such ignorance! The goose had been a mother, three little eggs, not ready to be born into the world and surely doomed for death without the care of their loving mother. "It is its own fault anyway." Nothing but an excuse for brutes to get away with whatever cruel thing they wanted to do.
"It is not his own fault. If he dies, Twilight, you killed him."
Even though her voice had not become any louder, the expression on Twilight's face was utter shock. Fluttershy couldn't help but to look away, trying to evade the thought that she had hurt Twilight with her words.
"Twilight... I..."
The shock in the purple alicorn's face slowly turned into something else, but not into regret or agreement or even sadness as Fluttershy could have expected, but instead into rage. Twilight's eyes started to burn and she screamed out:
"WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM?!" and staring directly at her with a glooming glance that Fluttershy would never forget, she added: "I thought we were friends."
Fluttershy stopped, her mouth open in shock and confusion. Why? Twilight's reaction did not make any sense, none at all. There was a poor innocent creature getting hurt and instead of showing anything like pity, Twilight's rage burnt like the sun itself. Not only she was now frightened, but everypony had taken a couple of steps back from Twilight and suddenly there was the image of her nightmare again. Twilight burning down entire forests like a fiery demon, consuming life itself, grown mad with her new power. Maybe she wasn't ready for her ascension...
"Twilight?! You are scaring us." Rainbow Dash slowly approached Twilight who had alicorn magic streaming from her eyes, reminding them all of the horrific events that had happened with King Sombra, the lord of shadows. If an unicorn that had gone mad could survive thousand years of banishment, what could a mad alicorn do?
"Twilight, please calm down," added Pinkie Pie, also starting to approach Twilight, not looking all too happy anymore.
"We are all more than just friends, we are a family!" Applejack brought up, then proceeding to follow their example.
Fluttershy couldn't move a step as Rarity also started to step towards Twilight:
"Don't let the brutality in this land overtake you. We are all here together and as friends we will get through any trouble at our hooves."
And still, Fluttershy stood as an immovable object, wanting to follow their example but rooted by the fear of the demon she had once called Twilight. Only when the dark magic slowly faded, Fluttershy's legs allowed her to move - And even then her steps were still slow and hesitant.
"Twilight, please don't let him die."
The words were almost too quiet to be heard, but she could see a fire in the alicorn's eyes, just for a moment, but long enough for her to catch it.
"Fine!" With that, Twilight turned around to the Changeling, who suddenly seemed to have disappeared. It took Fluttershy a second to make out the Changeling, lying next to the road, fallen in exhaustion. Why couldn't Twilight see his innocence? What else would he have to do to prove that he meant no harm to them? To her great relief though, Twilight approached the fallen Changeling. Her magic quickly lifted the poor thing up and hovered him over to them.
"How are we going to get it to the next village?"
It wasn't concern in Twilight's voice but instead she seemed to be talking about an annoying duty like taking out the trash on a rainy day.
"Ah'll take him. He is not that hard to carry and I am the strongest of us."
With that being said, Twilight didn't make much effort out of hiding her anger about the whole situation and simply dropped the body on Applejacks back without saying a word.
"If you decide otherwise, just drop him. He is dead weight anyway."
With that, Twilight just turned around again and started trotting away. She didn't even give a second glance back. What would Fluttershy do if Twilight really had gone mad? Would she stand by her friend's side or would she fight for the right thing? What was the right thing in such a situation? Why was Twilight even forcing her to think about such terrible thoughts? If only this whole accident had not happened... I thought we were friends. What if their friendship would not survive this? A friendship forged in the darkest hours, a friendship going through the darkest days of demons reigning the world, a friendship bringing them closer than ever had been thought possible. Their friendship alone had defeated every danger they had encountered... and now it was about to break apart on a Changeling? No. It wasn't the Changeling, they had fought thousands. It was Twilight... A hatred that goes beyond what is right or ethical, an anger that would crush their friendship. The only possible way for a friendship to die is starting to drift away from each other...
Not even Discord had managed to bring such devastation to them. Now Discord was reformed, a friend of theirs. He had had his own reasons and maybe Twilight had them too. While Discord had had a grief in his heart, being so friendless, the same could not possibly be true for Twilight. So what was it? What was that spark igniting Twilight's flame of hatred again and again? What had the Changelings really done to her?
Fluttershy suddenly stopped as the realization hit her. It couldn't be true, could it? Why would Twilight have never said anything? But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. It connected all the pieces, it brought it all together... but why? As unbelievable as it was to her, as much it made sense. It was something - Fluttershy was not certain what exactly - in Twilight's family. The Changelings had attacked the wedding and while it had seemed so easy to think that Queen Chrysalis had been the true reason for Twilight's anger, what if there was something more to it? How was it possible that her brother had asked her so late? Maybe Twilight just felt left alone by her own family... and maybe seeing a Changeling was nothing but a reminder of the pain she felt. Twilight had thrown herself into her studies, trying to impress her family who had not paid enough attention to her. She had searched a new idol in Princess Celestia as her own mother had always been distant. It all made sense... but what if it only was speculation? What if Fluttershy was overseeing some crucial detail here? She could never bring it up... and yet the idea did not leave her mind. The questions just kept on returning... What if? |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 10 - Lessons | "
We're trotting along our way, we are trotting night and day!
We're feasting on swell hay, goin' wherever the wind may sway.
We're strolling around lovely fields, see what our adventure yields,
We're bringing the strongest shields, feel how our marching feels,
We're galloping on ancient rails, swinging our brightly tails.
We're gonna tip the mighty scales, following these nightly trails.
We're climbing mountain's height, pushing through the cloudy white.
We're gonna rest in the night, until it's morning's bright.
And in the morning, we are going to bath in light.
And in the evening, we watch the coming night.
From the mountains, far and high.
From the valleys, deep and wide.
Our hearts are beating, to the drum's old chords.
We are marching, with our silvern swords. "
"Pinkie, deary, in all honesty. I don't think that is a very fitting song."
Although the song was an old classic, Rarity didn't want it to spoil the atmosphere. Now that she thought about it though, it was awfully silent without it. Well, it wouldn't be that much of a difference, now that they were almost in the village. It had been almost half a day of walking and Pinkie had sung songs for the entire day. It was incredible how enduring Pinkie was with singing. Although her own voice was a bit more professional with her singing, even she could not sing that long, but Pinkie's many talents had long stopped surprising her.
Even more impressive was Applejack's durability though, as she was carrying the heavy Changeling for the entire day without even falling behind. Nasty beasts, those things, yet still not as infuriating as they seemed to be for dear Twilight. No, her alicorn friend seemed to almost rage against those things and she could partially understand that, but the amount of hatred that Twilight expressed was just too much.
It was a good feeling when the first houses passed by on their way. This village was slightly bigger than most others, but still small compared to any other big city. The people here were all more like Applejack, unappreciative of the beauty that nature can contain within. They were just trying to get whatever they could out of the earth around them and use it to their advantage. Drinking clear water was nothing that she could condemn though.
It would be so wonderful to have a nice, clear, cold, lovely glass of water right now. She could almost imagine the wet liquid running through her dry throat, spreading refreshment throughout their entire body. Just a teeny tiny glass of water, dripping and dropping and trippling and troppling down, droplet after droplet.
"Rarity?"
It seemed that without even having noticed it, Rarity had entered some state of dehydrated trance and stopped in her tracks. While the others had decided to just move on, Fluttershy had turned around and was now staring at her in confusion. Slightly ashamed of her own behaviour, she decided it would be best to play it down.
"What is it, sweetie, have you discovered something of importance?"
"Ermm... No... Not really... but-but-but I justwantedtotellyouwearemeetinginthdncnmanticr"
The "Dancing Manticore", at least Rarity hoped that was what Fluttershy had said, was a small village pub in the middle of this small oasis town. They would probably discuss what to do with the living sack of old potatoes that was currently being carried by the only pony strong enough to carry such a heavy weight. Without losing further time, standing around in the middle of the street like a dumbfounded maniac, contemplating whatever incredible new nonsense could be applied to their unbelievably inconceivably well thought out master plan. It was simply time to drink a bit of water. Or maybe, if they were lucky, even cider.
The place was great and so much stuff was happening and everypony laughed and drank and made a giant party and it was probably one of the best times of my life! It was one giant house made for parteys, and everypony was in party mood. The beer maidens danced on the tables, the pegasi made an air show, the unicorns projected dancing colors into the air, filling the room with the super-duper-awesomeness that was this giant party. Everypony in this pub was partying... well, except for her friends. Even though the sweet melodies of fast rhythmic music swept through the air, her friends voices were cold and hard when speaking about the broken Changeling.
The broken Changeling, at least that is how I like to call him, had been the cause of our distraction and misery. We weren't even participating in this giant party just because we had to argue about the Changeling. To be quite honest with you, I have no idea why the whole thing even had to be discussed. We had met another pony, the pony felt threatened and made wrong decisions, and when we needed his help, he helped. And now, because of this help he is hurt rather badly. So why was there even a discussion about helping him back? Well, Twilight couldn't bring it over herself to simply help him. Usually Pinkie would have just laughed and shrugged at the ignorance presented to her. She never made much of ignorance and just tried to avoid it wherever she could. Life is about fun, not about having some stupid stereotype and following it all your life, making you hate other ponies and unable to experience the fun of difference and getting to know other styles of life, other ways to achieve the only true achievement in life: A happy life. Of course some can't be just happy like me, that is my own special talent, but with enough effort, you can make everypony smile! The thing about stereotypes though is, that it is much harder to get rid of them than to acquire them. Twilight couldn't enjoy the happy atmosphere due to her hate towards Changelings... and now she was spreading the unhappiness throughout their entire corner. Everypony seemed so angry and it made me sick.
"Cheer up, everypony. It's not the end of the world if we don't agree on all things."
I just threw it in there to stop the silence that had ensued after Twilight had screamed at Applejack to be too caring when dropping the poor thing into a bed.
"Not now, Pinkie Pie!"
The sharp response came from Rainbow Dash, not from Twilight. It seemed as if the disease of anger had spread throughout them all, leaving nopony untouched, no happiness left inside. It was a dangerous virus, a terrible harbinger of misfortune. An infection anchoring so deeply into ones mind that it changes their life. Nothing can come from it but unhappiness and disharmony.
"Let's just leave him here, then we won't have to argue about it anymore."
This time, it was Rarity stating this preposterous idea. She had also become infected just like everypony else. I couldn't just let her idea stand in the room like that.
"We can't just leave him here. He helped us and now we should help him!"
"He helped us by luring us into a dragon cave, nearly killing us all?! He is nothing but a monster! For one second in your entire life, be reasonable! He wants to kill us all, no second in his life has he been truthful, no second in his life has he been doing something right, he is just fooling you all, trying to make you comply with his false ideals, lure you into trusting him and then he is going to backstab you. He is going to try to kill us all. HE IS INSANE!"
Twilight had caused almost the entire room to go silent. When she noticed the reactions to her outburst, she just stormed out of the pub, screaming: "DO WHAT YOU WANT!" Within seconds, she slammed the heavy wooden door behind her. Shortly after the loud sound spread through the pub, the musicians started playing again. Everypony wanted to go after Twilight, but somehow no pony could bring themselves to get up and face her anger. Something had to be said.
"Girls... I know that nopony wanted this to happen and we are all just tired. But please, be true to yourselves: Can we just let an innocent die because we've had bad experiences with others from his race?"
Although the expression on their faces didn't change, it was obvious to me that they were thinking about what I had just said. Hopefully they would come to the same conclusion as I had... And then we could have fun together again.
It had been just an average conversation about some boring stuff like food rationing and such, when for some reason somepony had mentioned flying. Probably wanting to express the possibility that they could send her to the next village to grab some food or something like that. From that moment on, Rainbow Dash had listened a bit more closely, up from a rather comfortable cloud. The clouds in these lands were rougher since they had been given more time to develop, but this one was perfectly fine. Twilight had calmed down a bit, and she seemed far more relaxed than before:
"...and if Rainbow Dash can't carry it all, we -"
"Hey! Of course I can carry it all!"
"Okay. In the hypothetical scenario that there was an overwhelming enemy in the air, for example a dragon and you would be limited in the capability of fighting the dragon and carrying the supplies at the same time, it could be good to send more than one pony, just to help you along a bit. We could send Fluttershy... and Ethereal."
It didn't even surprise Dash that Twilight would try to spend the least time possible with Ethereal and get rid of him whenever she could. Man, she really hated that guy for some reason. Of course she wouldn't need the help in the hypothetical scenario and they both would be dead weight to her, but as long as that could prevent conflicts, she was fine with it. Preserving the friendship was much more important than her own pride.
"Sure. As long as they don't hold me back too much..."
"I can't fly."
Wait, what? Had Ethereal just said he couldn't fly?
"You got wings, dude. Of course you can fly."
"No I can't, I have no idea how to use these."
Rainbow Dash couldn't stop herself from giving a glance over to Twilight, who she had helped to learn to fly just a couple of months ago. Of course, Twilight's flying ability was still more than lacking, but Dash had done wonders on a lost cause. Maybe she could... Of course she could! She was one of the strongest and best flyers in all of Equestria. If she couldn't teach this Changeling how to fly, nopony could. She would prove herself, show that she was not only among the elite flyers in all of Equestria, but also one of the best flight trainers. Something that would only be fitting for the lead pony in a Wonderbolt's flight squadron.
With a single, fluid movement, she jumped into the air, her wings tightly by her side, then with one big burst opened them both up, flapping one time to propel herself backwards, causing her body to rotate two times, before softly stopping her momentum by turning her wings in a particular manner, that allowed them to catch the air. A double backflip was one of her favorite choices as it was both quick and incredibly stylish.
"Ethereal, come over here."
Even though his expression showed confusion and just a bit of awe, he still reacted quickly and without unnecessary motion. It was important to have the full control over one's body when flying and this one seemed to be fit for the task as his wing muscles were strong and his mind seemed clear.
"Okay, now open your wings."
While he seemed to try to make his backbone jump a salto and his legs tangle themselves, her friends turned around and resumed their boring talk. Seeing how it was obviously not necessary to participate in the conversation anymore and the obvious struggles of the Changeling, she decided it would be best to find a place for better training.
"I can't do it. I have no idea how."
"It's... not a problem. Let's just go somewhere, where not the entire village is watching your... attempts."
The Changeling started blushing and quickly followed her lead. Of course she glided through the air instead of using her hooves. Flight was such a wonderful thing, to be able to just roam freely and go wherever you might want to without much effort. To simply feel the airflow around oneself when diving into the deepest cavities, to feel the sun burning brightly and yet feeling the cold air rushing by you at the same time. To hear the roaring thunder of a mighty storm and still feel powerful enough to conquer the winds themselves, to fight a battle of superiority, always with the possibility to fall and yet risking it every time. To sense the world around you and to sense yourself, that was the art of flight.
"Okay, here is fine."
Although they had not ventured too far, this area still seemed to be fine for training. There was a steep cliff before them, just some hundred hooves, but enough for a good flight lesson. All of it behind a 'wall' of big black stones, aligning perfectly to hide them from the village, if they didn't fly up too high.
"So, you are telling me you have no idea how to flap your wings?"
"Yes."
This would prove difficult, but it wasn't the first time that she had met somepony with supposedly paralyzed wings. It was all about the right feeling.
Without saying a world, Dash rushed towards the Changeling, quickly pushing herself into his side. The reaction went just as she had expected. He almost lost his balance, desperately trying to change the center of mass, spreading limbs and ... his wings. It was a basic test to verify if wings were really paralyzed or if the pony was just unable to control them properly. A truly wing-paralyzed pegasus wouldn't have been able to move their wings to balance themselves. It was a basic reaction to tense all of your muscles in face of the danger of falling over, so the spreading of his wings had been an instinctive reaction.
"See, you can flap your wings."
She couldn't help but to put more pride into those words than she had planned to. If she could get him to make his first flight on this day already, she would prove her skill!
"Okay, so let me just..."
With these quick words, she approached Ethereal again, but not to throw him over, but instead to touch his wings. They were well cared for, in excellent shape, at least as far as she could tell for non feathered wings. She slowly moved his wings around, inspecting them carefully. Then, suddenly she pushed it as far upwards as she could.
"OUCH! Why?! Argh!"
Exactly the reaction she had hoped for. She quickly released the pressure and the wing snapped back into its original position. He definitely had a feeling in his wings!
"Okay, so where does it hurt?"
"In my back, because you nearly ripped my wings off!"
"No, where exactly does it hurt?"
Surprised by the question, Ethereal took more time to contemplate about the possible meaning of it. She could see him concentrate on where the pain might come from. After a short moment of hesitation, he finally answered.
"Right under my shoulders."
That was actually quite interesting. Unlike pegasi, who had their flight muscles attached right on the connection of wing to body, this Changeling seemed to have his muscle strings attach inside of his body. That was probably the reason why they could switch between the state of having their wings attached to their body and the state where they could fly easily.
"Okay, now try to tense up your muscle on that particular spot."
"But my wings are much further d-"
"Just do it!"
His face changed into an image of ambition and quickly after that into exhaustion, but with feathertip after feathertip he pushed his wings... backwards for some reason. After about 5 feathertips, his wings suddenly pushed outwards with one rather nasty noise. It sounded as if Ethereal had just broken his bones or something, but he didn't make any sound.
"Ethereal, I think you can stop now."
The confused Changeling turned around, then screamed in shock. Yes, he literally screamed in shock of his own wings. Don't ask me why. He just did.
"Okay, now, see if you can... I don't know, move your muscles up and down... I guess."
It was much harder describing the whole process than just doing it. What were you really doing when you were flapping your wings? You push them up like you push your hand up. I mean, could you describe how eating works if they didn't know about their own mouth muscles? It is so weird even to think about it, that somepony with wings couldn't simply control them. I mean, she had seen it before, but it still weirded her out.
The sun had almost sunk behind the horizon, when his wings finally opened on his first try. The thick air quickly slowed his downward motion and allowed him to push himself up further. Then, he quickly pulled his wings upwards, slightly tilted to the side so that he wouldn't push himself downwards again, pushing his wings down again, which in turn lifted himself up, just to repeat the whole process again and again.
It was an incredibly difficult task to just keep on flapping without stopping for a second, as the deep valley below him greeted him with death. He gave it all, slowly crawling upwards hoof after hoof. His teacher, the rainbow colored pegasus was flying saltos and barrel rolls in the air in the meanwhile. To see the ease in her flight made him a bit envious, seeing as he could only push himself up with greatest efforts. Still, that was a giant leap from yesterday, where he had not even known that he would ever be able to fly. Now, he still couldn't really fly well, but he could move those wings. It was freedom, even if under such a big price.
"Don't worry Ethereal," Rainbow Dash yelled down from her height "training makes mastery. Just keep on trying and maybe one day you will be able to fly properly."
He once again doubled his efforts and gained height more quickly. He had trained the whole process of flapping his wings for the entirety of the noon and afternoon, until in the early evening, they had started to try out the cliff. The first try had run horrible, just crashing into the walls and barely able to stop himself. As the hours went by though, he quickly got the hang of the basics. He still had major problems in tilting his wings to let the air pass by in the right moment, but holy Ostia, he was able to fly! A flying unicorn, that's not something you see every day!
With the quick succession of three particularly strong pushes, he gained enough momentum to barely reach over the cliff and land on the side, exhausted, but also proud. He had mastered flight! He was the master of all elements now, defying the very nature of gravity, controlling the forces around him, doing the impossible! He had done it! Take that, mother nature! Take that, you damned winds! Take that, you damn desert! Either it was this feeling of ecstasy and pride or it was the simple fact that walking on three legs painfully reminded himself of what was missing, but he decided to fly the way back home.
Of course Rainbow Dash always pushed ahead, giving him always just enough time to barely catch up, until she zoomed through the landscape again. Her Rainbow Mane was shining brightly in the red light of the descending sun, giving it an almost ethereal look. Her eyes were filled with pride and joy and ambition, so full of life like he had never seen before. She was... beautiful.
The early sun had just risen over the horizon and yet Fluttershy noticed that the Changeling was already missing from their room. For the entire last day he had been training with Rainbow Dash and it seemed as if they both were out again. She would probably be able to find them at the cavity later, but for now there was a journey that had to be prepared. It would be an act of kindness to just let them both train, while she and her friends would care for everything else. The Changeling really seemed to quite enjoy flying... and for some reason she could understand that, even though she would probably never enjoy it that much herself. It wasn't the fear from the past... not anymore. Still, every time she flapped her wings, it seemed as if she was stuck in some sticky goo, struggling for her life to get up. She was strong enough to defy gravity, to freely roam through the air and yet it all presented no joy to her.
Fluttershy decided to meet up with the others outside, but when she opened the door, she realized that Twilight had already prepared everything over the night, assembling hills of food supplies and gadgets to be used right in the middle of the road, blocking several villagers in their way to work. Twilight had shown her overly punctual behavior before, but this? She probably just wanted to get this all over with. Still, that would leave a question for her: What was she supposed to do now? Well... There was one thing she still wanted to do: Meeting the rare desert animals would be a fantastic way to start the long, lifeless journey. To find the small critters however would be a rather difficult task as most animals had adapted to the desert so well that they were almost impossible to see - which was something she had read in books about exotic animals. Fluttershy could only wonder about the inhabitants of this black desert though.
Without even venturing out too far, Fluttershy noticed a rather strange creature cowering between the rocks. Although she had trained eyes when it came to small critters, this one had almost been squashed by her hooves. Much similar to a tiny snake, this black cuteling had no legs, but due to its black dull skin, it was incredibly well hidden in the rocky area. Fluttershy decided to pull out some of the leaves she had gathered a couple of days ago. By now, the beautiful color had faded anyway. Nature's beauty can't last forever, nothing can. Still, it was a shame to have lost such beauty. Now it would serve as possible food for the little thing. Fluttershy was quite surprised when the small black creature jumped up to her saddlebag, starting to feast upon the entirety of her assemblance. All the wonderful things she had gathered throughout their journey were lost in a matter of seconds. The earth from Ponyville, the dust from Appaloosa, the stones from the macintosh hills, and the dead wood from the Lycantare jungle was all that was left after the little guy was done with the contents of her bag.
"Quite hungry, are we?" Fluttershy couldn't help but to smile at the insatiable hunger of the little thing. She had seen lots of wild creatures, but never one this... strange.
It got even weirder when the creature seemed to make some kind of... nest inside of her bag. Being quite honest though, she really didn't mind it, as it was an excellent opportunity to study the lifestyle of these animals. The way it quickly crawled around in her bag made her wonder how it could move like that. Of course she knew how snakes moved, but she had never seen one this quick and agile. Its body seemed to unnaturally just go wherever it wanted, defying every law of physics. Something about it though was cute. In a way she would never be able to explain, she adored the little thing. Then again, she also adored cutesy little spiderses, so why shouldn't she adore this? For it to come with her though, it would need a name... While Fluttershy's mind rumbled like an ancient mechanism in mossy stone that would unlock doors to tremendous treasury, she slowly made her way back to the village. They were all probably already waiting for her so they could finally begin their journey. |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 11 - The journey begins | Once again Twilight regretted not having allowed Spike to come along. There were several reasons that had spoken against him coming along, most prominent being the dangerous situation they would find themselves in. It's not like he hadn't been in dangerous situations before, but if something would happen to him, could she live with that? Now, she felt nothing but the searing pain of regret as Spike would have been a wonderful help in organizing this journey. While she had been able to finally assemble everything, the lack of her companion had eaten at her the whole time. Maybe it was more than just the organization... Maybe his grounded way was more important to her than she had ever recognized.
Now she was standing in the middle of the road, left alone by all her friends who had turned against her again and again. Their oblivious minds would be their demise if she could not help them... but how could she actually help them see the danger they were throwing themselves into? To openly accuse the changeling would bring nothing but further disapproval, so she would have to somehow get him to show his true self before it would be too late for them. A trap! There had to be a way to lure him into giving away his secrets, but what could it be?
"Twilight?" As she heard the soft spoken words, Twilight turned around to see that Fluttershy had come back. Since everypony was finally here again, they could finally start their journey. Rainbow Dash and the thing had flown ahead to scout their path since there had not really been anything else for them to do after they had finished their training. Well, the 'scouting' was probably just a different word for training in this case. That would only leave the location of Rarity unknown as Applejack had challenged Pinkie Pie to a game of cards. For hours on end they have both been sitting in the same tavern, trying to defeat each other. The last time she had checked, it had been 25 to 34 for Pinkie and Applejack had asked for a rematch.
"Fluttershy, can you get Applejack and Pinkie Pie? I'll go see if I can find Rarity."
Without giving Fluttershy the time to speak up, Twilight turned around to find Rarity somewhere in this village. It shouldn't be too hard to find her somewhere on these sandy streets, jammed between the rusty old houses. She was still not sure what kind of city Rarity had expected, but this would have probably not met those expectations. It was, like most villages around here, a random assembly of wooden barns and small market stands than anything that could be considered a proper city. Twilight started to arbitrarily trott throughout the streets, crossing to the right or left from time to time. Before she had reached the fifth corner, she had already found Rarity talking to another pony in a small market stand. Only when getting a bit closer had she realized that, somehow, Rarity had found another 'fashionista'. The stand was tiny and the dresses were randomly strewn throughout it, yet Rarity seemed to be quite interested in the style of them. And to be quite honest, Twilight could see where she was coming from. These oriental designs were really a wonderful sight, but it was not what she had come here for.
"Rarity, we want to head off now!" The tone in of her voice conveyed the sense of urgency, or at least she hoped that it was conveyed correctly. Rarity at first didn't seem to be bothered, but after Twilight repeated herself, now in a much angrier tone, the mare finally complied and turned away from the small stand. When Rarity walked by her, the disappointment was obvious in her eyes:
"Couldn't you have left me just one more minute? She was about to reveal the technique to those wonderful designs!"
"It was your own decision to come with me. Now you'll have to bear the consequences."
With a bit of muttering, Rarity complied and started trotting alongside Twilight towards the stack of supplies the librarian had assembled before. In the meanwhile, Fluttershy had somehow managed to get Applejack and Pinkie Pie to end their game and come out as well. Rainbow Dash wouldn't need to be informed as she had probably kept an eye out for the village the whole time. The amount of time that the Changeling spent with Rainbow Dash was in fact slightly worrying, but on the one hoof that meant that he wasn't spending time in her proximity, and on the other hoof Rainbow Dash has proven her loyalty often enough and even a sly Changeling wouldn't be able to change anything about it. But just to be sure she would keep an eye out for her unsuspecting friend...
"It's impossible!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, almost too loudly.
It was nothing unexpected to hear the pegasus call out like that, since the situation really seemed hopeless. The towering castle throned up high above the long decline in front of it, watching out for anypony or anything to approach. The landscape gave them nothing to work with, no place to hide behind. It seemed really impossible to somehow sneak into the castle unseen, yet it was no reason to give up their hope. While on this side of the castle there was just the plain open. On the other side were thousands of boulders and steep cliffs, spikes and strange deformed parts of landscape that had seemed like the idea of a storm that an ingenious engraver had depicted. It would surely be a rough and a dangerous climb, but they would be rewarded with an unseen entry to the castle. Although Ethereal Tear still did not like the idea to take such a dangerous path when the sky above them was open, it still made sense after all.
"It would indeed be impossible to just straight up rush towards their hideout," he carefully placed his personal pronouns knowing that the purple alicorn was still staring at him "but there is another way we could take. Before you consider it though, I must warn you: The path is dangerous and steep, yet unseen from most castle windows and definitely not patrolled."
"Yeah, and you said it was a bad idea to take him with us!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash, already having decided they would take the dangerous route in her head.
While most of what he had said had been nothing but the truth, one word was painfully a lie: Definitely. It was nothing more than a wild guess that the backside of the castle was unpatrolled. He had never seen somepo-... someling walk towards these parts, and it seemed as if no pony ever talked about them either. His logical conclusion had been the abandonment of those parts, but what if there had been something different? Well, either possible way would result in either being caught or not. The one was easy but would lead to definite discovery, while the other one was extremely difficult but would have decreased chances of being found, especially since one could hide behind the strange formations. Now that he thought about it, they kinda reminded him of the holes in the legs of the Changelings, almost as if nature had copied the design from them... Or maybe the other way around?
"Then what are we waitin' for? Let's go. Yehaa!" It had been the farming pony yelling a bit too loudly for his taste but he had heard worse. Old Mrs. Winneehbee had always screamed at anypony crossing "her" street. A demented old lady, whom time had taken the talent of logical thought from. Often her words were general mumbling, sometimes she screamed for no reason, but never ever did she answer a question given to her. Her reactions generally had been slow and even though it always had pained him to talk about such a topic like this: She was probably going to die very... She was already dead... Like his wife and son. Even though the pain had not lost a bit of strength, he tried as hard as he could to not give a single tear a chance to escape as it would only lead to more pain explaining his company why a Changeling randomly started to tear up. Yet he could not stop the memories rushing through his brain, the light laughter of his wife came out of some distant world, trying to remind him of what he had had... and what he had lost. To ignore his memories was incredibly hard but there was a task at hand that had to be completed, there were ponies staring at him.
"Why don't we simply send the Changeling? I mean, it could get into the castle without being noticed..."
Of course it had been the purple alicorn, who else could it have been? Always complaining and relentlessly whining about every little detail.
"Well, excuse me princess, but Changelings know themselves well enough to notice an intruder like me and they would not appreciate my sudden appearance." Again, partially a lie since they would probably appreciate my appearance, just sadly in a manner that would not allow him to leave again. A rather strange escape, now that he thought about it again... It really had been too easy.
The purple unicorn just groaned and without even trying to converse, she simply started to trot through this far end of the valley where there were still enough boulders in addition to the distance to make it hard, if not impossible, to be spied upon. Quickly, they started to follow the annoyed mare through shadows and stone sculptures. While the front of the castle had a gently declining slope, the back of it revealed a mixture of broken boulders and bizarre formations on an incredibly steep slope. Interestingly enough, the color also changed from the greyish black to a paler white. One could only guess that it was a result of missing dragonfire...
For minutes there was no sound except the continuous clapping of hooves onto the dark surface below them and the occasional stone being sent on a journey further down the hill. Only when the steep cliff on the backside of the castle came in sight, a sudden discussion was ignited.
"We can't climb up there! This was all for nothing!" the purple alicorn complained once again.
And once again it were her friends, not Ethereal, being annoyed by the constant demonstration of complaint. Although it really was nerve-racking at times, mostly he didn't mind or he could even understand her distrust as he would have distrusted himself just a couple of month... a long time ago. For some reason he suddenly felt sorry for her and the more he thought about it, the worse it got. Everything seemed to fade away except for the nagging feeling of regret and pain. He looked up again, away from the black ground below and right into the purple eyes staring at him in this very moment. This anger... It wasn't just her...
"Twilight, I am sorry."
In the instance of a single second, he had ten more eyes staring at him, questioning faces and an incredibly confused Alicorn.
"I am sorry for everything. I have come into your life and all I have done is threatening your friends lives whether by intention or rather by accident. Still, they have given me a chance, a sign of such forgiveness I could have never hoped for. You however were much more cautious to protect your friends from whatever harm might have come from me. I understand that. Yet, I am the reason why your anger grows, a corruptive splint in your friendship. However, I cannot change anything about who I am or what I look like. Please just accept my apology... and accept me."
Beyond her pupils was the coming night, the sun in its dusk, the brightly colored clouds, colored in memories of the wonderful days together with her friends. Slowly, her lids closed, sealing away that world of wonders, just to then reveal the fire that could not be extinguished by such puny merits. The fire that burned down so deeply in her heart, ignited by the fear to lose what she held dearest.
"You described yourself very well, corruptive splint. You are trying to rip everything apart, aren't you?! And then you are playing dumb, you are PLAYING them all, you are trying so HARD to fool us. They might be BLIND towards your facade, but I AM NOT."
She looked up into the sky for a second, then brought her piercing gate down to him and added: "I hate you."
It wasn't the kind of 'I hate you' that one threw out there in anger, it was much much more painful than that. Even though - or maybe just because - he had tried to stop it, her hatred had started to consume her very core. Suddenly he realized something: It had not been his fault, nor had it been hers. It was the strength of their friendship that would have forced anypony into a fear of losing it. To cling to the most wonderful thing that had probably happened to their life would be natural to anypony - especially after what he had heard about Twilight's past from Rainbow Dash, he was sure that her friends meant everything to her. The idea of losing what defined you was more threatening than anything else. And once again he was here, analysing their lives, almost like an outside visitor. It wasn't a feeling of distance, much rather an absence of feelings. 'Cold and Hard' were the words that he found most fittingly, not only for his own state but also for the entire situation they found themselves in. Looking up at the steep wall, he found that another word could be added: 'Dangerous'. For some reason, he felt like he had lost control over his emotions, but there had never been any to begin with. There was a question slowly growing in the back of his mind: Was he still himself? Who or what was he? There was no simple answer anymore. How could he know that he was still himself and was not somepony different? He didn't look like himself anymore, he didn't feel like himself anymore and he had forgotten so much about his past, almost as if he had never really lived it. Was he still himself?
"I hate you". It was a mere whisper that came from her friend's mouth and yet it could not have been screamed louder. Fluttershy had never before seen Twilight as hateful as the mare had grown now. The Changeling in the meanwhile seemed to be struck by a sudden numbness, staring into the black distance. This land seemed so sadly dead, and even though she knew there was life - she even had some in her bag - it still saddened her to see such devastation. She wasn't sure whether it had been brought by the Changelings devouring much more than could be sustained, by the dragons spreading fire throughout the lands or simply by the climate, a hot sun burning down relentlessly. However, Fluttershy knew best that even though the condition seemed so horrifically dark, there was still more than the eye could see, life hiding beneath the black blanket settled over the land. One proof was right there in her bag, deeply asleep.
When Fluttershy looked up again, Rainbow Dash had already started climbing wordlessly. After a couple of steps, the pegasus turned around, her eyes calling for them to follow her. Only slowly Fluttershy's hooves complied her command to start trotting. While her friends were still more reluctant towards that idea, soon they also followed her and Dash's example. Soon they all found themselves trying to find spots for their hooves to properly stand on, even Twilight. It struck Fluttershy that Twilight didn't just teleport ahead, maybe in the fear of being discovered. The more she thought about it though, the more certain she got that it was actually the solidarity she displayed towards them. She wanted to thank Twilight, but she wasn't sure if her voice would reach the alicorn down below; and if it would it would be too loud, too dangerous, bringing them all into trouble that she wanted to avoid.
Even though she hated to admit it, the silence hung over them like a thick asphyxiant blanket, drowning out all happiness. Fluttershy, even though she didn't allow herself to even think about it, could feel the searing pain of knowing that their friendship was slowly dying beneath it. She would have screamed out in the pain of knowledge if it was not choking her too. The deep depression was stealing her words, sealing them away beyond the darkness.
"Hey, Fluttershy, are you alright?"
Fluttershy looked up again, and was shocked to find a giant creature of darkness right before her. It took her less than a second to realize that it was just Rainbow Dash hovering before her, but her sudden expression of shock seemed to have gone unnoticed, or maybe just ignored.
"Ermm... I think I am. I mean, it's dark and cold here and all and I hope you don't think I would feel good when you don't so you think something is wrong with you." Without even noticing, Fluttershy's voice had declined to a mere whisper, impossible to hear over the sharp wind gliding through the rocky formations. Rainbow Dash had obviously dismissed the idea of climbing at the first sign of somepony needing her help.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." Fluttershy looked back sadly and Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, but without saying anything she shut it again and flew back to her position, up hundreds of hooves further. Suddenly Fluttershy's mind got swept by a sudden wave of terrible thoughts. Should she have said something? Should she have spoken about the feelings she had or was it more cautious to have said nothing? Had her answer hurt Rainbow Dash's trust in her honesty?
"Come on, Fluttershy, we don't have all day." Again, Fluttershy was slightly startled by the loud call, but when she looked up she realized why she had been called. While most of her friends were already close to the edge of the steep mountainside, she was still only a third of the way up. Slowly and steadily she increased the tempo of her steps, their stomps the only sound now that the direction of the wind had tilted just a bit.
It was a rather difficult task climbing up through the spike-filled deathtrap of a cliff. More than one time, her hoof slipped, but before the rainbow colored pegasus could dash down to her, she quickly found grip again. Fluttershy winced when she looked up to find the next spot to place her forehoof on, the image of the giant castle towering darkly over her. The castle itself was white in color, but the shadows playing around the thick black overgrowth made it a sinister play of grey and black. Were they really going to infiltrate the nest of the Changelings? Suddenly Fluttershy felt the urge to gallop back as quickly as possible, but she had learned long ago to control her fears in any kind of danger. Now she had to be strong, not for herself, but instead for her friends. Without letting further time pass, Fluttershy quickly placed her hoof on a suitable spot.
Twilight was furious, not because of the Changeling this time, though. This time it was the fear of being discovered that slowly gnawed away at her nerves. They were standing right next to the thick wall, impossible to be discovered. Fluttershy, however, was still making her last steps. The clumsy mare had somehow managed to require more than double the time everypony else had needed. More than one time the pegasus had stiffened, becoming an unmoving statue. It almost seemed like the Changeling had somehow managed to infect her, causing her to falter again and again. The little flame down deep in her heart yearned for redemption, but her friends were protecting her from burning down. She knew it would be unwise to openly accuse the Changeling again as long as her friends were in proximity.
Furthermore there were a lot of other things to do, not implying that they would be more important than saving her friends from their own naivety. Her nights were still filled with the strange image of the red amulet, haunting her dreams and causing searing pain as it started to glow. The nights had been too short and too filled with sweat to really get the rest she had needed. Her body was now slowly taking its toll, causing her legs to tremble under her own weight.
Finally the yellow pegasus took a last leap, being carried by the helping hoof of Rainbow Dash. Now her full attention had to go towards keeping them all safe while they would dive through the lion's den. Once again, Twilight's mind was plagued by the fear of having done something wrong. What if it had been a bad idea to take her friends with her? She needed them, but could she survive seeing her friends captured or hurt? No, and that is why she should most definitely have everything prepared. The idea was infiltrating the lower floors and exploring the castle as the Changelings were situated mostly in the upper floors. From down there, she would also try to use a certain item-searching spell. She had used it before for finding certain books by their magical signature, but she had given up enchanting every book in an own magical aura because it had only resulted in a giant cacophony of auras making it impossible to single one out. The castle would be different though; Although the dream had given her a general idea of the magical composition of the amulet's aura, it would still require either hours of concentration, which would be hard to get right in the hornet's nest, or a very close proximity to the amulet's influence. The magical aura decreases with the inverse of the square of the distance between the pony sensing it and the source. She had actually conducted some very interesting experiments about that matter earlier in her youth.
"Sooooo, Twilight?" When Twilight looked around in confusion, it took her a second to realize that the rainbow colored pegasus who had just spoken to her was floating slightly above the ground.
"What is it, Rainbow Dash?" Now the pegasus rolled her purple eyes, obviously annoyed by her question.
"How are we going to get in?"
"Well, there has to be a door somewhere." Now the rainbow colored mare just groaned out loudly.
"There is a door. A giant wooden gate with huge metal knobs and everything!" Now it was Twilight's turn to moan.
"Then, why is there a problem?"
"It's locked!"
"Oh well, that shouldn't be much of a problem. Being a princess brings a lot of duties, but I still take my time to learn new spells. It is indeed a very delicate work of levitation art to exactly shift multiple objects at once, but nothing in comparison to teleporting or time travel."
Twilight felt her face transforming into a childish grin and she quickly exchanged it for a cold smile. It wasn't the time to have fun, this was a serious adventure and life and death could depend on her every move.
"Yeah, yeah. We all know you are great, but please get on with it."
At first Twilight was a bit shocked at that harsh answer. Of course her answer had been a bit... overextensive, but this? This was definitely the Changeling's corrupt influence. The way they look at her, the way they talk, all of them are infected.
"Whoa there, nelly. If you ain't got nothin' nice to say, just say nothin'."
The rainbow mare grumpily dropped back onto the cold black ground, while Twilight went ahead to find the wretched gate. It wasn't more than five steps until she reached the giant wooden door, covered with metal platings to keep it safe, even against greater force. It was obvious that the path that had once lead to it was now nothing but rubble down in the valley. The entire hill seemed to be filled with thousands of holes, causing her mind to conjure pictures of a giant mosquito sucking out the stone from underneath until this side had lost the power to support itself. A shattered, dead landscape; Just the right place for such abominations.
The door was actually quite hard to unlock, or maybe she had just not had enough training in the last weeks. The different pins often were too rusty to be moved delicately. Either the applied force was too low to move it at all or she applied too much force and the pin shot far over it's goal. The whole thing was made worse by her blocked view. It actually took her about a minute of absolute undisturbed concentration, until, with a rumbling click, the door slowly opened. |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 12 - Inside | With a deep howl the huge wooden gate slowly swung towards them, blocking out more and more of the spare light until they finally stood in complete darkness. The air was heavy with dust, and a muggy stench penetrated it through and through. While it finally left her the freedom to take off the ground, Rainbow Dash still felt weirdly prohibited. Not that she had never been in a closed room before, yet the complete darkness veiled any space that this room could have had. Only when Twilight's horn started to glow dimly, Rainbow released the muscles she had tensed without even realizing. She slowly pushed her wings out, spreading her feathers to the fullest, feeling the muscles press against her soft skin. A short sigh of relief escaped her mouth before she could have stopped it. Of course she wasn't scared of this place, nopony would be scared by shadows dancing dangerously over thick, dark walls accompanied by eerie sounds of cold air rushing through invisible shelves.
Suddenly, the light quickly galloped away, towards the giant bookshelves to each side of the hall.
It was more than just surprising to actually see bookshelves in the entrance hall. As Twilight's light grew larger and larger as she tried to read some book, Rainbow could make out that this was not the actual entrance hall. Either they had entered through some back entrance or this castle was just not designed like normal castles should be. Twilight seemed to once again be in her element, finally having something to read. Even though Rainbow Dash had learned there could be enjoyment in reading, she would never have this obsession with any kind of book. Some were nice and action packed, but others just dull and boring. Who in Equestria needed to know the "Quantized effects of magical bursts" except for an egghead like Twilight?
"Twilight, deary, I don't think it is the right time to be skimming through these books in such an inhospitable environment." Rarity rightfully pointed out.
"Excuse me, but what we might find here might be of indescribable value to all of Equestria!"
Rarity groaned, but instead of further complaining, she lit her own light and started wandering off into the seemingly uninhabited darkness. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at each other nervously, then followed the quickly fading shine. Rainbow Dash decided to stay even though the books didn't really seem interesting. Maybe, just maybe, below the giant mountain of rubble a gem awaited her hungry eyes. She started opening the first book that caught her eye, which was rather old, yet it had somehow preserved its beautiful sky blue color.
She slowly pushed the heavy cover open while cursing bookmakers for using such unhandy material. Inside, she found an impressively accurate drawing of the anatomy of an alicorn, having a real one standing right behind the picture as comparison. The amount of details was overwhelming and it spurred her on to the next pages. Those however, were filled with hundreds of signs that seemed like letters of long forgotten civilisations.
"What the heck is this even...?"
When she turned the book around to look at what she had assumed to be its front, she noticed that there was no cover on either side, just the thick blank blue binder. She decided to put the book down onto her stack of supplies and maybe look into it at some point. For now, there were more important things to discover.
'Mysteries of Magic' goes in. 'Seven Journeys' stays here. 'Dysfunctional Machines and the Complexity of Engineering.' ... goes in. Twilight quickly skimmed through book after book, either taking it with her or simply dropping it to the ground like a rotten sack of potatoes. It was a shame to drop a single one, but she had neither the capacity nor the time to store them all. 'Ancient Brews' ... She had a very similar version called 'Ancient Recipes'. Was that a good sign or a bad sign though? On the one hoof, the book could contain information that she already knew, but on the other hoof it could be a whole new adventure... Goes in. For just a moment, Twilight turned around to look out for her friends. Pinkie Pie and Rarity were both on the other side of what appeared to be a small library of some sorts. While normal libraries had bookshelves throughout the entire room, this one had its walls carved out to make room for these ancient treasures. In the middle of the room there was a giant globe, bigger than anything she had ever seen before. In fact, it was so huge that the architects had decided to cut a giant hole into the ceiling. Such a giant metal globe would have to be immensely heavy, considering it was a couple of hundred hooves high. Four thirds times pi times about 50 hooves cubed with an approximate density of about 7.5kilograms per hoof cubed. Hmm. Okay. That thing was really really heavy. Maybe there was a secret mechanism somewhere to rotate it, or maybe it had to be stationary due to its size.
Before Twilight could start wandering around the globe though, the traitorous sound of buzzing insect wings filled the hall. Twilight quickly let her lighting spell go and looked over to Rarity, but her friend had been even faster than her. Now, the room was filled with a depressing silence, only disturbed by the buzzing of wings. The sound of the wings intensified as a low squeaking noise echoed through the room. Light from outside fell into the room, painting two shadows onto the wooden flooring.
"Oh, come on. You know I hate to do this..."
"Yeah, but it's ordered. Now shut up and start patrolling your route."
"If she is gone right now, there is no one to check whether we are doing our job or not. Let's just head back and tell them we are done."
"Don't you think it would be obvious that we finish our patrol half an hour earlier?"
"I hate this."
"I know."
With that, the two shadows started moving into the room. With a quiet clicking noise, hundreds of lights magically flashed, bathing the room in a warm light. Twilight was stunned for a second, not having expected magical lights, but quickly caught herself. Within a single heartbeat she conjured a spell and released it. In her shock, she had used the first spell that came to her mind. She watched in awe as both Changelings were catapulted into the air and immediately released again. While her reaction had come from pure shock, Rarity seemed to have thought such a scenario through already. She quickly closed the door behind the Changelings and signaled Applejack to get her trusty rope out. Applejack, not seeming a bit shocked by the sudden appearance of the two shadows - Then again, their wings had given them away really early. Even though Applejack tried to be as swift as possible, the two Changelings still screamed their souls out before she could use the thick rope to silence them. Now it was merely a matter of time until help would find its way down here.
Twilight silently cursed her ignorance of the problem at hand and started to search for that certain aura that seemed to have taken over her every dream. She found it immediately, the thin aura floating through the air like a perfume which you simply cannot forget. To locate its source was the harder part and Twilight started to frantically gallop through the room to make out the direction in which it would intensify. While there seemed to be no immediate threat, it was now only a matter of time until they would be discovered. The result, however, was confusing. The aura seemed to originate from the globe. Why would somepony put such an important amulet inside of a globe? However, the more Twilight thought about it, the more it made sense. If the whole thing was empty, it could very well hide an important secret like the amulet. Now, how would you get into such a metal structure? Teleporting was what came to mind first, but how could she know how the insides of it looked like? She didn't want to end up half-stuck into a supportive strut. Somehow, she would have to cut through the outer shell and create a hole that could reveal the secrets inside. What spell would be most fit to cut through metal? Physical pressure would probably be less effective than intense heat, but cutting through it? That would require an immense amount of energy and time. They couldn't just give up now.
"Applejack? Can you lock or block the door?"
"Eh, sure, but I don't think that will stop them for long..."
Twilight simply ignored that comment and asked Rarity: "Can you try to sense the amulet?"
With that, Rarity's horn started glowing, almost like a signal for Applejack to start barricading the door. Applejack chose to bind the leftover parts of the rope to the door, which would make it impossible to open the door without pushing the two Changelings aside. Then again she knew, that against enough force it simply wouldn't hold up. She then proceeded to push piles of books in front of the door, slowly building up a suitable hinderance. In the meanwhile, Rarity searched around the room, until she stopped, her expression slightly confused. After a couple of minutes of further searching and stopping, she finally opened her mouth:
"Twilight, deary, if I were not as sure as I am, I would probably doubt myself, but it seems as if the amulet is actually below us."
Twilight groaned as she realized that this meant that she had to get back to the drawing board. Her whole plan was ruined now. She had already started conjuring her first attempts at a spell hot enough to feast through the thick iron but nothing had worked. Now, with this piece of information they would have to somehow find a way down under. That, of course, would be easy if they at least knew a teeny tiny bit about this dreaded death hole, but as it stood they were pretty much done for. Now it was all her fault.
"Changeling, what is the way down?"
"Well, you could have asked me nicely... and I don't know. I am as new to this place as you are. Having spent a bit of time in the upper etages doesn't make this my home. It is just... I like to imagine it as just another weird stop on this strange ride. I don't even know anymore. After all..."
"Yeah, we get it." Twilight Sparkle couldn't contain her annoyance. Why in Equestria did they have to pick up the only Changeling in all of Equestria that had to litter their lives with its boring story. As far as information had leaked, he had been in old Equestria and found an amulet and then he was here as a Changeling. Even Applejack could come up with better lies than that.
"Applejack, I think we need to get out there now."
The annoyed mare stood there for a second, complexed by that sudden change of order, then contemplating if the new one would have the same result and finally just complying to it. This time however, everypony started to help her. Within less than a minute a stack of books covered two changelings in the corner of the room, while the door was finally accessible again. With this much time lost however, it was no wonder that the first armored Changelings already had made their way down. As Twilight Sparkle stepped into the hallway she was spotted immediately by a group of five Changelings in iron armor. With such heavy armor they would probably not be able to fly, making it impractical for open assaults but all the more practical for closed spaces. Their hollow body is perfectly adapted to their insect wings but that also means that carrying heavy weights during flight is rather difficult for them. Of course the same is true for pegasi, just not as extremely. Guessing by their stance they were prepared to face a group of intruders, but probably not prepared to face the alicorn princess herself. Their armor was thick, but their protection was much more physical than actually of magical kind. She could probably strike three easy hits on the foremost guards with a firebolt and would have enough time to finish the other two off afterwards.
Her plan was quickly disturbed as a small explosion shortly behind them knocked them down, throwing bits and pieces of debris throughout the hallway. Twilight quickly looked around in confusion, assessing this newest threat. For a second, just a second, she was shocked in awe as the terrifying image of a monstrous shadow with his green aura towering over her friends was painted before her, just before it vanished as her shock subsided.
This time Twilight didn't even bother about securing the place. Either the missing guards or at least the sound of the explosion would be a dead giveaway. If they still wanted a chance on finishing this project, they would have to go quickly.
"Okay, we head over there." Twilight simply pointed to her left, not really completely sure they would find a way down there. Then again, she really didn't want to explore to her right as that was the direction the threat was coming from, which would be just like running blindly into their abnormal enemies' open arms. Even though her mind was unsure, she didn't show any of it, playing her confident role perfectly. The long corridor was mostly made of thick grey walls in which the white marble served as welcome patterns in which you could lose yourself. This castle must have been built in the times of the second architectural revolution, a truly wonderful time for complex and nifty designs. It is really a shame that most buildings have fallen to one foe or another. The complete beauty of it had probably been ruined by the Changelings in the upper levels, but it was still a wonderful sight to behold. The intricate design had the marble lines split up every so often and curl into spirals that ended in pieces of chiseled art. Each piece told a story of some sorts, mostly of famous unicorns. Although being a unicorn means being able to control levitational fields, the strength of earth ponies and maneuverability of pegasi are nowadays often preferred. Back in the days however, much more attention was given to detail and unicorns had a period of incredible creativity, which was only ended by the shadows that claimed the land.
Down. The intricate staircase was a wonderworld of most delicate artwork, beautifully crafted strings of marble dripping down from the top and flowing down deep into the depths of the earth. Even though there were multiple occasions for lamps or lanterns, none were placed. The whole staircase seemed rather mystical in the purple light that streamed from her alicorn friend's horn. For about five minutes now they had only simply been trotting downwards, and the strong aura had only increased in strength - From the usual whispering it had turned into a manticore's roar. It had slowly increased beyond a point where she would have to concentrate for it. For the first time, though, there was another sound aside from the steady sound of hooves rushing down a marble staircase. Now, the sound of chanting and armor somewhere in the distance above them mixed into the melodic chorus.
Abruptly their journey stopped in front of a thick marble door. Not a wooden door, not an iron door, but instead a beautifully chiselled marble door. Behind it, she could feel the aura pulsing intensely. Before they strode in, Rarity had a bit of time to inspect the wonderful carvings. It showed a circle of unicorns all standing around what seemed to be a giant altar. On top of the altar another unicorn, the carvings implying great power or beauty. With a slow rumbling noise, the door was slowly pushed to the side by Twilight's magic. Although there had been no obvious way to open the door other than levitation magic, the sudden screech screaming into everypony's ears made it seem as if Twilight was breaking some ancient mechanism. After the horrible sound was gone, it took a couple of heartbeats until Rarity's hearing had returned to a point at which she could perceive the steady clanging of the Changelings' armor.
"Uhhh, shiny!" Although what had been said had been nothing but Pinkie's usual reaction to anything that was particularly shiny, Rarity couldn't have said it any better. The entire room was brightly lit in red by six giant rubies hung in the ceiling. However, not just any raw rubies, but instead most delightfully carved jewels. Instead of being in one solid piece only the edges were left over, presenting the shining red outline of a dodecahedron. Inside of each jewel was a source of light, which spread the light throughout the whole room. In the middle of the room was a hexagonal pedestal made from a dark red marble. It was a room of beauty, presenting it's core in every possible manner of design.
The entire room seemed to flow towards this pedestal, every line drawing her view in to it. At the same time as her brain was simply stunned by the visual design, the visual perfection of this room, her horn was instead drawn in towards the middle of the room. She couldn't help but to step up the golden stairs leading to the pedestal. Her horn tingled in excitement as the source of the overwhelming aura came closer and closer with each step she took. The aura surrounded her fully now, allowing her to indulge in the wonderful tingling feeling in her horn. She closed her eyes for a minute, just going with the feeling, letting her body react naturally to the surrounding magic, drawing her ever closer. The strong aura felt like a bright sun burning before her, pleasurable warmth radiating in all directions.
When Rarity opened her eyes again, she expected to see a giant gemstone, radiating with the most wonderful aura she had ever felt. Instead, the aura came from the empty pedestal. Rarity couldn't help but to feel betrayed by the golden plating on the marble, where clearly once had been an object of great beauty. She was strangely disappointed, almost as if somepony had denied her the great trophy, even though whatever had been there had never been hers. Instead of holding a grudge against it, though, she decided to bath further in the aura.
"It's not here? IT. IS. NOT. HERE?!"
Twilight's voice cracked as she screamed the last words. As Rarity turned around, she was slightly shocked at the flames of anger burning in Twilight's eyes. The lack of sleep really didn't do her well. After this little mission, Rarity would most definitely get Twilight a nice long relaxing mudbath.
"Well, at least we now know it was here once." Pinkie replied, not without pulling a detective hat and a matching pipe out of her mane. Either Pinkie's mane was filled with all sorts of junk or it was some undiscovered portal. With Pinkie's 'Pinkie sense', the latter seemed awfully probable.
"Yeah, but now we are trapped down here!" Rainbow Dash replied while Twilight started searching around frantically, mumbling something into her mane from time from time. Rarity, however, continued to sense the aura, almost like a perfume you couldn't get enough of. It was just so... good.
"Twilight! Can y'all help me with this darn door?" It was clearly Applejack's voice, strained from the exhaustion of trying to push the marble doors back into their place. A distant voice, a voice lost in time. Rarity closed her eyes again and listened to the silence in her thoughts. The image of the radiating red amulet slowly pushed itself through the thick black fog behind her closed eyelids, its warmth encompassing her soothingly. Somewhere in the distance she could hear the sickening screeching of the marble doors, but it was all so far away. It was so bright, so warm and it only got brighter and warmer.
"We are trapped!" somepony yelled somewhere.
Rarity was at her very core now, and there was no worry to be had, everything blown into the distance by the amulet. Her body started tingling as the amulet got closer and closer, electrifying her body. She had to admit that the feeling was really pleasurable. Her breath started to come out in short, soft pants as her body seemed to radiate enjoyment. The air had become so hot though, that her attempts to grasp air only resulted in burning lungs. Her body still felt so incredibly good, but her lungs seemed to fail their purpose.
Something as cold as ice suddenly touched her body, forcing her to open her eyes. Twilight stared directly into her eyes, but the flame seemed to have made place for fear and concern. It took Rarity a moment to realize that Twilight was moving her mouth, but she could just not hear whatever Twilight was trying to say. Rarity looked around, confused as to where they actually were. The warmth of the sun warmed her entire body and it seemed to be very bright here. As Rarity looked around, she slowly realized that they all were somewhere in the black desert. The sky was blue and cloudless, but it wasn't hot as wind blew softly over their bodies. Well, cloudless except for the strange red streak spreading through the sky above them.
"Wow, that was awesome!" burst out her pegasus friend, while Twilight didn't seem as enthusiastic about their great escape:
"I... It could have killed us..."
"I ahm sure as hay that you just saved us, darlin' . If those fiends would've gotten into the room, we would've had one huge problem on our hooves dealin' with those darn insects - no offense."
For the first time in - something above an hour - the Changeling opened his mouth to speak:
"None taken."
Even though before she hadn't noticed it, now the Changeling seemed strangely creepy for not having talked in such a long time.
"I would actually prefer not even being mentioned with them in one sentence, though. I ... I am still not used to the idea of actually... well... being one." A bit more quietly he added "Sometimes it doesn't let me sleep at night."
Now, for the first time she was eerily reminded of the fact that that Changeling had once been a normal pony. How would she feel if she would be transformed into such an... strange animal? Those Changelings... were they all once normal ponies? That couldn't possibly be... Maybe just the big ones? Speaking of things she wondered about, though:
"Do you also see that giant red cloud above us? I..."
"A giant red cloud? Erm..." Rainbow Dash looked up into the sky and waved her hoof around. "I don't see anything."
"Well, it could be an aftereffect of the teleportation spell I used to get us out of there..." Twilight suggested, her voice still strained from exhaustion. "... but I really doubt it... I see it too."
"Are you serious?" yelled Rainbow Dash.
Applejack was a bit calmer about the situation, even though her expression was still filled with concern. "Darlin', somethin' might have messed with ya head there..."
"Ermm... Give me a second, girls." Without further explanation, Twilight just jumped into the air and with a couple of flaps of her wings she was gone. You could see on Rainbow's face that she wanted to follow Twilight, but she kept her hooves on the ground nonetheless.
After soaring through the cloud for a couple of seconds, Twilight came gliding down again. It was incredible to see how fast she had mastered the art of flight, gliding effortlessly through the air. Rarity had to admit that she was a tiny bit jealous of the freedom that flight presented. Usually she would have satisfied the monster inside by telling it that she had magic. Now, that would have worked if Twilight had not been an alicorn. Now she was left with a nagging beast inside and she couldn't do much more than to simply suppress her envy.
"Okay, almost what I had thought. It seems to be some kind of physical manifestation of the aura that has some kind of interference with our horns. I... I don't really why it's there and why we can see it, but it must mean something?" She ended her sentence sounding rather questioning instead of her usual determination.
"What now?"
Everypony turned around to the pink pony from whom had come this unexpected question. Pinkie wasn't the kind of pony to ask such important question, but then again she was probably the only one direct enough to ask it this plain out.
Well, the question was actually quite hard to answer. Nopony had thought about what to do afterwards or -as it was the case- when they failed their mission.
"We could follow the crazy candy colored cloud trail..." Pinkie Pie suggested.
With no real other trace, that may be their only option. It felt weird to rely on a strange, unknown phenomenon that had just appeared seconds ago, but what else should they do? Just turn around and leave their business unfinished and let the nightmares continue to torment their dear friend until the end of time? No, they would venture out into the unknown, an odyssey of danger, a romantic adventure that would lead them to the end of the world. |
Fall of the Changelings | FOTC: Chapter 13 - Finalizing | Even though their journey into the hive of the Changelings had been a failure, it had somehow turned out to be quite a success. Even though they had not found the amulet itself, they had found another trace up in the sky, and what was even more important: A whole arrangement of all sorts of wonderful books in which everything was written down. There was just so much to find out about the past of the place, she could have spent days just reading; and she did. What also surprised her pleasantly was Fluttershy's little gift for her. She had given her a couple of books, although these were in terrible condition. Almost all of them had little bite marks on them, almost as if Fluttershy had found the books inside of a mice lair. Nonetheless, most of these books still proved to be a good source of knowledge. There was one book that she liked most though, a really thick encyclopedia called "Historia naturalis".
It described in incredible detail the history of the civilisation inhabiting the castle, starting from the very first stone that should be the foundation for their land. That wasn't the interesting part about it, though. There was something far, far more interesting about this book, something that was completely crazy and yet it was there, present on those very pages. They had had the Changeling with them for the entire time, it could not have been him. The entire book was written by a certain earth pony engineer, Silver Coil, who had--as stated by him--been the friend of the famous Starswirl. The whole thing began with a pony stumbling through a dark forest and falling into one of the old caves, which spread throughout the entire mountain, undiscovered by ponykind.
There, the pony found something that should change history: A red amulet, later only recognized as Ostia's amulet. One day, that pony came knocking on Silver Coil's door and it had changed its shape. What had been a unicorn once had become something entirely different: An insect creature, only later given the name "Changeling". The pony that had once been his friend was gone. An aggressive creature that tried to burn down his house had taken his friend's place. When the creature vanished, Silver Coil started searching for the one cave where it all had begun. Of course, as the task demanded, he gathered a small group of scientists for the search. They went out into a deep forest and searched it hoof for hoof. It took them a couple of years to find the one cave, but when they did, it was all worth it. Even though the great aura emanating from the amulet itself was tempting, they restrained each other from ever touching it.
'The gravity of the whole expenditure was clear from our very first glimpse at the red heart, yet something drew us in ever closer as time passed on. We found each other staring at the gem for minutes and hours without moving, and sometimes expressionlessly walking towards it. The necessity of a sealed room had been clear from then on.'
The book explained in detail how the marble mechanism had been created in order to protect themselves. Silver Coil's ingenuity and Seven Feather's architectural mastery had proven rather valuable for this cause. Although the marble chamber had been designed to keep themselves locked outside, it proved to be quite good at keeping things inside when they conducted 'further experiments on the nature of the red gem by means of interaction with living organisms'.
How cruel did you have to be to conduct experiments with living organisms on an artifact that had proven itself to be incredibly dangerous?
"Twilight, come on!" Rainbow Dash yelled down from a thick cloud far before her. The rainbow colored mare had laid down in a relaxed position, yet her body was tense. It was more than obvious that she was annoyed by the slow pace Twilight was keeping. However, Twilight didn't let that bother her. She had more important things to do than race through the desert like a crazy foal after ingesting too much sugar. Twilight had to smile as she was reminded of the last time she had seen one, racing through the park in the late evening, keeping her mother too busy to notice the stallion she then inevitably bumped into.
Everything can be fun. When going to a quiet park, you can play mime. When searching for something you lost, you can play hide and seek. When you are told to sit still, you can have fun in the lands of your imagination. It is even simpler to have fun when your friends are around. Each and every moment of laughter shared is a moment that you will never forget and a smile you can wear for days. So, you can imagine that Pinkie was quite confused about the fact that even though she and her friends wandered together through a sunny day, there was just no fun coming up. Maybe it was the heat, maybe the repetitive environment, maybe the many distractions keeping them from talking to each other, and maybe something else. I mean, it isn't really unusual that Twilight sticks her head into some book, Fluttershy goes out of her way to find flowers and other green stuff, Rarity is completely taken over by her quest to find the beauty that was the amulet, and Rainbow Dash... well... Rainbow Dash was actually mostly training with the Changeling now that it had become obvious that the rest of the group couldn't keep up.
All of those were minor concerns though, she was the one pony who could get through any awkward silence, bring any and every crowd to smile, and make a party out of every boring old classical event. So, what was keeping her from doing her thing? That, dear watson, that is the elementary question. Was it just this desert? No. She had made enough of worse places to be sure that it wasn't just the desert. No, it was something worse, something that she didn't want to speak of, yet it clung to her like a piece of icing on your nose or in your mane. They were terrifyingly and undeniably drifting apart. There had come to be a certain tension between them all, something that shouldn't be between friends this close. Although Pinkie wanted to fix it so badly, she knew that a wrong move could be interpreted so simply as just another dumb thing she did, another typical Pinkie Pie moment. She didn't want to be the cause for further separation. What would happen if just a little gag would lead to just a little comment that would lead to just a little argument that would lead to everything falling apart?! One single teeny tiny miniscule microscopic miniature minute minimal meager miserable inconsequential mistake could mean the end of their friendship forever.
No. Acting up in her usual manner would just lead to desperation and terror. No, she would plan something greater, something wonderful, something truly magnificent, something that would go beyond any expectations or imaginations, something like her very first party. Just when, when would be the time for perfection? When would they find time to get together and enjoy each other's company again? Every second spent searching for the amulet was another second between them, an invisible clock ticking down, slowly but steadily. The time was running out until she would be forgotten and left alone in some forsaken alleyway. She would have to search for food on the ground and in the trash of other ponies who still had friends, who would look down at her and laugh at her and despise of her and be disgusted. The world will turn dark for her and she will never find friends again and forever be a lonely pony wandering through empty streets in dark nights and hunger for the warmth she once knew. The only comfort she will have will be her own mane, filled with the dirt and rotten garbage from the street where she would spend her final days. No, this was nonsense. There was still time, they were still friends and as long as she would not give up, it would stay that way. Their friendship was stronger than their needs... wasn't it? So many external forces had pushed them around, and through all of that, it had never broken. Yet, it had never been tested through themselves either. They all would have to decide what they found to be more important: Their friendship or their passions? No. They wouldn't have to decide. Friendship and passions aren't opposites, no, they are complementary. Yes. Now smile again, Pinkie, the sun is shining brightly and the day is still young.
Speaking of which, it was about to get a bit darker. Right in front of them was a huge cliff to either side, gigantic walls looming up so terrifically high that most ponies would have probably been scared to walk right in between them, risking their lives against anything that would fall down from up there. Such chasms usually were carved by endless streams of water over thousands of years, yet this one seemed to be different. The whole landscape seemed to have been pushed upwards in some literally earth splitting earthquake. Maud would have loved to see this.
Pinkie focused her attention on her friends' expressions, seeing if they might want help dealing with this scary environment, but she really worried for nothing. Twilight was trotting far ahead, sunken deeply into her book, only looking up when her spell warned her of some obstacle approaching. Rainbow Dash and Ethereal were flying far above the group, scouting for any and all possible dangers that lay ahead, while it seemed that Ethereal was also being taught the art of watching out while flying. Fluttershy and Rarity were a bit behind, the former humming some melody while Rarity seemed to be sunken in thought. Applejack was now trotting right next to her, obviously bored. So, what would be better than a little walking song?
"Walking through the desert land, striding through the desert's sand!
Deep beneath the brightly sun, we are going to have lots of fun.
Come on, stop your frowny face, and let a smile take its place.
Hello there, little colored stone, sitting on your big black throne.
You and your black companion, down deep in this canyon.
Down here where you feel a chill, down here where the time stands still.
"Where we now wander in our prime, down here lost in time.
Down here through day and night, down here where it is always quiet.
Where we now yearn for our home, where true thoughts are shown.
Down here in this amphibigantic superenourmolossal astromoungous immendous chasm."
In her enthusiasm, Pinkie didn't notice that Twilight had stopped walking, and thus she almost bumped into her. Singing a song could right so many wrongs. As she could not find anything to be the cause for Twilight's sudden stop, Pinkie trotted a bit around, looking under every stone. They had just arrived at a sharp corner to the left, the momentous cliffs blocking any light of the sun.
"Twilight? Why have you stopped? Have you found something great, something incrediblous?"
"No, Pinkie. That is the problem. I've found nothing!"
"How can nothing be a problem? If there is nothing, then there is nothing causing problems so there aren't any problems, but then again there is nothing stopping problems, so any problem is unstopped so there are problems, but how can a problem exist in the first place when there is nothing to cause it, but then again everything could have disappeared leaving only the problem behind, but if everything disappeared then also the problem would have disappeared because otherwise not nothing would have been left over and that means that - "
"Pinkie, I get it!" Twilight started to speak up, not only irritated, but also rather annoyed by Pinkie's words. They are breaking apart. Friendships or passion, what would you chose? The lingering seed of distrust still lingered in her, and Pinkie hated herself for even thinking about such things again. Twilight just had a rough day... there was still one question though:
"Well, is there nothing or is there something then?"
"It's not about nothing or anything."
"Well, then it isn't a problem, isn't it?"
"Yes it is. The problem is that my expectations of finding something have been unmatched."
"So the problem was not nothing now, was it?"
"Well, it - Ugh. The problem is that I have lost track of the streak of magical aura in the sky. It seems to just disappear into the damn wall!?"
Now Twilight was really pissed. That unreasonable rage, the strangeness of this part of her character so painfully obvious...
"What if the amulet is inside of the wall?"
"Inside?! That is... That is... that is actually quite smart. I could use the wave interference pattern of the wave motion spreading through the stone. That would be rather difficult, but I might be just up to the task, having only recently read the whole Encyclopedia rerum Saxorum et Formae et siti agri."
"You have read the whatnow?" interrupted Applejack, obviously happy to finally do something else than trotting through eversameish corridors.
"Errm... It's a book about stones and landscapes, so nothing special. It talked about the different speeds that waves spread in those mediums though. You may also want to read it at some point, it's quite a good book containing any useful knowledge about the earth beneath us."
"Why would I need a book that tells me what the earth hears? I am trying to farm, not trying to play it some music."
They are drifting apart. You see it, don't lie to yourself. Suddenly a soaring rainbow came crashing down from the sky, landing softly right next to Twilight, quickly followed by a comparatively lesser, yet all in all impressive performance by a greenly bolt following her.
"Hey, Twilight, why have we stopped? Is there something special here?"
"No Rainbow, there is nothing. And that is why we stopped." Pinkie threw into the mix, then giggled just a bit. A mare has to has some fun from time to time, doesn't she?
"So we stopped because of nothing?" Rainbow asked, now thoroughly confused. Ethereal also had a look of dumbfoundedness on his face, but he didn't seem to be as irritated by that thought as Rainbow Dash was.
"Well, yes and no. We stopped because the track is leading literally into the wall. I mean, there has to be a way to find that damn thing and if I need to rip this whole canyon apart to find it, then it shall be that way. I am fed up with this. Now, if you would please excuse me." With that, Twilight pushed Rainbow Dash aside and pushed her horn against the steep cliff.
Suddenly Twilight's horn seemed to explode in purple streams of magic while bits and pieces of
the thick stone burst out in all directions, some leaving red lines on Twilight's body. What was even more shocking though, was the bone shaking ripple that pushed itself through the ground and the walls, causing the chasm to transform into a rain of tiny and moderate stones, crushing down with immense speed. If it had not been for the quick reaction, the debris might have killed them. The thin green shield was the only thing keeping the thousands of stone shards from dropping. The thick layer of debris actually blocked out the sun, only a few rays making their way through the shield.
"I... I... What?" Twilight Sparkle was more than just confused, she was overconfuzzled and hyperdisconjumbled. Pinkie giggled at her two new creations, even though the situation was certainly no fun matter.
"I mean... this should... This should most definitely not have happened. I mean... The wall is... gone?"
The wall. The wall was really just... gone. While there was nothing but debris above and behind them, encapsulating them in a tiny shell, the wall that had once been blocking their way forward, following the red streak, was now gone. What had seemed like a massive cliff was in fact a thin layer of stone hollowed out by an ancient cave. No wonder Twilight's spell had failed - She had expected much more resistance and thus had used enough force to feel vibrations through thousands of hooves of thick stone, but was only presented with a thin layer. Like a souffle being treated with an amphibious jackhammer.
Before them a giant hole in the mountain had opened up, revealing some kind of cave behind what had once been solid walls. Thousands of dark holes of varying size scarred the innards of this mountain. To each side the cave went on forever, only held up by the millions of fragile struts. Below them was an abyss reaching down to the depths of the earth, a dim orange light piercing through the eternal darkness. The whole thing was only held up by the thicker struts as millions of pieces just seemed to have broken apart with Twilight's magic. Only further in the distance, you could still make out the miniature struts, most of them not much bigger than half a hoof. It seemed as the amulet had also done it's work here, or maybe Equestria actually had a different lore:
Maybe a giant rock spider had aeons ago spun her little twitchy web in the depths of the planet and as time passed, parts of her net were crumbled by the harsh surface and the dust filled the spaces inbetween. When the aeon spider tried to save her net from crumbling though, a great war was sieged and the earliest ponies began battling for supremacy on the crust. Then, lord kingray rose from the ashes of his fallen brethren and threw his mighty lance and hit the aeon spider. When it died, it fell to the very core of it's earth and since then, its burning heart fueled the core of our world and we still wander on its eternal net. Yes, maybe she should write a screenplay about the aeon spider. Though, who would watch a screenplay about spiders?
Well, there was one mare...
Fluttershy clenched her feet together as a bone shaking sound roared through the dark and deadly cave. It seemed like a horde of undead ponies were streaming through the deepest darkness down below her very feet. At any moment somepony or something could jump out of it from any angle. The only calming thing in this cave was the little critter snuggling on her side. She still could not exactly identify his species, only that he was warm and soft despite his skin lacking any fur. A pony could describe it as feeling weirdly uncomfortable to have something moving so smoothly around your limbs, but Fluttershy loved the way that snakes moved their soft and silky skin against hers. This little critter was a bit different, feeling less silky, but still it's warming presence was a beacon of hope here.
It's probably the howling of the wind through the various holes that is causing this sound, Fluttershy. That's what they said, but how could she really know? What evil may hide in these caves? There might be anything, not only a horde of zombie ponies hiding in an underground laboratory, but maybe also a giant pony-eating worm they had awoken from its slumber or maybe the spirit of darkness slumbering in Equestria's core. Maybe it was some inconceivable evil just waiting for the six little ponies - and snakelike being - to enter its giant layer to have a feast for all eternity. It would suck their flesh off their bones an- Suddenly something grabbed Fluttershy's hoof, an incredibly strong force holding her back. She screamed until there was no more air in her lungs, but Twilight's light didn't seem to even care, just flowing further away from her. Had she not heard her? Had she also been caught? Suddenly the light turned off, leaving everything to be devoured by the darkness. There was only her and the thing that grabbed her now. After catching a quick breath, Fluttershy screamed again, as loud as she possibly could. There was no one to help her. Just the darkness surrounding her, filling her lungs. She pulled her leg but it just wouldn't budge. She tried to at least turn around to see anything there, but there was just nothing but the blackness veiling whatever foe was trying to pull her down. In her fright, she quickly pulled her second leg back and then punched as hard as she possibly could. The pressure was gone. Whatever had caught her had suddenly released its grip. Now she jumped up and started running, just to be stopped by another thing suddenly pulling her front hoof away just as it was about to touch the ground. Her head bounced against one of the thick stone struts as she fell, and with the crunching of broken stone came the warmth of a thick fluid running over her head.
There was a quiet humming in the darkness. Onto this black stage, a couple of grey dancers seemed to walk, speeding up and then turning into a chaotic mess of grey and black. Where was she? Where was anything? All relations were missing. Up and down seemed to have lost their meaning here; here was just chaos. She was painfully reminded of those who she had left behind. Not only her animals, but also Discord. Every one of them had made sacrifices, but she still did not understand. Twilight had argued that he could sabotage them at any point, but why should Discord sabotage his friends? He would have had a joke or two, but otherwise? He would have been a great help, sheltering her from whatever situation she had now gotten herself into. Now she was alone. Alone in the darkness. Alone was good, wasn't it? It was just a bit ... scary.
Was it red? Or was it just her imagination? No. There was definitely a tinge of red down below her, defining what was below and above. Just a distant image of a color, but enough to regain orientation and the strength to try and push herself up. Her limbs didn't want to respond to her commands, leaving her staring down at the red glow. What it might be? Maybe lava had risen up or maybe it was a giant glowing monster? Most likely however, it was just her imagination. Spooky imagery as she tended to get in stressful situations. Her blood flow was probably too high, pushing too much blood into her brain and causing some hallucinations. At least that's what Mr. Greenheart, her new doctor, had said the last time that she had had one of these panic attacks on the stage. Even thinking the word brought a shiver to her entire body. She could already see the ponies staring at her, examining her every movement, every inch of her body, sniffing around on her, touching her with their filthy hooves, licking her body with their disgusting brown tongues.
No. No, this was just a dark and admittedly scary cave but there is no one to help her now so she has to do get out alone... and if she fails there is no one to help her and she is going to be either forever lost or driven insane or worse... So what could she do? She once again tried to move her limbs but it seemed as if her legs were just stuck between the struts, inside the thousand holes. How long had she been passed out? A small tingling sensation ran along her leg. Something was touching her. It was going up further and further. Oh my, Celestia, Luna, please, is there no one to help me? No! It climbed further and further... and surpassed her bottom, slowly making its way up further and further, until a little black friend appeared in her vision. Although the shock was replaced by relief, her heart was still pounding. Her little friend had found her... yet he or she could probably not really help her out of this situation. She was still stuck... just not alone anymore. Suddenly the world started to shake, everything - everything started moving, shaking, turning, shuffling, falling, breaking and crushing. In an instant she was free, but freely falling. Down onto another, huge strut. Somewhere before her was light and she started running. There was chaos, there was noise, there was no direction. A huge stone barrier fell down behind her, crushing where she had just landed. Another one caused the ground to disappear below her. She was falling again, onto another one. From the left came thousand stones, and she jumped. She landed and held onto the short ledge from the giant pillar that reached down deep into the red glow. She pulled herself up, just to feel the whole pillar falling to its side, taking her down with it. A sharp stone hit her flank and pushed her off the falling pillar, down further and further. Another strut just crashed as she landed, this time her hooves barely able to catch her fall. And she fell further down towards the red glow. She was falling alongside thousands and millions of small sharp bits and pieces, hundreds of giant boulders and pillars and thick stone walls. Everything in this cave was falling. Another rock crushed her back, but immediately let go again as an even bigger boulder shot through the cave, the impulse taking her down with them. It was pain and fear, that cramped her body, causing every beat of her heart to shake her entire body, to make her ears only hear the screeching and rumbling of an entire mountain crashing down. There was nothing but chaos and she feared it. She was not a stranger to randomness, to the kind of chaos that discord would represent when he was near to her. But this was not just chaos, this was deadly chaos, everything tried to kill her. Another sharp edge came out of nowhere, just to scratch along her side and be gone somewhere in the distance above her in a matter of heartbeats.
Then, there was nothing. For a second. For another one. No pain, no sound, no impact. Just nothing. When Fluttershy opened her eyes she had unconsciously closed just moments before, her fear was suddenly overwhelmed by pure shock. What in all of Equestria was that?!
Ethereal wasn't very sure as to what exactly he was supposed to do. The sun was shining down on them relentlessly while only the giant wound in Equestria's surface really gave them a sense of direction. A giant scar stretched from just where they were to the very horizon.
"You're like an alicorn, with those wings and your magic. I wouldn't let Twilight try it, for one because she is a princess, and also because... well... she doesn't fly that well."
His teacher had leaned over very - very - close as she spoke those words. There was a moment in which Ethereal wanted to diminish whatever little distance was left between him and Rainbow Dash, but he quickly caught his inappropriate thoughts.
"And that would be?" he said, trying to sound cool. She liked cool... at least that's what he thought. Maybe he was trying a bit too hard, but maybe this was just the right thing to do.
"Well, it's simple. I want you to accelerate yourself with your magic. Just create a flow of air and use it like I taught you." She grinned devilishly, almost as if she was seeing the exact image in her head already. "And, you know, we may also get the chance to do this together."
That sounded... quite tempting. He was still not comfortable with his magic, yet it couldn't do any harm to try, could it? He had tried some spells already with increasing success. Deep in the night, when his teacher was already asleep, he had time to try out whatever spell came to mind - Which were, now that he was going through it, not actually that many. He had mostly used levitation in any and every kind of manner, but rarely more advanced spells.
However, speeding up wind would probably be as easy as levitating a bucket... Well, except for fluid and gas dynamics being a bit more difficult, at least that is what he had learned from ... old friends. He took a few quick flaps as his mind started racing back to places he thought he'd left behind. Before his mind could conjure up images that tortured him at night, he quickly released the magical energy he had built up in his spell. The hot but fresh air suddenly streaming around his body quickly boosted him into the blue sky. Within one second, every thought was replaced by the incredible sensation of speed.
From behind, Rainbow Dash caught up in a matter of seconds, and with a loud swoosh she was gone in the distance already. He accepted the obvious challenge and angled his wings. She would not get away this easily. For seconds, it seemed like she was coming closer, but then she turned her head back and simply laughed. Then with a sudden burst of energy just disappeared, leaving behind a rainbow trail. Usually he would have simply given up or made an ineffectual effort, but this time may just be the time when he could beat her.
Quickly he increased the amount of magic he was using, but Rainbow Dash simply used the wind he created for her own advantage. But not for long. If he could just ... narrow the spell a bit down.... The breeze intensified and caused him to slowly catch up to Rainbow Dash. The spell was getting harder to maintain, but it was still possible. Rainbow Dash didn't simply give up however, instead continually accelerating against all expectations. Now, this was a challenge. If he could just increase the magic a bit more... Yet his horn already felt strained through the magical expenditure. Exhausting himself right here would most likely not be a good choice. Then again, he wouldn't always have a chance to strike victory against Rainbow Dash. He focused intensely, this time putting most effort into controlling the flow of the air instead of just accelerating it. It was incredible to be at such a high speed yet not really having the drag of air pushing you back. For a second it seemed like Rainbow Dash could keep up, but then she was gone. He decided to make sure and flew a looong victory round, before finally decelerating. When he turned around to greet his slow teacher however, she was nowhere to be found.
It took him almost a minute until he even realized what had happened. Instead of overtaking his teacher, she had probably stopped somewhere. After a short second of confusion, he knew exactly where she would be. Of course, she would have probably returned to her friends in any case of emergency, so it was about to be a quick search.
"...stopped because of nothing?" Rainbow just finished asking some question.
Twilight started some kind of explanation about their stop, then pushed herself by Rainbow and pushed her horn onto the giant stone wall. Within the tiniest part of a second, nearly unnoticeable, a deep rupture made its way through the entire wall, fracturing into thousands of smaller branches, splitting up again and again, until the entire wall was just a puzzle of tiniest pieces - and then just exploded into a rain of a million small shards of stone. If Ethereal had not learned to make his shield a reflex to danger, that might have been their end.
Luckily his control over his spells had somewhat improved. As long as he didn't overstrain his newfound powers, he would be fine. If however, he tried to use too much magic at once, it would once again erupt randomly. He had tried now for a couple of months to control his magic, yet it seemed as elusive as in the first days he had acquired it.
After a short discussion, they decided to advance further into the cave. It was rather surprising seeing the massive mountain from the inside: It was an assembly of thousands of holes, only small struts holding the whole thing up still. There was just one direction now: down into the lion's den. This was their only chance to finally do what they had come for... and then? What was he supposed to do afterwards? There was no back, there was no forward, there was only this mission, which was not even his mission to be exact. He had just tried to not be left to his own insanity.
It was dark in the jungle of struts, every movement a potential enemy and every sound important information. Ethereal had tried not to fall into his thoughts, but there had been no escaping it. Where at first had only been the trotting of hooves, now was the laughter of his wife, his son. They were somewhere in the darkness, trying to speak to him. Sometimes he could even see their faces. There was... more than one instance where he had nearly turned and walked into the surrounding darkness. Only the purple light floating softly before him had stopped him from going astray. A beacon in the darkness, where his thoughts roamed freely and pain tore his heart apart. The pain of loss is not a pain easily going by, there is- Suddenly the light he had intensely focussed on just disappeared, leaving them all in complete darkness. Twilight's voice echoed softly through the cave, the first voice he had heard for hours.
"Down there! I think we found it."
"I feel it, too." It took Ethereal a second to realize whom the second voice had come from. But there was only one voice that graceful.
Suddenly Ethereal heard hooves galloping into the distance. Without further thinking about it, he quickly followed. He took a few steps, when suddenly the ground below him just disappeared and he fell towards something glowing in a soft red. The air down here was thick and a bit too obstructed, there was a high probability of turbulence, yet when he spread his wings, he could instantly feel his descent slowing down significantly. The red glow illuminated the entire cave, a harsh play of colors drawing in any attention and rendering it difficult to make out other schemes. Yet it didn't take Ethereal long to notice the hundreds of Changelings assembled in a concentric circle around the red source of intense light. The closer his descent brought him to the edge of the circle, the louder a mild chanting became.
"In nomine alveare vero reginam velimus. Libera nos ab omnibus malis!"
With his black skin and the ... holes, he should definitely be invisible with this background. Yet that did not ease his nerves. Any false movement could very well condemn him to death. A painfully long second passed, then another. It took an eternity to reach the ground of the giant chamber. More than a hundred changelings were assembled to chant their chorus. The walls seemed to absorb the sound; there was no echo or anything similar.
Suddenly everything turned silent. He didn't move, his foot had just touched the ground, making a noise that could never have been heard by anypony but himself. Queen Chrysalis started speaking, her voice loud and clear.
"It is time. We have waited long enough, my dear minions. For millennia now she has been imprisoned by her own creations. But her seeds she had tenderly cared for have grown in the years of foreign reign and the land that has been claimed can finally be returned to its righteous owner. Let us finally bring balance back to this world. Let us finally free our goddess Ostia!"
The chanting had died down during her speech, but now it grew louder once again. From what Ethereal could make out, Chrysalis was slowly approaching the gem with her horn glowing brightly. When her horn was just mere inches away from the brightly glowing gem, a green surge of unnatural electricity sprung from the gem to the horn, then traveling to the ground, causing the first Changelings in the circle to suddenly jolt, as if being hit by lightning. Just before Ethereal realized the danger he was in, the electricity caught him, but instead of shocking him, it immediately sucked every bit of power out of his body. He tried to get away, but he had lost the power to stand already, collapsing to the ground like a lifeless corpse. He tried to scream, but no sound came out when he opened his mouth. There was nothing but the noise of a thousand thunders, a light so bright that it shone through his closed lids.
As sudden as the surge of electricity had ravaged through the room, as sudden had it disappeared, leaving a feeling of being drained of one's power. His body felt empty and yet heavy, like wearing a thick piece of armor after a day of training. The shining light slowly faded, leaving a large afterimage of a giant alicorn standing atop the pedestal, an image that did not bother to leave him alone. He tried to push himself up again, but it was almost as if they had taken all power he had ever had. When he heard a metallic clang, followed by another one, just a bit closer, he opened his eyes again. Not shining brightly anymore, but all the more terrifying was her image. Her hair was a meadow, green grass and flowers covering all of it. Her eyes were as blue as the brightest summer sky, her voice carried the softness he had only thought a certain yellow pony could impersonate. Her movement was gentle, but her insane smile brought shudders to his body. The tips of her hair and tail started bursting out into flames, consuming every living thing and only leaving black ashes, from which small seedlings erupted. Where she treaded, life followed, replacing the holes with vines and moss, filling up the ground below her. Yet when she passed the circle of collapsed Changelings, their bodies burst into a thousand parts, transforming into small black dandelions.
"For so many years I have waited. This day will be the day of renewal and shall be known forevermore. Thou duties are over, my little darlings."
A voice right from the heavens, but not able to calm the agitation in his body. His heart pumping, his brain screaming, his legs trembling, the urge to flee climbing into unbearable levels. Another voice suddenly pierces through the darkness, causing the giant figure to slowly turn.
"You were prophesied to be the solution! You were supposed to bring the Changelings to new might, not simply smite my children. How do you even dare?!"
The laughter that followed shattered through his bones, causing bits of the ceiling to collapse down.
"My silly little Changeling. Why do you think you are here?"
The Changeling princess didn't respond, but the silence was answer enough.
"You are here because I created you as imperfectly as I did. I ask you, how do you think you lead ponies? By force? By leadership? By friendship? No. You need to play with the desires of those who you want to influence. If they think it was their own decision, they will aid your cause freely. Just a bit of imperfection can make all the difference. You were designed to seek perfection but there was nothing to grant it to you. Without others you could not live and thus you had to come to me. There was no other choice for you but you still thought it was a voluntary decision. How foolish of you. You were not made to wander in Equestria without me, so just submit to your demise."
She almost spat out the last words, the softness in her voice fading with every word.
The queen was furious, but she didn't let out a sound. She was just staring at the alicorn before her, almost as if her stare alone could defeat this foe. The alicorn whose mane had caught fire once again just to be replaced by another row of growing sprouts just laughed at this gesture and stepped forward.
"Do you think you could defy me? None can stand in my way. I am what becomes and I am what is undone. I am the past and the future. I am the change. There is no force big enough to stop my advance." After a short pause, the alicorn added an inquiry: "How does it feel to have your hopes betrayed, my darling? It's nothing personal, it's just how the world works."
Before she could take another step, the queen herself started glowing in a bright green light, sending a whizzing stream of magic through the air, suddenly exploding as it reached a magic shield around the alicorn. The alicorn didn't even seem to be bothered by the vicious attack, slowly and steadily approaching the queen.
"I have created you, why would you even think you could hurt me? You still have not grasped the concept, have you? I am your goddess and either you submit in this very instance or you will face my wrath. I will be your undoing!"
Queen Chrysalis did not even flinch, didn't show a sign of awe or dread, but instead just stood high up, looking the goddess directly into her eyes, whose hair has just grown into a jungle again. While the goddess had formed her muzzle into a devious smile, the queen just grimly watched the alicorn stepping towards her.
"So you are going to chose death, I wouldn't have seen it otherwise."
With that, the alicorn's horn lit up in a sickly green, from which a cloud of dark magic erupted, spreading through the entire cave, filling up everything, crouching into every hole and... consuming it. Through the thick cloud he could hear the tortured cries of thousands of Changelings, his own scream mixed into the sound. It wasn't the pain itself, but it was the feeling of your flesh melting, your very self being consumed through this blackest of magic. What do you become when you become undone?
It was a sudden green flash of light in this blackness, followed by laughter that quickly cleared the air. The dark magic was no longer being fed, and thus began to dissipate. The queen didn't stop with just one attack however, but released bolt after bolt striking the alicorn before her. Her anger had finally made its way through the thick wall of calmness and now surrounded her like an aura. Her vicious attacks did not stop even once, yet within seconds the goddess had put up a mighty shield. Chrysalis quickly stopped throwing out her magic as she realized how fruitless that struggle was. What tactic do you choose against an impenetrable shield? Now with the dust settling however, it wasn't time to ask philosophical questions but instead time to finally get up again and either flee or fight. Fleeing was the more probable option seeing how the changeling queen herself could not break through the shield, so why should he even try?
Getting up was harder and honestly more disgusting than he had imagined: The black cloud seemed to have melted his carapace, letting it drip down and when the cloud had vanished, pieces of his skin had combined with the stone around him. It was utterly unpleasant to look at, but even more unpleasant to actually stand up from. He could feel his skin being pulled apart until with a small crack, pieces of it bursted in every direction, leaving deep wounds behind. Although it was different skin now, his flesh was still connected to it and thus pieces of flesh remained bound to the stone struts.
It was painful, yet still more bearable than being dissolved into a black cloud of dark magic. When he had finally managed to free all four of his legs, he looked back up to see that the queen and the goddess had started fighting again. The goddess was now shooting her black magic through the entire cave, only closely missing the queen, who in her turn never missed a single strike, yet despite her fervor could not manage to pierce the still unharmed shield.
The goddess spoke once again, her voice filling the entire cave: "You are weak and starved. Why do you even try to prevent the inevitable? You are not going to pierce my shield and thus you might as well just give up all your energy at once. There is no way for you to win this."
"And you are blind and foolish. I am too fast and too smart to succumb to your mindless aggression," answered the Changeling Queen, her words only pressed through her mouth between taking short breaths. She would lose the fight if she were to just continue. She would throw all of her magic out and have none to defend her. The goddess just laughed in response to the queen's words.
The Changeling soldiers who had now recovered quickly started to surround the alicorn and attack her from all sides. None of them could actually manage to scratch the shield, yet their attacks disrupted the attention of the goddess. With a few quick steps Chrysalis moved back and let another soldier take her place in the circle that the Changelings had now conjured around the goddess. From there, she started channeling some mighty attack, but this was not the time to watch a fight in awe, but instead the time to finally get out. He started running - well, more like limping - away from these powers which were above his level of mastery. Now there was only one question remaining: Where was the exit? There had to be one as these Changelings and the queen had somehow gotten here, it just had to be somewhere along these walls...
The queen suddenly let forth the magic she had assembled, releasing it in one vicious attack. The shockwave of the explosion threw him into the air and smashed him into the thick stone struts that made up the wall.
Twilight quickly stopped her magical light when she noticed that certain aura, the aura that had kept plaguing her in her dreams. Down there, in the deepest depths lay the secret to her nightmares. Were it visions maybe? Celestia and Luna had often talked about the ability of an Alicorn to have visions of events that were not bound to their three dimensions, but could show anything at any time. Often they were caused by a strong magic, the only energy strong enough to actually pierce through past and future to cause such dreams. Twilight didn't doubt the possibility that if some magic was strong enough, it would actually cause visions for every unicorn, or maybe all magically adept creatures, not only including pegasi and earth ponies, but also dragons, phoenixes, mage plagues and the many others. Down there somewhere...
Twilight quickly hurried forward. "Down there! I think we found it." Within a moment, Rarity reassured her: "I feel it, too." Then she heard it: Distant chanting of some sort, maybe a summoning spell, maybe an ancient ritual, maybe dark magic. Whatever it was, Twilight would find it out. She started galloping quickly, just hoping everypony would follow her even though her light was now as dim as to barely cover her own hooves. As Twilight hurried around the long, drawn out 180 degree turn, she almost ran into something she had not expected here: A giant door was just inches from her face... Down here. The door was held up by two huge struts spiraling upwards, their diameter probably twice or even thrice that of the other struts.
The purpose of the heavy door, however, made absolutely no sense to her. What sense made a door, if you could as well just go around it... by breaking the smaller struts to the side of course. It must be one of these doors of aesthetics that Silver Coil so adored. Strange how unknown such a pony could be even due to such incredible findings. The amulet, as some experiments had explained, seemed to break apart whatever was nearby. In a couple of chambers - as later scientists have written down in her "Historia naturalis", the thick encyclopedia she had taken from the Changeling library - experiments had been made on the amulet back here in the outlands where no one would notice anything. The first involuntary experiment had been some kind of poor animal that they had trapped with the amulet - Well, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were here, but where were Fluttershy and Ethereal? If that fiend does anything to her... Maybe just a bit more time... And in the meanwhile she could already break the door or something, in the hope of not encountering a Changeling army right behind it. Maybe she could make a tiny hole to peek through first? - Anyway, the experiment. The poor little critter seemed fine for the first few days, but as time went on, the little thing got weaker and weaker, although the feeding schedules never changed. After almost a week, the thing was dead. When they took it out again, its body just deflated like a balloon. Whatever the amulet was, it was a threat to her and equestria. No matter where it was, no one could be safe while it still existed. Whatever force was in there, was definitely maleficent.
Twilight peeked through the small opening, seeing no Changeling out there, the door was completely unprotected. Her first magical spell tackled the task of analysing the general structure of the door, using some neat fluid mechanics, calculating some pressures and seeing how the whole thing reacted. To actually sense the change in your magic when you apply pressure is rather hard. You might know it from trying to lift something that is just too heavy, you feel that your magic cannot advance, that the thing just counteracts your force. It's just like that, just much harder to actually detect. Of course she had mastered it in "Magical measurements" and "Magical finetuning", the former one being a good book, the latter being a subject of several.
The door seemed to just be a regular door, the opening mechanism a simple bar that could be moved intrinsically with the right magic. It wasn't hard to open it. Yet Twilight still hesitated before finally using her magic: If her friends weren't here, they couldn't advance and opening the door would just make it easier to be detected.
"Rainbow Dash? Could you... see where Fluttershy is? I am worried that she might have fallen somewhere."
"It's reaaally dark in here..." Rainbow Dash answered, insecurity in her voice, that vanished when she added: "...but I am sure I can find her. Can't be so hard to spot that yellow flank in a black and grey cave now, can it?"
With that, she flew off, while the others waited tensely for what the door might reveal. When Twilight finally opened it though, all went to tatarus. A black cloud burst out from the inside, some trickery of black magic that she had not sensed when checking the door for hidden traps. As quickly as she could, Twilight got her shield up, but there was one pony - even two - in grave danger now: Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
Rainbow Dash wasn't pleased to not find her there. Fluttershy must've found some cutesy wootesy wittle itty bitty critter or something. It was dark, really dark, but it wasn't the first time she had flown in darkness. In the deepest nights she loved to get out there and fly through Equestria. You never knew what was coming, creatures of the darkness or invisible obstacles made every flight out to be an adventure. When she had started to adapt to these nightly flights however, the sense of danger had faded with every flight. That was around the time when she had decided to try something new, something even more daring: She had decided to take on caves and cliffs and ravines, to give her the sense of adventure once again. One of her first places had been the ghastly gorge at day, just testing out the perimeters, later revisiting it at night. To be fully aware of the risk of a giant cliff eel just snacking you up due to your timing being just a hundredths of a second too late or too early, that is true adrenaline. In the second where you hear the maw just snap directly behind your tail, but you cannot even see the giant thing out there, that is when you feel alive.
This cave was nothing: Boring struts, almost no obstacles and almost as bright as day in here, at least in comparison to what she has been through already. It was a quick flight around the 180 degree turn that stretched out far too long for her liking, it wasn't even a test of agility to get around it. Who built this place? Must've been some boring old unicorn wizard or something. No cool pony would build such a bor- A cold, cold breeze of wind suddenly rushed over her. It took her less than a heartbeat to realize that it was something else. A searing pain suddenly pierced through her entire body as whatever was there was consuming her body. She screamed and her wings were suddenly so stiff and she fell. In the last second she caught herself and flapped her wings as hard as she could to get out of whatever she had gotten herself into. Her eyes hurt so incredibly much as whatever was in the air tried to dissolve them. Closing her eyelids was impossible however, without risking to crash into one of these walls. Suddenly the whole cave had gone from a boredom central to death mountain. The shock was in her wings, trying to slow her muscles down, but it was also in her mind, pushing herself faster than she could've ever thought. Yellow fur, just... The moment of not watching ahead was the moment she would've needed to tilt slightly to her left to avoid the inevitable path. Of course she tried to do a quick evasion maneuver, but it was already far too late. Her entire body crashed into the wall, breaking struts apart until one was too strong. Within a moment, she was knocked out, the darkness surrounding her.
There it was. The magic, the aura. It was there, just hidden by the darkness. Twilight stepped forward, just to hesitate once again. They had to go back and get Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, but they were so close. She could feel it. The magic was everywhere. Just a few steps.
"Twilight," Applejack's voice sounded from somewhere behind her. "y'all need to come and search for them. We can't go nowhere without our friends."
"But we are soo close," Twilight heard herself saying. Rarity agreed, but it was all so distant, behind the veil of magic that was there. So much power, so much knowledge just before her. She could become almighty and bring happiness to anyone and finally be worthy of her title. She would... lose her friends. And that wasn't worth it.
"Alright, we ... we head back."
The dark cloud had dissipated, so why not let Applejack and Pinkie Pie head back and just go there? It's too dangerous.
"Twilight, we could just let Applejack and Pinkie Pie search for-" Rarity began, but Twilights harsh look silenced her.
"We won't lose anypony -" Whatever Twilight had wanted to say was silenced by a deafening sound, with which came a force so incredibly strong, just pulling them from their hooves and smashing them through the wall behind them. In a matter of ungraspable seconds came heat and pain and noise and fire and fear. It was only a second, or maybe two that their flight lasted, stopped by some of the bigger struts, but the explosion was long not settled. The heat was gone, but the noise only grew louder. From the ceiling, it started to rain. Not raindrops, but instead thousands and millions of smaller stones and pieces of the net, and the entire cave just collapsed. The shield Twilight tried to conjure for her and her friends was so incredibly slow. In every direction she looked towards was just falling death raining from above. Everywhere the stones were breaking apart and collapsing, the whole mountain dying under it's own weight. Within seconds, the force onto her shield became unbearable, but she had to keep on. Twilight tried to move, but her right hind leg was .. oh god. What was supposed to be her leg was now just a bloody mess. Twilight's heart started pounding so very loudly and the blood was just flowing out there and - Celestia, what had she gotten herself into here?
Darkness. A frightening darkness was surrounding Rainbow Dash as she opened her eyes. The memories she had did not match up with anything here. It wasn't supposed to be dark and her body shouldn't feel so immobile. She slowly tried to move her head down, but when she tilted her head further, her whole body was pulled down from whatever was holding it up. Her body just sunk into itself like a sag of old potatoes. With that movement, Rainbow Dash suddenly realized what was wrong. She wasn't feeling, well, anything. No pain, no fear, no surprise, just nothing. Once again, she tried to push herself up, this time just a bit more successful. Around her seemed to be thousands of tiny pieces of debris: Spikes and stones of various sizes, all packed up tightly. Up above her was a particularly large strut, allowing her not to be buried alive.
Only very slowly her body followed her commands, almost as if there was a delay in the information travelling down into her limbs. At least she figured that much, she wasn't that science-y like Twilight after all. Would probably be useful right now, but honestly, who but Twilight would sacrifice so much time for such stuff? There were so many more awesome things to be done than to spend a single day wasting it on books - Well, at least not THAT kind of books. "The Endosymbiont Theory of Bacterial Evolution" and stuff like that. Maybe she could have studied sports or something, but practicing is always more fun than learning, and sports theory is always so iffy. She didn't love flying because she knew exactly how the air bent around her wings, but because she could feel and adapt at every moment...
What was she even thinking about? She was down in this hellhole and her mind had nothing better to do than to think about learning? No, she would have to find a way out of this, and possibly quick. There was no way to tell how long her little safe zone would remain even such. Rainbow Dash slowly stood up, noticing her body out of balance while doing so. It seemed as if... Yes. Her right wing was squished in between two rocks. The whole thing was a bloody mess, speaking of which... It seemed like her wing wasn't her only concern as what had stopped her from immediately just falling down had been a rather nasty spike sticking out from the rubble behind her. The loss of blood was possibly what made her head so dizzy and her thoughts so terribly unconcentrated. She quickly looked around her tiny prison, although without discovering any sort of possible exit. To try and dig out could be a foolish undertaking if the debris above would just fill up the hole, suffocating her. On the other hand, it might as well be her only chance of survival.
It took her a couple of minutes or seconds or maybe even an hour - time had really lost its meaning down here - to decide that there was no other chance. Slowly, she put her hoof out to the ceiling and with a bit of force, the first stone came crashing down, not releasing a deadly shower of debris onto her. For the next one then. While Rainbow Dash started to dig her way through this ceiling, her mind drifted once again. What does time actually mean? Is it the passing of actions or is it something very intrinsically to every pony. How do we know that time has passed? She would've guessed it was only dependent of things actually happening, but Twilight always said that there was some kind of inner clock and that kinda made sense, too. Maybe time was a fundamental constant that Celestia and Luna had defined. What would living without time look like? That... kinda didn't make sense, so Rainbow Dash went back to the last good thought. What if time was a fundamental constant, but that without even Celestia or Luna necessary to define it? That idea was strange, but she kinda liked it. There were foes as mighty as to fight Celestia, so why wouldn't there be a constant that could go on without her even? But then again, it were Celestia and Luna moving the moon and the sun around, so wouldn't a day always be as long as they liked? Well, then again, time also moved on when Nightmare moon tried to create the eternal night. Time wasn't just gone then. Ughh, egghead stuff.
It was the 15th or so stone that actually started to get problematic. It just wouldn't bother to move. Now, there was something special about this stone. It was strangely bright, and overall, it seemed like she had uncovered something. If she could just... Quickly Rainbow Dash descended to the ground a dozen hoof, then finally laid down. With a sharp boost from her muscles, she shot back into the air, putting her front hooves before her, and then crashing into the ceiling. Although it was rather painful, her plan actually worked the way it was intended to. With a dangerously low rumbling sound, bits and parts of debris came falling back down, making small gaps through which she could see... the sun? With a final push, Rainbow Dash burst through the last bits of debris in her way and pushed her way out.
A small glowing window quickly broadening in size almost caught her off guard. Not that she hadn't expected it, but it still surprised her how strong her spell could be if her body was already aching with the pain. Her mind should be still screaming, but it had suddenly become so very clear and quiet. But her quiet mind scared her even more than the pain she had had. When the pain was still there, she knew how horrible the situation was, she could judge her actions well and accordingly, now she had lost the knowledge and thus was at the mercy of forces beyond her control. When the glowing light was gone again, she and her friends were facing the ruins of an entire mountain broken down to bits and pieces. In the midst of the ruins was a creature, a giant alicorn standing there with blazing hair, grinning deviously as a rather dangerous queen stands in opposition, panting strongly. It seemed as if queen Chrysalis had not taken the explosion as well as... whoever this other alicorn was. Not having heard of her before was a bad sign, but seeing as how she opposed Chrysalis, she must be a good pony. Maybe a lost princess, hidden by Chrysalis and abused for -
"Twilight, oh Goodness Gracious, what happened to your leg. It's terrifying!" a sweet voice called out from behind.
"Rarity, it doesn't matter! Right there, there our enemy stands. The last months would be for nothing if we were to lick our own wounds now. Also, how would you even consider not searching for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?"
"I... I don-" Rarity started to stutter, but was suddenly interrupted by Applejack:
"Well, she is mightily right there, honey. We can't risk losin' you too just because you didn' care for a serious injury like that one. My great aunt had broken her leg once and didn' want to do anythin' about it. It nearly killed her, and I don' wanna see you doin' the same."
"Applejack, I am not your aunt!"
"Great aunt and it has nothin' to do with that at all. I... I just don't want you to be hurtin' yourself, okay?"
"No, not okay. It is vital that-"
"Oh, a fighter, I have made you strong." The goddess' words were like thunder, echoing through the field of debris. "But you will fall, nonetheless."
The queen just spat out before the goddess before growling in a deep tone: "It isn't you who has made me strong. No, the pain and horrors I had to endure, that is what made me stronger than you could have ever made me. You think you have had it all planned out, but much has changed. Even if we once were yours, we aren't anymore!"
With that, the Changeling queen let out a terrifying howl, followed by a blinding lightning crashing into the alicorn's shield.
"Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, try to find the others. I have royal duties I have to attend to."
"Not with that leg of yours!" Applejack screamed into the rift of time and space that had just been created inches before her. Only Twilight knew that the words never actually reached her. Another alicorn was facing one of her biggest foes and she could not just stand around while Chrysalis, the cause of incredible pain, denunciation, hatred and spite, was just standing there, smiting an innocent alicorn.
"CHRYSALIS!" Twilight's voice echoed through the ruins as her friends were already starting to search frantically for those still lost.
"I don't have the time to deal with you, little brat." the queen snarled back with anger.
"You. You came to our land, you brought your parasites, you infested our beautiful Canterlot, my home town, you abused my brother, you hurt Celestia - AND YOU STOLE MY FRIENDS." There it was again. The rage, a flame she had thought extinguished burning up brightly again, filling her veins with power, finally able to release. All these years she had waited for this moment and nothing would stand in her way, she would smite the queen until nothing was left but a pile of ashes. She felt the energy rushing through her body, to her horn and from there, she could feel the hot air around it, the stream of magic flooding towards the Changeling Queen. She poured her hatred into it and the queen screamed. And it satisfied her.
"You. A pretty little pony princess. I shall also claim your world as mine." the goddess' words made their way into her ear, but they were never truly heard. Only the screams. Only the screams.
When Twilight finally stopped, her body was exhausted, and her mind was empty. In a single moment, all the pain and all the feelings swept back over her, leaving her defenseless. Her leg was finally sending signals again, but those signals were pain in its purest form. She screamed, or maybe she couldn't. Her mind - from one moment to another - had turned into a mess of thoughts and fears and death and destruction and a burning Equestria under her own hooves.
The alicorn she had just saved however, didn't run or flee.
"What have you done? She was mine. She was my creation! It is not your decision to kill her, it is mine! You will be the next one then..."
The alicorn slowly turned around to her, her mane now a growing forest, her smile devilishly grinning.
"But I saved you..." Twilight brought out, her mind not understanding.
"You just killed the last defender. You doomed yourself." The goddess spread her wings and with a mighty burst got up high into the air. From there, she released a dark bolt of liquid death, but Twilight's mind did not react. The magic immediately started feasting on the shield, bits of it leaking through, trying to touch her body to make her one with the earth. She wouldn't win this fight. She had used all of her power, there was no backup plan. Another fountain of fire erupted from the horn of the goddess, washing over the shield, burning her strained horn. But it wasn't enough, the heat becoming unbearable. Twilight tried to teleport away, just away, but her spell failed her. The world around her started to blur as the fire suddenly stopped. Only when it faded, she could see what had caused the goddess to stop. A rainbow colored bolt erupted from the ground, flying up high into the air.
"What...?" The goddess was confused, just for a second. Enough time to properly concentrate and - The sudden surge of magic made the world spin around and around, Twilight being a good hundred hooves away now. She had used the reserves of her magic to get away, but what now?
"You leave her alone!" Applejack yelled, while Rarity quickly galloped over to her.
"Oh, I see. You have got friends there. Well, then it will be a delight killing them first, just to give you the most agonizing renewal you could ever expect."
They weren't strong enough. Even as five they could never withstand that kind of power. Rarity quickly created a shield around her, Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who had now assembled. Applejack immediately started bucking heavy bits of debris in the goddess' direction, yet her shield simply melting it, leaving nothing but molten vapor. The goddess replied, yet not in their direction, instead trying to catch the only unshielded pony. A few quick bolts were sent out, but all of them missed. Yet, with her own wings she quickly pushed herself into the air and towards the rainbow swirl. The many loops and turns made it impossible for the goddess to hit anything, but she didn't need to aim as she released a deadly shower of spewing fire across the whole sky. Rainbow Dash was fast enough to avoid the full front, yet the heat burnt her right wing and Rainbow immediately started to lose height. With a last effort, the pegasus slowly declined and headed... for Rarities shield, bolts following her along the path, which she could only barely avoid.
"It's no use. She is too strong." Applejack cried out.
"We... we have to try," Twilight replied as Rainbow Dash came crashing into the shield, the momentum breaking a couple of the struts on the ground. Now, the goddess concentrated fire onto Rarity's shield and while the first bolt was deflected solidly, with the second bolt the shield began wavering, and with the third one it collapsed completely. Death was just a hoof away, yet there was a last force stopping it. Another shield just barely deflected the last bolt.
"You? You are the one who made me into this?!"
It was... the changeling? Yes. It was actually Ethereal appearing out of nowhere, suddenly shielding them with a thick green shield, seemingly impenetrable. Yet against this alicorn, it would stand no minute. There would only be one force enough to deal with such immense power. And that force is the magic of friendship... Yet as only 5 of them were here, it would be impossible to do this greater deed. In her quest for an answer, she had lost the connection to her friends. And now, now she would pay for everything she had done. A thick stream of magic struck the shield, badly centered, yet still powerful enough to melt the stone around it. Ethereal, however, quickly swung himself into the air and actually started counteractive measures, drawing the goddess' attention towards him. That gave Twilight and her friends the time to finally start searching again. The goddess had a much harder time hitting Ethereal as he had not only wings to evade heavy blows, but also a shield against huge but weak attacks. Unlike Twilight however, he didn't seem as terribly wounded and he had most certainly not wasted his power on anyone else.
"I found her!" It was Pinkie Pie's voice strangely drained of laughter, having dug down deeply into the debris, bringing out-
Twilight's eyes opened in the sheer shock. Her body tensed, then suddenly went limp as the whole world seemed to be collapsing. What Pinkie had uncovered would probably never leave Twilights mind. With hatred and sadness combined into a stirring mixture of emotions, Twilight cried out:
"Oh no. Celestia, please no! NO! PLEASE! DON'T TAKE HER FROM ME!"
Fluttershy. Suddenly nothing mattered anymore, the whole fight was so senseless, their whole quest a stupid failure, her own pain just a minor annoyance. Nothing mattered, but Fluttershy's open eyes staring into nothing, her leg strangely twisted, a bone sticking out of the red flesh. But the worst part about it all was the thick red hole in her stomach, causing Twilight's brain to stop.
When very very slowly it started working again, it was like an ancient mechanism set in motion, unstoppable in its execution and deadly in its result. Twilight had stopped thinking about pain or anger or love or other measly thoughts as cold hatred replaced everything. The goddess had taken what she loved most dearly, so she would take the goddess' life. Seeing Fluttershy like ... that. It had broken something deep inside of her, and even though she had thought she was empty after killing Chrysalis, that conflict seemed so meager now. The rage, the rage had been nothing in comparison to this deep hatred. Not just stealing her friends, but killing them. That was the line. The line that should never ever be crossed. Now, the goddess had done the unthinkable and for that she had to pay.
Twilight looked up again, her mind filled with a last purpose, a green star filling the sky with light, quickly evading each major attack and absorbing the minor.
"Twilight, don't!" Applejack's eyes were filled with tears. Rainbow Dash, whose wings were burnt, had dropped next to Fluttershy and was now collapsed, sobbing over her body. Pinkie Pie was just lying next to her, while Rarity was desperately trying to use her magic to do something. Twilight took a deep breath, looking at her friends, wounded and hurt.. and dead. Nothing would stop her from her revenge. A last gaze at the terrible wounds, and then she turned away. Another deep breath and then she stepped forward.
Twilight's mind was deafened by the hatred and anger and pain. At first, she could not conjure up a spell, nothing would come to her mind as it just kept repeating the image of red on yellow. Suddenly there was one spell in her mind, becoming more prevelant than any other thought. A thought of power and vengeance captured in the essence of a type of magic she would have usually refrained from. The purest and most powerful magic there was for a single unicorn: Dark magic, powered by hatred and angst. Some say it was the kind of power discord had bestowed on the world to spread his chaos. Some say it was a force created by a goddess to give balance to the world. Some say it was a fundamental force of the universe, as temperature or gravity. Twilight knew in the very moment that she casted the spell that whatever origin it had, now was the time to release it. No more trying to solve a conflict with words or simple magic, it had only lead to this.. No more games, no more half-flanked maneuvers. Every single part of her body tingled as the magic started to surge through it, the feeling of immense power. Of course she knew of the danger using this kind of power, yet she could not reason to prohibit herself from casting it. What started as a simple tingling soon became a hot fire throughout her entire body, draining and exhausting it, but also giving pleasure while doing so.
When the magic slowly faded, driven by Twilight's exhaustion, silence started to rule the world. There she stood now, and thought about what had just happened. Shouldn't these stories have a great ending? This story was one she had been unprepared for, a story much harsher than she could have expected. However, now that everything was done, there was no end. There was no curtain falling and ponies clapping their hooves. There was no thunderous applause or thoughtful mumbling. There was just... nothing. She had killed two ponies today. She had just killed two ponies. There was no victory here, she had fought and lost. But there had never been the chance to win in this quest. At any point this path had been set, there had not been another more logical choice, but the most logical choices still had lead to a terrible fate. A prisoner's dilemma as it seems.
She couldn't just go back to normality after this, could she? Only slowly, Twilight turned around. Her joints seemed to have thought to themselves to randomly stop working for some reason. The exhaustion tried to pull her down, but she didn't give in, stepping towards her friends. But with every step she made, they seemed to be ten further away. With the third step came a feeling of numbness crawling up her limbs. With the fifth it spread to her mind, slowly drowning out the questions about the future. At the seventh step, her eyelids slowly pushed close against her will. A teary-eyed Applejack was running along somewhere. Twilight simply collapsed to her side, her breaths heavy and her body weak.
"Twilight? Twilight? Twilight?" the voice just continued echoing through her mind, like a broken record, slowly mixing with the sound of the soft breeze around her ears, and her own heart pumping blood through her body, desperately trying to balance the loss of oxygen in her muscles through the lack of blood. What a silly response of a body against losing too much blood. The vision slowly faded, as did the sounds, all making place for warm, comfortable darkness. A darkness like a soft blanket, darkness like a comfortable bed, darkness like a good sleep after a long day.
When Twilight opened her eyes again, there were books. Lots of books, as it seemed, a whole wall of books. Not only a wall of books, but a giant library. A giant window in the ceiling allowed light to softly pass through, touching the big hourglass statue; Canterlot's library, Starswirl's wing. Everything felt so incredibly like home, but there was one thing wrong: She wasn't alone. Instead, there was somepony else... or rather, a changeling.
"What are you doing here?"
Twilight could have expected any of her friends here, even princess Celestia or Luna, but instead it was Ethereal, standing in one of the corridors.
"No, Twilight, what have you done? What will your friends think of you now?"
Twilight, confused for just a moment, took a bit of pondering until she was finally able to answer. She had not considered the idea that her friend's judgement of her character could change, yet it now seemed rather plausible. Why wouldn't such drastic actions change the way they viewed her? Would they still be able to look at her and feel comfortable? Would she still be able to look into their eyes, without seeing the deaths mirrored in them?
"What I have done doesn't change anything, especially what my friends think of me. They know what had to be done." Twilight finally answered, trying to sound confident, but failing miserably. She rather sounded like a small filly trying to argue about her lies somehow. Deep down, locked away by her sanity was the truth.
"Twilight. I don't think you understand the gravity of this situation. Do you even know what you have done?"
Twilight stiffened, a bit too perplexed to answer at first. "S-Sure I do."
"Do you understand what you have done?"
This time Twilight remained silenced by the sheer confusion... and fear of the truth.
"Twilight, can you remember your childhood?"
Warmth streamed through her body again, as the terrible after images of her spells were replaced with her parents' endearing smiles, with giant books, and the approval of princess celestia herself, giving her the worth she had never found with other ponies.
"Do you remember your friends? Do you remember all these beautiful memories?"
Of course she did. What would her life be without them? They were what made her who she is.
"They had a childhood, too. They had years and years of memories. They had their friends. They had their stories. Each and every day they could have told you a story of their lives and yet they would have not been able to tell you of all the wonders they experienced. They had ponies who loved them dearly above anything else. You have taken something that was never yours to take: You have taken their lives. Their entire existence, two lives, thousands of days, millions of hours, and billions of second, full of memories and knowledge, childhood, friendships, feelings and plans and you took it. Twilight, do you really understand, what you have done? You have done so much more than defeated enemies, you have purged the existence of two entire beautiful creations. May Celestia be merciful upon your soul."
Now a creepy coldness was rising up her spine. The truth had found her in her hideout of denial. Yes, she had destroyed everything these ponies had known, knew and would ever be able to know. She had shattered countless memories and broken their friendships just for her personal gain. She was nothing but a selfish, insane mare with the power to let her anger be lethal for others. She was a threat, not a saviour.
Ethereal started to laugh: "Now you understand... now you do. You tried to reason your hatred with how you were hurt and through your past pain, but you know as well as me that that is no excuse. Whatever they might have done to you, it is no reason to do it to them. The first step towards change is acknowledgement."
For a second it seemed as if Ethereal wanted to add something, but the world suddenly started to fade around her. Nothing but an illusion of the night, clear in hindsight, but incredibly real while experiencing it.
"Twilight? Twilight!" Applejack's voice carried sorrow with it, immediately causing Twilight's body to bolt - Well, as much as it could. Her limbs felt weak and restless, and her head was drooping with a deafening headache, pounding against her skull. Her body felt so cold, even though a blanket seemed to be pulled over her body. When Twilight finally managed to push against the two iron curtains before her eyes, the world still was blurred by the fading image of the library. To open her mouth suddenly felt like trying to teleport up a steep cliff or lifting an ursa major, not that that was scientifically accurate, seeing as it was only the weakness in her limbs.
"Where-" Her sentence was cut short by a fluid in her throat, trying to make its way out.
Applejack suddenly jumped towards her and through the thick blanket gave her a hug, that almost caused her stomach to empty under the pressure.
"Oh, Twilight! You mightily scared us out there, just collapsing and then..." The joy in Applejack's face turned into thoughtful bitterness once again. "... and then not waking up again."
Even though Twilight's mind was slower than it used to be, it didn't take a geniusgenius to guess what Applejack had meant. "How long?" Her throat achedached and her voice sounded irritablyirritably raspy, yet the strength slowly returned to her words.
"A couple of weeks. We ... We were really really worried. I am so glad you are back." Applejack suddenly pulled back again, hiding from Twilight's impaired field of vision.
"I .. I am sorry, darling, but I have to tell the others, they worry about you just as much as I did."
Since there was a proper ceiling here, it was most likely - given her informative point of view - that she was in some hospital somewhere. Where and why were still two questions to be answered, but she could already hear Applejack's hooves galloping over the thick wooden floor.
Ethereal was the last one to arrive. Although he had been invited, he didn't feel welcome... and he probably wasn't. He would've liked to just not come, but maybe not coming at all would've been even worse, or maybe he just felt like he owed it to her. When he finally opened the door, he saw two ponies laying on the small hospital bed, while four others were captivated by the moment. Fluttershy and Twilight were hugging, both in a deep embrace. Both had - each in their own way - lost the other one. Twilight had thought Fluttershy lost to the goddess and the queen, and Fluttershy had thought Twilight lost to the coma. Even though there were still hundreds of marks on Fluttershy's skin, bandages and sutures, the embrace was still the same as that of two closest friends. Twilight's leg and Rainbow Dash's wings were also in deep bandages, most of the rest only had scars or band-aids.
Ethereal felt awkward standing there like that. All of Twilight's friend had a good reason to be there, and he.. he just did not have one. Pinkie Pie had invited him, but Pinkie Pie would have probably invited anyone that Twilight had ever met, or even complete strangers. Because that is how he felt: A stranger to this group.
Only when his eyes drifted over to Rainbow Dash, his brave teacher, his thoughts went to more welcome places. With a bit of trouble and a bit of awkwardness, he pushed himself behind the four ponies, slowly approaching Rainbow Dash. Instead of ignoring him however, the four ponies split a bit apart, giving him a place to stand.
"Ethereal!"
He flinched when he heard Twilight's loud voice breaking the silence. She would probably scold him for coming. What was he even doing here? She had hated him throughout their entire journey.
"Ethereal, I ... I don't know how to say this... I just... I ... forgive you."
Twilight's voice was honest and soft, yet Ethereal couldn't help but to feel like somepony had punched his stomach. She... She just forgave him?
"It was never your wish to become a changeling, and yet you tried to do the best. I always thought you were an enemy trying to infiltrate our group, but now I know you were just searching for something that I was blessed with so easily. You searched for friendship. I now know what happened to you. You were caught by an influence you never understood or even knew about and you lost everything you held dear. I would lie if I understood how horrific that must've been to you. When we found you, you had become a beast in the wild, driven by the pain of your past, yet even now you still are. Ethereal, I forgive you, but you will have to forgive yourself, you will have to accept what happened, and you will have to move on. You have sacrificed so much for us - " Twilight gazed over to his missing leg "-, and you have fought valiantly to defend us. I think you have proven yourself. Now you will have to find a way to go on. Once again, I would lie if I said that I knew how hard it would be, but I can promise you one thing:
Along the way, we will be here for you."
[End of Chapter]
> FOTC: Epilogue
The last experiment. The process is fatal, we will not be able to reverse it. Our last scientific endeavour will be hiding all these secrets and burying the red death forever. No pony should ever again fall under its influence.
To all of you out there: If you read this, please do not investigate further. It is too late for us now, lives and talents wasted through our blindness. Don't waste yours."
After that, pages and pages of other observations. They all disobeyed the words that could have saved them. Countless ponies furthering the curse throughout history, never letting it go. Every single entry had propelled the cause of the goddess until finally Twilight Sparkle had been forced to finish it all. Through their insatiable curiosity they had forced Twilight to act against any reason. A silly example of her mind trying to excuse herself. She has done it and there is nothing that she could do about it now, but to live with it, no matter how hard that would be.
She looked up from the book that plagued her last days, staring out of her window. Outside were Rainbow Dash and Ethereal, both flying in union, trying to impress each other with their perfect coordination. Small mistakes often lead to nagging each other until true perfection was achieved. Maybe Ethereal had found a new start here, far beyond his memories. And maybe... she should do the same.
Twilight looked down again at the books, each containing knowledge of incredible value to her and all of Equestria, yet like a stain of blood, memories were glued to each book, a journey that could not end well. Not for her. To lose everything must be a terrible thought. All you have ever known gone in a flash. No wonder he had turned insane. Maybe friendship could comfort him, although probably never heal these wounds. Maybe those wounds were not supposed to be healed.
Twilight sighed and turned towards the dim purple fire, ready to devour anything that it touched. A book, written words, memories, stories, history, time. Everything, and she would let fire consume it. Her hoof gently stroked the hard surface, a small smile rushing over her face, almost too eager to leave it again. She would just burn it, the past.
Twilight hesitated for a moment, and then she let the book go. The purple flames crackled as the valuable source of exothermic energy entered its reach. Within seconds the book was burning brightly. Now the past is in the past. Goodbye. |
I Treasure Your Love | pre | Twilight informed Connor that Celestia had tickets paid for already. A private booth in First Class with complementary meal.
Connor and Twilight had their meal. Twilight had a veggie dish, Connor had roast chicken. Celestia had Connor's meal prepared ready for his journey. If Twilight was uneasy about Connor eating meat she didn't say anything.
"What happens when we get to Ponyville?" asked Connor.
"I'll take you to my library first so can drop your belongings off, the I'll give you a tour of the town and introduce you to everypony."
"They're not going to scream and shout monster at me are they?"
"Some might but don't take it personally," responded Twilight, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna like you so that will definitely work in your favour."
"What about your friends?"
"They'll be cautious at first but they'll warm up to you."
Connor gave a nod, though he was slightly uneasy at meeting a whole town of ponies. They may or may not chase him out of town pitchforks and torches.
Maybe.
Unlikely.
The train slowed and came to halt. There were a number of ponies already on the platform waiting to get on. They however turned their attention to Connor when he set foot on the platform. Some just stood and looked at him while some slowly shifted away. No-pony said anything though, maybe due to seeing him with Twilight.
Twilight and Connor made their way through Ponyville, garnering stares from everypony they past. Again nothing was said though. Connor was sure he saw a pink blur but wasn't entirely sure.
The two of them approached the library.
"This is Ponyville Library and my home," said Twilight.
"Looks nice," replied Connor, "Apart from the beehive."
"Don't be such a scaredypony."
"I'm not scared I just don't want to get stung."
"You won't get stung now come on let's get you inside."
The two went inside the library and Twilight lead Connor upstairs to the spare bedroom. Connor set his things down on the bed and turned to Twilight.
"So, are you giving me a tour of the town now or later?"
"We'll go now, some ponies have already seen you so you may as well introduce yourself."
Just then, a purple and green drake walked in.
"Twilight your back so soon? I'd have thought that......"
There was an awkward silence as Spike and Connor stared at each other. Twilight decided it was best if she introduced the two to each other.
"Spike this is Connor. Connor this is Spike, my number one assistant."
"Hey," said Connor.
"Hey," replied Spike.
There was another awkward silence until Connor spoke up.
"What exactly are you, you resemble a lizard but I get the impression that you aren't."
"You're right. In fact I'm a dragon," said Spike with a modicum of pride.
"A dragon ay," Connor stalled for a moment, "Ahnok Goraan Gein."
Spike looked stunned to say the least, "Genazend wah grind hi."
The two shook hands/claws. Twilight looked dumbfounded.
"Would one of you mind explaining what they hay you just said?"
"Relax Twilight he was only speaking the language of the dragons."
Twilight looked to Connor, "I thought you said that dragons didn't exist in your world?"
"They don't. Only in mythology and stories. The language I spoke is a fictional language specifically made for a computer game. I'll show you later."
This got Twilight's attention, "I look forward to it. Now let's go meet everypony. Spike you coming?"
"Yeah sure."
Meanwhile, in the castle Luna awoke to find a scroll on her bedside table. She unfurled the scroll and read it. After reading the scroll she put it her bedside drawer and began writing a letter back to Connor.
Dear Connor
We thank thee truly for thous kind words and for not disturbing our slumber. Thou does not need to thank us for the hospitality given to thou, we only acted as we should. Thou does not need to fear Prince Blueblood (We like your name for him though), he will not harm thou again unless he wishes to incur the wrath of our sister.
We hope thou is settling into Ponyville well and making new friends. We look forward to seeing thou again.
We bid thee well Connor
Your friend Luna
PS: We hope thou enjoys the gift we have sent to thee. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 6 - Meeting The Neighbours | The trio walked out of the library and immediately found a crowd of ponies outside, all looking rather quizzical.
The silence was deafening.
"Twilight," Connor whispered, "Say something before they freak out."
"OK," whispered Twilight back, "Let me think of something."
Twilight stepped forward towards the gathered ponies, "I'm sure you're all wondering about Ponyvilles' newest resident," there was a murmur of agreement.
"His name is Connor. He is a human from a different world. He has already met the princesses and he has their full support. He was sent to Ponyville with me to help him settle into our society. I think Princess Celestia would appreciate it if you all helped Connor feel welcome in our town."
The ponies all gave a cheer and shouted their voice of support. This came as a relief to Connor. He wouldn't have to worry about being chased with pitchforks and torches. Connor decided he should say something as well.
"Towns ponies," Connor started, "As Twilight said, I'm Connor. I'm a human from a different world. How I got here I don't know, why I'm here I don't know. But for whatever reason or for however long I'm here I only wish to be on friendly terms with you all."
The ponies gave another cheer and made way for Twilight, Connor and Spike. They made their way through the crowd when without any advance warning.....
"HII'MPINKIETHESUPERESTBESTESTPARTYPLANNERINPONYVILLEDOYOULIKEPARTIESDOYOUWANTAPARTYDOYOUWANTTOBEFRIENDSDOYOULIKECUPCAKES-"
"PINKIE!" Twilight said trying to get Pinkie's attention.
"It's alright Twilight," responded Connor, "To answer your questions Pinkie, no, no thank you, yeah ok, some are ok."
Twilight and Spike just looked at Connor, "You understood that?" asked Spike.
"Yes."
"You don't like parties and you don't want a party?" asked Pinkie in shock.
"That's right."
"Why don't you like parties?" asked Pinkie.
"They're dull, boring, plodding, pedantic and a complete waste of time."
There was an uncomfortable silence. Connor looked around and found Twilight, Spike and some of the ponies from before looking at Connor in shock. Some with looks of worry.
And with good reason. Pinkie's mane flattened.
"LISTEN TO ME MISTER. PARTIES ARE NOT DULL, BORING, PLODDING, PEDANTIC OR A WASTE OF TIME. YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A PARTY MISTER AND YOU ARE GOING TO ENJOY IT!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME MISTER?"
Connor felt very uneasy at this outburst. He genuinely does not like parties. The only parties he'd ever been to in the past either ended up with him sitting alone in a corner admiring a potted plant or being the centre of attention. Neither of which he liked. Connor got the impression he wasn't getting out if this so decided to go along with it.
"Ok, I'll have a party."
Pinkie's mane puffed up again, "Okie dokie lokie. It will be at 5pm today at Sugar Cube Corner, I'll invite the rest of my friends and other ponies for you to meet. Good bye."
Pinkie bounced away to prepare Connor's (unwanted) party. Turning to Twilight and Spike, Connor asked, "What just happened?"
"Pinkie happened," responded Twilight and Spike simultaneously.
"Do I really have to go to this party?"
"It's probably for the best. If you want we can do just the tour now and wait until tonight before you meet my other friends?" replied Twilight.
"Sure," sighed Connor.
The trio moved on with the tour while every other pony went about their business.
The tour was uneventful, just Connor being shown the sights of Ponyville. The trio made their way back to the library to get ready for the party. Connor took this time to show Twilight and Spike his 'stuff' in the main library area.
"What is this?" asked Twilight pointing to a metal case.
"This is a metal case, Twilight," responded Connor with a hint of sarcasm.
Twilight gave a 'we are not amused' expression.
Connor laughed, "This is a laptop, a portable computer."
"A computer that small? Equestrian computers take up entire rooms. The largest and most powerful is at the Royal Canterlot University, it takes up a room at least ten times the size of this room."
"How powerful is it?" asked Connor.
"It has a 500KB processor, 1MB RAM and 20MB storage capacity. Judging the size of your laptop I reckon it has even smaller specifications. What are they?"
"BTW we use the same terminology. To answer your question, my laptop has an i7 3.5Ghz Quad Core Processor, 16GB RAM and 1TB Solid State Drive and a 2GB AMD Radeon R9 graphics card," Connor replied.
"HOW CAN SOMETHING THAT SMALL BE SO MUCH MORE POWERFUL?"
"I don't know but if it's any consolation humanity's first computers once took up entire rooms."
Connor switched the laptop on, Twilight with her eyes almost glued to the screen. He proceeded to show Twilight and Spike what his laptop could do. He showed them some games, videos, photos, art work......but not music. He'd show them later on his phone. If Twilight liked his laptop she'd definitely like his phone.
"So Spike?" asked Connor, "what did you think of Skyrim?"
"It was awesome. A story about dragons, how could anyone not like it? And the Dragon language just made it better."
"I thought you'd like it."
Twilight came through into the main library area, "Ok boys we should get going to the party."
Connor groaned.
"Don't worry about it," said Twilight, "It will be fine."
"Will it?" asked Connor, "I've already made myself an enemy of Pinkie how could it be fine?"
"Pinkie doesn't consider you an enemy. Now come on, Princess Celestia sent you here to make friends and you're going to do just that."
The trio made their way to Sugarcube Corner and proceeded to go inside. Only to be greeted with a sudden increase in the decibel level.
"SURPRISE!!"
Pinkie bounced up to the trio, "WEREYOUSURPRISEDDIDWESCAREYOUAREYOULOOKINGOFRWARDTOMEETINGMYFRIENDSDOYOULIKEPONYVILLEWHATISTHESQUAREROOTOFAHYPOTANUSE?"
Twilight and Spike just looked a Pinkie, Connor however answered each question, "No, No, Yes, it's ok, I don't know and I don't care."
Twilight turned to look at Connor, "How can you understand what she's saying?"
"I don't know, I just can," Connor turned to Pinkie, "So, shall we get this party started?"
Pinkie turned to the gathered ponies, "You heard the future pony, let's get partying."
The ponies all cheered and stomped their hooves and started to help themselves to food and playing games. Twilight, Spike and Connor seemed to be the only one's who heard a certain bit of information.
"Future pony?" queried Twilight.
"Just my pinkie sense."
Pinkie bounced away before Connor could enquire further.
"It's probably just Pinkie being Pinkie," said Twilight, "Don't look into it too much."
Connor nodded, "Shall we go to meet your friends?"
"Yes, don't worry I'm sure they'll be pleased to meet you."
The trio proceeded to make their way to the rest of the gang sat at the table near the back of the store. Probably to make it harder to sneak out Connor thought.
"Hi girls," said Twilight.
The rest of the gang all responded in unison. Then they looked to Connor.
"Who's this guy Twilight? Is he your coltfriend?" asked a certain rainbow maned Pegasus.
"No he is not my coltfriend Rainbow Dash."
"Whatever, just seeing you with a member of the opposite gender around your age is something I didn't think I'd ever see."
"Very funny Rainbow," responded Twilight through gritted teeth.
"Well aren't ya gonna introduce yerself?" said an orange furred pony.
The slightly harsh tone didn't make Connor feel much better but he didn't show it, "I'm Connor."
"And I'm Applejack. This here is Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash. You've met Pinkie already, she's one of us."
"You mean the Elements of Harmony?" asked Connor.
Rainbow Dash immediately bolted up and flew into Connor's face.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT, ARE YOU A SPY?!"
Rainbow was suddenly enveloped in a purple aura and placed back in her seat, "Rainbow Dash, I told Connor about us, and it's common knowledge we're the Elements of Harmony."
Rainbow gave a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of her neck with her right hoof, "Yeah, I knew that. Sorry Connor."
"Don't worry about it, so you're all Twilights' friends?"
"Indeed we are darling," responded Rarity, "I'm Ponyville's resident fashion designer. If you ever need a new set of clothes just visit me and I'll make you something you will like and everypony will notice."
"I'll keep that in mind. I may need some new clothes," Connor turned to Applejack, "I'm guessing you have something to do with apples?"
"Indeed I do mister. I run Sweet Apple Acres where we grow the best apples in Equestria, as well as many apple based pastries and apple cider."
"Sounds good. I don't like apples myself but I'll take your word for it."
Applejack frowned at Connor, "You don't like apples?"
Connor shook his head.
Applejack's frown hardened a bit, "I suppose everypony has different tastes."
Rainbow Dash slightly amused at this responded, "Lighten up Applejack if he doesn't like apples he doesn't like apples."
"I know that, I wasn't complaining."
"Yeah sure you weren't," said Rainbow as she turned to Connor, "You've been told before but I want to tell you again, I'm Rainbow Dash, future Wonderbolt and fastest Pegasi in the sky."
"The Wonderbolts," said Connor, "They sound like and aerobatics display team."
"They are, they're the best. Lead by Group Captain Spitfire and Wing Commanders Soarin and Fleetfoot. They are so super amazing."
"Spitfire?" said Connor in surprise, "A yellow mare with fiery mane?"
"Yeah..." responded Rainbow.
"I've met her, she was-"
"YOU'VE MET A WONDERBOLT?!" half shouted Rainbow as she flew up to Connor, getting into his face and placing her hooves onto his chest.
"Yes, though I didn't know what she was until now."
"That is awesome!" said Rainbow as she scrunched her face up with her hooves, sitting back down.
Connor turned his head towards a yellow furred pink maned Pegasus. He could tell she was afraid of him so he spoke up first in a manner he hoped be seen as friendly,"You must be Fluttershy."
"Yes. Erm......it's nice to meet you," said Fluttershy as she tried to hide herself behind her mane.
"It's nice to meet you as well," replied Connor, taking note of her shyness, "What is it you do in Ponyville?"
"I take care of animals."
"That's nice. I like dogs myself, in my world dogs are considered mans' best friend."
"Really?" asked Fluttershy, "Humans must really love animals."
"Many do, though sadly some do mistreat them."
"Oh dear, that's awful."
"Don't worry too much. Those that are caught are prosecuted and punished. Some are even sent to prison. Animal cruelty is frowned upon in my world."
"That's reassuring to hear."
"So," said Rainbow Dash, "How did you get to Equestria?"
"I'm not sure, I went to sleep in a forest in my world and woke up in the Whitetail Woods."
"Why were you sleeping in a forest, it sounds so icky and uncouth," inquired Rarity.
"It's a long story, not something I want to talk about in a public place. I'll tell you but not just yet. I'm a little tired to be honest."
Twilight put a hoof on Connor's shoulder, "Just hang in there, you're doing fine."
"Thanks Twilight."
The girls, Spike and Connor all chatted more. Well the girls did most of the talking the boys did most of the listening, after a while Connor left to go to the toilet. Pinkie was busy bouncing around making sure everypony was enjoying themselves. Everypony was enjoying themselves, everyhuman wasn't. Pinkie remembered Connor saying he didn't like parties so she decided to check up on him to see if he was ok. She looked around but couldn't find him. She approached her friends to see if they knew where he was.
"Hey girls have you seen Connor?"
The rest of the Mane 6 looked at each other. It was only then they realised Connor had not come back from going to the toilet.
"No," said Twilight, "He hasn't come back since he went to the toilet."
A look of realisation struck the Mane 6 and Spike at once.
"HE LEFT A PINKIE PARTY!!"
Connor was laying on a hill not too far from Ponyville looking up to the night sky, gazing at the stars. Connor has had a fascination with astronomy for many years. Sadly where he lived there was too much light pollution and cloud cover to get a good view. Here though, he could see countless stars, some forming a band across the night sky. He didn't recognise the constellations though, not that it mattered too much. Stars are beautiful to look at wherever you are, or so Connor thought.
The peace and tranquillity of the night was disturbed by an irate pink pony.
"YOU LEFT A PINKIE PARTY!!"
Oh shit, Connor thought, I'm in for it now. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 7 - One Does Not Leave A Pinkie Party | Connor, seeing a raging pink pony coming towards him, prepared himself for a Pinkie hairdryer.
"Pinkie I can explain," said Connor in a slightly raised voice.
Pinkie stopped a few feet short of Connor, followed by several dozen ponies including the rest if the Mane 6.
"You better Mister," said and irritated Pinkie, "I put that party on for you to meet everypony."
"Ah agree with Pinkie," said Applejack, "You ran away without talking to anypony, that's just bad mannered."
"I know it was but I don't like parties."
Pinkie still looking irritated asked, "Why don't you like parties, and don't give the same answer as before."
Connor sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Whenever I had 'parties' in the past, the only people who would come would be family and friends of my parents. The parties almost always ended up with arguments about trivial matters. The same things said by the same people. It wasn't just me that got this, my sisters got it also," Connor let out a chuckle, "Parties were the only time that me and my sisters were on the same side. Parties that I've been to in the past have never been fun, only glorified shouting contests."
Pinkie's mane flattened at hearing this. To her parties where an occasion to have fun and enjoy yourself, not feel sad or angry. She slowly walked up to Connor, "I'm sorry you have bad experience with parties and I'm sorry I overreacted before and now. You don't have to go back to the party if you don't want to."
Connor knelt down and placed his hand on Pinkie's chin, slowly lifting her head to look at him, "Pinkie, you don't have to apologise. I'll go back to the party. I just needed to get some air. Plus, I couldn't resist stargazing on such a clear night."
Pinkie's mane puffed up again and she had a look of joy on her face, "You like astronomy?"
Connor nodded.
Pinkie bolted away at light speed.
"Let me guess," said Connor, "Pinkie is being Pinkie."
The gathered ponies murmured in agreement.
Applejack walked towards Connor, wanting to ask him a question that had been bugging her since she spoke to Connor.
"Connor," she asked, "Why don't you like apples?"
All the gathered ponies looked towards Connor.
"The last time I ate an apple I had a severe allergic reaction that nearly killed me," he said flatly.
All the ponies gasped in shock.
"Ok," said Applejack, "Ah can see why you don't like them."
"Yeah it's a good and legitimate reason. Come, let's get back to the party."
Twilight spoke up, "You're going back?"
"It's the polite thing to do," said Connor.
Connor and the ponies walked back to Sugarcube Corner. The lights were out but the group approached anyway.
"Pinkie," said Connor as he walked into the store.
"SURPRISE!!"
Pinkie seemed to bounce out of thin air. Connor stumbled back startled and looked around the room. It was redecorated with an astronomy theme. There was even astronomy themed cakes and pastries.
"How did you do this in just ten minutes?" asked Connor bewildered.
"Because I'm Pinkie Pie."
"That doesn't really answer the question."
"Yes it does silly."
The rest of the group all walked in, mouths open in astonishment. They knew Pinkie worked fast but this took the biscuit.
They decided to just enjoy the party rather than give themselves a headache trying to workout Pinkie.
This party went much smoother than before, Connor spoke to many ponies who seemed to like him. A mint green unicorn in particular took a keen interest in him.
Another couple of hours went by before the party ended. Everypony made their way home. Connor went back to the treehouse with Spike and Twilight. As they approached they noticed two of Luna's night guard, with a package of some sort.
"Evening sirs," said Twilight, "Can we help you?"
"No ma'am," replied one of the guards, "We were sent here by Princess Luna to deliver this package."
Twilight and Connor (Spike had fallen asleep) looked to the package, it was quite big.
"What is it?" asked Connor.
"We don't know sir, we were just told to deliver it to you."
"To me?"
"Yes sir. Is there anything else we can do for you?"
Connor thought for a moment, "Yes, would one of you deliver this letter to Group Captain Spitfire?"
"Of course sir," the guard took the scroll and the two night guards took off for Canterlot.
Twilight took the box in her telekinetic hold, "Let's get this inside and see what it is."
Luna was sat in the throne room as night court had begun. She hoped that her new friend liked the gift she sent him. She sympathised with him, being in a world both alien and familiar at the same time. All she could do was be a good friend and be there for him if he needs her. She smiled to herself, she knew he would like the gift. Her smile ended however when a certain petitioner entered the throne room.
"Aunty Luna I demand that foul ape be locked up. It is a dangerous, filthy creature that should be left to rot in the dungeons."
Luna's eyebrows moved down into a frown.
What was heard next could be registered on the Richter Scale.
Connor and Twilight just stood there mouths open. What was in the box was, according to Twilight, the best telescope ever made. It was a newly released telescope with crystal blue casing and silver frame and screws. According to Twilight it was the highest quality telescope on the market with the most powerful lens. Only 1000 were made (by hoof), one each for every year of Luna's banishment. Luna designed it herself and each telescope came with a numbered certificate signed by Luna herself. They were also quite expensive. 20,000 bits (10 bits = £1). Connor got telescope number 0001.
Included with the telescope was a scroll.
Dear Connor
We thank thee truly for thous kind words and for not disturbing our slumber. Thou does not need to thank thee for the hospitality given to thou, we only acted as we should. Thou does not need to fear Prince Blueblood (We like your name for him though), he will not harm thou again unless he wishes to incur the wrath of our sister.
We hope thou is settling into Ponyville well and making new friends. We look forward to seeing thou again.
We bid thee well Connor
Your friend Luna
PS: We hope thou enjoys the gift we have sent to thee.
"Well fuck me," said Connor, "That is one hell of gift."
The following morning.
Entering her office on Canterlot Castle, Spitfire noticed a rolled up scroll on her desk. Unfurling it she began to read.
Dear Spitfire
First I just want to apologize for not saying goodbye when I left Canterlot, we left in a quite a hurry and I didn't want to disturb you while you were on duty. I'd like to meet you again sometime though, I enjoyed hanging out with you at the castle. Also, a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash seemed particularly enthusiastic when I mentioned I met you. Apparently she's a fan of yours. I'll have to watch you at one of your shows sometime as well. Maybe I can meet the other Wonderbolts if that's OK? I don't know how long I'll be here for so I want to enjoy myself while I can.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Oh and thanks for standing up for me when Blueblood showed up. I won't forget it.
Yours Connor
Spitfire put the scroll in her private drawer and got out some paper and started writing.
Connor
Thanks for writing to me. Don't worry about not saying goodbye I understand. Yeah I've heard about Rainbow Dash but I've never met her, she sounds like a cool mare, from what I've heard she would make a fine Wonderbolt. You are more than welcome to meet the rest if the team. In fact, I'd like you to come to the upcoming Young Fliers Competition in Cloudsdale. I'll send you a VIP Access All Areas Pass.
I look forward to meeting you again. I'd like to get to know you better.
Yours Spitfire.
Spitfire made her way to Celestia's throne room. On the way she thought about her short time with Connor. Thinking back she remembers being rather affectionate towards him, in particular nuzzling him and hugging him. Not to mention taking his hand and having him sit next to her in the Dining Room. She may be in heat but she knows she should have controlled herself better. Thankfully though, Connor didn't seem offended. When she looks back, she gets the feeling he enjoyed it. But that could be the heat talking.
Entering the throne room she approached Celestia and bowed.
"Raise my little pony. What can I do for you?" asked Celestia in her warm and welcoming voice.
"I was wondering if you could send this to Connor," Spitfire showed Celestia the scroll.
"Certainly," Celestia took the scroll in her magic, "I will send it immediately."
Spitfire watched as the scroll ignited and disappeared.
Celestia looked back to Spitfire, "You like him don't you?"
Spitfire's eyes widened. She was sure it was just a heat thing, but Celestia wasn't stupid.
"I don't know. I'm in heat right now so I don't know if it's me that likes him or the heat."
Celestia got down off her throne and put a reassuring hoof on Spitfire, "You know interspecies relationships are legal. I noticed how you acted around each other. You like him because you like him, not because you are in heat, I know I have been in heat.........many times. He likes you as well, I know it."
"But I'm not human and neither is he a pony, how could a relationship work when we're not the same species?"
"It can work. You both don't need to be humans or ponies to have a relationship."
"I don't want to hurt him," Spitfire said with a slight look of sadness.
"You won't. As I said, I've seen the two of you interact. I know the two of you will be suited for each other."
Spitfire looked up to Celestia and gave a small smile, "Thank you Princess. I'll consider what you said, but I'm not rushing into anything. I've invited him to the upcoming Young Fliers Competition with a VIP Access All Areas Pass, so I'll have a chance to see him again. And he'll be able to see me in my.........." Spitfire trailed off slightly blushing, Celestia giggled at this. Celestia knew what she was referring to.
"I'm sure he'd like to see you in your Wonderbolts outfit."
"I didn't mean that," Spitfire said trying to look innocent.
"Of course you didn't my little pony," Celestia said with a mischievous smirk.
Spitfire scowled at Celestia. She giggled in response. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 8 - Spitfire | After her slightly unusual meeting with Celestia, Spitfire walked back to her office where a light blue white maned Pegasus was waiting for her.
"Hey Fleets," said Spitfire.
"Hey Spits," replied Fleetfoot, "Where you been?"
"Just to see the Princess to deliver a message to Connor?"
Fleetfoot raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Who?"
"Oh you won't know, he's a human from a different world that I met."
Fleetfoot stayed silent a few moments while she took this information in, "An alien from a different world?"
"Yes. He's rather nice actually. I introduced myself to him in a rather unorthodox manner."
"What do you mean?"
Spitfire proceeded to tell Fleetfoot about the events of the last few days, including her meeting with Celestia.
"So," said Fleetfoot.
"So.....what?" asked Spitfire, unsure what Fleetfoot was getting to.
"Are you going to let him see you in your-"
"Not you too. Look I acted inappropriately towards him. Yes I'm in heat but that's no excuse I should have controlled my self better."
"All you did was nuzzle him and hug him?"
"Yes. For Celestia's sake I know I acted in a manner not becoming a Wonderbolt."
"It sounds like you did control yourself if the stories I heard Soarin telling the other stallions are true," Fleetfoot said with a smirk, trying to hold back her laughter.
Spitfire's fur took on a slight shade of red, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"No of course you don't," said Fleetfoot with a mischievous grin.
Spitfire breathed a sigh of annoyance and proceeded towards her desk where a rather large pile of paperwork awaited her. Spitfire loathed the paperwork. She understandably preferred action over quill-pushing jobs. Her wing was still healing so it gave her the ideal opportunity to catch up with the paperwork.
She couldn't help but think back to Connor. He was polite and friendly towards her, not to mention rather good looking. One thing that did bother her though was how he doesn't seem to bothered about being ripped form his home and family. He hasn't freaked out over being in, from his perspective, an alien world with no other humans in existence.
Well, she thought, there was that incident with Blueblood and he had that private meeting with Princess Celestia so he could have freaked out then.
She recalls the letter Connor sent to her. She remembers Connor wanting to see her again and the other Wonderbolts.
No problem, he may not be here long so we may as well let him while he has the chance
Spitfire felt sad all of a sudden.
He may not be here long......
Why did that upset her?
Fleetfoot noticed Spitfire's expression, "Spits, you OK?"
"I don't know," said Spitfire with a bit of sadness in her voice, "I.....I feel......"
"It's this Connor isn't it?" asked Fleetfoot with concern.
Spitfire could only nod in response.
"Take some time off and go see him. It might put your mind at ease. You're supposed to be resting anyway. Me and Soarin can handle things."
Spitfire looked at Fleetfoot for a few seconds and sighed, "OK Fleets. If you think it will help, I'll go now."
The yellow Pegasus made her way to the office door, "Just make sure the newbies don't slack off."
"They won't. Now go."
Spitfire waved her hoof at Fleetfoot and left the office and made her way to her private officers quarters in the castle to pack a few things for her trip.
Celestia was making her way to the dining hall for lunch when she bumped into Spitfire who was out of uniform and had a saddle bag with her. Curious, she decided to ask her where she was going.
"Group Captain Spitfire, it's a pleasure to see you."
"Princess," Spitfire was a little startled by the Princess as she bowed to her.
"Rise my little pony, you do not need to bow to me in informal situations. How are you Group Captain?"
"Fine thank you Princess. I was just going to Ponyville to see Connor. Fleetfoot suggested I take a break."
Celestia smiled at this, "I am pleased to hear that, take all the time off you need."
"Thank you Princess."
"Before you go, regarding our conversation this morning. My joking aside I was serious when I said there may be something between you. Connor may not be showing it but he is hurting deep down. He needs all the friends and support he can get," Celestia said looking slightly sad.
"Is there something wrong Princess?" asked Spitfire.
"Maybe," replied Celestia, "I received a report from Arch Mage this morning. His teams preliminary scans are not promising. We still don't know how Connor arrived and it's looking like we will not be able to send him back to his world."
This saddened Celestia deeply. Her new friend has been ripped from everything and everyone he has ever known and loved and may not be able to return home. As long as she's there for him and does her best to help him he will be OK she thought.
"I can't imagine how terrible he must be feeling," said Spitfire.
"So long as he has the support if his friends he will be fine, I assure you," Celestia said with a warm smile, "Also could you deliver this to Connor."
Celestia magicked a necklace into view. It was identical to the one Celestia wore, only smaller to fit a human neck.
"It is enchanted. It will prevent excessive amounts of magic being used against Connor, I don't think I need to remind you about the incident with Prince Blueblood?"
Spitfire shook her head, "No ma'am, Connor looked absolutely terrified after that."
"That is why I am giving him this. It will act as a sort of shield against magic for him. It will also act as a location beacon and health monitor, so if his life should be in danger I can act immediately. It is magically linked to my own necklace so I will know immediately. It cannot be forcibly worn or removed from him with or without magic. It is entirely his decision whether he wears it or not. This scroll will explain what I have just said to you."
Celestia put the necklace into a white box with an image of her cutie mark on the top. Spitfire took the box and scrolls and put them into her saddlebag.
"I'll be sure he gets them. Good day to you Princess."
"Good day to you as well Group Captain."
Spitfire nodded and made her way out of the castle and towards Canterlot Piccadilly Train Station.
Celestia couldn't help but smile. Spitfire has had problems in the past with relationships and is very particular in who she trusts and who she considers a friend. Celestia is one of very few ponies who knows of Spitfire's problems, and Connor may just be the one to help her with them. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 9 - Visiting Hours | Connor and Spike were sat in Sugarcube Corner having muffins and banana milkshakes. Earlier in the day Connor noticed that the books in the library were organized alphabetically. A not very efficient system. So Connor decided to inform Twilight of this. Suffice it to say Twilight used some strong words that did not compliment Connor's observation. After Twilight's little hissy fit Connor mentioned he knew of an even more organized system. The Dewey Decimal System. After explaining this to Twilight she almost immediately un-shelved every book and started to organize them in accordance with the Dewey Decimal System.
As she was doing so, giving everyone a running commentary on the way, Spike and Connor made a knowing look to each other and left the library and a distracted Twilight while they could.
"Do you think she'll be mad?" asked Connor.
"She'll be fine. If she does get mad just tell her more about your world."
Connor nodded in acknowledgement. He had also been to the bank earlier to cash the cheque Celestia gave him leaving him 50,000 bits (£5,000) richer. Apparently the money came out of Celestia's own account prompting him to make a mental note to repay her kindness one day.
"Hey Spike do you know when the Young Fliers Competition is?"
"In a couple of days. If you like we can try and find Rainbow Dash who'll no doubt be practicing new tricks."
"Sure. I got a letter from Spitfire and she said she was sending me a VIP Access All Areas Pass."
Spike went wide eyed in amazement.
"She must really like you to get you one of those. They're not cheap and have to be paid for even if you're family of a Wonderbolt. They can't be given out free to family and friends like the regular tickets."
Connor took in what Spike said. Did Spitfire really like him like that? He didn't know. Did he like like her? He wasn't sure. Maybe he could use the trip to the show as an excuse to talk to her and find a few things out.
"Were we headed to next goraan gein?"
Spike liked the fact that Connor could speak Dovahzul, "Why not head to Rarity's. You may need some new clothes and Rarity offered too do them for you."
"Sure. I'm quite surprised no-one's asked me about my clothes because I've noticed that everyone, or should that be everypony here is naked."
"I'm not sure. Ponies do sometimes wear clothes for social events but not all the time. Except maybe the Canterlot Nobles."
They both finished their muffins and milkshakes and made their way to Rarity's Boutique, a few ponies waving at the duo and some asking Connor questions. Most of them were if humans had certain things the ponies had, some were more interested in his hands.
They approached the Boutique were Rarity was outside hanging up some washing.
"Hi Rarity," said Spike.
"Spikey Wikey it's so good to see you. And to you as well Connor."
"Likewise Rarity," replied Connor.
Rarity gave Spike a hug and moved onto Connor. Connor wasn't really a touchy feely person but didn't want to hurt Rarity's feelings or irritate Spike, he could tell Spike like liked Rarity, by refusing her hug. So he gave her one. He is an English gentleman after all.
"My goodness Connor," said Rarity, "Do all humans hug as well as you?"
Connor blushed.
Rarity giggled, "Anyway darling, you came here for clothing did you not? Follow me deary and I'll see what I can do."
Connor and Spike followed Rarity into the boutique.
"Do make yourselves at home darlings I won't be a moment," said Rarity as she trotted into a different room to gather some materials.
Connor looked around the boutique and was impressed with what he saw. The dresses and suits were of the highest quality, both in the material used and the actual making of the clothes. It was clear to Connor that Rarity knew what she was doing. He felt somewhat more relaxed in knowing that, Rarity would make him clothes that would be the total opposite of a Christmas jumper.
Rarity came back into the room, "Connor darling, let me show you some designs I did earlier."
Connor and Spike walked over to the table with Rarity.
"After you mentioned you like astronomy I got the most fabulous ideas," Rarity stated as she showed Spike and Connor the drawings. Connor like what he saw. Rarity had gone for an astronomy theme. The trousers were different shades of blue with what Connor could only describe as 'glittering sparkles' to represent stars dotted around the trousers; they looked like Luna's mane but in clothes form. There was also a designs for t-shirts and dress shirts with the same look and features.
There were also designs for more plain clothes including pyjamas, coat, socks, underwear etc. Connor was at a loss as to how Rarity knew what Connor would need. He put it down to Rarity being brilliantly intelligent.
"Rarity," Connor said, "These are brilliant."
"Thank you darling I knew you would like them," Rarity replied, "I shall begin immediately."
"How much will this cost?" asked Connor.
"It will cost nothing my dear. This I will do free of charge."
Connor stood there in shock. It took him a few seconds to take in what Rarity said. A pony he barely knew was willing to make him a full set of clothes free of charge. He remembered Twilight telling him she was the Element of Generosity. Connor could see why. He looked up and realised Rarity and Spike were looking at him.
"Connor are you alright?" asked Rarity.
Connor nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. Just stunned that you're willing to do all that at no charge."
"Well I am the Element of Generosity darling, and considering the situation you are in a little bit of Generosity is what you need."
Connor felt overwhelmed. He had seldom experienced people, or ponies in this case, treating him in such a manner. What made this even more overwhelming for Connor was that the ones giving him the nice treatment were ponies of a different world who barely knew him. Connor felt he would need to start a record on who he owes a debt of gratitude to.
"Thank you Rarity," said Connor as he wrapped his arms around Rarity, giving her a firm hug.
"You're welcome Connor," replied Rarity blushing slightly from Connor's affection.
Connor and Spike said their goodbyes and let Rarity get to work. As they left the boutique Connor turned to Spike and said, "Don't worry Spike I'm not taking your girl."
Spike breathed a sigh of relief.
Spike and Connor sat in Fluttershy's cottage having tea with the timid Pegasus. Fluttershy was as you'd expect to be, shy. Still, they were able to have a conversation, Fluttershy was particularly interested in animals on Connors' world. She was quite surprised to hear that humans were the only sapient creatures (most of them anyway), and that Pegasi, Unicorns and dragons existed only in Fairy Tales and mythology. She wasn't disturbed by Connor being an omnivore, after all some of her animals were carnivores. She offered to acquire meat for Connor which Connor gladly accepted.
The only problem during their pleasant visit was a certain white bunny. Angel Bunny was his name. The white pest kept making movement with his paws moving them from his eyes and pointing at Connor, indicating that he was watching Connor.
There's nothing angelic about that bunny Connor thought.
"Don't mind Angel, he's really nice when you get to know him and I'm sure you'll like him to," said Fluttershy as she gave the evil rabbit a cuddle.
I'll like him alright, thought Connor, In brandy sauce.
The duo bade farewell to Fluttershy and decided to head back into Ponyville for some lunch. Sitting at a table outside a cafe they made their orders, a grilled cheese sandwich for Connor and Hay Fries with cheese for Spike. And a pot of tea for each.
After a few minutes the waiter brought out their order.
"So," said Spike as stuffed his face with fries, "what do you think of Ponyville?"
"It's a very nice place. Very peaceful and clean. And friendly locals. My only gripe would be there's no internet."
Connor had explained to Spike earlier what the internet was. Spike seemed impressed and could understand why not having access to something like that could be annoying.
"I can understand why, especially considering what you said it was capable of."
"How long until Twilight finishes reorganising the library?" asked Connor.
Spike sighed, "I don't think Twilight will ever finish organising the library."
"And just what is that supposed to mean Mister?"
Spike and Connor turned around the source of the voice. And found a very grumpy looking Twilight.
And Spitfire.
"Erm...Uh...well..." Spike spluttered.
"We'll discuss this later," Twilight turned to Connor, "Connor, as you can see you have a visitor."
Connor looked over to Spitfire, her golden-yellow fur looking as radiant as ever.
"Hi Spitfire. It's good to see you again," said Connor trying, but failing, to hide his elation at seeing the fiery Pegasus.
"It's good to see you as well Connor. You seem to be fitting into Ponyville nicely," replied Spitfire.
"Yeah it's a nice place, I can see why the ponies here like the place."
Spitfire smiled at hearing Connor was settling in well. She didn't want anymore incidents like there was with Blueblood. She trotted up to Connor and removed the box containing the necklace Celestia gave her to give to Connor.
"Connor, Princess Celestia asked me to give you this."
Connor took the box and opened it. Inside he saw a golden necklace with a purple gemstone, Amethyst he assumed, that looked like the regalia worn by Celestia. He also noted a scroll as well. Unfurling the scroll he read what was written, it was a letter from Celestia.
Dear Connor
I hope you are settling in well in Ponyville. As you may have noticed, the necklace in the box is a smaller version of the regalia I wear. The necklace in the box is enchanted so that if worn by you, I will know if your life is in danger. It also acts as a defensive shield against excessive use of magic. After the incident with Prince Blueblood I felt it necessary that you have at least some form of defence against magic. Magic can still be used on you such as levitation, but if it detects you are distressed it will attempt to counter the magic used against you.
It will also act as a location beacon and health monitor, so if your life should be in danger I can act immediately. It is magically linked to my own necklace so I will know immediately. It cannot be forcibly worn or removed from you with or without magic.
Once again it is entirely your decision whether you wear it or not.
Your friend
Celestia
Connor put the scroll back in the box and took out the necklace. Deciding to test to see if what Celestia said actually worked he put on the necklace and fastened it. As he did so the Amethyst gem started to glow purple.
"That looks good on you Connor," said Spitfire approvingly, "Are you going to test it to see if it works?"
"Yes, Twilight be a dear and try to remove this with your magic," Connor said to Twilight.
Twilight lit up her horn and tried to remove the necklace from Connor's neck, but the necklace stayed where it was. Spitfire motioned to Connor if she could attempt to remove the necklace with her hooves. Moving behind Connor she reached up to the necklace and tried to remove it. Again it didn't budge.
Spitfire moved back to the front of Connor, "It seems to work, why not try yourself and see what happens."
Connor reached to the back of the necklace and removed it without problem, the Amethyst gem stopped glowing.
"Celestia is talented I'll give her that," said Connor as he looked at the necklace in his hand.
"Indeed," said Twilight, "That has some advanced magic in it that only alicorns and highly skilled Unicorns could achieve."
Connor put the necklace back on and the gem lit up again. Looking to Spitfire he couldn't help but notice she looked a little preoccupied.
"You OK Spitfire, you look a little troubled."
Spitfire chuckled nervously, "Yeah I'm fine, just thought I'd take a break. I did sprain my wing so I need to rest it anyway, especially with the upcoming Young Fliers Competition. That reminds me, here's that VIP All Areas Pass I promised."
She handed over the pass to Connor who promptly thanked her.
"Where's Cloudsdale?" asked Connor.
"It's in the sky, a city made of clouds and where I'm from," responded Spitfire.
When he thought about it a floating city made of clouds did make sense for Pegasi.
Maybe Pegasi can walk on clouds here, it would make sense he thought.
"A floating sky city? It's not lead by religious fanatics or racist ultra-nationalists is it?"
Spike, Twilight and Spitfire all looked at Connor in confusion tilting their heads.
"Never mind," Connor said, "I was making reference to something from my world."
The other three just shrugged their shoulders.
"Do you want to join us?" asked Connor.
"YES!" shouted Spitfire.
Twilight, Spike and Connor looked to Spitfire who realised she said that louder, and more enthusiastically than she intended to.
"I mean yes, I'd like that."
Twilight and Spitfire sat them selves down and made their orders. Twilight got a Daisy and Dandelion sandwich, Spitfire got a Tuna Salad. Spike and Connor each ordered another of their previous meal.
"Spitfire, can I ask you something?" asked Connor.
Spitfire went slightly wide-eyed and tensed up, but was able to nod slightly.
"Why are you eating tuna? I thought ponies were herbivores."
Spitfire stayed silent for a moment. She thought he was going to ask something in regards to her...affectionate behaviour towards him. She felt a bit embarrassed at overacting like that, even if it was only in her head. She managed to compose herself and answer.
"We are herbivores but tuna in particular help keep our wings in top condition. I'll spare you the details but all Pegasi eat tuna occasionally."
Connor nodded. Then a thought occurred to him. The competition was in Cloudsdale. Though he had never tried it before, he was certain he couldn't walk on clouds.
"Twilight," started Connor, "Can ponies walk on clouds here?"
"Only Pegasi, unless you know a unicorn who knows cloud walking spells. Why do you ask?"
"I'm not a Pegasus. I don't think I can walk on clouds."
"DAMN IT!" yelled Spitfire, causing the other three and a group of ponies to look towards her.
"Spitfire," said Connor sounding concerned.
Spitfire went slightly red with embarrassment, "Sorry, I just remembered I left my Wonderbolts outfit at home. I'll need to go home later and take it to the stadium."
The other three looked at Spitfire who was trying to look innocent.
Spike spoke up slightly confused at what she said, "But don't you have them provided for you before shows. I don't think I've ever heard Wonderbolts of having to take their own flying gear with them."
Spitfire gave Spike a 'Will you shut up now before you land me in it deeper' kind of look.
Twilight, looking between the three and taking note of Spitfires' odd behaviour spoke up, "We can always run an experiment to find out. Why don't we find ourselves a cloud after lunch then we can see of Connor can walk on clouds.
The other three nodded in agreement and the four of them enjoyed the meals when they came.
After the quartet finished their lunch they found themselves a cloud which Spitfire brought to the ground. Connor rather hesitantly stepped onto the cloud. Or was it the ground after his feet going through the cloud? He couldn't tell.
After a nod from Connor, Spitfire slowly lifted the cloud.
And Connor went with it.
"THIS IS ABSOLUTLEY AMAZING!!" squealed Twilight, "I WOULDN'T HAVE THOUGHT A NON-MAGICAL BEING COULD DO THIS I MUST STUDY HOW THIS WORKS!!"
After raising the cloud a few feet in the air, Spitfire sat down on the cloud with Connor.
"Hey you OK?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I'm just not used to sitting on clouds."
"I'm guessing clouds are different where you're from?"
"Yeah, they're not solid and we can't control them. The weather happens on its own in my world."
Spitfire raised her eyebrows, "Well then I guess I'm glad that here we Pegasi control the weather. Many of us would be out of work if the weather happened on its own."
"That would be a shame," replied Connor looking at the fiery Pegasus, "Are you staying for long here?"
Spitfire looked to Connor, "Not too long. I'll be heading to the stadium the day before the show to make sure everything is ready but I'll be here tomorrow. Why'd you ask?"
Connor shrugged his shoulders, "Just wondering. We could have a look round Ponyville together if you wanted, buy you a milkshake for helping me with Blueblood," Connor suggested trying to avoid eye contact with Spitfire. Why was he feeling awkward around her? He didn't know.
Spitfire's pupils contracted slightly, Is he asking me out on a date? she wondered. Whatever the reason she wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to get to know more about Connor.
"Sure," she replied, "I'd love to, do you want to head back down?"
"No I'm OK. This cloud is so damn fluffy and comfy," he replied as he laid back in to the cloud making himself comfortable.
Spitfire decided to stay as well. She came to Ponyville to relax anyway. She set herself down beside Connor when she felt Connor wrap his arm around her, pulling her closer to her and hugging her.
"I just wanted to thank you again for helping me with Blueblood," he said as he released her from his embrace.
Spitfire blushed, "You're welcome Connor."
She set her self down again, this time resting across Connors lap. He didn't do anything to stop her. In fact he put his arm over and around her. They both fell rather quickly into a blissful slumber.
Meanwhile on the ground, Twilight and Spike were wondering what was taking the other two so long to come back down. Twilight lit up her horn and levitated the cloud back to the ground and stood open mouthed when she saw Connor and Spitfire sleeping. With Spitfire across his lap. She decided to levitate the cloud back to where it was and leave them be.
"Come along Spike," said Twilight as she levitated him onto her back, "We have a library to finish organizing."
"Awwww," came the unenthusiastic response from the young drake.
After a few hours Connor woke from his sleep and looked down to find Spitfire laid on his lap. Gently rousing her she woke up.
"You OK sleepy head?" he asked her.
"Mmmppphh.......very funny Connor," came the response from the still sleepy Pegasus.
"Come on sleepy, I need to pick some clothes up from Rarity she may have finished by now."
Spitfire grumbled a bit more but got her self up and after a few stretches to her limbs and wings, took hold of Connor around his upper chest and helped him to the ground.
"You're really strong to lift me without breaking a sweat," said Connor. Connor wasn't huge, but at 6'2 and 14 stone he wasn't small either.
"Pegasi need strong muscles considering what we need to be able to create and control storms, winds, rain etc."
"I suppose so. Come on, let's go over to Rarity's."
The duo made their way to the boutique and went inside and found Rarity in the main shop area.
"Hi Rarity," said Connor.
"Connor darling, it's good to see you again. If you're here for your clothes and shoes I finished them about half an hour ago. Do you want to try them on?"
"Sure, is there a changing room somewhere?"
"Just over there darling," said Rarity pointing with a hoof.
Connor walked over to the changing room and went inside. He decided to try on the clothes that resembled Luna's mane, with their differing shades of blue and 'glittering sparkles' and noticed that they seemed to have the same wavy motion of Luna's mane. They fit really well. Which surprised Connor as he didn't recall Rarity taking his measurements. After putting on the clothes he stepped out of the changing room and into the shop foyer. Rarity and Spitfire were chatting to each other when they turned to see Connor.
They went wide eyed and their jaws dropped.
"Connor," Rarity said, "You look truly magnificent."
"I'll second that," Spitfire added.
Connor had to admit he did look good in them. He walked over to a mirror that was nearby and admired himself. Rarity and Spitfire flanked him.
"So Connor," Rarity started, "What do you think?"
Connor was silent for a few moments, "I really like them. I might just wear this to the competition. You certainly are talented Rarity."
"Thank you darling, I'm pleased to hear it," Rarity replied.
Connor turned to Spitfire, "What do you think?"
Spitfire squinted her eyes and walked slowly around Connor, looking him over.
"Hmmm," she started, "You look good. Princess Luna would certainly like to see you like this."
"She certainly would," he replied, "Rarity can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can."
"How did you get my measurements? I don't recall you taking them."
"I sized you up the moment I saw you darling," she replied with a smirk.
Connor wasn't sure what to say to that so he remained silent. Rarity and Spitfire giggled.
After trying on the other clothes that fit and looked just as well, Spitfire and Connor left the store. But just before they left Rarity spoke to Spitfire, "I'll have that order do for you ASAP Spitfire. You needn't worry."
"Thanks Rarity, bye now."
"Goodbye," said Rarity waving a hoof, Connor and Spitfire waved back.
They left the store and made their way back to the library.
"What is it you're ordering?" asked Connor.
"Nothing much, just something for a friend," Spitfire replied with a smile.
"I'll show you some of my things from my world if you want when we get to the library, I have something I think you may like."
"Sure, sounds good."
Spitfire and Connor had made their way back to the library and were now sitting next to each other on the sofa, with Connor laptop on his lap. He was showing her some games, photos and videos he had on there. Spitfire was impressed. She particularly like the Top Gun film trailer, too which Connor promised to show her and the rest of the Wonderbolts the full film after the competition.
As he was showing her some photos of Second World War aircraft, which she understandably took great interest in, Connor stopped at one aircraft on particular. Connor had set up a new folder with copy and pasted pictures with different names, he didn't want to spoil the surprise for Spitfire.
"What do you think of this aircraft?" asked Connor.
"Isn't that the Hawker Hurricane?"
"No, it looks similar but this one's a different aircraft, this aircraft is the 'sister' of the Hurricane."
"I don't know. What is this aircrafts' name?" she asked looking at the screen.
Connor paused for a moment, "Supermarine Spitfire."
Spitfire froze.
Connor concerned at her silence, gently shook her, "Spitfire, are you OK?"
Spitfire nodded slowly and turned to Connor, "This aircraft is really called Spitfire?"
"Yes," Connor responded.
Spitfire smiled, "It would explain why you thought my name was 'bloody brilliant'."
"Yeah," Connor chuckled.
"Tell me more about the Spitfire," said Spitfire.
So Connor did. He told her about its development and early days, as well as its designer R.J. Mitchell. He also mentioned how the Spitfire, along with the Hawker Hurricane were instrumental in securing victory in the Battle of Britain. He also explained how the Spitfire was considered by many to be the aircraft of RAF Fighter Command and the icon of a nation, and the legacy the aircraft itself.
What this aircraft meant to Connor wasn't lost on Spitfire.
The duo heard Twilight from the kitchen, "Tea's ready. Come and get it while it's hot."
Connor and Spitfire made their way to the kitchen. Tea tonight was something simple, pasta and cheese. Twilight spoke up, "Connor if it's OK with you can I test casting a spell on you before you go to Cloudsdale, it's nothing dangerous and you won't be harmed."
Connor thought for a moment, "Sure, what kind of spell?"
"Oh it's nothing to worry about plus if it works.....well if I told you now it would spoil the surprise."
Connor raised an eyebrow in confusion, Spitfire and Twilight however gave each other a knowing look.
"You two aren't planning anything are you?" he asked suspiciously.
The two mares looked at each other grinning mischievously, "Only a surprise for a friend," Twilight said.
Connor wondered what that would be. Anyway he had a sort-of date with Spitfire tomorrow so he decided to get a shower and have an early night.
"You think he'll like the surprise?" asked Spitfire.
"I get the feeling he will," responded Twilight, "He certainly likes you though, that I am certain of."
Spitfire hummed in agreement, "Princess Celestia said the same thing, he asked me out earlier to go around Ponyville tomorrow."
Twilight smiled, "He seems to be happier when he's around you. Did you ask Rarity about the other half of the surprise?"
"Yes," replied Spitfire, "I asked her while Connor was trying on his new clothes."
"Do you think he'll like it?" asked Twilight.
"After what he showed me on his laptop, I certain he will." |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 10 - Surprises Part 1 | Connor was half asleep in bed as the warmth and glow of Celestia's sun shone into the bedroom. The comfyness of the bed, the softness of the quilt and the warmth of the sun made Connor feel like a toasty Cinnamon bun. He could have stayed there for ages. He layed there for a few minutes more, awake but eyes closed, when he felt something poking him.
Connor grunted.
The unknown intruder poked him again.
Connor grunted louder, "Go away, sleeping."
The intruder poked even harder several more times, "Come on sleepy head get up."
Connor turned to face whoever was foolish enough to disturb his lay in.
"Good morning sleepy head," said a energetic Spitfire with a huge smile.
"What time is it?" asked a rather groggy Connor.
"7am."
Connor scowled at Spitfire, "Goodnight," he said and went back under the quilt.
Spitfire narrowed her eyes, "Come on get up. I'm not going on this date by myself," she poked him again.
Connor groaned again, "OK OK I'm getting up."
"Great. Now hurry up, breakfast is ready."
Spitfire walked out of the room as Connor got out of bed and followed.
The two made their way to the kitchen. As they did Connor couldn't help but watch Spitfire's tail swishing from one side to the other, it was almost hypnotic.
Stop looking at her tail you pervert, why are you looking at it anyway?
Connor was knocked out of his trance when he walked into the door jamb.
"SON OF A-"
"Connor!" shouted Spitfire, "Are you OK?"
Connor rubbed his forehead and groaned, "Yeah I'm fine. Come on let's get breakfast."
He and Spitfire walked into the kitchen and sat themselves down. Twilight had prepared a breakfast including toast, croissants, eggs, strawberry jam, peanut butter, bagels, tea, coffee, orange juice; Twilight really went out of her way to do this.
"This is quite a spread here Twilight," said Connor, "Fit for a King."
Spitfire and Twilight raised their eyebrows and looked at Connor quizzically.
Noticing their looks he spoke up, "It's an expression. The country I'm from has a monarchy and many centuries ago Kings would often have large feasts so that's probably where the saying comes from."
"Your nation has a monarchy?" asked Twilight.
"Yes. The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II. She's been reigning just over 60 years."
"Is she a good ruler?" asked Twilight.
"Yes. Though she doesn't rule in the same way Princess Celestia does. My nation's monarchy is a Parliamentary Constituency Monarchy. She reigns but doesn't govern. Instead the populace elect who they want to represent them in the Houses of Parliament, the legislative assembly of the United Kingdom. The Houses of Parliament reside in the Palace of Westminster and are separated into the Lower and Upper Houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords respectively. The Lords are unelected and when I left had around 800 seats though the number isn't set, whereas the House of Commons has a set 650 seats in which you have to be elected to represent a constituency."
Twilight and Spitfire listened with keen interest, Twilight unsurprisingly writing everything down.
"How are they elected?" asked Spitfire.
"During a General Election which is usually every five years, sometimes during a by-election. To win a General Election you need to win 326 seats to gain an overall majority so passing and repealing laws can be made easier. If you have fewer than 326 seats then the election results in hung parliament in which no one party has control of the Commons."
"What happens if that happens?" asked Twilight.
"If you had the highest number of seats you could form a minority government but to pass laws you would need to rely on support from other political parties. Another option is to do what happened during the last hung parliament that occurred five years ago. The winning party, the Conservatives, formed a coalition government with the third largest party, the Liberal Democrats which allowed them to form a majority government."
"That sounds reasonable. Did it work out?" asked Twilight.
"Well it lasted until the most recent General Election which happened a few weeks ago. The Conservatives won unfortunately."
"Are these Conservatives bad?"
Connor thought for a moment, "Imagine if instead if one Blueblood, you had hundreds of them."
Twilight and Spitfire both looked mortified, "Are they really that bad?" asked Twilight.
Connor nodded, "Those Plutarchs care only for the rich. They give the rich tax breaks and other incentives while increasing taxes on poorer families and generally making it harder for less well off families to make a living. One of them who overseas the Department of Work and Pensions, is absolutely despised by millions whose decisions have had a devastating effect on peoples lives. In some cases death."
Twilight and Spitfire both had tears in the eyes, "No wonder you don't want to go back," said Spitfire wiping the tears from her eyes.
Connor went up to Spitfire and put his arm around her consolingly, "Don't let those Tory bastards dim your view of humanity. Yes we've done horrible things in the past, but we've also done great things such as wiping out a horrendous disease called Smallpox over thirty years ago. Another thing we did was land a man on the moon a mere eight years after saying we'd do it."
"I remember you saying something about these moon landings," said Spitfire.
"I'll tell you about them when we're next with Luna."
"Are you going to tell me as well?" asked Twilight on the verge of tears, terrified Connor wouldn't tell her about the Apollo missions.
"Of course I will I wouldn't-"
Connor was cut off as a purple unicorn suddenly piledrived into Connor hugging him tightly, "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou."
"I take it that pleases you?" asked Connor.
Twilight nodded vigorously and clapped her hooves together.
The trio finished their breakfast when Connor noticed an absentee, "Where's Spike?"
"He helping Rarity with something," replied Twilight.
Twilight and Spitfire looked to each other, something Connor didn't miss, "What's going on?"
"Nothing," said Spitfire, "Just friends helping each other out."
Connor decided it was still to early to decipher that cryptic response so he just finished his breakfast.
After the trio had finished their breakfast Twilight went into her laboratory and while Connor and Spitfire went out into Ponyville. Connor was wearing some of the clothes Rarity had made, blue jeans, dark red shirt and black shoes. He wasn't sure what the shoes were made from though, it didn't feel like leather but Connor wasn't a cobbler or fashionista.
"We're we headed to first?" asked Spitfire.
"Why not head over to Sweet Apple Acres, stretch our legs a little?" suggested Connor.
"Sounds good to me," replied Spitfire, "It's a shame you don't have wings or we could fly there."
Connor chuckled, "I'm sure if I did yourself and Rainbow Dash would be more than eager to teach me how to fly."
"Who better to learn from than the best."
Connor looked towards Spitfire who looked more radiant than usual today, or so he thought. He couldn't help but keep looking at her and take in the sight of her looks. Her golden-yellow fur, dark orange eyes and her mane and tail that looked like fire itself was emanating off of her. One thing he noticed on her and other ponies before but wasn't sure how to ask, or even if he should, was the mark on her flanks.
"Connor."
Connor didn't respond, still in his trance.
"CONNOR!"
Connor came back to his senses.
"You talking to me?" he asked.
"Who are you, the Coltfather? Yes I'm talking to you," Spitfire said with a hint of annoyance.
Was that a Robert De Niro reference or a Godfather reference thought Connor.
"Is something wrong?" Connor asked with concern.
Spitfire glared slightly at Connor, "You were staring at my flank."
Connor blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry I didn't realise I was staring."
Spitfire looked at him with narrowed eyes and mischievous smirk, "You didn't realise you were staring at my tail this morning either."
Connor went a darker shade of red while Spitfire burst into laughter, "You should see the look on you face."
"It's not that funny," Connor mumbled, "What is the mark on your flank anyway?"
Spitfire stopped laughing and gave Connor a deadpanned expression, "You're kidding right? You don't know what a Cutie Mark is?"
"A what?" Connor asked.
"Cutie Mark. They appear on our flanks when we discover our special talent. Don't humans get Cutie Marks?"
"No we do not get Butt Stamps."
Spitfire narrowed her eyes, "They're called Cutie Marks, not Butt Stamps."
"I am not calling them..........it's too girly a term and I refuse to use it," Connor stated defiantly folding his arms and stomping his foot.
Spitfire suddenly pounced at Connor and flew at him. She knocked him to the ground, rolled him over onto his front and pinned his arms behind his back. Connor tried squirming away but Spitfire's grip was strong. She had him and they both knew it.
"Would you like to reconsider your decision?" asked Spitfire.
"No. Did you know in my world the word Spitfire is used to describe people, particularly women, with a fiery temper."
Spitfire twisted his arm a bit more, "Are you trying to say I have a fiery temper?" she asked with a mischievous smirk.
Connor twisted his neck to look at Spitfire, "Well it's in your name."
Within a second Spitfire flipped Connor onto his back, landed on his front and got her muzzle close his face, "Yes it is, so are you going to start calling them Cutie Marks?"
Connor considered his options, "Only if you tell me how you got yours."
"Got my what?" asked Spitfire with a smirk.
She's got me now, may as well just admit defeat this day. I have lost this battle but not the war.
Connor took a deep breath, "Your Cutie Mark."
Spitfire hopped off Connor and helped him to his feet, "I'll be glad to tell you how I got my Cutie Mark."
The duo continued on their way to Sweet Apple Acres, walking slowly not in any rush to get there.
"It was twenty years ago, I was competing in the Cloudsdale Junior Grand Prix. A air circuit made of clouds around one and a half miles long. I was in second place most of the race, always behind the race leader Thunderbolt. I was so close to overtaking him many times but he always managed to hold the racing line and stay in front. I couldn't get past him so I decided to hold back and play for 2nd. Near the end of the circuit there's a series of corners called the 'corkscrew' where you have to perform corkscrews yourself to make the corner at speed and hit the apexes, no pony has ever pulled it off perfectly. If you can't corkscrew through the corkscrew you have to slow right down."
Connor nodded in understanding, "Sounds great, I'll have to see one of these races if they still have them."
"They still do, there's one coming up in a few weeks. Anyway approaching the corkscrew on the last lap, Thunderbolt was about three seconds ahead so unless he made a mistake I wouldn't have been able to beat him."
"He made a mistake didn't he?"
"Yes he did," replied Spitfire, "He approached the corner to narrow and he went wide and off the circuit, right then in that split second, my desire to win came back with an intensity I'd never felt before. I went through the corkscrew at high speed......while doing a corkscrew. I went faster than I ever have before, not fast enough to do a Sonic Rainboom, but fast enough that I left behind a trail of scorch marks on the clouds."
"A belated well done," said Connor cheerfully.
Spitfire smiled, "Thank you, after I won the race I was naturally very pleased. Thunderbolt finished second, I thought he would be mad with but he knows he messed up the corner. I went to see my parents, Stormy Flare my mother and Avro Lancaster my father-"
"YOUR DAD'S CALLED AVRO LANCASTER?!"
"Yes. He has the same name as the.....Avro Lancaster. I knew you'd like that, you'd get on well with him. Anyway, I was so busy telling my parents how excited I was with winning I didn't notice them pointing to my flank. My Cutie Mark is a lightning bolt of fire, if that makes sense, most likely resembling my fiery determination and ambition to win."
"That's quite a story. Your......Cutie Mark......may also represent your need for speed and warm hearted nature," suggested Connor.
Spitfire looked Connor with tears forming on her eyes, stopping in her tracks. Noticing Spitfire had stopped walking and on the verge of tears he walked over to her, "Spitfire are you OK? I've not said something to offend you have I?" he asked greatly concerned.
Spitfire looked up to Connor and stood on to her hind legs, bringing her eye level with Connor, and wrapped her forelegs around him hugging him tightly.
"Thank you," Spitfire said in tears, "That's probably the nicest thing anypony has said to me."
Connor returned the hug, "Anytime my fiery friend." |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 11 - Surprises Part 2 | The duo embraced each other for several seconds, tears still rolling down Spitfire's cheeks. Connor set Spitfire back onto four hooves and dried her cheeks with his hands, Spitfire enjoying the soft touch and movements of his hands.
"You OK?" asked Connor.
"Yes, I'm fine now. You certainly know how to make a mare feel special."
Connor shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know about that, I've never been in a relationship before, or even on a date for that matter."
Spitfire looked a little hurt by this, "That's too bad. You're a good pony...I mean a good stallion...No I mean-" Spitfire started to blush a little while Connor chuckled.
"I know what you mean Spits. Don't worry about calling me a pony or stallion, I don't mind, they're far nicer than some of the things I've been called."
Spitfire relaxed a little.....then she realised what Connor called her, "You called me Spits."
Connor went wide eyed in realisation, "Sorry it just kind of came out. I-"
Spitfire interrupted, "Hey I don't mind, my friends call me Spits and since you're my friend as well you get to call me that too, Sleepy Head."
Connor laughed, "Is that your nick name for me?"
"Yes it is, and no-pony else is allowed to call you it," said with a modicum of authority. She wasn't sure why she didn't want anypony else calling him that, she just felt it was something only she could call him.
Connor grinned, an idea forming in his mind, "Then I get to call you something no one else can."
Spitfire nodded in agreement. Connor went deep in thought, what could he call her.
"I can't think of anything right now, but I'll come up with something."
"OK with me," replied Spitfire.
The duo continued on their way to Sweet Apple Acres not saying anything to each other, but rather enjoying each other's company and the views of the countryside surrounding Ponyville.
This place could easily pass for being in Yorkshire thought Connor, who took great pride in being a Yorkshireman. The greatest place in the world as far as he was concerned, despite where the town where he lived being less than ideal, Yorkshire is a truly great place and has the most beautiful countryside on Earth.
They approached the main farm house and knocked on the door which was answered a few seconds later by a Apple Bloom.
"Hi Connor."
"Hi Apple Bloom, you OK?"
"Yeah I'm good," It took a few moments for Apple Bloom to notice Spitfire, "OH MY CELESTIA IT'S SPITFIRE!! CAN AH GET YOUR AUTOGRAPH?! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!"
Connor and Spitfire both stifled the urge to laugh at the young fillies' excitement, "Sure," said Spitfire.
"I'll be right back just wait here," said as still excited Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom ran off back into the house, Connor turned to Spitfire, "You're quite popular."
"Yeah, it's expected given that I'm a Wonderbolt."
"The Captain of the Wonderbolts. A Group Captain at such a young age, you're must be good to achieve that," Connor said. Deciding to risk serious injury he asked Spitfire a possibly dangerous question, "How old are you?"
Spitfire turned to Connor showing no signs of offense, "I'm 28. How old are you?"
"I'll be 25 in August. It does disturb me slightly that our calendars and measurement of time are precisely the same."
"Same here, but look at it this way, you don't need to get used to a different system."
"--isn't a Wonderbolt at the front door," said a orange furred purple maned filly.
"You sure about that young filly?" said Spitfire in warm and friendly tone.
Scootaloo froze.
"Scootaloo are you OK?" asked Connor.
Apple Bloom turned to Connor and Spitfire, "Yah can come in yah know, Granny Smith won't mind."
Spitfire and Connor went inside and closed the door, "Scootaloo say something," said Connor.
Scootaloo suddenly unfroze and bolted towards Spitfire at a speed that would have impressed Rainbow Dash, "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! I'M IN THE SAME ROOM AS SPITFIRE!! YOU'RE TOALLY AWESOME!! Well not as awesome as Rainbow Dash but you're still awesome."
Spitfire couldn't help but feel great. It was one of the highlights of her job, she loved it when fillies and colts would get excited about the Wonderbolts. It made her feel she was doing something right, "Do the three of you want my autograph, how about a picture as well?"
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gasped loudly, "YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!"
A few minutes later photos were taken, including some with Connor. The CMC insisted that they take one of Spitfire and Connor together as well.
"Thanks a lot Spitfire," said a very excited Scootaloo, "I can't wait to show Rainbow Dash. I'm gonna be a Wonderbolt one day too."
Spitfire smiled, she liked it when she hears young filly and colt Pegasi say they want to be a Wonderbolt. They always showed so much enthusiasm. She also felt a bit of sadness as well when Unicorn and Earth Pony colts and fillies would get upset knowing they wouldn't be able to fly with them.....for obvious reasons.
"That's great to hear Scootaloo," responded Spitfire as she ruffled Scootaloos' mane.
Connor spoke up, "Hey Apple Bloom is Applejack in?"
"She's out buckin' apples, did ya need tah see her?"
"No I'm just going out and about with Spitfire. I won't bother her if she's busy. Could you tell her I stopped by though?"
"Sure. We'll see yah later bye Connor."
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle also bade farewell. Connor and Spitfire made there way out of Sweet Apple Acres and headed back towards Ponyville.
"Anywhere in particular you want to go?" asked Connor.
"Not really. I'm good with just looking around. What about you, anywhere you'd like to go?"
Connor thought for a few moments, he could use this time to get to know Spitfire a little better, "Why don't we go to Sugercube Corner?"
Spitfire smiled, "Sounds good to me. I hope they do Banana milkshakes there."
"They do. You like Banana milkshakes?" Connor asked.
Spitfire launched herself into the air with wings and hooves spread outwards, "Are you kidding, I love them!"
Connor couldn't help but laugh at what he is seeing, "Then you'll be pleased to know that it's my favourite cold drink."
Spitfire launched herself at Connor, went around to his back and wrapped her hooves around his torso, "THEN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?!"
Connor suddenly found himself lifted off the ground and moving towards Ponyville at a fair speed. As they flew over Ponyville they attracted the attention of the ponies below, who continued to watch as Spitfire and Connor landed on the ground; Connor looking a little pale from the flight. He didn't get chance to recover before his fiery friend took his hand in her hooves and started pulling him towards Sugercube Corner, he wings flapping furiously.
They burst into Sugercube Corner with a little bit too much enthusiasm, attracting wide eyed looks from the ponies in the store, including Mrs Cake. Spitfire pulled Connor over to a table and sat him down before taking a seat herself. It was only when she sat down that she noticed a rather pale looking Connor.
"Connor you OK?"
Connor nodded, "Yeah I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting a journey like that."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I just got excited about Banana milkshakes, surely you can understand?"
Connor nodded, he couldn't help but feel happy himself seeing Spitfire like this. He looked over to the counter and saw Mrs Cake walking over.
"Hello again Connor, do you want the usual?"
"Yes please Mrs Cake. And a Banana milkshake for Spitfire to," he motioned towards Spitfire.
Mrs Cake looked towards Spitfire, "Oh my Celestia, a Wonderbolt in our store."
Spitfire smiled, "Yep. I got the impression that this was a good place to eat, plus both me and Connor both love Banana milkshakes."
"Then let me bring you some over. Would you like some cake as well?"
Connor and Spitfire both gave Mrs Cake a raised eyebrow, "Of course you would, that was a silly question. They'll be with you shortly."
Mrs Cake walked away and left Spitfire and Connor to themselves. There was a few moments of awkward silence as the two sat looking at each other.
"So-" they both said in unison.
"When did-" they both said in unison again.
Connor held up a hand, "Ladies first, you ask your question."
Spitfire smiled at Connor's gentlemanly conduct, "Thank you, sooooo......"
There was an awkward silence again. Spitfire shifted around uncomfortably in her seat, pawing at it with her hoof. Seeing she was preoccupied and clearly nervous, Connor decided to help ease the tension. He gently placed a hand on her back which had the immediate response of Spitfire looking at him, blushing profusely.
"Spitfire are you OK, there's nothing troubling you is there?" he asked with concern.
It took a moment for Spitfire to respond, she was very aware of his hand on her back. It felt comforting and reassuring. Composing herself she finally answered, "No there's nothing wrong. I'm just thinking about the upcoming competition. Thanks for your concern though, I appreciate it."
Connor gently rubbed her back, "No problem......Milkshake."
"Milkshake huh, I like it," Spitfire replied. She then pointed a hoof at Connor and frowned, "Don't you dare tell anypony about that name, especially the Wonderbolts."
Connor laughed, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that the mighty larger than life ferocious Spitfire is actually just a little softy with a warm heart."
Spitfire tried not to laugh but failed to do so, she let out an infectious laughter that got the attention of the other ponies in the store. After several seconds her laughter died down and she composed herself, "Thank you Connor I haven't laughed like that in a while, oh it looks like our orders' here."
Connor looked over to see Pinkie approaching with two large Banana milkshakes and a half dozen iced cup cakes, "Hey you guys," she said excitedly as she placed their order on the table, "Having fun?"
"Certainly am," replied Connor, "Spitfire's a fun mare to be around."
Spitfire blushed slightly, Connor didn't notice but Pinkie did.
"And you're a great stallion to be around. I can't wait for tomorrow when you're coming to Cloudsdale," replied Spitfire feeling a little flustered.
Pinkie started twitching and jerking for several seconds gaining the attention of many, "That was a doozy, it means something you never expect to happen is gonna happen."
Spitfire and Connor looked to each other before looking to Pinkie, "Do you know what will happen?" asked Connor.
"All I know is that it's a doozy," Pinkie said before another Pinkie Sense took hold of her, "Floppy ear, twitchy tail, fluttery eye......" Pinkie gasped loudly in shock, "SOMEPONY HAS LOST THEIR CAKE!!!" Before anyone could ask she bolted away in what appeared to be the in the direction of Canterlot.
Everypony in the store just went about like nothing out if the ordinary occurred, including Connor. He remembers at his party the rest of the Main 6 plus some other ponies just telling him "Don't try to understand or question Pinkie, just go with it and you'll be better off". He looked to Spitfire to notice she had a look of utter confusion, which is understandable as Pinkie was involved.
"That's just Pinkie being Pinkie," said Connor.
"You say that like it's a matter of fact and not opinion," replied Spitfire.
"It is. Don't try to understand Pinkie, it's not possible."
Spitfire stayed silent for a moment, "I think I'll side with you on that one."
The duo had their snacks whilst they talked more about their worlds. Spitfire gave Connor a history on the Wonderbolts and why she joined. After getting her Cutie Mark, Spitfire entered more races and competitions (which she won most of) in which she attracted the attention of the Wonderbolts. They invited her to the Academy to become one of them. Spitfire being fiercely competitive, ambitious and driven accepted and graduated the Academy summa cum laude with the rank of Flying Officer. She didn't star in the big events to start with, instead she started with the smaller events and 'flew her way up' so to speak. When she wasn't performing she patrolled Equestria's borders, the Wonderbolts were a division of the Royal Equestrian Air Force after all.
She quickly rose through the ranks and earned many commendations and accolades for her services to Equestria and the Wonderbolts. It was only about one year ago when she was promoted to Group Captain and head of the Wonderbolts. Her family and her fellow Wonderbolts threw her a huge party. Her family included her parents Stormy Flare and Avro Lancaster, her younger sister Lightning Skies and her older brothers Gloster Gladiator and Hawker Hurricane.
Her mother sits on Equestria's Aviation Council, her father is a retired Air Commodore of the REAF (Royal Equestrian Air Force), her sister is the manager of the Lightning Division of the Weather Factory in Cloudsdale, Gloster Gladiator is a professional Air Hoofball player and Hawker Hurricane is a Group Captain in the REAF.
Also Hawker Hurricane is Spitfire's twin brother, older by five minutes.
"That's quite a family you have," said Connor as he finished a double chocolate cupcake.
"Yeah they sure are something. I take it you like their names?"
"Are you kidding, they're brilliant. You kept quiet about the names deliberately didn't you?"
Spitfire chuckled, "Sort of, I did get side tracked when you showed me a picture of the Spitfire. Heh, it sounds odd saying my name in third person."
Connor laughed. It was reassuring to hear that Spitfire had a good family behind her, though he couldn't help but feel something was amiss. The saying, If it's too good too be true it probably is came to mind. Still, her affairs weren't any of his business. Though he wondered if he could meet her family, there was only one way to find out.
"Hey Milkshake, do you think I could meet your family?"
Spitfire looked stunned, "You...You....want to meet my family?" she asked sounding worried.
Connor nodded, "Yeah if that's OK. They sound like decent folk."
Spitfire thought for a few moments, "I'm not sure, it's just there are some.....mitigating circumstances that might.....cause certain issues to arise."
Connor looked at Spitfire, he didn't know what she was referring to but it was clear that it is disturbing her so he dropped the matter.
"That's fine I understand."
"Thank you," Spitfire replied with a warm smile. She looked outside and noticed it was just after lunch, "Hey do you want to look around the rest of Ponyville?"
"Sure," replied Connor, the duo made their way out of Sugarcube Corner and towards the centre of town.
"Mind if I look in the records store?" asked Spitfire.
"No I don't mind," replied Connor.
The duo made their way to Vinyl's Music Emporium and went inside.
"Hey Connor, how's it hanging?" asked a familiar looking electric blue maned unicorn.
"Hi Vinyl, I'm fine. You OK?" he responded to Vinyl with a Hoof/Hand Bump.
"Never better. We'll have to make copies of your human music to spread all over Equestria, ponies will love it I know it."
"We certainly will. Just hope the original artists don't sue us or demand royalty payments," he said jokingly.
Vinyl laughed, "I promise not to say anything if you don't."
"My lips are sealed. Have you met Spitfire?"
"Yeah we've met, I've performed at some of their parties in the past. I'll be doing another gig at after the competition tomorrow."
Spitfire responded first, "We can't wait, we Wonderbolts love our parties as much as we love flying."
"DID SOMEPONY SAY PARTY?!"
Connor, Spitfire and Vinyl all jumped in fright as Pinkie popped in out of nowhere.
"PINKIE!," Connor started.
"Yes Connor," replied with a huge smile.
"Please don't do that, you startled us," he motioned with his hand to Spitfire and Vinyl who were just now catching their breath.
"Sorry but I heard 'party' and then I thought that-"
"Hey Pinkie," started Spitfire, "Would you like to organise our party for tomorrow after the competition?"
"Would I?! Just leave it to Pinkie Pie Captain Wonderbolt."
Almost has quickly as she arrived Pinkie left. Spitfire looked to Connor, "Pinkie being Pinkie?"
Connor nodded, "It would seem so."
"So," said Vinyl, "What can I do for you?"
Connor and Spitfire looked around for a while, Spitfire bought a few records whilst Connor just browsed. After leaving they next headed to the jewellers and looked in the window. There were a fine assortment of gems, earrings, necklaces and tiaras, all of which looked fantastic.
"Hey Connor," said Spitfire, "I'm headed back to the library, you coming?"
Connor was thrown off by this sudden question, "I'll catch up with you I'm going to look around a bit more."
"Sure, see you later."
Spitfire walked away towards the library, Connor watching her as she did. She's probably tired and wants a nap, I don't mind. She needs to rest for tomorrow considering she's......is that Rarity? Yes it is. They're talking and Rarity has something wrapped up in black in her magic. Connor thought what it could be, then he remembered his visit to Rarity's boutique, That's right, I remember Rarity saying she'd get that order ready for Spitfire ASAP.
But then Connor remembered some odd behaviour from Spitfire, Rarity and Twilight. Spitfire and Rarity were talking to each other when I was trying on those clothes, then suddenly stopped when I emerged. That order Rarity mentioned to Spitfire could have something to do with it. Twilight and Spitfire acted oddly saying they were only arranging a gift for a friend.
Connor's inner thoughts were giving him a headache Just sit tight and you'll find out what, if anything, is going on.
Connor continued to look in the window when he spotted a gold necklace with an Orange Sapphire encrusted in the centre, similar in design to the necklace Celestia gave him.
He looked to find a price......2,500 bits (£250). He had enough........
Connor was approaching the library. As he could he could hear movement and noises inside.
"Sssshhhhh he's coming" he heard somepony say.
Yeah there's definitely something up. Captain I recommend we go to Yellow Alert.
Connor decided to go in normally as to not arouse suspicion. He went in to find the Twilight, Rarity and Spitfire in the main library room.
"Hey girls," Connor said trying to sound normal.
"Hey Connor," replied Spitfire who flew up and gave him a hug, to which Connor happily returned.
"What are you girls up to?"
Twilight was the one to speak up, "Well you see, we don't know how long you'll be here so we wanted to do something special for you."
Connor sat himself down next to the mares, "What sort of special something?"
"Well," Twilight continued, "I got the idea after we discovered you can walk on clouds. This particular surprise only adds to the other surprise."
"Other surprise?" asked Connor confused.
"Let me explain this one Twilight," said an excited Rarity, "While you were trying on your new ensemble I talked with Spitfire, and we agreed we wanted to do something special for you while you were with us."
"Would this have anything to do with that order Spitfire wanted ASAP?"
"Yes darling," Rarity said as she levitated the same black package from earlier into view, "Allow me to present to you........THIS!!"
Rarity removed the black cover to reveal a Wonderbolts flight suit, fit to human proportions, or more precisely Connor's proportions. It has the same blue and gold design but with minor additions. One of which is a gold coloured belt with the buckle in the form of the Wonderbolts emblem. Also added where gloves and boots with the same blue and gold design as the flight suits. The flight suit also lacked a head covering. Last there were a pair of flight goggles.
Connor was, not for the first time since his arrival, stunned into silence.
"So darling what do you think?" asked Rarity.
Connor stood up and walked over to Rarity and hugged her, "It looks brilliant, thank you."
Rarity blushed, "No problem at all darling but you must try it on."
Connor took the flight suit out of Rarity's magical hold and went upstairs to his room to get changed into it. It took a few minutes but he managed to do it. The flight suit fit like a glove, not too loose and not too tight. He went over to the mirror and looked at himself, I look good, not at all like a camp Power Ranger. All that's missing is some wings
Connor held his thoughts at that.........
No that won't happen
Connor went downstairs and into the main library area. Gasps of shock ringed throughout the library. Connor looked around and found there were books all over the place. And the rest of the Main 6 and Spike were there.
How did I not hear any of this happen?
There was silence as Connor stood there in his Wonderbolts flight suit while seven mares and a drake just looked at him open mouthed.
"So......" Connor started, "How do I look?"
Rainbow Dash was the first to answer, "YOU LOOK AWESOME!!"
"Connor you look splendid," Rarity replied.
"YOU LOOK SUPER FANTASTIC!!" Pinkie shouted.
The others all agreed. Spitfire came up to Connor, "You almost look like a Wonderbolt. All you need are some wings."
"I know," Connor replied, "But sadly humans can't just grow them......why are there slits in the back?"
Twilight was almost bursting with joy, "Because I've been practicing a spell that should let you grow wings."
Connor just blinked at her, "You're shitting me."
"Nope, I've been practicing this really hard please let me try it on you?" Twilight asked deliberately making her eyes look bigger.
Must resist those eyes.........."Sure go ahead."
Twilight lit up her horn and fired at Connor (he removed his necklace). As the magic beam hit Connor, red energy enveloped him and lifted him into the air for a few seconds. While Connor was in the air, he felt pain in his back. He felt two 'somethings' push their way out of his back and spread out. The magic slowly lowered Connor back to the floor and the magic dissipated. When it did everyone looked at Connor and saw he had two huge red feathered wings on his back, which were about 6ft long and had angular edges to them.
His large wings had huge Primary feathers, reasonably big secondaries and smaller tertiaries. The dark red wings shone brightly in the sunlight and radiated intensely, warming up the room.
Connor looked around the room to find a sea of open mouths, "So, how do I look?" |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 12 - Cloudsdale | THE NEXT MORNING
Connor woke up early just as the sun was rising. The night before Spitfire, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash gave Connor a few quick lessons on basic wing control. He was a little rusty at first but within a couple of hours he was able to move them in and out with relative ease. There were occasions where his wings would spring out much to the amusement of Rainbow Dash, in one instance his wings unintentionally hit Fluttershy in the face. Connor getting rather panicky started apologising profusely. Fluttershy wasn't hurt though and she didn't hold Connor at fault but accepted his apology nonetheless. He and the gang all talked about things in general for the rest of the night. Spitfire left for Cloudsdale to see to the last of the preparations for the competition.
Connor got out of bed and gave his limb and wings a stretch. He made his way over to his Wonderbolts flight suit and put it on. After struggling for a few moments getting his wings through the slits in the back he zipped the front up and put the goggles over his head, letting them rest just above his forehead. The boots and belt quickly followed, he took the gloves but left them off for now. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen where he could smell food.
Connor walked into the kitchen to find Twilight making breakfast, "Hey Twilight, did you sleep well?"
Twilight turned round to Connor, "Hi Connor, yeah I slept ok. Well there were grunts of annoyance coming from the guest bedroom which disturbed the peace but apart from that there was a peaceful tranquillity to the night."
Connor narrowed his eyes, "Very funny Sparkle Butt, just you wait until you get a pair of wings and you'll react the same."
Twilight laughed," Me becoming an alicorn? Don't be silly."
"You never know," said Connor, "It could happen."
"It's highly unlikely, I've never heard of a pony becoming an alicorn."
"It doesn't mean it can never happen though," Connor replied.
"True but let's discuss this another time. I'm hungry. Oh and I see you decided to wear your flight suit now, we don't leave for a few hours."
Connor nodded, "Yes. Well it's just that Rarity put a lot of effort into it the least I could do was get as much use out of it as I could."
Twilight smiled, "You don't have to explain yourself to me, besides you look good in it, it suits you. You could even pass for a genuine Wonderbolt."
Connor laughed at that, "Maybe. What does Rainbow Dash think of it? She hasn't really said anything which is quite surprising."
"She's excited but she didn't want to make you feel uneasy. She's also quite pleased you're dating Spitfire."
Connor's face went a bright shade of red, "We're not really dating besides I don't see her like that."
Connor was obviously lying and he knew it. And if the raised eyebrow on Twilight's face was anything to go by she knew it as well.
"Connor," said Twilight, "I may be what Rainbow calls an 'egghead' but I'm still a mare. I'm old enough to know when a stallion shows an interest in a mare."
Connor looked at Twilight and sighs, "Is it really that obvious?"
"Pretty much, yes," said Twilight as she walks over to Connor and rests a hoof on his lap, "But don't worry, we're here to help you."
Connor put his hand on Twilight's hoof, "Thanks Twilight. Should we have our breakfast now?"
Twilight nodded, "Absolutely, do you like bagels? Oh and here's a pot of tea."
The two of them had their breakfast in which Twilight talked about some of the books she had been reading, all of which went over Connor's head.
"Where's Spike?" asked Connor.
"He's having a lay in, he did stay up late after all, and he's still quite young so he needs his sleep. Besides were not going anywhere or doing anything until lunch time."
"Fair enough, I think I'll go over to Sugercube Corner later before we go. Is it OK if I can read some books in the meantime?"
"Of course you can, this is a library after all. I would give you a library card but you need to have been a resident of Equestria for six months to get one, sorry if that offends you."
"I'm not offended, a similar thing applies in my country."
Twilight smiled, "It's good that you're understanding."
"I might be understanding but I'm not perfect."
"I wouldn't expect you to be. Ponies aren't perfect either."
Connor smiled, "We are more alike than unalike."
"Indeed we are. Now you get yourself in the library while I wash up."
"I can help with the dishes."
"And risk getting your flight suit dirty, do you want to know what Rarity would do to you if that happened?"
"Point taken," replied Connor, "I take it this wasn't cheap to make?"
Twilight shook her head "No it wasn't. It uses the same material as the actual Wonderbolt's flight suits. The material itself is very expensive and has magical enhancement to aid the wearers' body to breath at altitude as well as keep the wearers body temperature at a comfortable level."
Connor nodded in understanding, "So this suit isn't a replica it's essentially the real deal."
"Yes. After everything you've been through I think you deserve a little luxury."
"Do they actually sell replica Wonderbolt flight suits? In my world replica merchandise is extremely popular......and financially lucrative."
"Yes they do. There's a huge range of Wonderbolt merchandise that you can get, replica flight suits are best sellers. They're made from a similar material to yours but without magical enhancements."
"Does Rainbow have one?"
"I think she did as a filly but as an adult no. She said she wanted to wait until she's become a Wonderbolt to wear one."
"Do you think she'll do it?"
"Absolutely."
A FEW HOURS LATER
Connor woke up on the sofa just before lunch and woke up a scene of utter chaos. Books and scrolls were scattered all over and the Spike and the Mane 6 expect Rainbow Dash were in the library. He also noticed Rarity with interesting additions.
"Rarity?"
Rarity turned around, "Connor you look splendid. I dare say you could be mistaken for an actual Wonderbolt."
Connor blushed, "I wouldn't go that far. I'm just your average Joe, there's nothing special about me."
"You're much too hard on yourself darling. Everypony is special in their own unique way and each has a special talent that defines them. You are no different."
"I told him the same thing a few days ago," said Twilight.
Connor sighed, "I know it's just that it's difficult to be positive when you've lived with a lot of criticism."
"We know darling and we want to do everything we can to help you."
Connor smiled, "Thanks guys, it means a lot. Oh and nice wings by the way."
Connor's compliment brought out a huge smile form Rarity, "Thank you darling, they're made from gossamer and morning dew and they look absolutely smashing."
Connor looked around the library, "By any chance would Rainbow Dash have caused this mess? Where is she anyway?"
Twilight was the one to speak up, "She was practicing some tricks for the competition when she lost control. According to Rarity she was having stage fright so long story short we decided we'd all go to Cloudsdale to support her. Non-Pegasi can't walk on clouds so I used a spell to allow Rarity to grow wings. I used a modified version on you, I figured feathered wings were more your style."
Connor nodded in understanding, "Ok, what about Applejack and Pinkie?"
"There's a simpler spell I can use on them that allows them to walk on clouds."
"Are you entering the competition Rarity?" asked Connor.
"I may actually. She may feel much better with a friend competing with her."
"I'm sure she'll appreciate it. When do we leave?"
"We leave in about an hour in a hot air balloon."
"Do you want any help cleaning up?"
Twilight smiled in delight, "It would be appreciated, thank you Connor."
One hour and a clean library later the girls and Connor set off in the hot air balloon towards Cloudsdale. Connor had brought with him his laptop and phone as he planned to show the Wonderbolts human technology, and to finally let the girls listen to human music. He had already decided what he would show to each girl.
Connor was leaning over the side of the balloon getting a good view of Equestria, he could see the sprawling Metropolis that was Canterlot. Canterlot is a lot bigger than you think, about the same size as York.
"Enjoying the view?" asked Twilight.
"Definitely, Equestria is certainly something to look at."
"That's great to hear. Are you looking forward to the competition?"
Connor's face lit up, "I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Spitfire again."
The girls all looked at each other trying not to giggle, Twilight spoke up again "I asked if you were looking forward to the competition?"
Connor's face went red, "I uh...well....what I meant was...uh..."
The girls' ability to contain their giggles failed and soon the balloon was filled with the sound of laughter. Connor wasn't laughing however, he felt a bit embarrassed and like he'd been made a fool of. Something that did not sit well with him. He turned away from the girls and looked back out of the balloon with a blank expression to Canterlot on the distance. He said nothing as the girls continued to laugh. It lasted only for a few seconds before Pinkie spoke up.
"Connor are you OK?" she asked.
"I'm fine," he said in a neutral tone.
The girls looked at each other and by the looks on each other's face felt they may have crossed the line by laughing.
Twilight spoke up, "Connor are you sure you're OK?"
Connor suppressing his temper replied with the same neutral tone, "I said I'm fine."
The girls said nothing more and the rest of the journey went in silence, Connor not once moving away or turning around.
After arriving in Cloudsdale much to the surprise of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, who gave the girls got a tour of the cloud city, Connor went off on his own without saying a word to anyone.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, seeing their new friend walk off without saying anything to them asked the rest of the girls what was wrong. Twilight explained what happened and the six girls agreed that they should let Connor be by himself a bit as confronting him may do more harm than good.
Connor was walking along some clouds, still amazed he can do that, when he noticed a lot of ponies looking at him.
Must be the outfit or the fact that I'm a human, or both
He ignored their looks and continued walking when he turned onto what appeared to be a shopping street that sort of looked like Stonegate in York. There were a fair range of shops including a specialist fudge shop with dozens of different flavours, a chocolate shop, antiques, furniture, pubs, cafe's, tea shops, barbers, bakeries, fashion outlets and unsurprisingly a Wonderbolts merchandise store.
Connor walked along the street clearly showing his enthusiasm at what he was seeing. He spotted the fudge shop and made a beeline for the place. All the while getting inquisitive looks form the nearby ponies. He entered the shop and almost immediately gained the attention of those inside. He went to the deli style cabinet containing many of what the store sold and was quite surprised at all the different flavours there were available including orange and chocolate, vanilla, orange and pineapple, lemon and lime, coffee, toffee, hazelnut, strawberry, raspberry, cola and Connor's favourite, mint and chocolate.
One of the workers spoke up, quite amazed that, from her perspective, a Wonderbolt was in her store. She had never met this creature before but he was in a Wonderbolts get up that didn't look like a replica. Pegasi have a very keen eye for detail and can tell the real deal from the replicas. What she saw was the real deal. Steadying her breathing she spoke up.
"May I help you sir?" asked a light gold Pegasus mare with a chocolate brown mane and tail and brown eyes. The mane was tied up into a bun, most likely to keep the mane out of the fudge. Her Cutie Mark looked like Caramel swirling around fudge. Rather fitting considering her occupation.
Connor looked up to the mare, "Yes, could I have a pound of the mint and chocolate please and another two pounds made up of seven equal sizes of any other flavours please."
The imperial system. So good it's used in another reality. Take that metric system.
The mare took the requested choices and cut them to size accordingly before wrapping each individual piece in greaseproof paper.
"That's quite a choice sir," the mare said as she put the wrapped-up fudge into a paper bag, "Are some of them for friends?"
Connor nodded, "Yes. They've done a lot for me in the last few days so I thought I'd get a little thank you for it. I'm getting them other gifts as well mind you."
"That's very nice of you sir, that'll be 30 bits please," Connor handed the mare the appropriate amount, "Are you performing today?"
"Performing?" he asked confused as he took the paper bag from her.
"Well you are in a genuine Wonderbolts flight suit so I was wondering if you were performing today."
"No I'm not performing. I'm not a Wonderbolt anyway. How did you know this was genuine and not a replica?"
The mare looked at Connor surprised, "You're not a Wonderbolt?"
Connor shook his head.
"Then how did you get a genuine flight suit?"
"A friend made it. She herself got hold of the material and tailor made it for me. It came as a huge surprise to me."
"Well you certainly pass for a Wonderbolt. And your wings look truly impressive. You must take extremely good care of them for them to be as radiant as they are."
Connor chuckled, "Actually I wasn't born with wings. Another friend cast a spell so I would have a pair temporarily. It was also a surprise, my friends conspired together to make two related surprises and this is the result."
The mare looked stunned, "Well you have damn fine friends. And even though you're not a Wonderbolt, you certainly could pass as one. And that's not just because you have a genuine suit and wings, it's the way you carry yourself."
Connor smiled at the compliment, "Thank you. I'm Connor."
The mare smiled and held out her hoof which Connor shook, "And I'm Caramel Fudge, owner of Caramel Fudges' Caramel Fudge."
"Nice name. Is Caramel Fudge your signature fudge?"
"Indeed it is. Here", Caramel said as she cut some fudge, "Have some of my signature flavour fudge, a bit for now and a bit for later, on the house."
Connor took the two pieces of fudge, "Thank you," he said before trying the Caramel Fudge.
Connors' face lit up which brought a fit of giggles from Caramel, "I take it you like it then?"
Connor nodded vigorously, "This is brilliant, you may have just got yourself a new regular."
This brought a huge smile from Caramel who only just managed to refrain from hugging the air out of Connor.
"Thank you sir."
"Please call me Connor."
"Very well Connor, then call me Cara. I'll let you get to your business now. No doubt you will want to look around a bit more. Oh and to answer your question from earlier, I knew your suit was genuine as we Pegasi have a very keen eye for detail," she said as she winked at Connor.
Connor blushed which brought out more giggles from Cara, "Don't worry Connor, I'm only teasing you. I know you've got your eyes on another mare."
Connor looked surprised, "How did-"
"It's in your eyes. Besides, as I said we Pegasi have a very keen eye for detail plus I'm a mare so I know the look a stallion gives when he's got a mare on his mind."
Connor chuckled, "Yeah you're right. She's amazing, we're not officially dating but I'm thinking of asking her later. I hope it's not too soon."
"How long have you know her?" Cara asked.
"Less than a week. Long story short I was in Canterlot, she accidently flew into me which forced me on to the ground and knocked me out. I woke up in hospital with her there. I left for Ponyville, she took some leave to visit me and we started hanging out."
Cara nodded in understanding, "What does she do?"
Connor rubbed the back of his neck uneasily, "Errrrrm she's a Wonderbolt."
Cara's face lit up, "Very interesting. Which Wonderbolt, tell me tell me tell me."
Connor help his breath before answering, "Spitfire."
Cara went wide eyed, "SPITFIRE!!"
Connor nodded, "I'm not sure if I should ask as it's rather soon, I don't want to come off as too strong or desperate."
Cara took on a serious look and tone of voice, "Don't worry about that. If she took a leave of absence to spend time with you then she is very interested in you. She loves her job as Group Captain of the Wonderbolts and wouldn't take time off without good reason. Ask her when you see her later. Don't miss your opportunity with her because believe me you'll regret it."
Connor took in what Cara said and nodded, "I'll ask her later after the competition."
Cara went back to her bright and bubbly self again, "Excellent. Now shoo, the crowd outside is waiting."
Connor looked confused, "What crowd?"
Cara pointed with her hoof towards the window facing the street, "That crowd."
It was Connor's turn to go wide eyed, "Oh Shi-"
"Come on Honey Bun get your plot outside and meet your fans," said a rather amused Cara as she pushed Connor towards the door, much to his dismay.
"No, please don't send me out there."
Connor stood there as about three or four dozen ponies just stood there looking at him. Cara was watching with glee from inside her store.
"So......" Connor started, "How is everypony?"
There was a chorus of 'OK's' and 'I'm good's.
A small colt in a replica Wonderbolt's outfit approached Connor looking a little nervous.
"Excuse me mister," he started, "Are you a Wonderbolt?"
Connor looked at the colt and then to the assembled ponies, all looking rather quizzical. He looked back to the colt and smiled, "No I'm not a Wonderbolt but I am a friend of one. This flight suit was a gift form a friend. And the wings were a result of a friends spell."
The gathered ponies all seems intrigued. The colts and fillies in particular.
"What are you Mister?" asked the colt.
"I'm a human. We don't have wings though, these are like I said a result of a friends spell. And I didn't know we could walk on clouds either."
"Ooohhhhh," said the colt, clearly in awe of Connor.
"Are you seeing the competition later?" asked Connor.
The colt became very excited, "Yeah, my mum and dad are taking me. It's my birthday today as well. They got me this Wonderbolt Flight Suit and a poster of Spitfire. I hope she can sign it later."
"What's your name?" Connor asked, already forming a plan in his mind.
"Swift Wind sir."
"I'm Connor," replied Connor, "Hoof bump."
Connor held out his fist and Swift Wind bumped his hoof with Connor's fist which brought out giggles from the young colt.
"You're funny," said Swift Wind before running back to his parents.
The ponies were all in good spirits after seeing this strange creature be so good with a young colt. Connor quickly found himself surrounded by many other colts and fillies, all of whom wanted to hoof-bump the 'freaky awesome monkey' as one young filly put it. Connor wasn't the slightest bit offended by that, not when it came from the innocence of a child. The fillies' and colts' parents all watched with amazement as Connor took time and spoke to each colt and filly.
"OK little ones, who likes fudge?" asked Cara, who had been watching Connor since she pushed him outside.
There was a sudden rush of jubilant foals as they excitedly made their way into the store including the birthday colt Swift Wind, none of the parents seemed to mind and decided to spend the time talking to each other. Some even struck up conversation with Connor and asked him questions about where he's from and what he does. They were quite surprised to find out he's from a different world and even more thrilled when he said he was friends with Princess Celestia. It was clear to Connor that many if not all ponies held Celestia in very high regard.
After spending a few minutes talking to the parents he made his way to the tea room he spotted and like before he attracted many eyes but no-pony bothered him. He relaxed with a pot of tea and read the newspaper that was at his table. It was your typical tabloid with your typical tabloid content. While reading he noticed an article reporting on the existence of a 'furless monkey'.
I can't imagine who that could be
Connor finished his pot of tea and left the tea room, but not without being enthusiastically thanked by the staff first. Connor made his way over to the bakery and spotted two cakes with one having Celestia's Cutie Mark and the other having Luna's. He got one of each, one for Luna and the other for Celestia. The mares who ran the shop offered him a 'Wonderbolt's discount' but Connor politely declined on grounds he wasn't a Wonderbolt. The mares were confused, they told him they knew he was wearing a genuine flight suit and not a replica so Connor explained how he came to be in a genuine Wonderbolt's flight suit.
Cara wasn't kidding, Pegasi really can tell the difference
The mares understood but insisted he still have the discount as 'a gesture of goodwill'. Connor relented and thanked them for their generosity. He looked at his watch and saw that it was less than an hour before the competition. Deciding not to risk running late he headed over to the stadium. It's not like he could miss it, it was rather large. The Coliseum was like the one in (Ancient) Rome but made of clouds instead. Pegasi culture and architecture seemed to be a blend of Ancient Greek and Ancient Rome, or so Connor thought.
Connor was able to walk the way to the stadium. He was reluctant to use his wings even though he could consciously move them, he obviously wasn't a natural flier and didn't want to embarrass himself by flapping his wings only to plummet to the ground. Besides if he damaged his flight suit he dared not think what Rarity would do to him.
As he got closer to the stadium the crowds of ponies got larger and larger meaning more and more eyes fixed on Connor. As he was just outside he was approached by what appeared to be Cloudsdale police officers.
"Excuse us sir, what are you doing here?" asked one of the four officers.
A confused Connor just looked at the officer, "Pardon?"
"Shouldn't you be with your team getting ready? Never mind we'll escort you there."
"Wait," Connor said quickly, "I'm not a Wonderbolt and I'm not performing but I do have a VIP pass."
Connor got out the VIP pass and showed the officers who looked very confused.
"Why do you have a VIP pass if you're a Wonderbolt?" asked one of the other officers.
"I'm not a Wonderbolt," repeated Connor, "I just want to go to the VIP section."
The officers looked even more confused, "If you're not a Wonderbolt then why are you in a genuine Wonderbolt flight suit?"
"It was a gift from a friend."
The officer scoffed at Connor's response, "A likely story, a how did you get your hooves on a VIP ticket?"
"That was a gift also, from Group Captain Spitfire."
The officers looked at each other and laughed, "Yeah right. More likely you stole the material to make a flight suit of your own and you stole a VIP ticket just so you could see celebrities and Princess Celestia."
Connor looked at the officers dumbfounded by their words, "I know Princess Celestia, she's my friend and the ticket and flight suit were gifts from other friends."
"Of course they were, ape. You're coming with us."
The officers removed Connor's belongings and two of the guards went behind Connor and very quickly tied his wrists together and secured his wings. Connor started to panic and tried to resist which only resulted the guards to tie the knots tighter.
"You can add resisting arrest to your list of charges. You'll be spending a long time in the Canterlot Dungeons ape."
Connor was staring to lose control of his anger, "ON WHAT CHARGES? I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG!"
The officers all smirked at each other, "Impersonating a Wonderbolt, theft of a VIP pass, lying to a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, claiming friendship with Royalty, shouting in public and possession of suspicious items."
He was furious and struggled against the officers who had a firm hold of him, not to mention the ropes tying his wrists and wings were very tight and digging into him, "Those last three aren't even crimes."
"They are if I say they are," replied the lead officer, "Take him away."
The two officers holding Connor started to take him away leaving the two other officers gave each other smug looks. The whole incident attracted the attention of many ponies, many of whom had looks of confusion on their faces. They were unable to see what the strange creature did wrong and voiced their complaints loudly.
The lead officer wasn't having any of it, "SILENCE OR YOU WILL BE TAKEN AWAY WITH HIM!!"
The ponies very quickly became silent much to the amusement of the lead officer. As Connor was being taken away, a very familiar white alicorn appeared on the scene. The assembled ponies all bowed to Celestia, Connor did not.
"BOW BEFORE THE PRINCESS CRIMINAL SCUM!" shouted the lead officer. Connor was pushed to his knees and hit the ground harshly, good thing he's on clouds because had the ground been concrete his knees would have been shattered.
Celestia looked in the direction of the outburst and was very surprised to see Connor tied up by Cloudsdale police.
"What is going on here?" she asked as she walked over to Connor.
The lead officer spoke up, "This criminal is guilty of impersonating a Wonderbolt, theft of a VIP pass, lying to a law enforcement officer, claiming friendship with Royalty, resisting arrest, shouting in public and possession of suspicious items."
Connor was worried, if Celestia believed him he would see the inside of the dungeons for sure which would no doubt please Blueblood immensely. He continued to look at her while she looked at him. Her face completely neutral.
"Officer," Celestia said as Connor held breath, "release him immediately."
The officers all looked flabbergasted, "Princess you can't be serious. This hairless ape has committed several crimes and must be punished."
Celestia ignored the 'hairless ape' comment as these ponies are in enough trouble and narrowed her eyes, "He has committed no crimes you describe here. I know so as I have been watching him from my chariot. So I will tell you again, release him at once!"
The lead officer grit his teeth and nodded to his officers who promptly untied him.
Celestia walked over to Connor with concern, "Are you OK Connor, you are not harmed are you?"
"I'll be fine. A little rattled but nothing you need to be worried about."
"I'm pleased to hear that," relied Celestia as she gave Conner a wing hug, which Connor responded by wrapping his arms around her neck. The assembled ponies all looked on in amazement that this strange creature was friends with their princess. The police officers all looked at each other with worried expressions.
Celestia turned to her guards, "Take Connor to my chariot and take him to the VIP area of the stadium. Ensure no harm comes to him."
The guards wing saluted and followed her order.
"Don't worry Connor," said Celestia, "I'll join you shortly, there is a matter that needs to be dealt with."
Connor looked towards the police officers whose facial expressions were that of a child caught their hands in the cookie jar. Connor walked with the Royal Pegasi Guards to the chariot where they promptly took him to the VIP section. He looked over to the side of chariot to see Celestia having a few words with the officers.
Connor wasn't in the chariot for long before they reached their destination. He thanked the guards who responded with a wing salute. Connor walked towards the VIP lounge and no sooner than he entered were there dozens of eyes set upon him. Most of the ponies where Pegasi who seemed to take an interest in Connor.
"Hey buddy, come to join your friends before the show?" asked a large green Pegasus stallion.
"Friends?" asked Connor.
"Your fellow Wonderbolts, they're round the corner," replied the stallion who showed Connor the way.
The stallion pointed in the direction of the Wonderbolts and found them in a corner drinking and eating.
"Thank you," said Connor to the stallion.
"No problem," replied the stallion as he went back to his friends.
As Connor walked towards the Wonderbolts, they looked at him with wide eyes.
"Is he the one you were talking about?" asked a white maned blue furred mare.
Another mare turned around and her face lit up and she bolted towards Connor who barely had time to prepare himself.
"Connor it's great to see you again," Spitfire said as she gave Connor a firm hug.
"I'll take that as a yes," said the blue furred white maned Pegasus.
"Who's that?" asked Connor.
Spitfire turned around, "Connor let me introduce you to Fleetfoot. Fleetfoot this is Connor."
Connor waved at the Wonderbolts who waved back.
"Come on Connor let me introduce you to the rest of the team," said Spitfire.
The other Wonderbolts made room to allow Connor to sit down and each of them introduced themselves. There were about ten Wonderbolts there and each of them listened to the story of how Connor came into this world and what he's been up to since his arrival including the incident with the Cloudsdale police. They were all in agreement that Connor looked great in his flight suit and that he looked like one.
"You're not the first ponies to say that today," Connor said.
"Well it's true," said Spitfire, "Practice flying and you could become one for real."
Connor smiled, "I'll keep that in mind."
"Anyway," said Spitfire, "Me, Soarin and Misty Fly had better get going, we're the celebrity judges this year."
"Who decides who judge?" asked Connor.
"As Group Captain I always judge but the others we simply pull names out of a hat."
Connor nodded, "That seems fair enough. What are the rest of you who aren't judging or performing doing in the meantime?"
"Well just hang out here and drink cider and eat food," replied Fleetfoot.
"Sounds good," replied Connor, "Mind if I join you?"
"Course you can," Fleetfoot replied, "You don't need to ask, you're practically one of us."
Connor chuckled, "I wouldn't go that far, I can't even fly."
"You will when we've put you through some drills," replied Spitfire as she wrapped her hooves around his neck, "You have Wonderbolt written all over you."
"Still, I'd rather go through the academy I earn the right to be one rather than it be just given to me."
"That's great to hear, we'll look forward to having you," said Soarin, "It'll be nice to have another stallion in the team."
"AND JUST WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?" asked Misty Fly.
Soarin went wide eyed as he realised what he said could be interpreted differently than he meant it. While Soarin was trying to splutter out an excuse to the Wonderbolt mares who had surrounded him, except for Spitfire who sat next to Connor who had an arm/foreleg wrapped around each other. They were watching Soarin be verbally roasted when a Royal Pegasi Guard approached.
"Excuse me Sir, Princess Celestia has requested your presence in the Royal Box."
Connor turned back to Spitfire who spoke before he did, "You better get going Sleepy Head."
"Yes Ma'am," Connor said jokingly, throwing in a salute as well.
Spitfire laughed at Connor's antics and they gave each other one last hug, "I'll see you later then Milkshake."
Connor followed the guard up to another section of the stadium. He looked at the signs overhead and noticed he was being led away from the Royal Box, not towards it.
"Aren't we going the wrong way?" he asked the guard.
"No sir," replied the guard, "I am to take you to the Princess first. Her Majesty said she would take you the Royal Box herself."
"OK, continue leading the way then."
"Aye sir," replied Connor, not as an order but more as conversation but the guard knew that.
Connor followed the guard into a room that looked like a hanger bay, which Connor confirmed when he saw Celestia's golden chariot. And the Princess herself. Running towards the Princess he called out to her.
"Princess!"
Celestia turned around just in time for Connor to wrap his arms around Celestia hugging her tightly. Celestia returned this affection with a wing hug and a huge smile, "My my, somepony is in a good mood. What is it that's got my little human in such a good mood?"
"You," replied Connor still hugging her.
"Oh," replied Celestia, "How so?"
"You showed up again just as I needed you. Not for the first time either. You seem to have a talent for showing up just when you're needed. How do you do it?"
"It's a Royal Secret."
Connor laughed and let go of Celestia, "Even for me?"
Celestia giggled, "I'm afraid so, and might I say you look splendid in your Wonderbolts Flight Suit, you look the part in it."
Connor smiled, "Thank you Princess, anyway your guard said you wanted me in the Royal Box?"
Celestia nodded, "Indeed, how would you like to enter with me?"
Connor's face lit up, "I'd love to."
Connor made his way to the chariot which brought out more giggles form the princess, "We're not going in the chariot my little human but you may leave your belongings in it. I assure you no-pony will dare take it."
Connor furrowed his brows in confusion, "Then how are we getting there?"
"Like this," Celestia replied and she used her magic and lifted Connor out of the chariot and onto her back, "Are you comfortable?"
Connor took a moment to compose himself, "Yeah I'm fine. I thought for a moment my amulet would cut the magic out."
"The amulet knows when to do so and when not to. I know I tried explaining it but it's difficult to explain. You could say that the amulet has a degree of self-awareness and 'just knows' when to act. You have nothing to fear from me Connor. I will never harm you."
Connor smiled and gently patted the back of Celestia's neck, "I know Princess, and you've done so much for me I'm not sure if I could ever repay you. And thank you for those bits. It's helped a lot."
"You're welcome Connor and just so you know you don't need to repay me. You being friends with my little ponies and you being happy are more than enough for me."
Connor stayed silent for a moment, "I'm going to ask Spitfire if she'll be my girl....marefriend."
Connor couldn't see it but Celestia had a huge smile on her face upon hearing this, "I am delighted to hear that. I hope it turns out well for you."
"Thank you, should we get going then?"
"Indeed. If you are comfortable then let's get to it."
"Wow this fur is so soft and silky.
"Thank you my little human. You are such a gentlecolt," replied a cheery Celestia.
Connor went beet red, "You......heard that?"
"Indeed I did."
Connor felt like a teenager caught reading gentleman's literature by thier mother. His embarrassment though was short lived when he heard the stadium announcer.
"Fillies and gentlecolts please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved Princess Celestia and her special VIP guest Connor the Human!"
Celestia flapped her wings as she descended to the Royal Box flanked by two Pegasi Royal Guards, Connor was sat on her back and completely in awe of the sight. He dismounted Celestia and stood at her side and waved to the crowd and spread out his wings just as Celestia did.
"Please welcome our celebrity judges for The Best Young Flyer Competition, the Wwwwwonderboooooolts!"
Connor watched as they flew upwards into the sky and saw them do their stunts finishing with what he could only describe as a Starburst. He continued to watch as they took their seats in their own Box, keeping an eye on Spitfire in particular.
"See something you like?" asked Celestia.
"Not really, but somepony yes."
Celestia lit up her horn an out of nowhere appeared a tea set.
"You know me to well Princess."
Celestia laughed, "I wouldn't go that far but I do know you enjoy a cup of tea."
"That I do," said Connor as he sat himself down next to Celestia.
Celestia and Connor watched each competitor admiring the skill of each one when they eventually saw Rainbow Dash and Rarity enter the arena. The music started and it was obvious that they were sent out together and that Rarity had chosen the classical music. Rarity seemed to go for grace and elegance in her moves while Rainbow went for speed and aerobatics.
Rainbow seemed to difficulty, she hit a cloud pillar when slaloming and crashed into the arena wall. When she went higher up and started spinning clouds a part of the cloud came loose and hit her in the face, sending her rolling backwards. She regained her control but the cloud headed straight for Celestia and Connor, the cloud seemed to disintegrate when it hit Celestia's horn. Rainbow then moved on to her final piece, the Sonic Rainboom.
Rainbow was building speed until she heard screaming below. She looked back and saw that Rarity's wings had evaporated leaving Rarity in freefall. Rainbow immediately stopped and sped towards Rarity. Rainbow also saw three knocked out Wonderbolts. She knew if she didn't get to them in time that they would be seriously injured if not killed. She went faster and faster until she hit the sound barrier and the entire stadium was lit up in a flash of Rainbow colours and the resonating sound of a sonic boom could be heard for miles around.
Rainbow caught the four ponies just in time and safely brought them back to the stadium. Once there other Pegasi took care of the Wonderbolts and Rarity, the Wonderbolts were taken to the stadium medical wing while Rarity was OK if a little shaken up.
Connor meanwhile was held firmly against Celestia who had her forelegs wrapped tightly around his waist. When seeing Rarity fall he instinctively tried to go after her but no sooner had he moved did he feel himself being held firmly by Celestia. He assured her that he reacted on impulse but Celestia kept a firm hold of him just to be sure. Connor wasn't mad with Celestia, if anything she did him a favour as his jumping off after Rarity could have caused more problems than solve.
As soon as Rarity and the three Wonderbolts were safely back at the stadium Celestia released Connor and he made a beeline for the medical wing.
He hoped Spitfire was OK.
Spitfire woke up about thirty minutes after being knocked out. She woke up to find Connor sat at the foot of her bed.
"Hey there Milkshake, feeling better?" he asked.
Spitfire slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes with her hooves, "Heh, I'm fine Connor."
Connor smiled, "That's good to hear, it would seem this time I'm the one to see you wake up after being knocked out."
Spitfire giggled, "Does that mean we're even then?"
"It would seem so," replied Connor, "Now, how about we get you out of bed, you have a winner to congratulate."
Spitfire nodded and with Connor's help she got out of bed and walked out with Connor. There were some other Wonderbolts waiting outside including Soarin.
"Hey Spitfire," said Soarin, "You feeling better?"
"Yeah I'm fine now, did you get knocked out as well?"
"I did, so did Misty Fly. She's fine though. Rainbow Dash saved us all including that Unicorn."
Spitfire's eyes widened in realisation, "Rainbow Dash, I've spent the last few days with her and her friends. I wonder how she'll feel if she's won."
Connor didn't need to wait to speak up, "She's a big fan of the Wonderbolts. So big I'm surprised she didn't bombard Spitfire with questions when you were with us. There's no way she didn't know who you are."
Spitfire nodded, "We'll have to ask her. Anyway, let's go and meet the winner."
Connor and the Wonderbolts made their way to the arena just in time to see Celestia crown Rainbow Dash the winner.
ONE HOUR LATER
Back in the VIP Lounge Connor was with the Mane 6, Celestia and the Wonderbolts. Spike had also turned up. Apparently Celestia sent a chariot to bring him so he could join in the celebrations.
Connor sat alone a few feet away having a quiet rest. That is until Twilight approached him.
"Connor?"
Connor opened his eyes to see Twilight, "Yes?"
Twilight took a deep breath and sighed, "I just want to apologise for our actions earlier in the balloon, and we shouldn't have-"
Connor raised his hand motioning Twilight to stop, "There's nothing to apologise for, I should have known you meant nothing by it. I should be the one apologising for ignoring you and walking away."
Twilight shook her head, "Your reaction was understandable you don't need to apologise."
Connor smiled, "Then why don't we both admit to making a faux pas and move on?"
Twilight smiled, "I agree. Come on back to the group, you'll be able to show everypony your human technology."
Connor got up and followed Twilight back.
"Hey Connor sit here," said Spitfire pointing next to her.
Connor sat himself down next to Spitfire and gave her a hug which she happily returned.
"How is everypony?" asked Connor.
Celestia was the one to speak up, "We are fine thank you Connor."
"Anypony want to see some cool human stuff?"
There were are chorus of yesses so Connor got out his laptop and promptly showed the group several film trailers, pictures and some games. He got his phone and connected some ear-phones.
"What is that?" asked Twilight.
"A mobile phone. It allows communication with anyone anywhere on my world. It also plays film, takes and shows pictures, connects to the internet, plays music, it has a calendar that allows me to set reminders for appointments and key dates, it can play games, record sound and video and so on."
Connor looked around to see a sea of wide eyes until Rarity spoke up, "Surely you are bluffing?"
Applejack spoke up, "Nope, he's telling the truth."
Connor briefly explained to the best of his ability how it worked but he wasn't clued up on tech, fortunately the ponies understood that.
"Who wants to listen to some music?" asked Connor.
A sea of hooves shot up into the air.
"Ok, one at a time. Princess would you like to go first?"
"I would like that."
Connor walked over to Celestia. The ponies watched with fascination as Connor's nimble fingers delicately placed the ear-phones in her ears. Connor picked out one song he thought Celestia might like.
Super Trooper by Abba.
As the song was playing Connor explained the ear-phones allow the wearer to hear the music but not anyone else, unless it's really loud. The group watched as Celestia closed her eyes and gently swayed her head back and forth to the music. When the song finished she opened her eyes to find many pairs of eyes staring at her inquisitively.
"That was a truly fine song Connor."
"It was made by a group called Abba. They are one of the most successful bands ever selling hundreds of millions of albums."
The ponies were amazed at this and couldn't wait for their turn.
"Pick me pick me," shouted Pinkie.
Connor removed the ear-phones from Celestia and out them in Pinkie's ears. Connor picked out the song 'Barbie Girl' by Aqua.
Pinkie enjoyed it. How she knew the lyrics though mystified Connor.
Connor repeated the routine for each pony picking out a song for each one.
For Rarity he chose 'Uptown Girl' by Billy Joel.
For Rainbow Dash he chose 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen.
For Applejack he chose 'Oh What a Beautiful Morning' from Oklahoma.
For Fluttershy he chose 'Circle of Life' by Elton John.
For Twilight he chose 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel.
Each of the mane 6 seemed to really enjoy the song chosen for them. Connor had one song in particular for Spitfire. He carefully placed the ear-phone in her ears and cheekily scratched her ears as well. Which got him a playful punch in the arm.
He chose his favourite song, 'Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through' by Meat Loaf.
Spitfire listened intently to the lyrics. Seeming to really take them in. After the song finished she gently removed the ear-phones and handed the phone back to Connor. She looked a little pensive but when asked insisted she was fine.
The rest of the Wonderbolts listened to some music as well. After hearing one song each, Connor played some music from his laptop for everyone to hear. He played some Metallica, DragonForce, Meat Loaf, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Queen, Bon Jovi, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven plus a few others. Whilst everyone didn't particularly like each type of music they were still impressed nonetheless. Rarity took an interest in Metallica which surprised Connor. Celestia took an interest in Pink Floyd, Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. Pinkie seemed to like everything. Fluttershy liked Elton John and for some reason DragonForce. Rainbow liked all the 'cool' songs. Twilight liked Billy Joel and Bon Jovi. Applejack wasn't really fussed what she listened to. Spitfire liked Meat Loaf. The rest of the Wonderbolts also took interest in specific artists as well.
Connor then gathered everypony around and he told them he would show them a human film he was sure the Wonderbolts would enjoy.
The film in question is called 'Top Gun'.
The Wonderbolts did enjoy the film.
A lot.
It was helped by the fact that Celestia cast a spell that projected what was on the screen onto a projection screen. That Pinkie pulled down out of nowhere. Connor was pleased he took the advice of his friends and not question Pinkie.
"What did you think of that?" asked Connor.
"IT WAS AWESOME!" shouted Rainbow.
"I'll second that," said Spitfire, "Human flying machines are truly impressive."
"Those aircraft are nothing compared to the Saturn V rocket or the Space Shuttle," replied Connor.
"The what?" asked Spitfire.
Cue more video footage. Connor showed the group launchings of the Space Shuttles.
"There's also a film called Apollo 13. It is based on true events on that took place before and during the Apollo 13 mission, the third planned mission to put man on the moon. It didn't go as planned. I'll show you it sometime but not before Luna gets to see it."
The ponies all just nodded at what Connor said. Celestia didn't say anything but she was delighted that Connor thought of Luna in such a friendly manner. She has been struggling to reintegrate back into Equestrian society and Connor may just be the one to help her.
"So," Connor continued, "what are we doing now?"
"WE'RE GOING TO PARTY!" shouted Pinkie.
Out of nowhere she got her party canon and blasted away. Within seconds the VIP Lounge was ready for a 'Yay for Rainbow Dash winning the Best Young Fliers Competition Party'. How Pinkie did this was beyond even Celestia's understanding.
Connor and the rest of the group decided to enjoy the party and again congratulate Rainbow on her performance earlier.
The party was going well and everypony made time to talk to each other. Vinyl Scratch had turned up and with the assistance of Pinkie pulling the correct lead out of her mane, connected Connor's laptop to Vinyl's DJ system. This allowed him to play music to liven up the party with awesome human music. Connor also took the chance to give the mane 6 the fudge he got them earlier. They were delighted with the gesture. Connor then gave Celestia the cake with Luna's cutie mark. Connor explained that he thought it would be more fun to give them each other's Cutie Mark cake. Celestia agreed and then gave Connor a body crunching hug, squeezing the air out of him.
Celestia continued to very tightly hug him for several minutes before finally speaking, "Did anypony ever tell you I like cake?"
After finally being released from Celestia's Death Hug he was able to respond, "No, I was not informed of that."
"Well you do now. If you'll excuse me I'll be eating my cake. Thank you, my little human," Celestia said with a huge smile. She merrily trotted away and promptly began to stuff her face with cake, not giving a damn if anypony was watching. It was quite funny though watching the Princess of the Sun stuff her face in such an unprincessy manner. It was just as fun watching Twilight watch Celestia. Connor couldn't help but wonder what Twilight made of her mentor enjoying herself in such a way. Celestia teleported Luna's cake back to Canterlot. Celestia assured Connor that Luna would enjoy and appreciate the cake.
CANTERLOT CASTLE
Luna was sat upon the throne dealing with very boring nobles wittering on about how bitterly unfair it is that they should pay higher taxes due to their higher earnings. Earlier in the day a noble was disappointed to be told he couldn't knock down an orphanage to build his fourth home. That's his fourth home in Canterlot, not Equestria. Another noble wanted free school meals scrapping and redirect those funds to increase travel expenses for the nobility when they travel around Equestria on government business.
Luna rejected that petition also on grounds that a foals' health was of far greater importance than further deepening the pockets of the rich. There hadn't been one single petition accepted all day. Luna felt as though her day had been wasted. She eagerly agreed to fill in for her sister but it seemed to be one of those days when nothing worthwhile happened.
After court had finished for the day Luna made her way out of the throne room when he horn lit up. A box materialised in front of her. Opening a box she found a letter and something wrapped up. Opening the letter she saw it was from Connor.
Dear Luna
I was shopping in Cloudsdale earlier today and saw something I thought you would enjoy.
PS: I thought you would enjoy this one more than your own.
Connor
Confused by what he meant Luna unwrapped the item.
He face lit up and was adorned with a huge grin.
"WE SHALL ENJOY DEVOURING THOU'S CUTIE MARK SISTER!!"
Rather than return to her own room, she went to Celestia's. Before she went in she turned to Celestia's day guard that were on duty outside the room.
"GUARD, WE SHALL REMAIN IN SISTER'S ROOM UNTIL HER RETURN, WE HAVE IMPERATIVE ROYAL BUSINESS WE MUST ATTEND TO!!"
She went inside Celestia's room and threw herself on the bed and promptly began devouring the cake in a very unprincessy way.
Connor was sat at a table on his own reminiscing over the events of the past few days. So much had happened in so little time. He came into an alien world through unknown means. He accidently gets knocked out by a celebrity flier, meets royalty, makes friends with some very important figures in this worlds society, becomes friends with said figures, gets made into what is essentially an unofficial member of an elite flying team and to top it off he's falling love with a fiery maned Pegasus with the name of the most famous aircraft in history.
Falling in love.
With a pony.
Never saw that one coming.
His thoughts began to drift over to that of Spitfire. He began to think of how he felt about her, especially when he was with her. He remembered when she affectionately hugged and nuzzled him back in Canterlot. He remembered how she acted strangely pretending to have left her flight suit at home. He remembered when she cried when he saw her Cutie Mark could also represent her warm hearted nature. He remembered how she picked him up with ease and flew him to Sugercube Corner when he suggested getting Banana milkshakes.
He knew he had feelings for her not too long after he arrived in Ponyville. It wasn't until earlier today when he admitted that he did like her.
It wasn't until now when he realised he didn't just like her.
He loved her.
The words of Cara earlier flashed back in his mind.
"Don't miss your opportunity with her because believe me you'll regret it"
Connor had made his decision.
Spitfire was alone.
He walked slowly over to her and stopped just a couple of feet away.
"Spitfire."
She turned around to see Connor looking a little pensive, "Hi Connor, are you Ok?"
"Yeah I'm good," he replied whilst fidgeting around, "I was just wondering something."
Spitfire slowly walked up to Connor, "Wondering what?"
Connor tried to get words out but came up short each time.
"Connor what's wrong?" Spitfire asked deeply concerned.
"Errrrm......it's about us. I was wondering if you wanted to be my marefriend."
"I'm sorry I didn't hear that, could you repeat it please?"
Connor took a deep breath, "Spitfire, will you be my marefriend?" |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 13 - Have Your Cake And Eat It Too | Spitfire just stood there, frozen. Time seemed to stop as her brain processed just what she had been asked. A strange creature that had not been in her life for more than a week had just asked her if she would be his marefriend. She wouldn't deny that she enjoyed her time with Connor but wasn't it a little soon? She looked back over the events of the previous few days. Connor was respectful and courteous towards her, not to mention he seems to have a natural ability to walk on clouds. A strange ability for a seemingly non-magical being. He got on well with almost everypony he met, her fellow Wonderbolts considered him to be one of them.
But she wasn't sure if she should say yes. She has dated stallions before who it turned out were only interested in Spitfire the Wonderbolt, not Spitfire the Mare. They were only interested in 'dating' Spitfire for fame and attention. So much so that Spitfire would many times cry herself to sleep at night wondering if she would ever find anypony who wanted her for who she is, not what she is.
But Connor seemed different. She knew that he is interested in her, if his pet name for her, his staring at her tail and flank and the kind comments about her are anything to go by.
And she did take a leave of absence specifically to see Connor, and she paid for a VIP ticket for him and she arranged for Connor to have his own genuine Wonderbolts flight suit.
Damn he looks good in that, and those wings......
She looked at Connor, seeing nothing but sincerity in his eyes.
He is being serious about this. Not to mention he looks terrified. He wouldn't be that way if he's joking.
Spitfire made her decision.
"Connor," she said.
"Yes?" replied Connor with apprehension in his voice.
"Yes. I would like to be your marefriend."
Connor's brain went into meltdown. He had never felt to jubilant than he is now. Before he could do anything else he found himself being firmly embraced by Spitfire, who had tears rolling down her cheeks. The two continued hug each other, unaware that they were being watched the entire time.
The other party guests looked on as the duo continued to embrace each other. Whilst Celestia had her usual motherly smile on the outside, on the inside she was absolutely jubilant. She never expected Connor to become this close to one of her little ponies so quickly. She couldn't be happier.
The other Wonderbolts looked on with approval, Soarin giving Connor a salute.
The Mane Six all looked delighted. In particular Pinkie Pie had a huge toothy Cheshire Cat grin and Rainbow Dash looked had stars in her eyes, no doubt elated at seeing one of her idols date her 'awesome new flying buddy'.
Connor and Spitfire finished embracing each other to the sound of stomping hooves and cheers.
"Wait right here a moment, I need to get something," Connor said to Spitfire.
Spitfire nodded and watched as Connor went over to his bag and got out a box that had been wrapped up in dark orange wrapping paper. Walking back over to Spitfire he handed her the box.
"Here you are Milkshake, I got this for you the other day."
Spitfire took the present and unwrapped it which uncovered a varnished mahogany box. She opened the box to find a gold necklace with an orange sapphire embedded in the middle. It was similar to the one Connor saw at the jewellers in Ponyville, which had been gold plated. The one he got Spitfire was nine carat gold. It cost more, but she was worth it.
Spitfire went wide eyed when she saw the necklace.
"It's beautiful," said Spitfire shedding a tear.
"Just like you," replied Connor as he took the necklace and out it around her neck.
Spitfire smiled and kissed Connor on the cheek, "Thank you."
Connor's brain froze and he went beet red....again.
Spitfire giggled at Connor's embarrassed state before going over to her fellow Wonderbolts. He could hear their compliments and admiration of the necklace and of himself. As he stood up he saw Celestia walking over to him with that motherly smile of hers. Talking softly so that only he would hear her speak.
"I'm proud of you Connor. In less than one week in Equestria, you have made many friends and started a relationship."
Connor shrugged, "I didn't plan to, it just happened."
"You're too modest Connor. Come my little human, there is still some cake that needs eating."
Connor didn't need telling twice. As he approached the Mane 6 a cyan Pegasus suddenly hugged him tightly.
"MY NEW BUDDY'S DATING A WONDERBOLT!"
"Hi Dash," replied Connor.
Rainbow Dash looked up and it suddenly dawned on her what she was doing.......that is to say she was showing her soft side. She quickly unwrapped herself from Connor and flew back a few feet after apologising, still with a blush on her face.
"Connor."
Connor turned around to see Spitfire and the other Wonderbolts coming towards him.
"Hi Spits. You OK?"
"I feel fantastic. I was just talking with my team and we'd like to offer you a job with the Wonderbolts."
Connor's (and Rainbow Dash's) eyes lit up.
"What kind of job?"
"Events Manager," replied Spitfire.
Connor thought about it for a moment. He had no experience of it but on the other hand he was being offered a job with the most famous team in Equestria. He would need a job regardless anyway. He is being offered one now, he would be fool to turn this down.
"I accept, though I should warn you I've never done it before. And isn't becoming a manager straight away jumping ahead a little?"
"That's not a problem," said Soarin, "You can learn. And we wouldn't offer you the job if we thought you weren't suitable."
"You wouldn't need to move away from Ponyville either as we can set you up an office there. The other part of the job is when you're out and about attending shows and official functions," added in Fleetfoot.
"That sounds fantastic, when do I start?"
"Right now," answered Spitfire.
"Well......well fuck me, this is very different from my world."
"In what way?" asked Spitfire.
"Well in my world I was long term unemployed, five years to be exact, and I was being turned down from every job I applied for. The most common reason was for lack of experience."
"That's a lame excuse," said Rainbow, "How can you get experience if you aren't given a job in the first place?"
"That's what I couldn't work out. I didn't have to worry to much though about finances. My parents were rather well off. My dad was a Group Captain in the RAF when he was fortunate enough to take early retirement. He would give me an allowance each week if I made an effort to look for work. Not sure how they made their fortune but it's not any of my business so I didn't ask."
"Your father sounds like a generous man," added in Rarity.
"He is. If you make the effort he'll help you. If you sit on your arse and do nothing he won't."
"Well things work a little differently here," said Soarin, "It's a good paying job as well."
"How much does it pay?" asked Connor.
"400,000 bits a year basic salary. There's also an annual bonus that varies each year depending on ticket and merchandise sales. There's also free access to all Wonderbolt shows, discounts at many high street shops, generous pension and VIP Access at official functions."
Connor looked impressed, "400,000 bits a year. £40,000 pounds in my world. A very good salary to have. Would I be considered a civilian worker?"
"What do you mean?" asked Spitfire.
"The Wonderbolts are part of the Air Force are they not?"
"They were. After the return of Princess Luna the Wonderbolts became independent from the Air Force as a way of celebrating centuries of peace. We're entirely on our own now. Though there may be times when we may be called in for military matters. But to answer your question, yes you'd be a civilian worker just like us."
"Fine with me. Who would I report to?"
"Myself or if I'm unavailable then it would be Soarin, the Second-in-Command. Fleetfoot is Third-in-Command."
"I've no problem with that."
"You'd be in charge of your own department with your own team," said Spitfire.
"Do I get to order recruits around as well?" Connor asked with glee.
The Wonderbolts laughed at Connor's question before Soarin spoke up, "Only if it's related to the job you're doing, otherwise no. Unless you joined the Academy and graduate and become a senior officer."
Connor nodded, "Fair enough. Could I at least strut around and look intimidating to the recruits?"
"I see no problem with that," said Spitfire with a smile, "Oh and congratulations on your new status as a Wonderbolt."
Connor's brain froze.
"Wonderbolt? But I'm not part of the stunt team."
Spitfire nodded, "True but you are still part of the team, ergo you are a Wonderbolt."
Connor was breathless. He hadn't been in Equestria for a week and already he's become a member of the most revered team in the world. Whereas Rainbow Dash, and many others, have trained and practiced their whole lives and still wait their chance to be called one. Hesitantly he looks over to Rainbow Dash expecting her to be angry with him for becoming a Wonderbolt before she did.
As he looks towards her she has a look of neutrality, not showing any emotion.
Shit. No doubt she'll be angry with me. Can't say I blame her.
Connor's inner thoughts were cut off as a cyan blur pile-drived into him with hooves firmly wrapped around him.
"I'M BEST BUDDIES WITH A WONDERBOLT!"
Connor was startled by this, "You're not angry with me then?"
Rainbow let go of Connor and looked at him with confusion, "Why would I be angry with you?"
"I just thought that.....I don't know really. A lot has happened so quickly, it's a lot to take in."
"No problem Connor. Just be ready for flying lessons which start tomorrow."
Connor mock saluted, "Yes ma'am."
The party goers all went back to stuffing their faces with food and generally having a good time. Connor stayed with Spitfire and his new Wonderbolt team mates who gave him a history lesson in the Wonderbolts. Celestia and Pinkie were discussing the relationship between cake and happiness. The others just talked amongst themselves, Rainbow Dash clearly jubilant about being best buddies with a Wonderbolt.
Everyone was enjoying themselves when Connor noticed a familiar looking colt from earlier enter the opposite end of the room, along with his parents.
"Swift Wind?"
The young colt looked up to see a familiar looking creature.
"MR HUMAN!"
Swift Wind ran across the room towards Connor.
"Hi Swift Wind. Enjoying your birthday?"
"Yeah it's been loads of fun."
The young colt, still in his Wonderbolts outfit, had not yet noticed his idols who were all looking at him.
"I'm pleased to hear that. Would you like to meet my friends?" Connor asked gesturing to his fellow Wonderbolts.
Swift Wind looked to where Connor was gesturing. He went wide-eyed when he realised he was looking at his idols. The young colt just stood there, mouth open.
"Hey there Swift Wind," said Spitfire as she approached the young colt, "So, it's your birthday today?"
Swift Wind's mouth flopped up and down a few times before he managed to get words out, "Yes ma'am. I'm ten years old today."
Spitfire smiled, "Well you're practically a young stallion. Where you at the competition today?"
Swift Wind nodded, "Yes ma'am. I was really scared when you and those others started falling. But then that Rainbow one went after you and did that awesome Sonic Rainboom. It was awesome!"
"Did somepony say I'm awesome?" asked Rainbow Dash.
Swift Wind looked over to see Rainbow fly over along with the rest of the Elements, Spike and Princess Celestia.
"P-p-p-p-princess?" said the young colt, completely in awe of seeing the Princess.
"Hello there my little pony. I heard that you are ten years old today?"
"Yes princess. Though I wasn't able to have a party though," he said looking a little sad.
"WHAT! YOU HAVEN'T HAD A TENTH BIRTHDAY PARTY?!" asked a certain pink pony.
Swift Wind shook his head and started to cry. Fluttershy was quick to embrace the young colt.
"We did make arrangements but the organiser cancelled at the last minute," said Swift Wind's father.
Pinkie the suddenly got out her party canon.
"Well then let me give you a party no-pony will forget," Pinkie said as she fired away.
The tables were suddenly refilled with cakes and pastries of many different kinds.
Swift Winds' face lit up, he quickly turned around to his parents who answered before he asked.
"Go ahead deary. Have fun," said his mother.
Swift Wind made a beeline for the cakes, quickly followed by Celestia. Everypony refilled their plates and continued to enjoy themselves.
Swift Wind's parents approached Connor and the mother spoke up, "We just wanted to thank you for earlier. He's really taken a shine to you."
"I'm glad I could help. He's a fine young colt."
"Indeed he is."
They looked over to see Swift Wind with Princess Celestia, each of them enjoying themselves.
"So what is it you do then?" Swift Wind's father asked Connor.
"I've just become the Wonderbolts' Events Manager. Apparently that means I'm actually a Wonderbolt now."
The parents went wide eyed, "You're a Wonderbolt?"
Connor nodded.
"Well," said the mother, "I suppose congratulations are in order."
"Thank you."
The parents made their way over to their son who was still with the Princess. Connor made his way over to Spitfire who warmly embrace each other. Rainbow Dash had joined them as well this time. The party turned birthday party was going well. Everyone was enjoying themselves and Swift Wind almost burst with excitement when the Wonderbolts asked him if he wanted his photo taken with them. Spitfire even signed his poster he had of her. Needless to say that Swift Wind had a very good time. Not only did he get to meet the Elements of Harmony, he also got to meet a dragon, Princess Celestia, a cool alien and the Wonderbolts. It was the best party he'd ever had.
Sadly though, all good things must come to an end. After the festivities finished and Swift Wind got some signed Wonderbolts memorabilia, photos with the Wonderbolts (including Connor), Celestia, the Elements and Spike and the biggest birthday cake he'd ever seen, he left with his parents saying it was the 'awesomest day' of his life.
Swift Wind and his parents left and it wasn't long before Celestia too had to leave.
"I must say that while I have enjoyed myself today and the presence of your company, I must be getting back to Canterlot. I bid you farewell."
Everyone gave the Princess a wave goodbye as she left. The Wonderbolts too began to leave, they did have an Academy to run and recruits to keep in line after all. Spitfire and Connor gave each other a parting hug and promised to meet up again for another date. Spitfire again thanked Connor for the necklace.
After clearing everything away, which didn't take long thanks to Pinkie, Connor and the gang made their way to the hot air balloon for the return trip to Ponyville. The trip went smoothly with everyone talking on how the day went, along with congratulations for Rainbow for winning the competition and for Connor for dating Spitfire.
It was fairly late at night when the gang made it back to Ponyville. Spike had already fallen asleep and was being carried by Twilight's magic. Everyone made their way back to their respective homes to get some sleep. Rainbow Dash promising to give Connor flying lessons before the spell ended and his wings would disappear.
Back at the library, Twilight put Spike to bed before she made herself and Connor a late night cup of tea. It wasn't long before the two of them made their way to bed. Entering his room, Connor removed his flight suit, folded it up and placed it on the chester drawers. He changed into some night clothes Rarity had made and got into bed, looking forward to his flying lessons tomorrow. And also to what had transpired in the last few days. A week ago he was out of work, no friends, single, no real purpose in life. Now though, he had friends, a relationship and a job. Whilst that made him happy, he was still frustrated at not knowing more abut his parents. He was sure his father wasn't his biological father and his mother was definitely hiding something, but what?
Sighing in frustration Connor made himself comfortable in bed and got to sleep.
It had been an interesting day today for Caramel Fudge. A strange biped dressed as a Wonderbolt came into her store, bought some fudge and revealed he had an interest in Spitfire. Cara didn't know yet if Connor had asked her but she was sure he would. She also had a great time entertaining the young colts and fillies who came in after he left.
It was a good day today.
But it was also a sad time as well.
Three days ago was the anniversary of the disappearance of somepony who meant a great deal to her. Cara had not seen this pony in a long time. There was no trace of their body and no-pony knows where the pony went. The authorities listed the pony as deceased and closed the case. Cara though, knew they were out there somewhere. Cara went over to a picture frame that was situated at her bedside table.
She looked at the picture with herself being cuddled by an older mare.
A few tear drops splashed on the glass cover.
"I miss you mum..." |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 14 - Flash Bang Oh What A Picture | The following afternoon Connor was on his way to the Spa after being semi-forced along with Rarity and Fluttershy. Connor, like many men (and possibly some women), wouldn't be seen dead in such a place but he felt like he owed them something after the way they welcomed him into their town and all that followed. It no doubt helped ease the emotional burden of being ripped away from everything and everyone he's ever known and loved.
During the flying lessons he had earlier, Rainbow Dash hinted that wing massages were rather.....enjoyable. So Connor decided to have one, mainly out of curiosity. The flying lessons went as you would expect. Connor got hurt a lot. Yes he had some degree of dexterity with his wings and could hover, but actually flying with them was another kettle of fish. Once when he was hovering, he attempted to fly forwards but instead flew into the ground. Which brought out a laughing fit from Rainbow Dash. The rest of the lesson involved more pain and wounded pride but after a few hours Connor could at least fly a few feet before falling on his arse.
As Rarity and Fluttershy were entering the spa they spotted Connors' reflection in the door window and saw he was several feet away. They both turned around and saw him trudging along slowly. They stood and watched as he slowly caught up with them. Connor's expression looked like he'd been told Pizza had been banned.
"Do I really have to go in a spa?" he groaned.
"Yes darling you must. You are all sweaty and dirty from your lessons and your wings need preening. Now come on darling," Rarity replied as she opened the Spa doors with her magic.
Connor sighed and started to slowly walk to his doom.
"If you hurry up I'll get you some more bacon."
Connor's head turned sharply to Fluttershy.
"You really mean that?"
Fluttershy nodded, "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."
Connor walked quickly into the spa towards the front desk where he turned around to notice Rarity was still at the door.
"Are you coming in Rarity?" he asked.
Rarity shook her head back into focus and she and Fluttershy went inside the Spa and approached the front desk.
"So," said Rarity, "A bribe of bacon is what it takes to get you to go the spa?"
Connor turned towards Rarity and looked into her eyes, "It would seem so."
At that moment a side door opened and the Spa Pony twins, Aloe and Lotus, walked out.
"Aloe, Lotus how are you darlings?"
"Miss Rarity, Miss Fluttershy so good to see you both again," replied Lotus.
"And is this gentlecolt the human we have heard so much about?" asked Aloe.
Connor nodded, "Indeed I am."
The next moment the two spa ponies started walking around Connor like a shark circling its prey. The two twins were talking to each other, listing off things that to Connor, would erode his manhood one step at a time. Amongst the things they listed off include a full body wash, wing preening and a new hairstyle.
Connor felt the colour drain from his face as he was lead into the spa treatment rooms.
The treatments weren't as bad as Connor though they would be. They started with preening his wings, tidying them up and removing damaged feathers. After that he had a bath filled with a multitude of shampoos and was given bottles of mane conditioners for his hair. Connor wasn't sure if it would work but Rarity reassured him it should be OK. After this he was given a hair cut by Aloe and some highlights applied to give his hair a fiery look, similar to Spitfire's mane. Aloe also styled his hair and applied gel and gave Connor's hair a spiky look.
After the treatments had finished he was lead to some changing rooms where he found his Wonderbolts flight suit and goggles waiting for him. Approaching the suit he also noticed a scroll. He unfurled the scroll and read it, noting the very refined writing.
Dear Connor
Whilst you were practising with Rainbow Dash I took the liberty of cleaning your flight suit, you'll need to wear it later. Twilight informed me that Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts were arriving in Canterlot later to do a photoshoot for official Wonderbolts business and a press conference informing the nation of the new Wonderbolts Events Manager. There will be plenty of photos taken and no doubt interviews and questions. I know this may be an overbearing and a daunting prospect but remember you have your friends, fellow Wonderbolts and your special somepony to help you through.
Also, Spitfire mentioned not to worry about your lack of experience in the role. She has arranged for an advisor to assist you and give advice and guidance.
And consider the spa treatment as my treat.
Your dear friend
Rarity
Connor put the scrolls down and got changed into the flight suit. After struggling for a few moments to get his wings through the slits he then zipped up the front of the suit, fastened the metal belt with Wonderbolt insignia buckle, put on the gloves and boots and finished with the goggles. He put them over his head and let them hang from his neck. He walked over to the mirror and took a look at himself.
Even though he wore the suit yesterday, he looked even better in it now. No doubt due to the spa treatment. His wings looked more vibrant and 'fuller', he felt fresher and his hair looked awesome. The flight suit showed off his physique rather well. Connor wasn't hugely muscular but he did have some muscles and was about average build, about the same as a professional footballer.
Satisfied that he looked awesome he left the changing room taking the scroll and his other clothes with him. He went to the main foyer to find the spa twins along with Rarity and Fluttershy. Walking up to the quartet he spoke up.
"Ladies, how are you?"
The four mares turned to see Connor walking towards them.
"Connor you look truly magnificent darling," said Rarity.
"Thanks. I feel good. Glad I did come here," he said before turning to the spa twins, "You did a good job ladies. I look and feel great and that massage was just epic. I never thought hooves could do that. And the wing massage.....I see what Dashie meant."
"We are pleased you are happy. We look forward to seeing you again," said Lotus.
The two twins walked away towards the treatment rooms to tend to other guests. Connor turned back towards Fluttershy and Rarity.
"So ladies were to next?"
"We're headed back to Twilights to meet the rest of the girls before we head over to Canterlot," replied Rarity.
"OK, thanks for the Spa treatment by the way," Connor replied.
"You're welcome Connor. Now come along dears, Twilight will be waiting for us."
The trio walked out of the Spa and made their way back to the library. Connor caught up with Fluttershy and bent down to speak to her, "Do I still get the extra bacon?"
"Of course you do. I Pinkie Promised."
Connor grinned and hugged Fluttershy, "Thanks Fluttershy, you're a good friend."
Fluttershy blushed slightly at Connor's affection, "You're welcome Connor."
The trio continued towards the library, Connor once again getting a lot of looks from the towns ponies.
Going to have to get used to being recognised now I'm a Wonderbolt in addition to being the only human.
Connor sighed internally.
How the bloody hell did all this happen so fast?
Connor was taken out of his inner thoughts when he heard Rainbow Dash shout out.
"There's my best buddy," she said as she flew towards Connor where the bumped hooves/fists.
"Are you coming to Canterlot later?" asked Connor.
"We sure are," replied Rainbow Dash, "I'm not going to miss another chance to meet the Wonderbolts."
"Don't blame you. I'm not looking forward to the press though."
"Don't worry about it Connor," said Rarity, "We'll be there to support you."
"Thanks girls," replied Connor.
The quartet walked into the library and found the rest of the gang inside. Twilight noticed them come inside and walked up to Connor.
"Hi Connor, did you enjoy your time at the spa?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, yes I did."
Rarity's face lit up at this revelation and immediately formed a plan in her mind.
"Then why not come with me and Fluttershy on our weekly visit. We won't mind, we rather enjoyed your company today."
Connor though for a moment. He was a bit of a manly man. But he did enjoy himself today. And now he is a Wonderbolt he would need to look his best whenever out in public.
"OK, I'll join you."
Rarity's face lit up, "Thank you darling, you've no idea how much this means to me."
"Glad I could help," he replied, "So Twilight, when do we head to Canterlot?"
"We're getting the next train which leaves in about twenty minutes, so we better get going."
Connor nodded, "OK, just let me get a few things from my room."
Connor made his way upstairs to his room. He picked up his laptop, mobile phone and New Nintendo 3DS XL. His 3DS had several games downloaded onto it including Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, A Link Between Worlds, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, Link's Awakening DX, Majora's Mask, New Super Mario Bros 2, Star Fox 64, Rayman and Kid Icarus Uprising.
He went back downstairs and saw the girls and Spike waiting for him.
"I'm ready if you are," he said.
The group made their way out of the library and towards the train station. They weren't waiting long before the train arrived. They made their way inside and took their seats. There weren't too many other ponies on board so the group pretty much had the carriage to themselves. Connor spent the trip showing the girls and Spike his 3DS. Needless to say they were impressed with it.
The non-stop journey lasted about ninety minutes and was pretty uneventful. As the train pulled into the station they saw a contingent of Royal Guards on the platform including Shining Armour. The train doors opened and the group made their way out but not before a purple blur whizzed past into the direction of Shining Armour.
"BBBFF!"
"Twily!"
Everyone watched as the two siblings embraced each other.
"Hi Shining," said Connor.
"Hi Connor," replied Shining, "You look good in that."
Connor laughed, "Yeah I've been getting that a lot."
"The press event takes place later. First I'm to take you all to the castle. The Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts are there waiting for us."
Connor nodded, "Then let us not keep them waiting."
The group made their way out of the train station and towards the castle under a Royal Guard Escort. Good thing as well as there were many ponies out trying to get close to the Elements of Harmony and Connor. He tried to tune them all out but was easier said than done. Connor wouldn't admit this to the girls but he was far from ok. He might give the impression he's fine but on the inside he breaking up emotionally. And he isn't sure how much longer he can hold it in. He's not sure how he's held it in this long. Yes he had that small breakdown with Celestia the night he arrived but that was nothing compared to what he's feeling now.
So much has happened to him in so little time he doesn't know how to handle the situation. And in a short amount of time he'll be having a photoshoot and interview with the biggest and most popular national newspaper in Equestria. He'd have to keep up his cool and calm exterior in a major public relations event.
He could always ask Celestia for help but she's done a lot for him already and she has a nation to run. He doesn't expect her to put all that aside to help one individual. Even if he is another-worldly visitor.
The group continued on their way to the castle which didn't take very long. They went into the castle and taken to the throne room were the Princess Celestia and the Wonderbolts were waiting for them.
As Connor and the gang approached, Spitfire flew up towards Connor and gave him a hug which Connor returned.
"Hey Milkshake."
"Hey to you as well Sleepyhead."
Spitfire landed back on the ground and everyone turned towards Celestia.
"Thank you all for coming on short notice. The press conference will take place soon in the Great Hall and after that you are all invited to tea. I have also prepared guest rooms for you all to stay the night. For now though we will go to the Ballroom where the photoshoot will take place."
The group made their way through the castle corridors to the Ballroom. It is pretty much a carbon copy of the Ballroom in Buckingham Palace and was used for the same reasons. As the group entered the Ballroom they saw sophisticated camera equipment being set up by a few ponies. One pony in particular seemed to be in charge. He had a light cerulean mane and tail and dark blue fur. He stopped talking when he noticed Celestia and the gang walk in.
"Ah, Princess Celestia I see your guests have arrived."
"My little ponies, dragon and human; allow me to introduce my personal photographer Lens Flare."
Lens Flare stepped forward towards the group, "Thank you Princess. And once again it's a great pleasure to do this for you."
"You're welcome Lens Flare. I appreciate you doing this at such short notice."
"Anything for you Princess," he responded before he saw Connor, "And you must be Connor."
Connor reached out his hand and shook Lens Flare's hoof, "Pleased to meet you."
"Pleasure to meet you to," replied Lens Flare.
"So," Connor started, "What exactly is the photo shoot for?"
"The plan is to do a series of official photos for your introduction to the Wonderbolts. The photos that will be taken will include ones with your fellow Wonderbolts, on your own, one with Group Captain Spitfire and one with Princess Celestia."
"Sounds good, would I be able to have one with Princess Luna as well?"
Lens Flare's eyes seemed to light up in delight, "Sure, I see no problem with it. As long as Princess Celestia has no objections?"
Princess Celestia shook her head, "I have no objections, in fact I'm delighted you want to include her. Once the shoot begins I will go to her chambers and tell her."
"So," started Lens Flare, "Shall we begin?"
Lens Flare lead Connor and the Wonderbolts towards the camera set ups. He started with a group shot first which had Connor stood behind the Wonderbolts due to his superior height. After several photos were taken Lens Flare moved onto photos of Connor alone. The first ones had Connor standing in a dignified pose, the next had him in a more casual pose. The next photos had him sat down on a cloud, again with both dignified and casual poses. It did take some antics from Pinkie to get Connor to smile in front of the camera.
As the photos with Spitfire were coming to an end, Celestia and Luna walked in.
"Hi Luna. It's good to see you again," said Connor.
"Likewise Connor. And might we say thou looks magnificent. Thou will make a great Wonderbolt."
"Thanks Luna. Oh and while I remember I've brought some things to show you I think you may like."
Luna smiled widened, "We will look forward to it."
"So, which Princess is going first?" asked Lens Flare.
"I will let Luna go before me," replied Celestia.
"Thank you sister," said Luna as she made her way to the set up.
The same procedure followed as before, dignified and casual, standing and sitting. Celestia watched throughout and could see that Luna was thoroughly enjoying this even if she wasn't showing it. She could also see that something was bothering Connor. He might be able to hide it from her subjects, but she isn't fooled. She knows he's hiding his emotions away and that she'll have to gently coax him into telling her what's wrong.
"You're next Princess."
Celestia made her way over to the shooting area, passing Luna on the way whom she gave a wing hug. She continued on to towards Connor were once again the same style photos were taken. After this was done Celestia requested Connor have his picture taken with Spike and the girls which prompted Rainbow Dash to very quickly take the space next to Connor.
Once the photoshoot had finished about two hours had passed. Everyone thanked Lens Flare and his team for the shoot and followed Celestia to the press room. Just before they entered the room she asked Connor and the gang to wait outside.
In the press room there were dozens of ponies all with questions to ask. Celestia walked into the room and the ponies immediately bowed.
"My little ponies, thank you for attending this conference, and for your patience in meeting the human known as Connor. I know that the press has already reported his existence but hopefully this conference will answer some questions you and your readers will have. So, without further delay allow me to introduce Connor the Human."
Connor took that as his cue to enter the room. He approached the table that had been set up and sat down on a chair that had been provided. No sooner than he had sat down did the questions start firing away.
"What does it mean to be a Wonderbolt?"
"How did you come to Equestria?"
"Is it true you're dating Group Captain Spitfire?"
"How did you get your wings?"
Seeing Connor look tense Celestia spoke up and raised her hoof.
"Calm please. Let's allow Connor to introduce himself first and he can then explain how he came here and how he finds life in Equestria so far?"
She turned to Connor and nodded.
"Thank you Princess," he started, "As you already know my name is Connor. Connor Wakefield. I am a twenty four year old human, who a few days ago appeared in the Whitetail Woods. How I go there I have no idea. After walking for several hours I found myself here in Canterlot where I eventually met Princess Celestia. After a short stay in the castle I was sent to stay with Twilight Sparkle in Ponyville."
Connor saw a hoof raised.
"Yes, you have a question?" he asked.
"Yes. I'm Words Worth. Chief Wonderbolts Correspondent for the Equestrian Times. There is a rumour that you are dating Group Captain Spitfire. Is this true and if so how did you meet?"
"I met Group Captain Spitfire after I woke up in the Castle Infirmary. After I arrived in Canterlot I was walking around trying to find someone in authority. Seeing the castle and assuming they would be here I walked over. As I approached I hear someone shout out and when I turned around the next thing I felt was a pony slam into me, which knocked me to the ground where I hit my head which knocked me out. I found out that the pony in question was Spitfire."
All the press ponies were writing this down.
"And yes, I am dating Spitfire."
That seemed to please the press ponies as they excitedly wrote that down. Another pony raised their hoof, a Pegasus mare.
"Sky Light, Chief Sports Correspondent, The Cloudsdale Times. There are rumours that your wings are the result of a spell. Is this true?"
Connor nodded ,"Yes. Humans do not have wings. The wings are due to a modified spell cast by Twilight Sparkle. And to answer potential questions later, I can use them but I'm not very good at flying."
Connor moved his wings in and out in a small demonstration of his wing dexterity. The ponies scribbled more notes down and some camera flashes went off. Another stallion raised his hoof.
"Arc Light, Freelance. Is it true humans are non-magical beings?"
"Yes it's true. In my world magic only exists in stories and on a related matter, in my world humans can't walk on clouds. But here it seems I can. How I can I don't know as I understand only Pegasi and Alicorns can walk on clouds without magical assistance. I found out I could stand on clouds before I got my wings."
There was more scribbling of quills as the press wrote down notes.
There were many more questions which Connor was able to answer. Celestia answered a few also. This went on for about another thirty minutes before another Pegasus mare rose her hoof.
"Azure Blaze, Freelance. There are rumours that your appearance in the Whitetail Woods is connected to the disappearance and presumed death of a Pegasus mare who disappeared in the same region twenty five years ago. A mare by the name of Star Light. Do you know anything about this?"
Connor was stunned into silence. Unable to answer. Fortunately, Celestia was able to answer for him.
"I have heard of those rumours. I have a team of investigators examining the Whitetail Woods. We cannot confirm or deny anything at this point as we do not have sufficient information, but when we do have more information we will of course make an announcement."
The mare nodded in understanding. There were no more questions to be asked so Celestia wrapped up the conference. Celestia and Connor made their way out of the room back to where Twilight and the gang including the Wonderbolts and Luna were waiting.
"So," Twilight started, "How did the conference go?"
Celestia, seeing Connor was preoccupied spoke up, "It went as expected. Now why don't you all go to the dining room. Connor and I will meet you there."
The group nodded and headed off. As soon as they left Celestia approached Connor. Before she could speak Connor asked a question.
"Who was Star Light?"
Celestia answered as she and Connor walked towards a nearby bench.
"She was a Pegasus mare, who twenty five years ago disappeared when she was in the Whitetail Woods. We don't know what caused her disappearance but there were some unusual magic energy in the area. Very faint and very difficult to detect."
"Did the same unusual magic bring me here?"
"We believe so. We didn't detect it at first but Arch Mage, currently the lead investigator, remembered when he was first sent twenty five years ago as newly appointed junior court mage. On a hunch he used the same detection spells that found the unusual energy and very quickly found that it was present again."
"So you know what brought me here?"
"Yes."
Connor sighed. He now knew what brought him here he now wanted to know why. But another thing was bugging him.
"Princess, how old was Star Light when she disappeared?"
"I believe she was twenty seven, if she were still here she would have just celebrated her fifty-second birthday."
Connor went pale. Very pale.
"Connor what's wrong?" asked a very worried Celestia.
"A few days before I appeared in Equestria, my mum had her fifty-second birthday."
Celestia and Connor looked at each other in silence for several seconds before Connor spoke again.
"You don't suppose that......."
Connor was getting very agitated so Celestia pulled him close and wrapped he hooves around him, hold him tight, "I honestly do not know Connor. I wish I had answers to give you but I don't. All I can do is promise to look into the matter and tell you of any discovery that is made."
Connor nodded and returned Celestia embrace and almost immediately broke down into tears.
"I can't take this any longer. My parents have been keeping secrets from me, I've been ripped from my home for as of yet unknown reasons, I end up in a world of talking pastel ponies, I end up dating a talking pastel pony, I get a job I don't feel I'm qualified for, I end up a member of one of the most elite groups in Equestria without doing anything to earn it and I find out there may be a connection between my mother and Star Light. There's just too much happening too soon I don't know if I can cope."
Connor continued to let the tears flow. Celestia, who has cast a privacy dome around them preventing outsiders from seeing and hearing things inside, just let Connor unburden his emotional stress.
This went on for another couple of minutes. After Connor had finished, Celestia magicked a tissue in front of her and dried Connor's eyes.
"Thank you Princess."
"You're welcome Connor."
"Sorry if it seems I'm complaining, I'm just frustrated about my parents. And I'm worried I won't be able to do my new job."
"You don't need to apologize Connor and I understand your frustration. And in regards to your new job you needn't worry. As I understand it Spitfire has arranged for an advisor to help you. I am certain you will like your advisor. And on becoming a Wonderbolt, despite you feeling you haven't earned it? Then carry out your new role with enthusiasm and hard work to repay the faith and trust the Wonderbolts have placed in you."
Connor nodded and hugged the Princess, "Thanks Princess, You certainly know how to make someone feel good."
"Thank you Connor. Is there anything else you want to ask me?"
Connor shook his head.
"Then let's not keep our friends waiting."
Celestia and Connor made their way to the dining room for some well-earned food. As they entered the room they noticed that everyone had taken seats already. There were two spaces left. One for Celestia at the head of the table and another for Connor part way down in-between Spitfire and Rainbow Dash. Connor had some gammon steak and red wine. He chatted to Spitfire and Rainbow about the history of the Wonderbolts which he found very interesting. For desert he had a bowl of mint choc chip ice cream with chocolate sauce and a large glass of banana milkshake.
After the meal every one made their way to their rooms. The Wonderbolts had their own quarters and Connor was given the same room as before. According to Twilight his wings should disappear overnight due to the spell coming to an end. He wasn't to concerned, it was nice having them but he's managed just fine without them for almost twenty five years. The one thing that did nag him were how natural they felt, like he was supposed to have them. But growing up living at an air-force base could be responsible for thinking that.
He drifted off quickly and had a very restful sleep. It was Sunday tomorrow so he was going to spend the entire day relaxing and showing Luna his cool human things. It would be a good day.
BACK ON EARTH
It had been several days since Connor disappeared. The police found no trace of him, only evidence that a tent had been pitched. Svetlana was sitting in her bedroom clutching a photo, lost in her own thoughts when her husband came in.
"Sveti," said Alexander.
Svetlana didn't respond.
Alexander walked over and sat on the bed next to her.
"Sveti listen to me, if he is where you think he is then from what you've told me he will be ok. We'll see him again I promise you."
"What about her?"
Alexander didn't need to ask to whom Sveti was referring.
"You'll see her to," Alex said as he embraced his upset wife.
He looked down to see the photo Sveti was holding. It showed an older pregnant female, and a very young female.
"I promise." |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 15 - A Day With Luna | It was early morning and the sun had yet to be raised. Connor was wide awake though not tired. He was sitting up in bed watching X-Men: Days of Future Past on his laptop. Earlier he reluctantly called for room service to see if the kitchen staff would bring up some cheese scones and a pot of tea. They did. They were so good Connor asked for more, which according to the maid that brought them put the chef in a very good mood.
After eating more scones and watching the rest of the film he decided to get up. The sun had been raised after all. He put on some clothes Rarity had made for him, a red shirt and black trousers. As Twilight had stated his wings had disappeared and his back bore no signs they were ever there. There were no feathers or anything on the bed either.
Just as he finished getting dressed there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Connor replied.
Celestia walked in to the room.
"Hi Princess, you OK?"
"I'm fine thank you Connor. How are you?"
"I'm OK," he replied, "My wings have disappeared though."
"Yes, Twilight mentioned they would."
"I'm not too concerned, I'm very used to not having them anyway."
Celestia laughed, "What are your plans for today?"
"I was planning on spending some time with Luna later when she wakes up. She seemed to enjoy herself last night."
"She did. More than you may realise."
"Princess, can I ask you something?"
Celestia nodded, "Of course you can."
"Was Star Light pregnant when she disappeared?"
"I believe so. Why do you ask?"
Connor sighed, "It's just that she disappeared twenty five years ago. I'm almost twenty five. She disappeared and I appeared in the same area with the same kind of unusual energy. She's a Pegasus which means she can walk on clouds. I found out I could to before Twilight cast that wing spell. That and Star Light and my mother are the same age."
Celestia walked over to Connor and stood in front of him, "You suspect your mother is Star Light?"
Connor nodded hesitantly "The evidence would seem to suggest that."
Celestia put a hoof on Connor's shoulder, "Connor, I promise I will do what I can to help you find the answers to your questions."
"Thanks Princess."
"You're welcome Connor. Now, why don't you join me for breakfast?"
"Yeah OK, I've already eaten some scones but I could do with something else. I'm starving."
After breakfast with Celestia, everyone else was still in bed, Connor made his way over to the Wonderbolts barracks. He made his way to the bed of a particular mare. And to his relief he saw she was still asleep. Fleetfoot and Misty Fly were awake though. As was Soarin who had followed Connor in. Connor walked over to Spitfire's bed and poked the sleeping mare.
"Mmmmph."
Connor poked her again.
"Mmmmph go away, sleepy."
Connor, loving every moment of this poked her several times, "Come on sleepy head it's time to get up."
Spitfire groggily opened her eyes and sat up. Her mane and tail were a mess.
"Good morning sunshine," he said with a huge grin, "How is my little milkshake?"
The Wonderbolts who were watching only just stifled their laughter. Spitfire narrowed her eyes.
"Waking up your boss on a Sunday morning is a bad career move," she said flatly.
Connor laughed and gave Spitfire a hug, "You're a funny mare Spits."
Spitfire laughed and returned the hug, "You're lucky you're my coltfriend or you'd be in the brig right now."
The duo let go of each other and Spitfire noticed Connor's wings had disappeared.
"I assume Twilight's spell ended?" she asked Connor.
Connor nodded.
"Too bad," she said, "They suited you."
"They did but I'm used to not having them. Anyway what have you got planned for today?"
"I'm going to meet my folks in Cloudsdale. I haven't seen my mother in a while."
"Are you going to tell them about us?"
Spitfire shook her head, "I don't think so. It's a little soon. I will tell them eventually though, I promise."
Connor spent a few more minutes with Spitfire before she had to leave. She promised she would visit Connor in Ponyville next week.
After Spitfire had left it was mid-morning so Connor took a walk around the castle gardens and took a nap beneath a large oak tree. It would be another couple of hours yet before Luna was awake so he had time.
After his nap Connor made his way back into the castle towards the dining hall. He arrived to find Celestia, Luna, Spike and the girls already there. Making his way to the table and sat down in-between Luna and Rarity.
"Connor it is a pleasure to see thou again."
"Likewise Luna."
Luna looked at Connor and noticed his lack of wings, "Tis a pity thous wings were not permanent. Thou looked the part with them."
"Thanks Luna. Do you have anything planned later?"
"Nay. We have time to spare. Does thou have something they wish to do with us?"
Connor nodded, "Yeah I wanted to show you some of my human things if that's ok?"
"We would enjoy see what thou has to show."
"Can't wait. I know one thing you'll AGH!"
"CONNOR!" shouted Luna.
Connor took a few breaths before he spoke again, "Bloody hell that was painful."
"What was painful Connor?" asked a concerned Celestia.
"I got a sudden pain in my back. It's gone now."
"Will thou be OK" asked Luna.
Connor nodded, "Yeah I'll be fine, don't worry about me."
Celestia said no more but she was very concerned. She had a theory in her mind as to what may be happening but that theory was formed only on circumstantial evidence. She felt it wouldn't be fair to Connor to give him anything but facts. He had enough unanswered questions and theories already.
It wasn't long before dinner was served. Connor had a Traditional Sunday Roast, so did everyone else except without the meat. Connor also had a pint of smooth bitter, it tasted very similar to John Smiths; Connor's favourite. Everyone enjoyed their meals. For desert they had chocolate fudge cake with hot chocolate sauce.
"Oh Luna that reminds me, did you like the cake I got you?"
"We thoroughly enjoyed it, isn't that right sister?" Luna asked as she looked towards her sister.
Everyone looked to Celestia to see her look her with a forced smile.
"Yes sister. That is correct. Though why you couldn't eat it in your own room I don't understand."
Luna harrumphed, "We simply wanted to enjoy ourselves."
"You could do that in your own room," Celestia replied.
"We could but it wouldn't be as fun," replied Luna before sticking her tongue out.
The two sisters burst out into laughter garnering odd looks from everyone else.
After dinner, Luna and Connor made their way to Luna's chambers after Connor collected his things from his room. As they went in Connor could see that Luna's bedroom looked like the night sky itself was inside her room.
"Wow. This looks brilliant."
"We thank thee. Tis one room we can truly make our own. Would thou like a coffee?"
Connor wasn't really a coffee drinker but he could drink it, "Yes please. Cappuccino if possible."
Luna nodded before walking over to what looked like a top of the range coffee making machine, the kind you would see in Costa's or Nero's. Luna made two large Cappuccino's and brought them over and set them down on a coffee table.
"You have your own coffee machine?"
"Yes. Though our sister much prefers her tea as does thou, we much prefer coffee. The coffee machine was a small gift from sister upon our return. She knows how much we like our coffee. Tis a small but very much appreciated gift."
Connor took his coffee and tried some. Connor may not know much about Luna but he can tell you one thing, apart from her love of the night, she knows how to make coffee. She could get a job as a barista any day.
"Does thou like the coffee?" asked Luna looking a little worried.
Conner nodded, "Tastes great. I may start drinking more coffee if you make it this good."
Luna felt like a great weight had been lifted. She's desperately wanted for a long time to invite someone over to make them coffee. She's done the same with her sister and thestral guards but it's not the same. Everypony is to scared of her but Connor treats her like any ordinary mare, which is just what Luna wants.
Luna walked over to the sofa and sat down next to Connor, setting down her coffee on the table, and watched as Connor got out his laptop.
"Is this your human technology?"
"Yep. But first I want to show you my phone. It's a communications device that allows me to talk to anyone with a similar device. This phone also plays games, music, takes photos and many other things."
Luna watched with fascination as Connor tapped and swiped the phone's surface with his fingers. She then watched as Connor inserted ear-phones into the phone. Connor took the ear-phones and placed the ear-pieces into Luna's ears, Luna giggling a bit when she felt Connor's nimble fingers brush against the inside of her ears.
"I'm going to play a song I think you might like."
Connor started to play The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera. The original version with Michael Crawford.
Luna listened intently as the song played. Connor got the sense that Luna felt a connection with this particular song if the tears forming in her eyes were anything to go by.
After the song finished Luna removed the ear-buds with her magic and Connor put the phone and ear-phones on the table. He turned back to Luna to see tears streaming down her face.
"Luna are you ok?"
Luna nodded gently and answered quietly, "Yes, we are fine. It's just that we have never heard a song filled with such emotion. Tis a great song. Is it popular in your world?"
"It is to those who like that kind of music," he said as he dried Luna eyes with some tissues.
"Thank you Connor."
"Anytime Luna. How would you like to see some other human things?"
Luna immediately perked up, "We would very much like that."
Connor proceeded to show Luna some videos, other music, some photos and some games. Luna particularly liked the games and very quickly picked up the controls. She said that Equestria desperately needed these computer games for the greater good, and that she would make it part of her official Princess duties to see it happen.
"There's some other things I would like to show you."
"More amazing human things?"
Connor smiled, "That's one way of putting it."
Connor proceeded to show Luna an image of a blue and white circle against a black background.
"What do you think?"
Luna looked confused, "We do not know. We only see a painting of a blue circle against a black background. What is special about this?"
Connor laughed, "My dear Luna, what you are seeing is no painting."
Luna looked even more confused, "Then what are we seeing?"
Connor paused for a moment, "A photo of my world."
Luna looked at the photo for several seconds then to Connor. She analyses his face intently, trying to look for signs of deception. She could not see any. She looked back to the screen. She was looking at a photo of his world. Another world other than her own.
"It's beautiful."
"I have plenty more to show if you'd like to see them. I can also show you photo's of the surface of Mars which is another planet in my Solar System, I can show you pictures of the other planets in my Solar System as well as pictures of galaxies, nebulas, comets, asteroids. I'll even show you photo's of what my world looks like on the surface."
"We would very much like that. But first let us make another coffee for us."
Luna went over to make another coffee for herself and Connor. She felt happier than ever before. Before Connor's arrival she felt lonely and upset. She only had her sister and thestral guards for company. But after Connor arrived she felt like she'd finally found a friend that she could open up to and be herself with.
Luna walked back over to Connor with the coffee's in her magic grip. She set them down and Connor began to show her the pictures he mentioned. The surface of Mars, the Andromeda and Sombrero Galaxies amongst others, the planets of the Solar System, the Horsehead Nebula and many others. Including Earth's moon, and Luna showed great delight when Connor told her what its Latin name is.
Luna's favourites included the Pillars of Creation, Saturn, Europa and of course, the moon.
Connor then moved onto photos of human cities including London, York, New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Leeds, Tokyo, Gold Coast, Miami, Vancouver, Chicago, Rome and Kingston-Upon-Hull.
Luna was impressed.
"Human cities are truly magnificent. Even your smaller cities would dwarf Canterlot and Manehatten. How did you come you come to have these images?"
"I have a boring interest in collecting photos of cityscapes. Sad I know."
"Don't be silly Connor, tis not sad. Had thou not collected these images then we would never have been able to see what thous world looks like."
"True. I have some more photos to show you."
Connor proceeded to show Luna photos of Earth taken from orbit. Some showed the Hubble Space Telescope and Skylab. Luna was truly impressed with the International Space Station. Connor briefly explained the history of them and what their function was/is.
Luna looked towards Connor and smiled, "Thou has a beautiful world Connor. Humans clearly posses an indestructible will power and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible. Our ponies could learn so much from humans. Do not misunderstand us, as much as we love our ponies they sometimes do not push themselves in the same manner humans seem to."
"We could learn from each other," replied Connor.
"That would be an interesting journey for both our worlds," Luna looked to the clock on the wall, "In the meantime, we should make our way to the dining hall. Tea will be ready shortly."
"What's on the menu tonight?"
"I believe the chef has prepared pasta tonight."
"That sounds good. I love pasta. My favourite is plain pasta with lots of grated cheese."
Luna looked at Connor with glee, "That is our favourite also."
"Then I'm in good company."
The two made their way out of Luna's bedroom and made their way to the dining hall. As they were walking, Connor felt the same pain in his back from before.
"ARGH!" Connor screamed as he fell to the floor.
"CONNOR!!"
Luna helped Connor to his feet who was still in some pain.
"Are thou alright Connor?" asked a very worried Luna.
Connor took a deep breath before releasing it, "Yeah I'm fine. It was the same pain I had earlier."
"We should inform our sister of this."
Connor nodded in understanding.
"Does thou need help walking?"
Connor shook his head, "No thanks, I can manage."
The two continued on the dining hall, Connor still feeling some pain in his back. About a minute later they entered the dining hall and found Celestia, Spike and the girls already there.
"Luna, Connor it's good of you to join us. You're just in time," said Celestia.
Luna walked up to her sister and the embraced each other.
"We had a marvellous time with Connor sister. He showed us many human things from his world. And even things out of his world."
Luna proceeded to tell the group what Connor had showed her before informing Celestia of Connor's sudden back pain again. Celestia insisted Connor have the doctor look at him but he was insistent he's OK, but he did agree to go if it happened again.
It wasn't long before tea was brought through. Both Connor and Luna helped themselves to plain pasta and lots of grated cheese, much to the bemusement of Celestia.
Faust help me if they decide to prank together she thought.
The meal went by without incident. Except for Connor drinking another Cappuccino, which appeared to cause Celestia great worry. She was going to lose her new friend to that putrid brown filth. Connor assured Celestia tea was still his favourite drink and that he enjoyed his cups of tea with her. This made Celestia cheery again and Connor swore the room got suddenly brighter.
After tea had finished the group made their way to the Ballroom which had a table and chairs set up.
"Princess Celestia what are we doing here?" asked a confused Twilight Sparkle.
"We are here to watch another human film."
"Which one?" asked Twilight.
"Apollo 13," replied Connor, "Pinkie if you wouldn't mind."
"Right away Connor," replied Pinkie and she pulled out a HD Projector out of her mane.
"How did you know what he wanted?" asked Rainbow.
"Because I'm Pinkie Pie."
Rainbow just rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
"Luna," started Connor, "could you teleport my laptop here."
"Certainly Connor."
In a flash of blue light Connors' laptop appeared on the table.
"Thank you."
"Thou are welcome Connor."
Connor connected the projector to his laptop and waited for everyone to take their seats. Luna lowered the moon and the room was shrouded in darkness. Connor selected the film to be played and started the film.
The film had finished and the lights in the room turned on.
"So, what did you all think?" asked Connor.
"That was truly amazing," replied Celestia.
"My favourite part of the film," said Connor as he disconnected the projector, "Is the launch sequence. The part that really makes that scene is the music. To me the music in the launch sequence reflects the monumental goal of the mission and the human achievement of putting people in space and successfully walking on the moon."
"We second this," replied Luna.
"Sadly there are people who deny the moon landings ever took place."
Luna suddenly looked very angry with a glare so cold even ice would freeze, "Then those humans better hope that they never meet us."
The rest of the group also complimented the film, even Rainbow Dash. Connor thought she might not like it for it being too 'egg-heady' but she liked the superfast Saturn V rocket.
It was starting to get late and everypony started to make their way back to their rooms to settle down for the night. Connor asked Celestia if a pot of tea and some cheese scones could be sent to his room, to which Celestia agreed.
Connor got himself into bed and put the tray with the tea and scones on the bedside drawers. He opened his laptop and put another film on. This time he decided to watch one of his favourite films, The Dam Busters.
It was late when the film ended. Connor had drunk his tea and eaten the scones. After a visit to the toilet he made himself comfortable in bed and got to sleep. There was a small amount of pain in his back but nothing too bad. He could cope with it for tonight and see the doctor tomorrow.
It was about three in the morning when Connor woke up. As he did he felt a far more intense pain in his back and he also felt a liquid of some sort on the bed. Fearing he may have wet the bed he switched on the bed lamp and saw a sight that horrified him.
Blood.
His blood.
His blood had soaked the bed and from the intense pain in his back he put two and two together. He rushed to the bathroom to look in the mirror and what he saw caused him to panic.
He rushed out of the bathroom and out of the bedroom into the castle hallways. Knowing Luna would be awake he ran as fast as he could, ignoring the excruciating pain, to the throne room. He burst through the throne room doors and collapsed onto the ground.
"CONNOR!"
"LUNA! HELP ME!" he screamed in agony.
Luna ran over to Connor to see what the matter is while ordering her guards to fetch the castle doctor.
"Connor, what is wrong?"
"My back.....it really hurts."
Luna walked to the side to get a look at Connors' back and what she saw made her feel sick. Blood was seeping out of Connor's back and it wasn't stopping. Luna was starting to worry.
"Princess!"
Luna looked up to see the castle doctor running towards her along with the thestral guards.
"Doctor, thou must help."
"What happened?" asked the doctor.
"He burst into the throne room with blood seeping from his back. He collapsed to the floor immediately after entering. We assume he ran here from his bedroom."
"That would explain the trails of blood," said one of the thestral guards.
The doctor examined Connor, "We must get him to the infirmary now, Princess can you teleport us?"
"Yes we can."
In a flash of blue energy Connor, the doctor, the thestral guards and Luna appeared in the castle infirmary. Luna turned to her guards, "Inform my sister at once of what has happened."
The guards bowed and made their way to Celestia.
The nurses had placed Connor on a bed and started to clean up the blood. As they were doing that Celestia teleported into the room.
"Sister where is Connor?" asked a very distressed Celestia.
"He is over there Celestia. We do not yet know what is happening," Luna replied.
Celestia walked over to see Connor, still awake, and blood stained bed sheets. She took a look at his back to see what was causing him to bleed to profusely. As the nurses were cleaning his blood stained back, Connor let out a blood curdling cry of agony. Celestia watched in horror as the two slits in his back appeared. Blood poured out of the openings. Connor was crying in agony and started to thrash around before the nurses were able to sedate him. As Connor fell into a deep sleep, the nurses continued to clean his back.
After a few moments, everyone was able to see what was causing him so much pain.
What they saw, was the unmistakable sight of two red feathers starting to force their way out. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 16 - Magic Gives You Wings | A few hours had passed since Connor was rushed into the infirmary and it wasn't without incident. Connor woke up during the early morning and needed to go to the toilet. Due to a mix of extreme pain and tiredness he went over on his foot, fell on the floor and unintentionally voided his bowels. In a lot of pain, tired and confused, Connor just sat in his mess for a few seconds until nurses came rushing in and cleaned him up and helped him back to bed. The nurses decided to put Connor in nappies as a precaution, fortunately they had some in to fit Connor.
The doctor had to make an incision to prevent Connor's flesh from being torn by his wings and causing more damage. The two slits in his back now showed red feathers at the base of what will be his wings. The doctor could feel new bone joints and formations where his wings connect to his back, the wings will protrude between his shoulder blades. The base of the wing joint starts level with the top of his shoulder blades and finishes half way down his back. The precise same place as his temporary wings.
The doctor informed Celestia that Connor may need more operations if his wings try to force their way out again. He also informed her of what he believed to be the problem. Connor had Pegasus genes in his DNA that had remained dormant until recently. They have activated and are causing havoc on his body. The Doctor has stated that Connor will grow a pair of wings and develop eye-sight equivalent to that of Pegasi. He doesn't believe Connor will turn into a pony. He also mentions that due to his bodies activation of his Pegasus genes he will suffer side-effects ranging from incontinence, nausea, headaches, tiredness, diarrhoea and feverishness. Celestia nodded in understanding and thanked him and the nurses for their actions. Celestia walked over to the sofa on which Luna was sitting. She had passed out earlier when she saw the incisions being made on Connor.
"How are you feeling Luna?" asked Celestia.
"We are fine Tia," replied Luna quietly, her eyes showing signs she'd been crying.
Celestia, seeing Luna was still very distressed walked over and draped a wing over her, "Connor is going to be OK. He is in good hooves."
Luna nodded. Her eyes still wet.
"Has thou informed Twilight?"
"No not yet. I will wait until they are awake. In the meantime you should get some sleep. I promise you Connor will be OK."
Luna simply nodded and hugged her sister before teleporting to her room. After Luna left Celestia walked over to the Doctor and asked him to inform her immediately if there was any change in Connor's condition.
Celestia needed to find out if there was a relation between Connor and the Pegasus Star Light. A good place to start would be the Census records. They should tell if she had any family. The Equestrian National Statistics office in Canterlot should have the necessary file in their hooves. She sent her personal assistant to the office with a Royal Order to bring the last three Census records pertaining to Star Light. Like the UK, the Census is taken every ten years in Equestria.
Within an hour the necessary files were brought to her throne room. In that time, Celestia had informed the others of Connor's condition. Needless to say they were vey upset. Twilight broke down into tears. She felt she was at fault due to casting the modified wing spell on Connor. It took a while but Celestia convinced Twilight she didn't do anything wrong. Twilight asked if she could use the castle library to see if there was anything she could do to help Connor. Celestia gave her permission so Twilight and the gang went to the castle library.
Celestia looked through the Census records and noticed that Star Light did indeed have a family. A Pegasus husband called Vulcan.
Vulcan, Celestia thought, As in thee Vulcan, one of the greatest blacksmiths in Equestrian history?
She carried on looking through the files and noticed that there was another family member called Caramel Fudge. According to the most recent Census she ran her own fudge shop in Cloudsdale.
Celestia summoned two Pegasi guards and assigned each of them to bring Vulcan and Caramel Fudge to the castle. She handed to guards scrolls containing Royal Summons. She didn't want her two subjects thinking they were in trouble. They weren't. But when they come Celestia hopes she will be able to answer some questions.
The two Pegasi guards left the throne room to carry out their orders. Celestia hadn't heard from the doctor so she assumed there was no change in Connor's condition. She could go to the infirmary but she would just be in the way. If there was a change she knew the doctor would tell her immediately.
Besides, Morning court was due to open in a few minutes anyway. Hopefully there wouldn't be too many petitioners today.
Cara was prepping her shop for opening. As she was doing so she saw a Royal Pegasus Guard at her shop door. Wondering why a Royal Guard would be calling she walked over and opened the door.
"Can I help you?" asked Cara.
"Yes ma'am. I am here to tell you that Princess Celestia has issued a summons for you appear in Canterlot."
Cara went wide-eyed and started to panic, "Why? What have I done?"
"I am not at liberty to say. I have a scroll here containing the summons in writing."
The guard handed Cara the scroll who proceeded to read it. It had been written by Princess Celestia herself. It wasn't threatening in any way. It just simply requested her presence in Canterlot Castle.
"I'll be with you shortly, just let me put things away first."
The guard nodded while Cara went about closing the shop and collecting her messenger bag. She left a message in to door window explaining she had to leave for Canterlot at short notice.
After she locked the door she followed the guard and flew with him to Canterlot. She had no idea why Princess Celestia wanted to see her. She hoped she wasn't in trouble.
After a short flight she touched down on the castle courtyard and was immediately escorted to a private room where Celestia would meet them. Luna who was awake again, took control of the Day Court while Celestia handled the situation with Connor.
As Cara walked in she recognised the other stallion in the room.
"Dad!"
The stallion turned around, "Cara! What are you doing here?"
"I got a Royal Summons," replied Cara.
"Me too. I have no idea why though," Vulcan stated.
Just then Celestia walked into the room and the two ponies immediately bowed to the Princess.
"Raise my little ponies. I apologise for summoning you both but there is a situation I feel you may need to be aware of."
Cara and Vulcan looked at each other.
"What would that be Princess?" asked Vulcan.
"A few days ago a strange creature called a human appeared in the Whitetail Woods."
Cara's eyes widened in realisation, "You mean Connor?"
Celestia and Vulcan looked at Cara.
"Yes," Celestia replied, "How do you know Connor?"
"He came into my shop the other day and bought some fudge. I don't think I'll forget him. Dressed as a Wonderbolt and large red wings and walking on two legs, he certainly stood out. Had a soft spot for Spitfire."
Celestia smiled, "That is correct."
"How is Connor?" asked Cara.
Celestia's face soured somewhat, "You know the wings he had where the result of a friends spell, that the wings would eventually disappear?"
Cara nodded.
"Well," Celestia continued, "Yesterday morning when he woke up, his wings had indeed disappeared. His back bore no signs they were ever there. Throughout the day yesterday, Connor had periodic back pains causing him distress."
"I'm sorry to hear that Princess, but why are you telling us this?" asked Cara.
"At about three this morning, Connor woke up with excruciating pain in his back. I will skip the more distressing parts but I will tell you this. Connor is growing a pair of wings. For real this time."
There was silence for a few moments as Cara and Vulcan absorbed what they had just been told.
"Is he OK?" asked Cara.
"He is currently in the infirmary. He has been asleep for several hours. It was necessary to perform an incision to prevent his wings' protrusion from tearing his flesh."
Cara looked like she wanted to vomit.
"I called you both here because I wanted you to answer a question. One of a very sensitive nature."
Cara and Vulcan looked at each other before nodding.
Celestia took in a deep breath, "Do you know, or have you known a Pegasus mare by the name of Star Light?"
Upon hearing that name, both Cara and Vulcan went wide-eyed. Tears were beginning to form in Cara's eyes.
With a shaky voice, Vulcan answered, "She was my wife before she disappeared twenty five years ago."
"Our records show that she disappeared in the Whitetail Woods," said Celestia.
Vulcan nodded, "That is what we were told."
"Was she pregnant?" asked Celestia.
Cara immediately broke down into tears. The memory of losing her mother and unborn baby brother was too much to bear. She remembers vividly the day she was told her mother wasn't coming home. She was five years old at the time and was very excited at having a baby brother to play with. The day she was told of what happened she cried for weeks. The investigators found one of Star Light's feathers at the scene. Vulcan gave the feather to Cara who kept it with her everywhere she went, along with the last photo ever taken of her with her mother. It was the photo showing her with a heavily pregnant Star Light. The photo was taken by Vulcan just a day before she disappeared.
Vulcan snapped at the Princess, "WHY DO YOU TORMENT US LIKE THS PRINCESS? IT'S BAD ENOUGH I LOST MY WIFE BUT I ALSO LOST MY UNBORN SON!"
Celestia eyes widened at hearing this, "Your unborn son?"
"Yes Princess. Star Light was heavily pregnant when she disappeared. Were he here today he would turn twenty five in August, the month he was due. Why do you ask these questions?"
The same age as Connor she thought.
"If you would follow me to the infirmary, I will show you."
Vulcan and Cara nodded and followed Celestia to the infirmary. As they entered they saw Connor, still asleep, with nurses changing his nappy. Cara started to get upset. Just a few days ago the same creature was up and about buying fudge in her shop, to see the same person in this condition really got to her.
"As you can see," Celestia started, "Connor is in a great deal of pain."
"But what does he have to do with us?" asked Vulcan.
Celestia sighed, "I have reason to believe he may be your son."
Vulcan stopped breathing for a moment," Come again?"
"I believe Connor is your son. And that Star Light is still alive."
Vulcan and Cara looked at Celestia with very observing eyes. Neither of them got the sense that she was being deceitful.
"How can that be possible?" asked Vulcan.
"I am not sure. The only theory I have is that Star Light did not die, but instead appeared in another world. Though why Connor was born human I do not know."
Vulcan rubbed his forehead with his hoof, "I'd like to believe you Princess, but it's difficult to believe."
"I realise that, but know I would never knowingly lie to you."
Before anyone else could speak Cara spoke up, "I have an idea."
Celestia and Vulcan looked at Cara.
"I still have mum's feather from the day she disappeared. Would it be possible to do a DNA test?"
Celestia smiled, this would prove or not weather Connor is indeed the son of Star Light and Vulcan.
"Let us go find the doctor to find out."
A short amount of time later they discussed Cara's suggestion with the doctor. He said it should work but he'd have to wait to get consent from Connor to take a DNA sample. As frustrating as this was, Cara, Vulcan and Celestia understood. Not even Celestia could order a sample be taken. Celestia offered rooms in the castle for Vulcan and Cara who gladly accepted.
It was approaching midday. In the castle infirmary one very unique patient was slowly waking up. As Connor slowly woke up and came to his senses, he sat up noticed a few things. One, he was in the infirmary. The last thing he remembered was collapsing in the throne room. Two, his right foot has been wrapped up tightly in a tubular bandage. Three, his torso and presumably his back were heavily wrapped in bandages. And four, he was wearing a nappy. Which was soaked.
Going beet red in embarrassment he laid back down and felt something on his back. He sat up again and was confused when he saw nothing on the bed or pillows that could dig into his back. It was then he remembered the back pains. He slowly moved his hands to his back to see if he could feel anything. He could feel small bumps underneath the bandages.
Connor quickly realised what was happening.
I'm growing a pair of wings. That doesn't explain the bandages on my foot or the nappy.
Connor felt ashamed at that. If Blueblood saw him now he'd never let him forget it. Connor buried his face in his hands, as he did a nurse walked in doing her usual rounds.
"You're awake."
Connor looked up to see a nurse at the door way.
"Just wait there, I'll let the doctor know."
Connor nodded in understanding.
Before she left however, she scrunched up her nose and sniffed the air.
Please no....don't say anything pleaded Connor silently.
The nurse looked to Connor and saw his face was beet red.
"I'll go and get the nurses first. The doctor will explain everything."
Connor nodded meekly.
A few minutes later Connor had been cleaned and changed into a fresh nappy. Connor insisted he didn't need them but the nurses pointed out he couldn't walk on his injured foot and that they had already changed him once earlier. Connor felt like he would die of embarrassment. The nurses though, were thoroughly professional and understanding.
After the nurses had left the doctor came in.
"Connor how are you feeling?"
"I've felt better," chuckled Connor.
The doctor laughed, "It's good to see you still have your sense of humour."
"I need it considering what I'm wearing."
"Yes," replied the doctor, "I do apologise for that but we felt it would be better for both ourselves and yourself if we did put you in them. During the night you woke up and attempted to go to the toilet. But you went over on your foot and fell to the floor. The nurses found you a few moments later sat on the floor in your own mess in a confused and disorientated state. They cleaned you up and put you back in bed."
"That would explain the bandaging in my foot then."
"Yes. We examined it and it looks like you've just sprained it. It should be ok within a couple of weeks."
"Ok, that sounds good. Now back to the matter of me wearing nappies."
"Yes. We did several scans of your body and there seems to be a massive increase in your thaumographical energy readings."
Connor just blinked, "My what?"
"Your bodies' intake of magic," The doctor continued, "Your body is trying to cope with the sudden increase in magical intake and unfortunately, there are side-effects. They may include incontinence, diarrhoea, nausea, headaches, tiredness and feverishness. Of course we can't say with on hundred percent certainty as this is a unique case. Your body can only cope with so much."
Connor sighed, "Fine. I don't like it but I'll keep wearing them. For now."
"Thank you for your understanding. We don't expect it to last too long. A week or two at the most. We will be keeping you here so we can monitor your progress."
"Fair enough. Could you tell Princess Celestia and the others I'm awake?"
"Certainly. Would you like something to eat?"
"Some vegetable soup, some bread and a glass of water please."
The doctor nodded, "I'll have them sent to you. In the meantime, get some rest. Oh and Princess Celestia said she would be able to explain a few things for you."
"Thanks for telling me. Hopefully it's good news."
"Hope so," replied the Doctor, "I'll see you soon."
"See ya," replied Connor.
The doctor left the room leaving Connor to his thoughts. He felt a little embarrassed regarding......that. But it's only temporary. He can live with wounded pride. Connor made himself comfortable in his bed and used the bed controls to move the bed into a more upright position. He was alone for a few more minutes when a nurse came in with his food and water, as well as some newspapers.
"Hello there. I've brought you your soup and water."
"It smells nice," Connor observed.
"Indeed it does. Enjoy. Remember if you need anything just ring the bell."
"Yes ma'am."
The nurse giggled and left Connor to his soup.
The soup did taste nice. Connor felt less groggy than before but he was still a little queasy. He finished his soup and started to read the papers. He made the front pages of several papers. The photo that was used in the front pages were himself and the other Wonderbolts. The Cloudsdale Times had a pull-out supplement with several of the photos from the shoot included. It was a decent quality supplement as well. A4 sized, about fifty pages and glossy covers.
Connor read some of the articles and most were supportive of him. One paper however, The Noble Times, had a very different view on him. The Noble Times article is full of so much waffle it made Connor wonder if it is supposed to be factual or comical.
After a short while the door to his private room opened and in walked Celestia and the Doctor.
"Hello Connor, you're looking much better than this morning," said Celestia.
"Thanks Princess. I still feel quite rough though."
"That's to be expected," the Doctor said, "You'll probably feel like this for two to three weeks we believe."
"Will I have to stay here during that time?"
The doctor nodded, "Yes. It'll be for the best. It will also allow us to monitor your condition more closely and deal with any problems that may arise."
Connor sighed. He didn't necessarily dislike hospitals he just didn't like being cooped up inside. He's more of an outdoorsy type of person.
"The doctor said you wanted to tell me something?"
"Yes," replied Celestia, "I have news regarding some your situation."
The doctor took this as his cue to leave. He told Connor to get some rest later and that he would be back at tea time to check up on him.
"What news do you have?" asked Connor.
Celestia walked over to Connors' bed and sat on her haunches, "Do you want a blunt answer?"
Connor thought for a moment before nodding.
"I have reason to believe the Pegasus Star Light is your mother. I believe that she somehow ended up in your world while she was heavily pregnant with you."
Connor was silent. Whilst he suspected there was more to his mother than she let on, this still shocked him a bit.
"But my mother is human."
"We don't understand what happened but our best guess is that she turned into a human shortly after she appeared in your world. As she would have been pregnant with you, you were transformed as well. Even though you were born human, we believe you still possessed Pegasi genes which would explain your cloud walking ability even before Twilight cast the spell on you."
Connor could only nod. What Celestia was saying made sense. But there were still unanswered questions.
"How did I start to actually grow wings?"
"I suspect that Twilight may have unintentionally activated your the rest of your previously dormant Pegasi genes and your body reacted accordingly."
Again, this made sense to Connor. Did it have to be so painful though?
"Will any other changes take place?"
Celestia, mind as sharp as an army bayonet, knew Connor was trying to ask something else.
"You will not become a pony if that's what you're asking. The only other changes we believe you will experience are improved eyesight, improved physical strength and a greater tolerance to cold weather and thinner air."
Connor felt relieved. As much as he like the ponies, he doesn't want to be one. Even though he would have been one had all that never happened. He liked being human. The wings he could live with. But hooves.....it would make playing the piano a little difficult.
"Is there anything else?" asked Connor.
"Yes. We have found the husband and daughter of Star Light and we were wondering if you could provide a DNA sample to confirm if you are related or not?"
"Sure," replied Connor, "Would a hair sample be ok?"
"That will be ok. Hold still now."
Connor winced slightly as Celestia plucked a strand of Connor's hair from his head. She placed it carefully in a test tube she magicked from elsewhere.
"I don't believe the tests will take long. I will let you know once we know."
"Who are the ponies in question?"
"They requested to remain anonymous until they know if you are related to them or not. If they are, then they will meet with you."
"That seems fair enough."
"I must go now. I have things to do. I shall see you later. Goodbye Connor."
"Bye Princess."
Celestia made her way out of the room when she sniffed the air.
"What is that smell?" she asked aloud.
She turned towards Connor who was trying to avoid eye contact.
Smiling, she walked up to Connor and levitated necessary supplies over to the bed, "I believe I would be failing my duties as Princess if I did not render assistance to those under my rule."
Connor went redder than ever.
Why me?
A few hours later in the doctors office, the doctor had finally got the results of the DNA test. He now knew with one hundred percent certainty whether or not Connor is the son of Star Light and Vulcan, and the brother of Caramel Fudge. He made is way to Celestia, who is currently in the castle gardens, as fast as his hooves would move him.
He headed towards the castle gardens, "Princess I have the results!"
Celestia immediately stood up and looked at the test results. Deciding not to waste any time she immediately teleported herself and the doctor to the throne room and sent for Vulcan and Cara. A few minutes later the two Pegasi entered the throne room.
"Princess," started Vulcan, "You have the results?"
"Indeed I do my little ponies."
She levitated the test results to Cara and Vulcan.
After a few seconds Cara took the results papers and flew as fast as her wings would take her to her destination, tears streaming down her face.
Meanwhile, Vulcan was lost for words as tears streamed down his face. Celestia slowly walked over to him and wrapped her fetlock around him. She didn't need to say anything.
It was early evening in Connors' private room. Connor was reading the rest of the newspapers when the door burst open, startling him. It took a moment for him to recognise the Pegasus.
"Cara? What are you doing here?"
Cara, crying her eyes out and unable to speak handed the test result papers to Connor.
Connor looked at the papers and he himself started to get misty eyed.
"D-d-d-does this mean we're....?" he started to ask.
Cara, taking a deep breath hugged Connor tightly.
"It means you're my baby brother." |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 17 - A Heartfelt Reunion | Connor sat motionless in his bed as Cara continued to hug him tightly, her soft fur brushing against his face. He could see test result papers clearly showing a one hundred percent match. HIs vision blurred as he became misty-eyed and, overcome with elation Connor pulled Cara on and returned the hug.
The two siblings stayed like that for several minutes, neither saying a word and both unaware of the moon rising high in the sky and the cold breeze blowing through the window. Releasing each other from the hug, Cara sat on her haunches on Connor's bed and dried her eyes with her hooves. Connor reached over to the box of tissues next on the bedside table and offered Cara a tissue.
Taking the tissue Cara blew her runny nose and threw the dirty tissue in the bin, her accuracy spot on.
Cara tried to speak but a lump in her throat prevented her. There is so much she wants to say that she doesn't know what to say.
"So," Connor started, a few tears still running down his face, "You're my big sister?"
Cara nodded, trying to hold back more tears.
"Yes. Yes I'm your big sister," she replied before putting on a smile that could warm even the coldest of hearts, "And you're my baby brother."
Just then the room door opened and in walked Celestia and Vulcan. As they walked in he could see the tears in their eyes glistening from the moon's reflection. Celestia he recognised. He seriously doubts he'll ever forget her, especially after the hooves-on personal care she provided earlier changing his soaked nappy and giving him a sponge bath.
He shuddered at that memory. Maybe he could find some Whiskey to help him forget.
If I don't remember it then it didn't happen.
The stallion he hadn't seen before. He is a large Pegasus with charcoal coloured fur and a bright orange mane and tail. He noticed his mane was styled similar to that of Thunderlane. Vulcan is physically imposing. He's around the same size as Luna and has excellent muscle tone due to decades of blacksmithing. If molten lava could walk and talk then it would be Vulcan. Normally he possessed a piercing gaze that could melt lead.
Today though, his eyes showed joy and relief. The stallion spoke up.
"You are Connor?" he asked, an arm wrapped around Cara again who had snuggled up against him.
"Yes. Who are you?" Connor asked with trepidation.
Vulcan breathed in through his nostrils.
"My name's Vulcan," he said trying to not to break down into tears.
Vulcan paused momentarily to steady his quavering voice.
"I'm your father."
The silence was deafening. Connor felt his muscles tighten and his breathing stopping.
He stuttered a response, "M-m-my father?"
Vulcan slowly walked up to Connor, "Yes. It is good to see you....son."
Vulcan leaned forward and wrapped his forelegs around Connor who affectionately returned the embrace. Connor was now laying on his hospital bed with an arm around Cara and Vulcan. Overwhelmed with emotion he let the tears flow, he could feel Vulcan's soft fur as he nuzzled his cheek. The three of them remained like that for a few seconds, though it felt like hours. After releasing each other, except for Cara who remained snuggled up next to Connor, Celestia approached and spoke up.
"I am truly delighted at this turn of events. I will leave you now to give you some time to yourselves. And Connor, seeing as you are the offspring of native Equestrians and would have been born in Equestria had events turned out differently, I see no problem in granting you full Equestrian citizenship and all the rights that come with it. You may also keep your current citizenship."
Connor dried his eyes, "Thank you Princess. It means a lot."
"You're welcome Connor. Your friends are wishing to see you, as is your marefriend. She is on her way back to Canterlot now and she is deeply upset at what has transpired."
"I'd like to see my friends. And don't worry about Milkshake, she'll be fine."
Vulcan cocked an eyebrow while Celestia and Cara stifled a laugh.
"What?" asked a confused Connor.
"Milkshake?" inquired Cara, still trying not to laugh.
Connor went wide-eyed and face palmed. He just called Spitfire by his pet name for her.
"Err....yeah. It's.....my pet name for her," he said rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact with everyone.
"Awwwww, my little baby brother is in love," teased Cara as she hugged Connor.
Conner rolled his eyes in mock annoyance and returned the hug, he could see from her cheery smile that her antics would bring great amusement to him. The two siblings released each other from their embrace and focussed their attention back on Vulcan and Celestia.
"So what happens now?" asked Connor.
"What happens now is that you get your rest whilst I sort out the necessary paperwork," replied Celestia.
Connor tutted, "Do I have to stay in bed?"
"Yes you do my little human," replied Celestia with a smirk.
"Don't worry little brother, me and Dad will be back tomorrow after you get some rest," Cara added giving Connor one last firm hug.
Vulcan shook Connors' hand, "I'll talk to you tomorrow. We have a lot to catch up on."
"We certainly do."
Cara and Vulcan left the room leaving Connor with Celestia. The two looked at each other for a few seconds, Connor's face a little red in embarrassment. Celestia was about to speak before Connor beat her to it.
"I DON'T NEED CHANGING!"
He and Celestia went wide eyed as Connor realised he said that louder than he intended to. Connor went bright red which brought out a small giggle form Celestia.
"I was going to ask how are you feeling?"
Connor suddenly felt meek, "Oh."
Celestia walked to the side of the bed and fluffed up Connor's pillow with her magic.
"So how are you feeling Connor?"
Connor sighed, "I'm feeling a lot of things. Elation at finding out that I have family here and that my suspicions were correct in my parents hiding things from me. Anger at my parents for hiding it from me. In regards to Spitfire, Twilight and co and my new job I'm feeling several things from trepidation, excitement, eagerness, nervousness. So a fair smorgasbord of emotion."
Celestia looked a little sad at Connor. He's been through quite a bit on one week and the physical changes wrecking havoc with his body won't help matters, even though it will last only a couple of weeks.
"You don't have to struggle alone Connor. We are here to help you whenever you need it."
Connor gave out a long, tired sigh, "Thanks Princess."
"You're welcome Connor. Now get some rest."
"I will do. Would it be OK if I could have a cup of tea?"
"I'll go and ask one of the nurses. Goodnight Connor."
"'Night Princess."
Celestia left the room leaving Connor alone. The stale environment not doing much to brighten his mood, he drifted off into deep thoughts. He thought about the day he went camping. Had he decided to stay home that day, would he be here now? Would he have discovered the truth about his mother? What would his life have been like had his mother not travelled to Earth? How different would his life have been had he been born a pony?
Connor was so deep in thought he hadn't noticed he had company. He came back to his senses and saw a nurse prodding his arm.
"Your tea Connor."
"Thanks nurse."
"You're welcome."
The nurse walked out and left Connor to the greatest hot drink on in existence. As he finished stirring the tea, the door burst open showing a panting Spitfire. She was sweating and her mane was a mess. To say she looked distressed in an understatement.
"Spits!"
Spitfire looked at Connor and launched herself at him, somehow managing to avoid knocking over the tea. Spitfire tightly wrapped her hooves around his neck and buried her muzzle into his cheek, her tears running down her cheek.
After a few seconds of sobbing into Connor's cheek she finally spoke.
"I-I-I heard w-what h-happened. I-I flew back a-as fast as I c-c-could. I-I-I'm so sorry."
Connor pulled Spitfire closer and rested his chin in her head. Her frazzled mane gently brushing his face as he spoke softly and quietly to her.
"Hey come on, I'm OK now. The worst of it's over."
"B-b-but you were in so m-much pain and I wasn't there t-to help."
"But you're here now. It means a lot to me that your here. I was worried about you."
Spitfire let out a small laugh that lifted he gloomy mood.
"You were the one in pain yet you were worried about me?"
"Yep. Are you OK?"
"I am now."
A sigh of relief left Spitfire's lungs and she let herself relax into Connor's arms. Connor slowly layed back into his bed still with Spitfire in his arms. She had already fallen asleep and had a look of content on her face. Connor gently draped an arm around her whilst he poured himself some tea.
Today had been an interesting day. He finally found out the truth about who his biological father is, found out he has a big sister and is to be granted Equestrian Citizenship. He began to wonder if he could have a day in Equestria were nothing happened.
He would have liked to see Vulcan and Cara for a bit longer. The reunion was very short considering the circumstances, but there is plenty of time later. Hopefully it wouldn't be as wooden next time as Connor felt like he wasn't emotional enough at the reunion. But considering the state he's in and everything he's going through, his emotions are understandably all over the place.
For now though, he can rest. He'll be seeing Vulcan and Cara again tomorrow and the mare of his life is sleeping peacefully on his chest. Connor switched off the bedside lamp and made himself comfortable for the night before drifting off into a restful sleep.
Cara couldn't sleep. Not because she was restless but because she was so overjoyed at being reunited with her brother. She was clutching the photo of herself and her heavily pregnant mother to her barrel.
She was restless as she had to wait several hours before she could visit her brother again.
Unless.....
Surely it would be OK given the circumstances .
She got out if bed and made her way to the infirmary. She didn't care if she would get in trouble, she wanted to catch up on all he time she lost out to with her brother.
It wasn't long before Cara arrived at the infirmary. She went inside and what she saw made her heart melt. There for all to see was the mighty, ferocious leader of the Wonderbolts snuggled up to her brother. Spitfire was on his left side leaving plenty of room on his right side. She walked around to the side of the bed and hopped up, being careful not to wake the sleeping pair. She carefully positioned herself and snuggled up to her brother, gently resting her head on his right shoulder.
This time, Cara very quickly went to sleep.
Unbeknownst to Cara, Luna was watching discretely from the shadows. She was understandably distraught earlier when she saw Connor in so much pain. Seeing him now however, with what will be two of the closest mare's he'll ever know snuggled up to him brought a sense of relief to her. She knew that her friend would recover and have coffee with her again. She decided that she would teach him how to make excellent coffee.
Luna walked quietly to the bed and telekinetically draped a spare blanket over the two mares. Luna stood there for a few moments when she heard hooves getting louder. Lune looked towards the door and noticed Celestia had paid a visit. Celestia walked in and noticed Luna which brought a smile to her face that brightened up the usually sterile room.
"Little Sister, it's nice to see you here."
"Likewise Big Sister."
Celestia quietly approached the bed and looked at the scene before her. She couldn't help but smile even more at the adorable scene before her. A feeling matched by Luna.
"He looks so peaceful," commented Luna.
Celestia affectionately nuzzled her sister, "Indeed he does. But come sister, we must let them rest. I came to see if you were OK."
"We are fine sister."
Luna followed Celestia out of the room and they made their way back into the main area of the castle. Celestia retired to her bedroom while Luna made her way to the Throne Room to begin Night Court. Luna hoped tonight wouldn't be as chaotic as before, she couldn't bare to see Connor, or anyone for that matter, suffer like that.
Back in her chambers, Celestia filled out the necessary paperwork that would grant Connor full Equestrian citizenship and all the rights it pertains. She decided she wouldn't just hoof it over in the hospital room. Instead she would grant it to him at a special ceremony at Canterlot Castle attended by the Elements of Harmony, the Wonderbolts plus a few others. She would have to invite the nobles but hopefully they would keep their snooty opinions to themselves.
After finishing the paperwork, she began in preparations for the ceremony. Normally foreign nationals would need to wait five years before applying for citizenship, but as Connor's birth parents are both ponies of Equestrian citizenship, Connor gains it through them.
She decided the ceremony would take place after he recovers and is given the all clear from the doctor. She would make sure there is plenty of cake available. Knowing her new friend really likes cake, that made her feel like a little filly all over again, she decided to commission a certain pink pony to bake a special cake for Connor.
Twilight and her friends were still in the castle. They would be seeing Connor tomorrow sometime. Celestia knew that Twilight had taken Connor's condition hard. Twilight felt that she was responsible for what happened, but according to the doctor his Pegasus genes would have eventually surfaced fully anyway. She just speeded things up a little.
Nevertheless, Connor will make a full recovery and settle down into Equestrian society. He will excel at his new job and be an excellent coltfriend to Spitfire. She wouldn't feel any shame in calling Connor her subject.
This was definitely one of the highpoints of her life. |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 18 - Visitors | Cara was sat at the side of Connor's hospital bed watching him sleep. His steady, rhythmic breathing a stark contrast to the havoc being wreaked inside his body.
"He looks so peaceful."
Cara looked up to see Spitfire was awake, "Oh hi Spitfire. I didn't know you were awake."
"Yeah, I got a good night's sleep all things considered. What are you doing here anyway Cara?"
Cara looked at Connor and gently placed her hoof on his hand, "He's my little brother."
Spitfire went wide eyed, "Connor is your little brother?"
Cara nodded, "I found out yesterday after a DNA test."
Spitfire looked even more confused, "He's an entirely different species, how can he be your brother?"
"We have the same parents. Just before he was born my mother disappeared and appeared in Connor's world, but for some reason he was born a human and not a pony."
"What about your mum?"
"As far as I can tell, she's still alive and she too is human."
Spitfire smiled and looked Connor, "He's quite big for a baby brother, and a little old."
Cara giggled, "He'll always be my baby brother. Speaking of which, by the smell of things he needs changing."
"Changing?" inquired Spitfire.
Cara pulled back the cover to show Spitfire Connor's wet nappy.
"Oh," said Spitfire flatly, "I see what you mean. Poor guy, this won't be permanent will it?"
"No, only temporary for about two to three weeks. Maybe a month according to the doctor. His body's going through a whole heap of changes and it's wreaking havoc with his body. Incontinence is just one of the side effects. The doctor said the condition is similar to Magical Flux Disease where his body's intake of magic fluctuates causing a magical imbalance in his central nervous system, affecting his body's functions."
"Magical Flux Disease? Doesn't that just affect unicorns?"
Cara shook her head, "Unicorns are more prone to it because they use magic far more often but there have been cases of Pegasi and Earth ponies suffering from the condition. My auntie had the condition for a while though she fully recovered."
Spitfire breathed a sigh of relief, she hated seeing anyone suffer regardless of their species.
"We should call for a nurse to change him," said Spitfire as she went off to find one.
Cara nodded, "I'll wait here."
Cara turned her attention back to Connor. Her vision became blurry as she thought of all the time they missed out together as foals, playing in the street, snowball fights, having sneaky midnight snacks when they should be asleep....all of the many things they've missed out on together. Carefully walking up to his head, she nuzzled him gently, unintentionally waking him up.
"Hi Cara," said Connor sleepily.
"Hey there baby brother," nuzzling him again, "Get a good nights sleep?"
"Yeah, I slept well. Besides, I had two mares to keep me warm."
Cara giggled, "Glad to help. Spitfire's just gone to get a nurse. She'll be back soon."
"Why's she gone to get a nurse?"
"You need changing," Cara replied flatly.
Connor looked down to his waist, "Oh, that."
He leant back into the bed a bit of a huff, "Stupid things. I'm going to stop wearing them, I don't need them anyway."
Cara grinned mischievously, "If you didn't need them then why is that one full of sh-"
"CARA!" yelled Connor.
"Yes baby brother?" asked Cara 'innocently'.
Before Connor could respond Spitfire walked back into the room along with two nurses and 'office supplies'. The nurses walked over to Connor to begin changing him.
"Legs up Connor," said one of the nurses.
Connor huffed, lifted his legs and reluctantly allowed the nurses to clean him.
"I can clean myself you know," he said frustrated.
"Not properly you can't," replied the other nurse firmly, "So keep your legs up and stay still."
The nurses finished cleaning Connor's derriere and placed a clean nappy beneath his buttocks. He lowered his legs when told to do so and allowed the nurses to tape the nappy firmly in place.
"Is it comfortable?" asked the nurse.
Connor just nodded, embarrassment yet again catching his tongue. The nurses walked out leaving Connor with Spitfire and Cara who saw him receive TLC from the nurses.
"Sorry you had to see that," he said blushing, "I don't enjoy it but there's not much I can do for now."
"There's no need to be embarrassed Connor," Cara said, "I saw you yesterday get cleaned and changed by the nurses. I'm not grossed out or offended, neither is Spitfire."
"Absolutely not," confirmed Spitfire, "In fact, if anypony does mock you for it, tell us and we'll deal with them. Besides, so what if you're wearing nappies. You're very ill and need caring for at the moment, there's nothing for you to be ashamed of."
"Thanks girls," Connor replied smiling, "On a related note the Doctor says I'll be in a fair amount of pain for a couple of weeks while my wings grow out."
Spitfire scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, "I thought your wings were only temporary because of a spell."
Cara shook her head, "That's what we all thought but it turns out he already had Pegasus genes. The spell Twilight used unintentionally activated his dormant genes and lead to this."
Spitfire looked at Connor, "So your growing a pair of wings?"
"Yep. Cara's my little big sister and both of my blood parents are ponies. So would I had things......happened differently. My dad....my human dad, is human," he said with a chuckle, "I hope I see him again, let him know that I'm fine and that I appreciate everything he's done for me and mum."
"How is mum?" asked Cara with tears in her eyes.
"She was doing OK before I left. Now that I think about it, you have her eyes."
Cara laughed, "Yeah, I get that a lot. She's an awesome mother isn't she?"
"Without a doubt," replied Connor proudly, "Really good at baking."
"Of course she is," replied Cara jubilantly, "Who do you think taught me how to make fudge?"
The trio shared a laugh before an idea popped into Connor's mind, "Cara?"
"Yes baby brother?"
"Since I'm your brother, does that mean I get a family discount at your fudge shop?"
Cara wore a face of mock indignance, "Discount? DISCOUNT? My dear little baby brother I run a business, not a charity."
"So that's a no?" he asked with a smirk, fully aware Cara wasn't being serious.
"Well I wouldn't say no but maybe we could work together. You know like a sort of advertising campaign, the Wonderbolts are regulars at my store anyway."
Connor looked over to Spitfire, "What do you think Milkshake, advertising and sponsorship could help in the long run."
Spitfire rubbed her chin with her hoof, a thoughtful expression on her face, "It's certainly worth looking in to, we'll discuss it with the other 'Bolts when you're feeling better."
The trio attention focussed on the door opening and the arrival of another nurse with Connor's breakfast. Connor started salivating at the smell and sight of the porridge, eager to fill himself with porridgey goodness. The nurse placed to porridge on the bed tray that had been placed over the bed along with a glass of orange juice. Connor thanked the nurse as she left to fulfil other duties.
"Would you like any help baby brother?" asked Cara excitedly.
Connor got what Cara implied, "I don't need spoon feeding thank you, I can manage on my own without making a mess."
Connor pulled the trolley closer to him and held the porridge dish in his one hand and the spoon in the other. He quickly finished the porridge and looked up to notice the two mares staring at him.
"What?" he asked.
"Did that even touch the sides before it went down?" asked Cara.
"Can't a guy like porridge?"
"They can but you just shovelled it down like it was going out of fashion," replied Spitfire.
"So, a lot of guys like food."
Spitfire gave a small laugh, "You'll definitely enjoy the nights out with the 'Bolt stallions."
"Do they often go out?"
"At least once a month they have a big night out, usually in Cloudsdale."
"Then I'll have to make sure to join them."
The nurse from before entered the room to take away the dirty dishes and informed Connor that Twilight and Co where waiting outside to see him. Hearing this relaxed made him more relaxed, he was looking forward to seeing the girls and Spike again. Hopefully Twilight wouldn't feel as down in the dumps as before.
The Main Six and Spike entered the hospital room and positioned themselves around the bed, greeting Connor as they did so.
"Hi Buddy," said Rainbow Dash.
"Howdy partner."
"Hi Connor," said Fluttershy quietly.
"Hello again darling."
"HI CONNOR!"
"Pinkie Pie, what did we say about yelling at Connor while he's unwell?" asked Rarity with a scowl.
Pinkie merrily bounced her way of the end of the bed and sat down on the floor.
"Hi Connor," said Spike, rolling his eyes at Pinkie's antics.
"Hi Spike, hi girls," he replied before looking to a glum looking Twilight.
He could see Twilight looked down in the dumps if the sad eyes and droopy tail were anything to go by. He didn't like seeing his friend like this, especially when she was not at fault for what happened.
"Hi Twilight."
Twilight looked up looking miserable, "Hi Connor."
The tone in her voice was tired and gloomy. Her eyes showed signs she'd been crying for hours on end and her messy mane and tail implied a lack of sleep.
"You OK Twilight?"
"Am I OK?" she asked confused, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
Connor smiled, "I'm fine thank you Twilight. You look shattered though."
"Yeah I haven't been sleeping well. I was really worried about you," she replied upsettingly.
"You don't need to worry about me Twily, I'll be OK. Yes I'll be a bit rough for the next month or so but I'll recover. You haven't done anything wrong."
"That's what Princess Celestia said."
"And you know the Princess would never lie to you. What's happening to me would've happened eventually anyway."
Twilight only nodded glumly, still crestfallen that her friend was in pain. She continued to stare at the floor when she felt something wrap around her. She looked up to notice an almost naked Connor hugging her.
"Connor what are you dong?"
"I'm giving my little pony friend a hug," he replied.
"Why?"
"You look like you need one."
Twilight returned the hug, the affectionate gesture lifting her spirits a little bit. Connor let go of Twilight who immediately perked up with a smile on her face.
"Thanks Connor, I guess I needed that."
"I said you needed one," he said standing up straight.
Twilight giggled before finally noting Connor's 'special underwear', "Connor, what are you wearing?"
Connor looked over his unclothed self and saw what she was referring to and face palmed, "Oh for crying out loud."
Confused and inquisitive, Twilight ventured onwards for answers, "Connor, why are you wearing a-"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT OF BED?!"
Connor and the ponies all jumped in fright and looked to the doorway and saw a sight that should terrify anyone with any measurable degree of sanity.
The Matron.
"Erm..uh," Connor babbled.
"You will get back into bed this instant and stay there!" the Matron said with commanding authority.
"Yes Matron."
Connor immediately got back into bed as fast as he could, eager to prevent the Matron from getting angrier. The Matron pulled the covers back over him with her magic, tucking him in tightly, and looked him straight in the eyes with a piercing glare that could freeze your very soul.
"You will stay in bed and not get out until further notice, is that clear?" she said in the same authoritive tone.
"Yes Matron," Connor replied nodding.
"You will not refuse to wear nappies during your stay and you will co-operate fully with the nurses, is that clear?"
"Yes Matron," he replied, again nodding.
"And after your friends leave, you will get some rest before your scheduled sponge bath this evening, is that clear?"
"Yes Matron," he replied, again nodding.
The Matron walked out of the room having asserted her authority as a pony not to be messed with.
A meek looking Connor looked at his friends feeling a little humiliated inside. He needed to reaffirm his status as Alpha Male if he were to get through this without mockery.
"We shall never discuss this incident," he said coldly.
The ponies all quickly agreed, albeit holding back snickers and giggles.
"Or what I'm wearing," he added.
"Why are you wearing nappies though?" asked Twilight, "I didn't know you did."
An exceptionally embarrassed Connor spluttered out a response, "I don't, I woke up yesterday in a soaking wet one. I don't want to wear them but I don't have much choice at the moment, what with my condition wreaking havoc with my insides. For the time being I'm incontinent."
"Well we're sorry to hear that," replied Fluttershy, "Will you suffer anything else?"
"According to the doctor I could vomit, feel nauseous, fatigued, have diarrhoea and feel feverish. Please don't tell anyone about the nappies though, it's embarrassing enough as it is," Connor pleaded.
"We Pinkie Promise we won't tell anyone," replied Fluttershy as she and everyone else recited the 'Pinkie Promise'.
"Thanks girls."
"You're welcome Connor," replied Fluttershy.
"So, what do you girls have planned?"
"Nothing really," replied Twilight, "We were more concerned about you."
"I appreciate the concern, it's nice to know your friends care about you."
"We'll always care about you silly," said Pinkie excitedly, "We're all besties now!"
The pink pony launched herself at Connor and hugged him tightly.
"Thanks Pinkie," he wheezed.
"You're welcome Connor," she replied jubilantly, "You're really warm and squishy."
"And you little ponies are cute and adorable."
The ponies all blushed at the compliment and thanked Connor for it. Except for Rainbow Dash who denied she was cute and adorable. Apparently being such things would ruin her awesomeness.
Blushing only makes you more adorable Dashie thought Connor.
"That's very nice of you Connor," replied a familiar voice.
Connor and the ponies looked to the doorway where Celestia and Luna stood.
"But you're still staying in bed."
"Awwww," he replied disappointedly.
Celestia giggled and walked over to Connor, "How are you Connor?"
"I'm OK. I'd feel better if I didn't have to stay in bed all day."
"I understand your frustration Connor but it's for the best. You are not well enough to be up and about."
Connor decided to change the subject. He saw that Luna had come as well. It was nice to see her again, he enjoyed spending time with her and would do so again when he leaves this most horrible of places.
"Hi Luna. You OK?"
"We are fine Connor," replied Luna, "We are pleased that thou is recovering."
"I'll be like this a few more weeks but hopefully it'll be sooner."
"We hope so. We would very much like to spend time thee again."
"So would I Luna, you're great company."
"We thank thee Connor."
"Anytime Luna," Connor replied with a smile, "What are you girls up to anyway?"
"We came to see how you are doing," replied Celestia, "We can see you are in much better condition than before."
"Yeah," he replied with a laugh, "I felt like shit. Still do a little bit."
Celestia didn't at all flinch at the language. Neither did anyone else, they knew Connor was going through a lot at the moment.
"I'm glad to hear it. Well we better be going. We only came for a short visit to see how you were doing."
"That's fine, I appreciate the visit. Will you visit again?"
"Certainly," replied a cheery Celestia, "And you better be in bed when I see you."
Connor rolled his yes, "Don't worry Princess I will be."
"I hope so because if I find you out of bed I may have to take further action."
Connor leaned forward inquisitively, "What kind of further action?"
"Let me catch you out of bed and you'll find out," replied Celestia. Her serene smile hiding a firm promise of something Connor wouldn't like.
"Nothing nasty is it?"
"No," she replied still smiling, "But it would guarantee you stay in bed."
Connor's eyes widened in realisation at what Celestia implied, "You wouldn't dare."
"Wouldn't I?" she replied raising an eyebrow, "Anyway, it has been delightful talking to you Connor. Rest well."
Celestia gave Connor a wing hug, as did Luna, and left the room leaving Connor with the gang again.
"So girls, what are we going to do now?"
"I thought we could play a game," replied Twilight enthusiastically, the smile on her face showing no signs of the sadness from before. She lit up her horn and materialised a box into the room. She lowered the box onto the trolley tray and Connor saw the game to be played.
Trivial Pursuit.
They divided themselves into five teams, Connor and Cara, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike.
Rainbow Dash and Spitfire won much to Dashie's delight. Connor and Cara finished third.
It was lunch time by the time the game ended. After setting the game away Twilight and the gang bade farewell to Connor and made their way out if the room, promising to visit again another day. Spitfire and Cara both gave a hug to Connor and promised to visit again, Cara also informed Connor that Vulcan would be visiting tonight.
"I'll look forward to it," he replied.
"Great, I'll see ya sometime. Bye baby brother."
"Bye Cara. See ya Milkshake."
"You to Sleepy Head."
Cara and Spitfire left the room and immediately afterwards two nurses walked in with Connor's lunch.
"What have you brought me today?"
The nurses set the tray down on the trolley over his bed and removed the cover.
Roast chicken and vegetables lay before him, steam billowing off the oh so lovely food. He proceeded to stuff his face while the food was hot, thoroughly enjoying every second of roasty goodness. He washed it down with a pot of tea sent by Celestia.
After he finished the nurses took the dirty pots away and was paid a visit from the Matron.
"I'm pleased to see you are in bed as you should be Mr Wakefield."
"Yes Matron."
"Now to business. Lay still and let me check you."
"Check me?" he asked confused.
"To see if you need changing," she replied firmly as she levitated the quilt back to check his nappy.
"Hmmm, you're dry."
"That's a relief," replied Connor happily.
"You'll be anything but dry by the time you wake up," she stated bluntly, "Take these immediately."
She levitated two tablets over to him and a glass of water.
"What are these for?"
"Sleeping pills to help you sleep. We'll be removing your bandages and may need to perform another incision so we felt it prudent to put you to sleep just in case, so we can act faster and have you wake up with the operation already completed."
"That's fair enough I suppose," he replied as he took the tablets.
The Matron took the empty glass from Connor in her magic and fluffed his pillows up. Connor laid back and felt the quilt being draped over him.
"Sleep well Mr Wakefield. We'll wake you around 6pm if all goes well."
"Thanks Matron."
The sleeping pills were powerful stuff and Connor felt himself drift off rather quickly, falling into a blissful slumber. The Matron walked towards the door and turned back to the sleeping human before she left the room. A look of pity on her face.
"Poor kid, he's going to be in a lot pain when his wings grow to full size."
"Matron?"
The Matron turned around to see one of her nurses looking at her.
"Nurse Softheart, I was just talking to myself."
"OK. How is Mr Wakefield?"
The Matron turned back to Connor, "His wings will soon grow rapidly."
"How rapidly?" asked Nurse Softheart.
"They will go through over twenty years of growth in a matter of weeks, maybe even days. It will cause him agony that no painkiller can alleviate."
"Is there nothing more we can do?"
"All we can do is provide the best care we possibly can. We have powerful sedatives that can put him under if the pain gets too much, but too many of those can have negative consequences."
Nurse Softheart looked at the human, "He'll be OK. We'll make sure of it."
"Yes we will Nurse Softheart. Now come along, we have other patients we need to check on."
"Of course Matron."
The two ponies walked down the corridor to check on their other patients, leaving Connor in his deep sleep.
A few hours later in another part of the castle, one snobby white unicorn was huffing his way down the corridor.
"That stupid maid standing on my tail, argh I'll have waste my time going to the infirmary and get a thorough check up when I could be dining with my fellow nobles."
The guards and maids who heard him gave him stern glares. Every day they had to put up with his crap and now he was insulting another of their own. The maid in question was in tears over the accident and was frightened of his threats of being thrown in the dungeons. Fortunately for her Luna showed up who also witnessed the incident. Blueblood strutted away in a strop while Luna comforted the maid, assuring her she wasn't at fault and that she wouldn't be punished.
Blueblood entered the infirmary and by chance he came across a private room containing a patient he was familiar with.
Connor was still asleep when Blueblood walked in, laid on his side and his bandages removed. His wings had grown a small bit more and more feathers were noticeable if you looked directly at his back.
Blueblood walked up to Connor and started spoke firmly.
"Wake up you filthy ape."
Connor mumbled but didn't wake so Blueblood started to shake him.
"WAKE UP FILTHY CREATURE!"
This time Connor slowly opened his eyes, his vision a little blurry.
"Matron?" he mumbled.
"I am not Matron you foul creature."
Even half asleep, Connor recognised that voice.
"Blueblood," he said venomously, "What do you want?"
"Do not speak to me like that ape."
"I suggest you get out of here before Matron finds you."
"I am not scared of Matron."
"Then you're a fool."
"I AM NOT A FOOL YOU DISGUSTING APE! I AM PRINCE BLUEBLOOD AND YOU WILL RESPECT ME!"
Connor sat up, leaned forward and got closer to Bluebloods' face, "Fuck off."
Blueblood took a swing at Connor, who fortunately was alert enough to react and dodged the attack. Unfortunately, he still had hold of the quilt and when he rolled over he took the quilt with him, exposing his dirty nappy.
Blueblood went from angry to elated in an instant and started to laugh hysterically at the sight before him.
"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA, you're wear nappies! You pathetic weakling!"
Tears started to form in Connor's eyes as his worst fears came to light. Wearing nappies he could cope with given the medical circumstances, but being seen in them and being mocked by Blueblood was too much.
Blueblood, pouncing on Connor's weakness, started prodding him hard with a hoof.
"Does the little baby need his nappy changing?" he asked condescendingly.
"Leave me alone," Connor whimpered, weakly shoving Blueblood away.
"And you're crying as well, you're nothing more than a big baby. A pathetic big baby who likes wearing nappies!"
Blueblood continued to mock and deride Connor with baby noises and jabbing his sides.
Tears continued to fall down Connor's cheeks, making him more feel weak and pathetic than ever; completely helpless and vulnerable to the bully that was Blueblood. He didn't have the energy to fight back and even if he did, without the Amulet Celestia gave him he would have no defence against Blueblood.
Blueblood was still mercilessly mocking Connor and sunk to an even lower level when he levitated the quilt and threw it onto the floor, leaving Connor completely exposed and cold, soon followed by the pillows. Blueblood levitated them in the air and put them within arms reach of Connor. Connor went to grab them only for Blueblood to move them away at the last moment, smirking maliciously the entire time, playing with Connor like how an owner plays with his dog.
"Stop mocking me!" Connor cried angrily as he again tried to grab the pillows.
"Stop mocking me! Stop mocking me!" mimicked Blueblood.
Connor went to grab the pillow again but missed and went over the end of the bed and fell to the floor, the impact causing Connor's bladder to empty itself. Fortunately for Connor the nappy was absorbent enough and it didn't leak.
Unfortunately, Blueblood noticed Connor once again wet himself and promptly burst out laughing again.
Blueblood laughed at Connor who layed on the floor, tired and crying from the ordeal. Blueblood threw a pillow at Connor forcefully.
"There's the pillow you wanted so badly."
Connor held the pillow close to his chest with all his might and sobbed quietly.
Blueblood turned away with a smug grin; a grin that was wiped clean off his muzzle when he saw the most terrifying sight of any hospital ward.
An angry Matron.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING TO MY PATIENT?!" |
I Treasure Your Love | Chapter - 19 - The Law Bows To No-one | The furious Matron took Blueblood in her magic and stormed out of the room. Her hooves pounded the floor, the corridors amplifying the sound so much one could be mistaken for thinking a thunderstorm was inside the castle. She levitated him through the castle, with him screaming and yelling along the way, and burst into the throne room.......whilst court was still in session......with several high ranking nobles. Ignoring the nobles she marched, still seething, towards a shocked looking Princess Celestia slammed the still screaming Blueblood on the ground.
"BE SILENT!" the Matron yelled at him, her voice echoing throughout the throne room sounding very much like the RCV.
He immediately shut up and didn't move a muscle.
"Princess Celestia," started the Matron venomously, "I have just caught this pony treating one of my patients in an extremely humiliating and demeaning manner. He outright assaulted my patient and continued to abuse my patient even when my patient showed extreme distress!"
Celestia looked away from the seething Matron and towards Blueblood before turning back to Matron.
"Am I right to assume the patient in question to be my personal friend?"
"Yes Princess."
Celestia turned back to Blueblood, "Do you deny these accusations?"
"That filthy ape is good only for amusing nobles and Royalty like me. It should be put in a zoo where it belongs," Blueblood replied, quickly back to his arrogant self-absorbed self, "I fail to see what the problem is. Just lock that filthy creature in a cage and forget it even exists."
Celestia was apocalyptically furious, even some of the more snooty nobles like Jet Set and Upper Crust were appalled. The Matron was glaring daggers and flaring teeth at him, and Princess Celestia looking equally terrifying with wings flared and stood high above on the throne's pedestal.
Blueblood continued his snobbish stance as the Solar Diarch looked down upon him.
"I shall interpret your answer as confirmation you committed the acts stated."
"So what, you can't do anything to me. I'm Royalty."
"Oh yes I can do something," she replied coldly, "GUARDS!"
Several guards from inside the throne room ran over to the Princess and awaited their next command.
"Take Blueblood to the dungeons. He will remain there until his trial. He is to be treated in the same manner as any other prisoner and is not afforded any special treatment," she ordered as she placed a Horn Dampener on Blueblood, "Take him away."
The guards saluted and as Celestia expected, Blueblood put up a fight and fought back against the guards. He deliberately hit several of the guards before he felt himself in Luna's magical aura.
"THOU CAN ADD RESISTING ARREST AND ASSAULTING ROYAL GUARDSPONIES TO THINE LIST OF CHARGES!"
Blueblood scoffed, "What are you going to do about it, Nightmare Moon?"
This remark was enough to cause Luna to drop her magical grip on Blueblood. Her vision blurred as the tears started to flow. She ran out if the throne room crying her eyes out quickly followed by her Thestral Guards and a few Solar Guards.
Celestia called out to in vain her little sister before turning her attention back to Blueblood. The glare she gave him put a shiver down the spine of every pony in the room, even the Matron. Everypony except Blueblood that is.
"What? Too soon?" he asked condescendingly.
"BE SILENT!" bellowed a furious Celestia.
"I HAVE PUT UP WITH YOUR DEPLORABLE BEHAVIOUR FOR TOO LONG BLUEBLOOD! FOR TOO LONG YOU HAVE BELITTLED, MOCKED, DISRESREPECTED AND HUMILIATED MY GUARDS, MY STAFF AND MY SUBJECTS! BUT NO MORE!"
Everypony in the throne room was watching in a mix of fear and awe of the spectacle before them.
"EVERY GRIEVANCE OR COMPLAINT MADE AGAINST YOU WILL BE INVESTIGATED AND WHERE NECCESSARY CHARGES APPLIED AND YOU WILL ANSWER FOR EVERY CRIME YOU ARE CHARGED WITH! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?"
"Whatever. I'll get off with everything made against me."
Celestia could feel the veins in her head on the brink of blowing. Fortunately for her, and by extension all of Equestria, she refrained from incinerating Blueblood to ashes where he stood.
She watched as the guards quickly shackled his hooves together and dragged him to the dungeons.
This day would live long in the memory for the guards. They would be able to tell their grandchildren of this day.
Celestia watched as Blueblood was dragged away before turning her attention to the nobles in the throne room.
"I am truly sorry you had too see that but such behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated. If there is no more business to discuss I will adjourn the session."
Celestia looked around the room and saw no hooves raised indicating no more issues to discuss. She smiled internally.
"In that case Court is adjourned and I shall see you next time."
The nobles all made their way out of the throne room and went about their business. Celestia walked slowly over to her throne and sat down, exhausted from the Parliamentary session and the incident with Blueblood. She would make sure to help herself to some extra cake tonight to help feel better. Cake always makes her feel better.
"Excuse me Princess."
Celestia looked up to see a friendly face.
"Yes, how can I help you Duke Fancy Pants?"
"I was just wandering if I could meet this Connor fellow, he sounds like a rather interesting chap."
Celestia smiled, Fancy Pants would indeed be a great friend to Connor and vice versa. Fancy could be instrumental in helping Connor associate with the nobility and making powerful connections that could assist Connor in his new job.
"I see no reason why not but I will have to ask him first."
"I understand Princess," replied Fancy, "I shall bid you farewell Princess."
"Likewise Lord Fancy Pants."
Fancy Pants bowed to Celestia and walked out of the throne room. Celestia sighed and made her way out of the throne room through a side door to make her way to her sisters room. She was livid with Blueblood for calling her that. Luna was very sensitive on the matter and was deeply regretful of her actions as that. Luna is one of the kindest ponies there is but most if not all of her subjects are afraid of her.
The arrival of Connor who treated her like any other pony, meant more to Luna than Connor will ever realise. Ever since her return she has desperately wanted a friend to socialise with. The only ponies who would bother with her where herself and the Thestral Guards. Whilst it helped somewhat, ponies where still afraid of her and wouldn't see her during Night Court making Luna feel inadequate and unwanted.
Before Celestia knew it she was outside Luna's bedroom, Thestral Guards stood outside trying to enter to comfort their Princess.
"Princess please let us in, we're worried about you," pleaded Captain Star Gazer.
"LEAVE US ALONE! NO-PONY LIKES US!" she cried.
"That's not true Princess," replied the Captain, "There are many ponies who like you."
"NO THERE ISN'T," she cried still, "NO-PONY WANTS TO BE OUR FRIEND!"
Captain Star Gazer and Princess Celestia looked at each other sympathetically. Star Gazer made way for Celestia who tried to open the door with her magic but any attempt proved fruitless.
"GO AWAY TIA!"
"I'm worried about you Lulu," she replied gently, "Let me in to talk to you."
"NO! GO AWAY!"
Her crying could still be heard through the doors, her crying causing her own Thestral Guards to become upset at hearing their Princess like this. Celestia wasn't sure what to do. She needed to comfort her sister but if she forced her way in she may only succeed in pushing Luna further away, so she decided on the best option open to her.
"OK Lulu, but if you need me I'll be there for you," she said gently.
"OK Tia," replied Luna, tears still in her eyes, "We are going to sleep now."
"Very well Lulu, rest well."
Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. Luna would be OK, she would make sure of it. Just as she would make sure Blueblood answers for his crimes. She would leave the matter to the Crown Prosecution Department. They would look into any charges and decide if the matters should proceed to court. In the incident with Connor earlier, if charged and prosecuted it would most likely take place at Canterlot Crown Court.
Celestia did a quick magical scan of the door before leaving and sensed the door was no longer magically locked which pleased her and the Thestral Guards. Before leaving Celestia asked the Captain to send her a message when Luna awakens to which the Captain said he would comply.
Celestia made her way out of the Night Wing and towards the castle hospital to check on her friend. What Blueblood did what inexcusable and he would answer for those crimes, but first things first she had to check on Connor and make sure he's OK.
She made her way to the hospital in no time and was relieved to see Connor was in bed and cleaned up. The Matron was at his bedside fluffing up his pillows and ensuring he was warm and comfortable. She walked into the room, her clip-clopping hooves attracting the attention on the Matron and Connor.
"Hi Princess," Connor said a little tired, "You OK?"
Celestia smiled, even though he's suffering he's more concerned with other's wellbeing. Blueblood could learn a lot from Connor.
"I am fine now that I see you are OK."
"Don't worry about me Princess, Matron and the nurses are doing an excellent job of taking care of me."
"That is wonderful to hear. I just came by to see how you were."
"Well, Matron said I need some more sleep so I'll be getting some soon for another few hours."
"Good, make sure you do get plenty of rest."
"I will do."
Celestia looked down on front of her and noticed one of the nurses cleaning the floor, her alicorn sense of smell noticing a particularly unpleasant odour. Looking at Connor she was about to ask before Connor spoke first.
"Before you ask no I am not responsible for that one, I'm covered in that department. Literally."
She looked at Connor quizzically, "Then who.......," she said before it hit her, "Blueblood?"
Connor grinned, "Yep. Matron scared him so much he decided to lay a chocolate egg."
"You mean....." inquired Celestia.
Connor started laughing, "Yep. Karma's a bitch ain't it."
The Matron gave Connor an unamused look, "No swearing in my hospital Mr Wakefield."
"Sorry Matron," he said as his laughter faded away, "Anyway is there something else you wanted Princess?"
Celestia nodded, "Yes, I came to inform you about Blueblood."
Connor's face shifted to one of disgust, "Oh, him. What about him?"
"Due to his actions I have had him locked in the dungeons. There will be investigations into any complaint made against him and if the Crown Prosecution Department see fit to do so, they will press charges. Blueblood will answer for what he's done. I cannot give a custodial sentence myself, it is for a jury to determine guilt and a judge to determine a sentence. What I can do is strip him of Royal status which is what I intend to do."
Connor grinned, "Good. Save me a seat at his trial."
"Certainly, though if he pleads not guilty you would have to stand as a witness and testify."
"I've no problem with that, anything else?"
Celestia's face turned grim, "Yes. When arresting Blueblood, he lashed out and assaulted the guards. Luna held him in her magic, told him he would be punished further and then....."
"Then.....I get the feeling I'm not going to like this."
"He called Luna, 'Nightmare Moon'."
Connor was opened mouth in shock. Twilight had given him a history lesson about Equestria and the subject of Luna and her past came up. Connor got the impression Luna was the sensitive type who desperately wanted to fit in. Calling Luna 'Nightmare Moon' he guessed would upset her.
"I'm guessing she was upset?" he asked expecting a sad answer.
"She was deeply upset. She ran out of the throne room in tears and locked herself in her room."
Connor was about to speak but Celestia raised a hoof, calming Connor's worried expression, "She is fine now. I checked on her and she is sleeping for now. She'll be OK."
Connor nodded in relief, "I'd like to see her if that's OK."
"I have no problem with it so long as Matron gives the OK."
Celestia and Connor looked at Matron expectantly, "I will allow him a short visit to Princess Luna AFTER his nap and ONLY if he is taken by yourself Princess."
"That is reasonable enough for me, what about you Connor?"
"I'm good with that."
"Excellent, I shall see you later then. In the meantime, pleasant dreams Connor."
"Thanks Princess, see you later."
Connor laid back into the bed and made himself comfortable for his forced nap. Celestia meanwhile headed for the palace kitchens for some cake to help cheer her up. Afterwards she would sort out the paperwork necessary to strip Blueblood of Royal status. He would become the very thing he hates.
A commoner.
It was around 6pm in the hospital. Connor was laid back in bed reading the Wonderbolts pull-out from yesterdays paper. The only light coming from the bedside lamp providing a comfortable, and surprisingly cosy, atmosphere. He took another sip of his cup of tea as he read the pull-out, himself much calmer than before.
After the ordeal with Blueblood, the nurses helped clean Connor up and changed his bedsheets, gave him a wash and helped him back into bed. He was able to get back to sleep for another few hours when he woke up around 5pm for his tea, pasta and cheese.
Connor was resting peacefully as he waited for the arrival of Celestia, smiling at the news from earlier and the thought of Blueblood facing justice and the stripping of his Royal status.
He wasn't waiting too much longer when the Princess arrived.
"Hello Connor, did you rest well?"
"Hi Princess, yeah I got some good sleep. I needed it."
"Splendid. Are you ready to see Luna?"
"Yes, hopefully I can cheer her up a bit."
"That I have no doubt."
Celestia levitated Connor out of bed, wrapped him in a blanket and placed him into a wheelchair that had been prepared. Connor was dressed in comfortable nightwear that was very warm, comfortable and the inside was soft to his skin. Rarity had made it for him and had it delivered to the hospital, it even had slits in the back for where his wings would grow through.
"Comfortable?" asked Celestia.
"Very. Shall we get going then?"
"Indeed we shall."
Celestia used her magic to move the wheelchair forward out of the hospital and into the castle proper. The were very few ponies around, most had gone home for their tea, making the trip through the corridors quicker.
"Do you know exactly what happened in the hospital?" asked Connor abruptly.
Celestia grimaced. She had heard some of what happened but not all, what she knew came from what the Matron saw.
"I do no know anymore other than what the Matron told me. If you wish you can report the matter, I shall send a guard to take a statement."
"I think I will, Blueblood isn't getting away with it. How did you know about what happened exactly?"
"I visited the Matron while you were sleeping."
"Oh," he sighed, "Well let me tell you, I've never been more humiliated. When Blueblood started mocking me, the first thing that came to mind was my childhood."
"What happened in your childhood that would cause such distress?"
Connor sighed deeply, his cheeks reddening in embarrassment, "I had bedwetting problems as a young child and was put in nappies at night to prevent waking up to a soaked bed."
"I am guessing there is more to this."
"Yes," he sighed again, "The other children at school found out and I was mercilessly bullied for it. It happened for years until I went to a different school. In my teens when I was at yet another different school, I had an unfriendly reunion with the same bullies who wasted no time in spreading around the school the fact that I was a bed wetter as a child and was put in nappies."
"That is awful, didn't the teachers or your parents do anything to stop it?"
"They did what they could but it made the situation worse. It got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore."
"What happened?" asked an increasingly concerned Celestia.
"One day after a PE lesson, we were getting changed in the dressing room when one of the bullies asked condescendingly, "Where's your nappy little baby, did your mother forget to put you in one'. The other students all laughed at me."
"What happened after he said that?"
Connor paused for a moment, "I punched him in the face, hard. Broke his nose in the process."
"Whilst I can't condone violence I can understand why you did as you did."
"It didn't stop there."
"What do you mean?"
"I proceeded to punch and kick him hard. I absolutely beat the crap out of him. He ended up in hospital with a broken nose, a dislocated jaw, bruising on his torso and arms and a black eye. Oh and I knocked one of his teeth out."
Celestia was shocked. She would never have expected such violence from Connor but after years of bullying, it was only a matter of time before he snapped.
"What happened to you afterwards?"
"I got suspended from school but no criminal charges were brought against me. Something about my dad having connections in high places. Surprisingly my parents didn't ground me, though they didn't condone what I did they understood I put up with the bullies' crap for years and something would have happened eventually. If I'm being honest I got the feeling my dad was secretly pleased I took no crap from a loud mouth."
"Well, at least the bullying stopped," she replied, "It did stop didn't it?"
"Oh yeah. After I went back to school the bullies never bothered me again. If anything they were terrified of me, I don't think they ever expected a nappy wearing bed wetter to beat the crap out of them."
"Indeed not. You haven't resorted to such measures again have you?"
"No, that was just a one off."
"That is good to hear. Let's hope it doesn't happen again."
"Agreed."
The duo approached the main staircase. Celestia lifted Connor (wheelchair included) up the stairs with her magic to Luna's bedroom. Captain Star Gazer was again stood outside awaiting the arrival of Celestia and Connor. Seeing the Princess and her friend approach he trotted down the corridor to meet them.
"Princess, I see you have brought your friend."
"Yes Captain. May I introduce Connor Wakefield. Connor this is Captain Star Gazer. Captain of the Thestral Guards."
"Captain, pleased to meet you," he said extending a hand.
"Likewise Mr Wakefield," replied Star Gazer extending a hoof, "But please, call me Star Gazer."
"Then in that case call me Connor," he replied shaking Star Gazer's hoof.
The trio stood outside the bedroom doors when Star Gazer turned to Connor, "I take it you're here to cheer up her majesty?"
Connor nodded, "I heard what Blueblood called her, and how Luna reacted so I thought I'd see if she's OK."
The Thestral Guards all smiled in delight. It was a rare sight for them to see anyone want to see their Princess, even more so because they want to see her. Connor might not realise it but anyone who is a friend of Luna is a friend of the Thestral Guard.
"That's great to hear," replied a beaming Star Gazer, "Her majesty is in her room. Go in when your ready."
Connor nodded and pushed the door handle down while Celestia pushed him with her magic. The room was very dark with only moonlight the only source for illumination.
"Luna?" Connor called out.
"Connor?" replied a weary Luna.
Celestia stopped pushing Connor and left him in the room with Luna, closing the door on the way out. Luna walked up to Connor, her eyes showing signs of distress and her mane looked a mess.
"Hi Luna."
"Connor, what is thou doing here? Thou should be in bed," she said firmly as she slowly illuminated the room, albeit dimly.
Connor laughed, "You sound like Celestia and the Matron."
"We shall take that as a compliment," she replied smiling.
"How are you Luna?"
Luna shifted uncomfortably avoiding eye contact with Connor, "We......are fine."
The raised eyebrow and folded arms form Connor implied he wasn't fooled.
"Luna," he said softly placing a hand on her withers, "Please be honest with me."
Luna looked her human friend in his eyes. She saw that even though small, they held a lot of emotion behind them. More so than ponies' eyes. She could see behind his small eyes he genuinely cared for her. She liked Connor, he was a good friend who treated her like any other pony and it would be unfair and disrespectful to lie to him.
"We were upset when he called us...N-n-n-n..."
"Nightmare Moon," Connor completed gently.
Luna looked up to Connor with tears once again streaming from her eyes. She sat on her haunches in front of Connor and sighed heavily.
Connor continued, "Twilight's told me about your return and I read some history books."
Luna looked to the floor in shame, "Then thou knows what we did."
Connor gently placed his hand on Luna's chin and gently moved her head up to look her in the eyes. Her teal eyes glistened in the moonlight, their inner beauty radiating through. He looked into her eyes, a few tears falling down her cheeks, and saw genuine remorse over her actions.
"Yes I know," he said gently, "But that doesn't mean I don't like you. You're my friend Luna and nothing will change that."
Luna looked at Connor, tears falling faster, "Does thou truly mean that?"
Connor nodded, "Absolutely. Now give me a hug you daft thing."
Luna gave out a small laugh and gently stood on her hind hooved and wrapped her forelegs around Connor, partially resting on his lap.
"Hehe, thou is squishy."
"You're not the first pony to say that."
"Then clearly there must be some truth to it."
Connor laughed, clearly amused at such a thing, "I don't know about that."
"No no," refuted Luna, "Thou is cuddly and squishy."
"Is that a fact?"
"Yes. It is."
A grin crossed Connor's face. This is what he liked about Luna. She was funny, spontaneous, a foodie and Connor got the impression she was the prankster type.
"Then who am I to argue with the Princess of the Night. Anyway, I should be getting back to the hospital, Matron won't like me being away too long. Sorry if it seems I'm cutting the visit short."
"Thou does not need to apologise, we understand. If thou is OK with it, could we take thee back to the hospital?"
"Sure you can."
A beaming smile adorned Luna's face she went behind Connor's wheelchair and pushed him along with her magic towards her bedroom door. She opened the door with her magic and saw her sister and Thestral guards waiting for them. Pushing Connor out into the hallway she walked over to her sister and the two siblings nuzzled each other affectionately.
"Luna are you OK?" asked Celestia with a hint of worry.
"Yes Tia, we are fine. Connor was able to cheer us up. We were going to return him to the hospital so that he can get his rest."
"Of course sister. I shall see you afterwards," Celestia said before turning her attention to Connor, "Vulcan will be visiting you later, Matron is aware so you needn't worry."
Connor simply nodded in understanding, though he felt a little apprehensive about it, "Just Vulcan?"
"Yes. Cara and Spitfire decided to have a girls night out to give the two of you space to talk and the Elements of Harmony will be arriving in a few days. With your permission I will inform them of earlier."
"Sure, I don't mind. I'd tell them eventually anyway. I can't imagine they'd be too pleased about it."
"No they won't. Should Blueblood go to trial, which I suspect it most likely will, then I will request the trial be postponed until you are discharged from hospital."
"Thanks. I have no intention of missing it. Anyway, I'll see you again Princess. Good night."
"Good night Connor."
Celestia trotted away leaving Connor with Luna and the Thestral Guards.
"So Connor, shall we return thou to bed?"
"Yeah we may as well," he groaned, "Matron will only yell at me if I'm not back."
Luna chuckled at Connor's 'grumpiness'.
"See you later guys," he said waving to the Thestrals.
The guards waved goodbye in return as Luna pushed Connor away with her magic. They slowly made their way through the castle corridors towards the hospital. Moonlight shone through the corridor windows that overlooked Canterlot, the moonlight alone providing a peaceful atmosphere to the scenery.
Neither Luna nor Connor spoke as they headed back to the hospital, both of them enjoying the tranquillity of the night.
Before long they arrived back at the hospital where, unsurprisingly, the Matron was waiting.
"Princess Luna, thank you for returning my patient."
"Tis no problem Matron, we were happy to return Connor."
Matron nodded before tuning her attention to Connor, "Mr Wakefield you have a visitor."
Connor turned to Luna, "I guess this is where we part ways."
"Indeed it is Connor. Make sure thou gets sleep. We WILL know if thou does not."
"I'll get some sleep don't worry. See ya later Luna."
"Goodnight Connor."
Luna left the hospital and made her way to her sister, she guessed Celestia would most likely be in the kitchens raiding the fridges for cakes. She usually does this time of night. Cakes are Celestia's guilty pleasure. Luna's guilty pleasure.......Jammie Dodgers. As a filly she would hoard them in her bedroom and get very grumpy if anypony else touched them or moved them.
She still does.
The Matron wheeled Connor back to his room and levitated him into bed and making sure he was tucked in.
"I'll bring your guest to you now."
The Matron walked away to fetch the guest which Connor assumed to be Vulcan. His biological father.
Despite being elated at finding out his true father, he missed his step dad, Alexander. He truly hoped to meet him again, and his mother and three younger sisters. Connor laughed when he thought of his sisters. They were all liked horses/ponies. If they turned up in Equestria you'd never get them to leave.
Connor looked up when he heard a cough.
It was Vulcan.
"Hi errr....Vulcan."
Vulcan felt a bit of pain in his heart at hearing his son call him Vulcan and not 'Dad', though he understood why. Connor was brought up in a different world by a man who raised him as his own so its understandable if Connor feels unable to call him Dad. Though if he did ever meet Connor's step dad, he would make sure to thank him for raising him and for doing a fine job at it.
"Good evening Connor," replied Vulcan slowly walking into the room, "Mind if I sit down?"
"Help yourself."
Vulcan moved a chair over to the side of the bed and sat down.
Both of them remained silent for a few seconds, neither sure of what to say.
"Would you like a drink Mr Vulcan?"
Vulcan turned around to find the Matron stood at the doorway.
"Black coffee please Matron."
"Very well. Mr Wakefield, tea I presume?"
"Yes please Matron."
The Matron nodded and went to fetch the drinks.
"So," started Vulcan, "I hear you recently started a job with the Wonderbolts."
Connor nodded and smiled, "Yeah, as Events Manager. Not too sure how to do it but I'm sure I'll learn."
"I'm sure you will," Vulcan responded with a warm smile.
"So what do you do?" asked Connor.
"I'm a retired blacksmith of the Royal Equestrian Air Force. I mostly made armour and weapons for Pegasi soldiers."
"Officer or soldier?"
"Officer. Retired with the rank of Group Captain."
Just like dad......this is going to be awkward.
"Connor," continued Vulcan, "I realise this is awkward for you, it is to me as well. Biologically we are father and son, but I feel wrong in calling you it by which I mean I wasn't in your life until very recently. And by the same token I wouldn't feel right if you called me dad, I didn't raise you and as such have no right to be called as such by you."
"I understand what you mean. Honestly I feel like if I called you dad that I would be disrespecting my.....step dad....," Connor ended prematurely with a sigh.
"Connor," Vulcan said intervening, "You don't have to refer to your stepdad as such, you can call him dad, I won't mind."
"Are you sure, you won't be offended?"
"I'm sure. It's clear he's done a good job raising you, your mother too no doubt," he paused for a moment as he remembered the last day with his wife.
"She's doing well, she's a brilliant mother and an excellent cook. No-one ever went hungry in my house."
Vulcan laughed heartily, "Yeah that sounds like Star Light alright. Such a cute little thing she was when I met her."
"Now that I know she was originally a pony it would explain her vegetarianism, she would try to convert me to it but I could never join the dark side. I like my bacon sandwiches too much."
"You eat meat?" asked Vulcan inquisitively.
"Yep. Spitfire told me Pegasi occasionally eat Tuna."
Vulcan nodded, "We do, in addition to other fish as well. We can consume other meat also but we tend not to, Earth ponies and Unicorns get real squeamish for some reason when they see us eating meat. They can consume meat but they choose not to."
"Oh well, more meat for us."
Vulcan grinned, "That's what I like to hear. Tell you what, when you've recovered why don't we go out to a restaurant in Cloudsdale. There's a real good fish restaurant I know, I go there regularly. If you go in your Wonderbolt's flight suit you may get a discount."
"Sure, sounds fun," Connor looked up to notice the Matron with the drinks, "Thanks Matron."
"You're welcome Mr Wakefield," the Matron replied as she placed the drinks down on the trolley over the bed, "Here you are Mr Vulcan."
"Thank you Matron."
"You're welcome Mr Vulcan."
The Matron left the room closing the door behind her. Pouring himself some tea from the pot, Connor looked to Vulcan, "How did you know I have a 'Bolts flight suit?"
"I saw your pictures in the papers."
"Oh yeah, that. Before I ended up in here."
"Don't worry, it won't be too long before you recover."
"Easy for you to say, you're not growing wings in a month that should take over twenty years."
"You'll be fine, don't worry about it. You've got the best possible care in Equestria."
"That I do," he replied as he added sugar and stirred.
The two continued to talk for another hour on matters ranging from sport, history, food, technology and Connor's birthplace. Vulcan was fascinated by all of it, particularly the bit about the Royal Air Force, Connor promised to show him some of his human technology once he recovers to which Vulcan showed keen interest.
Connor also told Vulcan what he told Celestia earlier about his childhood bed wetting problems and dealing with the bullies. Connor thought Vulcan wouldn't approve but the belly laugh indicated otherwise. Vulcan fully approved of Connor's actions and said he would have done the same.
Vulcan also promised to attend the inevitable trial of Blueblood providing moral support for Connor.
It was starting to get late and visiting hours were over. Vulcan promised to visit again on his way out, leaving Connor alone once again. Connor switched on the bedside radio and listened to some pony music and pony news. One of the artists, Sapphire Shores was popular with youngsters but not quite as popular as Countess Coloratura. The songs were OK but he preferred rock.
The news wasn't anywhere near as depressing as the news back home. Back home whenever you switch on the news there's always someone suffering and dying, in Equestria the worst Connor heard on the radio was about an argument between two ponies over who got the last pie in a bakery. According to eye-witnesses one of the ponies called the other a 'fluffball' much to the horror of everypony, apparently this caused the other pony to cry. Connor laughed when he heard that, he wondered how they'd react to the language used back home. Celestia dealt with the issue apparently, with the name caller 'deeply regretful' of his name calling. The two ponies hugged and all was forgiven.
Connor eventually drifted off to sleep with the radio still playing in the background, his wings had noticeably grown a little more but no blood had seeped out. He was going to be in for a rough time though but with Blueblood now out of the way he could rest peacefully and get an excellent nights sleep.
He better had.
Matron will be very unhappy if he doesn't.
And displeasing Matron is not a good thing to do.
CANTERLOT DUNGEONS BENEATH CANTERLOT CASTLE
Blueblood was fuming from inside his dungeon cell. That disgusting filthy ape had caused him to be thrown into the dungeon. He shouldn't be the one in a dungeon, he should be the one putting dirty commoners in them. He was thinking all manner of unpleasantries he could subject Connor to and would use every resource he had left to ensure it happens. He still had contacts and allies on the outside, he would use them to achieve his goals.
That filthy creature will pay for what he's done to me. I will break free from wherever they put me in. Then I will take that tramp of a mare he so likes and hide her someplace he'll never find her, then I will get him and make him pay for the humiliation I have suffered.
I swear that HE! WILL! PAY! |
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